Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The parents of a young man killed in Carrigaline at Christmas, 2022, have spoken about the 29 minutes he remained alive after life support was switched off, a minute for every year of his life, and of the agony of letting their son go so his organs could save three people. Matt ONeill died 11 days after he was assaulted near his home on December 28, 2022. On Wednesday, 21-year-old Ricardo Hoey, of 7 Ardcarrig, Carrigaline, Co Cork, and 20-year-old Jordan Deasy, of 41 Ravensdale, Herons Wood, Carrigaline, were both sentenced to seven years, with the last three years suspended, for the manslaughter of 29-year-old Matt. Speaking to the Neil Prendeville Show on Corks RedFM 104-106, Matts parents, Pat and Eileen, recounted how, after Matt had spent 11 days in intensive care in Cork University Hospital, doctors told them there was no hope. They gave it to us and they said, Hes not going to recover, if by some chance that he did actually wake up, he would remain a vegetable ... and they said that theres absolutely no hope for life, Ms ONeill recalled. Mr ONeill said that they then had to make a decision to turn off life support. We knew that Matt had ticked the box on his drivers licence, he said of his sons wish to be an organ donor. Organ donation is an amazing thing Matt had three organs donated, three organs harvested that were suitable: Two kidneys and his liver. Matts parents described how three teams of surgeons came, one for each organ, and said it was agony knowing they had to let their son go to the theatre. They spoke of going, days later, to the mortuary, a remarkably grim place, Mr ONeill said, to formally identify their sons remains. They said that when the defence asked for an independent autopsy, which subsequently did not occur, their suffering was prolonged. They had to wait a further week before they could make funeral arrangements. Later, during the court case, Matts parents did not sit through the postmortem evidence, having been told, as Mr ONeill put it, You can never unhear it. Although they have sharply criticised the sentences handed down to their sons killers, calling for a review of sentencing guidelines, both parents praised Justice Siobhan Lankford and the jury for their attentiveness throughout the trial. I dont know if angry is the right word, Ms ONeill said of her feelings about the sentences. Im more upset about the sentence(s) than anything, and the injustice of it. Corks Nano Nagle Place is calling on the public to nominate Nano Nagle to be commemorated as part of the Accenture Women on Walls campaign. The campaign, which began in 2016 at the Royal Irish Academy, issued a public call for subject nominations earlier this month, who will be displayed for the first time in Cork at UCC. This initiative aims to spotlight the contributions of women leaders and trailblazers to society through a series of portraits. CEO of Nano Nagle Place, John Smith, said: We are calling on the people of Cork to vote for Nano Nagle as part of the newly unveiled women on walls project in UCC. Help us to illuminate the memory of The Lady of the Lantern in Cork [who] couldnt turn a blind eye to the struggles of those around her. Her legacy lives on in Nano Nagle Place and around the world through the Presentation Sisters. Nominations for candidates can be submitted online via the Accenture Ireland website until 12pm on August 6. How did this happen? At a particularly difficult time for the national fishing industry, with very low quotas causing serious problems for coastal communities economically dependent on it, the 14 newly elected Irish MEPs have failed to get representation for Ireland on the European Parliaments Committee on Fisheries (PECH). This is a particularly important committee on which to have representation, because it will be dealing with the review and planned reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The CFP is regarded in the fishing industry as the core of Irelands problems, forcing low catch quotas for Irish boats in what are regarded as the best fishing waters in Europe. Irish boats are often tied up in port without enough quota under the CFP to catch fish while trawlers from other EU countries are allowed to fish. While Ireland has no representation, Hungary, a land-locked country, has one MEP on the 27-member committee, the full composition of which dominated by major fishing countries Spain, France, and Holland is: Spain, five; France, four; Netherlands, four; Sweden, three; Italy, two; Portugal, two, and one each for Hungary, Germany, Greece, Malta, Croatia, Denmark, and Poland. The leading fishing industry representative organisations are highly critical of the politicians. The chief executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation has described it as a disgrace that Ireland, with the largest waters of any state in the EU in the north-east Atlantic, has no representation. It means Ireland has no voice of influence ahead of next years review of the Brexit Trade and Co-operation Agreement and the planned evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy, said Aodh ODonnell. Both of these issues are of strategic importance to Irish fishing communities. To get an explanation for how this situation evolved, I emailed all 14 Irish MEPs, asking what had happened to leave the country without representation on the PECH at a crucial time for Irish fishing. Five have replied Billy Kelleher, Luke Ming Flanagan, Maria Walsh, Kathleen Funchion, and Lynn Boylan. Corks Fianna Fail MEP Mr Kelleher said: Its very unfortunate that there is no Irish MEP a full member of the PECH committee. From my partys perspective we sought membership of various committees to try and ensure we had a broad range of policy areas covered. With regard to the review of CFP, I very much welcome this and will continue to speak up for the Irish fishing industry in plenary debates. Ms Funchion, Sinn Fein, said: I requested to be on this committee. I was not successful. If an opening becomes available I will re-apply again. Ms Walsh, Fine Gael, said: I was appointed to the European Parliaments Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, as well as the Regional Development Committee, through which I will be a dedicated and impactful voice for the Irish fishing industry. Ms Boylan, Sinn Fein, said: I am acutely aware of the issues impacting the Irish fishing industry and I will monitor files from PECH that come to the European Parliament. I am always happy to engage with stakeholders in the fishing industry. Mr Ming Flanagan, Independent, has been appointed a substitute to the committee and he said: Astonishing that out of 54 full and substitute places that FF or FG couldnt get a seat. The reality is that they didnt want one. When I posted what had happened on my Twitter/X social media feed there was a very strong response, critical of the MEPs failure to get Irish representation on PECH, one of which I felt summed up the situation rather well: An island nation!! Unbelievable from our Irish MEPs. PORT SAFETY OFFICER The Port of Cork Company has a new safety officer, Sile Scanlon, from Ballycotton, who is an RNLI lifeboat volunteer and has grown from rescues at sea to safety on shore, the Port tells me. Sile has been heavily influenced by her family, in particular her mother, Maire, who retired two years ago as deputy mechanic on Ballycotton lifeboat. Her father, John, is part of the shore crew. Sile has strong ambitions to one day become coxswain of a boat and hopes to encourage other females to consider a maritime career with the Port of Cork. HARBOUR SMELLS Members of Carrigaline Municipal District Council are running out of patience with Uisce Eireann over foul sewage smells in at least two areas of the harbour Shanbally and the Carrigaline-Crosshaven riverside walkway. So they made clear at the council meeting, where officials said that a response to requests for action made to Uisce Eireann, based on previous complaints by councillors, is awaited. A wastewater treatment plant in Shanbally and at OLearys Cross adjacent to the walkway are the areas mentioned at the meeting. Members were told by officials that the situation has been going on for two years, is unacceptable to local householders, and, if there is not a response from Uisce Eireann, councillors could complain to the Environmental Protection Agency. My monthly podcast this Friday will focus on the commemoration ceremony for the tragic loss of the Cork City Steam Packet Companys vessel SS Lismore, in which 18 of the 19 crew drowned. It will be on all major podcast platforms and website: https://tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie Email: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com Spectacular photographs of the night sky taken by three Cork snappers have been selected to feature in an outdoor exhibition as part of the 2024 Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition. Earth Calling was taken by Cobh photographer Cian Ryan and captures the Elfordstown Earthstation near Midleton. The lack of light pollution made the site a perfect spot to take a picture of the Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights which made a rare appearance in the skies over Ireland earlier this summer. Another image captured the receding tide on Keem Bay in Mayo as it revealed an s-curve in the sand. As the stream meandered through the sand, it created a line leading the viewers eye to the Orion constellation rising in the night sky. Last Augusts blue moon features in a photo taken by Shaunagh OConnell from Minane Bridge, an image of the moon rising over the beach in Crosshaven. The photo of the moonlight reflecting on the water created what the judges described as a magical scene. A spectacular image of the Blue Moon rising over Crosshaven snapped by Shaunagh O'Connell features in this year's Reach for the Stars exhibition Ballincollig snapper Colm ODwyer captured an image of the Orion constellation which included a cluster of new stars blazing brightly, illuminating the surrounding gases to give a myriad of colours including red, magenta, blue, and teal. The competition, organised by Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), culminated in the exhibition which has been running at the institutes headquarters at 10 Burlington Rd since last Friday. The images taken by the Cork photographers feature among a selection of 20 other images from the other entrants. The winning images were selected from over 200 entries by a judging panel following a meticulous judging process. The panel included DIAS head of astrophysics Peter Gallagher, The Irish Times former picture editor Brenda Fitzsimons, Irish Astronomical Society president Michael McCreary, and Alice Public Relations director Niamh Breathnach. DIAS chief executive Eucharia Meehan said she was blown away by the quality of the photos submitted for this years competition. Astrophotography is about the interactions between humanity and the universe, and it can be a tool to engage the general public in science and astronomy, said Ms Meehan. At DIAS, we are extremely proud of our involvement in the area of space research with initiatives like the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, a historic partnership between DIAS Dunsink Observatory, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, and Birr Castle Demesne. We are delighted that the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland has come on as a sponsor for this years competition. A teenager facing trial by judge and jury on a charge of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl three years earlier, contacted another youth to put a rock through the childs window before the trial. Recently at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, the 17-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to obstruct or pervert the course of justice. Detective Garda Mary Enneguess, who investigated the sexual assault case, also charged the teenager with this attempted interference with the main witness. Det Gda Enneguess said the accused sent another youth a text shortly before the trial, identifying the home of the main prosecution witness on Google Maps, and asking the question: Do you want to break up a gaff?. The attempted interference with the witness, who was then only 11 years old, was detected and intercepted by gardai. However, Judge Helen Boyle was told that being informed of it did cause distress for the complainants family. Ultimately, in the trial of the sexual assault complaint, the teenager was found not guilty. Judge Boyle said to him that if he had let justice take its course, he would not have been before the court at all. However, he had made matters much worse for himself and others by his attempted interference. You attempted to entice another person to throw rocks through the window of her house, the judge said. You gave him the address, although this other young person said he would not have done it anyway. Nevertheless, the whole thing caused the family so much distress they moved out of the area in which they were living. You were acquitted in the sexual assault trial, Judge Boyle said. If not for this extremely foolish, idiotic behaviour, you would not be before the court at all, having been acquitted. Judge Boyle acceded to the application by defence barrister Brendan Kelly to put the now 17-year-old on a two-year probation bond. The rain this bank holiday weekend couldnt stop Cork Pride as hundreds flocked to Grand Parade to take part in this years annual festival. Marking the last day of Cork LGBTQ+ Pride 2024, the port party at Kennedy Quay came to a close with stellar performances from Eurovision sensation Bambie Thug, alongside J90, a Lady Gaga tribute, a Cher tribute, drag performers, DJ Ruth, and the winner of Prides Got Talent. With people of all ages, genders and ethnicities taking to the streets to sing, dance, chat with friends and represent the queer community, there was certainly an infectious feeling of happiness circulating though the crowd with rainbow flags, hats, ears and capes a plenty. The parade kicked off from 2pm, which saw groups of parade goers march down Patrick St with bubbles, music, streamers and banners flying proudly, followed by the port party from 3pm. Cork Pride Parade 2024. Pic Larry Cummins Speaking to The Echo, long-time Pride paraders Bridget Roche (54), and Louise Walsh (61), reflected on the progression that Ireland has made as a whole since the 80s, when both Cork women spoke of a time they had to travel abroad to celebrate. Pictured (L-R) are Bridget Roche (54) and Louise Walsh (61), long-time parade goers Ive been coming to Pride for 30 plus years, said Ms Roche. Its way different compared to years ago, there was only a handful of us. Its huge now, its brilliant. Ms Walsh said: There was so many people who emigrated in the 80s, so people went to London where there was a huge London pride. So before there was pride in Dublin, Cork, Belfast or anywhere else, a lot of people would go to London to actually see more than a handful of their friends gathered together. Cork Pride Parade 2024. Pic Larry Cummins But being here today, its amazing. With many interviewees touching on the darker elements that loom over the cheerfulness of the celebrations, the sweeping consensus felt amongst PRIDE-goers was that the people of Cork foster a safe and inclusive environment for members of the community to immerse themselves in, despite rising transphobic demonstrations seen across the country. Local Cork Drag Queen, Toxic, said: "Pride is just a chance for everyone to come out and show their colours. People can go as big, as small, or as comfortable as they want, and even the fact that people are still here in the rain just shows that people care so much about it. We push to support each other, and the relationships within the community are so strong. Pictured (L-R) are Cork Drag Queens, Toxic and Laurie Hell. The 26-year-old performer was accompanied by fellow Drag Queen and friend Laurie Hell (27) who said: It's not always safest to be who we are, and for me, as a straight female, I am a massive ally to the community. Were so lucky to have each other. Cork Pride Parade 2024. Pic Larry Cummins Further backing this sentiment, another of Corks beloved Drag Queens, Lucina Schynning (24) said: In drag, on a week that isnt pride, it can feel a little dangerous because youre seen as an outsider, which sometimes puts a target on your back. But for the festival, there has been so much thought put into safety, and honestly I've never really felt in danger in Cork, so it makes me really proud to be from here. Pictured (L-R) are Cork Drag Queens Liam Bee and Lucina Schynning at Cork Pride 2024. Ms Schynning went on to say that despite Pride being the pinnacle of the year for the community, as a performer she was looking forward to going home at the end of the night and getting a really good sleep following a week of energetic celebrations. Another parade goer, Paul Anderson, a Wexford native said: Where Im from there are no other queer people around me, so until I came to Pride, that was literally the first time I met two or three other gay people in the same place. So for me, its about connecting to all of that, because I dont get to normally. I think Ireland has gotten better, but theres still ups and downs, its a mixed bag. Pictured is Paul Anderson (27), a Wexford native at Cork Pride2024. But today, people get to see people being happy, joyful, and themselves, they added. Its so cool to be surrounded by this. Pride festivities will continue throughout tonight across the city with a special performance from Bambie Thug alongside Mockie Ah! Drag Haus queens at The Pavilion from 9pm. Mary Greene and Noel Shine met through music, and music has been a current through their relationship for the last four decades. Mary said: I noticed him before we were introduced: In the 80s, I would come up to Cork from Waterford to go busking, so I could earn money to go to gigs. Mary Greene and Noel Shine in New York "ages ago". Noel was performing with John Spillane and I took note of his musicianship. Then, a year later, we were introduced by a mutual friend at the Cork Folk Festival, so it was music that brought us together. They spent an evening with friends and she thought, this fella is kind of interesting. Then, the next summer, when Marys family pub in Dunmore East wanted a musician to start off a session one night a week, a friend suggested she get onto Noel - so I hired him! she laughed. He would come down one night a week, and by the end of the summer of 84 we were kind of an item, but I was going to France for a year as part of my studies. I ended up spending that whole time going back and forth, because I was completely besotted, and he was, too. Mary Greene and Noel Shine in the 90s. When she came back, she was helping her dad in the pub and, as Noel was driving her back from Cork one day, he said: Is there any point in you going back to live in Waterford? They were the days before mobile phones, so we pulled into a phone box and called my dad and I said, I think Im after moving to Cork. Mary recalled. She has been in Cork ever since, explaining: I love Waterford but I chose Cork to live in. It has a very friendly music scene with a lot of cross-genre pollination, and its a lovely place to bring up children. They married in 1990, with friends helping them to prepare the venue, make the food, and one friend even closing his pub for the day and transferring his license to their venue. It was just the most beautiful day everyone who came along just plugged in and did a song, there were sessions in every room in the house it was just wall-to-wall music. Noel Shine, Ellie Shine and Mary Greene - Greenshine. Pic by Eddie Hennessy They had two daughters, Sadie and Ellie, in 1993 and 1996, and moved from Cork city to Muskerry when their house got too small. Both girls sang before they could talk. Mary and Noel have made music as a duo and as soloists, and also have a band called Greenshine with Ellie. Mary said: The common links between myself and Noel would be music and humour. Here at home, we sit next to one another at opposite ends of the couch and make observations about life, whats on the telly, and we fall around the room with the laughing. Even after all this time, I have more of a laugh with Noel than anyone else in the world. As musicians, money was tight at times, and sometimes the only thing you had was a free laugh, she said. Were together a long time now and the excitement level goes down, but the care you have, the kindness you show, the interest you have in one another, that increases. Mary Greene and Noel Shine. She added: Life is never a bed of roses when youre married, there can be times you could murder each other, but its about remembering why you got together in the first place. We have rows, mostly over trivial things, but the older you get, you learn how to cruise through them, and know that things come right in the end. Image: Shelby Township Police Department A woman in Metro Detroit allegedly went on quite the spree last week when she hit multiple parked cars, rammed into police, drove directly at pedestrians and took a shortcut through a backyard. Shes back on the street today thanks to a ludicrously light bond. Madison Forsyth sounds like she allegedly had rich full weekend, from WDIV 4: Police said they received reports on July 21 of a car that had hit multiple parked cars and was still driving around. According to authorities, officers from the Shelby Township Police Department located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver instead rammed the patrol car. When another police cruiser arrived, the driver reportedly rammed that vehicle too and took off. Police said she drove toward a group of people who had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit before driving through backyards in an effort to escape officers. The vehicle came to a stop after hitting a pole. Police said they conducted a field sobriety test because the driver identified by police as Forsyth appeared to be intoxicated at the time. A breathalyzer test reportedly showed her blood alcohol content was .25, more than three times the legal limit. ADVERTISEMENT Foryth was charged with ...felonious assault with a dangerous weapon, flee and elude, and operating while intoxicated, WDIV reports. Thats quite a list of crimes, but it seems Foyth got off light with just a $500 bond. Since you only need to pay 10 percent of a bond, Foyth got to go home for all of $50. Its a bond that ticked off Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide in particular: I am just as shocked that this driver wreaked havoc in Shelby Township, causing damage to multiple vehicles before driving right at innocent civilians, thankful no one was injured, Shelide said. I was stunned to hear that Forsyth was allowed to leave after paying such a low bond after all the damage and danger she inflicted. I hate to agree with a cop, but yeah, what the hell? Thats nothing, especially when Forsyth is facing up to 15 years in prison, according to the Detroit News. With the way sentencing guidelines work, she will more than likely not serve the maximum sentence as it seems Forsyth has a clear record otherwise, but still, theres likely going to be serious jail time. Drunk drivers are a menace on our roads and especially to cops. Earlier this year a cop barely survived a drunk driver slamming into his active traffic stop in Virginia. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In this installment of What We're Listening To, Engadget's Weekend Editor Cheyenne MacDonald dives into the new releases she's been enjoying lately. Francesca Wexler - I Dreamt I Found a Red Ruby Every once in a while, the algorithm actually does right by me. While scrolling through my Instagram feed sometime in the last month or so, a suggested Reel from artist Francesca Wexler popped up, and I couldnt help but get pulled in by her captivating flow. Her style isnt so easy to nail down to a single genre, but would fit under the alt hip-hop umbrella she described her work in one instance as psychedelic rap. Some songs on Wexlers latest album, I Dreamt I Found a Red Ruby, have almost an ethereal quality to them, like its opening and closing tracks, Heaven on Earth and Moonwalking. The upbeat and catchy Aint I hits like a sunny day. But there are darker, harder moments too in songs like Amphetamine Man that really show off Wexlers depth as a rapper. With I Dreamt I Found a Red Ruby, its evident that Wexler is an artist that shouldnt be slept on. Orville Peck - Stampede Orville Peck didnt make us wait long for a full album after dropping Stampede: Volume 1 in May. On Friday, the country artist released the duets album in its entirety, and even though it hasnt been a full three days yet since it came out, I can already tell its going to dominate my Most Listened playlists for the foreseeable future. Stampede sees Peck collaborating with country legends and emerging artists alike, and genre-wise, theres a little of everything in there. On top of the songs I shouted out from the first half, the rest of Stampede brings a bunch of new bangers, my favorites including Back At Your Door featuring Debbii Dawson, Papa Was a Rodeo featuring Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, and Youre an Asshole, I Cant Stand You (and I Want a Divorce) featuring Margo Price. Honorable mention: Street Cleaner I recently set out looking for music that sounds like it could be straight out of an 80s horror/thriller movie, and Reddit pointed me to Street Cleaner. Well let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Street Cleaner, whose style is described on Bandcamp as being a theatrical and grimey take on synth music, has become my go-to artist to pop on when I need to get some work done or otherwise be locked in. There isnt a particular song or album I've latched onto I just throw the entire discography on and let it get me in the zone. Street Cleaner released some new music in April, though, and that's as good a place as any to start your listening journey. The artist apparently also made a video game, which I fully plan on checking out. Elon Musk, center, meeting Donald Trump in the White House in 2017. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Getty Images Donald Trump said at a rally on Saturday that he supported electric vehicles because Elon Musk endorsed him. But he also criticized EV infrastructure and Biden's EV mandates. Musk has publicly backed Trump recently but denied a rumored $45 million donation. Former President Donald Trump said he had "no choice" but to support electric vehicles after Tesla CEO Elon Musk "endorsed" him. Trump then went on to criticize the EV industry at length. Musk has long been a champion of the pivot to electric vehicles. His company Tesla has largely led the way in developing the industry, which for a time made Musk a darling of the climate-conscious left. ADVERTISEMENT But Musk has more recently embraced conservative politics, especially the issue of free speech. Musk bought Twitter in 2022, rebranded it to X, and has dismantled many of the checks and balances meant to limit hateful speech and misinformation on the platform. Musk has publicly supported Trump since the assassination attempt last month. Musk, however, has denied reports that he pledged a $45 million donation to a pro-Trump super PAC. At a rally in Georgia on Saturday, Trump told the crowd he supported electric cars but thought people should still have access to gas vehicles. "I'm for electric cars. I have to be because, you know, Elon endorsed me very strongly," Trump told the crowd. "So, I have no choice." He then clarified that he only supports them as a "small slice" of the larger auto industry. "You want to have gas-propelled cars. You want to have hybrids. You want to have every kind of car," he said. Trump has repeatedly attacked the Biden administration's EV regulations, including its plan to grow EV sales to half of all new vehicle sales by 2030. While speaking at a bitcoin conference in July, Trump gave similar remarks when referencing President Joe Biden's regulations, which also make it more difficult for gas-powered cars to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards. Story continues "Not everybody has to have an electric car. I told him that," Trump said, referencing Musk. "So we're going to get rid of that mandate if you don't mind. Some people want gasoline-propelled cars, some people want a hybrid, and some people like an electric car." Trump has also repeatedly criticized the cost of installing EV chargers nationwide. He erroneously claimed the government built eight chargers in the Midwest for $9 billion. He's given wildly inconsistent estimates for how much it would cost to install EV chargers nationwide. At the bitcoin conference, he said it would cost $12 trillion. At a North Carolina rally on July 24, he said it would cost $5 trillion. And at the Atlanta rally on Saturday, he said it would cost $9 trillion. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 included $7.5 billion to help pay for thousands of EV chargers around the country, Politico reported. The White House's infrastructure tracking website shows that only 15 charging stations have been installed so far. Politico cited an analysis by the research firm Atlas Public Policy that shows the stations received an average of $770,000 each in federal funding. Correction: August 5, 2024 An earlier version of this story misstated when Trump's Atlanta and North Carolina rallies were. His Atlanta rally was on Saturday, not Sunday, and his North Carolina rally was on July 24, not Thursday. It also misstated when he gave different estimates for the cost of installing EV chargers nationwide. He said it would cost $5 trillion at the North Carolina rally and $9 trillion at the Atlanta rally, not the other way around. Read the original article on Business Insider Newly elected MPs have signed up to an industry scheme spearheaded by the NFU to help them expand their knowledge of British food and farming. The union's year-long scheme is designed to help the new cohort of MPs to learn more about domestic food production and the issues impacting farmers. It has been launched in collaboration with industry groups such as ABP, Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Arla Foods, Barfoots, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) and Fareshare. The twenty parliamentarians who have signed up to it consist of 15 Labour, two Conservative and three Liberal Democrat MPs. The year-long itinerary will cover different farming sectors and concludes with a graduation dinner in Westminster, where each MP will be recognised for their work in boost knowledge of British farming. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said the scheme was part of the union's work to help expand knowledge and understanding of the farming industry among MPs. He said the scheme was an extension of campaigning work designed to create a new group of champion MPs who would speak up in their constituencies and Westminster on some of the big issues impacting the industry. The NFU engages with all political parties to ensure they understand the importance of boosting home-grown food production," Mr Bradshaw added. Along with all our sponsor partners, we will provide those MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security." Who has signed up? MPs who have signed up to the scheme are: Callum Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley Olivia Bailey, Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire Sam Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire Lee Dillon, Liberal Democrat MP for Newbery Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton Maya Ellis, Labour MP for Ribble Valley Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouthshire Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle and North Cumbria James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe Josh Newbury, Labour MP for Cannock Chase Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for Peterborough Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds Rachel Taylor, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest Jo White, Labour MP for Bassetlaw Steve Witherden, Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Everyone wonders whats next for Simone Biles. Will she return for another Olympics in 2028? Or is she capping her incredible career in the Paris Olympics? Theres plenty of time for Biles to decide her future plans. She just doesnt want to talk about her decision immediately following a gold medal-winning event in Paris. The gymnast posted a couple of messages on X Sunday morning, chiding reporters who ask her, or any athlete, whats next? right after a winning performance. you guys really gotta stop asking athletes whats next after they win a medal at the Olympics Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 4, 2024 let us soak up the moment weve worked our whole lives for Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 4, 2024 Its understandable that reporters want to ask a question that everyone is wondering. Yet Biles spoke for many athletes who find themselves faced with similar questions under similar circumstances. Let the athletes celebrate their achievement in the moment. Fans had plenty of fun with Biles posts. One fan asked What is your next step after winning Gold medal?? Biles responded, Babysitting the medal. What is your next step after winning Gold medal?? Malkia Nyuki (@nyuki_malkia) August 4, 2024 babysitting the medal Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 4, 2024 For any athlete who wants to prank the media with an off-the-wall response to such a question, fans had plenty of suggestions. Repeat this for all life milestones please: Congrats on your wedding, when are you having a baby? Congrats on your baby, when are you having another baby? Let people revel in something for a while before moving on to whats next Congrats on this Olympics! You are #TheGOAT Peep Peep (@peeppeeparoo) August 4, 2024 im goin to disneyland! a time honored response David Goldfarb (@locust9) August 4, 2024 You should just have some really crazy answers ready: Im gonna climb Mount Everest with a blindfold on. Im going to buy Nebraska. Ive always wanted to work at a Best Buy Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) August 4, 2024 The correct answer is Im just going to wallow in my own magnificence for a while. Anthony Ward (@shnozzmoana) August 4, 2024 Yeah! Normalize asking AI instead! Heres what Grok says will happen: After her stellar performance at the Olympics, Simone Biles might consider a few options: 1. **Take a well-deserved break**: She could use some downtime to relax and recharge after the intense training and Bob Walker (@rwalker1072) August 4, 2024 Just say you are off to the pub to celebrate Even if its just drinking juice Neigh Chance (@littledarkhorse) August 4, 2024 This quote should appear in the Main Press Center on a gigantic sign. Dont rely on some formulaic approach that fails to capture the context of the moment. https://t.co/TdohMn1GzD Malcolm Moran (@malcolm_moran) August 4, 2024 [Simone Biles] Mamie Laverock has taken her first steps since her near-fatal balcony plunge. Mamie Laverock has taken her first steps since her near-fatal balcony plunge The 20-year-old actress, famed for her role as nursing student Rosaleen Sullivan on popular Hallmark show When Calls the Heart, is lucky to be alive after she plummeted five storeys to the ground in an accident in May her mother branded negligence by medical authorities. Mamie has now been seen in a video uploaded to her Facebook page walking alongside the caption: Thank you surgeons, thank you prayers, thank you Lord. Mamie has just taken her first steps. The clip shows the actress flanked by two medical staff as she sat on a hospital bed wearing casts on each leg while surrounded by her family. One of the medics tells her they are here to help as she said: I dont know if I can still before placing her hands on a walker wheeled in front of her by the hospital team. A staff member says: So what you can do, you can even push off from the bed. Mamie is heard saying: Yeah before clutching the walker and pulling herself up as medics hold her arms with the actress relatives cheering and clapping as she stands. She adds: It does feel really weird. It feels really weird. It feels very wobbly. When one of the medics asks Mamie if she can separate her feet she says: Oh my gosh, the ski boots are really hard, before moving her legs apart. The medic then asks her to put all your weight on the right and a tiny bit on the left prompting Mamie to say: Im just going to hold your hand just in case. A family member was then heard saying Mamies father was watching her FaceTime, with the actress saying: I feel like Im going to fall backward. While being encourage to use her walker for support, Mamie looks up and asks: Is Dad on Facetime? before calling: Hi dad look Im standing with the walker. All by myself. Mamie celebrated her 20th birthday in hospital amid her recovery on 8 July, with a GoFundMe page her family set up to help fund her treatment pulled in July after it reached nearly $40,000. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has only scraped the surface of her suicidal thoughts trauma. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has only scraped the surface of her suicidal thoughts trauma The mother-of-two, who turned 43 on Sunday (04.08.24), made the admission about previously contemplating ending her life while she was a working member of the royal family in a new emotional TV interview alongside her husband Prince Harry three years after she told Oprah Winfrey she didnt want to be alive anymore before the couple left Britain for a new life in the US. Her chat was part of a campaign she is launching with Harry, 39, to fight for child safety online. She told CBS as she discussed the Parents Network initiative with anchor Jane Pauley: I think when youve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it. And I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed. So, if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everythings okay, then thats worth it. Ill take a hit for that. Meghan, who has son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three, with Harry, told Oprah, 70, in 2021 she couldnt be left alone and told her husband she didnt want to be alive anymore. She also claimed Buckingham Palace HR bosses ignored her plea for help because she was not a paid employee. Meghan added to Oprah: I knew that if I didnt say it, that I would do it. I just didnt want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. I remember how (Harry) just cradled me. I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that, Ive never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldnt be good for the institution. UK retail footfall experienced a significant decline in July, with overall footfall dropping by 3.3 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ data. This marks a further dip from June's 2.3 per cent decrease, signalling growing caution among consumers amidst economic uncertainty. High streets showed a slight improvement in their year-on-year footfall, recording a decrease of 2.7 per cent in July, an improvement from the 3.1 per cent decline in June. However, footfall in retail parks and shopping centres continued to struggle. Retail parks saw a 0.8 per cent decrease in July, compared to a 0.4 per cent decline in June. Shopping centres faced the most significant drop, with footfall down by 3.9 per cent, maintaining the same level of decline as May. All UK nations witnessed a year-on-year decrease in footfall, with England experiencing the steepest drop at 3.4 per cent. Wales and Scotland followed with declines of 3.2 per cent and 2.3 per cent, respectively, while Northern Ireland saw a 2.2 per cent decrease. UK retail footfall declined by 3.3 per cent in July compared to last year, reflecting growing consumer caution. High streets showed slight improvement, but retail parks and shopping centres continued to struggle, with shopping centres seeing a 3.9 per cent drop. All UK nations experienced declines, with England recording the steepest at 3.4 per cent. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: Footfall declined for the twelfth 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. With the election now over, many retailers will be making decisions about how and where to invest in the coming years. Retailers welcomed Labours promises to reform both business rates and planning laws two major factors that often hold back much needed local investment. If Labour can address these effectively, they could help breathe new life into retail destinations. Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: Despite a warmer and drier month compared to the wash-out that was June, Julys footfall faltered with shopper traffic falling back to the same levels we saw in May. As we approach a full year of seeing footfall yo-yo in its ongoing recovery, its clear the longtail 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. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) Ghuspaithiya delves into the dark world of cyber infiltration and data breaches, bringing to the forefront the urgent need for vigilance in our digitally dominated lives read more In a pioneering effort to raise awareness about the rampant issue of cyber crimes, 15 brave survivors, at an event recently shared their harrowing experiences through the viral #MyGhuspaithiyaStory trend helmed by the makers of the movie Ghuspaithiya. These individuals narrated their deeply rooted stories of cyber threats, crimes, and phone tapping, shedding light on the profound impact these invasions have had on their lives. The event, hailed as a never-seen-before initiative, created an unparalleled platform where survivors could voice their struggles and triumphs. Susi Ganeshan, the mastermind behind Ghuspaithiya, and producer Manjari Susi Ganeshan, attended the event to offer their support and boost the morale of these courageous individuals. Advertisement The victims shared their real-life incidents of falling into the traps of cyberbullying and crime. I was asked to pay for a better job opportunity at a very well-reputed company. They asked me to pay a certain amount for a specific post, which was big for my pocket, but I still paid. After a few days, I understood that I was trapped in a cybercrime when there was no response from anyone when I tried reaching them, said one woman. I felt utterly betrayed and hopeless, realizing how easily I was deceived. Another victim recounted, I was lured into investing a large amount of money with promises of huge profits. When the money was gone, I finally understood that I had fallen into a cybercrime trap. It was devastating to lose my hard-earned savings in such a deceitful manner. Not just women or youngsters, but even senior citizens have been victimized. A 70-year-old senior citizen shared her story: A very close acquaintance asked me for money, citing a need for monetary help. Trusting him, I gave him the money, but he disappeared and never returned. It was a harsh lesson in how vulnerable we all are to such scams. Another survivor narrated a terrifying incident that proves how social media can be a curse if one is not alert. While sharing her story, the survivor said,: I met someone on Facebook and we became friends. He needed 30,000 rupees for his sick mother, and I trusted him and sent the money. Later, he claimed he lost his job and asked for help finding work and a flight ticket to Mumbai. I booked the ticket, but he never showed up, and his phone was off. I was devastated to realize I had been scammed. From senior citizens to youngsters, homemakers to working professionals anybody can fall prey to the malicious cyber crimes, and hence awareness on cyber security is crucial in todays era. This unique gathering sought not only to promote the film but also to foster a community of awareness and support, highlighting the life-altering effects of cyber crimes and the importance of cybersecurity. The survivors testimonies served as powerful reminders of the real-world dangers lurking in the digital realm and underscored the urgent need for protective measures. Advertisement As Ghuspaithiya prepares for its release on August 9, 2024, this event stands as a testament to the films commitment to sparking crucial conversations and encouraging proactive steps against cyber threats. The combined force of cinematic storytelling and survivor advocacy promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences and society alike. Directed by the visionary Susi Ganeshan, Ghuspaithiya features a stellar cast including Vineet Kumar Singh, Urvashi Rautela, and Akshay Oberoi. The film delves into the dark world of cyber infiltration and data breaches, bringing to the forefront the urgent need for vigilance in our digitally dominated lives. The movie has been produced by M. Ramesh Reddy, Jyotika Shenoy, and Manjari Susi Ganeshan. In the past, Malavika has been renowned for her ability to capture the hearts of both audiences and critics alike read more As Malavika Mohanan celebrates her Birthday on August 4, the actress is currently on a promotional spree for the much anticipated film Thangalaan. In the past, Malavika has been renowned for her ability to capture the hearts of both audiences and critics alike, and her upcoming projects promise to showcase her dynamic talent and make a significant impact. Heres a look at whats coming up for her: Thangalaan One of the years biggest Tamil releases, Thangalaan, is set to release in theaters on August 15. Malavika plays a significant role in the film, alongside Chiyaan Vikram. Her performance in Thangalaan is expected to be a major highlight and one of the driving forces of the films plot. Advertisement Raja Saab In addition to Thangalaan, Malavika will star opposite pan-India actor Prabhas in Raja Saab in a romantic role, following his recent success with Kalki 2898 AD. Their collaboration is expected to light the screen up and bring a compelling on-screen presence. Yudhra She will also be seen in Yudhra, where she will share the screen with Siddhant Chaturvedi, promising a dynamic and engaging pairing. Sardar 2 Prince Pictures has officially announced earlier yesterday that Malavika Mohanan will join the cast of Sardar 2. This sequel to the 2022 film Sardar, which originally starred Karthi, will feature him reprising his role, with PS Mithran returning as the director. SJ Suryah is also set to be part of the cast. Details about the remaining members of the original cast, including Raashi Khanna and Munishkanth, are still pending confirmation for the sequel. Malavika Mohanan continues to build on her impressive career with these diverse and exciting projects. With her strong performances and versatile roles, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her future in cinema looks promising as she takes on new challenges and further establishes her presence in the industry. Talking about this intense sequence, director Sudhanshu Saria shared, Our movie was extensively shot in London, but the most crucial climax scene was shot in Bhopal. read more Janhvi Kapoors latest film Ulajh, making waves among audiences, has released in theatres. For this highly anticipated espionage thriller, produced by Junglee Pictures, Janhvi left no stone unturned in bringing her character Suhana, an IFS officer, to life. Director Sudhanshu Saria opened up about the challenges Janhvi faced during filming, highlighting a striking demonstration of her dedication when she ran 1000 meters barefoot through the streets of Bhopal to ensure the successful completion of a crucial climax scene. Advertisement The climax scene, shot in Bhopal, required Janhvi to run 1000 meters barefoot through crowded and narrow lanes. Even though the actress had to run through live locations, giving multiple takes to perfect the shot, she was so mentally immersed in her character that despite enduring several injuries during the takes, she tuned out everything and captured the honest and raw emotions of Suhana. Talking about this intense sequence, director Sudhanshu Saria shared, Our movie was extensively shot in London, but the most crucial climax scene was shot in Bhopal. The night before our shoot, the set that was built got destroyed due to rain. We had to prep the location again and had a very small window to shoot this crucial sequence. Before we began, Janhvi and I discussed Suhanas mindset for the scene. As soon as the camera started rolling, Janhvi became so absorbed in her role that every step she took reflected her character, Suhana. By the end of the shoot, despite visible injuries from running barefoot on the rugged road, she was so immersed in her character that she barely felt the pain. Janhvi seamlessly transitioned from a polished diplomat to a rugged officer defending her country, outdoing herself in every frame. Also starring Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew, Ulajh showcases Janhvi Kapoor as Suhana Bhatia, 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. The film also features Adil Hussain, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta, and Jitendra Joshi. Written by Sudhanshu Saria and Parveez Shaikh, with dialogue by Atika Chauhan, and directed by Sudhanshu Saria, Ulajh is produced by Junglee Pictures and is now playing in cinemas near you. Book your tickets now! Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai considered one of the loved couples, have garnered headlines since their separate arrival at the Radhika Merchant-Anant Ambani wedding. While their divorce rumours have been in the news for quite some time, a throwback appearance of Jaya Bachchan on Koffee With Karan has resurfaced where she revealed how Amitabh Bachchan could never see the Guzaarish actress as his daughter in law. Bachchan said, Whenever he sees her, he becomes happy. He never saw Aishwarya as a daughter-in-law. He always saw Aishwarya as a daughter. Amitji, the minute he sees her, its like hes looking at Shweta coming home. His eyes light up. Shell fill the vacuum that Shweta left." Advertisement Another throwback interview has surfaced on the internet, where the Ghoomer actor has spoken about the first meeting with his wife. My dear friend Bobby Deol was shooting his first film, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. I was at the same location, I went to say a hi to him when he said, oh come for dinner. That was Aishwaryas first Hindi film and thats the first time I ever interacted with her, said Abhishek while talking in The Ranveer Show in 2021. He added, Whenever she talks about it, she jokingly says, I couldnt understand a word of what you were saying. Because here I was, this kid from an international boarding school, then went to Boston. I mustve had some really heavy accent at that point. And she was like, What were you saying? My formative years, my training in acting and in the world of cinema and stage, my boarding school days was in English, the actor revealed. The Yuva star recently grabbed the headlines when he liked a post on Instagram about divorce. Shared by author Heena Khandelwal, it featured an image of broken hearts and written, When love stops being easy. Couples who have been married are now parting ways. What has prompted their decision and why are grey divorces on the rise? Amid news of an assassination, regional tensions, and a historic prisoner swap, a story that caught the attention of readers is one on the fast food industry. Giants like McDonalds are seeing a drop in sales worldwide. Believe it or not, many find the food unaffordable. We explain in our weekly wrap read more McDonalds global sales have fallen for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter, that is the April-June period. Consumers hit by inflation are skipping eating out or picking cheaper options. File photo/AP Peace continues to be evasive in West Asia. Until a few weeks ago, it seemed like negotiations between Hamas and Israel were on the cards after Benjamin Netanyahus US visit. But the region is on edge once again after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. While all fingers point toward Mossad, Israel has neither accepted nor declined its role in the attack. But this week, the Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have eliminated two big enemies Fuad Shukr, Hezbollahs most senior military commander on July 31 and Mohammed Deif, Hamas second in command on July 13. We bring you all the developments from the region. Advertisement From West Asia, lets move to Russia. In the age of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Russia and West carried out a historic prisoner swap deal. The exchange comes after years of extensive negotiations with Moscow and led to the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov among 24 others. A shocking story comes from the UK. A knife attack at a dance class in Southport left three girls, aged six to nine, dead. Eight other children and two adults were injured. Behind the attack was a 17-year-old. The stabbings have rocked the nation, leading to a far-right riot. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from stories around the world. 1. On Tuesday, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in of Irans new president Masoud Pezeshkian. That was the last the world saw of the Hamas chief. He was assassinated in a plush guesthouse in the Iranian capital in the wee hours of Tuesday. But who was Haniyeh? Heres the story of the man who was born in a refugee camp in Gaza and went on to become one of Hamas most powerful leaders. 2. How was Haniyeh killed? At first, reports said that an airborne projectile struck the room where he was staying. However, days after the assassination, a well-planned plot has come to the fore. An explosive device was reportedly smuggled into the guesthouse two months ago. The compound where the Hamas chief would be put up was under surveillance. Heres how the attack was planned and executed. Advertisement Iranians follow a truck carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel during their funeral ceremony at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Square in Tehran on August 1. AP 3. Its the biggest prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries since the Cold War. The deal frees 24 detainees from seven countries including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan and Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov. But how did Wasghition navigate the exchange? We take you behind the scenes. Reporter Evan Gershkovich greets his colleagues following his release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States on 1 August. AP 4. Horror unfolded at a Taylor Swift-themed event a dance class for children aged six to 10 in the UKs Southport. A 17-year-old allegedly went on a stabbing spree, killing three girls and injuring ten others, mostly children. The name of the accused was kept under wraps until the court decided otherwise. He has been identified as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana. Who is he? Advertisement 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 5. Our next story comes from Pakistan. Its about a land dispute between two families one a Sunni, another a Shia. The fight has turned ugly, rather deadly. At least 49 people have been killed and 200 injured in the northwestern Kurram tribal district on the border of Afghanistan. The tension has spread to neighbouring villages and settlements. What happened? We explain. 6. Donald Trump is going all-out and attacking Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic candidate and his rival in the US presidential elections. Many of his jibes are simply sexist. He also continues to raise questions about her capability. At the National Association of Black Journalists convention on July 31, Trump claimed that Harris failed to pass the bar exam. But is there any truth to it? We fact-check. Advertisement Supporters of Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump demonstrate outside West Allis Central High School on the day U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris holds a campaign event, in West Allis, Wisconsin, on July 23. Reuters 7. The Happy Meal is not bringing joy any more. Fast food giants like McDonalds are seeing a drop in sales globally. Other popular chains are also seeing a slump. Burger King and Wendys do not have many takers. Has inflation made even fast food out of reach for some? We analyse. Thats all from us this Sunday. Happy reading. And if you want to delve deeper into global news, bookmark this page. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that the state will be building new and safe townships to ensure the rehabilitation of those who were displaced in catastrophic landslides in Wayanad that killed over 300 people read more Rescuers search through mud and debris for a third day after landslides set off by torrential rains in Wayanad district, Kerala, on August 1, 2024. AP As Wayanad reels through the horrors of the landslides that killed over 300 people, the Kerala government on Saturday announced that they will establish a new township. The initiative will be conducted to ensure the safe rehabilitation of those who were displaced by the catastrophic landslide that occurred in the Mundakkai region. The proclamation came from Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during a press conference where he gave an update on the ongoing rescue operation. During the presser, Vijayan assured that a rehabilitation process is planned and will be implemented swiftly. Advertisement Vijayan also mentioned that several offers came from the international community to provide land and construct houses at a safe location. The government plans a comprehensive rehabilitation process for the survivors, aiming for swift completion. A new, safer area will be identified for constructing a township. The Education Minister will visit Wayanad to ensure that childrens education is not disrupted, Vijayan told the reporters. Help for Wayanad cell During the press briefing, Vijayan also mentioned that the Help for Wayanad cell has been founded by the Joint Land Revenue Commissioner A Geetha to coordinate the offers the state has been receiving from the global community. While speaking more on the matter, the Kerala CM noted that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Congress Rahul Gandhi, has pledged to construct 100 houses for rehabilitation. Satheesan will be directly in charge of 25 of these houses, Vijayan said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has offered to construct 100 houses. I have called him to express our gratitude, the Kerala CM averred. Meanwhile, the rescue operation in the landslide areas continued to go on for the fifth day straight as the volunteers operating in the region unearthed more bodies and body parts. The Kerala CM assured that as many as 866 police officers have been appointed to lead the search and rescue operations at Chooralmala. During the presser, the chief minister also spoke about the condition of Vellarmala school, which lost many students in the disaster. He emphasised that the government will work to ensure uninterrupted education for children. The education minister will visit Wayanad to ensure that childrens education is not disrupted," the CM averred. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Unlike Chinas PLA Air Force, which exercises primarily with Pakistan Air Force and very few other major air forces, IAF benefits from exposure to air exercises with nearly all the major air forces in the world read more The Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale had just returned from Red Flag Alaska 2024, and the IAF Su-30 MKI had already landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia, on the other side of the globe, for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The three-week exercise started on July 12 and continued till August 02. This biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the RAAF was named Pitch Black because significant flying is done during dusk, dawn, and at night over large, unpopulated areas. Advertisement Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations, Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson said. Training with our partner nations throughout Exercise Pitch Black demonstrates our commitment to the shared value of sustaining peace and stability across the region," he added. Exercise Historic Background The RAAF has a long history of conducting air exercises in the Northern Territory. These used to include high-series exercises in the 1960s and top-series in the early 1970s. They mostly involved integration with the Royal Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Exercise Pitch Black was first held from RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales in June 1981 as a three-day air defence exercise, with attacking aircraft flying from RAAF Bases Amberley and Richmond. The exercise moved to RAAF Base Darwin for the first time in May 1983, though it remained as an air defence exercise but had participation also from the United States Air Force (USAF). Since then, Exercise Pitch Black has been conducted in the Northern Territory biennially, with much larger scope and participation. The IAF Contingent The IAF contingent was composed of over 150 professional air fighters, comprising pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other experts. While the Su-30 MKI multirole fighters engaged in direct combat exercises, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and the Ilyushin IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft were in combat-enabling roles. The exercise provided IAF with an opportunity towards large-force integration and engagement with participating nations and mutual exchange of best practices. Advertisement The exercise also provided an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment. The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise. Transit through Indonesia The IAF contingent made a transit halt at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Indonesia while heading towards the southern hemisphere for Ex Pitch Black 24. They were welcomed by Sandeep Chakravorty, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, and Marsda Benny, Indonesias Assistant to the Chief of Air Force for Intelligence. This mission not only exemplified Indias commitment to international defence cooperation but also demonstrated its ability to project air power over significant distances, reinforcing its status as a major player in regional security. Advertisement Exercise Pitch Black 2024 Australias biggest international air combat training activity, Exercise Pitch Black, was conducted from 12 July to 2 August. Aircraft were operated from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. Every year the exercise is becoming larger in numbers of participants and operational content. This years edition was the largest in the 43-year-long history, with participation by 20 countries, operating over 140 aircraft and 4435 military personnel of many friendly air forces. The exercise focused on large-force employment. The IAF Su-30 MKI got to operate alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-15 Eagle, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. Advertisement Aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States came, and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand participated. For the first time, aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea, as well as personnel from Fiji and Brunei, participated in such an exercise. Participants included all Quad members and many from the Indo-Pacific. It also served as training for European countries ability to project power into the Indo-Pacific, providing exposure to a wide range of aircraft. The exercise exposed participants to complex scenarios whilst utilising some of the most advanced aircraft and battle-space systems in one of the biggest areas of military training airspace in the world. Advertisement The aim was to practise Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat in a simulated war environment. A larger area was required to cater for training with modern fighter jets, which use longer-range manoeuvres and weapons than previous fighters. Beyond-Visual Range (BVR) combat was simulated, and also factored in was the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) threat. Also involved were space-based sensors and electronic attack aircraft. The exercise allows Australia to contribute to the sovereign security of participating nations, ensuring they too are ready to respond to contingency operations. It provides an environment for training and integration and their ability to support operations in the Indo-Pacific. At the personal level, the exercise builds strong relationships between aviators and other personnel from across the Indo-Pacific region and Europe. It will foster close ties and help train to enhance regional security in the region and around the world. IAFs Other Major Exercises IAF participates in the Red Flag Exercise in the US. IAF and USAF participate in the bilateral US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)-sponsored Field Training Exercise (FTX) Cope India series, conducted in India. The IAF and French Air and Space Force (FASF) have been holding a series of Garuda air exercises since 2003. Exercise Indradhanush is a joint exercise conducted between the IAF and the Royal Air Force (RAF). Desert Eagle is a bilateral exercise between the IAF and the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE AF). IAF participated in the multilateral Exercise Desert Flag VI in the UAE in March 2021 and in 2023. IAF has also been participating in Exercise Eastern Bridge since 2009 with Oman. Blue Flag is a military aviation exercise held by the Israeli Air Force at Ovda Air Force Base in Israel. In July 2022, the IAF carried out a one-month-long engagement with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) at the Egyptian Fighter Weapon School, located in Cairo West Air Force Base. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the IAF have been carrying out bilateral exercises, codenamed SINDEX since 2004. The Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) and IAF participated in bilateral air exercise SHINYUU Maitri-18 in 2018. In March 2023, IAF participated in a similar exercise in Komatsu, Japan. IAF and JASDF also participated in joint air exercise Veer Guardian-2023 at Hyakuri Air Base in January 2023. IAF participated in Exercise Orion at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase in France and Exercise INIOCHOS at Andravida base in Greece, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, both held in AprilMay 2023. Complex Exercise Planning and Learning The large-force bilateral and multilateral air exercises between major professional air forces require months of planning and coordination. The planning has to factor in multiple aircraft flying in confined spaces at very high speeds and engaging in combat manoeuvring. The pace for the exercise is set by initially doing smaller packages and increasing the degree of difficulty in a graduated manner. There is a need to de-conflict flight paths. The air engagements have to be closely controlled by ground-based and airborne radars. The radio procedures have to be coordinated. The mission commanders have to be designated. Flight safety and operational issues have to be managed. Each mission must have a clearly spelled-out aim and a detailed briefing. Air effort must draw lessons for all air and ground crews. In addition to enhancing combat knowledge by imbibing the best practices of other air forces, it also improves interoperability. Young aircrew get exposure from flying aircraft of other air forces. Social and casual interactions help exchange ideas and imbibe knowledge. Special lectures are organised to educate the participants. These exercises are also a part of defence diplomacy. There are cultural events and exchanges. Takeaways for IAF The exercise would have provided IAF crews with realistic simulations of air combat in large-force, complex, and dynamic combat scenarios. The presence of the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation aircraft would have given a great new exposure. Over the course of three weeks, participants engaged in a series of challenging missions designed to test their skills, coordination, and adaptability. There was air-to-air combat, air-to-surface strikes, and offensive and defensive counter-air operations. The exercise had combinations of missions with scenarios that simulate high-threat environments. IAF aircrew got to operate and engage with the F-35, the USAFs latest and most advanced fifth-generation fighter. IAF personnel gained invaluable exposure to and experience from engagements with different operational tactics and strategies. It enhanced their ability to operate effectively in multinational coalitions. IAF combat controllers and other support personnel were also exposed to varied environments and worked seamlessly as part of a larger team. It would have also allowed IAF crew to validate or appraise their own tactics, techniques, and procedures in a realistic combat environment, which will also help refine the IAFs operational doctrines and combat readiness. Exercise Exposure Advantage India Unlike Chinas PLA Air Force (PLAAF), which exercises primarily with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and very few other major air forces, IAF benefits from exposure to air exercises with nearly all the major air forces in the world. The frequency and number of air exercises have gone up in recent years. The saying More you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war is best exemplified by these air exercises. India must be proud that all Western air forces have rated IAF aircrew as great professionals and very superior in their air combat capabilities. Thanks to Local Support The Northern Territory is huge and supports making the exercise a success. It also allows visitors a unique opportunity to experience Australia. The RAAF has conveyed its thanks to the communities across northern Australia for withstanding the jet sound and increased visitors, and for their interest and tremendous support. The RAAF showcased its sincere thanks by undertaking a flying display over Mindil Beach on 18 July, and the RAAF Base Darwin hosted an Open Day on 20 July. The Final Call The role of the armed forces in supporting Indias foreign policy has been very clear. A stronger military gives the political leadership greater options. Countries with a more powerful military get to sit on the global high table, such as the UN Security Council. The US, and now, to some extent, China, have been able to call the shots globally because of their military presence and power. While India believes in strategic autonomy, global partnerships are important. India has a powerful military. It is a nuclear weapons power with credible missile and space programs. A key element of being a net security provider is the ability to launch Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the region. Indian armed forces played a globally acclaimed role during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the 2020 floods in Madagascar, the Covid-19 pandemic medical-relief operations, and the earthquake in Turkey, among many others. The military-to-military contacts are at various levels, including senior-level visit exchanges, arms sales and purchases, military equipment training, joint military exercises, training staff courses, and the exchange of strategic and tactical appreciation literature. India has a significant presence in the UN peacekeeping missions. Defence wings in embassies play a huge role in facilitating all these activities. Also, military exercises are used for political-diplomatic messaging and muscle-flexing. These exercises also help integrate militaries and build relationships at the working level. All this is part of defence diplomacy. As IAF now prepares for its mega-multilateral multi-nation exercise Tarang Shakti later this year, there were many takeaways from Pitch Black. The exercise served as a platform for building stronger partnerships and increasing interoperability between participating air forces. The professional interactions between planning teams, aircrew, and support staff foster mutual understanding and respect. Some of these relationships get carried forward into the senior ranks. The exercise reflected the shared commitment of the member nations to maintain regional stability and security. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has tied up Irans hand. It has to respond for the regimes stability, but it is in no position to go for a direct confrontation with Israel read more For the Islamic Republic of Iran it is a difficult time. Tehran knows well that confusion and humiliation can topple dictatorships. Also, Shia Irans sway over Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and beyond is threatened. Put differently, the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has tied up Irans hand. It has to respond for regime stability, but it is in no position to go for a direct confrontation with both Israel and the likely involvement of the bolstered US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain all at once. There is also the immediate challenge for Iran to assess and mitigate the extent of this security compromise while recalibrating its strategy to prevent further erosion of its security apparatus. Advertisement In the wake of Haniyehs assassination, Iran is likely to supercharge its proxies in Lebanon and beyond. It is not often noted that Irans options are also severely constrained by its faltering economy. Years of crippling sanctions have left the nation in a precarious state. The Iranian populace, weary of enduring economic hardship, exhibits growing discontent. The economic malaise not only limits Irans ability to finance military campaigns but also fuels domestic unrest, further complicating its strategic calculus. Renewed aggression, including targeted missile attacks from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, appears to be the only viable response. A direct war is something Tehran simply cannot afford. The central problem for Iran in such a conflict is the potential annihilation of its nuclear program, which would be catastrophic for the revolution. Just because Iran does not want a big war does not mean it will not happen. Israel, with its finger poised over the nuclear threat, leaves little room for manoeuvre. Miscalculation by either Tel Aviv or Tehran on the scale of military engagement could also trigger all-out war. It is a risk management conundrum of the highest order. For now, the mullahs of Iran are discovering that it is one thing to suppress unarmed women protesting the hijab and quite another to wage a two-front war against a regional power and a global superpower. 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 passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the US and the initiation of a large number of other measures from the American side favouring Tibetan struggle are naturally aligned with Indian interests read more It has to be realised that by supporting Tibet, in a real sense, India will be ensuring its own national security. File photo/AFP The recent signing of the Resolve Tibet Act by the US has renewed the focus on Tibet and Tibetan issues concerning China. While the US has extended its support for One China Policy earlier, which literally means recognising all erstwhile countries captured by China that Beijing annexed as part of its expansionist agenda, new contours of this policy are emerging lately. On one hand, the US is supporting Taiwan being claimed by China as part of one China policy, and at the same time, the US is also supporting Tibet by multiple means. As of now, the public stance taken by the US on Taiwan relates to non use of force by China to occupy Taiwan, but it is OK if the Taiwanese people wish to unify with mainland China of their own free will. In a similar manner, it is advocating the negotiated settlement to resolve the Tibet issue. Though the US has not clearly denounced its One China Policy, its actions on Taiwan and Tibet clearly indicate the weaning support for One China Policy. Advertisement This is therefore prudent to have a look at the evolution of Tibet as a sovereign state. A sovereign state as per international norms needs to have a permanent population, defined territory, a government of its own that is not under another government authority, and the capacity to interact with other states on its own free will. Tibet had all these four ingredients of a sovereign statepopulation, territory, government, and sovereigntyfrom as early as the seventh century AD, when the Emperor Songtsen Gampo created the unified state of Tibet. In fact, China and Nepal married their princess to him due to his powerful stature. Tibet captured part of China, which was followed by the boundary settlement of 783 AD and then later in 821 AD, clearly establishing Tibet as a sovereign state since then. Even thereafter, while Tibet has been able to maintain cordial relations with almost all neighbours, including Mongol Emperors (12401350), Ming Emperors (3681644), and the Quing Dynasty (6391911), with a primary focus on the priest-patron relationship wherein Tibetans have been ruling their land independently. A historic connection to Tibet exists not only in the form of the British India-Tibet relationship but both prior to this and after this as well. It is essential to understand this, as this India-Tibet relationship of equilibrium was comprehensively disrupted by the current Chinese regime, which forcibly occupied Tibetan land in 1950-51 and continues to occupy the same till date. In the process, the tranquil borders between India and Tibet have been converted into a Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The Quing Dynasty has been one of the most powerful dynasties occupying China. Even though they entered Tibet three times in their regime, but only after being asked for help in 1728 AD, 1752 AD, and 1792 AD in response to the priest-patron relationship. It was for the first time in 1908 AD that Manchus (Quing Dynasty) attacked Tibet to checkmate the increasing British influence. This resulted in the 13th Dalai Lama fleeing from Tibet and taking refuge in India, wherein he stayed in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. He also terminated the priest-patron relationship with the Quing Dynasty, as the patron itself had attacked the state of priest. With the Quing Dynasty collapsing in 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama proclaimed independence on 14 February 1913, which continued till 1950-51 when Tibet was forcibly occupied by the current regime of China. Advertisement Therefore, it clearly emerges that Tibet has never been part of China, and the current status indicates the forced occupation of a sovereign state by China. Not only has China occupied Tibet, it is expanding the areas under its occupation on a regular basis, while India has gone all out to support China since it came into being on October 1, 1949. Indias signing of the Panchsheel agreement, responding to the slogan to Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai, and many other actions are testimony to this support. As against this, China not only betrayed India in 1962, capturing large tracts in Indian areas of Aksai Chin and smaller tracts in other border areas. Indians effort to establish peaceful relations through bilateral agreements and confidence-building measures failed comprehensively when China transgressed at a number of locations on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in 2020. Advertisement The current situation requires a new approach, as it affects India for its own security concerns. In case there is further delay to checkmate the expansionist agenda of China, it will become a serious security challenge in the future. With the US and West understanding the Chinese design and its agenda, they have already initiated a host of measures to check the unhindered rise of China, which appears to be attempting to dislodge the US from its pole position. The passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the US and the initiation of a large number of other measures are naturally aligned with Indian interests. India needs to take some or all of the following actions: Advertisement Sign a boundary agreement with the Tibetan Government in Exile aligned to its own claim line. Mount diplomatic offensive to get Free Tibet Act passed by the US as a UN resolution. Support all governments in exile, like East Turkestan, etc., that have been captured by China going beyond its real extent. Engage with the US and West to take the lead. Establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Raise voices for a unified geographical entity of Tibet to include Tibet Autonomous Region, Amdo, and Kham. All communications should mention and use the term India-Tibet border as against India-China Border/LAC. Do away with One China Policy unless our claim lines are restored and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Shaksgam Valley are vacated by Chinese from all kinds of its presence. Rename all places with Indian names in claimed areas and with Tibetan names beyond that. Publish maps as per the claim lines of India and ensure that all countries having diplomatic relations adhere to this. It needs to be done deliberately in a targeted manner. Dont allow visitors of those regions, which have been captured by China, to travel to India on a Chinese visa. Focus on infrastructure growth in border areas. Reinforce forces and resources in the border areas. Enhance support for vibrant villages in the border areas. The above are some of the measures, and there could be many more. These have to be pragmatically adopted in the national interest. It has to be realised that by supporting Tibet, in a real sense, India will be ensuring its own national security. The author is a Kargil war veteran and Director General of CENJOWS. He has authored two booksChina Betrays Again and Indian Churnings on the Global Stage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. In recent months, Russia has captured a strong of villages and town in eastern Ukraine where the bulk of fighting is taking place read more Amid Russias sustained advance in the east, Ukraine has ordered the mandatory evacuation of border towns in the Donetsk region. Since launching a surprise offensive in the Kharkiv region in the northeast in May, Russia has claimed to have captured more than a dozen villages. When the Russian forces began the offensive, they had already been making gains in the region for months. The Donetsk provincial government said children and their guardians are being evacuated from border towns, according to AFP. Advertisement A total of 744 children and their families had to be relocated, said Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin. Donetsk, along with Luhansk, forms the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. It is in this region that much of the fighting has been going on for more than two years now. While Russia intended to capture Ukraine in the initial weeks of the invasion, it reoriented the focus and moved to the east where it has since been consistently slicing off Ukrainian territory. Russia has illegally annexed four regions of eastern Ukraine: Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. Even though Russia does not control these regions in entirety and fighting is going on in these regions at several places, Russia now officially recognises them as its part. The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives, said Filashkin to AFP. Filashkin cited the town of Novogrodovka for the purpose of evacuation, which is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the village of Novoselivka Persha that Russia claimed to have captured on Sunday, according to the agency. Filashkin further said, I have instructed that only armoured vehicles be involved in the process of evacuating children, as the enemy is actively using first person view drones in these communitiesWe must make every effort to protect our children. Even though Ukraine defended the territories well in the first year of the war and mounted an impressive counter-offensive that freed large swathes of territories, the second and third years of the war and subsequent counter-offensives have not been successful. While Ukraine has been successful in the Black Sea where it has damaged up to a third of the Russian fleet and has started striking deep inside Russia, it has also lost dozens of villages and some key towns in eastern Ukraine over the past year. Shortly after the nationwide curfew was relaxed by the Bangladeshi authorities, protesters took to the streets and violent clashes erupted between the pro and anti-government groups across the country. Many protesters are now demanding Bangladeshs PM Sheikh Hasinas resignation read more Activists clash with the police as they stage a song march to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. File Image: AP Soon after the Bangladeshi authorities relaxed the curfew imposed across the country, protesters took to the streets to conduct a fresh set of demonstrations. The recent clashes also witnessed loss of lives as eight people died within a span of days. Tensions are escalating even further as both the anti-government protesters and the governing Awami League are set to hold rallies across the country. Amid the chaos, the countrys Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for an emergency meeting with the university vice-chancellors and college principals on Saturday night to discuss the student demonstrations. Advertisement The new clashes have already led to the loss of several lives. While two people died earlier this week, the leader of one of the protesting groups died on Sunday. The leader Mehedi Hasan was killed in clashes between the protesters and the police and the Awami League men at Parnanduali in Magura, Prothom Alo reported. Another person was killed in Rangpur. Protesters demand PMs resignation The demonstrations that took the country by storm have already seen the death of more than 200 people. Not only this, at least 10,000 people have been detained by the Bangladeshi police in just two weeks. As the demonstrations intensify, Students Against Discrimination, a group behind the anti-government demonstrations, has called on Bangladeshs Prime Minister to step down. On Sunday, the protesting groups joined hands to conduct a nationwide disobedience movement, urging fellow citizens to not pay taxes on any utility bills. The protesting students also called for the shutdown of factories and public transport. Meanwhile, the supporters of Sheikh Hasinas party Awami League also held marches across the country on Sunday. The whole saga started last month after students took to the streets to raise their voices against the reservation of many civil service jobs for relatives of the veterans of Bangladeshs independence war with Pakistan in 1971. While most of the quotas have now been scaled back by the countrys Supreme Court, the students have been staging demonstrations demanding justice for those who have been killed or injured. They are also asking Hasina to resign Army take their stance Earlier, the prime minister offered an unconditional dialogue with the student leaders, saying she wanted the violence to end. I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them. I want no conflict," she said. However, the students outrightly rejected her offer and continued with their demands. Advertisement Meanwhile, Bangladeshs Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman conducted an Officers Address at the Helmet Auditorium in the army headquarters in which he maintained that the army will always stand by the people. Bangladesh Army has always stood by the people and will continue to do so for the interest of people and in any need of the state," Gen Zaman said on Saturday, Prothom Alo reported. Last month, Hasina called the military to restore order after several police stations and state buildings were set on fire during the protests. With inputs from agencies. US President Joe Biden reportedly scolled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for stalling the ceasefire deal with Hamas. The POTUS told the Israeli premier to stop bullsh***ng him read more US President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, July 25, 2024. File Image: REUTERS As the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on, US President Joe Biden reportedly scolded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a telephonic conversation held on Thursday. According to Channel 12 News, Biden told the Israeli premier to stop bullsh***ng him when the two leaders discussed the truce-hostage deal. However, the Israeli news outlet did not cite any sources. As per the reports, the outburst from Biden came after Netanyahu told him Israel was moving forward with negotiations on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas and would soon send a delegation to resume talks. Advertisement The hopes for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war started to look bleak after the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, many believe that the Jewish nation orchestrated the whole thing. Dont take the president for granted: Biden to Netanyahu The talks on a ceasefire deal have been ongoing for several months without any conclusive results. In the past, the POTUS has opined that the Israeli Prime Minister has been intentionally stalling the talks for internal political reasons. Dont take the president for granted," the American president reportedly said at the end of the conversation on Thursday. According to Channel 12, Biden made the aforementioned comment while the two leaders were discussing Israeli-American cooperation in a potential all-out war with Iran and its proxies, amid sky-high tensions as Iran and its proxy terror groups vow revenge for the recent killing of several terror chiefs. Meanwhile, Netanyahus office responded to the report by stating that the prime minister does not comment on the contents of his private discussions with the US President. The Prime Minister of Israel does not intervene in American politics and will work with whoever is elected president, and expects the Americans to also not intervene in Israeli politics, the statement stated. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that during the phone call, Biden also mentioned that the death of Haniyeh in Iran was poorly timed coming right at what the Americans hoped would be the endgame of talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Citing an unnamed US official, the newspaper reported that Biden argued the operation could spark a regional war. Bidens team is trying to create a permission structure for GOP voters who would otherwise have a difficult time voting for Harris. The effort will rely heavily on Republican-to-Republican voter contact, with the belief that the best way to get a Republican to vote for Harris is to hear directly from another Republican making the same choice read more Vice President Kamala Harris campaign on Sunday is launching Republicans for Harris as she looks to win over Republican voters put off by Donald Trumps candidacy. The program will be a campaign within a campaign, according to Harris team, using well-known Republicans to activate their networks, with a particular emphasis on primary voters who backed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. The program will kick off with events this week in Arizona, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Republicans backing Harris will also appear at rallies with the vice president and her soon-to-be-named running mate this coming week, the campaign said. Advertisement The Harris campaign shared the details of the program first with The Associated Press before the official announcement. Bidens team is trying to create a permission structure for GOP voters who would otherwise have a difficult time voting for Harris. The effort will rely heavily on Republican-to-Republican voter contact, with the belief that the best way to get a Republican to vote for Harris is to hear directly from another Republican making the same choice. Trumps extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values and will vote against him again in November, said Harris national director of Republican outreach, Austin Weatherford. He said the campaign would be showing up and taking the time every single day to earn the vote of Republicans who believe in putting country over party and know that every American deserves a president who will protect their freedoms and a commander in chief who will put the best interests of the American people above their own. Weatherford is a onetime chief of staff to former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who had endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket before President Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance against Trump. Kinzinger is backing Harris once more as part of the launch. As a proud conservative, I never thought Id be endorsing a Democrat for President, he said in a statement. But, I know Vice President Harris will defend our democracy and ensure Donald Trump never returns to the White House. Kinzinger developed a national profile as one of two Republicans on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The committee highlighted a number of Trumps transgressions before and during the deadly attack as Congress tried to certify the results of the 2020 election that Biden won over Trump. Advertisement Trump has done little to try to win over moderate Republican voters and on Saturday criticized anew Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who rebuffed Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election in the battleground state. Last month, when Biden was still at the top of the ticket, the campaign went out with an ad highlighting former Trump staffers criticism of their onetime boss. A separate ad highlighted Trumps often-personal attacks against Haley, including his primary nickname of her as birdbrain and suggestion that shes not presidential timber. Hundreds of thousands of registered Republicans voted in primaries for Haley even after she ended her bid for the 2024 Republican nomination and as Trump trounced her in almost every contest. Advertisement Haley in May announced she would vote for Trump and appeared at last months Republican National Convention. The Harris campaigns effort includes former Govs. Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and 16 former Republican members of Congress, including Kinzinger and Reps. Joe Walsh of Illinois and Susan Molinari of New York. All have been notable critics of Trump in the past. Former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham is also endorsing Harris. I might not agree with Vice President Kamala Harris on everything, but I know that she will fight for our freedom, protect our democracy and represent America with honor and dignity on the world stage," Grisham said in a statement. When Iran attacked Israel in April, the United States forged a coalition with the United Kingdom, France, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia for the defence of Israel read more In the wake of threats from Iran, the United States has boosted military presence in the Middle East (Representative Photo, Credit: US Navy) As Israel is bracing for an imminent attack from Iran, the United States has sought to revive the multinational coalition against Iran in the Middle East. Following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran that left Iran fuming, Israel is preparing for the possibility of a multi-front assault that could also lead to an all-out war in the region. Iran has vowed to avenge Haniyehs killing on its soil, which it blames on Israel, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered direct attacks on Israel. Advertisement It is in this background that the United States is seeking to revive the coalition it put together in April to help with the defence of Israel from Irans attack. The United States has also boosted its military presence in the Middle East and has sent aircraft carrier strike group, multiple warships, and a squadron of fighter planes to the region. This is in addition to around 80 fighter planes, 40 other aircraft, over a dozen warships, and around 4,500 Marines already deployed in the region for months. Iran could attack Israel as early as Monday: Report The United States and Israel expect that Iran could attack Israel as early as Monday, according to Axios. The report said that the US assessment is that Iran could use the April playbook to attack Israel. In April, after Israel assassinated top Iranian commanders in an airstrike on Iranian diplomatic compound in Syrian capital Damascus, Iran launched an unprecedented barrage of hundreds of missiles, drones, and rockets at Israel. Even though Israel and Iran have been locked in shadow war for a long time in the Middle East, it was the first time Iran had directly attacked Israel. Advertisement Israeli outlet Ynet has reported that the upcoming Iranian attack could be much bigger in scope than the one in April and could have a broader participation. It said that Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups in the region could also join. The report further said that Israel is preparing for a war on as many as five fronts that could be triggered by the Iranian attack. Israel believes that a strong Iranian attack would mean that Israels response and international support would also be strong, said the report. Will the same coalition come up again? Amid the threat of an imminent Iranian attack, the United States is seeking to revive the coalition that emerged in April. Advertisement When Iran attacked Israel in April, the US, British, French, Jordanian, and Saudi militaries joined hands to help Israel defend itself against the Iranian attack. It was the most remarkable coalition in which Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia which does not have ties with Israel, joined hands with Western countries to come to the defence of Israe. Axios reported that even though the United States is seeking to revive the coalition, it would be difficult to do so now as Haniyehs assassination has drawn sharp anti-Israel sentiments across the region. Iran has vowed to avenge the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which it blamed on Israel read more People hold up the Palestinian flag and a portrait of assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh Hamas, during a rally at Tehran University, in the Iranian capital Tehran on July 31, 2024. Source: AFP. Iran has told Arab countries that it no longer cares whether its attack on Israel will trigger an all-out war in the Middle East, according to a report. Following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran has blamed on Israel, an Iranian attack on Israel is considered imminent as the regime has vowed to avenge the killing. There are fears that Irans attack and the subsequent Israeli retaliation could envelop the entire Middle East in an all-out war. Since the beginning of the war in the Middle East last year with Hamas attack on Israel, the two countries had made conscious to not get involved in a full-scale war. But, now, it appears that the understanding has broken as there is no assurance a war will be averted. Advertisement Now, Iran has told Arab countries that it does not care if an attack on Iran leads to an all-out war, according to The Wall Street Journal. Even though it has been reported that the Israeli attack will be like the attack in April, there are clear differences this time. The first and foremost being that Iran has a much sharper attitude this time. Iran has refused to share plans: Report Unlike April, Iran has refused to give indications about the attack on Israel, according to The Wall Street Journal. In April, after Israel assassinated top Iranian commanders in an airstrike on a diplomatic building in Syrian capital Damascus, Iran launched the first-ever direct attack on Israel. It fired more than 600 missiles, drones, and rockets at Israel. Even though Iran launched a massive barrage on Israel, it had telegraphed its intention through backchannels and public messaging in order to give enough time to Israel and its allies to prepare to fend off the attack and make way for further de-escalation. To beat the Iranian barrage, the United States forged a coalition with the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement The United States is looking forward to revive the coalition this time too but it would be much harder as anti-Israel sentiment has increased substantially in the region following Haniyehs killing. In a bid to contain the fallout from the Iranian attack considered imminent, the United States had asked European and other partners to convey to Iran to not escalate and warn Iran that any attack would be met with a response, according to The WSJ. The newspaper reported that despite the efforts, Iran has refused to share detailed warnings this time the way it did in April. In last-ditch efforts to contain the fallout, Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is in Tehran at the moment to hold talks with the Iranian regime. Advertisement Axios has reported that Israel and the United States have assessed that the Iranian attack could come as early as Monday. Separately, Ynet reported that Israel has assessed that Iran may be joined in the attack by groups it backs in the region, such as the Lebanon-based Hezbollah. It further said that the assessment says that the Iranian attack may open a war on as many as five fronts. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi visited Iran to discuss regional tensions following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which has heightened fears of escalation between Tehran and Israel. During his visit, Safadi met with Iranian officials and delivered a message from King Abdullah II urging for international efforts to prevent further conflict read more Jordans Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held talks Sunday during a rare visit to Iran, as fears of an escalation between Tehran and Israel grew following the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. The political head of Palestinian militant group Hamas was killed early on Wednesday in Tehran, where he had attended the inauguration of Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran and the Hamas militants, which Tehran supports, vowed to retaliate and blamed the strike on Israel, which has declined to comment. Advertisement ISNA news agency said Safadi met and held consultations with acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri after landing in Tehran. Jordans top diplomat then met Pezeshkian, who said Haniyehs killing was a grave and brazen act by Israel and vowed anew to avenge his death, the official news agency IRNA reported. Earlier, IRNA said Safadi would exchange views with Iranian officials on regional and international issues during his visit. The Jordanian foreign ministry said Safadi would deliver a message from King Abdullah II to the Iranian president on the situation in the region and bilateral relations. The royal court in Amman meanwhile said that King Abdullah had received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron which covered the dangerous situation in the region. The king appealed for further international efforts to reach comprehensive calm and prevent a regional expansion of the conflict, a statement said. Iran has held talks with multiple Arab countries including Jordan, Egypt, Oman and Qatar among others since Haniyehs killing. Tehran repeatedly reaffirmed its inherent right to take action against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is at a very high level of preparedness for any scenario defensive and offensive. Haniyehs killing came hours after Israel killed a senior commander of the Lebanese Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group, Fuad Shukr, whom Israel blamed for a weekend rocket strike which killed young people on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Advertisement Irans Revolutionary Guards have said Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile launched from outside his accommodation in Tehran. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari had earlier told journalists there was no other Israeli aerial attack in all the Middle East on the night Shukr was killed in Lebanon. The dual 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. Yemens Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the cargo ship Groton in the Gulf of Aden, marking their first such strike since recent Israeli actions in Hodeida. The attack caused minor damage but no injuries to the ships crew, and the vessel was rerouted to a nearby port read more Smoke rises from a merchant vessel, after the vessel was struck by a Houthi anti-ship missile, at the location given as Gulf of Aden, in this handout picture released January 27, 2024. REUTERS/File Photo Yemens Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed a strike on a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden in the first such attack since Israel struck the rebel-controlled Hodeida port last month. The naval and missile units in the Yemeni armed forces carried out a joint military operation in which they targeted the ship Groton in the Gulf of Aden with several ballistic missiles, said Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree in a statement. The vessel was targeted because the company that owns the ship decided to violate the ban on entry to ports of occupied Palestine, he added. Advertisement British maritime security agency UKMTO and maritime security firm Ambrey said the Liberian-flagged Groton was struck twice by missiles near the coast of Aden. The second hit caused minor damage, the United Kingdom Maritime trade Operations run by the British navy said in a statement. All of the ships crew are safe (no injuries were reported). It was reported that the ship was rerouted to a nearby port, it added. Also reporting two strikes, Ambrey said one of them may have caused a fire to break out on board but no injuries among the ships crew. It is the first attack claimed by the Houthis since Israel carried out strikes on Hodeida on July 20, which came in response to a drone strike by the Yemeni rebels which killed one person in Tel Aviv. Since November, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea they say are linked to Israel, saying this is in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid the war between Israel and Hamas, raging since October 7. The Houthis have attacked at least 88 commercial ships, according to the Washington Institute fro Near East Policy. In an attempt to halt the attacks, American and British forces have carried out strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since January 12. The US military occasionally unilaterally strikes missiles and drones which it says are preparing to launch. Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to offer humanitarian aid to North Korea as the country struggles to deal with the devastating floods which have destroyed thousands of home. However, North Korean supreme leader maintained that he would ask for help if aid is necessary read more As North Korea continues to reel through the devastating floods, Russia has pledged to provide humanitarian assistance to the hermit nation. The harrowing floods have damaged thousands of homes and caused an unknown number of casualties in the country. While North Korea keeps mum on the death toll in the region, its archnemesis South Korea has said that the number has already surpassed 1,500. Amid the chaos, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences over the matter and assured that Moscow would provide humanitarian aid to the region. Advertisement I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to all those who lost their loved ones as a result of the storm, Putin said in a telegram to Kim, adding You can always count on our help and support. The downpour which commenced on 27 July has managed to submerge swathes of farmland in the north near China. Kim responds to Putin According to the North Korean news outlet KCNA, the hermit nations Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un thanked Putin for the offer. However, he maintained that his government has already taken measures to conduct recovery work and assured that he would ask for help if aid is necessary. As per the state media reports, the heavy rains have already flooded more than 4,000 homes and isolated 5,000 residents. The help from Russia came a day after the North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un accused the South Korean media of spreading misinformation about the damages and casualties from the floods. The remarks from Pyongyang came days after Seoul reached out to the country to offer humanitarian aid. Earlier this week, the South Korean government said that it was willing to urgently provide humanitarian assistance to North Korean disaster victims following reports in local media that the toll of dead and missing could number 1,500. In response to this, Kim dismissed the reports and lambasted the neighbouring nation for spreading the false rumour that the human loss is expected to be over 1,000 or 1,500." According to KCNA, Kim said that the flooding reports constituted a South Korean smear campaign to bring disgrace upon us and tarnish the Norths image. Advertisement Meanwhile, North Korea and Russia have been strong allies since the founding of Pyongyang after the second world war. However, the two nations have ramped up their diplomatic and security ties as Moscow continues to remain embroiled in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In recent months the leaders of both nations visited each others countries and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership pact in June. The whole exchange has raised concerns among the West. With inputs from agencies. The statue of Anne Frank in Amsterdam has been defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti, including the slogan Free Gaza and red paint on the statues hands. This is the second instance of vandalism targeting the memorial in less than a month, prompting a police investigation read more Anee Frank statue spray-painted with the slogan "Free Gaza", while the girl's hands were painted with the same blood-red colour. Source: X A statue of Anne Frank, famous for her diary account of hiding from the Nazis during World War II, has been covered with pro-Palestinian graffiti, AFP learnt on Sunday. According to images published on X, the base of the statue was spray-painted with the slogan Free Gaza, while the girls hands were painted with the same blood-red colour. Police have opened an investigation into the most recent defacement, which likely occurred in the night from Saturday to Sunday, an Amsterdam police spokesman told AFP, adding that no suspect had yet been identified. Advertisement Anne Frank, who died aged 16 in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945, is an icon of the Dutch Jewish community. Her diary has become one of the most influential accounts of the Holocaust, which wiped out around three-quarters of the countrys 140,000 Jews during the Nazi German occupation. The Amsterdam house where the Frank family took refuge for two years before being captured by the Nazis in 1944 after which they were sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp has become a museum dedicated to her story. It is the second time in less than a month that the statue of one of the worlds most recognisable victims of the Holocaust has been targeted, according to television station AT5 and confirmed to AFP by the police source. AT5 said that the statue in a southern Amsterdam park had been vandalised on July 9, after which the municipality called for increased protection of the site with video surveillance cameras and night-time lighting. Anti-Semitic incidents have multiplied across the world since the beginning of Israels war with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip sparked by Hamass October 7 attacks. The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, while militants also seized 251 hostages of whom 111 are still held captive in Gaza. Advertisement Israels military says that 39 of those still held in the Palestinian territory are already dead. Israels campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,580 people in Gaza, according to the territorys health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. The Houthis have offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which has seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip read more Houthi followers participate in a parade as part of a 'popular army' mobilization campaign by the movement, in Sanaa, Yemen on 7 February, 2024. Reuters File A suspected missile attack by Yemens Houthi rebels struck a container ship travelling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said Sunday, likely the first assault by the group since Israeli airstrikes targeted them. The Houthis have offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which has seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement But the resumption comes after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the Houthis main benefactor, amid renewed concerns over the war breaking out into a regional conflict. The attack on Saturday happened some 225 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Aden in a stretch of the Gulf of Aden that has seen numerous Houthi attacks previously. A security official on the vessel said a missile struck the vessel, but no fires, water ingress or oil leaks have been observed, according to a statement from the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre, a clearinghouse for information on attacks in the Mideast. The UKMTO did not immediately identify the vessel hit. The private security firm Ambrey also reported the attack. Details reported by the two organizations suggested the vessel targeted was the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton, which had left Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Grotons Greek managers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Houthis did not immediately claim the attack Saturday. However, it can take the rebels hours or even days before they acknowledge an assault. The rebels have targeted more than 70 vessels by firing missiles and drones in their campaign that have killed four sailors. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the time since. Other missiles and drones have been either intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or splashed down before reaching their targets. Advertisement The Houthis maintain that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain as part of the rebels campaign they say seeks to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the war including some bound for Iran. The Houthis also have launched drones and missiles toward Israel, including an attack July 19 that killed one person and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv. Israel responded the next day with airstrikes on the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida that hit fuel depots and electrical stations, killing and wounding a number of people, the rebels say. Advertisement In the time since, there has not been a reported attack on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which links Asia and the Middle East to Europe through the Suez Canal. Since November, Houthi attacks have disrupted the $1 trillion flow of goods passing through the region annually while also sparking the most intense combat the US Navy has seen since World War II. The killing of Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked concerns of a new escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. Already, the US military says it will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and keep an aircraft carrier in the region. Advertisement The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will enter the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman. Other ships are in the Mediterranean Sea with a Marine detachment if regional evacuations become necessary. Meanwhile Saturday, the US militarys Central Command said its forces destroyed a Houthi missile and launcher in Yemen. Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, sparked the war. In the time since, Israel has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and 590 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say. UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence released a statement on Saturday in which they stated that consular experts, border force officials and military personnel have been deployed to the region as part of planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios read more portraits of slain leaders, Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, Iranian Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani (C), and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr on the road to Beirut airport on 3 August. AFP While France is urging nationals to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, the United Kingdom is stepping up preparations for the possible evacuation of British nationals from the country, following the last weeks assassinations in Beirut and Tehran. UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence released a statement on Saturday in which they stated that consular experts, border force officials and military personnel have been deployed to the region as part of planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios. Advertisement Tensions escalated in the Middle East after the death of two prime faces in Hezbollah and Hamas. Earlier this week, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) said that the Lebanese groups commander Fuad Shukr was in an airstrike. Days after the attack news broke that the head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniey was killed while he was staying in a guesthouse in Iran. While Israel did not claim the responsibility of Haniyehs death, the Jewish nation took most of the blame. In the Saturday, announcement the British government also mentioned that landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan are already in the eastern Mediterranean, and the air force is putting transport helicopters on standby. The government also repeated calls for British nationals in Lebanon to leave while commercial options are still available, joining India and several other countries. France and Sweden raise alarm On Sunday, France made the same request to its citizens as the tensions in the region reached an all-time high. In a highly volatile security context, we once again call the attention of French nationals, particularly those passing through, to the fact that direct commercial flights and ones with stopovers to France are still available, and we invite them to make their arrangements now to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The European nation estimates that around 23,000 of its citizens live in Lebanon, and last month around 10,000 French citizens were visiting the country. Earlier this week, India, Canada and Australia issued similar advisories. Sweden also announced the closure of its embassy in Beirut and called on its nationals to leave the country. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Ukraine has destroyed or damaged up to a third of Russias Black Sea fleet, according to Western estimates read more Russia's Rostov-on-Don submarine which Ukraine has claimed to have sunk (Photo: Reuters) In the latest blow to Russias Black Sea fleet, Ukraine has claimed sinking a submarine in Crimea. The Ukrainian military in a statement on Saturday said that it sunk the Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don in the port of Sevastopol on Friday, according to CNN. The boat sank on the spot, the statement was quoted as saying. The statement further said that the sinking of the submarine proves once again that there is no safe place for the Russian fleet in Ukrainian territorial waters of the Black Sea. Advertisement The sinking of Rostov-on-Don has not been independently confirmed so far. If confirmed, it would be the latest blow to Russias Black Sea fleet that has already lost up to a third of its vessels, according to Western estimates, which say the number of damaged or lost vessels is as high as 20-26. Even as the sinking of the submarine is not confirmed, it has been reported that Ukraine has struck Rostov-on-Don before. The CNN quoted the Ukrainian military as saying that the submarine was severely damaged in a missile attack in September 2023. Ukraine hits Russian airfield, oil depots The purported attack on Rostov-on-Don submarine was part of the broader Russian attack on airfields and oil depots. In recent months, Ukraine has been striking deep inside Russian territories and in Russia-held Ukrainian territories. The targets include military facilities, military factories, and oil refineries and depots. The Ukrainian government said the attack on Friday struck targets Belgorod, Kursk, and Rostov regions, according to Reuters. The military also damaged four launchers of the S-400 anti-aircraft Triumf defence system, according to the statement. The agency further reported Ukraine as saying that the attack also hit an ammunition depot at Morozovsk airfield where Russian keeps guided aerial bombs. Regional tensions have soared following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas top leader, on Wednesday, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran read more U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran, as fears mounted that Israels war against Palestinian militants in Gaza could escalate into a wider Middle East conflict. Regional tensions have soared following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas top leader, on Wednesday, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran. Advertisement Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for Haniyehs killing, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Biden said on Saturday in response to a shouted question, I hope so. I dont know. Seeking to bolster defenses in the Middle East in response to threats from Israels foes, the Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region. Haniyehs death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the Gaza war nears its 11th month, and it fuelled concern that the conflict in Gaza was turning into a wider Middle East war. Hamas said it had begun a broad consultation process to choose a new leader three days after the assassination of Haniyeh, who was the face of the groups international diplomacy. The U.S. and international partners including France, Britain, Italy and Egypt continued diplomatic contacts on Saturday seeking to prevent further regional escalation. The U.S. urged its citizens who wish to leave Lebanon to start making plans immediately, and the British government advised its nationals to leave now. Canada warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, saying the regional armed conflict endangered security. Advertisement Violence in Gaza and West Bank Violence continued on Saturday in the Palestinian territories. An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza City killed at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday, hours after two strikes in the occupied West Bank killed nine militants including a local Hamas commander, Hamas said. The Israeli military said the first of two West Bank airstrikes hit a vehicle in a town near the city of Tulkarm, targeting a militant cell it said was on its way to carry out an attack. A Hamas statement said one of those killed was a commander of its Tulkarm brigades, while its ally Islamic Jihad claimed the other four men who died in the strike as its fighters. Advertisement Hours later, a second airstrike in the area targeted another group of militants who had fired on troops, Israels military said, during what it described as a counterterrorism operation in Tulkarm. Palestinian news agency WAFA said four people had died in that strike, and Hamas said all nine of those killed in the two Israeli attacks in the West Bank were fighters. At least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, according to Gaza health officials. The offensive was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement A high-level Israeli delegation made a brief visit to Cairo on Saturday in an attempt to resume Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Egyptian airport authority sources said. The Israeli officials returned to Israel hours later, Israeli media said. Chances of a breakthrough appear low following the latest incidents in Lebanon and Iran. Israel has not said whether or not it was behind Haniyehs assassination. But Netanyahu said earlier this week that Israel had delivered crushing blows to Irans proxies of late, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The police initially said four people were wounded. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service later confirmed that the woman had died read more Israeli police and medics say a woman in her 70s was killed and three other people were wounded in a stabbing attack in a suburb of Tel Aviv. The police said the attacker was a resident of the West Bank, suggesting that Sundays attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant. They said the attacker was neutralized and that a search was underway for other suspects in Holon, where the stabbings occurred. Advertisement Tensions have soared across the region since Hamas Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza last year. Israel is bracing for retaliation after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike in Lebanon and Hamas top political leader in an attack in Irans capital last week. The police initially said four people were wounded. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service later confirmed that the woman had died. It said a 70-year-old man was in critical condition, a 68-year-old man was in severe condition and a 26-year-old man was in moderate condition. Ukraine has received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the delivery but stressed that additional jets are necessary to effectively counter Russian advances read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup Airbase in Vojens, Denmark, August 20, 2023. REUTERS/File Photo Ukraine has received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday, adding that more are needed to beat back Russian forces. For more than two years, Ukraine has pleaded with its Western partners for the aircraft long considered the crown jewel in the sprawling list of military hardware Kyiv has sought. We often heard the word impossible. Now it is a reality. Reality in our skies. F-16s in Ukraine. We made it happen, Zelensky said, as some flew above him during the announcement. Advertisement Zelensky was standing in front of what looked like two grey, partially-covered F-16s branded with the Ukrainian trident, in a location reporters were asked not to disclose for security reasons. I am proud of all our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country, he said. He did not say how many jets had been delivered and declined to comment on their specific tasks, but AFP journalists saw at least two F-16s on the spot. The announcement will likely be welcomed by many and comes as Kyivs forces are struggling to hold back advances by Russian troops in recent weeks. Kyiv hopes the arrival of the fighter jets touted for their precision, speed and range will enable it to better protect itself from Russian bombardment. - Not enough - Zelensky, however, immediately warned more were needed. Our partners know that the number of F-16s we have in Ukraine, the number of pilots who have already been trained, is not enough, he said. The good news is that we are expecting additional F-16s, he added. Several NATO countries have pledged to supply varying numbers of the fighter jets and have been training Ukrainian pilots and crews for months. Advertisement Our guys are training a lot, Zelensky said, thanking Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and other allies. Amid a Russian air campaign in recent months, President Volodymyr Zelensky has placed Ukraines need for improved air defences at the top of his agenda in meetings with allies. During an interview with AFP in May, Zelensky said Ukraine needed around 130 F-16s to secure parity with Russian air power. Ukraines partners, however, have promised to send less than 100 F-16s to date, with most likely to arrive over the course of several years following substantial pilot training. Recent strikes on Ukrainian airfields have also raised questions about Kyivs ability to protect the multi-million-dollar planes from Russian raids. Advertisement In early July, Russia claimed to have destroyed five military jets during a barrage on an air base in central Ukraine. Following the bombing, Ukrainian military correspondents lambasted the air forces top brass, saying planes at the airfield had been parked in the open without sufficient protection. Ukraines air force has long relied on a fleet of ageing Soviet-era MIG-29 and Sukhoi jets, which have increasingly come under strain following more than two years of demanding combat missions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that the reports of Wagner Groups presence in Venezuela indicates that Russia is shamelessly meddling in the countrys internal affairs as the Latin American nation continues to witness post-poll protests read more As the tussle continues for the presidency in Venezuela even after the elections, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of shamelessly meddling in the South American nations internal affairs. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Ukrainian leader claimed that there has been a presence of Russian mercenary group Wagner in the country. The Ukrainian leader took to X to unleash a scathing attack against Russia over the matter. Advertisement Worrying reports of Russian Wagner mercenaries being spotted in Venezuela alongside government forces. Wherever these thugs go, they bring death and destabilization. This is a clear example of Russias shameless meddling in other countries affairs, as well as its usual strategy of sowing chaos around the world, Zelenskyy wrote on X. We see that the people of Venezuela are going through a very difficult time. And the only way out is through peaceful and democratic procedures, not through sending murderers to exacerbate the situation further. We condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters and urge everyone to respect the peoples choice. True leaders dont hide from their people behind mercenaries backs, he added. Wagners presence in Venezuela goes way back However, this is not the first time there have been reports about the Russian groups presence in the Latin American nation. In 2019, it was reported that Russian private security contractors travelled to Venezuela to provide security to the embattled President Nicolas Maduro. Citing three sources, Reuters reported that the mercenaries were linked to the Wagner group which was then led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. This was seen as the first deployment of the group in the Western Hemisphere. The order came down to form a group to go to Venezuela. They are there to protect those at the highest levels of the government, Yevgeny Shabaev, a Cossack leader with ties to military contractors, told The Guardian by telephone at that time. It is pertinent to note that both Russia and China have heavy investments in the country, hence they keep a close eye on who is ruling it. Advertisement Protests continue in Venezuela Meanwhile, huge crowds headed back to the streets of different cities in Venezuela to continue their campaign against President Maduros alleged attempt to steal last weeks election. The demonstrations came a day after the Venezuelan leader said 2,000 people had been arrested and would face maximum punishment. Tens of thousands of dissenters packed an avenue in the heart of the capital, Caracas, to hear Maria Corina Machados stance. Machado who claimed her candidacy for the presidents post also claimed that Edmundo Gonzalez, was the true winner of the 28 July vote. Today is a very important day. After six days of brutal repression they thought they would silence us, frighten us and paralyse us [But] we are going to go all the way, Machado told a sea of supporters, many of them waving Venezuelas tricolour flag or holding placards denouncing Maduros authoritarian regime. We are not afraid! the crowd chanted as they marched on. Advertisement It is pertinent to note that Gonzalez victory in the turbulent polls has been recognised by the US, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. Meanwhile, countries like Brazil and Colombia are yet to accept Maduros win despite their historical ties to the political movement he inherited after Hugo Chavezs 2013 death. China and Russia on the other hand have come in support of Maduro. With inputs from agencies. Les manifestants reclament la suspension de la subvention aux carburants, et demandent au president de "mettre fin a la souffrance et a la faim". "Je vous ai entendus clairement. Je comprends la douleur et la frustration qui motivent ces manifestations", a affirme, dimanche 4 aout, le president du Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dans un discours televise. Il s'agit de sa premiere prise de parole publique depuis le debut des manifestations dans le pays, une semaine plus tot. Le chef de l'Etat a appele a la fin de la mobilisation contre la vie chere et des "effusions de sang", alors qu'au moins 13 manifestants ont ete tues par les forces de l'ordre, selon Amnesty International. The Nigerian authorities must end the harrowing track record of using unlawful lethal force on peaceful protesters. We again and again call for an end to the systematic impunity by the police that continues to perpetuate cycles of bloodshed during peaceful #protests. Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) August 3, 2024 Dans cette allocution, le president Tinubu a exhorte ses compatriotes a "suspendre toute nouvelle protestation et a creer un espace de dialogue". "Je vous assure que notre gouvernement s'engage a ecouter et a repondre aux preoccupations de nos concitoyens", a poursuivi le dirigeant nigerian. "Mais nous ne devons pas laisser la violence et la destruction dechirer notre nation, a-t-il averti. Nous devons mettre un terme aux effusions de sang, a la violence et a la destruction". Pays le plus peuple d'Afrique, le Nigeria traverse une grave crise economique, a la suite de reformes mises en place par le president Tinubu, arrive au pouvoir en mai 2023. L'inflation des denrees alimentaires depasse les 40% et le prix de l'essence a triple. Les manifestants, qui ont lance sur les reseaux sociaux le mot d'ordre #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria ("Mettons fin a la mauvaise gouvernance au Nigeria"), demandent au president de revenir sur certaines reformes, comme la suspension de la subvention aux carburants, et de "mettre fin a la souffrance et a la faim". Russo-Ukraine War - 03 August 2024 - Day 892 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 the average daily Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine has fallen over the past two months from a conflict high of over 1262 per day in May to 1140 in July 2024. Despite this reduction, the last three months have been the costliest for Russian forces since February 2022, according to Ukrainian General Staff reporting. The reduction in daily average is likely indicative of Russian forces consolidating positions on the Kharkiv axis. Although this new approach has increased the pressure on the frontline, an effective Ukrainian defence and a lack of Russian training reduces Russia's ability to exploit any tactical successes into wider operational gains. Russia's casualty rate will likely continue to average above 1,000 a day throughout August 2024 as Russia continues offensive operations on a wide front from Kharkiv in the north to Robotyne in the south of Ukraine The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 102 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the Russian adversary's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion throughout the frontline. Russia is most actively coming in the Intercession direction. Russian zagarbniki made three strikes on the territory of Ukraine with six rockets, and 49 air strikes, dropping 62 kabi. In addition, 542 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out more than 3,500 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces three times attacked the defensive borders of Ukrainian warriors near Deep, Pacific and vovchans ka, where currently one combat is ongoing. In the Kupiansky direction, the Russian opponent carried out 14 offensive actions in the areas of Sinkivka, Kolesnikivka, Glushkivka, Stelmakhivka, Andriyivka and Berestovoye. Twelve attacks have been stopped, two are continuing. In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniki attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Terniv, Nevsky and Makiyivka. As a result of the boezitknen , Ukraine suffered defeats. In the Siversky direction during combat clashes, defenders of Ukrainian land repelled seven Russian attacks in the areas of Ivano-Darievka, Verkhnyokamiansky, Spirny and Viymka. Six fights completed, one still going. In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces carried out eight offensive actions near Vasyukivka, Temporary Yar and Andriyivka. Defense forces repelled four attacks, four more to go. In the Toretsky direction Russians 16 times attacked Ukrainian troops near Zaliznogo, Toretsk, New York and Northern. Twelve battles are completed, four more are ongoing. In the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, 34 battles near settlements have been sharpened, namely Panteleimonivka, Vozdvizhenka, Ivanivka, Zhelanne, Novoselivka Persha, Kalinove, Mezhove and Yasnobrodivka. Defense forces repelled 27 attacks, seven - still continuing. The Russian enemy is concentrating his efforts near the desired. According to detailed information, today in this direction there were 179 Russian occupiers, 66 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed one SAU, seven UAVs of different types and three units of motor transport. In addition, two tanks, five D-30 howlers, four SUVs and six vehicles were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces attacked five times Ukrainian positions near Krasnogorivka, Georgievka, Konstantinivka and Paraskovievka. Four attacks - repelled, one - in progress. In the Vremivs komu direction, the Russian opponent made three offensive actions towards Konstantinivka, Rozdolny and Vodiyany, where one confrontation is currently continuing. In the orihivs komu direction, all Russian enemies of the attack positions of Ukrainian units near robotinogo had no success. In other directions, the situation has not changed much. Today it is worth celebrating the soldiers of the 77th separate aeromobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who effectively destroy the Russian enemy, inflicting heavy losses in live force and equipment. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the units of the Sever Group of Forces have engaged manpower and hardware of 31st, 42nd mechanised brigades of the AFU, the 101st Territorial Defence Brigade, and the 13th National Guard Brigade close to Zarozhnoye, Prikolotnoye, Liptsy, Staritsa, and Volchansk (Kharkov region). Russian troops have repelled three counter-attacks of the AFU 92nd Air Assault Brigade and the AFU 36th Marine Brigade. The AFU losses were up to 200 Ukrainian troops, four pickup trucks, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station. The units of the Zapad Group of Forces have captured more advantageous lines and positions, defeated 14th, 67th, and 115th mechanised brigades of the AFU near Kupyansk, Petropavlovka (Kharkov region), Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops have repelled two counter-attacks of AFU 66th and 67th mechanised brigades' assault detachments. The AFU losses were up to 470 Ukrainian troops, one tank, one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, and ten motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one 155-mm Polish-made Krab and one UK-made Braveheart artillery systems, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 105-mm UK-made L-119 gun, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun have been eliminated. In addition, 22 field ammunition depots have been also destroyed. The units of the Yug Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of 23rd, 24th, 72nd mechanised, 59th motorised infantry, 80th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 103rd and 109th territorial defence brigades near Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, Chasov Yar, Dyleyevka, Krasnogorovka, and Katerinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks by the AFU 5th Assault Brigade and the 117th Territorial Defence Brigade have been repelled. The AFU losses were up to 710 Ukrainian troops, one tank, 10 motor vehicles, one 203-mm Pion self-propelled artillery system, two U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzers, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one 105-mm UK-made L-119 gun, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun. In addition, two Anklav electronic warfare stations and three field ammunition depots have been eliminated. The units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depths of enemy defences. Russian troops have hit 31st, 32nd, 47th, 151st mechanised, 1st tank, and 95th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Toretsk, Shcherbinovka, Sergeyevka, Nikolayevka, Grodovka, Vozdvizhenka, and Kalinovo (Donetsk People's Republic). Three counter-attacks by assault detachments of 100th, 110th mechanised brigades of the AFU and the Lut Brigade of the Ukrainian National Police have been repelled. The AFU losses were up to 400 Ukrainian troops, three infantry fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made Bradley and German-made Marder armoured personnel carriers, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery station. The units of the Vostok Group of Forces have taken more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Vodyanoye and Storozhevoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 115 Ukrainian troops, one tank, six motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have inflicted fire damage on the AFU 124th Infantry Brigade, the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, the 39th Coastal Defence Brigade, and the 37th Marine Brigade near Shcherbaki, Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), Burgunka, and Sadovoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 80 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm U.S.-made M777 howitzer, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have hit two S-125 surface-to-air missile system launchers, one P-18 radar station for detecting and tracking air targets, AFU fuel depots, one temporary deployment point for foreign mercenaries as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 138 areas. Air defence systems have shot down one U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missile, nine U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 140 unmanned aerial vehicles, 80 of them outside the special military operation zone. In total, 632 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,979 unmanned aerial vehicles, 561 air defence missile systems, 16,752 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,395 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,779 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,316 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New York, United States , Aug. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Black Tea Extract Market Size is to Grow from USD 138.7 Million in 2023 to USD 218.8 Million by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.66% during the projected period. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-sample/5386 Black tea is the most often consumed type of tea globally. Black tea extract is rich in the following elements: calcium, fluoride, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, and zinc. Growing public knowledge of the health benefits of tea drinking, such as better immune system function, cardiovascular health, and possible cancer prevention, is driving the market for black tea extract. The food sector is one of the many diverse industries that makes extensive use of the extract. One of the main market trends is the increasing demand for natural and organic components; in response, organic black tea extracts have been produced to appeal to consumers who are health-conscious. However, high production costs could hinder the market from expanding. Browse key industry insights spread across 217 pages with 116 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global Black Tea Extract Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Hot Water- Soluble, and Cold Water-Soluble), By Form (Powder, Liquid, and Encapsulated), By Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals), 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/5386 The hot water-soluble category is expected to have the largest share of the market. Based on product, the global black tea extract market is divided into hot water-soluble, and cold water-soluble. Among these, the hot water-soluble category is expected to have the largest share of the market. For products that dissolve in hot water, low quantities are usually used, such as 0.35 to 0.45g in 100 ml of water. Unlike cold water-soluble drinks, the antioxidant concentration of hot water- soluble products varies with extraction temperature, meaning that different types of antioxidants are present. The product is frequently sold in powdered form in a range of Flavors for use in making beverages. Demand for the powdered form has increased due to its improved properties, such as its ease of use and storage. Products that dissolve in hot water retain more nutrients and bioactive ingredients, making them superior to other beverages. Powder form is anticipated to be the market segment with the greatest dominance. Based on form, the global black tea extract market is divided into powder, liquid, and encapsulated. Among these, powder form is anticipated to be the market segment with the greatest dominance. The powder form is used in the cosmetics industry, and it is anticipated to develop at the highest rate due to the rising demand for organic and personal care goods. The product is primarily found in powdered form in nutrient-dense ready-to-drink alternatives since consumers are opting to utilize them more frequently. Because powdered extracts dissolve readily and offer different antioxidant properties at different temperatures, they can be used in hot or cold water-soluble products for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, factors like simple stockings and international transportation are expected to account for substantial growth. It is anticipated that the cosmetics business will expand its market share. Based on the application, the global black tea extract market is divided into food & beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Among these, it is anticipated that the cosmetics business will expand its market share. The cosmetics industry is predicted to increase at the fastest rate over the projected period of time due to the addition of organic components and rising public awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic materials. Over the course of the forecast period, it is anticipated that the product's application in perfumes would have the largest market share relative to other personal care products. The extracts have several benefits, including being astringent, humectant, antifungal, and skin conditioner. Growth is expected to be propelled by the cosmetics industry's demand for the product. Throughout the projection period, black tea extract sales are also anticipated to increase more quickly as a result of customers' increased awareness of environmental issues while making purchases. Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/5386 Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the black tea extract market over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the black tea extract market over the forecast period. The black tea extract market is expected to be dominated by Asia Pacific due to the region's increasing trend of production and consumption. Rising disposable income, the presence of major corporations in the Asia Pacific area, and changing consumer tastes toward ready-to-drink beverages are all anticipated to contribute to the product's expansion. Over the course of the projected period, it is expected that these innovative manufacturing techniques will be the driving force behind the rise in product consumption, as many businesses are focusing on generating items that are precisely designed for end-use industries. North America is predicted to grow at the fastest pace in the black tea extract market during the projected timeframe. North America is anticipated to be the biggest importer of the product when it comes to employing it for ready-to-drink beverages, cosmetic applications, and other beauty supplement industries. There was a noticeable spike in demand for ready-to-drink beverages in the area due to their superior nutritional value compared to other herbal drinks. 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 black tea extract market include Amax NutraSource, Inc, Kemin Industries, AVT Natural Products Ltd., Cymbio Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Phyto Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Blueberry Agro Products Pvt. Ltd., Synthite Industries Limited, Finlays, Martin Bauer Group, Kemin Industries, Cymbio Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Teawolf, Teawell, Teavigo, Teanin, and Others. Get Discount At @ https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-discount/5386 Recent Developments In June 2022, the goal of British-based Certified B-Corp tea company Clipper Tea is to make tea better for the next generation of tea drinkers by offering them trendy flavors and sought-after experiences. Market Segment This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the global black tea extract market based on the below-mentioned segments: Global Black Tea Extract Market, By Product Hot Water- Soluble Cold Water-Soluble Global Black Tea Extract Market, By Form Powder Liquid Encapsulated Global Black Tea Extract Market, By Application Food & Beverages Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Global Black Tea Extract Market, By Regional 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 Browse Related Reports Global Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Market Size , Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (WPC 34%, WPC 80%, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverage (Dairy Products, Beverages, Bakery & Confectionery), Nutraceuticals, Animal Feed, and Pharmaceuticals), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors, and Online Retail), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 2033 Global Black Tea Extract Market Size , Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Product (Hot Water- Soluble, and Cold Water-Soluble), By Form (Powder, Liquid, and Encapsulated) By Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033 Global Honey Food Market size , Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Raw, Conventional, Processed, Organic, Manuka, Clover, Others), By Application (Spreading, Beverage, Culinary, Medicinal), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Specialty Stores), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033 Global Vegan Food Market Size , Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Product (Dairy Alternatives, Meat Substitutes, and Others), By Source (Almond, Soy, Oats, Wheat, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Stores, and Others), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033 About the Spherical Insights & Consulting Spherical Insights & Consulting is a market research and consulting firm which provides actionable market research study, quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight especially designed for decision makers and aids ROI. Which is catering to different industry such as financial sectors, industrial sectors, government organizations, universities, non-profits and corporations. The company's mission is to work with businesses to achieve business objectives and maintain strategic improvements. CONTACT US: For More Information on Your Target Market, Please Contact Us Below: Phone: +1 303 800 4326 (the U.S.) Phone: +91 90289 24100 (APAC) Email: inquiry@sphericalinsights.com, sales@sphericalinsights.com Contact Us: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/contact-us Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter VANCOUVER, August 4, 2024 - China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (the "Company" or "China Gold International Resources") announces that, its board of directors (the "Board") has accepted the resignation of Mr. Junhu Tong ("Mr. Tong") as the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company with effect from August 2, 2024. Mr. Tong is retiring in accordance with the retirement age policies of the Company. Mr. Tong has confirmed that he has no disagreement with the Board and that there are no matters relating to his resignation that need to be brought to the attention of the Company's shareholders, HKEx and applicable securities regulators. "Working with the Company has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we've accomplished together," said Mr. Tong. "As I step down and move into retirement, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, including the board members who have long supported my work, the management team and all employees, the Company's shareholders, and the local communities of our mining operations." The Company offers its sincere gratitude and the highest respect to Mr. Tong for his dedicated leadership and services and for his invaluable contributions during his tenure and wishes him to enjoy his retirement life. In the interim, before the new Chairman and CEO are appointed, Mr. Shiliang Guan ("Mr. Guan") will temporarily oversee the Company's operations. Mr. Guan is the Vice President of the Company's controlling shareholder, China National Gold Group Hong Kong Limited. He is a senior professional mining engineer and has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry. Mr. Guan served as an Executive Director and Vice President of the Company from 2016 to 2019. Mr. Guan also served as the Chairman of the Company's subsidiary Tibet Huatailong Mining Development Co., Ltd. from 2015 to 2021 managing the Company's Jiama Mine operations. The Company will issue a further announcement regarding the appointment of the new Chairman and CEO as and when appropriate. About China Gold International Resources China Gold International Resources is a gold and base metal mining company incorporated in BC, Canada and operates two mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, China and the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine in Tibet, China. The Company's objective is to build shareholder value through growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX: 2099). For further information on the Company, please refer to SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk, the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, or call the Company at +1-604-609-0598 and email to info@chinagoldintl.com. Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. This quiet village in Cape Cod, best known for the Four Seas Ice Cream shop, hardly seems like the birthplace of a legislative movement that has spread across the U.S. and overseas to Europe and China. But 40 years ago, Stephen Lakis, founder and president of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF), rented a typewriter here and set up operations on a friends dining room table, hoping to help legislative leaders get better at their jobs.Once Lakis had established the foundation as a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization, he found more permanent quarters in an office above a Centerville liquor store. Looking back, it was a very funny time, but it was perfect for us, he says.But if location didnt matter, the programs certainly did. Modeling them after the Harvard Kennedy Schools educational workshops for freshman legislators in Congress, the nascent foundation set out to create a school that would provide what Lakis calls serious learning experiences for its core constituency of about 500 elected legislative officials, focused primarily on state speakers, presidents, majority and minority leaders, whips, select committee chairs and others.Similar in age but much smaller and less well known than the National Conference of State Legislatures or even the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), SLLF was born at a time when state legislatures were believed to be inefficient and inadequate. The foundations original list of reforms concerning openness and ethics has been recast in terms of transparency and integrity, but still resonate today.In the last year, with funding from sponsoring corporations, the foundation has brought dozens of legislators to major universities for programs on revitalizing the middle class and trust in government, health care, the environment and the economy.SLLF also convenes an annual emerging legislative leaders conference at the University of Virginia. Participants arrive on campus identified by their state and legislative role. But missing is their party affiliation. We ask everybody to take the Ds and the Rs off, says University of Virginia professor Ed Freeman. Theres never been any pressure to make it a lefty or righty program. It has always been about broadening the conversation. Lakis says participants appreciate that because it provides respite from the reality where they often have to wear ideological labels too heavily at home.The SLLF conference helps emerging and veteran legislators work across conventional divides, and Lakis hopes it might inoculate them from todays nasty civic virus. The country is in a rough patch right now because of a national malaise of intense, no-compromise partisanship, he says. It has infected a lot of legislators in a lot of states, but I dont see it as something that can sustain itself.Freeman credits SLLF for protecting itself from potential pitfalls. Unlike the larger and explicitly ideological ALEC, which finds itself embattled over its model legislation on voter ID rules and Stand Your Ground gun laws, Freeman says the foundations success lay largely in avoiding partisan positions while playing to its strength of arranging robust, informed discussion, and letting participants interpret and act on issues for themselves.The foundation also has spread geographically over the decades. Beyond its New England home, it now has offices in Washington, D.C., and Berlin, with work under way to establish ties in Beijing. The underlying idea remains disarmingly simple and unchanged 40 years after its founding. It is equal parts Steve Lakis and Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizen legislators can change the world. Indeed, it may be the only thing that can. Last months teacher strike in Chicago -- the citys first since 1987 -- was yet another of the years attention-getters for public employee unions. The strike raises a lot of questions about how much power unions should have and the methods they use to get better pay, benefits or working conditions. But it also raises another question: If teachers in the nations third largest school district can strike over issues that are troubling many states and cities, why dont other public employees do the same (especially in places like Wisconsin where their collective bargaining rights are under attack)?Only 11 states give public employees the right to strike, while the other 39 prohibit it. But even in those 11 states, strikes are rare and alternative dispute resolution tactics are used more often.I spoke with Linda Kaboolian, a public policy lecturer at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government and co-author of, about why strikes arent more common and what other options unionized public workers have for getting what they want. Kaboolians edited responses appear below.Strikes are at a historic low -- even where theyre permitted. If you take a look at the data from the past 30 years, we practically have no strikes occurring. I think that public opinion and tolerance level for public-employee strikes is probably fairly low, and when you have a number of states trying to take the right to strike away, that has a chilling effect on the use of collective action like a strike. Its not an opportune environment for public workers to be thinking about doing that.Additionally, while the private sector has used lockouts and striker replacement against employees on strike, thats not as possible in the public sector because a lockout means no services. And in terms of replacement employees, public workers are usually in some position of trust that you wouldnt just hire someone to come in for a week to do.The last reason is that the economic climate has not been good, and the truth of the matter is that you dont strike during tough economic times. One thing thats really underreported is that public sector unions have given a lot of concessions in recent years. Before Wisconsins controversial collective bargaining law was passed in 2011, the unions had already given contract concessions because the economic climate was so bad. Since the start of the Great Recession in 2008, there have been many contract concessions. This doesnt mean everyone thinks there are enough concessions.If youre a union leader in the public sector and times are flush, then you want to make sure your members get their fair share. But if times arent flush -- and you know theyre not -- then you really arent in the position to exert that kind of power. When I talk to people at the top of these unions, they know there was no money. They arent worried teachers are getting money and firefighters arent; there was no money. There was no reason to strike because theres nothing to strike over. Public-sector strikes can only be about economic issues when and where theyre allowed.I think the issue in Chicago was very different, and if youre thinking about why that strike was such an unusual event, you have to take a look at it in the context of whats happening in education reform. This was coming to a head for a very long time. Its very different than whats happening in the rest of the public sector. It was policy-driven rather than economics-driven. And I think in that sense, it was a very bold thing to do. It was remarkable how much public support they had. The surveys of parents -- the parents who were quite inconvenienced -- were remarkably supportive of the teachers.Teachers, firefighters and police are the public workers that people feel a lot of empathy for because of the challenges of the job. You can push that to the limit -- as they have in Boston, where the firefighters have alienated the public with their demands -- but I think the support for teachers has a lot to do with the emphasis a community has on the importance of education.They havent banned them because when they set up collective bargaining laws, they did it in a political environment where the norm was that people had the right to strike but they did it very rarely. You have to remember that a strike is extremely expensive for employees -- it isnt just a problem for managers or politicians. People who are striking arent getting paid. Its always been seen as something public workers would do in the most extreme circumstances and only as a last resort. The fact that those laws have survived this climate is quite extraordinary, but its also because people obviously arent using the strike unwisely. If they were, I think you would see a lot of attempts to reform it.For those we didnt want to strike at all -- like police and fire because theyre so important -- we gave them alternative dispute resolution, because they should have some power that's countervailing to management. [Police and fire unions are more often than not barred from striking either through state law, judicial force or their own contracts.]Strikes are an artifact of the time where we thought about collective bargaining as a way of balancing power, and the potential for the strike to help balance that power. The potential itself leads to a kind of pressure to make a deal for both the employees and the employer: The union knows it has to build support for collective action and has to ask its members to make that sacrifice to not get paid, and for the employer it creates a deadline to make a deal.When employees cant strike, they usually have arbitration and mediation, which usually consists of determining whether the money is there, if the work is being done, and if the conditions are what the employees are talking about. Sometimes a professional comes in and actually tells both parties what the deal will be. There may even be some guidance in the state law as to how that deal is formulated; it could be prevailing wage of surrounding communities or something like that. Professional arbitrators are often used in the case of police and fire. Massachusetts has a very unusual method for police and fire where a union employer board does mediation for police and fire contracts.Sometimes employees work to rule, and they abide by the contract in its most narrow definitions. Normally, many employees do things that the contract doesnt say they have to do like working overtime or skipping lunch. When things get tense, then they can work to rule, which means if the contract says I leave at a certain time, thats when I leave. You cant catch me for a last conversation on my way out. My lunch is this many minutes and I use it all. Working to rule like that actually can be very difficult for an employer because the truth is that all of us give and take in the workplace every day. If they work to rule, employees do what they have to do and dont make accommodations. Everyone becomes extremely rigid, and it really hampers production. News / Agriculture by Staff Reporter In a landmark event for the cattle ranching industry, Collins Tafireyi, a Zimbabwean cattle rancher, shattered auction records today by purchasing a prized Boran Stud bull for an unprecedented R8 million (US$444,000). The record-breaking purchase took place at the Hurwitz Farming Production Auction held at the Bull Ring Auction House in Davel, Mpumalanga.The star of the auction, Lot 10 Cyclone, captured the attention of bidders far and wide, but it was Tafireyi, a dedicated Boran breeder from Sinyo Boran Stud in Hwedza, Mashonaland East province, who ultimately secured the coveted bull. Tafireyi outbid his friend and neighbor, Rogers Sithole of Black Ox Farming, in a spirited contest that highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit among Boran breeders."I am thrilled and honored to bring Lot 10 Cyclone to Zimbabwe," Tafireyi remarked. "This bull represents the pinnacle of breeding excellence, and I am excited about the future possibilities it brings to Sinyo Boran Stud."This acquisition sets a new record for all breeds, a significant milestone for Tafireyi, who has been in the specialized Boran breeding business for only three years. The Boran breed, known for its adaptability and superior genetics, is highly prized among cattle ranchers, making Tafireyi's achievement even more remarkable.The Hurwitz Farming Production Auction is a premier event in the cattle industry, drawing buyers and Boran enthusiasts from across the globe. With nearly 30 years of experience, Hurwitz Farming has been a pioneering force in promoting the Boran breed in South Africa, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the industry."We are incredibly proud to have hosted this historic auction," said a spokesperson for Hurwitz Farming. "The record-breaking sale of Lot 10 Cyclone underscores the exceptional quality of Boran cattle and the passion of breeders like Collins Tafireyi."As the hammer fell at 11 am, signaling the conclusion of the auction, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and excitement. The successful bid not only highlighted Tafireyi's dedication to excellence but also marked a significant moment for the cattle ranching community in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.With Lot 10 Cyclone now headed to Sinyo Boran Stud, the future of Boran breeding in Zimbabwe looks promising, and Tafireyi's record-breaking purchase is set to inspire fellow breeders and enthusiasts across the region. The Honor 200 has a distinctive design some will love it, others will hate it. If you love it, this phone offers a capable camera system with a 50MP main (1/1.56, OIS), 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera and a 12MP ultra wide (112), plus a 50MP selfie camera that can record 4K video. The phone pairs a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset with a 6.7 1200p+ OLED display (10-bit, 120Hz, up to 4,000 nits brightness) and a 5,200mAh battery with 100W fast charging. The Honor 200 has a solid 28% discount right now and even better, you can claim a free JBL Charge 5 WiFi speaker (which has an MSRP of 230). Why does a speaker need Wi-Fi? Because besides Bluetooth, this one natively supports AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect and Alexa Multi-Room Music. The Charge 5 is quite powerful with a 30W woofer and 10W tweeter. Like other Charge 5 models, this one is IP67 dust and water resistant, so you can take it to the beach. And you can use its internal battery to recharge your phone. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is launching in the UK this weekend. However, a 12/256GB model costs 400 and you can have the regular Nothing Phone (2a) for 80 less. There is also a cheaper 8/128GB variant. You will miss out on the new 50MP/4K selfie camera (the original has a 32MP/1080p camera) and the slightly faster chipset and charging system, but the Plus isnt a huge upgrade by any means. However, instead of spending 300 on an 8/128GB Nothing Phone (2a), you can have a 12/512GB Poco X6 Pro for the same amount of cash. The display is of higher quality (sharper and with 12-bit colors), plus the Dimensity 8300 Ultra is faster than even the (2a) Plus chipset. The IP54 rating is the same as on the Nothing and the 5,000mAh battery supports faster 67W charging (100% in 45 minutes vs. 60 minutes). Pocos 64+8MP rear camera is no match for the 50+50MP of the Nothing phone, however. Theres also the Samsung Galaxy A55, but its fairly pricey at the moment weve seen it at just under 300. Still, with a long software support (4 OS updates, 5 years of patches) and the familiar One UI software, this is a safe pick for current Samsung users. Foldables are still too pricey for mass adoption, but last years Razr 40 Ultra is down to 650. And in some ways it is better than the Razr 50, which is currently around 100 more, e.g. the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 tops the Dimensity 7300X easily. Samsung pushed back the Galaxy Tab S unveiling this year (normally it happens alongside the new Z foldables) and we dont know whether there will be any Tab S10 FE models, anyway we havent seen any leaks on the matter. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a 10.9 IPS LCD (1440p+) with 90Hz refresh rate. It has stereo speakers tuned by AKG and is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. It is powered by the Exynos 1380 and an 8,000mAh battery with 45W charging. Note that it lacks DeX support of any kind. Sonys LinkBuds have a fully open design, so they dont block ambient sound at all. This makes them perfect for when you absolutely have to remain aware of your surroundings. Thats a fairly niche use case, admittedly, but at half off you might try them out at the office or on your run. Samsung made big waves with the Galaxy Ring (which we are in the process of reviewing), but it was far from the first smart ring. For example, we recently reviewed the Ultrahuman Ring Air. Unlike the Oura Ring, this one doesnt require a monthly subscription. The companion app is pretty great. On the downside, the activity tracking wasnt as good as on a smartwatch. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. News / National by Staff reporter On Thursday, security agents at Beitbridge intercepted a South African truck smuggling 50 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, valued at thousands of dollars.The contraband was hidden within a shipment of copper cat-hood, transported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South Africa.The truck, registered in South Africa, was driven by Valentine Chitauro from Kuwadzana, Harare, who is now assisting police with the investigation.The cigarettes were discovered during routine searches of the truck, which had only declared copper cat-hood on its customs documents. Both the truck and the seized cigarettes have been confiscated, and investigations are ongoing.This incident is part of a broader crackdown on smuggling operations at the border, which has led to the arrest of at least five Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials involved in facilitating the illegal transport of chrome concentrate.Smuggling of cigarettes from Zimbabwe into South Africa through illegal crossings along the Limpopo River is common, with about 30 percent of South Africa's cigarette market supplied by Zimbabwean brands, including Remington Gold. If we want this island to change, we got to come out and vote, said Clint Gianchan, a 44-year-old Dededo resident who voted at Okkodo High School on Saturday. This sentiment was echoed by many voters across northern Guam as they participated in the 2024 primary election. From vote-rich Yigo and Dededo to Tamuning, citizens made their voices heard at various polling sites from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters shared a wide range of considerations that influenced their choices. Dededo resident Ji-Miare Guerrero, 27, emphasized the need for representatives who can positively impact the younger generation. Our generation has struggled for a while now. We need people who could build us up and keep us moving forward instead of keeping us in place, Guerrero said. Dededo has 15,110 registered voters, while Yigo has 7,237, based on Guam Election Commission data. Tamuning has 5,702 registered voters. In Tamuning, at John F. Kennedy High School, 23-year-old Nicholas Akimoto focused on candidates track records and innovative solutions. I was looking for something newer, maybe new solutions to the problems that we all are aware of, Akimoto said. Shia Mendiola, a 27-year-old teacher from Yigo, voting at D.L. Perez Elementary School, said she prioritizes education. I think about those who are for the education and those who are for the children, especially our students. Whats going to benefit our children and our future generation is important, Mendiola said. Miriam Rupley, 44, of Dededo, also emphasized the importance of education. Education is an issue that the schools are not going to be able to open on time. Theres still double sessions. And Sanchez still doesnt have a campus, Rupley noted, after voting at Liguan Elementary School. At the Dominican Catholic School in Dededo, Sherry Castro sought incumbents who have shown they are working for the people of Guam. I looked for whos going to help myself, my family, and the island, Castro said. Teddy Cruz, a 64-year-old from Dededo, voting at Wettengel Elementary School, expressed a desire for new leadership. I voted for a certain guy because theyre doing their job, and some ladies, its about time theyre doing their job, Cruz said. Ernesto Nucum, a 75-year-old from Dededo, also voting at Okkodo High School, stressed the need for economic improvement. The one important thing is that they worked in Guam for improvement, thinking about the tourists, so a lot of people here are going to get a lot of work, Nucum said. Nucum also shared his personal struggles. Im already a senior citizen, I need a job, one that can help with my medication, my food, and my family also in the Philippines. A lot of people need jobs in Guam, he said, highlighting the pressing economic challenges faced by many residents. Lastly, Donna Jackson, a 58-year-old from Dededo, also voting at Okkodo High School, voiced the need for genuine commitments. Theres a lot of empty promises from candidates, she said. I hope that one day the person I vote for will really work and improve our island. Authorities have released the name of a Florida sheriffs deputy killed in what officials called an ambush shooting that wounded two other deputies as they tried to reach him after all responded to a disturbance in a home. Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link died heroically serving his community and fellow deputies after the gunfire Friday night at a home in rural Eustis, Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said Saturday in a post on the offices Facebook page. Two suspects were killed and a third was wounded when police stormed the home in an attempt to retrieve Link, who had been shot and was trapped inside, officials said. Police received a report of a disturbance around 8 p.m. and two deputies went to one home before being directed to another home where they found a door that appeared to have been kicked in, Grinnell told reporters early Saturday morning. When the deputies entered the home, there was a lot of gunfire, Grinnell said. One deputy was shot and trapped inside while the other retreated, he said. More officers then arrived and formed a team to enter the house but were met with a hail of gunfire that struck another deputy, Grinnell added. One deputy, later identified as Link, did not survive, Grinnell said. The second deputy had a shoulder wound and was in stable condition while the third was hit in the armpit, groin and stomach area multiple times and was in serious/critical condition following surgery, he said. Grinnell said SWAT team members were involved in reentering the house in Eustis, about 37 miles (59 kilometers) northwest of Orlando, and law enforcement used equipment that tore the home apart to get in there to get Link out. Two people were found dead when SWAT entered the house and a third was taken to a hospital, Grinnell said. There was no history of violent crime there and nothing to indicate danger before the deputies were ambushed, he said. Officials later found multiple firearms, ranging from long guns to handguns, he said. Link, 28, first joined the county sheriffs office as a young Explorer and served in the Army reserves before being hired as a deputy sheriff in Polk County in 2017. He joined the Lake County sheriffs office as a deputy in October 2019. Grinnell said Brad, as he was known in the office, quickly became part of our family and faithfully served our citizens with courage and zeal and touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with. Links contributions and the impact of this loss will not soon be forgotten, he said. MIAMI (AP) A tropical depression moving into the Gulf of Mexico is growing better organized, forecasters said Saturday, and is likely to bring drenching rain and coastal flooding to much of Floridas Gulf Coast. The storm strengthened into a tropical depression late Friday, and is expected to become a tropical storm by Saturday night, once it has maximum sustained winds of 39 mph (63 kph) or more. If the depression reaches tropical storm status, it would be named Debby, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Circulation was centered about 15 miles (25 kilometers) west of Havana on Saturday afternoon, but associated wind and thunderstorms were spread out over a broad region, including southern and central Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. The National Hurricane Center in Miami forecasts that the depression will strengthen as it curves northward off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm, with temperatures approaching 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 Celsius) this week. System expected to come ashore as a tropical storm Estimated rainfall forecast from tropical depression four.National Hurricane Center, NOAA Predictions show the system could come ashore as strong tropical storm or hurricane on Monday and cross over northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean, where its likely to remain a tropical storm threatening Georgia and the Carolinas early next week. Tropical storm warnings are posted for most of Floridas West Coast and the Dry Tortugas. A hurricane watch is posted for parts of the Big Bend and Florida Panhandle, recognizing that there is a chance that Debby could reach hurricane status before coming ashore. A warning means storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, while a watch means that storm effects are possible within 48 hours. Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and the regions canals. Forecasters are warning of 5 to 10 inches (125 mm to 250 mm) of rain, which could create locally considerable flash and urban flooding. Forecasters are already warning of moderate flooding for some rivers along Floridas West Coast. Some of the heaviest rains could actually come next week in a region along the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville, Florida, north through coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The storm is expected to slow down after making landfall. We could see a stall or a meandering motion around coastal portions of the southeastern United States, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said in a Saturday briefing. So thats going to exacerbate not just the rainfall risk, but also the potential for storm surge and some strong winds. Flat Florida is prone to flooding even on sunny days when so-called king tides surge in coastal areas, and the storm is predicted to push up storm tides of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) along most of Floridas Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with a higher tide of 3 to 5 feet predicted farther north in Floridas sparsely populated Big Bend region. From left, Matthew Blowers and Patrick Brafford prepare to secure a lifeguard tower in preparation of potential storm at Clearwater Beach on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP)AP Forecasters issued a storm surge warning on Saturday, saying theres a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation in a region that includes Hernando Beach, Crystal River, Steinhatchee and Cedar Key. Citrus County officials ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal areas. A tropical storm warning was posted for the southern end of the Florida Keys, and multiple wind gusts above 45 mph (72 kph were recorded). On Saturday morning, conditions were windy and squally on Long Key, but Scott Battle, operator of Florida Boy Bar and Grill, pronounced things as fine. Its spitting off and on and blowing a little, but not too bad, he said by phone. Preparations are underway in Florida to guard against flooding People in some Florida cities on Friday filled sandbags to protect against possible flooding. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most Florida counties, extending from the Florida Keys up through Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region and into the western Panhandle. Christina Lothrop is the general manager at Blue Pelican Marina in Hernando Beach, a barrier island about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of St. Petersburg. She said Saturday still seemed like a regular summer day, with the public ramp across the street jammed with people launching boats. Today its kind of normal, which is kind of weird, Lothrop told The Associated Press by telephone. On the other hand, Lothrop said workers at her marina have been getting ready for the storm since Tuesday. Theyre securing boats stored on racks, stowing away tool boxes, and tying everything down. Right now what were doing is mostly tying up boats, she said, saying no boats would be left in the water to prevent them coming untied and drifting away or causing damage. Before the marina store closes Saturday, Lothrop said she will lift computers off the floor and sandbag and tape doors. Last years Hurricane Idalia pushed about a foot of water (30 centimeters) into the store. On Friday, crews pulled floating cranes away from a bridge construction project across Tampa Bay, lashing together 74 barges and 24 floating cranes and anchoring them until the storm passes, project engineer Marianne Brinson told the Tampa Bay Times. Crews also laid down cranes on land on their sides. For some Floridians, the name Debby summons bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State. That storm dumped torrential rains up the Florida Gulf Coast into northern Florida, including an astronomical 29 inches (730 mm) at a location south of Tallahassee. Rick Falkenstein, who owns Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, told WTSP-TV that he remembers the high tides, the flooding from that storm. Pinellas County paused a $5 million beach renourishment project necessitated in part by erosion from past storms. Meanwhile, far off Mexicos western coast, Hurricane Carlotta continued moving westward, deeper into the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, with top sustained winds reaching 90 mph (145 kph). The hurricane center said Carlotta may strengthen a little more, but should begin losing strength on Sunday as it moves into an area of unfavorable winds and drier air. The storm is likely to dissipate into a remnant of thunderstorms in three to four days. No watches or warnings are in effect. MIAMI (AP) Tropical Storm Debby strengthened rapidly Sunday and was expected to become a hurricane as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, bringing with it the threat of devastating floods to the southeast Atlantic coast later in the week. The storm was likely to become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall Monday in the Big Bend region of Florida, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. From there, the storm is expected to move eastward over northern Florida and then stall over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, drenching the region with the potential of record-setting rains totaling up to 30 inches (76 cm) beginning Tuesday. Theres some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way, Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said at a briefing Sunday. That would be record-breaking rainfall associated with a tropical cyclone for both the states of Georgia and South Carolina if we got up to the 30 inch level. The flooding impacts, which could last through Friday, are expected to be especially severe in low-lying areas near the coast, including Savannah, Georgia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina. Greatest flash flood risk over the next five days - Atlantic Coast map.National Hurricane Center, NOAA The hurricane center said in an update posted at 11 a.m. Sunday that Debby was located about 130 miles (210 kilometers) west-southwest of Tampa, Florida, and about 160 miles (260 kilometers) south-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida. The storm was moving north-northwest at 13 mph (21 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph), up from 50 mph (80) just a few hours ago. Officials also warned of life-threatening storm surge along Floridas Gulf Coast, with 6 to 10 feet of inundation expected Monday between the Ochlockonee and Suwannee rivers. Id urge all Floridians to be cognizant of the fact that we are going to have a hurricane hit the state, probably a Category 1, but it could be a little bit more powerful than that, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a Sunday morning briefing. But we are absolutely going to see a lot of rainfall. We are going to see a lot of saturation. We are going to see flooding events, he said. There is also going to be power outages. DeSantis said that, for the first time, constructed flood control devices are being placed at utility stations to try to minimize the risk of power interruptions because of flooding. We think that is going to be able to mitigate some of the power outages, DeSantis said. Meanwhile, wind and thunderstorms have spread over a broad area including southern Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June. The National Hurricane Center in Miami predicted the system will strengthen as it curves off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm. A hurricane warning was issued for parts of the Big Bend and the Florida Panhandle, while tropical storm warnings were posted for Floridas West Coast, the southern Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm watch extended farther west into the Panhandle. A warning means storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, while a watch means they are possible within 48 hours. Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and canals. Forecasters warned of 6 to 12 inches (150mm to 300 mm) of rain and up to 18 inches (450 mm) in isolated areas of Florida, which could create locally considerable flash and urban flooding. Forecasters also warned of moderate flooding for some rivers along Floridas West Coast. People walk along a windy Hollywood Beach as Tropical Storm Debby moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 in Hollywood, Fla.AP Storm surge expected to hit Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay Flat Florida is prone to flooding even on sunny days, and the storm was predicted to bring a surge of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) along most of the Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with a storm tide of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) north of there in the sparsely populated Big Bend region. Forecasters warned of a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation in a region that includes Hernando Beach, Crystal River, Steinhatchee and Cedar Key. Officials in Citrus and Levy counties ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal areas, while those in Hernando, Manatee, Pasco and Taylor counties called for voluntary evacuations. Shelters opened in those and some other counties. Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast estimated 21,000 people live in his countys evacuation zone. Officials rescued 73 people from storm surge flooding during last years Hurricane Idalia. Prendergast said by phone that he hopes not to have a repeat with Debby. After the storm surge does come in, we simply dont have enough first responders in our agency and among the other first responders in the county to go in and rescue everybody that might need to be rescued, he said. Flood preparations underway DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Floridas 67 counties, with the National Guard activating 3,000 guard members. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp made his own emergency proclamation on Saturday. The White House said federal and Florida officials were in touch and FEMA pre-positioned resources including water and food. In Tampa alone, officials gave out more than 30,000 sandbags to barricade against flooding. Weve got our stormwater drains cleared out. Weve got our generators all checked and full. Were doing everything that we need to be prepared to face a tropical storm, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. Florida State University in Tallahassee will be closed Monday due to the storm, the school announced. On Friday, crews pulled floating cranes away from a bridge construction project across Tampa Bay, lashing together 74 barges and 24 floating cranes and anchoring them, project engineer Marianne Brinson told the Tampa Bay Times. Crews also laid down cranes on land on their sides. Emergency managers in New England and New York were already monitoring the path of the storm for the possibility of remnants striking their states. States including New York and Vermont have been hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms in recent weeks and were still coping with flooding and saturated ground. Vermont, in particular, suffered two separate flooding events in July, and another could bring heavy damage to communities still repairing from earlier floods. The July storms came on the heels of last summers flood, destroying infrastructure, homes, and property, Gov. Phil Scott said Saturday. For some, the name Debby summons bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State. That storm dumped torrential rains, including an astronomical 29 inches (730 mm) south of Tallahassee. Haiti - FLASH : D-1 Baccalaureate exam schedules 2023-2024 On Friday, August 2nd, 2024, officials from the Ministry of National Education revealed that 121,006 candidates are expected to take the baccalaureate exams for the 2023-2024 academic year, which will take place from August 5 to 8, 2024. According to statistics provided by the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE), the 121,006 candidates are distributed as follows : 109,453 registered for Secondary 4 (these are candidates who will take these exams for the first time); 10,734 registered for the permanent Baccalaureate of Secondary 4; 819 candidates for traditional Philosophy. These candidates will have their exam in Philosophy in the morning from 8:30 to 11:30 and Chemistry in the afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 Monday, August 5, 2024, the first day of the exams. The Minister of National Education, Augustin Antoine, thanked all the stakeholders involved, including the Government, parents, teachers' unions and Ministry agents mobilized to make these exams possible. For his part, while emphasizing the importance of these exams which constitute one of the major annual activities of the Ministry, Yves Roblin, the new Director General of the Ministry reminded candidates of the need to respect the instructions which will always be strictly applied, so that the taking of these exams takes place without problems. Regarding two or three examination centers in the West and for candidates displaced due to armed violence, Renan Michel, the Director of the National Office of State Examinations assured that the Ministry had finally settled everything and that all candidates will undergo these exams, regardless of the school district where they are located. Schedules for taking the single Baccalaureate exams (new secondary IV) new and failed candidates : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/horaires-des-epreuves-du-bac.pdf Schedule for taking the traditional Baccalaureate exams (failed candidates) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/horaires-des-recales.pdf Distribution of candidates by department : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Repartition-des-candidats-par-departement.pdf HL/ HaitiLibre Nevertheless, there are currently several interesting technology startups in Finland. Perhaps the most well-known and largest is Wolt, which has already been sold to foreign ownership. Nightingale and Solar Foods have also gained significant global interest. Finland has traditionally had a high level of technological expertise. However, the wait for the "next Nokia" has been in vain, as no similar giant has popped-up lately. Holvi Holvi is one of the most interesting Finnish fintech companies. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on providing banking services to small businesses, freelancers, and sole entrepreneurs. Holvis main market remains Finland, but it also operates in many other European countries. What sets Holvi apart is that, in addition to banking services, it offers invoicing and accounting through its digital platform. All services are available in one place, making financial management easier for small businesses and providing significant savings. Enfuce Founded in 2016, Enfuce is a Finnish fintech company specializing in payment service solutions. It operates similarly to the Swedish payment service Brite but focuses on payment cards instead of direct bank transfers. Enfuce offers card management solutions that cover everything from card issuance to transaction processing. The company's solutions cater to the needs of banks, fintech companies, and other payment service providers. Enfuces goal and mission are to expand into a global player. Currently, it operates in several European countries, including its home country, Finland. Nightingale Health Founded in 2013, Nightingale Health operates in the healthcare sector, as its name suggests. The company focuses on providing health monitoring and analysis services, with its primary product being a blood analysis that offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's health status. Nightingale Health's health reports provide information on cardiovascular health, metabolism, and potential inflammation in the body. The company utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify health risks and the onset of diseases. Solar Foods The biotechnology company Solar Foods is developing a protein for global markets that is produced entirely without traditional agricultural raw materials, such as plants or animals. The microbe-based protein, named Solein, is made using carbon dioxide, water, and renewable energy. Founded in 2017, Solar Foods has received significant global attention. All its production processes are sustainable, and the company's protein factory is currently operating in Vantaa. Iceye The company perhaps least known to the general public is Iceye, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the manufacturing and operation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. Iceye's mission is to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the Earth's surface to various industries and organizations. Over its ten-year history, Iceye has received international attention and funding from many major investors. Iceye has established itself as a key player in the space technology sector. Wolt Lastly, let's add Wolt, a company familiar to all Finns, especially in larger cities. Wolt is one of the biggest Finnish success stories of recent years and eventually sold to the United States. While Wolt is in a completely different league compared to the other companies on this list, its history is still in its early stages. Wolt already operates globally but continues to strive to expand its network coverage. The company's mission is to offer other services beyond food and grocery delivery through its network. HT News / National by Staff reporter A 38-year-old man from Nyanga, Manicaland Province was fined for assaulting a villager who intervened to stop him from attacking another resident.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on July 21, 2024, when the accused was assaulting a fellow villager.The complainant, who lived in the same village, attempted to intervene but was attacked by the accused with a log on her right shoulder and had her braids pulled out.The assault only ended when a passerby intervened.The police were notified, leading to the accused's arrest. He was convicted and fined US$200; if he fails to pay, he faces a two-month prison sentence. * India plans tougher ad curbs on liquor makers such as Carlsberg, Diageo, Pernod India's new rules could reshape alcohol advertising * Stakes are high for Pernod, Diageo in $45-bln market * New rules to ban ads that mislead consumers * Industry in talks with New Delhi, rules likely in a month By Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI, - India, which bans direct advertising of liquor, is set to announce sweeping rules that will bar even surrogate ads and sponsoring of events, which could force firms such as Carlsberg, Pernod Ricard and Diageo to redraw marketing campaigns. Such "surrogate ads" often get round the ban by ostensibly showing less desirable items instead, such as water, music CDs or glassware garbed in logos and hues linked to their key product, and often promoted by popular Bollywood film stars. Now they could bring fines for companies and bans for celebrities endorsing tobacco and liquor ads deemed misleading, according to the top civil servant for consumer affairs and draft rules being reported for the first time by Reuters. "You can't take a circuitous way to promote products," the official, Nidhi Khare, told Reuters, adding that final rules were expected to be issued within a month. "If we find ads to be surrogate and misleading, then even those who are endorsing , including celebrities, will be held responsible." For example, brewer Carlsberg promotes its Tuborg drinking water in India, with an ad showing film stars at a rooftop dance party and the slogan "Tilt Your World", which echoes its beer ads elsewhere, emblazoned with the message: "Drink Responsibly". Competitor Diageo's YouTube ad for its Black & White ginger ale, which has drawn 60 million views, features the signature black-and-white terriers from its scotch of the same name. The changes threaten a seachange for liquor makers in India, the world's eighth-biggest alcohol market by volume, with annual revenues Euromonitor estimates at $45 billion. Growing affluence among its 1.4 billion people makes India a lucrative market for the likes of Kingfisher beer maker, United Breweries, part of the Heineken Group, which has more than a quarter of market share by volume. Popular for their whiskies, Diageo and Pernod , taken together, have a market share of about a fifth, while for Pernod, India contributes about a tenth of global revenues. The new rules call for "prohibition against engaging in surrogate advertisement", which extends to sponsorships and ads for products viewed as "brand extensions" that share the characteristics of an alcohol brand, the draft said. Penalties under the new rules rely on consumer law, opening manufacturers and endorsers to fines of up to 5 million rupees , while promoters risk endorsement bans running from one to three years. Carlsberg declined to comment, while other companies did not respond to Reuters' queries, including those on sales of non-alcohol products. Members of the International Spirits and Wines Association of India, which represents Diageo and Pernod, "are committed to a compliant way of building brand extension businesses," said its outgoing chief executive, Nita Kapoor. The group was in talks with the government and supported advertising of "genuine" brand extensions, she added. HEALTH IMPACT The World Health Organization says bans or comprehensive curbs on alcohol advertising "are cost-effective measures" in the interest of public health. Its data shows India's consumption of alcohol per person will rise to nearly 7 litres in 2030, from about 5 litres in 2019, a period over which fellow Asian giant China's consumption will drop to 5.5 litres. And alcohol-related deaths in India stood at 38.5 for every 100,000 of its population, versus 16.1 for China. Khare said India's draft followed a review of global best practices, in countries such as Norway, which bans ads for alcohol and other goods relying on features of a liquor brand, in curbs that researchers say have cut alcohol sales over time. The new draft rules prohibit marketing of items such as soda or music CDs employing a "similar label, design, pattern, logo" to that of alcohol products, explicitly targeting efforts to get around current bans. Ads for items such as glasses and soda cans allow "brand names to appear in all their ads, creating its recall value for the consumers," however, the draft states. The new rules follow warnings to some liquor companies, such as Pernod, and some domestic tobacco firms to halt misleading ads, a senior government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. India is not against brand extension ads, the official added, but wants them to properly depict the product being showcased, rather than giving consumers the impression that the ad is for a liquor brand. One India video promoted by Pernod, ostensibly for glassware products linked to its whisky brand, Blenders Pride, shows Bollywood star Alia Bhatt walking a ramp under flashing disco lights, and saying, "My life, my pride." While it has a logo similar to that of the whisky brand, the video, which also appears on the website of the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour, shows no glassware products. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Nvidia Corp.s upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) chips will be delayed because of design flaws, The Information reported, citing two unnamed sources part of the chip and server hardware production. HT couldn't independently verify the information. President and CEO of Nvidia Corporation Jensen Huang delivers a speech during the Computex 2024 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, June 2, 2024. (Chiang Ying-ying/AP) Also Read: Tata's 27,000 crore Assam semiconductor plant to become operational in 2025, create 27,000 jobs Also Read: Around 700 Sebi employees to protest against leadership on Monday on allowances and growing 'mistrust': Report Which are the tech companies that will be affected due to the Nvidia chip delays? The delay, which is estimated to be around three months or even more, could directly affect some of Nvidia's biggest customers, which includes Meta, Google, and Microsoft. The delay means that big shipments can't be expected until the first quarter of 2025, according to the report. Also Read: Microsoft allegedly banned young interns from being alone with flirty Bill Gates who was like a kid in a candy store All these tech giants have collectively ordered tens of billions of dollars' worth of chips together from Nvidia. Nvidia had informed Microsoft earlier about a delay in the most advanced AI chips model of the Blackwell series, according to the report which cited an unnamed Microsoft employee. What is the Nvidia Blackwell series AI chip? Nvidia had unveiled the Blackwell chip series earlier in March this year. The Blackwell series was to succeed Nvidia's previous flagship, the Grace Hopper Superchip, which in turn was designed to speed up generative AI applications. Also Read: US stock market plunges due to recession fears, rising unemployment, falling big tech stocks An Nvidia spokesperson told The Information that production is on track to ramp later this year, but declined to comment on its statements to customers. Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft on the other hand, declined to comment to the Information. News / National by Staff reporter A 49-year-old man from Kariba was sentenced to 30 months in prison for attempting to murder his ex-lover over a US$40 debt.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on September 27, 2023, when the accused confronted his ex-lover at her residence, demanding repayment of money he had lent her.Although she gave him US$30, he insisted on the remaining US$40. When the complainant attempted to report the incident at Nyamhunga Police Post, the accused followed her, assaulted her, and stabbed her twiceonce on her back and once beneath her breasts.The accused was apprehended by the police with public assistance.He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with 6 months suspended for 5 years. Bengaluru-based musician and three-time Grammy award-winning artist Ricky Kej on Saturday hit out at Air India after the airline downgraded his business class ticket on a Mumbai-Bengaluru flight. Air India apologized for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected alteration and confirmed that refunds have been processed. Ricky Kej(Location: Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport) Kej, who is 42 years old, reported that his business class seat was downgraded without prior notice, and he encountered unhelpful behaviour from the airline's ground staff. He added that he was taken aback by the lack of immediate refund options, flight alternatives, and an apology for the inconvenience. READ | Bengaluru man dies after jumping in front of metro train, services disrupted "Wow.. 3rd time this is happening to me in one year. I booked and paid for a business class ticket on @airindia from Mumbai to Bengaluru. When I reach departure gate, the staff rudely tells me that I have been downgraded (for no reason) and they cannot give me a refund," he said in a post on X. What's up with AirIndia? The person on the counter is Nishita Singh. Absolutely not helpful, and impolite. @airindia really needs to introspect and see if they are capable of running an airline in the first place. I am currently at the departure gate. Flight taking off at 9.25am @TataCompanies, The musician further wrote. READ | Heavy rain floods roads, brings traffic to and from Bengaluru airport to a halt: Report It is ok to have operational issues due to unforeseen circumstances. But to not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal.. and not befitting of a reputed brand. Also, I will only expect a 100pc refund, because I was not offered the service that I chose and paid for. If not, I WILL be taking legal action," he added. READ | Karnataka will construct 100 houses for victims in landslide-hit Wayanad: CM Siddaramaiah An Air India spokesperson later spoke to reporters and clarified that technical issues had prompted them to switch the entire aircraft to an all-economy setup. "All passengers booked in business class were accommodated in the first row of the changed aircraft with a seat kept vacant in the middle," the spokesperson said, as quoted by news agency PTI. Chandigarh: Retired assistant inspector general (AIG), human rights cell, of the Punjab Police Malvinder Singh Sidhu who allegedly shot his brother-in-law, Indian Civil Account Services (ICAS) officer, Harprit Singh, 34, dead at a mediation centre in the district court complex in Chandigarh on Saturday is not new to controversies. Police arresting the accused from the mediation centre of district court Chandigarh on Saturday. (Ravi Kumar/Hindustan Times) In May this year, the Punjab and Haryana high court had granted bail to Sidhu, who was earlier suspended, in connection with the October 30, 2023, FIR registered by the Punjab vigilance bureau (VB). Arrested in April for extortion Sidhu was arrested in April for extortion, making it a fourth case registered against him. Sidhu was arrested for allegedly offering 30,000 to his aide Balbir Singh. Sidhu asked Balbir to stage a protest outside the Punjab Social Welfare Office, aiming to force the office to act against his son-in-law Harprit. The complaint against Sidhus son-in-law involved a fake caste certificate and the bribe was a part of Sidhus strategy to press the issue. This case came to light when Mohalis Phase-8 police, having recorded Sidhus bribe offer, passed the evidence to the Phase-1 police, leading to the registration of a fresh case. Was booked for fraud, graft In November 2023, the Punjab VB registered a case against Sidhu and two others for exploiting their positions to commit fraud, extort money, and accept bribes from government employees. The investigation revealed that Sidhu falsely presented himself as the inspector general (IG) of the vigilance bureau. By doing so, he deceitfully obtained sensitive documents from government offices and used them to blackmail individuals. He acquired a photocopy of a government teachers service book under this pretence. In collusion with Balbir Singh, Sidhu procured records from various departments, initiating complaints against individuals and extracting bribes to withdraw these complaints. Held for assaulting DSP In October last year, Sidhu was arrested by the Mohali police for allegedly assaulting deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Barinder Gill during an inquiry into Sidhus disproportionate assets and criminal misconduct. The altercation occurred at the local vigilance office, where Sidhu was charged under several sections, including using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty and criminal intimidation. This case was registered at the Phase-8 police station following DSP Gills complaint. Just days after the assault case, on October 30, 2023, the Punjab VB booked Sidhu under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Sidhu, along with other accused, was allegedly involved in procuring Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe certificates from various sources. They used these certificates to blackmail individuals, demanding money in exchange for not filing complaints against them. In January 2024, Phase-8 police in Mohali booked Sidhu again for alleged extortion and graft. New Delhi, The Delhi Police has arrested four men for allegedly duping a person of 31.55 lakh by threatening him, officials said on Sunday. HT Image Police said the arrested accused allegedly have links in China. They have been identified as Dev Bhati , Robin Solanki , Vishnu Solanki and Aakash Kumar Jain . On July 18, an online complaint was received in which the complainant alleged that on July 13, he received a call saying that a mobile sim issued in his name was used in several crimes and the police of Aaram Bagh in Lucknow was searching for him, Deputy Commissioner of Police M Harsha Vardhan said. The caller told him that 17 FIRs have been registered for the sim issued in his name, which was used for committing crimes of money laundering and human trafficking, Vardhan added. The officer further said the accused duped him of 31.55 lakh by threatening him. "During the investigation the details of bank accounts in which the cheated money was transferred were obtained, which revealed that current bank accounts were opened in different cities in different names," said the police officer. The transactions in these bank accounts were in terms of multi crores in a short period and the credited money was immediately transferred to various other bank accounts, police said. "Following all the leads, accused Dev Bhati was arrested on July 26. Later, two more accused Robin and Vishnu were arrested on July 28, who provided bank account details. During interrogation it was further revealed that within two days 1.25 crore was credited in the bank account of Dev Bhati," said the DCP. The officer said that on July 31, Aakash Kumar Jain was arrested from Mahipalpur in Delhi. He is allegedly the main handler of all the accounts and was in touch with fraudsters operating from China through social media applications, he added. Police said that seven mobile phones, one laptop used in the crime have been recovered. "More than 150 bank accounts have been revealed which were used by the accused to credit the cheated money," DCP Vardhan said, adding that further investigation is in progress. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A 32-year-old Canadian tourist, in possession of the horns of an unidentified animal in her luggage, was apprehended at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi by security, police said on Sunday. She told officials that she found the horns, which officials said appear to belong to a native bull species, during her trek in Ladakh and decided to take them back to Canada with her. Delhis forest and wildlife department said the horns appear to belong to a native bull species, but they will be sent to the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun for confirmation. (HT Photo) The woman was headed to Montreal in Canada on Friday when a baggage check revealed suspicious images, officials aware of the matter said. Delhis forest and wildlife department said the horns appear to belong to a native bull species, but they will be sent to the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun for confirmation. The woman told officials that she did not buy the horns, but found them on a trek and carried them with her. The woman has been bound down by law, meaning that she has not been arrested but is also not flying back to Canada, said police. To possess any wildlife items, special documents are required, which she did not possess. Customs were informed and the forest department of Delhi was also called in to inspect them, said an airport official on condition of anonymity, adding that the woman was unable to produce any documents for the horns. The incident occurred at 9pm on Friday when the woman was set to board an Air Canada flight to Montreal and checked in her luggage. After airport security found suspicious item during the scanning of her luggage, officials from the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airline staff and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) carried out a physical inspection of the bag and two horns were recovered. Rajesh Tandon, deputy range officer (west) of the forest department said that the horns could belong to a bull or Yak species from Ladakh, but the final confirmation will only be done by FRI. This is likely an animal that could be part of Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The woman told us she found these horns in Ladakh where she had travelled to recently from Delhi. She says she did not buy them, but simply found them while trekking and decided to bring them with her, said Tandon, adding that the police will investigate the matter further. Delhi Police at the IGI airport confirmed that a first information report had been registered against the woman, and she has been bound down by law. We have initiated legal action against her as part of the Wildlife Protection Act and she will have to appear for a probe as and when asked. At present, she is not flying back to Canada, said a senior police officer, adding that she was not arrested. Section 39 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act prohibits the possession and transport of trophies of any scheduled species without proper authorisation. Wildlife trophies, including animal parts such as skulls or skin, are often kept by trophy hunters as souvenirs. In March, a flier bound for New York was held at the IGI airport after he was caught with an antelope skull. The species are protected under Sections 1 and 2 of the Wildlife Act and a case was registered against the man. Rain lashed parts of Delhi on Sunday with the Indian Meteorological Department predicting generally cloud skies for the city with very light to light rainfall accompanied with strong surface winds ranging from 25 to 35 km per hour till Monday. A minimum temperature of 27.4 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 36.0 degrees Celsius were recorded during the day. According to the IMD, Delhi will receive heavy rainfall at isolated places on August 8(ANI) Delhi's Air Quality Index stands at 62 which is satisfactory according to the Centre for Pollution Control Board on Sunday. The Delhi Regional Met Centre predicted at 6:25 pm on X, Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied with moderate thunderstorm and lightning is very likely to occur at NCR ( Ghaziabad) . Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with light thunderstorms and lightning is very likely to occur at isolated places of Delhi Delhi has received isolated rainfall until 8:30 am on Sunday, according to IMD's daily press bulletin. According to the IMD, Delhi will receive heavy rainfall at isolated places among other regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Konkan and Goa and Madhya Maharashtra on August 8. 87 roads closed in Himachal Following incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain the past 5 days in the state, a total of 87 roads are closed in Himachal Pradesh, reported news agency PTI. Currently, a yellow alert of heavy showers, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places has been issued in Himachal Pradesh till August 8 by the local met office. After the rain 41 transformers and 66 water supply schemes have also been disrupted the local met office said. Rain-related incidents have claimed 79 lives and caused losses amounting to 663 crore from June 27 to August 3, an official told PTI. (with inputs from news agencies) Jaipur: A district court in Pratapgarh on Saturday sentenced 14 men to seven years imprisonment and three women to five years imprisonment for stripping a 20-year-old pregnant woman and parading her naked last year, allegedly because she was in a relationship with another man. (Representative Photo) The incident took place on August 31 last year in Nichlakota village of Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan, when the womans husband and relatives found her at the house of a man she was in a relationship with. The incident, a video of which went viral, triggered a massive uproar across the country. The woman was seven months pregnant then. Hearing the matter on Saturday, Justice Ramkanya Soni called it a terrible crime. The case was one of the terrible crimes committed against the women. Considering a surge in such crimes against women in our society with each passing day, the court convicted all the accused with the strictest punishment, she said. Based on an FIR filed by the woman in September last year, at least 17 people, including her husband, relatives, and neighbours, were arrested under sections 509, 354 A, and 354 B, 323, 342, 294, 36, 341, 504, 506, and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 4/6 of the Indecent Representation of Women Prohibit Act, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (punishment for publishing obscene material in electronic form). A five-member team was also formed to probe the matter. Talking about the case, then-Pratapgarh police superintendent Amit Budaniya said, The accused had an influential local network in their village. Considering the influence of the aides of the womans in-laws, the police also appealed the Dhariyawad court to shift the case to Pratapgarh, which was approved in January. An investigating officer was also asked to visit the court during every hearing to ensure no outside influence on the case. Kolkata: At least two persons were killed in two separate incidents in Howrah and West Burdwan districts, respectively, as heavy rains lashed West Bengal over the past 48 hours, officials said. Heavy rains lashed West Bengal over the past 48 hours On Friday evening, a man was killed in West Burdwan when the car he was driving was washed away by the overflowing river Garui near Asansol. The mans body was trapped inside the car and recovered on Saturday morning. In another incident, a 21-year-old woman was electrocuted to death when she accidentally touched a live wire at Salkia in Howrah. Meanwhile, the state administration said that some districts may face a flood-like situation as the Damodar Valley Corporation was releasing a large quantity of water. Districts in south Bengal such as Bankura, Purulia, West Burdwan, East Burdwan, and Birbhum have been receiving heavy rain, Alapan Bandopadhyay, chief advisor to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, told media persons at the state secretariat. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has been releasing huge amounts of water without informing the state government. There are fears that several areas in Howrah and Hooghly districts may get inundated. People have been alerted, he added. The DVC, however, refuted the charges. This isnt true. The West Bengal government has been informed about the release of water at least six hours in advance. We have all records, a senior official said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh warning of heavy rains in some districts of south and north Bengal. According to the IMD, several places in south Bengal, including Dum Dum, Diamond Harbour, Asansol, and Rajnagar, received 80mm to 100mm rain in the past 24 hours. The depression over Jharkhand intensified into a deep depression on Saturday. It is likely to move towards Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during the next 48 hours, said an IMD official in Kolkata. Heavy rains are expected in north Bengal districts, including the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till around August 7. The water level in rivers such as Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, and Sankosh will rise, and there may be landslides, the IMD has warned. Heavy rains have also led to waterlogging in several pockets in Kolkata and surrounding areas, including the NSCBI airport, where some parking stands were affected by waterlogging. Flight operations proceeded normally. The runways and taxiways were fully operational. The situation was under control, said a senior airport authority official in Kolkata. Kolkata: West Bengal correctional home department minister Akhil Giri said on Sunday afternoon that he would resign from the cabinet as instructed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) president Subrata Bakshi but refused to apologise to the woman range officer of the forest department he allegedly threatened and insulted in public on Saturday. West Bengal correctional home department minister Akhil Giri resigned on Sunday I will e-mail by resignation letter today following Subrata Bakshis instruction. I will meet chief minister Mamata Banerjee tomorrow and hand over the letter to her. As a politician, I have never apologized to any officer. The question does not arise. I uttered harsh words in anger, but I was fighting for the local people who lost their shops, Giri told the media at Ramnagar, his assembly constituency in East Midnapore district. Videos of Saturdays incident went viral, prompting the TMC leadership to condemn Giris behaviour. Bakshi called the minister on Sunday and asked him to tender his resignation immediately and personally apologise to range officer Manisha Sau, whom Giri confronted at the Tajpur sea beach. Giri accused Sau of pulling down around 20 shops set up on the beach by local people, while the officer claimed that her department had carried out the chief ministers recent order to evict all encroachers from government land. The Tajpur beach is a popular tourist destination. This is their internal matter. I work for the government. I cannot comment, Sau told the media after the minister announced that he would step down. TMC state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar said, The highest leadership instructed Giri to resign and apologise to the officer. If he does not apologise, then the party will take its decision. Also Read: You dont know me: TMC minister allegedly threatens on-duty woman forest officer In 2022 as well, Giri caused major embarrassment to TMC when he made a humiliating remark against President Droupadi Murmu. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had to apologise in public after the 17-second video went viral. In Saturdays video that was telecast by several news channels, Giri could be seen shouting at Sau and purportedly calling her an animal. You wont be able to stay (in the department) for long. Your longevity is seven to ten days. I am aware of the corruption in the forest department. I will spill the beans at the legislative assembly. You dont know me. I threw a subdivisional police officer (SDPO) in the sea, Giri was purportedly heard saying in the video. Forest department officers said Sau went to the spot with a team after getting information that some shops had come up on forest land. She doesnt want to listen to anybody. It seems she came with the powers of the president. Just watch what happens to you this week. We are taking 25 feet (of forest land). If you come here, you wont be able to go back. You are a government servant. Talk to me with your head down, Giri could be heard saying in the video. Sau could be heard saying, Sir, I have nothing personal against you or them (the shopkeepers). I am just doing my duty. In June, Banerjee pulled up government officials and ministers at an administrative meeting, saying vested land had been illegally occupied and even sold in several districts. She ordered immediate action. Several TMC leaders have been arrested in north Bengal since then on charges of grabbing government land. Samik Bhattacharya, chief spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Partys Bengal unit, said, Giri has done nothing exceptional as far as TMC is concerned. We have seen many TMC leaders threatening government officials in the past. No action was taken against them. Giri should be arrested because stopping a government official from discharging duty is a punishable offence in India. since then on charges of grabbing government land. Samik Bhattacharya, chief spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Partys Bengal unit, said: Giri has done nothing exceptional as far as TMC is concerned. We have seen many TMC leaders threatening government officials in the past. No action was taken against them. Giri should be arrested because stopping a government official from discharging duty is a punishable offence in India. VARANASI: The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee (AIMC), which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Chandauli MP Virendra Singh, and other MPs, seeking their intervention against the installation of a temporary gate by the Kashi Vishwanath temple administration near the entrance of the Gyanvapi mosque complex near gate number 4. They are demanding that the gate not be installed. AIMC office-bearers holding a meeting at residence of Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani in Varanasi on Sunday. (HT) The decision was taking in a meeting of the AIMC, chaired by secretary Mufti-e-Shahar Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani at his residence on Sunday. AIMC joint secretary SM Yaseen said that several proposals were unanimously approved at the meeting. All members and office-bearers of the AIMC strongly objected to the gate being installed by the Kashi Vishwanath temple administration on way to the Gyanvapi mosque near gate number 4. In the first proposal, Yaseen said that a request had been made to the Kashi Vishwanath temple administration and the district administration to halt the installation of the gate and remove the pillars set up for the temporary iron gate. It was also decided to write a letter to PM Narendra Modi, who is also the MP for Varanasi, as well as to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Virendra Singh, and other members of Parliament regarding the issue, he said. Yaseen said that a framework for legal action was also prepared after consulting with Supreme Court and high court advocates. He alleged that the installation of the gate was an attempt to obstruct Muslims access to the Gyanvapi mosque. Meanwhile, Mufti Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani said, The administration has assured that no gate will be installed on the way to Gyanvapi mosque. However, we do not trust them. If such an attempt is made again, we will oppose it through Gandhian methods, while remaining within the bounds of the law. We are committed to protecting our mosque and will spare no effort in this struggle. On Friday, a large group of Muslims, led by Nomani, protested against the installation of a temporary iron gate at the entrance of the Gyanvapi complex near Gate Number 4. Hindu and Muslim devotees use gate number 4 to access the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Gyanvapi mosque, respectively. Sub-divisional magistrate of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Shambhunath, said that a temporary gate was installed for security and crowd management due to the expected crowd from both communities on Friday, based on a proposal from the KV Temples security committee, however, the work was halted due to objections from the AIMC. Meanwhile, chief executive officer of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, said that the decision to install the gate in the temple area was made based on the security committees proposal for crowd management. He added that the protest by Muslims was unwarranted. The Nazul properties bill was brought by the Yogi Adityanath government with the pious intent of making land available for public purposes and dismantling the land grabbers network by targeting the big fish who attempt to acquire Nazul land as freehold at minimal costs, but ended up getting caught in a political maze. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressing the UP assembly during the monsoon session- 2024 (HT) The controversy arose even though the bill clearly stipulates that the poor and vulnerable residents settled on Nazul land will not be evicted, people aware of the matter said. Another aim of the bill was to do away with the need for acquiring land for public projects at huge expenditure. Still, there were voices against it on both sides of the political fence. Read more: Nazul land bill against public and partys interest: U.P. BJP chief Announcing that Nazul land will no longer be made freehold in the name of any private individual or private entity, chief minister Yogi Adityanath made it clear as far back as March that his government intended to break the nexus of mafias, builders, politicians and bureaucrats who were out to grab government land. The message was clear that land will be used in the public interest for development of facilities in cities. Since the state legislature was not in session, the state government brought the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilisation for Public Purpose) Ordinance, 2024 that was promulgated by the governor on March 7, 2024. During the Monsoon session of the Uttar Pradesh legislature, the state government tabled the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024. The government made it clear that it decided to bring the bill on the basis of the report of the NN Vohra Commitee appointed by the Central government in 1993. The Vohra committee raised concerns over the working of the organised land-grabber gangs. Read more: Hearing on homebuyers plea: Court pulls up LDA over illegal building on Nazul land Turning Nazul into freehold a multi-crore business The illegal occupation of Nazul land or acquiring freehold rights at a fraction of the price through forged documents is not a new phenomenon. The state has approximately 72,000 to 75,000 acres of Nazul land. The practice of obtaining these government lands, valued at around 2 lakh crore, for just 10% of the circle rate has been a long standing one. These lands are predominantly located in Prayagraj, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Gonda, and Barabanki. In Prayagraj, nearly the entire Civil Lines area is on Nazul land, where each bungalow is valued between 100 and 250 crore. At least 4,000 acres of land have been converted to freehold, and this has started posing a threat to government properties. At present, there are 312 cases in the high court and Supreme Court concerning the ownership of Nazul land, while around 2,500 cases still pending in lower courts. Nazul land freed from land mafias clutches The Nazul land where the Forensic Institute is located in Lucknow was previously under the control of a land mafia named Khurshid Agha. In 1955, the administration leased a 57-acre portion of this land to a tractor company for 10 years. After the lease expired, the land was registered in the name of the Gram Sabha of the Piparsand area in the Sarojininagar block. However, in 2014, the plot was occupied by land mafia Khurshid Agha. He allegedly forged documents to register the land in the name of the Shia Central Waqf Boards Balakganj cemetery and mosque. The land was transferred to the Waqf, with Agha becoming its lifetime mutawalli (lifetime caretaker). Read more: Transfer of nazul land cancelled Later, a series of transactions occurred. In 2014, Agha allegedly sold the land to Modern Cooperative Housing Society, a real estate company. The committee then transferred it to Antriksh Landmark Private Limited in Noida, which intended to develop a housing society on the site. The issue came to the attention of the chief minister, prompting an investigation. It was revealed that Agha and his alleged associate, Ashok Pathak, faced numerous land-grabbing cases across Lucknow. Both were imprisoned in March 2020 for illegally occupying the land. Subsequently, the land was cleared, and today it houses the Forensic Institute. In the Lukerganj area of Prayagraj, land worth crores was in the possession of mafia Atiq Ahmed. Adityanath, after completing the necessary legal proceedings, not only got the land reclaimed from the mafia, but also constructed 76 houses for the poor. Recently, a mafia and his gang attempted to illegally occupy approximately seven acres of Nazul land valued at around 1,000 crore in Kanpurs Civil Lines area. The administration acted swiftly, removing the encroachment and arrested the accused. Anti-land mafia task force After Yogi Adityanath became chief minister in 2017, a four-tier anti-land mafia task force was established in the state. The revenue and police departments have undertaken significant actions against the land mafia. According to revenue department data, till August approximately 62,423.89 hectares (154,249 acres) of land has been reclaimed. Additionally, the revenue department identified 2,464 illegal occupants, arrested 187 land mafia members, and sent them to jail. Furthermore, 22,992 revenue cases, 857 civil cases, and 4,407 FIRs have been filed related to the occupation of government land. According to the revenue department, approximately 1,54,249 acres (624 square km) of land have been reclaimed by the police and administration. This area is roughly equivalent to the size of Lucknow city, which is approximately 30 km long and 20.8 km wide. News / National by Staff reporter Tineyi Mapepa, former Mwenezi district organizer for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was sentenced to 36 months in prison by Mwenezi Magistrate Conceptor Ngwerume on July 16. Mapepa, 46, was convicted of incitement under Section 187(1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.Mapepa, who pleaded not guilty and was represented by Noble Chinhanu of Jiti Law Chambers, was found guilty after a full trial. Of the 36-month sentence, 16 months were conditionally suspended, resulting in an effective 20-month prison term.The charges stemmed from an incident on July 23, 2023, at Rutenga Business Centre. Mapepa had organized a CCC meeting that was authorized by the police to run from 1400hrs to 1600hrs. The State alleged that Mapepa refused to disperse the crowd when instructed by police officers, instead encouraging them to stay, which led to a standoff. The police eventually managed to disperse the crowd after being pelted with stones and threatened.Mapepa was later subpoenaed, leading to his arrest, trial, and conviction for incitement. Mumbai, Army personnel were deployed at an inundated residential area in Pune amid heavy downpours and water discharge from Khadakwasla dam, officials said on Sunday. HT Image In view of the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed authorities to be alert and shift people from dangerous zones to safer places with the assistance of NDRF, SDRF and the Army, if needed. "The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning about heavy rainfall in Pune city and the district region and today heavy downpour is experienced. In the wake of the warning the entire administration should be vigilant," Shinde said in a statement. People staying in the danger zones near rivers and dams should be shifted to safe places. If needed, help from NDRF, SRF and the Army should be taken and shelter, food, clothing, medicines and health facilities be arranged for the affected people, the Chief Minister's Office said. The Pune municipal corporation commissioner and the district magistrate have also been instructed. Following the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, residents of the possible danger zones and those living in the flood line radius of dams and rivers, should be relocated to safe places, the chief minister said. The CM directed the administration to make arrangements for the safety of people living in low-lying areas in Pune including Ekta Nagar, Dattwadi, Patil Estate, Yerwada, Shivaji Nagar, court area, Kamgar Putla area, Harris Bridge, and Dapodi. Other low-lying areas are Juni Sangvi, Kasarwadi, Pimpri camp, Rawet, Balewadi Gaothan, Jupiter Hospital area, Kapil Malhar region, Baner, Bawdhan, and Sangamwadi. The chief minister called for coordination among authorities while relocating people to safe places and providing necessary facilities in the shelter homes. He said instructions given by the India Meteorological Department be monitored and conveyed to people in real-time. Army personnel were deployed in Ekta Nagar after excess water was released from the Khadakwasla dam, officials said. The fire brigade department also evacuated some members of the society located in the Ekta Nagar area. Following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas in the past fortnight, 35,000 cusecs water was discharged from the Khadakwasla dam in Pune district on Sunday, officials of the irrigation department said. "Pune DM has requested for 01 Column of Indian Army for Ekta Nagar be prepositioned at Ekta Nagar as excess water is being released from Khadwasla Dam. Army Column is moving out," a defence press update said. The Army personnel were deployed at the Dwarka Society on Sinhgad Road where the water accumulated. In the last two days, the ghat section in Pune district received heavy rainfall. On July 25, several residential areas along the Mutha river on Sinhgad Road were marooned when water was discharged from the Khadakwasla dam amid heavy rains in the district. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The authorities in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Saturday transferred a teacher of a government-run school in connection with the alleged strip searching of girl students to look for a mobile phone, an official said. Teacher accused of strip searching students at MP girls' school transferred Following the incident on Friday, the administration initiated a probe, and the accused teacher was transferred from the school, the official said. 1 in 4 countries have banned use of smartphones in schools due to negative impacts: UN report According to officials, a teacher of Government Sharda Girls Higher Secondary School in the Bada Ganpati area took five students to a toilet and asked them to strip after a mobile phone rang in class. Parents of the students have lodged a complaint against the teacher at Malharganj police station, alleging the girls were also beaten during the search, they said. Also Read: Himachal govt to close about 100 schools with zero enrolment of students Collector Ashish Singh said the teacher facing allegations of indecent behaviour with students on pretext of the search has been removed from the school and attached to the district education office. He said the matter is being investigated, and appropriate action will be taken after the probe. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar Sharma said the police complaint against the teacher is also being probed. A woman police personnel will record the students' statements, he said. Not just Aishwarya Rai's fans but also international stars agree that she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Recently, Kim Kardashian called her a queen, which made us revisit the time with even Australian actor Hugh Jackman had showered her with praises. (Also read: Kim Kardashian hails 'queen' Aishwarya Rai, clicks selfie with her at Ambani wedding; also poses with Ranveer Singh) Aishwarya Rai and Hugh Jackman shared a stage at FICCI Frames in 2011. Hugh Jackman's India visit Back in 2011, Hugh Jackman visited India with his now ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness. He was honoured by the FICCI Frames team for his contribution to cinema. Ace director Yash Chopra and Aishwarya Rai presented him with a Lord Ganesha idol and he accepted it with an open heart. After accepting the gift, Hugh said, "Thank you, Aish. I was told I was going to be introduced by the most beautiful actress in the world and I thought it was going to be my wife. And I say that because I am a very smart man and also because my wife is sitting in the front row. But Aish, thank you very much. You are indeed a very beautiful actress. Not the most beautiful actress (pointing to his wife) but a very beautiful actress. But thank you to FICCI for having us here. It is a dream for us to be here in Mumbai, India. We've longed to come here. Fans love his smart comment Fans loved how smartly Hugh navigated complimenting Aishwarya while also being loving towards Deborra. You praise Ash , you win her heart and her fans. But you praise your wife in front of her you win all the womens hearts, wrote a fan on Instagram, reacting to the video. Bro was saving himself from argument, wrote another. Such a thorough gentleman apart from being a terrific actor, said another fan. Hugh had a great time at the awards show where he danced with Shah Rukh Khan and Vidya Balan on stage. He even said, I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan and I loved his film My Name is Khan. I want to do a sequel to this film and that will be called My Name is Jackman and I am not a tourist, he joked in a reference to the My Name Is Khan tag line, And I am not a terrorist. Hugh and Deborra divorced in September last year after 28 years together. He was last seen in last week's release, Deadpool and Wolverine with Ryan Reynolds. Ben Affleck has unveiled a striking new look amid ongoing speculation about the status of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez. The actor was recently spotted sporting a faux hawk hairstyle and a rocker-inspired outfit, a noticeable contrast from his usual more polished appearance. Fans were quick to point out not only his new edgy style but also a visible weight loss. The changes come hot on the heels of a report that the couple has already signed their divorce paper and is looking forward to a fresh start. US actors Jennifer Lopez (L) and Ben Affleck arrive for the world premiere of "The Flash" at Ovation Hollywood in Hollywood, California, on June 12, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)(AFP) Ben Affleck embraces a new look Gone are the days of the stiff, suited-up Ben Affleck, often sporting a signature grumpy look beside wife Jennifer Lopez. The Accountant 2 star has traded in his formal attire for a decidedly edgier look. Recent paparazzi shots by Daily Mail sporting a faux hawk and a funky t-shirt layered under a black leather jacket, paired with grey jeans. Afflecks new appearance has sent fans into a frenzy, with many speculating about the changes in his personal life. Also read: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's split was caused by THIS reason: Reports Affleck ditches the ring again Yes, we saw Jennifer Lopez subtly hinting at potential trouble by switching her wedding ring to her right hand, and now Ben Affleck has made a more overt statement. The actor, fresh off a $20 million LA home purchase, has embraced a punk rock aesthetic. Caught casually walking around a parking lot before he jumped on his electric bike, Affleck looked more relaxed. Fans couldn't help but draw parallels to his previous transformation during his separation from Jennifer Garner, wondering what's going on with his marriage now. Also read: Google, Netflix, and OpenAI execs plan fundraiser for Kamala Harris to counter Trumps tech backing: Report Fans react Reacting to the newly surfaced pictures, a fan wrote, I feel like he lost a lot of weight. Another added, I just remembered when he and Garner divorced, dude got a huge back tattoo of a phoenix. They asked Garner about it, and she said... bless his heart, lmao... He looks a hot mess. At least J.Lo had him well-groomed, another commented. The J.Lo glow wore off real quick, chile, another said. Is Lopezs cocktail line to blame for the split? Ever since the Gigli co-stars started living apart, many theories have surfaced citing potential reasons for the split. While multiple sources in the past claimed that J.Los overwhelming fame and constant camera attention were too much for Affleck, who felt his private life was suffering, a new report suggests that Lopezs new cocktail line was the final straw in the relationship, as it challenged a sober Affleck. A source told Mail, Ben had to fight to get his life back after overcoming alcohol. Knowing how he lost everything including the love of his family, knowing that he could possibly relapse, Jen decided to start her own spritzer line for more money, as if she did not have enough. This was one of the things that broke the camel's back. But Ben saved his sobriety." Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan have shown their support to landslide-hit Wayanad in Kerala. The father-son duo have collectively donated 1 crore to the Kerala CM Relief Fund to help with the relief work in the state. Chiranjeevi also shared his prayers to those affected by the disastrous event. (Also Read: Mammootty says he's sad after winning 15th Filmfare amid Wayanad landslides: The suffering of my people) Ram Charan and Chiranjeevi have donated 1 crore total for Wayanad victims. My heart goes out to the victims Chiranjeevi shared a press note on X (formerly Twitter) that he and Ram have collectively contributed 1 crore to the Kerala CM Relief Fund. He wrote, Deeply distressed by the devastation and loss of hundreds of precious lives in Kerala due to natures fury in the last few days. The actor added, My heart goes out to the victims of the Wayanad tragedy. Charan and I together are contributing 1 Crore to the Kerala CM Relief Fund as a token of our support to the victims. My prayers for the recovery of all those in pain! Celebrities donate to Kerala CM Relief Fund Earlier on Sunday, Chiranjeevis nephew, actor Allu Arjun, also announced that he has donated 25 lakh to help the people affected by the landslides in Kerala. He wrote, I am deeply saddened by the recent landslide in Wayanad. Kerala has always given me so much love, and I want to do my bit by donating 25 lakh to the Kerala CM Relief Fund to support the rehabilitation work. Praying for your safety and strength. In the last week, actors Suriya and Vikram, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya, Nayanthara and filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, and Rashmika Mandanna have donated to Kerala. On Saturday, Mohanlal reached landslide-hit Wayanad in his army uniform, and pledged to donate 3 crore for the rehabilitation work of the disaster-hit region. Mammootty, who donated 35 lakh with his son, actor Dulquer Salmaan, spoke to the press and said, At the moment, I have only contributed a small amount for the relief measures. I will contribute further if the need arises. They are all people like us whose lives have changed in two days. They need our help, and its up to all of us to assist them. The drama surrounding Television actor Dalljiet Kaur's marriage with Nikhil Patel took a fresh turn. Amid the speculations about their separation, a report by Times Now states that Dalljiet filed an FIR against Nikhil, on the charges of cruelty and criminal breach of trust. Nikhil was recently spotted at Mumbai airport with his girlfriend Safeena Nazar. (Also read: Dalljiet Kaur heartbroken after 'husband' Nikhil Patel lands in Mumbai with new girlfriend: 'Tears won't stop') Dalljiet Kaur and Nikhil Patel got married last year. Dalljiet filed FIR The report stated that Dalljiet has lodged an FIR against Nikhil under sections 85 and 316 (2) of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) Section 85 of BNS states, Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty. Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. Section 316 (2) of BNS states, Whoever commits criminal breach of trust shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. More details Meanwhile, Dalljiet took to her X account to share a note of gratitude to the police authority for their suppport. Her latest tweet read, Thank you Jt Comm Of Police Anil Paraskar, DCP Krishnatkant Upadhyay, Senior Inspector Yogendra Pache & IO Sachin Shelke along with a lady constable for your efficiency. Thank you AGRIPADA PS for letting a woman know that she is safe in this country. A few days ago, Dalljiet shared screenshots of a post in which Nikhil was seen with his new girlfriend Safeena Nazar and wrote, No wordsjust tears that won't stop Dalljiet and Nikhil 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. The divorce speculation surrounding the couple started in February 2024, after they both unfollowed each other and deleted posts from their Instagram handles. Earlier, Nikhil had said that he had sent Dalljiet a legal notice after her recent posts on Instagram accusing him of having an extramarital affair. He added that he will give away all her belongings to charity, if she does not collect them from his Kenya home. Bigg Boss OTT 3 grand finale was held in Mumbai on Friday with actor Sana Makbul emerging as the winner. She won over actor Ranvir Shorey and rapper Naved Shaikh aka Naezy to lift the trophy and a cash prize of 25 lakhs. The reality show displayed a fierce competition between Sana and Ranvir, and the latter addressed the same in an interview to India Today as he reflected on his Bigg Boss OTT 3 journey. Also read: Sana Makbul opens up on winning Bigg Boss OTT 3 Actor and Big Boss OTT Season 3 finalist Ranvir Shorey poses for pictures after the reality show's grand finale on August 2. (PTI) 'Quite a roller-coaster ride' Ranvir said, It was an intense experience, quite a roller-coaster ride. The show puts you through emotions in a way that the reality blurs, about what you are, or others are. It's all a big mess but you learn so much, about yourself and people. I tried to take the best out of what I had. 'It's all about how Bigg Boss wants you to play' Ranvir maintained that Sana did not deserve to win the show hosted by actor Anil Kapoor, saying, "This show has been unpredictable. Not just about her winning but also the many eliminations that happened earlier. However, it's all about what and how Bigg Boss wants you to play, and a lot also depends on votes and fans. So, one has to respect that." Earlier, in an interview with ANI after the Bigg Boss OTT 3 grand finale, Ranvir had also said, "Reaching the top 3 is entirely due to the audience's support... my core ambition is not to win a reality show; it lies in filmmaking and acting. I am coming out after 42 days, I hope to face new challenges." He also teased an upcoming project, a show titled Shekhar Home, set to release on JioCinema, with Kay Kay Menon in the lead role. Shekhar Home will premiere on August 14, 2024. During the Bigg Boss OTT 3 grand finale on Friday, actor Ranvir Shorey lost the trophy to Sana Makbul with rapper Naezy becoming the first runner-up. The actor, who was in the top 3 finalists, in a new interview with News18 said that the makers of Bigg Boss OTT 3 had a 'soft spot' for Sana, adding the actor did not add anything 'positive' to the show. He also said Armaan Malik or him were more deserving of winning the show. Also read | Ranvir Shorey on Bigg Boss OTT 3, Sana Makbul's win: 'It's all a big mess' Ranvir Shorey was one of the finalists on Bigg Boss OTT 3. Sana Makbul won the show. Ranvir Shorey said, I dont think she has done anything positive in the house. Other than going on and chanting, I am selfish, I want to win or assuming that the show is about how much bad talk you can give and calling it determination, I dont think she has added any positive influence on anything in the house or on the housemates. I dont consider her the most deserving candidate. But yet, I think Bigg Boss had a soft spot for her somewhere. I feel she got the votes. That needs to be respected. Congratulations to her... Armaan could have been the winner. I could have been the winner." Asked if he ever regretted his words for Sana, Ranvir said, She said some harsh things to be and she got a befitting reply to that." In final episodes of Bigg Boss OTT 3, the rivalry between Ranvir and Sana escalated even further. Ranvir and Sana's tiff During a task, the contestants were asked to place their heads inside a pillory and smile continuously, while their opponents tried to make them lose their smiles by provoking them. When Ranvir stepped forward for the task, Sana made personal attacks on his 13-year-old son and divorce from actor-filmmaker Konkona Sen. She asked, How old is your son? 13, right? And he is in the US. Why are you here then? You are more interested in the 25 lakh than the trophy and you mentioned how you want to use the money for your sons college. But 25 lakh isnt enough for that. Sana further said, You are on dating apps, right? How many dates have you been on? Man is hitting century and is still on dating apps; can anyone believe? He has a 13-year-old son in the US and is still doing all this. Following the task, Ranvir confronted Sana and told, Today you brought up my 13-year-old son. So, in case you needed proof of how you think. This is it. Gutterchaap (roadside) it is. Actor-musician Aditi Saigal, popularly known as Dot., who stars as Ethel Muggs in Zoya Akhtars The Archies, shares her thoughts on friendship as we celebrate International Friendship Day today. For Saigal, friendship is a space free from judgement and for intelligent conversations. Aditi Saigal aka Dot with her childhood friends When reflecting on what friendship means to her, Saigal says, "Its hard to define friendship because it can mean so many things. I look to each of my friends for different things. A friend could be someone you can be silly with but also someone who you can be sad with. Someone who is there through the easy stuff and the difficult. Above all, I think friendship is a space without judgement." Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Friendship Day: Never asked Anurag Kashyap for work; meri vibe ka banda hai On Friendship Day, the 25-year-old plans to video call two of her closest friends, as they are both currently in different cities. When her friends are in town, Saigal shares, We usually spend time together at someones place and catch up with each other over drinks. Who are Aditi Saigal's closest friends? Saigals closest friends include Shibangi and Aksha. She reveals, My friend Shibangi and I grew up in Delhi together. Shes Bengali, so every year during [Durga] Pujo she used to take me to her society to eat puchkas. Later, when we became friends with Aksha in Mumbai, we extended this ritual to her and it has become a kind of tradition. Saigal continues, Shibangi and I have known each other for over 10 years. Our mums are best friends, so that is how we met. Then Aksha covered one of my songs on Instagram, so I met her online. Soon we became inseparable. Also Read: Friendship Day 2024: Tips to reconnect with the friends you lost along the way Aditi shares some candid moments with her best friends. 'My friends are like cats' When asked if her friends have ever complained about not spending enough time with them, Saigal replies, I dont think that ever happened. My friends are like cats. They like it when I am around but dont complain if I am gone. We all lead very separate lives, so we appreciate the moments we get to spend time together. Saigal emphasises that she values friendships where she can truly be herself. She states, I dont care if my friends are loud or quiet or funny or caring or whatever, as long as I can be myself in front of you. She says that the only thing she wants from a friendship is non-judgemental space. 'You just need to be yourself' For those looking to make friends in the indie music scene and Bollywood, Saigal offers this advice: The indie music scene is an extremely welcoming place in India. So, Id say just come for gigs, be yourself and you are sure to make good friends. In terms of the film industry, I think you just need to be yourself. People get a little lost sometimes trying to network too much. Also Read: Friendship Day 2024: Ideas to celebrate the special day with your best mate A song about friendship Saigal acknowledges the impact friendship has had on her personal and professional growth. There have been times when Ive had to really be there for a friend, which shaped my ability to listen. Professionally too, since a lot of my friends are artists and musicians, I end up collaborating with them regularly, she says. Saigal has even written a song about friendship. Ive written a song called Girls Night about Shibangi and Aksha and our little dates. Its a fun pop track, and we shot a music video for it with our friend Hawwa who directed it, she concludes. Two men from Arunachal Pradesh have been missing for nearly two years from a remote area near the line of actual control (LAC) and are claimed to be in the custody of China's Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Itanagar: Combo photo of Batelum Tikro and Bainsi Manyu, two men from Arunachal Pradesh who have been missing for the last two years from a remote location along the India-China border in Anjaw district. (PTI Photo) Batelum Tikro (35) and his cousin Bainsi Manyu (37) went missing from the Chaglagam area in Anjaw district on August 19, 2022, while searching for medicinal herbs. ALSO READ- Wayanad landslides: India thanks China for message expressing solidarity 'No response from Chinese side' Tikros brother, Dishanso Chikro, claimed that the duo was in the custody of the Chinese army. "I have come to know that they were detained by the Chinese army," he told PTI. I am told that the issue was raised by the Indian Army with their Chinese counterparts. But no response has come so far, he added. Anjaw MLA and state's women and child development minister Dasanglu Pul confirmed the duo's disappearance and said they are believed to be alive. I have no idea what was the response of the Chinese side at the flag meetings. The parents of the men keep telling us to do something. But we are helpless so far. We hope that they will return home safe and soon, Pul told PTI. ALSO READ- Why China excluded India from the 5th China-South Asia Forum How did the duo disappear? After the two went missing, Chikro lodged complaints of missing persons at Hayuliang police station on October 9, 2022. It was mentioned that some fellow villagers might have last seen them near the border areas on August 24, 2022, but since then, there has been no sign of the duo. ALSO READ- Activists raise concerns over major dam push in Arunachal Pradesh 'First time when missing persons not found for so long' This is the first time in recent years that missing persons have not been found for almost two years. Previous instances of abductions by the PLA in Arunachal Pradesh have usually resulted in the return of the individuals within days or weeks. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China in eastern Ladakh. News / National by Staff reporter Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele and local councillor Ellen Zulu have been summoned to the Hwange Police Station by law and order police in a continuing crackdown on rights activists ahead of a SADC summit on August 17.The DA wants the 17 August SADC Summit moved from Harare.It follows the arrest and alleged torture of 4 activists amid a government crackdown ahead of the meeting. It's asking International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to use SA's power in the regional bloc.The activists were pulled off a plane at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.Meanwhile, 14 other opposition CCC members have been arrested in the western town of Kariba. Bhopal: Fourteen people, including 13 children and a woman, were killed while six others suffered injuries in two separate incidents of wall collapse in Madhya Pradesh after the state was battered with heavy rainfall in the past 48 hours, officials said on Sunday. Nine children were killed and four were injured after a house wall collapsed on them near a temple in Sagar district on Sunday morning (ANI Photo) Nine children were killed and four were injured after a house wall collapsed on them near a temple in Sagar district on Sunday morning. Officials said the incident took place during a religious programme in Shahpur village. The children were in the age group of 10 to 14 years. The accident took place in Shahpur of Rahli assembly at around 10am on Sunday. The rescue operation was started immediately to clear the debris. As many as nine children were found dead while four were found injured, said additional superintendent of police (Add. SP) Sanjeev Uike. The wall of the house adjacent to the temple where the children were sitting and making Shivling in the temple suddenly collapsed. The house was about 40 years old. As soon as the information was received, the Municipal Council employees, police, and locals reached the spot and started the rescue together, said the ASP. In another incident, four school students and a woman were killed, while two othersa student and her mothersuffered injuries after a wall of a dilapidated house fell on them in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa on Saturday, police said. Police said the incident took place in Garh town at around 3pm. The children, all students of Sunrise Public School, were returning home early due to heavy rainfall when a wall of a house, located 20 metres from the school, fell and buried them, police said. Police have identified the deceased as Anshika Gupta (5), Manya Gupta (7), Siddharth Gupta (5), Anuj Prajapati (6), and Rani Prajapati (27), all residents of Garh town. Additional superintendent of police Vivek Lal said the police have arrested Ramesh Namdev and Satish Namdev, owners of the house. The house was located just 20 meters away on the way to school. School administration and parents have been asking the owners for a long time to demolish the wall, said the addl. SP. A student and her mother were also injured in the accident and were rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa in critical condition, he added. Meanwhile, chief minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over Saturdays incident and announced financial aid of Rs.2 lakh each to the families of the deceased children. Seven people were killed, and at least 40 others injured after a bus fell into a ditch following a collision with a car on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in the Usrahar area in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning. The incident took place around 12:45 am. 7 killed, 40 injured in bus-car collision on Lucknow-Agra Expressway According to the police, the double-decker bus - with a Nagaland number plate on it - was on its way to Delhi from Rae Bareli, when it collided with a car coming from the wrong lane. The car was going towards Agra from Lucknow, reported PTI. The bus was carrying 60 people, out of which four died, and the rest were injured. On the other hand, all the three people in the car died. Out of the injured persons, six to seven are critical, Dr Vivek Chaudhary, CMO, Saifai PGI, told ANI. Initial investigation revealed that the accident occurred because the car's driver fell asleep and entered the wrong lane. The collision sent the bus careening into a roadside ditch and flip over. The government is ensuring that the best treatment is given to the admitted people. Rescue operations are also being conducted for the other people. We are making all possible efforts to ensure that all the other people reach their destinations, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sanjay Kumar Verma said, as quoted by ANI. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the incident and directed the officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite relief work for the injured. He also directed the district administration officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery. In a similar incident on July 10, at least 18 people died, and 19 were injured as a sleeper bus rammed into a milk tanker on the Lucknow-Agra expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district. The incident took place near Gadha village when the bus travelling from Bihar to Delhi collided with the tanker while attempting to overtake. The impact of the collision caused the bus to overturn. (With inputs from PTI, ANI) Kanpur: At least seven people were killed and 40 others were injured after a car veered out of control, crossed the median, and crashed into a bus on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway on Sunday, officials said. Police said that both vehicles plunged approximately 20 feet down into a ravine near Usrahar in Etawah (Twitter Photo) The incident took place in Uttar Pradeshs Etawah district in the wee hours on Sunday, police said. The seven killed were three occupants of the car and four passengers of the bus, said police. According to the police, following the collision, both vehicles plunged approximately 20 feet down into a ravine near Usrahar in Etawah. Officials said that a team of police reached the spot after receiving information. As the vehicles fell into the gorge, the police personnel formed a human chain to rescue the injured and shifted the injured to the nearby hospitals. Police said that the bus, with a Nagaland registration, was carrying 60 passengers and on its way to Delhi from Rae Bareli, while the car, which had a Kanauj registration, was going towards Agra from Lucknow. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Etawah, Sanjay Verma, said the accident took place after the car crossed into the opposite lane, leading to the collision. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Meanwhile, administrative officials are overseeing the medical treatment and support for the injured, said the SSP. Nine children were killed and several more are feared trapped after a temple wall collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on Sunday morning, said the authorities. Temple wall collapses in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar (ANI) The children were buried under the debris of the collapsed wall. Some children are injured, and they are under treatment, while all the debris has been removed from the site of the incident, said Sagar District Collector Deepak Arya. The incident took place at around roughly 8:30 am on Sunday morning, after incessant rainfall weakened the foundation of the structure. "...The incident happened around 8.30 am. The wall fell on the children, due to which 9 children died and 2 are undergoing treatment in the hospital..." the district collector told ANI. The incident took place during a religious programme in Shahpur village under Rehli assembly seat, an official said. The nine children who died in the wall collapse were aged between 10 to 15 years. The incident took place at the Hardayal temple, the walls of which are over 50 years old, reported India Today. Earthen shivlings were being made as part of the Sawan festivities at the temple when the wall collapsed. Visuals from the site showed police officers surrounding the area and bulldozers digging through the debris to rescue the trapped children. This incident comes just a day after the wall of an abandoned building collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, killing four children after they got trapped under the rubble. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his grief over the tragic incident on Saturday, announcing an ex gratia amount of 2 lakh each for the families of the victim children. Two people were arrested in Rewa in connection with the building collapse incident on Saturday. The two were owners of the building, and a case was registered against the two under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Cardiologist-turned-politician Dr. CN Manjunath on Sunday reacted to the sexual assault case involving his kin Prajwal Revanna, saying It's always painful to hear such things." In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times' Kumkum Chadha, Manjunath said about Revanna,"For the past 35 years, all the children are living separately. We see them only during some family functions, otherwise there is no intimate contact. Whenever such events happen, it is always painful to hear such things and these things nobody can support." Manjunath, fielded by the BJP as an NDA candidate in Lok Sabha elections, defeated incumbent Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar's brother and then MP DK Suresh from Bangalore Rural. During the HT interview, Manjunath spoke on several issues including link between heart attack and Covid vaccines, his political plunge, nepotism in politics and more. BJP MP from Bangalore Rural Dr. CN Manjunath Political plunge Manjunath is the son-in-law of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda. His brother-in-law HD Kumaraswamy has served as Karnataka chief minister and is currently a central minister in the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. ALSO READ: Medical achievements led me to enter politics: Manjunath When asked how the Gowda family connection influenced his election, he said,"Although I come from a political family, I kept myself away from politics. On January 31, I retired from the institute. Post-retirement, there were a lot of felicitations. During those events, people started asking me why don't I go at a national level." At the same time, the Lok Sabha elections were notified. The people were talking about my candidature. The BJP persuaded my father-in-law (Deve Gowda) and my brother-in-law (Kumaraswamy), he said. On being asked whether Deve Gowda dissuaded him from politics, Manjunath said,"It's correct. My father-in-law said that politics is a different game. You are a committed doctor and people hold you in high esteem. For someone who has a long experience, he said this. Even my wife was not agreeing. I had not even dreamt that I would be contesting the election." Covid-19 and heart attacks linked? When asked whether the vaccines contributed to increased heart attacks post-Covid, Manjunath said,"It has gained more attention as celebrities have died due to heart attacks. People started thinking whether it was happening because of Covid. During active Covid infection, people have died due to heart attacks as it was promoting clot formation in the arteries of the heart resulting in heart attacks and arteries of the brain causing stroke." But vaccine-induced heart attack is very rare. For every 10 lakh people vaccinated, chances of getting a heart attack are 4-5 people, he added. Jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal on Sunday said that her husband will not bow down before Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi CM and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.(X/AAP) Arvind Kejriwal is lodged in Tihar jail in connection with a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate and a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which are linked to the Delhi excise policy. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Haryana's Sohna, Sunita Kejriwal claimed that Arvind Kejriwal has been jailed for the work he has done in Delhi. Is there any other party that has improved the conditions of government schools, hospitals, made mohalla clinics, provided free electricity? Only Arvind Kejriwal can do all such development works in the nation...PM Modi is not able to do such development works...To stop such development works of Arvind Kejriwal, PM Modi has put him in jail in a fake case...The son of Haryana, Arvind Kejriwal, will not bow down in front of PM Modi Sunita Kejriwal was quoted as saying by ANI. She also urged the people of Haryana to not vote for the BJP in the coming Assembly elections. "In 2014, when Narendra Modi became the PM, the people of Gujarat voted in support of him. Arvind Kejriwal has made Haryana proud all over the nation...In the upcoming Haryana assembly elections not even a single vote should be given to BJP..." she said. Last week, at a rally of the INDIA bloc at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Sunita Kejriwal claimed that her husband's life was in danger in the Tihar jail. She had also accused the BJP-led central government of trying to "defame" a chief minister elected by the people by filing fake cases and playing with his health. "Their only motive is to stop the work of Delhi because the chief minister does not let the work of the people of Delhi stop in any way. He gets all the work done for the people of Delhi by fighting. "The people of Delhi have given seven MPs to BJP. You ask them what work these BJP MPs have done for Delhi. These people have only one politics -- hatred and stopping work," she had claimed. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said that she spoke to her Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren and requested him to look into the issue of water being released from dams. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.(PTI) Banerjee claims that water released from dams in Jharkhand was causing a flood-like situation in West Bengal. "I spoke to the chief minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren ji, and discussed with him the evolving flood situation. I discussed with him the case of sudden and huge release of water from Tenughat, which has already started flooding West Bengal," Banerjee posted on X. "I told him that Jharkhand waters have been flooding West Bengal, and this is man-made! I requested him to please take care of this," she added. The West Bengal chief also said that she has been monitoring the situation and have spoken to all the DMs concerned in South Bengal as well as in North Bengal. I have asked the DMs to be particularly vigilant and take proper care of the calamity situation in the next 3/4 days. I told them to take all precautionary measures so that there is no untoward incident anywhere, Banerjee wrote on X. However, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of neighbouring Assam, objected to Mamata's post, saying that he cannot accept her notion that the Jharkhand government is responsible for the floods in West Bengal. He pointed out that every year water from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan cause floods in Assam, but his government do not blame them. Also Read | 2 killed as heavy rain lashes West Bengal; IMD issues alert I respect Didi, but I cannot accept her notion that the Jharkhand government is responsible for the floods in West Bengal. Both governments should work together to alleviate the hardships faced by the people, Sarma wrote on X in hindi. Every year, the water flowing down from the Arunachal and Bhutan hills causes floods in Assam. However, we do not blame the Arunachal government or the Royal Bhutan government because we understand that water knows no boundaries and flows naturally downstream. Water expected to reduce The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), which operates several hydropower projects in Jharkhand and West Bengal, however, said that water discharge was expected to reduce due to a dip in rainfall, reported PTI. The DVC had released 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from Panchet and Maithon dams along the Jharkhand-West Bengal border on Sunday morning after heavy discharge of water from Tenughat upstream. Prior to that, about 90,000 cusecs released from Panchet and Maithon on Saturday. "However, less water is expected to be discharged from Tenughat from now on as rainfall has reduced. This means discharge from Maithon and Panchet will also be lesser," DVC Maithon Executive Director Anjani Dubey told PTI. The Assam government is planning to enact a law against land jihad, said chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (ANI file photo) Sarma said Hindus and Muslims buying each other's land in the state will have to secure the permission of the government. He made the announcement at the BJP state executive meeting in Guwahati. Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government is also mulling legislation against the so-called love jihad as well. "Assam government is bringing two laws to stop land jihad and love jihad... If a Muslim wants to buy a Hindus property or a Hindu wants to buy a Muslims property, they will have to get the government's permission... Those practising love jihad will be punished with life imprisonment," said Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam BJP chief Bhabesh Kalita said action against land jihad was being taken to protect the indigenous people of the state. "To protect Jati, Mati and Bheti, we have decided (to act) against land jihad. Accordingly, we presented a resolution and the CM has accepted it. To give more opportunities to the employees of the 3rd and the 4th level and the Indigenous people of Assam, these decisions have been taken... We also discussed love jihad... We are hopeful that in the coming days, a law on love jihad would also be made," he said. Himanta Biswa Sarma also said a new domicile policy will be introduced soon, under which only those born in Assam will be eligible for state government jobs. BJP vs land jihad The BJP has been campaigning against "rampant infiltration" of foreigners in states like Assam and Jharkhand. Last week, union home minister Amit Shah said rampant infiltration had led to the shrinking of the tribal population in Jharkhand "After forming a government in Jharkhand, we will bring out a 'White Paper' on demography to protect tribal people, their lands, reservation, and rights." Without naming Hemant Soren, he accused Jharkhand's tribal chief minister of being involved in "love jihad" and "land jihad" due to his vote bank and appeasement policy. He alleged that thousands of infiltrators were entering Jharkhand, marrying tribal women, obtaining certificates, and buying land, thus usurping jobs meant for local people. With inputs from PTI, ANI Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took a new jab at the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party on Sunday, calling it a jungle raj. He claimed that under their rule, there was an atmosphere of fear and that people used to avoid travelling after sunset. While speaking to a gathering in Kushinagar, he stated that the region is now free from terrorism, anarchy, and hooliganism, under his government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.(File) Because of the jungle party (Samajwadi Party), there used to be an atmosphere of fear in this entire region, and people avoided travelling after sunset. However, terrorism, anarchy and hooliganism have ended in this region now, Adityanath was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Leaders from both the Samajwadi Party and BJP have recently engaged in verbal confrontations over the rape case of a minor girl in Ayodhya. On July 30, the police arrested Moid Khan, who owns a bakery in Bhadarsa Nagar of Ayodhya district, along with his employee, Raju Khan, in connection with the crime. According to the police, Moid Khan and Raju Khan raped the girl two months ago and recorded the act. The incident came to light when the girl was discovered to be pregnant during a medical examination. Stir over Ayodhya rape case Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has alleged that Moid Khan is a member of the Samajwadi Party and part of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad's team. On Thursday, Yogi Adityanath criticised the Samajwadi Party in the UP assembly, stating, This is a case of Ayodhya. Moid Khan is from SP and is a member of the Ayodhya MP's team. He has been found involved in the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The Samajwadi Party has not taken any action against him. The chief minister had visited the girl's family last week. On Saturday, the Ayodhya district administration demolished Khan's bakery. District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh earlier informed PTI that the bakery was illegally constructed over a pond. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Sunday that the perpetrators of the Ayodhya rape case would face such severe punishment that it would be remembered by their future generations. Criticising the Samajwadi Party, Pathak accused the SP of having hooliganism and anarchy ingrained in its DNA. Last week, the party had called for DNA testing of the accused. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Mayawati, on Sunday said that her party does not agree with the Supreme Court's verdict allowing sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati.(Deepak Gupta/Hindustan Times) "The sub-classification of people within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has been permitted, our party (BSP) doesn't agree with it at all," Mayawati said while addressing a press conference in Lucknow. She claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre did not oppose the decision and the lawyers representing the government presented arguments that helped the Supreme Court deliver the decision, reported PTI. They (the government) did not oppose it. Instead, their lawyers presented such arguments that it helped the honourable Supreme Court in delivering this decision. Lawyers from either Congress side or representing the government, both facilitated the Supreme Court," Mayawati claimed. This shows that their intention is not right, instead of ending the reservation given to SCs and STs themselves, they are trying to end it through the judiciary and they have mostly been successful in it, she added. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This judgment, held by a 6:1 majority, overrules the 2004 decision in EV Chinnaiah vs the State of Andhra Pradesh, where a five-judge bench had held that sub-classification was not permissible, arguing that SC/STs form homogenous classes. The judgment was delivered by the seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The bench also comprised of Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma. While six judges upheld sub-classification, Justice Trivedi dissented. Notably, the court also observed that the states must identify the creamy layer within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and take them out of reservation. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), which is part of the ruling NDA government, has said that it will be filing a review petition against the ruling. The Republican Party of India (Athawale) has also said that it will oppose any move to apply the creamy layer criteria to reservations for SCs and STs. (Inputs from PTI) News / National by Staff reporter Opposition United African National Council (UANC) party leader Gwinyai Muzorewa has urged counterparts in the political sphere to refrain from demonstrations during the 44th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.Zimbabwe is set to host the regional bloc's annual meeting in Harare under the theme: "Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC".Speaking at a press conference in Harare last week Muzorewa said the opposition must maintain peace during the time of the summit."The opposition parties must show maturity, culture and sound judgement, since we could be the next government of this nation any time," said Muzorewa."As one of the founding members of SADC, let us display our wisdom and maturity by welcoming our guests with dignity, respect and culture. This is not the time to show our political differences. Most married people know how to cover their differences when they have visitors. That is civil."Muzorewa added that constructive opposition leaders should not seek to hijack SADC's agenda."As the opposition parties, we must show respect to our fellow SADC nations who will come to conduct their business. SADC's main objectives are to achieve development, peace, security and economic growth. We cannot afford "kudira jecha" (to sabotage) this noble SADC agenda," he said.Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc. Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said on Sunday that their party opposes the Supreme Court's observation regarding the creamy layer among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and they plan to file a review petition against the ruling. Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan (ANI) Paswan emphasised that the foundation of reservations is based on the Untouchability faced by Dalit people in various aspects of life, and argued that introducing a creamy layer for their reservations is pointless. We disagree with the observation of the Supreme Court and have prominently registered this disagreement. We are clear that the basis of the Scheduled Caste is untouchability, not an educational or economic basis. In such a situation, there can be no provision for a creamy layer within it. Reservation within the reservation is not correct because, even today, a Dalit youth is cited as an example of someone who is prevented from riding a mare, Chirag Paswan was quoted as saying by ANI. There are many prominent individuals who hold high positions, but even when they visit a temple, the temple is washed with Ganga water afterward. Discrimination based on untouchability still occurs today. We, LJP (Ram Vilas), are also going to file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding this matter, he added. What is a creamy layer in reservations? Families with an annual income above 8 lakh are classified as part of the creamy layer, the government periodically revises this threshold. These individuals are excluded from the reservation benefits. However, this concept does not apply to SCs and STs, who are eligible for reservation benefits regardless of their economic status. This concept aims to uplift these historically disadvantaged communities. Presently, this concept is applied only to reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Here's what the Supreme Court said In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court observed that states have the authority to sub-classify SCs and STs. The court specified that the calculation should be based on effective representation rather than mere numerical representation when determining if a class is adequately represented. Justice BR Gavai said states should establish a policy to identify the creamy layer among SCs and STs and exclude them from reservation benefits. The top court, by a majority judgment of 6:1, affirmed that sub-classification within SC and ST reservations is permissible. The decision was delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The bench overturned a previous ruling in the EV Chinnaiah case that stated sub-classification was not allowed as SC/STs form homogenous classes. The bench included Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma, in addition to CJI Chandrachud. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Bela M Trivedi disagreed with the majority judgment, stating that sub-classification within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes should not be permissible. The Karnataka government on Saturday transferred the suspicious death of a 34-year-old sub-inspector in Yadgir to the hours after the police registered the case against Congress MLA Chennareddy Patil and his son Pampanagowda on charges of caste abuse and their alleged involvement in the circumstances leading to the PSIs death. The post-mortem of the body has been done and the sub-inspector likely died due to cardiac arrest, police said (File photo) This comes a day after the family members of sub-inspector Parashuram and various Dalit leaders staged protest demanding registering case against the Congless MLA and his son. Shweta, the deceaseds wife said: My husband had been under immense mental pressure after being transferred twice within a span of seven month. The MLA and his son had demanded 30 lakh for him to remain posted at the Yadgiri town police station. This pressure ultimately led to my husbands death, which occurred while he was at home on Friday afternoon. Yadgiri SP G Sangeetha said: Based on complaint by sub inspectors wife, we have registered a case against MLA Chennareddy and his son Pampana Gowda under BNS section 108 ( abetment to suicide) and Karnataka prevention of atrocity on SCST Act. The case has been handed over to CID by state government and we will hand over case file to them soon. The accused, listed as A1 and A2 in the case, are Yadgiri MLA Chennareddy Patil Tunnoor and his son Pampanagowda respectively. The post-mortem of the body has been done and the sub-inspector likely died due to cardiac arrest, Sangeetha said. In response to the incident, home minister G Parameshwar said: The sub-inspector did not commit suicide. it was reported as a natural death. However, considering the complaint filed by his wife, we will investigate the matter from all angles. The police have been instructed accordingly, and there is no question of letting anyone off the hook. Following the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Basan Gowda Patil Yatnal said in a post on X: MLAs who were supposed to be exemplary representatives of the people, indirectly caused the death of an officer. Channareddy should immediately take moral responsibility for this death and submit his resignation as MLA. Gurmatkal JD (S) MLA Sharangowda Kandakur said: He (the deceased) talked to me about the transfer just three days ago. It has not even been one year, and he said he has been transferred again. Deceased PSI Parashurams wife is pregnant. What should honest officials do? I mentioned the transfer of officers in Yadagiri district both inside and outside the House. The government should have taken appropriate action, but no action has been taken. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Sunday defended Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav' who is facing backlash over his demand to conduct a DNA test of the two men accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya. Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, said DNA tests have been used to find the culprits in such cases in the past. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav at the Parliament in New Delhi.(ANI) What Akhilesh Yadav is asking, the DNA tests, have been used in cases like these in the past to find out, verify the accused, or the police, administration suspect, Dikshit told PTI. There is nothing amiss in what Akhilesh Yadav is saying. But what is sad, and that's been a case with UP, whenever such incidents happen, rather than looking at it as an issue of justice, everybody tries to politicise, the Congress leader added. Ayodhya rape case: Bakery of accused bulldozed, admin says it was built on pond land When the accused are associated with the ruling BJP, Dikshit alleged, they try to cover it in the most shameful manner but get more interested in politicising it if the opposition party is associated. Uttar Pradesh government has more become an instrument of political games between two parties rather than somebody that wants to dispense justice, he said, terming the state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh very sad. Akhilesh Yadav sparked a controversy on Saturday with his demand for a DNA test of the two men accused of raping a 12-year-old girl who became pregnant. "Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP's allegation will be considered biased," Yadav had said. The BJP accused the SP of defending a "paedophile" and showing its "boys will be boys" mentality. Samajwadi Party's DNA test demand in Ayodhya gang rape case a 'conspiracy to save accused': BSP On Sunday, Yadav urged the court to order protection for the Ayodhya rape victim considering the "sensitivity" of the case and said the people trying to "politicise" the case must not be allowed to succeed. "The government should make the best possible medical arrangements for the rape survivor. It is the government's responsibility to protect the girl's life," Yadav said in a post on X. "It is a humble request to the honourable court to take suo motu cognisance of the situation and ensure all possible security to the girl under its supervision, considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation. The motive of ill-intentioned people to politicise such incidents should never succeed," he added. Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Congress is set to launch a protest marchNyay Padyatra (justice march)on August 9, party officials aware of the matter said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (File Photo) The yatra will be led by Congress Seva Dal chief Lalji Desai, along with Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil and Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge are also likely to join the yatra, which will commence in Morbi and culminate in Gandhinagar on August 22. The yatra will be launched demanding justice for victims of recent tragedies in Gujarat, a party leader said. This march aims to shed light on a series of devastating incidents that have rocked the state and the entire country in the past two years, including the Morbi bridge collapse, the TRP Game zone fire in Rajkot, and the Harni Lake tragedy in Vadodara, said Gujarat Congress president Gohil. The Congress alleges that these calamities are not mere accidents but the direct result of systemic corruption and negligence within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. The date of the yatraAugust 9holds profound historical significance in Indias freedom struggle, marking the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhis call for civil disobedience against British rule in 1942. On this day in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement. This Nyay Padyatra is our way of seeking justice for those who have suffered due to the BJPs misgovernance and corruption. We aim to expose the rampant corruption that has become endemic under their rule, leading to tragic incidents like the Morbi bridge collapse, the TRP Game zone fire, and the Harni Lake tragedy, Shailesh Parmar, deputy leader in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, said at a press conference in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Parmar said that their party aims to expose what he called rampant corruption that has allegedly become endemic under BJP rule. Starting from Morbi, the site of the tragic bridge collapse that claimed as many as 135 lives in October 2022, the march will wind its way to Gandhinagar, the state capital, said Parmar. Led by Lalji Desai, the yatra will include 101 core participants and families of victims, their presence serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of alleged corrupt practices and misgovernance, the Congress said in a statement. As the march progresses through various districts, the Congress plans to conduct Jan Samvad (public dialogue) sessions. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said that they have informed the senior leaders of the party, including party president Kharge, Rahul, and Priyanka, and are hopeful about their participation in the yatra. During his visit to Gujarat last month, Rahul met the family members and relatives of those who lost their lives in various tragedies in Gujarat recently, including the Rajkot game zone fire that claimed 27 lives in May; the boat capsize incident at Vadodara in January where 14 lives were lost; and the Morbi bridge collapse, where a British-era suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi collapsed on October 30, killing 135 people. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his government will enact a law against love jihad with the provision of life imprisonment as punishment to violators. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses a press conference in Guwahati. (PTI file photo) "We spoke about love jihad during the elections. Soon, we will bring a law, which will award life imprisonment in such cases," he said in a BJP meeting. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP's most prominent leader in the North East, said a new domicile policy will be introduced soon. Under the policy, only those born in Assam will be eligible for government jobs in the state. Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Assam government has given priority to the indigenous people in the one lakh government jobs provided, per his pre-poll promise. The CM said the Assam government has taken a decision regarding land deals between Hindus and Muslims. He said the government cannot prevent such a transaction but it will make it mandatory to secure the consent of the chief minister for such deals. Also read: Assam BJP promises law against 'land jihad': No Hindu-Muslim deal without Himanta Biswa Sarma had promised that his government would bring the uniform civil code to Assam. Himanta Biswa Sarma on demographic 'invasion' Last month, he went to Jharkhand and claimed 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' had been grabbing tribal land. "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. He often makes similar claims about Assam. "I have observed the demographic invasion in Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Whenever the 2021 census is conducted, I am sure it will reveal shocking news about the demography of Eastern India. The demographic invasion is real, and due to appeasement policies, we are unable to control it," Sarma had said. With inputs from ANI, PTI India on Sunday night strongly advised all its nationals presently residing in Bangladesh to exercise "extreme caution" and restrict their movements in the wake of fresh waves of violence in the neighbouring country. Demonstrators shout slogans after they have occupied a street during a protest demanding the stepping down of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following quota reform protests by students, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain In its latest advisory, India also asked its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh till further notice. At least 90 people, including 14 policemen, were killed on Sunday in fierce clashes between security forces personnel and anti-government protesters in different parts of Bangladesh, according to reports from Dhaka. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the advisory. "All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka," it said. The student protests in Bangladesh started last month against a controversial job quota scheme. The protests now have turned into an anti-government agitation. On July 25, the MEA said around 6,700 Indian students returned from Bangladesh in view of the situation in that country. Amid the ongoing rescue operations in Wayanad following the devastating landslides, a third-standard student penned a heartfelt note to the Indian Army, expressing gratitude for their efforts in rescuing people from the debris and his aspiration to "join the army one day" to protect the nation. The Southern Command of the Indian Army responded, saying they are eagerly waiting for the day he dons the uniform and stands alongside them. Wayanad's Class 3 student Rayan(X/@IaSouthern) The letter, written in Malayalam by Master Rayan days after the disaster that claimed over 300 lives and left many missing and injured, expressed his pride in witnessing the Army's dedication to rescuing those trapped under the rubble. Rayan recounted watching a video of soldiers eating biscuits to sustain themselves while building a bridge, which deeply moved him. Dear Indian Army, my beloved Wayanad was struck by a massive landslide, creating havoc and destruction. I felt proud and happy to see you rescuing people who were stuck under debris, a rough translation of Rayan's letter said. I just saw the video in which you were having biscuits to sate your hunger and building a bridge. That sight moved me deeply and I aspire to join the Indian Army one day and protect my nation, he further wrote. The Indian Army's response to Rayans letter said, Your heartfelt words have deeply touched us. In times of adversity, we aim to be a beacon of hope, and your letter reaffirms this mission. Heroes like you inspire us to give our utmost. We eagerly await the day you don the uniform and stand alongside us. Together, we will make our nation proud, the Army wrote back. Wayanad landslide updates The landslides that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30 have claimed 308 lives so far. Rescue efforts continued for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday. Wayanad District Collector Meghashree told news agency ANI that the rescue operation is in full swing, with over 1,300 personnel deployed. On Saturday, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for donating 5 crore to aid the relief efforts in Wayanad. The Indian Air Force transported one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to expedite the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force successfully rescued three people stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, also in the landslide-hit Wayanad district. In Mundakkai and Chooralmala, the heavily affected areas were divided into six search zones. The rescue operations will continue with increased force and equipment. Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as a series of violent incidents, including airstrikes, assassinations, and military mobilisations, have set the stage for potential widespread conflict. US Central Commands General Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East on Saturday amid Israels heightened state of alert for a possible Iranian attack, reported Axios, in retaliation to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Smoke ascends after an Israeli air raid on the town of Shamaa (Chamaa) in southern Lebanon on August 1, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (Photo by KAWNAT HAJU / AFP)(AFP) This visit, although planned before the recent surge in hostilities, is seen as a crucial effort to mobilise international and regional support akin to the coalition that defended Israel in April. Irans Revolutionary Guard said that a short-range projectile caused the death of Haniyeh, and accused Israel, supported by the US, of orchestrating the attack. The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the U.S., said the Guard's statement. It added that the warmongering and terrorist Zionist regime will receive harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its role in Haniyeh's killing. This incident has spurred calls for retaliation, with Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, vowing to respond. Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran hours after the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah's military chief in Beirut. Iran said on Saturday it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets. US and Israeli officials have indicated that an Iranian attack on Israel could occur as soon as Monday. The threat of Iranian retaliation has prompted the US to bolster its military presence in the region. The Pentagon announced the deployment of a fighter jet squadron and the maintenance of an aircraft carrier in the Middle East. Both the US and British governments have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, anticipating possible escalations. Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation led by Mossad Chief David Barnea made a brief visit to Cairo for discussions with Egyptian intelligence officials. This comes after US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider a cease-fire, despite the complexities added by the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Even as efforts for a cease-fire in Gaza continue, Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed nine Palestinian militants on Saturday. The Israeli army reported that its forces targeted a vehicle outside Tulkarem, killing five occupants identified by Hamas as militants. Later, four more militants were killed after they allegedly opened fire on Israeli troops. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the war between Israel and Hamas reignited in Gaza in October. A senior Jammu police official on Saturday outlined key steps for residents to identify and report suspicious individuals amid a rise in terror attacks in the region. J&K Police officer outlined the steps in the backdrop of a series of terrorist attacks in the Jammu region over the last 45 days. (ANI) If someone sees a suspicious person, please note down his description - his height, his clothes, whether he was carrying any weapon or was he trying to hide his identity, said Ajay Sharma, SP City South Jammu. When asked about the rise in terror activities in the Jammu region and the increased alertness level among police, Sharma said, I will not say that the alertness level is being increased. We are always alert. Read: 5 cops, teacher sacked for involvement in narco-terror network linked to Pakistan's ISI Jammu has recently witnessed a surge in terror attacks and infiltration attempts along the line of control (LoC). 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. Against this backdrop, the Union government on Friday removed Border Security Force Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal and his deputy Special DG (West) Y B Khurania and sent them back to their respective state cadres. Read: Will PM Modi undertake transformational changes this month? The BSF, which guards the sensitive India-Pakistan border, has denied any instances of infiltration. Last week, J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha said Pakistan was trying to disturb peace in Jammu to hinder its progress but asserted that every drop of blood shed by terrorists. Read: BSFs special DG reviews security scenario along International Border At a function at Raj Bhavan here, Sinha said, "Today, once again, the terrorist country of Pakistan is making efforts to disturb peace in the Jammu division. It wants to stop its progress." "From Poonch-Rajouri to Kathua-Reasi and Doda, the families of those who want to build a bright future for themselves are being targeted. All of you should always remember that every drop of (people's) blood shed by Pakistani terrorists will definitely be avenged," he said. An army jawan who murdered four jawans at the high-security Bathinda military station April 12, 2023, was on Saturday sentenced by a General Court Martial (GCM) to life imprisonment and dismissal from service, people familiar with the proceedings said. The army jawan who shot dead four of his colleagues at the high-security Bathinda military station on April 12, 2023, was on Saturday sentenced by a general court martial (GCM) to life imprisonment and was also dismissed from service. (Ht Photo) The convict, Desai Mohan, and the victims, Sagar Banne, Kamlesh R, Santosh Nagaral, and Yogeshkumar J, were from the 80 Medium Regiment of Artillery, and all five were colleagues at the mess. Mohan was charged with four counts of murder under Section 69 (which states that any person subject to this Act who at any place in or beyond India commits any civil offence shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence against this Act) of the Army Act and Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and two counts of theft under Army Act Section 52(a) for theft of weapon and ammunition, the officials said. The findings and the sentence announced by the GCM, presided over by colonel S Duseja, on Saturday are subject to vetting by the higher army authorities, the people said. Desai shot dead his four colleagues as they slept their rooms near the officers mess. Bathinda district police found 19 empty shells from the spot. According to the first information report (FIR) filed at the cantonment police station on April 12, Mohan alleged that he had spotted two masked men in white kurta-pyjama near the crime scene. The case was registered on the complaint of Major Ashutosh Shukla of the 80 Medium Regiment, who quoted Mohans information that one of the assailants was carrying an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle and the other an axe. The FIR stated that an INSAS rifle and a magazine with 28 cartridges had gone missing from an army unit on April 9. These were found by the Bathinda police on the day of the murder. The case was taken over by the Army from the civil court under Army Act Section 125 for the trial of the accused by a court martial. During the probe by civil police, the jawan, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, initially alleged sexual abuse by the deceased. He also alleged that the four used to speak to his fiancee using his mobile, take compromising photographs of his fiancee and mock him. During the trial, army officials said that the accused claimed implication at the behest of police and military authorities, and denied having made any confessional statement to the police or Army authorities. But the GCM rejected his claim as unsubstantiated and an afterthought, and relying on his voluntary confessional statement made at Summary of Evidence and ample circumstantial evidence on record convicted him of all the six charges. The GCM was being held at Bathinda army base since January this year. Army PRO Col Sudhir Chamoli did not respond to HTs request for comment. News / National by Staff reporter Police have arrested Goromonzi West losing candidate for the 2023 elections Tineyi Munetsi for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest back in 2019.The incident has been described as an absurdity by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) as the government renews its crackdown on the opposition and rights defenders."In Zimbabwe, absurdity has plumbed new depths as authorities arrested Tineyi Munetsi, who contested in the 2023 parliamentary elections and charged him for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest held some 5 years ago," ZLHR said.Added the rights group, "Munetsi has since been charged with contravening section 36 of Criminal Code and is being accused of participated in the January 2019 anti-government protests."Munetsi, a CCC politician, is represented by Kossam Ncube, a ZLHR member.The countrywide January 2019 protests, perhaps the most fierce display of citizen anger since President Emmerson Mnangagwa came into power in 2017, were torched by a government decision to hike the price of fuel with ripple effects of the unpopular policy shift also felt in other sectors of the economy.Rights groups say atleast 17 people were killed as security forces were deployed to hunt down suspected organisers of the protests in their homes during day and night while women and girls were also raped.Currently, over a hundred activists have either been detained or beaten up in just under two months by the Zanu-PF led government.Crimes range from attending what authorities argue have been illegal gatherings to violence incitement.Some 78 opposition activists are languishing in remand prison charged with attending an illegal gathering while 60 student activists affiliated to the militant Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) were beaten up two weeks ago at a union meeting in Harare.The abuses have been extended to several more rights activists and politicians who have been arrested charged with violence incitement ahead of the August 17 SADC Summit.Crippling protests that have rocked Kenya recently and spread to Nigeria are also believed to be fuelling the tough reaction in Zimbabwe where citizen suffering is equally dire. The parliaments Budget Session resumes on Monday with several key bills on the agenda, following a week of intense debates between opposition and ruling parties who are likely to again clash over several issues. The proposed amendments to Waqf Act will potentially limit the Waqf Boards authority to designate properties. (SansadTV) In the Lok Sabha, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill. Law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to present legislation on readjusting representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goas assembly constituencies. The Rajya Sabha will see the introduction of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill by Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday. Reports have also suggested the government may propose amendments to the Waqf Act, potentially limiting the Waqf Boards authority to designate properties. These changes would reportedly include mandatory verification for property claims. To be sure, there was no confirmation from the government over this and no updates have been made to the legislative agenda since before the session began. Reports on Sunday cited unnamed government officials as saying the move was in line with demands from the Muslim community. There have been demands from within the community to amend the law to bring transparency and accountability ...some Muslim high court judges had flagged that the decision taken by Waqf boards cannot be challenged in courts. Now, the amendment bill seeks to set that right, news agency PTI quoted a person familiar with the governments decision as saying. Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party, criticised the potential amendments. These amendments are intended to take away Waqf properties, Owaisi said. The Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf board. This is against freedom of religion. Owaisi accused the BJP of planning to target Waqf properties from the very beginning, saying they have a Hindutva agenda... Now if you make amendments to the establishment and composition of the Waqf board, then there will be an administrative chaos, loss of autonomy of the Waqf board and if the control of the government increases over the Waqf Board, then the independence of Waqf will be affected. Also Read | Against freedom of religion: Asaduddin Owaisi on buzz around Centre's Waqf Board plan Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, urged government consultation with stakeholders before making changes. Our ancestors have donated a large part of their property and made it Waqf under Islamic law, Mahali said. Once a property is made Waqf, it cannot be sold or transferred. Senior BJP leader Dinesh Sharma, however, defended the move. According to PTI, Sharma said Bohra and other members of the Muslim community have raised the issue of anomalies by Waqf boards. The main reason behind this is that there have been complaints against Waqf boards, made for benefitting the minorities, being involved in other works, he said. In 2013, the Congress government expanded the powers of the Waqf Boards through amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, which regulates assets designated for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. The new amendments are designed to increase womenrepresentation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards, introduce measures for monitoring properties with district magistrates, and address delays in property surveying. In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members plan to discuss the functioning of several ministries, including Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, New and Renewable Energy, and Cooperation. New Delhi, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday accused Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena's office of "spreading falsehood" and ignoring the acute shortage of medical personnel in the government hospitals of the capital. LG's office ignoring acute shortage of doctors in Delhi govt hospitals: Saurabh Bharadwaj In a strongly-worded response to the allegation, Raj Niwas officials said 10 years of misgovernance, masqueraded by advertisements and propaganda, has begun to implode. "Now that the system is crumbling, Press Conference Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj is frantically searching for alibis. The A's health model is there for all to see," an official said. Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj accused the LG of of hiding behind his office and "indirectly spreading lies to the public and the media". "I request the LG not to hide behind his office and indirectly present lies to the public, but rather hold a press conference and instead of officials, write these lies with his own pen and present them to the media and the people of the country so that action can be taken against him for his lies," he said. He mentioned that the poorest of the poor people of the capital and the surrounding states come to Delhi hospitals with the hope that they will get adequate treatment. But due to the huge shortage of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, lab technicians, OT technicians etc. in Delhi's hospitals, these poor people are not able to get adequate treatment and this is being done deliberately under a conspiracy, Bharadwaj alleged. Bharadwaj, while presenting the letters written by him earlier to Saxena about these vacancies, said he took over as the health minister of Delhi in March 2023 and on April 19, 2023, wrote the first letter to the LG, informing him that there is a shortage of 292 general medical duty officers and 234 specialists in Delhi government hospitals. "No action was taken to fill these vacancies, rather the doctors who were holding high positions in Delhi government hospitals through the Central Health Services were also called back by the Centre by removing them from Delhi government hospitals," he claimed. He said he wrote another letter to the LG on June 6 and told him that it will take a very long time to recruit doctors through the Union Public Service Commission . "There are many hospitals, there are big machines in the hospitals, but due to the shortage of doctors, people are not able to get surgeries, treatment is not being done, so for the time being, doctors should be appointed on a contractual basis. "But despite that, no order was issued by the LG for the recruitment of doctors on contract," he claimed. The minister said he had again sent a letter to the LG through Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the recruitment of doctors and other paramedical staff in the vacant posts in the Delhi government hospitals. Through the letter, Bharadwaj said he told the LG that the posts of 30 per cent doctors, 20 per cent nurses, 30 per cent pharmacists and about 1,658 posts of OT technicians, lab technicians, post-mortem technicians etc. are vacant. On June 25, Bharadwaj said he wrote to the health secretary. "I told him that many new hospitals of the Delhi government are being built and new blocks are being constructed in some old hospitals, about 12,000-14,000 new beds are going to be added in the hospitals, but the number of staff and doctors required for the existing hospitals is not complete, at least the number of staff and doctors required in the existing hospitals should be recruited and I should be provided information on what action is being taken on that," he added. He said did not receive any reply from the health secretary. Bharadwaj pointed out that the committee of Dr Sarin constituted by the high court has also accepted that there is a huge shortage of doctors and other paramedical staff in the Delhi government hospitals, due to which people are not getting adequate treatment and that recruitment should be done on a contractual basis immediately. Bharadwaj said on July 26, he again wrote a letter to Saxena and requested him that since the services department comes directly under him and the appointment of a doctor through the UPSC can take a lot of time, keeping this in mind, doctors should be hired for Delhi government hospitals on a contractual basis as soon as possible, so that the poor people coming for treatment in these hospitals can get complete and adequate treatment. Later, addressing a press conference, A's chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said the health model of the Delhi government is being discussed even in foreign countries and they will not let it become like Uttar Pradesh. Hitting back, Raj Niwas officials said the high court took suo-motu cognisance of the pathetic state of affairs in the Delhi government hospitals and summoned Bharadwaj. "It appointed a committee under Dr S K Sarin to improve things, but its comprehensive report was neither deliberated upon by the PC minister, who also happens to be the health minister. Fraud in mohalla clinics, no new hospital in 10 years, tenders increasing from 400 crore to 1,100 crore for the construction of hospitals, medicine purchase scam etc. lie totally exposed," an official said. Besides, any service matter, including appointments, postings, transfers and disciplinary actions, are decided by the NCCSA headed by the chief minister and put up to the LG, he added. "Kejriwal has not convened a single meeting of the NCCSA since ages. Even when he was out on bail and authorised by the Supreme Court to do so," the official said. Referring to Bharadwaj, he said he would have done well to bring these matters to Kejriwal when he was out on bail and asked him to act, rather than writing fig-leaf alibis to the LG. "It will be in the interest of the public health system in Delhi if he indulges in governance rather than doing three to four press conferences a day," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on Saturday said that the Supreme Court of India, despite being the highest constitutional court of the country, has to be an institution that reaches out to citizens and is deeply associated with their lives. New Delhi, Aug 03 (ANI): Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud addresses the commemoration of the Special Lok Adalat Week organised to celebrate 75 years of the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh) Speaking at the conclusion of a Special Lok Adalat week that saw more than 1,000 cases getting decided over five days in an out-of-court settlement, the CJI said that the Constitution framers envisaged a Supreme Court in a society that was poor and where access to justice was absent due to hurdles prevailing in a colonial set-up. Justice Chandrachud said, The idea behind creating this institution which would reach out to people was to ensure that this would not be one of those kind of courts like the American Supreme Court, which deals with 180 constitutional cases (in a year) but a court that will truly be a court reaching out to the lives of common citizens. The Special Lok Adalat was based on this theme Nyay sab ke dwar (Justice at every doorstep) and the CJI said, The purpose of the Lok Adalat has been to take justice to the homes of the people and to remind people that we are a constant presence in their lives. The event was attended by Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal who complimented the Supreme Court for organising it to coincide with 75 years of Indias independence. The Lok Adalats began on July 29 with about 6,000 cases. Seven benches of the Supreme Court were initially assigned the cases taken up each day at 2pm. But by Thursday, 13 benches had to be constituted to manage the large volume of cases. To arrive at a settlement, some judges used to hear matters till 6.30pm, well beyond the scheduled time when courts rise at 4pm. The cases settled included not just cheque bounce cases, but tax disputes, motor accident compensation claims, compassionate appointment, matrimonial cases and pension matters. The CJI said, What is lost to so many people is the small job that we do in the Supreme Court. The CJI remarked often people ask why the Supreme Court has to deal with so many small cases. He responded by saying, When the Constitution was framed by stalwarts like Baba Saheb BR Ambedkar, they introduced Article 136 (Supreme Courts appellate jurisdiction) with a mission. This was a court set up in an essentially poor society where there was absence of access to justice. We operated in colonial structures of patriarchy, oppression, caste discrimination...Though we are at the apex of the Indian judicial system, we are closely and deeply associated with the lives of our citizens. The CJI said that with the success of the Lok Adalat, he plans to institutionalise it for the future. The purpose was to give ownership to advocates over the institution because this is not an institution of the judges, for the judges and by the judges, he said Imphal: The Manipur Police have suspended a sub-inspector (SI) of Imphal East district in connection with an assault case, officials said. The journalist fraternity in Manipur staged a protest and demanded action against the officer (Twitter/video screengrab) Imphal East district superintendent of police (SP) K Meghachandra Singh issued the order of suspension to Sh Nikhil of the commandos unit on Saturday night after the issue sparked widespread condemnation from the journalist fraternity, who staged a protest and demanded action against the officer. The SP said that disciplinary proceedings are being contemplated against SI Sh Nikhil for his grave misconduct, which is not expected from a member of a disciplined force. It is further ordered that during the period of suspension, the headquarters of SI Sh Nikhil Singh of CDO/IE will be Reserve Line, Porompat, and he will not leave his headquarters without obtaining the prior permission of the undersigned, the order read. The suspended officer will be entitled to subsistence allowance as admissible under rules during the period of his suspension, it added. M Rameshchandra, a TV reporter with Imapct TV, was allegedly beaten while covering a rally by the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Akampat area in Imphal East district. The alleged incident took place on Thursday, a video of which has gone viral. Meanwhile, All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) protested against the alleged assault and submitted a memorandum to chief minster N Biren Singh, demanding immediate investigation and action. The journalists fraternity also staged a protest on Friday. The scribes bodies also held an emergency meeting in this regard at Manipur Press Club on Saturday. Lucknow, BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday opposed the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes, and said Parliament should overturn the ruling. Mayawati opposes Apex court's SCs sub-classification verdict, says Parliament should overturn it "The sub-classification of people within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has been permitted, our party doesn't agree with it at all," Mayawati said while addressing a press conference here. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes, which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation for the uplift of castes that are socially and educationally more backward. Mayawati also alleged the decision will take away reservation from the SCs and STs, which will then be given to the general category. Quoting her, a statement issued by the BSP read, "In this way, many such problems will arise from this order due to which the reservation being given to SCs and STs will end, and then the result will be that they will be deprived of reservation. "In the end, the reservation of their share will also be given to the general category in some form or the other." She also said Parliament should overturn the verdict and asked the Centre to bring reservation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains a list of central and state laws which cannot be challenged in courts. Initially, the Ninth Schedule was primarily focused on land reforms, but over time, various other laws, including reservations, have been added to it. "Because the atrocities faced by the people of SCs and STs have been faced as a group and this group is equal in which it would not be right to do any kind of sub-classification," she said. The former chief minister said, "We have appealed to the honourable Supreme Court to reconsider its decision, otherwise if the reservation facility given by the most revered Baba Saheb to make crores of Dalits and tribals stand on their feet in this country is abolished, it will become very difficult." Mayawati said, "Those who say that SCs-STs have become economically strong, then I think only 10 or 11 per cent of the people must have become strong, the condition of the rest 90 per cent is very bad. "With this decision of the Supreme Court, about 90 per cent of the people who need reservation will be left far behind. If they are removed according to this decision, it will be very bad." Mayawati targeted the ruling party and the Congress saying, "The Centre and the BJP, who say that they are the supporters of the SC-ST community, should advocate for them properly... which they did not. The Congress also adopted a vague attitude on the matter.'' She said, ''In such a situation, we have to tell the BJP government at the Centre that if your intention is clear then whatever decision has come, you people should amend the Constitution in Parliament and bring it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.'' Raising questions on the intentions of political parties, she said, ''I do not accept the decision taken by the Supreme Court because Parliament also has the right to overturn it. If they do not overturn it, then whether it is the Congress, the BJP, or other parties, their intentions are not clear in the matter of reservation for SCs, STs and OBC.'' Calling the Supreme Court's judgment "vague", she said the court has not yet set any standard. "In a way, under the guise of this, the state governments will make the reservation that SCs-STs have been getting till now, ineffective. People will not get the benefit of it.'' Mayawati further said, ''The reservation that SCs-STs have got is on the basis of equalising educational, social and economic disparity." The social perspective has not changed regarding them, so it is important for them to get reservation, she added. A press statement issued by the BSP claimed that after this decision of the Supreme Court, differences will also arise between the central and state governments. "Till now, only Parliament had the power to include or exclude any caste or tribe in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which is implemented by the Hon'ble president and no state government has the right to change it. "But now after this decision of August 1, 2024, whichever party will be in power, it will keep changing according to its politics, along with which the state governments will try to give unfair advantage of reservation to their desired castes for their vote bank," it explained. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Police have registered a case of animal cruelty against two men who attempted to dump six stray dogs in a swollen river in Madhya Pradesh's Satna, news agency PTI reported. The police took the action after a viral social media video showed locals rescuing the stray dogs from the accused. MC official said, the problems regarding dogs and other animals are dealt by Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA). (HT File) The video appears to be shot by locals Parimal Tripathi and Brijesh Yadav who were passing by and heard some crying noise from the luggage of an e-rickshaw on Friday around 11 am. Also read | Pet dogs fight knife-wielding attackers in Ghaziabad to protect their owners Forcing the driver to stop, they asked him to open the sack to which the driver was allegedly evasive in his replies. As their suspicion grew, the duo forced the driver the open the sacks and found six stray dogs with their mouth and limbs brutally tied. They also recorded their rescue act and uploaded it on social media. In the video, they were seen explaining that the dogs were tied and stuffed into sacks and were about to be thrown into the Satna River. Also read | HC notice on plea seeking crematorium for pets Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Gupta directed the police to take action as the video went viral. Kotwali police station in-charge Shankhdhar Dwivedi told PTI that, "Two persons riding a motorcycle grew suspicious after hearing the cries of dogs from inside the sacks being carried in an e-rickshaw. They forced the driver to stop the vehicle and open the sacks, in which they found six dogs." The accused duo Nandu Banshkar and Pradeep Banshkar from the Bajraha Tola locality were reportedly annoyed with the growing street dog menace in their area. They were reportedly scared that the animals could harm the locals and hence took the extreme step. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday trained guns at the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body that conducts major competitive examinations including the controversial NEET UG 2024. In a post on social platform X, Ramesh alleged that the NTA's only purpose is to function via outsourcing to private vendors. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is at the very heart of the NEET scandal. It is a body of the Education Ministry whose only purpose is to function via outsourcing to private vendors. Not only do these vendors very often have dubious credentials but the NTA itself is headed by a person who presided over the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, which has seen mega-scams, Ramesh said. ALSO READ: NTA website has less info on website: TMC MP writes to education minister In an answer to the Rajya Sabha, the Union MoS for Education has revealed that the NTA collected an estimated 3,512.98 crore while it spent 3,064.77 crore on the conduct of examinations it therefore netted a profit of Rs. 448 crores in the last six years, the Congress leader said. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh(PTI file) This corpus, however, has not been used to build the agencys capabilities to conduct tests itself, or to strengthen regulatory and monitoring capabilities for its vendors. The future of millions of Indias youths has ultimately become a mere revenue-raising exercise for the non-biological PMs Government, he added. On Friday, the Supreme Court had expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed expert panel to review the functioning of the NTA and recommend examination reforms. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud along with 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 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. 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. (With PTI inputs) The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) termed the Samajwadi Party's demand to conduct a DNA test in the Ayodhya gang rape case as a "conspiracy to save the accused". Vishwanath Pal, BSP's UP chief, questioned the need for a separate DNA test when the victim gave her statement after getting admitted to the hospital. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the DNA test is a means to secure justice for the victim.(PTI) The BSP leader questioned the track record of previous SP governments in Uttar Pradesh on such crimes committed against women. When their (SP) government was in power, we don't think they had ordered any DNA test in such an incident, the BSP leader told ANI, criticising SP for not having expelled the accused from the party yet. He was speaking to reporters after meeting the victim's family and assuring them of justice. Her mother was also saying that people are pressurising her, so I told her not to be afraid and she will get justice, he added. Pal defended the actions of the state government whose response he described was late. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday termed the charges against his party as "the conspiracy of ill-intentioned people to politicise such incidents". Considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation, he urged the court to take suo motu cognisance of the case. The government should make the best possible medical arrangements for the rape victim. It is the government's responsibility to protect the girl's life, Yadav posted on X. The Kannauj MP had demanded DNA test on the prime accused Moid Khan, a local SP party worker in Ayodhya and Raju Khan, the co-accused in the case. In the case of misdeeds, the way for justice should be found by getting DNA tests done of those who are accused, and not by merely making allegations and doing politics, he posted the on X demanding justice to the victim. His demand had ignited a controversy as the ruling BJP questioned the need for a DNA test when the teen's pregnancy is evident. BSP supremo Mayawati had also criticised Yadav's demand questioning how many DNA tests have been done against such accused in their government. Ayodhya district administration on Saturday bulldozed the bakery owned by the accused terming it as illegal construction over a pond. Both the accused were arrested in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl on Tuesday. The crime came to light after a medical test revealed that the teen was pregnant. The duo is accused of raping the victim over a period of two months and recording the act. (With inputs from ANI) The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gangraped in Ayodhya, has accused local Samajwadi Party leaders of offering her money and forcing her to withdraw complaint against Moid Khan, a party office-bearer. According to an India Today report, the mother has alleged that one Mohammed Rashid, SP's Bhadarsa Nagar Panchayat chairperson, offered her money and asked her to settle the case. Ayodhya, Aug 03 (ANI): The bakery of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Moeed Khan, the main accused in the gang rape of a minor girl, was bulldozed by the administration after it was found to be illegal, in Ayodhya on Saturday.(ANI) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president Vishwanath Pal had also alleged that the survivor's mother was being forced to compromise in the case. Pal told PTI,"A delegation of the BSP met the family of the girl in her village on Saturday. The mother of the girl told the delegation that some people were asking her to make a compromise in the case. We assured her that justice will be done and she should not come under pressure or threat of anyone." ALSO READ: Congress leader defends Akhilesh Yadav's DNA test demand in Ayodhya rape case The mother alleged that SP member Moid Khan was behind the rape of her daughter. The Uttar Pradesh Police on July 30 arrested bakery owner Moid Khan and his employee Raju Khan from Purakalandar area of Ayodhya district. According to police, the pair had raped the girl two months ago and also recorded the act. The incident came to light when the girl was found to be pregnant in a medical checkup. ALSO READ: SP, BJP spar over Ayodhya rape case, Shivpal Yadav demands Dy CM's narco test On Saturday, the Ayodhya district administration razed Khan's bakery. "The bakery of Moid Khan has been demolished," Ayodhya's District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh told PTI. "The bakery had one big room and one small room. It was illegally built over a pond, and has been demolished," Singh added. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath while speaking in the assembly on Thursday said that Khan belongs to the SP. "Moid Khan is from the Samajwadi Party and a member of the Ayodhya MP's team. He has been found involved in a case of rape of a 12-year-old. The Samajwadi Party has not taken action against him," Adityanath had said. Agartala: As many as 575 people from 132 families sought refuge in seven relief camps after they suffered severe flooding caused by incessant rainfall in the past 48 hours, according to an official from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Saturday. In the last 24 hours, South Tripura and Gomati districts received heavy rainfall (File Photo) A senior SEOC official said that Tripuras South and Gomati districts have suffered due to widespread flooding. Currently, 575 people from 132 families are in the relief camps. The figures are likely to reduce tomorrow as the situation is getting normal, said the official. The SEOC report earlier stated that 22 relief camps were opened in South Tripura, providing shelter to 861 individuals from 271 families. Later, relief camps were reduced to 18 with 609 members of 199 families. In Gomati district, two relief camps were opened, where 15 families consisting of 52 members have been sheltered, according to the report. In the last 24 hours, South Tripura and Gomati districts received heavy rainfall, with Belonia in the south receiving 118.5 mm of rain, considered to be the highest rainfall among all sub-divisions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has further predicted light to moderate rain accompanied by thundershowers in most of the places in these two districts in the next 24 hours. Officials said that the families in the relief camps have been provided with facilities, including food, drinking water, medical aids, etc. Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said that necessary assistance would be provided to the affected families after assessment of the damage. An SDMA official said that the heavy rainfall also triggered landslides in some areas, though no damage has been yet reported. According to the latest information, the water level of river Muhuri at Jolaibari station in South Tripura is 23.50 metres, below expected flood level, and the water level of Muhuri at Bankar area is at 14.70 metres, under danger level of 15.00 metres. The current level of water at river Feni at Sabroom Bazar Ghat in South district is 17.60 metres, which is flowing right below the critical level, while in Gomati district, the water level of the river Gomati is 10.88 metres, below the warning level of 11.50 metres. A statement from the chief ministers office (CMO) said that chief minister Manik Saha is monitoring the overall situation closely, and the administration is taking preparations to deal with it. CM Saha, who also sought reports from the secretary of revenue department and the IMD, said that shelters were prepared and evacuation is being done with precaution. He also appealed to people not to panic, as the administration is monitoring the situation closely. Agartala: TIPRA Motha, the ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura, has urged the central government to take initiative to prevent infiltration of foreign nationals for the sake of national interest and expressed to constitute a high-power committee to push back the foreign nationals. TIPRA Motha founder and chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma with Union home minister Amit Shah (File Photo) Royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma-led TIPRA Motha has been in power in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) since 2021. ..This is an urgent need of formation of a High Power Committee (Administrative Secretary, Department of Home, Secretary Home Department, District Superintendent of Police, District Magistrate and Collector, State Level Nodal Officer) in this State of Tripura for identification as well as push back the foreigners to their respective countries, alike the State of Jammu & Kasmir, TIPRA Motha lawmaker Ranjit Debbarma wrote in a letter addressing the Union home ministry on Saturday. Citing that a committee should be formed to identify and push the foreign nationals back to their own countries, just like in Jammu and Kashmir, he wrote, ...I do hereby draw your kind attention to consider my request letter on a priority basis to prevent illegal infiltration of the foreigners, detection, and identification of the foreigners as soon as possible for the greater national interest of the country like India. Elaborating about the need for a high-power committee, Debbarma stated that there has been a spurt in infiltration of foreign nationals in Tripura along the Indo-Bangla international border, mainly in the TTAADC, like Chhamanu, Gandatwisa in Dhalai district, and Karbook and Shilachhari in Gomati district. These foreign nationals, according to Debbarma, made villages of their own based on illegal documents. Over 1,000 people, including 498 Bangladeshi nationals, have been detained in Tripura between January last year till July this year while trying to cross the Indo-Bangla international border. In July itself, as many as 108 people, including 77 foreign nationals, were apprehended for infiltration, transborder smuggling, and facilitating illegal migration, according to the BSF. Mentioning the recent arrest of 25 Rohinhyas in Tripuras North district, Debbarma said that these Rohingyas are intruding India through Tripura and spreading into different parts of the country, which is destroying the security and sovereignty of India. In order to prevent trans-border crimes and infiltration, the BSF beefed up troops on borders, especially in the smuggling and infiltration-prone areas, and inducted drones and state-of-the-art hand-held thermal imaging and surveillance. Social media users are having a field day as a video showing water gushing out purportedly from Chandivali farm road in central Mumbai's Powai went viral sparking hilarious reactions. Several users described it as a fountain in the middle of a crucial road in India's financial city. Chandivali farm road, Powai, Mumbai.(@Jakejoss (X)) Reacting to the viral video, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a clarification explaining that flushing was underway to clean the main water pipeline. Users react However, the BMC's clarification didn't stop social media users from making hilarious observations. A user wrote, Abhi Hrithik Roshan niklega paani se rollers skates wale joote pehenke (Hrithik Roshan will emerge from the fountain with his roller skates shoes), referring to a scene from Dhoom 2 movie. Another user said he used to live closer to the area seen in the viral video and he is not surprised at the condition of his town. He also compared the state of affairs to any Indian city in general. I'm sure none of those people who crossed it picked up their phone and registered a complaint, another user said. Also read | Heavy rainfall causes waterlogging in Navi Mumbai | Video IMD on rains in Mumbai Western Maharashtra region has been experiencing heavy rains for the past several weeks. Flooding and waterlogging had thrown life out of gear in many places including Thane, Pune and Mumbai. The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Mumbai city on August 4. The city has been experiencing heavy rains and strong winds already. Heavy rains has been forecast for Mumbai and its suburban regions at isolated places. Mumbai Rains on X asked Mumbaikars to avoid unnecessary travel in the afternoon and evening as the rains are likely to worsen and lead to more waterlogging. The handle also warned that several rivers are seen swelling in Pune amid heavy rains. Flood Alert for Pune! Rivers in Pune are swelling due to increased water release from dams! More heavy rains ahead for the day amidst non-stop heavy rain since morning. IMD has issued a Red Alert for Pune. Please stay safe, Punekars," Mumbai Rains wrote on X. The Ayodhya police on August 1 arrested a bakery owner and his employee for allegedly raping his 12-year-old daily wage employee for over two months. A bulldozer being used to demolish the bakery of Moid Khan who is accused of allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, in Ayodhya on August 3.(PTI) The assault came to light after the girl became pregnant because of the sexual assault. The incident took place in the Bhadarsa town under Purakalandar police station of Ayodhya district. The Ayodhya police administration has suspended the station house officer of Purakalandar police station Ratan Sharma and Bhadarsa police outpost in-charge Akhilesh Gupta. The main accused in the case has been identified as Moid Khan and his accomplice as Raju Khan. Both of them have been arrested. Who is Moid Khan? Sanjeev Jain, the director and CEO of a subsidiary of realty firm Parsvnath Developers, was arrested by the Delhi police after a chase that lasted for sixty kilometres. The Delhi police received the information that he was at his Gurugram house. (Representational) Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said in a statement that Jain was arrested on Saturday by the STF team from the IGI airport over non-bailable warrants issued against him over his inability to appear before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Why was the police looking for the CEO? The warrants against Jain, the chief executive officer of Parsvnath Landmark Developers, were issued in connection with a case filed by one Rajat Babbar, the statement said, adding that the accused was nabbed after a chase of 60 kilometres. The Delhi police received the information that he was at his Gurugram house. They reached his house to arrest him. However, by that time he had left for Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport. He was later arrested at the airport. "Four non-bailable warrants and one bailable warrant from the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission were pending at the Shahdara police station against Jain," the statement said. The accused is a resident of DLF Phase-2, Gurugram, Haryana. According to reports, a non-bailable warrant had been issued against Sanjeev Jain on July 18 but he didn't appear before the panel. The police had been searching for him since. Sanjeev Jain was later produced before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on Sunday. With inputs from PTI, ANI Titan watches are known for their elegant designs, precision quartz movements, and durable stainless steel construction. Whether you're looking for a classic timepiece, an automatic watch, or a stylish piece with a date feature, Titan has a watch for every occasion. 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Immunity is the defense system of the body that combats diseases and infections where the body possesses both Innateimmunity, which is present from birth, and Acquired immunity, which develops after exposure to pathogens. The stronger the Innate immunity, the better the overall health of the body, as it serves as the body's natural defense mechanism and experts claim that Yoga plays a crucial role in enhancing this innate immune system. Yoga for immunity: Sun salutations to mudra, exercise sequence to support your immune system (Image by Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, By calming the mind and fostering a deep connection between the mind and body, Yoga naturally enhances the body's internal communication, thereby boosting its defense capabilities. Additionally, Yoga promotes both internal and external communication within the body and works with the body's energy flow, revitalising each cell with life force energy, also known as Prana. This movement of Prana rejuvenates the body and naturally enhances its innate ability to heal. He recommended a gentle Yoga sequence designed to support and enhance the immune system or practices that support and enhance the immune system: 1. Sun Salutation and Surya Sadhana: Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation): This dynamic sequence of postures warms up the body, improves circulation, and stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function. Perform 5-10 rounds of Sun Salutations to energize the body and mind. Surya Sadhana: Practicing Surya Sadhana involves sitting or standing under the morning sun, absorbing its early rays. This practice helps in harnessing the sun's energy, which is vital for overall health and well-being. 2. Mudras for Immunity Prana Mudra: This mudra, known as the gesture of life, activates dormant energy in the body. By practicing Prana Mudra, you can boost your immune system and increase vitality. Aditi Mudra: This mudra helps in enhancing the flow of energy and balancing the body's natural defenses. It is particularly effective in strengthening the respiratory system. Adi Mudra: This mudra calms the nervous system and increases lung capacity, supporting overall immune function. 3. Vajrasana and Vajra Mudra: This seated posture aids digestion and stimulates the flow of energy throughout the body. It is particularly beneficial for improving the body's natural defences. Practicing this pose alongwith Vajra mudra helps balance circulation and stimulates blood supply, channelling energy through the Vajra Nadi, which is essential for overall health. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar claimed, Incorporating these Yoga practices into your daily routine can significantly enhance your innate immunity and overall well-being. Yoga not only addresses physical health but also promotes mental and emotional balance, creating a harmonious state of being that is essential for optimal immune function. By practicing this gentle Yoga sequence, you can boost your body's natural defences, increase energy flow and foster a deep connection between mind and body. Ola Group Executive Amit Anchal has purchased a luxury villa for 13.5 crore in Adarsh Palm Retreat Villas, located on Marathahalli Outer Ring Road in East Bengaluru, the Agreement of Sale document accessed through real estate data aggregation platform Zapkey showed. Ola Electric Executive Amit Anchal buys 13.5-crore villa in Bengaluru (representational photo)(Pexels) The luxury property, sprawling a built-up area of 4,774 square feet, is part of a gated community comprising 800 red-roofed Victorian villas in a 110-acre project. Built by Adarsh Developers, the township includes amenities such as a fully equipped gymnasium, multipurpose banquet, swimming pools, badminton courts, and indoor and outdoor play areas in a clubhouse spanning 80,000 square feet. Present on Marathahalli Outer Ring Road behind Intel, the project has close access to key public transportation, schools, IT parks and offices, restaurants, hospitals and other modern necessities. Also Read: Mumbai watch out! Buyers are now lapping up over 10-crore luxury apartments in Bengaluru The big-ticket deal, which was registered on July 16, named duo Amit Anchal and Archana Singh as the buyers, the documents showed. Narasimhan Babu Rajagopal and Sujatha Narasimhan Babu were the sellers, the registration documents showed. Anchal, who is now a strategic consultant for Ola, partners with first-generation founders and respective company boards in bringing strategic direction to businesses, their scale-up as well as in guiding and assisting their corporate finance teams. He has led strategy and corporate finance for Ola and Ola Electric. Queries emailed to Amit Anchal and Adarsh Developers by HT.com did not elicit a response. The story will be updated once a response is received. Luxury property deals in Bengaluru According to data sourced from Zapkey, Bellandur in South-east Bengaluru and Rajaji Nagar in the citys Western corner emerged as the top performing areas for real estate deals priced at 10 crore and above during the first quarter of the ongoing calendar year. Adarsh Palm Retreat Villas in Bellandur recorded five transactions for 3 and 4 BHK units spanning over 3,000 square feet during the three-month period. Also Read: Flipkart CEO buys luxury villa: Why celebs are making a beeline for Bengaluru properties The upper end of the luxury housing market, ranging from 5 crore to 20 crore, is typically a niche and slow-moving market featuring limited inventory during a year. A luxury project is conceptualized in a manner to avoid any differentiation, ensuring each unit within the facility has the same features. Pricing may, however, differ on account of vertical placement, with units on upper floors commanding a higher premium. Also Read: Bengaluru real estate: Here's a look at 5 areas in the city where techies prefer to rent property The primary takers in this segment comprise high and ultra-high net worth individuals, rich non-resident Indians, C-suite executives, promoters and entrepreneurs. The first keynote at the 41st International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2024, in Vienna, was about how the machine learning field is moving from being open source to closed, from collaborative to increasingly competitive and how resources and the compute power required for this research makes it exclusive and expensive. GPU compute and pretraining of data needs the deep pockets of billionaires, VCs and large corporates, said Soumith Chintala, who leads AI projects at Meta in New York, as he addressed 500 attendees in one of the venues largest spaces. As compute and engineering become expensive, and issues in our society rise about data legality, safety and societal impact, companies have increasingly stopped open research. Though big companies are in a rush to be leaders in this research, they also care about data legality, safety, and societal impact, he added. The excitement, the money, disruptive directions in AI and machine learning (ML) technology, whispers of new startups and job conversations were palpable in the hallways of Messe Wien Exhibition Congress Center, the glass fronted conference venue which was filled with thousands of students, researchers, scientists, professors, and industry professionals. As were conversations about visiting Vienna, attending jazz concerts, taking a swim in the Danube river in the last week of July. We started off as a close-knit worldwide community of about 500 researchers 20 years ago, said Katherine Heller, research scientist in Responsible AI at Google Research and the program chair of ICML 2024, who has attended this AI conference regularly for two decades. For the past few months, she has been reviewing submissions, creating schedules, inviting speakers, deciding on workshops and tutorials for the week-long event. This year we have reviewed more than 10,000 papers from 12,000 authors, and selected about 2,600 to showcase, she said, describing the growth of the community involved in ML has been as exponential. Before 2022, AI technology was mostly limited to research projects inside labs in universities and companies. When OpenAI released ChatGPT for public in late 2022 more as a test than anything else its rapid adoption by users turned the mostly-academic field into a goldmine. Overnight, ChatGPT became a household term and companies who had been working on generative AI and large-language models smelled opportunity a general purpose technology that could not only be used for other scientific research, but perform code, search, and generate synthetic words, images, and videos for everyday use. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the market size of consumer generative AI is expected to grow from $40 billion in 2022 to $1.3 trillion by 2023. The potential of the market has since then rapidly infused talent, money, and more research into the field. AI research can dramatically impact issues of healthcare, education and climate and its important research which we shouldnt miss out in India, said computer scientist Sandeep Juneja who heads the Center for Data Learning and Decision Sciences at Ashoka University and was at the conference to present a paper, understand new directions of research in this fast moving hot scientific field. Relentless pursuit of profit and talent High corporate interest is pushing and highlighting certain type of machine learning, while pushing other kinds of ML research on the back burner. Thematically the most frequent keywords in the research papers were large language models (LLM), reinforcement learning, deep learning and graph neural network all research that is focused on building generative AI and multimodal AI products for profit. The research community is the leading edge of whats happening technically in the AI universe, said Sheila Gulati, managing director and founder of Seattle-based Tola Capital, an enterprise AI venture capital firm, who was at the conference to find new directions in AI for investment. One of the 10 best paper awards was given to GENIE (Generative Interactive Environments) a program developed by scientists at Google DeepMind that showcased a technology that created synthetic virtual environments based on text. Another award went to VideoPoet, a LLM which generated video from scratch created by scientists at LumaAI, Google DeepMind and Google Research. It takes money to do this research, to scale it up and impact more people, said Heller who was an academician before moving into Google to work on healthcare systems. Theres a huge amount to be gained from having access to that kind of resources in the industry, but you have to align your goals with what the for-profit company is interested in most at the time, she explained. Industry is capitalistic and researchers recognize that, she said. Theres a flipside to this breathless pace though. Making sure that AI delivers consistently is driving research and stressing researchers out, said Dr Sunita Sarawagi, professor and founding head, Center for Machine Intelligence and Data Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, who has been in the field since 2003. While its great that machine learning has so much impact, there are a lot of dangers in uninformed use of AI, and we need to be careful, she said, adding that because of such a high demand for AI researchers in the industry, shes finding it hard to attract students to her center to do academic research. For AI/ML experts are in high demand not only for technology companies and startups but also for finance industry and academicians like Sarawagi need to compete with all. This showed in the recruiting channel for the conference. Everyday, a few dozen jobs were posted for Phd candidates, engineers, AI scientists and more, while recruiters actively interacted with students in the hallways. I have seen some interesting candidates with good research and software skills, said M Saquib Sarfraz, technical lead at Mercedes Benz Tech Innovation, based in Germany, whose one job posting for an engineer has already gotten more than 50 responses. California-based Matthew Leavitt, co-founder and chief scientist at Datalogy AI, had sponsored the conference in hope of getting the brand name of his newly minted startup into the community. The cost of sponsoring the conference and travel would be recovered if we hire even one candidate, for its less than what we pay a recruiter for an AI researcher, he said, adding that theres tough competition (their stall is right across from large Google installations) but they have been able to garner interest thanks to the fact that theyre working in data curation, a frontier research problem, which is an important research focus for a data-hungry AI community. Reflection on how AI affects societies As society understands the capability of the technology, the owners of AI models are facing governmental regulations, copyright violation suits and fears of potential security risks. This has caused an increased interest in ethical, social, copyright and safety implications of this technology. Theres been an increased number of workshops, researchers, research topics, groups and labs that have been thinking about the societal impact of AI, how to mitigate the negative effect and accentuate the positive impact in a nuanced way, said Weiwei Pan, assistant director for Graduate Studies in Data Science at Harvard University, who attends multiple AI conferences every year. As the data used to train all these models is increasingly questions, another subfield of research has become data - its sources, legality, curation and ethical issues around its procurement. One of the best paper awards went to Measure Dataset Diversity, Dont Just Claim It, a research paper which focused on diversity of data, and brought in social science principles into defining the diversity of datasets. We need clearer definitions of concepts like diversity, which can mean different to different people, said Dora Zhao, a scholar at Stanford University and the primary author of the paper. Like Zhao, many researchers who are pursuing PhDs are increasingly focusing their work on the social implication of AI, which wasnt the case a couple of years ago. Another paper which also won the best paper award, made two AI models debate with each other to find the right answer for humans. It makes us, the users, judges with two AI experts arguing, said Akbir Khan, the primary author of the paper, who is doing a PhD at University College of London. Khan who ran a startup before getting into research feels that with multiple AI models available today, it should become easier for humans to spot the right answer between all of them. His research is the first step in that direction. Is AI only for the rich? Science is not equal, and that's especially true for machine learning. Of the 10000 attendees at this conference, half were from the US and Western Europe, followed by China which had about 1,000 people attending. The cost of the conference aside, there was minimal representation from countries in the Global South with only 100 from India. This is thanks to the high cost of doing AI research. The Global South lacks compute, resources and capability to compete in the AI space, said Vukosi Marivate, professor at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, co-founder of Africas biggest research conference Deep Learning Indaba who gave an invited keynote at the conference. Theres the US, China, a bit of Europe and then theres India which like everybody else including Africa has the crumbs, Marivate suggested that instead of pursuing profits, these countries should focus on the needs of their societies. I worry about whether the companies are overselling AI, said Sarawagi, adding that computer science researchers need to figure out their community's needs when it comes to this technology. AI might help developed countries reduce their dependence on humans but for us, it cannot solve societal issues like living conditions, hunger or climate change, she said. Instead of following the developed world, we should build our own systems, encourage local and relevant R&D, and change governmental policies. Shweta Taneja is an author and journalist based in the Bay Area. Her fortnightly column will reflect on how emerging tech and science are reshaping society in the Silicon Valley and beyond. Find her online with @shwetawrites. The views expressed are personal. Days after Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec went viral for his effortless shooting during the Olympics, now China's Zhang Qiongyue is creating waves online for Hello Kitty stickers on her rifle. She took home the bronze medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions shooting final at the Paris Summer Olympics on Friday. While numerous individuals lauded her for the significant achievement, it was her rifle that stood out. Paris Olympics 2024: China's Zhang Qiongyue adorned her rifle with Hello Kitty stickers. After noticing the Hello Kitty stickers adorned on her rifle, numerous people took to X to share snapshots of it. Not only that, but many also expressed their amazement over it. (Also Read: Turkeys Olympic shooter is the hottest meme on X right now for his effortless swag) Take a look at some of the reactions here: More on China's performance during the Paris Olympics 2024: With Zhang's bronze, China won a medal for the first time since Rio 2016 in this event. The Chinese delegation won four gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal in the Paris shooting competitions thanks to her podium performance, reported CGTN. The news outlet also informed that prior to Sheng winning the gold in the men's 10m air rifle competition and Huang taking silver in the women's 10m air rifle competition, Sheng Lihao and Huang Yuting emerged victorious in the mixed team 10m air rifle final. (Also Read: Olympic medalist Swapnil Kusale pleaded with the Railways for a promotion for 9 years: Report) Xie Yu took home the gold in the men's 10m air pistol event, while Liu Yukun emerged victorious in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions final. In the men's trap final, Qi Ying took home the silver medal. Fire and rescue services personnel fed biryani to a pack of seven dogs who were left stranded on a stretch of land in the midst of a flooded Cauvery River near the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu using a drone. The canines were stuck without any food for three days. Another drone with a carrying capacity of 30 kg is on its way to assist the rescuers. For the mission, GEOTechnoValley, a drone services company, has been enlisted by the fire services personnel, as per reports. The stranded dogs were spotted using a drone. P. Sarveswaran, director and CEO of the company told Times Now, "We will assemble the drone on Saturday. Since the day happens to be Aadi 18, there would be a huge crowd on the riverside." The predicament of the stranded canines was brought to light on Thursday after drone footage showing water rushing out of the Mettur dam's 16-channel sluice gates went viral. In the riverine islet created after the strong flow in the Cauvery, the first drone image only showed a black dog. K P Venkatesan, the house officer of the Mettur fire station for assistance, approached Sarveshwaran, who offers drone services, reported Times of India (TOI). (Also Read: 9 years gone, now home: Los Angeles woman reunites with lost pet dog after nearly a decade) Watch the video of the dog here: The news outlet further informed that, that's when the authorities discovered six additional canines that had been left stranded. They discovered that as the Mettur dam's outflow grew three days prior, some locals tried to shoo away the dogs that were wandering near the riverbed. The dogs did not run away from the river; instead, they rushed farther onto the dry riverbed, which was eventually submerged by the released water. The officials intend to use a powerful drone on Sunday, providing food in a structure resembling a cage. According to Sarveshwaran, the door of the cage will close once the dog gets inside, allowing it to be removed off the islet. They are small tiny really but for many rural residents, they are the first line of defense against fast spreading flames. Rural fire districts act as initial attack crews on wildfires within their territories. They are run entirely by volunteers and their budgets, if you can call them that, are shockingly modest. Its a pissant district in a lot of ways, said LuVerne Grussing of the Arrow Junction Fire Protection District east of Lewiston. Our annual budget is about $8,300. But if you come out and look at the equipment we have been able to get through government surplus and convert it to fire equipment, its pretty impressive. We have a million dollars and more in fire equipment. The 2,400-acre district that stretches roughly from the Spalding Railroad Bridge across the Clearwater River to the Arrow Bridge on U.S. Highway 12 was at the center of the Gwen Fire when it blew up July 25. The volunteers worked long, hot and grueling hours doing their best to protect the homes in the district and a handful of homes owned by people who live just outside its boundary but subscribe to their service. They were mostly successful. One home in the district burned, a subscribers home was lost and Colters Creek Winery that is in the district was destroyed. But dozens of others are still standing. They saved our houses, I can tell you that, said Mike Pearson, who owns Colters Creek Winery with his wife Melissa Sandborn and volunteers for the district. And really, Id say at least four houses were in the direct line of fire and if it hadnt been for Arrow Junction, they would have been gone. Grussing credits firefighting efforts from other agencies, especially water and retardant drops from planes and helicopters, with contributing to their success. It certainly wasnt us alone but we did manage to protect everything within our district pretty darn well. There are about 16 people who are trained to fight fires for the district and many more who help in other ways such as bookkeeping and organizing. Gene Wightman, 83, is the fire chief. He retired from what was then the Poltach Pulp and Paper Mill where he worked in maintenance. At the district, he used that knowledge to convert military trucks to pump trucks. Hes a damn genius when it comes to putting stuff like this together, Grussing said. The two of them worked about 40 hours straight during the first few days of the Gwen Fire. We started at 5:30 a.m. Thursday (July 25) and never never got to bed until 11 oclock Friday night, Wightman said. The two said the district formed about a decade ago, when a fire on the north side of the Clearwater River burned one home and threatened more. Since then they have scrapped together equipment and built a firehouse. Deadpool & Wolverine made a smashing debut, and since its release, it has been a topic of discussion among the fans of the MCU world. From recording themselves watching the film to recreating dialogues to sharing tidbits about the lead actors, social media is buzzing with various posts. One of them captures a sweet mistake by an elderly woman. This video shows how she approaches Hugh Jackman to ask him on a date after confusing him with Ryan Reynolds. The hilarious and adorable exchange of the granny with the Deadpool & Wolverine actors will surely leave you chuckling. The image shows the granny with Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds. (Instagram/@rosssmith) Content creator Ross Smith shared the video on social media showing his grandmother, who goes by Gangster Granny. Granny went to ask Ryan Reynolds on a date and asked Hugh Jackman instead. Sorry, @blakelively, you have some competition now (you cant make this stuff up), Ross wrote as he posted the video. The video opens with Gangster Granny excitedly saying Hi, Ryan'' while walking towards Hugh Jackman. Her grandson quickly stops her and says, "No, thats Hugh. At this point, the Wolverine star, in his signature poised manner, says, No, I am not Ryan, but I know Ryan. Do you want me to give him a message? Instead of Gangster Granny, Ross replies, Yeah, she wanted to invite him on a date, but she went to the wrong guy. Hugh responds, Oh, thats alright. However, the video doesn't end here. It also captures the moment when the granny finally approaches the right actor, Ryan Reynolds, and asks him on a date. Check out how the Deadpool actor reacts to this grannys question: With over 11.5 million views, the video has gone viral and collected many comments. What did Instagram users say about this video? Granny making Ryan forget he is married, joked an Instagram user. The Canadian actor is married to American actor Blake Lively. Another posted, Hugh was all too happy to help Granny get to Ryan. A third expressed, Ryan is married with four children. Granny needs to ask Hugh Jackman. And he's single. A fourth shared, Grandma, how could you not ask Hugh Jackman out on a date? A few people accused Ryan Reynolds of being rude towards the elderly woman. However, others quickly came to his support, like this person who wrote, Ryan wasn't being rude or wasn't bothered. He was being rushed by security. Dude is the star at the premiere. If he could have stayed, he would've 100%. About Deadpool & Wolverine: The 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this movie is a blend of action and comedy. With Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, the film revolves around the latter teaming up with the former to save his universe from the fictional organisation Time Variance Authority. Anil Agarwal, founder of the Vedanta group, took to X to share a heartwarming note on Friendships Day. He recounted a memory with one of his friends, Ajay Anand, and shared that "Hamare time mein Friendship Day nahi tha. Jab bhi milke kuchh yaadgar kiya wohi Friendship Day bann gaya. (There was no Friendship Day in my days. Whenever we used to do something memorable together, it became a Friendship Day.)" Anil Agarwal, Executive Chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited. In his post, he also added, "While I share a story from our young, carefree days, I must also add that I've found a precious friend in my 10-year-old granddaughter, my 92-year-old mother, some of my staff like John, who drives me around in London, and we've had some great conversations in the car... And of course, my wife Kiran, who is my best aur sabse strict friend. A very Happy Friendship Day to all my friends - naye, puraane, young and young at heart! God bless you!" (Also Read: Friendship Day 2024: 5 beautiful and inspiring friendships from Indian mythology) In the video, he recounted about his childhood friend Ajay Anand. He also explains how he and Anand faced struggles in Mumbai and how their bond grew stronger. Watch the video here: This post was shared on August 4. Since being posted, it has gained close to 4,000 views. The share also has numerous likes and comments. Here's how people reacted to it: An individual wrote, "God corrects his mistake by making true friends of those whom he forgets to bind in blood relations...Happy friendship day." A second commented, "Happy Dost Day, Anilji. Can I get some guidance from you as a friend? I could really use your guidance on a few things I am struggling with if you have time offcource." "Happy Friendship's Day, sir", posted someone else. Ukrainian pilots have started flying F-16s for operations within the nation, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday, confirming the long-awaited arrival of the U.S.-made fighter jets more than 29 months after Russia's invasion. TOPSHOT - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (C/R) stands in front of a pair of F16 fighter jets after giving an award to a Ukranian fighter pilot during Ukrainian Air Forces Day at an undisclosed location on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) The Ukrainian leader announced the use of F-16s, which Kyiv has long lobbied for, as he met military pilots at an air base flanked by two of the jets, with two more flying overhead. "F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country," Zelenskiy said at a location that authorities asked Reuters not to disclose for security reasons. Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi welcomed the arrival of the jets and thanked the president and other officials for working "24/7" to secure them. Their arrival, he said, would save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. "This means that more of the occupiers will be destroyed," Syrskyi wrote on Facebook. "It means a greater number of downed missiles and aircraft used by the Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities." The arrival of the jets is a milestone for Ukraine, though it remains unclear how many are available and how much of an impact they will have in enhancing air defences and on the battlefield. Russia has been targeting bases that may house them and vowed to shoot them down. Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16s had been on Ukraine's wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability. They are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles. 'NEW STAGE' Talking to reporters on the tarmac of an airfield, Zelenskiy said Ukraine still did not have enough pilots trained to use the F-16s or enough of the jets themselves. "The positive thing is that we are expecting additional F-16s ... many guys are now training," he said. It was important, he said, that Kyiv's allies found ways to expand training programmes and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams. Ukraine has previously relied on an ageing fleet of Soviet-era warplanes that are outgunned by Russia's more advanced and far more numerous fleet. Russia has used that edge to conduct regular long-range missile strikes on targets across Ukraine and also to pound Ukrainian frontline positions with thousands of guided bombs, supporting its forces that are slowly advancing in the east. "This is the new stage of development of the air force of Ukraine's armed forces," Zelenskiy said. "We did a lot for Ukrainian forces to transition to a new aviation standard, the Western combat aviation," he added, citing hundreds of meetings and unrelenting diplomacy to obtain the F-16s. "We often heard 'it is impossible' as an answer, but we still made our ambition, our defensive need, possible," he said. It remains unclear what missiles the jets are equipped with. A longer range of missile would allow them to have a greater battlefield impact, military analysts say. Zelenskiy said he also hoped to lobby allied neighbouring countries to help intercept Russian missiles being launched at Ukraine through conversations at the Ukraine-NATO Council platform. "This is another tool, and I want to try it, so that NATO countries can talk to Ukraine about the possibility of a small coalition of neighbouring countries shooting down enemy missiles," he said. "I think this decision is probably difficult for our partners. They are always afraid of excessive escalation, but we are fighting that." (Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Ron Popeski and Paul Simao) Spanish freelance journalist Pablo Gonzalez, who was based in Poland and covered the refugee crisis at the Polish-Ukrainian border during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has been released in a major prisoner swap with Russia. Pablo Gonzalez, originally born Pavel Rubtsov in Moscow, moved to Spain at age 9, where he became a Spanish citizen(X/FreePabloGonzalez) Gonzalez was arrested by Polish security agents less than a week after the invasion, accused of being a Russian GRU military intelligence agent involved in espionage activities against Poland. Held without trial for over two years, Gonzalez's detention sparked protests for the lack of detailed accusations and the handling of his case by Polish authorities. ALSO READ- Russian spies' kids learn true identities on plane to Moscow, greeted by Putin in Spanish: Buenas noches However, his recent inclusion in a major prisoner swap has heightened speculation about his true identity and role. He was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in what is considered the largest prisoner exchange since the Soviet era. From freelance journalist to Putin's guest: Life of Pablo Gonzalez Gonzalez, originally born Pavel Rubtsov in Moscow, moved to Spain at age 9, where he became a Spanish citizen and pursued a career in journalism. He worked as a freelance journalist, which provided a cover for his activities and allowed him to travel freely. Gonzalez travelled to various countries, including Ukraine and Georgia, using his journalistic work as a cover. Gonzalez showcased a lavish lifestyle on social media, which seemed inconsistent with typical freelance journalism. He had expensive and up-to-date equipment, such as a 14-inch MacBook Pro, which seemed unusual for a freelance journalist. He gained access to sensitive locations, like filming Auschwitz-Birkenau, under the guise of journalistic work. ALSO READ- How Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin paved the way for Evan Gershkovich's release: I hope you let him out Gonzalez got support from journalistic fraternity Supporters organised rallies in Spain and managed social media accounts like @FreePabloGonzalez, which announced his release and thanked supporters. Reporters Without Borders and other advocacy groups criticised his detention and called for action, while journalists and press freedom advocates voiced their support. Follow- Middle East Crisis LIVE updates Gonzalez, who still holds Spanish citizenship, has the right to return to the European Union. Those who have followed the case are now awaiting Gonzalez's next moves. (Inputs from AP) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to G7's topmost diplomats after Joe Biden said he hopes Iran would step down. Middle East Crisis Highlights: Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State on Sunday spoke to the foreign ministers of G7 countries over video-call as tensions remain high in the Middle East days after the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a key commander of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Beirut. The incidents led to vows of retaliation from Iran-backed groups in the region. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel, the latest in a series of attacks - in response to Israel's attacks on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon....Read More Iran, on the other hand, said that it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets. According to Iran's local media, the retaliatory operations were expected to be more diverse, more dispersed and impossible to intercept. In response to the escalating situation, the United States announced plans to deploy additional warships and fighter jets to the area as the Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance prepares to respond to the killing of Haniyeh. Ismail Haniyeh was killed on July 31 after he had attended the swearing-in of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran. The 62-year-old, who lived in Qatar, was the head of the political bureau of Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. On Saturday, Iran said that Haniyeh was killed in Tehran using a "short-range projectile" launched from outside of his accommodation. Prior to Haniyeh's killing, Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut on July 30. The Iran's Revolutionary Guards have accused Israel of being behind the incidents, warning them of a severe punishment at the appropriate place and manner. It has also accused the United States of supporting Israel. The death toll following clashes in Bangladesh protesting the Hasina regime's stand on government job quotas has risen to more than 72 including 14 policemen on Sunday, according to news agency PTI. The deaths were reported in the nation capital Dhaka, Bogra, Pabna, Rangpur, Magura, Comilla, Barisal and Feni districts. An indefinite curfew has been imposed on the country on Sunday evening by the nation's government. On Sunday morning, protesters attending a non-cooperation programme demanding the government's resignation clashed with the supporters of Hasina. (FILE)(REUTERS) ALSO READ | Bangladesh quota protests are a metaphor for discontent The fresh round of violence erupted a few days after 200 people were killed in the country following clashes between the police and students over demands for an end to the controversial quota system. As per the system, 30 per cent of the government jobs were reserved for relatives of war veterans who fought in 1971 Bangladesh's War of Independence. ALSO READ | Bangladesh mourns some 200 deaths as student protests wind down and thousands are arrested On Sunday morning, protesters attending a non-cooperation programme demanding the government's resignation clashed with the supporters of Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League political party activists, reported news agency PTI. An indefinite country-wide curfew has been imposed on Bangladesh by the home ministry from 6:00 pm on Sunday, with PM Sheikh Hasina labelling those engaging in sabotage across the country in the name of protest as terrorists. She said, "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand. The curfew notification was signed by the senior information officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Md Sharif Mahmud Apu following a decision taken after a meeting held between Hasina and top security officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, BGB, and other branches, reported Dhaka Tribune. Hundreds of students and professionals had gathered at Dhakas Shahbagh under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement chanting slogans and calling for Hasina's resignation. On Saturday, the Bangladesh PM offered to sit down with the coordinators of the movement. But this proposal was rejected by the protesters which followed an emergency meeting called by Hasina with university vice-chancellors and college principals, reported PTI. The student protesters dismissed the PM's offer which was aimed at quelling escalating violence and consolidated their demands into a unified call for the governments resignation. (with inputs from news agencies) Royal author Angela Levin has ripped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over their decision to visit Colombia. Harry recently said that he would not want to bring his wife Meghan and their children to the UK without state-funded personal security because he is afraid there could be a knife or acid attack. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ripped over decision to visit Colombia (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP)(AFP) Levin said she wonders how Harry can square this logic with a tour to Colombia, where at present the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of the South American country. It is dangerous there [Colombia] at the moment, Levin said on GB News. It is really ridiculous Levin added, There is a lot of people being taken away and money being demanded for them to be returned. It is really ridiculous and it conforms to my long term suggestion that they tried to manipulate the King. To have three court cases on the Home Office and saying security is why he wont bring his wife and children when really its a nonsense. He would be well looked after with good protection, but not the very top of the tree which is just for Camilla, Charles, William and Catherine. Meghan and Harry are expected to visit Colombia later this year. They have been invited by the countrys vice president, Francia Marquez. A lawyer and human rights and environmental activist, Marquez reportedly said in a statement, 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, Marquez added. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the duke and duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia. Harry and Meghans Colombia trip will be their second official tour this year. Earlier this year, they went on a Nigeria tour. It has been reported that Prince Harry believes that his father, King Charles, is denying him automatic police protection in the UK even though he has the power to intervene in his legal battle over security. Harry was stripped of his Metropolitan Police bodyguards after he stepped down as a working royal and moved to the US with Meghan Markle. He eventually launched a lawsuit against the British home secretary over the security row. Prince Harry believes King Charles refusing to intervene in ongoing security row although he has the power (REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo, Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP, File) A source close to Harry said that the Duke of Sussex blames his father for the unbelievable situation. If the king wanted, he could do this for his son, the source told the Daily Beast. Why would he bring his wife and children back to the U.K. if they are not going to be protected? The threat is very real. He needs protection. The idea that the security forces wouldnt allow anything to happen is a very glib dismissal of the reality of the threat the family faces, the insider said. Why would he bring his wife and children back to the U.K. if they are not going to be protected? The duke needs protection, they need protection. The threat level hasnt changed since he stepped back from the royal family, if anything it has got worse because of the tabloid campaign against him and his wife, the source added. Buckingham Palace sources claimed that it would be wholly inappropriate for Charles to try to influence the government, and hence the decision would lie with the courts. Harry said in a new documentary titled Tabloids on Trial that he believes it would be dangerous to bring Meghan and his kids back to the UK. It's still dangerous. All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read. Whether it's a knife or acid, these are things that are of genuine concern for me, Harry said. It's one of the reasons why I wont bring my wife back to this country, he added. A Palestinian attacker killed two people and wounded two others in a stabbing spree in central Israel on Sunday before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. Two Israelis killed, two others wounded in stabbing attack by a Palestinian(REUTERS) The stabbings took place during morning rush hour in the city of Holon, just outside Tel Aviv. The attacker stabbed people near a gas station and a park, Israel's ambulance service said. Two senior citizens, a man and woman, were killed and two other people were wounded and rushed to hospital, medical officials said. "The terrorist was quickly neutralized by one of our officers at the scene and prevented him from carrying out an even worse attack," police spokesperson Eli Levi said on Israel's Channel 12. "Large police forces are present at the scene and are conducting extensive searches with a helicopter and additional resources," according to a police statement. The United Nations' human rights chief Volker Turk said Sunday the "shocking violence" in Bangladesh must end, as he urged the government to stop targeting peaceful protesters. Men run past a burning vehicle inside the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, set on fire by protesters, during a rally against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP/PTI) Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clashed with government supporters Sunday, with scores killed in one of the deadliest days since demonstrations began. "The shocking violence in Bangladesh must stop," Turk said in a statement. "With a mass march on Dhaka planned for tomorrow, and the youth wing of the ruling party called up against the protesters, I am deeply worried that there will be further loss of life and wider destruction. "I appeal urgently to the political leadership and to the security forces to abide by their obligations to protect the right to life, and the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression." Rallies that began last month against civil service job quotas have escalated into some of the worst unrest of Hasina's 15-year rule and shifted into wider calls for the 76-year-old to step down. At least 77 people were killed on Sunday alone, including 14 police officers, with the rival sides battling with sticks and knives and security forces firing rifles, taking the total killed since protests began in July to at least 283. "Accountability for human rights violations -- including for those with superior and command responsibility -- is crucial. The international community must make it clear that at this pivotal time, there will be no impunity," said Turk. "The government must cease targeting those participating peacefully in the protest movement, immediately release those arbitrarily detained, restore full Internet access, and create conditions for meaningful dialogue. "The continuing effort to suppress popular discontent, including through the excessive use of force, and the deliberate spread of misinformation and incitement to violence, must immediately cease." The demonstrations have grown into a wider anti-government movement across the South Asian nation of about 170 million people. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 1. Shooting competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games continue, Trend reports via Idman.biz. The representative of Azerbaijan, Ruslan Lunev, went to the second test in the French capital. Azerbaijani sniper, who shoots from a distance of 25 m with an air pistol, tested his accuracy in the qualification stage. He took 18th place with 580 points. Azerbaijani shooter could not be among the 6 snipers who advanced to the final tomorrow. Ruslan was 24th in the 10 m shooting competition. A California nurse has alleged that she was kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight because of her skin condition. Brianna Solari said she was discriminated against because of her medical condition while she was on her way home following a surgery. California nurse Brianna Solari kicked off Southwest Airlines flight because of her skin condition (WCNC screenshot/YouTube) Solari said an airline crew member confronted her last week when she was flying out of Hollywood Burbank Airport after undergoing a surgery to reduce the tumours on her body from her neurofibromatosis (NF), KCRA reported. A genetic disorder, Neurofibromatosis leads to non-cancerous tumours growing across the body and in the nervous system. I lack an enzyme, which is neurofibromin, which is a tumor suppressor, Solari told the outlet. So tumors grow along nerves and can be tiny, little pinpoint tumors, or they can be enormous. Some of them can be very disfiguring. Solari, from Roseville, California, came to Los Angeles for the operation. When she boarded Southwest Flight 3471 to head home, a crew member allegedly asked her to get off the plane. I exited the airplane, and they said there had been some concerns, Solari said. Do you have any, you know, medical conditions, or diseases? And I said, no, I had surgery, she said. Thats none of their business whats going on. But I said, no, I had surgery. And they said, OK.' Solari said that the man grabbed his phone and called a doctor contracted with the airline. When Solari said she would like to talk to the doctor about her condition, the employees did not allow her. I said, let me speak to the doctor. I wasnt examined by this physician, Solari said. Its already hard enough Solari said she felt a range of emotions throughout the chaos. Humiliated, embarrassed, ashamed? Its already hard enough. Its already difficult enough with this condition because I did have some visible tumors on my face and my arms, and people would comment, she said. Solari missed her original flight. She then had to get a letter from her surgeon so she could fly, which she had to hand over to employees at the airport. Although Solari managed to board a new flight back to Sacramento, she still had bitter feelings towards the airline. I dont think Ill ever fly them again. I think this could have been handled much more professionally, she said. They should have waited until they had all of the information before making a decision that ultimately impacted my day, my flight, my traveling, and my overall perspective on Southwest has changed. Meanwhile, a Southwest spokesperson told New York Post, We are disheartened to learn of the Customers experience flying with us and extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. Even though our team ultimately received clearance for the customer to travel, we werent able to do so in time for the flights departure. We rebooked her on a later flight, offered a travel voucher for a future flight along with a meal voucher, and were following up with her directly to discuss the situation, the spokesperson added. The airline gave Solari a $500 flight voucher and a $45 meal voucher. However, she is still threatening legal action. This is absolutely discrimination! Violating my medical privacy. They dont have to know I just said I had surgery, and that should be it. They shouldnt be prying into my private medical information, Solari said. In his recent remarks, Donad Trump blamed Kamala Harris for the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Riley was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant who was living in the US illegally. On May 7, Ibarra faced ten new charges, including malice murder and kidnapping with bodily injury in the death of Riley. Donald Trump says slain Laken Riley's blood is on Kamala Harris hands (REUTERS/Megan Varner, GoFundMe, AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, Pool) Kamala Harris let in the savage monster who killed Laken Riley During a rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta on Saturday, August 3, Trump said that Lakens blood is on Kamala Harris hands. Kamala Harris let in the savage monster who killed Laken Riley, Trump said, according to New York Post. Kamala is responsible for the death as though she were watching it herself. Riley was attacked and killed while she was out jogging on the campus of the University of Georgia on February 22. The 22-year-old was a nursing student at the University of Augusta. Her body was later discovered in a wooded area near Lake Herrick. In September 2022, Rileys killer entered the US illegally in El Paso, Texas. However, authorities released him after about a day in custody. The 26-year-old was later linked to the Venezuelan gang El Tren de Aragua. Kamala Harris should not be asking your vote, she should be begging Laken Rileys family for forgiveness, Trump said, as the crowd cheered. Official police reports confirmed that Riley died from "blunt force trauma. Days after her death, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wrote on social media that the Department of Homeland Security told him that Ibarra was paroled into the US illegally because the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas, was capped. Graham posted on X, DHS just confirmed to me that the man charged with Laken Rileys murder was paroled into the U.S. illegally, due to detention capacity at the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. He wasnt granted parole because he provided a significant benefit to the country or that he had a humanitarian need, as the law requires. The Biden Administration is breaking the law at the expense of innocent Americans, he added. Ibarra is facing charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another person. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called out Donald Trump following his repeated attacks. The former president once again picked a fight with the 60-year-old ahead of his campaign rally in Georgia on Saturday. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, the GOP nominee called Kemp disloyal and a bad guy. Donald Trump picked a fight with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp the same day he rallied in the state(Getty Images via AFP) Brian Kemp slams Trump following repeated attacks The ex-POTUS tore into Kemp ahead of the rally, criticising his wife, Marty Kemp, the First Lady of Georgia. However, the Georgia governor responded with a stern but relatively polite message on X, formerly Twitter. Kemp also shared a screenshot of Trump's lengthy rant. ALSO READ: Melania Trump puts FLOTUS tag on display amid husband's battle against Harris My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats - not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it, Kemp tweeted. Despite Kemp repeatedly being credited for Georgia's strong economy during his time as governor, Trump mocked his service to the state. Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party! His Crime Rate in Georgia is terrible, his Crime Rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his Economy is average, he wrote. ALSO READ: Kamala Harris' campaign launches Republicans for Harris with over 25 GOP endorsements The former president continued, He should be seeking UNITY, not Retribution, especially against the man that got him the Nomination through Endorsement and, without whom, he could never have beaten Stacey Abrams. He and his wife didnt think he could win. I said, 'I'm telling you youre going to win.' Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, 'Thank you Sir, well never be able to make it up to you!' Now she says she won't Endorse me, and is going to 'write in Brian Kemps name.' Well, I don't want her Endorsement, and I don't want his, Trump added. For weeks, Donald Trump seemed to dominate the tech trend in the election, with some Silicon Valley giants rallying behind the former president. However, the tide appears to be shifting now that Kamala Harris has entered the race following Bidens dropout. A recent report indicates that executives from Google, Netflix, and OpenAI are organising a fundraiser for Harris in Washington, DC, later this month. Kamala Harris trolled for speaking in Southern accent at Atlanta rally (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage / AFP)(AFP) Tech elites to host fundraiser for Kamala Harris Business Insider reports that a major event is scheduled for August 27th, just as the U.S. election campaigns are heating up before the ultimate November showdown. The organising committee reportedly boasts policy leaders from Google, Netflix, and OpenAI, along with senior representatives from JPMorgan, McKinsey & Company, and the Omidyar Network, a foundation started by eBay's Pierre Omidyar. Also read: Trump threatens he wont see Kamala Harris at all if its not a Fox debate; rips VPs mental capacity The substantial backing from the tech sector might be a strategic counter to Republican candidate Donald Trump's endorsements from major tech figures, such as Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel, the Winklevoss twins, and John Paulson among others. Additionally, Trump's VP pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance, a former venture capitalist with ties to tech and crypto industries, could further influence Silicon Valley's stance. Has Kamala Harris finally managed to sway tech giants in her favour? Amid allegations of Google favouring Kamala Harris by manipulating search results related to Donald Trump and the #cancelNetflix trendfollowing Netflixs $7 million donation to a super PAC supporting Harrisit seems the Vice Presidents political campaign has finally started making noise in Silicon Valley. Also read: Kamala Harris husband Doug Emhoff breaks silence on his affair with nanny: 'I took responsibility How did it start? Initially, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman expressed support for Kamala Harris the day Joe Biden announced his withdrawal. Previously, major Democratic donors had been reluctant to back Bidens second term due to growing concerns about his public gaffes and questions about his cognitive health. However, sentiment shifted with Harris entering the race. Following this, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings also publicly endorsed Harris and contributed $7 million to her campaign after former President Barack Obamas endorsement. On the same day, a new website called "VCs for Kamala" popped up, featuring more than a hundred venture capitalists who've promised to vote for her and help her raise money reports Business Insider. The report also claimed that the August fundraiser will also have Josh Hsu, who used to be Harris' top lawyer in the White House, and Rohini Kosoglu, who worked as a domestic policy advisor for the vice president. This fundraiser comes at a critical juncture for Harris, who recently secured the Democratic nomination after Joe Biden's exit. In less than three months, voters will choose their next president. However, an official confirmation from the techies is still awaited. Comedian Joe Rogan's latest comedy special on Netflix titled Burn the Boats was released on Netflix on Saturday, August 3, 2024. The comedian put forward various recent controversial issues in his show which he had earlier mentioned in his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, as well. He mocked the COVID-19 vaccine and the trans people during his hour-long comedy special. Joe Rogan roasts COVID vaccines and trans people on his next comedy special on Netflix.(@joerogan/X) Also Read: California nurse kicked off Southwest Airlines flight because of her skin condition: Absolutely discrimination Joe Rogan jives at COVID vaccines Rogans comedy special targeted some of the most controversial and burning issues but at the same time, he made a few self-deprecating jokes as well about how people think he has affected the culture. During the tag of a joke, he said, That might be misinformation. Dont say you heard it from me, because I am known for that sh**, as reported by Variety. He deliberated about his suspicions in the COVID-19 vaccine which was a major concern for many during the pandemic. COVID was just so strange, he began on the topic. And we lost a lot of people during COVID, and most of them are still alive. Theres a lot of people that I dont f*** with anymore, he said. The comedian further took a dig at Michelle Obama, Before COVID, I would have told you that vaccines are the most important invention in human history. After COVID, Im like, I dont think we went to the moon. I think Michelle Obamas got a d***. I think Pizzagate is real. I think theres direct energy weapons in Antarctica. Im just kidding I dont think Michelle Obamas got a d***, but I believe all of that other sh**. Later in a discussion on his podcast, he said it is not his fault if people are taking for COVID vaccine information from his show. Also Read: Hamas hostage's body kicked, abused by Gaza civilians in sickening video: Horrific and unforgivable I dont want to be surrounded by them: Rogan mocks trans community In another segment of the show, Rogan turned his attention to the trans community. He said he began with the declaration of being open-minded however he was curious as to what happened. He said, Its almost like a perverted wizard waved a magic spell on the whole world. With a wave of this wand, you can walk into the womens locker room with a hard c***, and anybody who complains is a Nazi. He further ridiculed the fact that everyone has accepted this in the name of wokeness which is weird. I just think we need standards. You cant just put lipstick on and now you can sh** in the womens room! he added. The comedian then switched to gay men and said that he loves them as much as the mountain lions, Im happy theyre real, but I dont want to be surrounded by them, he said. He also joked about being around them, Theyre a bunch of dudes who f*** dudes. I dont like my chances, OK? Theyre not unicorns theyre just men who f*** men. And every man whos ever lived is a shifty c** salesman, OK? 100%. Especially the ones who say theyre not. Earlier, comedians like Dave Chapelle and Ricky Gervais were denounced for making jokes about the trans community. The comedy special is currently streaming on Netflix. Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, has finally addressed the rumours of his alleged affair with the familys nanny. The Second Gentleman reportedly admitted to cheating on his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, over fifteen years ago with a woman named Najen Naylor. Emhoffs statement follows allegations that Naylor became pregnant and did not keep the baby, though the details surrounding this claim remain unclear. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff attend a dinner on the first day of the Paris Peace Forum, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 11, 2021. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool/File Photo(REUTERS) Doug Emhoff admits affair claims with daughters teacher Mr Emhoff explained to CNN, During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. Adding to his statement he admitted to having an affair with a blonde nanny who taught at a private school attended by their two children. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side, he continued. Also read: Italian boxer Angela Carini scores prize money from IBA despite controversial loss to Imane Khelif While Emhoff didnt specifically name Naylor or directly address the pregnancy rumours, his response neither confirms nor outright denies them, suggesting a tacit acknowledgement. CNN further reports that when they asked a Harris Campaign spokesperson about the accuracy of the Daily Mail's story, the spokesperson declined to comment. Kamala Harris and Biden were aware of Emhoffs affair Emhoff and Harris got married in 2014, five years after his divorce from Kerstin. During his first term, when President Biden's campaign advisors were evaluating Kamala Harris as a potential running mate in 2020, they became aware of Doug Emhoff's previous relationship with Najen Naylor. This information was disclosed by a source, who also mentioned that Emhoff had revealed the affair to Harris before their marriage and that their relationship had concluded before his involvement with the Vice President. Najen Naylor responds to the affair's claims The Daily Mail did some digging and found out about the first gentleman's history. They then got in touch with Naylor at his New York house to talk about the affair and the pregnancy, and Ms. Naylor didn't deny either of them, saying, I'm really freaked out right now. Citing irreconcilable differences, Mr. Emhoff parted ways with his ex-wife Kerstin. The former couple shares two children, Cole, 29, and Ella, 25. The children are said to be close with their stepmother, Kamala Harris, whom they affectionately call "Momola." Meghan Markle is opening up on her past traumas. In her recent appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning, the Duchess of Sussex revealed how she once suffered from suicidal thoughts during her time in the royal family. The Suits alum sat down for an interview with host Jane Pauley, alongside Prince Harry, to discuss their new project, The Parents Network. Meghan Markle opened up on past suicidal thoughts in new CBS interview alongside Prince Harry(CBS) Meghan Markle addresses past suicidal thoughts Meghan reflected on her experience of being bullied, saying, When youve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it. While she delved deep into her traumas, the 43-year-old admitted that she hasn't really scraped the surface on my experience. ALSO READ: Prince Harry seems bored and disengaged in new interview with Meghan Markle, expert says But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way, Meghan continued. And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed. If me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really, genuinely check in on them, and not assume that the appearance is good so everythings okay, then thats worth it. Ill take a hit for that, she added. ALSO READ: Melania Trump puts FLOTUS tag on display amid husband's battle against Harris The former actress' Sunday interview is the first since her bombshell tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Meghan admitted at the time that she dealt with intense suicidal thoughts while she was pregnant with Prince Archie due to the harsh treatment she received from the tabloids. I just didnt want to be alive anymore, she told Winfrey at the time. I would sit up at night, and I was just like, I dont understand how all of this is being churned out, she added, referring to the consistent negative media reports on her. Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working members of the royal family in 2020 and relocated to the United States, where they now reside in a lavish $14 million mansion in Montecito, California. Meghan Markle found herself in an icy reception at the Hamptons summit, with A-list celebrities reportedly avoiding her. The Duchess of Sussex recently attended the G9 Ventures Summer hosted by power broker Amy Griffin ahead of her brands official launch. While photos emerged of her chatting with a few familiar faces, noticeably absent were any snaps with the summit's biggest names. It can be seen as a stark contrast to past events where she's been photographed mingling effortlessly with Hollywood's A-list. Meghan Markle watches her husband Prince Harry play in an exhibition sitting volleyball match, in Abuja, Nigeria, Saturday, May 11, 2024(AP) Meghan Markle reportedly avoided at Hamptons summit Meghan Markle showed up big at the Hamptons event, sparking talks about what she's up to next in business. The royal was eager to connect with female founders before officially kicking off her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The Duchess was snapped hanging out with her inner circle, like fashion designer Misha Nonoo and makeup queen Bobbi Brown, but some people noticed a few things missing from the photo. It was weird that there weren't any pics of Markle with other big names there, like Gwyneth Paltrow, and Reese Witherspoon, among others as reported by NewsNations Paula Froelich reported. Also read: Prince William sent a last-minute text to Prince Harry, Meghan and Kate asking for They know that if they are in a picture with [Meghan] it is a tacit approval of her that she can use to promote herself, one insider told the outlet. Meghan can show up at events where they are at, move into their neighborhoodbut they are not friends, they added. This comes after reports that Hollywood elites are "distancing themselves" from the Duke and Duchess over the growing controversies surrounding them. Markle hopped on a plane from Santa Barbara, California, to join the one-day summit with entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima, last week. Harry and Meghan discuss online threats in new interview Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make a splash this weekend with a new CBS interview focused on their latest initiative to protect children from online threats. A sneak peek of the interview has already sparked conversations on social media, with the couple sharing their worries about the online world, especially for their kids, Archie and Lilibet. The Sussexes mostly keep their kids out of the public limelight despite their high-profile status. Also read: Trump threatens he wont see Kamala Harris at all if its not a Fox debate; rips VPs mental capacity Meanwhile, the Sussexes are also expanding their global footprint. After their recent trip to Nigeria, the couple has accepted an invitation to visit Colombia. The full itinerary for this tour is yet to be released. Meghan Markle has her hands filled with a lot of new brand launches one of which is a new podcast show. Her podcast show in association with the Lemonada Media is currently delayed and will not release until 2025. The Duchess of Sussex wants to utilise this time to rectify old Spotify mistakes. Meghan Markle wants to utilize her time to rectify her Spotify mistakes as she gears to enter the podcast industry once again. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)(AP) Also Read: Meghan Markle snubbed by celebs at Hamptons summit; they avoided pictures because it can be a Meghan Markles wants to correct her Spotify mistake Markle and Prince Harry signed a $20 million contract with the music streaming platform, Spotify in late 2020. The duo began the production of their podcast, Archetypes in August 2022 which started out great but eventually faded away. The podcast delivered a season of 13 episodes after which the company dumped the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in June 2023. Spotify executive, Bill Simmons nicknamed the pair f****** grifters after he did not receive a complete full contract when the two parted. Markle was also accused of faking certain parts of the podcast interview and driving attention from the guests to herself by talking about herself. Royal commentator Gareth Russell analysed that it would be obvious if the Duchess and her team felt embarrassment about the high profile and public criticism they faced regarding their work ethic during their Spotify era. He said, It would be perfectly understandable if they were embarrassed by that or if they were delaying things. However, it could also be that they are having a tactical rethink about what messages and what content they put out into the world. We do know that they've recruited a new team of public relations and publicity experts, as reported by OK! Magazine. Also Read: King Charles trying to avoid knockdown war with Prince Andrew as he refuses to vacate Meghan Markle returns to podcast The Suits actors return was not expected by many after her previous attempt with Spotify. However, Markles return with a podcast show surprised many including royal commenters. In a statement released, she said, Being able to support a female-founded company with a roster of thought-provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024. She introduced her partnership with the new media company as she announced, Our plan to re-release 'Archetypes' so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast, is well in the works. Im so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family." Russell analysed the reason behind this decision could be the couples new slate of advisors they appointed early this year. It was also reported that the Duke and Duchess are at the end of their rope to make sure they have enough content for the $100 million contract they signed with Netflix in 2020. The contract will be closed in almost a year from now where the pair has delivered one hit documentary and two flops to the Netflix execs. Melania Trump is proud of her former first lady status. The 54-year-old was spotted in New York City carrying her luxury luggage decorated with a FLOTUS tag on Saturday. As the former model exited the Trump Tower, a staffer helped her with her baggage, including a clothing bag, with FLOTUS scrawled on the front. Melania Trump was spotted heading to New Jersey carrying luxury Louis Vuitton luggage that featured a FLOTUS tag(AP) Melania Trump flaunts FLOTUS tag on luxury Louis Vuitton luggage The former first lady stepped out in style, wearing a sophisticated ensemble that featured a white top and wide-legged green pants. Melania completed her look with chunky aviator glasses, a $4,000 Burberry handbag and gold open-toe sandals. In the photos obtained by Page Six, she can be seen heading to her Secret Service vehicle as the staffer helped her with the luggage. ALSO READ: Melania Trump issues powerful statement following husband Donald's attempted assassination For her trip to New Jersey, Melania opted for three Louis Vuitton luggage pieces- a Sirius 55 Monogram Canvas, which costs about $2,490, a Keepall 55 Monogram Canvas worth $2,210, and the $3,050 Cruiser Bag 45, per the outlet. Her outing comes amid Donald Trump's presidential bid against Kamala Harris, who secured enough delegates to become the official Democratic nominee on Friday. While Melania hit the road for New Jersey, the former president travelled to Atlanta to campaign at the Georgia State University Convocation Center alongside his vice president pick, J.D. Vance, on Saturday. Despite her subtle nod to her husband's battle against the vice president, Melania has mostly remained tight-lipped throughout his campaign. ALSO READ: Melania Trump raises $1.4m in GOP fundraiser at NYC Trump Tower penthouse However, she issued a rare lengthy statement last month following Trump's assassination attempt. When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change, she wrote in the powerful statement shared on X, formerly Twitter. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 4. Uzbekistan has hosted a meeting with representatives of Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP S.p.A.) bank at the ministry of Mining and Geology, Trend reports. The sides exchanged views on promising projects in the fields of mining and geology. They also discussed the potential for establishing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation and defined future plans for interaction. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Simone Biles has been a hot topic among haters and trolls online who kept nit-picking at her hair, husband or strength. However, the star gymnast won yet another gold on her vault, her third in the Paris Olympics 2024 and seventh gold in her career. Biles left the door open for the Olympic Games 2028 in Los Angeles. Simone Biles hints at her return to the Olympic Games in 2028. REUTERS/Hannah Mckay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY(REUTERS) Also Read: Imane Khelif gender proof finally revealed? Father breaks silence as his 'little girl' faces huge outcry at Olympics Biles for LA Olympic Games 2028 After defeat and being the centre of trolling in the Tokyo Olympics, Biles was not sure if she would return for the next Summer Games. However, her game at this years Olympics just proved her critics and doubts wrong. The Olympic gold medallist expressing her desire to be back for the next games in Los Angeles said, Never say never. The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know. She teasingly added, But I am getting really old. Biles has won a total of 10 medals at the Paris Olympics and is all set to break the record of Allyson Felix who is the only American woman to win 11 Olympic medals under the non-swimmer category. The most decorated gymnast also commented on the hate she received for her performance at the Tokyo Games and otherwise. She had shared earlier that the online criticism took a toll on her mental health and she had to check herself in for therapy. She said, Im really excited to be competing again. The negative comments, theyre painful after a certain point. They hurt. But Im still in therapy, working on all that stuff, to just make sure my mental health is well. Biles continued, But theyre really quiet now. So thats strange, as reported by USA Today. Also Read: Paris Olympics triathlete slams officials after swimming in dirty Seine River, I felt Biles third gold on vault Biles won her third gold because of her signature Yurchenko double pike which is a difficult skill to master given it requires a lot of strength. She won with a combined score of 15.3 and defeated Brazils Rebecca Andrade who was 0.334 points behind her. She is now the only woman to win the vault title twice with her previous win in year 2016. Sen. Tim Scott married Mindy Noce on Saturday, August 3, during an intimate ceremony at their hometown chapel Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Scott, 58, announced the news on X. Tim Scott marries Mindy Noce in intimate South Carolina ceremony (Tim Scott/X) Tonight, we promised to cherish and nourish each other and our marriage for the rest of our lives, Scott wrote, sharing images of himself and Noce. Mindy, you've made me the happiest man alive. I love you. He then shared the quote: So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Scotts wedding to the 47-year-old interior designer was officiated by Seacoast founder Pastor Greg Surratt, who also counselled the senator during his GOP presidential bid, the Post and Courier reported. Scotts older brother Ben was his best man at the wedding. Joni Blair, Noces best friend, served as her maid of honour. Noce met Scott through a mutual friend back in 2022. Scott previously described her as a lovely Christian girl. Noce was seen with Scott on stage at the end of the third Republican debate on November 8 last year. A campaign statement later said that the woman with Scott "is his girlfriend Mindy." Scott and Noce got engaged in January this year after he proposed to her, saying it is 'the most exciting thing Ill do with my life besides making Jesus my Lord. He asked her to marry him on the beach in Kiawah Island in South Carolina. Part of the blessing for me was not getting married before now, During their wedding, former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota were among guests inside the chapel. Also present were South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Sen. John Barrasso of Pennsylvania, former US Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, and former South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy. Scott said that his wedding is a blessing. Part of the blessing for me was not getting married before now, he told the Post and Courier. He added that it took some time for him to learn certain harsh truths about love, saying, Right girl, wrong time is a mess. Wrong girl, right time is chaos. Like everybody else, I think we pretty selfishly want what we want. I think marriage helps you understand that maybe its not the only mission on the planet to get what you want, but it is to help others enjoy the journey of life, as well to be an ambassador of hope, Scott added. TEL AVIV, Israel Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting Sunday, as the United States and allies prepared to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. US and allies prepare to defend Israel as Netanyahu says it's already in 'multi-front war' with Iran Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario. Jordan's foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts, while the Pentagon has moved significant assets to the region. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC. In Israel, some prepared bomb shelters and recalled Iran's unprecedented direct military assault in April following a suspected Israeli strike that killed two Iranian generals. Israel said almost all the drones and ballistic and cruise missiles were intercepted. A stabbing attack on Sunday near Tel Aviv killed a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralized. Inside Gaza, Israels military said it struck Hamas command centers at two schools in Gaza City. There was no immediate word on casualties. Earlier, Israeli strikes killed at least 18 people. One hit a tent camp for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to retrieve bodies while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza as many others in the territory no longer function. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the Health Ministry. A further three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border without causing casualties or damage, the military said. The military later told people in some parts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to evacuate. An Israeli strike on Saturday at a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to the Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israels military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command center. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage. Israel's massive offensive in response has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. The militant group Hezbollah and Israel have continued to trade fire along the Lebanon border since the war began, with the severity growing in recent months. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency said an Israeli strike targeted a house in Beit Lef, and the Lebanese Health Ministry said two people were critically wounded. Hezbollah says it's aimed at relieving pressure on fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. A growing number of countries, including the U.S., are encouraging citizens to leave Lebanon after last week's killing of a senior commander. Magdy reported from Cairo. Follow s war coverage at /hub/israel-hamas-war This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A federal appeals court has that grants work authorisation to spouses of H-1B visa holders, dismissing a challenge brought by a group representing US-born tech workers. The decision affirms the legality of the Obama-era policy and ensures continued employment opportunities for thousands of foreign workers' partners. The decision represents a triumph for the technology sector, occurring in the face of a recent Supreme Court ruling that has limited the authority of federal agencies. The USCIS said that it has already started selecting the registrations for H-1B visa submitted earlier. (Representational Image) Court upholds H-1B spouse work permits The fight over work permission for people on H-4 visas has gone on for a while, changing hands between different governments. This issue has faced a bunch of legal fights and changes in rules over time. But, a new decision from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has backed up earlier rulings that agreed with the Department of Homeland Security's position on this. Because Save Jobs USA has not meaningfully distinguished this case from that binding precedent, we affirm the district courts grant of summary judgment, as per Judge Justin R. Walker statement reported by Bloomberg. Also read: Google, Netflix, and OpenAI execs plan fundraiser for Kamala Harris to counter Trumps tech backing: Report "The statutory text unambiguously authorises the challenged rule, which supports the regulation allowing H-1B visa holders' spouses to work, The DC Circuit ruling said. Back in 2015, Save Jobs USA started a lawsuit against the H-4 work permit rule. But, it got put on hold while the Trump team looked into the policy. After a new administration came in, the case picked back up. The organisation said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) went too far by letting spouses of H-4 visa holders work without any limits. Major tech companies back the ruling Big tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft backed the rule, saying it helps keep the best people by making it easier for H-1B workers to get permanent residency. The three-judge group also had Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan and Judge Robert L. Wilkins on board with the decision. Also read: Trump threatens he wont see Kamala Harris at all if its not a Fox debate; rips VPs mental capacity Ultimately, The Supreme Court's recent decision to limit Chevron deference did not impact the work permit rule for H-1B spouses which some believed some thought could make it tougher for spouses of H-1B visa holders and recent grads with F-1 student visas to get work permits. Save Jobs USA contended that a prior decision in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo bolstered their argument against permitting H-1B spouses to work. As per Carl Goldfarb, a counsel for immigration voice, the recent ruling safeguards, the right of thousands of lawfully admitted immigrants, many with masters degrees or PhDs, to continue to work in the United States while their spouses are waiting to get permanent residency. A massive fire reportedly damaged several buildings and left multiple residents displaced in Queens on Saturday afternoon, August 3. As many as 14 people were injured, New York post reported. Very fierce fire in NYC spreads to 7 buildings (Pixabay - representational image) The fire began at a two-story residence at 88-21 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Queens Village just after 4 pm. It rapidly soared to five alarms and spread to as many as seven buildings, FDNY officials said. EMTs, paramedics and more than 200 firefighters responded to the blaze. They manage to bring it under control in about two hours. This was a very fierce fire, and it spread to seven buildings and into the rear and garage area, FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer said. Eleven firefighters and three civilians were among the injured. FDNY EMS Deputy Assistant Chief Grace Cacciola confirmed that all of them sustained minor injuries. Most of them sustained heat-related injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Dozens of people are believed to have been displaced, Frederic Klein, a spokesman with the Red Cross, confirmed. The Red Cross helped victims on the scene. At least three vehicles were charred in an alley behind Francis Lewis Boulevard, where cars had been parked by residents. Houses on 207th Street were also damaged by the blaze. Everything is gone in the fire Tasmim Abib, 17, who lives on Francis Lewis Boulevard, said the fire spread to his familys deck and into their home after starting on his neighbours deck. It was so much fire that it got into our house, he said. Abib said that when the fire entered his home, he rushed out with his parents and two of five cats. He said his terrified parents did not let him go back inside to rescue his other cats. I was crying, Let me go inside and save my cats. They said, No, dont go back inside,' Abib said. There is nothing left there. Everything is gone in the fire. Abib recalled that his mother went outside and found there was a fire after hearing three explosions. FDNY officials said that the fire had been accelerated by propane tanks that exploded in the back of the initial site of the blaze. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. The Kamala Harris campaign sent Donald Trump's "sidekick" J.D. Vance a snarky birthday greeting, calling him the "most unpopular VP pick in American history." "At 78 and 40, Donald Trump and his sidekick, the most unpopular VP pick in American history, are running on an agenda to drag our country backwards, reverse the progress we've made, and ensure Americans have fewer freedoms in the next generation than they had in the last," the vice president's campaign posted on X Friday evening. It went on to slam the Project 2025 agenda that would be used as a blueprint in a potential Trump/Vance administration that that would "rip away our freedoms, jack up costs on the middle class, and fan the flames of hatred and division." "While we wish J.D. a happy 40th, the American people will make certain that he celebrates his 41st anywhere but the White House," the Harris campaign concluded with a zinger. Since Trump announced that he was picking Vance as his running mate on July 15, the Republican senator from Ohio's unfavorability rating has been climbing. According to polling site FiveThirtyEight, Vance's unfavorability rating has gone from 28.9% in mid-July to 38.9% as of Aug. 1. Vance has been dogged by remarks about "childless cat ladies" in the Democratic Party and his support for a law preventing women from traveling out of state to get an abortion. Vance's team responded to the b'day greetings. "Kamala's team of bullied, woke losers can send out embarrassingly cringe statements all they want, but it doesn't change the fact that Kamala Harris struggles to string together coherent sentences and is too incompetent to answer simple questions from the press about her dangerously liberal agenda," spokesperson William Martin said in a statement to the Hill. Four Las Vegas teens accused of beating a 17-year-old classmate to death agreed to a plea agreement that will allow them to be sentenced as juveniles on voluntary manslaughter charges instead of as adults, leaving the victim's mother "dumbfounded," according to a report. Treavion Randolph, 16, Dontral Beaver, 16, Damien Hernandez, 18, and Gianni Robinson, 17, were initially charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jonathan Lewis last November at Rancho High School, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. With the plea deal reached Thursday, their cases will be returned to juvenile court where they will face being held in a juvenile detention center, the report said. "I'm just so dumbfounded and hurt and confused," Mellisa Ready, Lewis' mother, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I don't even know what's going on, and I should know." She said she was not informed of the possible plea agreement and said she learned of the negotiations from reporters after Thursday's hearing, which she did not attend. Clark County prosecutors said Ready was kept abreast of the talks. "While the District Attorney's Office acknowledges the pain the victim's mother is going through as she mourns the loss of her son, the negotiation was accurately conveyed to her last week, prior to the court proceeding," the district attorney's office said in a statement to the newspaper. "The conversation was witnessed by multiple DA personnel," it said. "Ultimately, the State determined the juvenile court was best equipped to punish the defendants for their heinous conduct while also attempting to rehabilitate them," the statement said. The election subversion criminal case against Donald Trump has been returned to the Washington, D.C., federal judge following the Supreme Court's decision that gave presidents limited immunity from prosecution. Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday received the case that alleges the former president illegally tried to overturn his 2020 losing election results o President Joe Biden. It has been delayed for months because Trump's legal team asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether the former president has immunity and could dodge prosecution in the case. Now Chutkan has scheduled the first pre-trial hearing in the case for Aug. 16 in the middle of Trump's campaign. It's the first step in her decision on which parts of special counsel Jack Smith's indictment against Trump may be tossed because of the Supreme Court's order, Reuters reported. In court documents Saturday, Chutkan said Trump will not have to appear for the hearing. In a 6-3 decision, the court gave presidents immunity from prosecution for "official acts" while they were in the White House. The justices put the onus on lower courts, however, to determine which acts are official and which are not. Those decisions can also be appealed. Trump was charged with four criminal counts for his role in the scheme to enlist fake electors to claim that he won the election. The pause in the case allowed it to be delayed for months, making it unlikely that it will come to trial before November's election. But news reports about any pre-trials hearings likely won't serve Trump's campaign. But if Trump wins the presidency, he could direct his attorney general to dismiss the case. California is grappling with another mounting environmental issue as sea lions, seals, dolphins and crabs are washing up sick along the state's beaches, linked to another bloom of toxic algae. More than 70 sick sea lions alone were discovered in the last two weeks exhibiting symptoms of domoic acid poisoning from the algae, said Mattie Reddell, an environmental scientist with California State Parks. "This has been the most drastic domoic acid event in the ten years I've been here," Reddell told KMPH-TV. The poisoning occurred amid another "red tide" algal bloom that may be linked to an offshore heatwave just over two weeks ago. The Affected sea creatures become ill when they eat the fish that eat the algae that produces the domoic acid. The main symptom as the toxin affects the sea creatures' heads and hearts is lethargy and disorientation that can be so severe that the animals become incapable of seeking food or eating it. "You'll see some signs in sea lions such as frothing at the mouth, a head wave back and ford. Some will also have seizures," Reddell explained. The toxin usually naturally flushes out of an animal's system over time, but some are so ill they need to be treated with anti-seizure medications, supervised and fed. Initially, cases were discovered along southern beaches, including along the Oceano Dunes and Pismo Beach area. But over the past week, cases have been seen farther north, including at Morro Bay. "The intensity is currently at peak," the Marine Mammal Center headquartered in Sausalito, which treats the animals, said in a statement. The center warned that humans can become ill consuming fish and shellfish which have ingested the toxin, but no state advisory has been issued. Officials warn the public not to approach an ill sea lion, seal or dolphin, but to contact a local wildlife, state parks or marine mammal organization to aid the animal. Vice President Kamala Harris' sudden and dramatic entry into the presidential race has Democrats hopeful they'll hold onto their narrow Senate majority but Republicans aren't convinced. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that with Harris at the top of the ticket, his party was "so enthusiastic about the prospects of winning the presidency, keeping the Senate and winning the House," the Associated Press reported Saturday. Schumer predicted that former President Donald Trump's questioning of Harris' racial identity this week and the past remarks in which his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, criticized childless women and men, would hurt Republicans in November. "The best thing Donald Trump did since he won the nomination was pick Vance for Democrats," Schumer told AP. Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, countered that Harris' liberal politics would ultimately weaken the surge of enthusiasm that greeted her after President Joe Biden quit his reelection campaign and endorsed Harris last month. Daines said Republicans could pick up as many as 10 seats in the Senate, which is now controlled by a 51-member coalition of 48 Democrats and three independents. "The Democrats have to pitch a perfect game. We have to win one of them," he said. "I like our odds." West Virginia, where Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is retiring, is widely expected to elect popular, two-term Republican Gov. Jim Justice to replace him. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists four Senate races in seats now held by Democrats as toss-ups, and three others, all involving Democratic incumbents, as competitive. Three other Senate races also have the potential to heat up in the three months before Election Day on Nov. 5, according to the Cook Political Report. Here's a look at those contests: Michigan Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers are expected to win their Tuesday primaries to vie for the seat being vacated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who's retiring after four terms, the Detroit Free Press reported Friday. Although no Republican has won a U.S. Senate seat in the Bay State since 1994, Trump holds an average lead of 1.2 percentage points over Harris, according to Real Clear Politics, and the Senate race is considered a toss-up. The two most recent polls, conducted by Fox News and The Hill/Emerson College, showed Slotkin with leads of 5 and 4 points, respectively. Montana Political action committees spent more than $27 million through July on ads tied to the race between three-term Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and GOP challenger Tim Sheehy in the heavily Republican state, the Montana Free Press reported Thursday. The bulk of the money - about $19.5 million was about evenly split supporting or attacking Sheehy, a Navy veteran and first-time candidate, and the overwhelming majority of the other spending went to anti-Tester ads, according to the Free Press. The most recent poll in the toss-up state, conducted June 29-July 1, put Sheehy ahead, 50%-45%, but a June 11-13 survey of likely voters sponsored by the Montana Republican Party had the candidates tied at 46% each, according to the FiveThirtyEight website. Nevada The race between Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and Republican retired Army Capt. Sam Brown was rated "lean Democratic" by the Cook Political Report until April, when it was changed to a toss-up. At the time, Cook editor Jessica Taylor cited Trump's polling lead over Biden, as well as the state's highly transient population and "unique post-COVID economic hangover," according to the Hill. Rosen has led Brown by between 2 and 12 percentage points since early July. The most recent survey, conducted July 22-24, gave her a 5-point edge, according to FiveThirtyEight. Ohio Three-term Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is facing Republican luxury auto dealer and blockchain investor Bernie Moreno, a political newcomer, in the toss-up race in the Buckeye State. Brown has led Moreno by as much as 8 percentage points since early July but his lead shrank to just 4 points, 46% to 42%, in poll results released Thursday by the Ohio AARP. But the July 23-28 survey of likely voters also showed people over 50 favored Moreno by 2 points, with AARP Ohio state director Jennifer Carlson saying they comprised the state's "biggest voting bloc and could tip the scale for any candidate in this election." To "secure a win in November, candidates must prioritize the critical concerns of voters over age 50, from protecting Social Security and supporting family caregivers to lowering the cost of health care, especially prescription drugs," Carlson said in a prepared statement. Arizona Republican former TV news anchor Kari Lake, who has still refused to concede her loss in the state's 2022 governor's race, won a Tuesday primary to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego in the race to succeed independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Gallego, a former Marine, announced his candidacy in early 2023, after Sinema left the Democratic party, but before she announced in March that she wouldn't seek a second term because her belief in bipartisan compromise wasn't "what America wants right now." The Cook Political report says the contest leans in favor of Gallego, with polls showing him ahead or tied with Lake in seven of eight polls since early June. Her only lead, by 1 percentage point, came in a survey sponsored by Lake's campaign, according to FiveThirtyEight. The most recent survey, conducted July 22-23, gave Gallego a 4-point edge, 46% to 42%, down from 7 points from the week before. Pennsylvania Three-term Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. faces Republican former hedge fund CEO David McCormick, who lost a 2022 GOP Senate primary to celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, in a race that's rated competitive with Casey holding the advantage. More than a dozen polls conducted since late June in the battleground Keystone State showed Casey consistently ahead, including a July 22-24 Fox News survey that showed him up by 13 points, 55% to 42%. Last week, McCormick's campaign released a video attempting to tie Harris to Casey, son of the late Pennsylvania Gov. Bob Casey Sr., according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. In a memo released by the campaign, strategist Mark Harris claimed that "our internal data finds that Harris's image is in a worse position among most key groups in the election than Biden's was." Wisconsin Although the Badger State is also ranked as competitive, polls show two-term Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin has been tied or ahead of likely Republican challenger Eric Hovde since February. The most recent surveys from late July showed Balwin up by 11 and 8 points, leading Hovde 54% to 43% and 49% to 43%, respectively. Hovde, a real-estate scion and bank CEO, also ran for Senate in 2012 but lost the GOP nomination to former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who was beaten by Baldwin in the general election. Baldwin raked in more than $2.5 million in campaign contributions in July, nearly seven times the $374,000 raised by Hovde, who faces two opponents a farmer and a late-in-life college student in the Aug. 13 GOP primary, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Baku. Azerbaijan. August 4. Trump said that if Harris comes to power, she will not be able to restore the greatness of the United States. Kamala Harris will not be able to compete with the leaders of other countries due to her low IQ, Trend reports. Former US President Donald Trump wrote about this on his account on the social network "Pravda". "Kamala Harris is a person with a low IQ who cannot compete with the leaders of other countries. With such people in power, the United States has no chance of becoming great again," Trump said. He also added that Harris, like party member President Joe Biden, will not be able to say two sentences in a row. A New Jersey man was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison for the deadly abuse of his 6-year-old son, whom he forced to run on a high-speed treadmill for reportedly being "too fat." Christopher Gregor, 32, claimed in court that he "did nothing" to cause the death of Corey Micciolo, saying: "I did not hurt my son," the Asbury Park Press reported. But those assertions were rejected by Superior Court Judge Guy Ryan, who cited harrowing surveillance video that showed Corey repeatedly stumble, fall and get thrown from the treadmill when he couldn't keep up. At one point, Gregor lifted Corey off the floor and held him up as the boy desperately pumped his legs to match his pace to the speed of the machine in the gym of his father's apartment complex. "Corey was subject to an awful time on that treadmill," Ryan said. "It was brutal watching that treadmill video." Prosecutors reportedly said Gregor, who shared custody of Corey with the boy's mother, repeatedly increased the treadmill's speed and incline during the March 20, 2021, incident in Monroe Township. Corey revealed during a medical exam that his father made him run on the machine "because he was too fat," the U.S. Sun reported in 2022 following Gregor's arrest. The video was discovered after Corey died April 2, 2021, at a hospital where his father took him, claiming that the boy awakened from a nap and began stumbling and slurring his words, according to Court TV. An autopsy found the cause of death was blunt force trauma to Corey's chest that lacerated his heart and liver, with prosecutors alleging that Gregor beat him when the boy's mother was 14 hours late to pick him up. The defense contended during Gregor's six-week trial that the boy's injuries were the result of pneumonia or some other reason, according to the Asbury Park Press. A jury acquitted Gregor of murder but convicted him of aggravated manslaughter for the fatal beating and child endangerment for the treadmill incident. In court Friday, Breanna Micciolo reportedly lashed out at Gregor, who she said "took my whole world away from me." "I hate you," Micciolo told Gregor. "I will never forgive you." Her mother, Rebecca Micciolo, also recalled how, five days before his death, Corey asked her, "Does God see what my daddy does to me?" When Rebecca Micciolo told Corey that "God sees everything," he responded by asking "why his Daddy isn't going to hell," she said. "And I replied, 'He will one day,'" Rebecca Micciolo said. Israeli strikes killed 18 Palestinians in Gaza early Sunday, including four who were sheltering in a camp for displaced Palestinians in a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack in a Tel Aviv suburb claimed two Israeli lives. The violence occurred as tensions continue to mount after nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing of two senior militants in Lebanon and Iran last week. The deaths of the two senior militants have provoked threats of revenge from Iran and its allies, heightening fears of a more devastating regional war. The Pentagon is sending a squadron of fighter jets, warships and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East to defend Israel and U.S. troops from any violence by Iran and its proxies in the region in response to the new threats. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the strike on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in a hospital courtyard killed one woman while injuring others. Thousands have taken shelter at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah after being forced to flee their homes amid the ravaging war. Several other strikes killed a girl and her parents while a home was flattened in Gaza, killing at least eight people, three of whom were children, along with their parents and grandmother. Three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, and another hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday, killing at least 16 people and wounding another 21, said the hospital. The Israeli military, which often accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering among civilians, claims it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which resulted in secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area." Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that the two people who died in Tel Aviv were a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man. The police said the attack was executed by a Palestinian militant who was "neutralized," according to the Associated Press. The wounded were reportedly found in three different locations, each roughly 500 yards apart. Police initially sought other suspects, but later confirmed that only one person was involved. Israel has been anticipating retaliation since the killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and a top Hamas political leader in an attack in Iran. Hezbollah has consistently exchanged fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, revealing it aims to relieve the pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. Former President Donald Trump is blaming Georgia State for allegedly preventing "thousands" of people from entering the university's arena in Atlanta where Vice President Kamala Harris had packed the seats just days earlier. Trump reacted harshly against the school's administration, suggesting it was part of a left-wing conspiracy against him at his Saturday rally. He acknowledged from the podium several empty spots in the university's 8,000-seat Convocation Center, and addressed "school people" when he said: "I don't know what you're doing." He said to the cheers of supporters: "Let the people come in! They're standing outside, thousands of 'em." It's "obviously a very liberal school," he added. But he also said: "I know nothing about this school." Besides the hordes he claimed were not allowed inside, Trump also charged that wanna-be spectators were even pushed far away from outside cameras broadcasting the rally. The number of people outside the arena could not immediately be confirmed. The university did not immediately return calls for comment. Trump baselessly claimed during his hush-money trial in Manhattan that police prevented "thousands" of protesting supporters on the streets outside the courthouse. Trump defended his crowd as images showing empty seats including those from the Harris campaign spread on social media. LMAO that moron Three Toes posted this from Trumps Atlanta rally and look at all the empty seats up top pic.twitter.com/Ztq7eBKiym Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) August 3, 2024 Trump, seething: Theres some empty seats up there... This is obviously a very liberal school I guess pic.twitter.com/dAUZx2Fomp Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 3, 2024 NPR political reporter Stephen Fowler said on X that the Harris campaign used an "outdated" video screenshot of seats, but also noted that people left during Trump's speech. Trump told the crowd that the school administration had "stopped us from getting another 500, 600, or even 1000 people in." Trump then again amended: "Thousands of people were told no, and that was okay. But we could have fit another 600 people." Trump was so displeased by the empty seats that he noted he "wasn't sure if he would be sending anybody to this school." It wasn't clear who he was thinking of sending to a university. His youngest child, Barron, has already applied to universities. If "they're going to "stand in the way of admitting people to a rally, just imagine what they're going to do on Election Day. We're not going to let that happen," Trump added, though it wasn't clear how he believed the university administration could affect Election Day. In what seemed to be a major misstep at the rally to Republicans, Trump also viciously attacked Georgia's GOP Gov. Brian Kemp. The governor, long a supporter, infuriated the former president when he refused to give any credence to Trump's baseless claims that the presidential election was rigged against him in the battleground state he lost. "He's a bad guy, he's a disloyal guy and he's a very average governor," Trump told supporters at the rally. Trump earlier on social media attack's Kemp's wife, saying he didn't even want her endorsement. Kemp shot back on X, warning Trump to "leave my family out of" his attacks, and focus on going after the Democrats. A defendant is reportedly cooperating with Arizona prosecutors in the "fake electors" case over alleged illegal efforts to overturn former President Donald Trump's 2020 loss to President Joe Biden. During a taping of the TV program "Sunday Square Off," State Attorney General Kris Mayes said she planned to make a "very significant announcement" early this week about the case, the 12News website reported Friday. When asked if that meant one of the 18 defendants was going to flip, Mayes reportedly said: "I think that's accurate." Mayes declined to elaborate but added: "We're making progress in the case, and we feel good about the case," according to 12News. The defendants, who include former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, were indicted in April on charges of conspiracy, fraud and forgery. They're accused of scheming to submit a document to Congress that falsely claimed Trump won the 2020 election in Arizona, where Biden beat him by more than 10,000 votes. The document, in which 11 defendants claimed to be "duly elected and qualified" electors to the Electoral College, was sent to Congress and the National Archives, both of which ignored it. Trump, this year's Republican presidential nominee, isn't charged, but was referred to in the indictment as an "unindicted co-conspirator." A similar case filed in Nevada was dismissed in June, but the ruling is being appealed by Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. Another case is pending in Michigan. Trump and 14 co-defendants are awaiting trial in an election-interference racketeering case in Georgia that's on hold pending a December appeals court hearing over defense efforts to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Four people indicted in that case struck plea deals and are cooperating with prosecutors. Trump is also facing potential prosecution in Washington, D.C., by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for allegedly scheming with aides to overturn the election results. In the latter case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 last month that presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution over their core constitutional duties and are presumptively immune for all other official acts. On Friday, the case was formally sent back to U.S District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which, if any, of the allegations in Trump's four-count indictment can proceed to trial. Chutkan on Saturday rejected arguments to dismiss the indictment and scheduled an Aug. 16 hearing that Trump doesn't have to attend. If Trump beats Vice President Kamala Harris in November, he could order the dismissal of the Washington case but would be powerless to affect the other cases, which are being handled by state prosecutors. Nearly 100 people, including 14 police officers, were killed during clashes across Bangladesh on Sunday as student-led protesters demanded the prime minister's resignation. The deadly violence led the government to impose an indefinite, 6 p.m. nationwide curfew, order telecom companies to shut down internet access and declare a three-day holiday starting Monday, Reuters reported. Conflicting reports by local news outlets put the death toll as low as 85 and as high as 95 with hundreds more wounded, according to the Associated Press. The killings were the highest during a single day of demonstrations in recent history, and topped the 67 deaths reported July 19 after student activists called for an end to quotas that set aside 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans of the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan, Reuters said. The country's Supreme Court responded by slashing the veterans's quotas to 5%, with 93% of jobs awarded on merit and the remaining 2% reserved for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people, AP said. But protesters have continued to press for accountability over the violence they blame on the government's use of force. Sunday's victims included 11 people killed during fighting in the capital of Dhaka, where AP said crude bombs were detonated, and video footage showed protesters vandalizing a police van. Other videos showed protesters setting fire to vehicles and the ruling Awami League party's offices, and the police firing bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds, AP reported. Thirteen police officers were beaten to death in the northwestern district of Sirajganj, according to Reuters, and another was killed in the eastern district of Cumilla, AP said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled for more than 15 years and won a fourth term when her main opponents boycotted a January election, urged citizens to help crack down on the protesters. "Those who are carrying out violence are not students but terrorists who are out to destabilize the nation," she said after meeting with national security officials. "I appeal to our countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a strong hand." On Saturday, Hasina's offer to meet with student leaders was rejected with a one-point demand that she step down. Baku. Azerbaijan. August 4. Dozens of people were arrested during anti-immigrant protests in various cities across the UK on Saturday, Trend reports. British media reported that after the murder of three children in Southport, protests organised by far-right groups resulted in clashes with police and looting in many places. According to police, 20 teenagers were arrested for violence in Lancashire, 10 in Staffordshire, 6 in Liverpool, 4 in Kingston upon Hull and two teenagers aged 11 and 14 in Harlepool. Many protesters were reportedly arrested in Bristol, where riots continued into the evening. Police usually use CCTV cameras in such protests, and the number of arrests increases in the following days. A group of people robbed a grocery store and a mobile phone store in Liverpool during protests in Manchester. In Belfast, a car and a cafe were set on fire, and in Kingston upon Hull, several shop windows were smashed. Living with Wildlife: Bats in Your House? Bats are everywhere It may feel that way to some of Vermont's human residents. Summer is when some species of bats gather in colonies to raise their young in human-made structures such as houses, barns, office buildings, and bat houses, but fall is the safe time to get them out. "Summer is the time of year when the greatest number of unwanted bat-human interactions are reported," according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett, who works on the conservation and recovery of Vermont's threatened and endangered bat species. "Bats can end up in your living space for many reasons, including young bats that are weak, disoriented or lost while coming and going from the roost, bats moving within a structure to find warmer or cooler roosting space as temperatures fluctuate, and bats being displaced from their roosts due to building repairs and renovations." Although this happens every year, it can come as quite a shock to those who wake up to a bat flying in their bedroom or suddenly uncover a dozen bats roosting behind a rotting trim board being removed on the outside of a home. But don't fear, because there are answers to your burning bat questions at www.vtfishandwildlife.com using the search term "bats." Living with wildlife means considering the health and wellbeing of both the public and these fragile wildlife species. Although rarely detected in the general bat population, rabies is a deadly disease and should be taken very seriously. If you are concerned that you have been in direct contact with a bat, have found a bat in a bedroom while sleeping or in a room with an unattended child, a pet, a person with a cognitive disability, or an intoxicated person, please call the Rabies Hotline at 800-4RABIES (1-800-472-2437). If the hotline staff or your health care providers determine there is no concern for rabies exposure, the bat can safely be released outside. Instructions for safely capturing, containing and releasing a bat found inside can be found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife's website, including an instructional video. "Living with wildlife doesn't mean that we have to share our homes with bats in order to protect them," says Bennett. "Our main concerns are avoiding human contact by safeguarding the living space, evicting bats from structures safely and providing alternative habitat for displaced bats." Fall and spring are the times to safely and effectively evict bats from structures where they are not wanted by following the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Best Management Practices. These practices and a list of professionals who perform safe evictions are available on Fish and Wildlife's website, by calling 802-353-4818, or by emailing Alyssa.Bennett@vermont.gov. Large colonies of bats living in structures can also be reported on the department's website to help find rare colonies of endangered little brown bats, which are eligible for free bat houses. General Michael Kurilla, the commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), traveled to the Middle East on August 3rd as the U.S. and its allies prepare for a possible Iranian attack on Israel, Trend reports citing Axios. It is reported that General Kurilla will visit several countries in the Persian Gulf, Jordan, and Israel, and will seek to mobilize international and regional allies to collectively counter a potential Iranian attack. The U.S. Department of Defense and Central Command have not yet made any official statements on this matter. Sunday 4 August 2024, 19:34 - Last updated: 5 August, 09:48 Bad news for Gianmarco Tamberi just days before his debut at the Olympics. The Italian athlete ended up in the hospital due to a probable kidney stone, which forced him to postpone his departure for Paris. This is Gimbo's account on Instagram: Incredible... It can't be true. Yesterday, 2 hours after writing 'I deserve it' on social media, I felt a sharp pain in my side. Emergency room, CT scan, ultrasound, blood tests.... Probable kidney stone. And now I find myself, 3 days before the competition I sacrificed everything for, lying in a bed, helpless, with a fever of 38.8. Gimbo Tamberi in the hospital before the Olympics: what happened However, Tamberi has no intention of giving up and will go to France anyway: I was supposed to leave for Paris today and start my journey towards this great dream, but I was advised to postpone the flight to tomorrow, hoping that with some rest, this nightmare will end. All I can do now is wait and pray. Gimbo's conclusion is bitter but also full of hope: I don't deserve all this, I did everything for this Olympics, everything. I really don't deserve it. One thing is certain, I don't know how I'll get there, but I will be on that track and I will give my soul until the last jump, whatever my condition will be. I swear to you but even more, I swear to myself!. The flag bearer of the Italian team and reigning gold medalist in the high jump had lost his wedding ring in the Seine during the opening ceremony, but the trouble that happened to him 24 hours before his return to Paris (he had indeed returned home after July 26) is much more serious. And it risks compromising his Olympic journey. Olympics, when is Tamberi competing? Gianmarco Tamberi is expected to compete at the Stade de France in Paris on Wednesday, August 7th at 10:05 in the morning: the men's high jump qualifications will indeed start at that time, while the final is scheduled for three days later, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, starting at 19:10. The Fidal medical staff is in contact with the Olympian, and Team Italy is holding its breath. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Elizabeth Taylor believed her first Oscar win in 1961 was a sympathy vote after she suffered a severe bout of pneumonia and had to undergo a much-publicized tracheotomy. Taylor, who died in 2011 at the age of 79, discusses the ordeal in the new HBO documentary Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes, which is based on a series of interviews conducted by Life journalist Richard Meryman. The frank and intimate tapes were recorded as the basis for both a magazine profile and Taylors 1965 memoir and remained unheard by anyone else until Merymans death in 2015. Taylor was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for four consecutive years from 1958 to 1961. After missing out for her performances in Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly, Last Summer she eventually won for her role as a model and freelance call girl in BUtterfield 8. The film had been a commercial success but was largely panned by critics. Taylor can be heard in the new documentary describing it as a piece of s***. She believed she won the Academys votes out of sympathy after a near-fatal health scare. Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Giant in 1956 ( Frank Worth/HBO ) BUtterfield 8 was my fourth nomination in a row, and I won the award for my tracheotomy, she says. Asked by Meryman whether she really believed that, Taylor replies: Yes I do. There must have been some kind of sympathy thing because the film is so embarrassing. Its just dreadful. I hated it so much, she says in another conversation with fellow actor Roddy McDowall. I thought: F*** them. They made me do the film when I didnt want to. I did it with a pistol to my head. The lines were so diabolical, she adds. It was such a piece of s***. BUtterfield 8, directed by Daniel Mann, was based on a 1935 novel by John OHara. It takes its title from the telephone exchange that served Manhattans Upper East Side, where the letters BU represented the number 28. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free In March 1961, while shooting Cleopatra in England, Taylor developed life-threatening pneumonia that required a tracheotomy, a surgical opening of the windpipe to allow air to fill the lungs. The health scare was so severe that one news agency reported that she had died. I was on the operating table for 18 hours, she recalls in the new documentary. Actually four times I was called dead, and stopped breathing. They had pipes going into my lungs, pulling the gook out and shoving oxygen in. When I came to on the table, the operating table, I tried to scream and no sound came out. The air was coming out of a big hole in my throat where theyd slit it open. Taylor went on to win a second Best Actress Oscar in 1967 for her performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes is available to stream now on Max. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least nine children died after a wall collapsed on them during a religious event in India's Madhya Pradesh state on Sunday. The children, aged between 10-15 years, were making religious figurines with clay as a part of a ceremony at a temple in Sagar district when the wall of the house next door collapsed. The dilapidated house was nearly 50 years old and run down by heavy rain, the local administration said, according to NDTV. An earth mover was pressed into the rescue action to remove the debris and save the trapped children. "The children were sitting in a tent at the temple premises when the wall fell on them," district official Deepak Arya told local reporters. "The wall's foundation became weak due to recent rainfall" and collapsed around 8.30am (local time), he added. Several other children were rushed to a nearby hospital after sustaining injuries in the incident. "All the debris has been removed from the site of the incident," Mr Arya added. The bodies were taken to Sagar district hospital for autopsy. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced a compensation of Rs400,000 (3,728) each for kin of the dead and Rs100,000 (932) to the injured. "I have directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured children, he said in a statement. The wall collapsed in Sagar just a day after four other children were killed after a wall of an abandoned building crumbled in the state's Rewa district. The students, aged 5-7 years, died while returning home from school, authorities said. The local police on Saturday arrested two owners of the run down building. At least 200 people have died in Madhya Pradesh in rain-related incidents during the monsoon season of 2024. Meanwhile, seven people died and another 40 sustained injuries after a bus fell into a ditch in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The double-decker bus, en route capital Delhi, collided with a car coming from the wrong direction on the highway during the early hours. At least four out of the 60 passengers on the bus died in the incident along with all three people in the car. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 29-year-old woman in India was rescued to safety after she fell nearly 100ft into a gorge reportedly while clicking a selfie. The woman, along with a group of friends, was visiting the Bhorane Ghat in the Maharashtra state on Saturday when she fell near the Thoseghar waterfalls, according to reports. The local administration had banned visits to the waterfall, one of the popular tourist spots in the state, due to challenging weather conditions amidst heavy rainfall. The group had initially planned to visit the waterfall but upon finding it closed, took a detour to the mountain pass, reports said. While clicking pictures, the woman slipped from the edge and fell, theTimes of India reported. Her friends immediately called the police, who rushed to the spot along with home guard personnel. The woman was successfully rescued and taken to a hospital. She remains in a stable condition. A video from the rescue operations showed the woman being brought up from the gorge by a home guard personnel with the help of a rope. The incident comes nearly a fortnight after a 27-year-old woman died after falling into a gorge at Kumbhe waterfall near Maharashtra. Aanvi Kamdar died after falling 350ft from a hillock near the waterfall while filming a video for her Instagram page. Authorities conducted a six-hour rescue but she was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. India reportedly has recorded the highest number of selfie deaths followed by the US and Russia. There have been 379 selfie-related deaths recorded worldwide between 2008 and 2021, according to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 27 people have been killed in Bangladesh over the weekend as anti-government protesters clashed with the police during fresh demonstrations. Hundreds of thousands of protesters returned to the streets of the South Asian nation demanding the resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina after 200 people were killed earlier this month during anti-quota demonstrations that turned violent. The government in July shut schools and universities across the country, blocked internet access, restricted social media platforms and imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew. The protests subdued for a few days after the Supreme Court scaled back the quota of government jobs reserved for families of the 1971 war heroes. open image in gallery Buses are seen on fire at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University premises ( Getty ) Since then at least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. The protesters this week called for non-cooperation, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills and not show up for work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, but commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to work. The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, a major public hospital in Dhakas Shahbagh area, was set on fire along with an ambulance and several vehicles. open image in gallery Protesters wave national flags as they stand over the Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture in capital Dhaka, Bangladesh ( Getty ) The police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters across the country, leaving dozens of people injured in hospitals. An attack on a hospital is unacceptable, said health minister Samanta Lal Senm adding that everyone should refrain from this. Mobile internet services have been shut down in the country but broadband services remained active, according to reports. The interior ministry declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6pm on Sunday, the first time it has taken such a step during the current protests that began last month. open image in gallery Thousands pour onto the streets of Bangladesh in protest ( Getty ) Critics of Ms Hasina, along with human rights groups, have accused her government of using excessive force to throttle dissent during the first phase of the anti-quota movement. She has denied the allegations. Ms Hasina doubled down on her claims that her political opponents, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party were behind the protests that were the sternest challenge to her 15 years in power. Two construction workers were killed on their way to work and 30 injured in the central district of Munsiganj, during a three-way clash of protesters, police and ruling party activists, witnesses said. They were brought dead to the hospital with bullet wounds, said Abu Hena Mohammad Jamal, the superintendent of the district hospital, told Reuters. open image in gallery Anti-discrimination student movement holds a rally at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka ( Getty ) However, police have denied firing bullets at the protesters. In the northeastern district of Pabna, at least three people were killed and 50 injured during a clash between protesters and activists of Ms Hasinas ruling Awami League. Two more were killed in violence in the northern district of Bogura, and 20 were killed in nine other districts, hospital officials said. Those who are protesting on the streets right now are not students, but terrorists who are out to destabilise the nation, Ms Hasina said after a national security panel meeting. I appeal to our countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a strong hand. The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. As violence crested, the countrys Supreme Court scaled back the quota system to 5 per cent of jobs, with 3 per cent for relatives of veterans. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Courts will reportedly sit for 24-hours a day in the wake of far-right violence sweeping across the country. Ministers met with senior members of the judiciary for emergency talks on Saturday as the far-right clashed with police and counter-protesters in major UK cities and towns. Violence broke out between groups in places such as Sunderland, Manchester, Stoke and Hull as shocking footage showed people throwing bricks at police in Liverpool, where two officers were hospitalised, one with a suspected broken jaw and another with a broken nose. Officials at the Ministry of Justice are now understood to be in discussions with the judiciary, police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), about magistrates courts sitting for 24 hours to deal with a surge of arrests, The Telegraph reported. Violence broke out between groups in cities and towns such as Sunderland, Manchester, Leeds, Stoke, Hull ( Getty Images ) The paper said this would involve triggering the Additional Courts Protocol, which would have to be agreed on by the judiciary. Requests for more court slots and extended hours must be made in agreement with the relevant Chief Officer of Police and Chief Crown Prosecutor. The protocol was previously used following the 2011 London riots which saw courts sit for 24 hours to process those in custody. Saturday marked another day of rioting thought to have been sparked by misinformation around the killing of three girls in Southport on Monday. Saturday marked another day of rioting thought to have been sparked by misinformation around the killing of three girls in Southport on Monday. In Liverpool, far-right thugs pelted officers with bricks and bottles who in return used tear gas as they struggled to keep apart protesters and counter-protesters. Merseyside Police said a number of officers were injured during the confrontations and condemned the despicable behaviour. Bricks were thrown at officers in Stoke-on-Trent, fireworks were thrown in exchanges between an anti-Islamic group and an anti-racism rally in Belfast and windows of a hotel which has been used to house migrants were smashed in Hull. A man throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool (James Speakman/PA) ( PA Wire ) Scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other in Nottingham, with bottles thrown from both sides, and chants of England til I die and Tommy Robinson drowned out by boos from the anti-racism counter-protesters Home secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the thuggery and criminal disorder that has followed in the wake of the tragic Southport stabbings, warning that anyone involved in the ongoing violence will pay the price. Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britains streets, she said on Saturday afternoon following the clashes. Ms Cooper said perpetrators face arrests, prosecution, financial penalties, imprisonment and travel bans to ensure that communities can feel safe. ( Jacob King/PA Wire ) However, police have warned that more disorder is likely in the coming days. Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs Council, said in a statement: This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week. It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped. We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready. He added that there are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Nearly 400 people have been arrested following violence and disorder across the country for a seventh day after the Southport stabbings, with police warning that further violence is likely in the coming days. Several towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland saw violent clashes involving far-right demonstrators, with dozens of police officers left injured. There was unrest in Birmingham, Manchester, Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Belfast, with missiles thrown and shops looted. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday 30 July in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed rioters would regret engaging in far-right thuggery and face the full force of the law. Follow our live coverage of the UK riots The interactive map below shows the towns and cities where there was disorder and the number of arrests made. The far right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool came before the weekends violence. False claims had spread online that the suspect, later identified as a 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat in 2023. Arrests have been made across the country with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. Devon and Cornwall Police said six arrests were made in Plymouth on Monday after several officers suffered minor injuries and two members of the public were taken to hospital. In Southport, hundreds of people attended a peaceful vigil a week on from the killings of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar. Children blew bubbles and others left flowers and heart-shaped balloons. Police in Northern Ireland said officers were dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast, with the BBC reporting riot officers had stones and petrol bombs thrown at them. Sky News reported on Monday that one of its vans was attacked in Birmingham by a knife-wielding man. There were ugly scenes of anti-immigration rioters attacking police and smashing the windows of a hotel in Rotherham on Sunday as the atmosphere turned increasingly febrile on Sunday. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles, and sprayed fire extinguishers at officers outside after some 700 people gathered. At least 10 officers were injured, including one who was knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police confirmed later, saying one person had been arrested and that others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles in Rotherham on Sunday ( Reuters ) On Monday, the prime minister said a standing army of specialist police officers was being assembled to crack down on rioting, as he called for perpetrators to be named and shamed. Sir Keir Starmer vowed to ramp up criminal justice after an emergency Cobra meeting was called following disorder over the weekend which saw rioters storm hotels housing asylum seekers. Downing Street criticised X owner Elon Musk for claiming civil war is inevitable in the UK, with officials suggesting online misinformation fuelling disorder on Britains streets may be being amplified by foreign state actors. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A far-right mob has set fire to a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers and stormed inside. Violent thugs in balaclavas draped in the St Georges flags hurled chairs and set off fire extinguishers at police outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, South Yorkshire on Sunday afternoon. The anti-immigrant hooligans chanted get them out, youre not welcome anymore and Yorkshire as they encouraged each other to attack the hotel. Another young group of men held a banner saying: Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings and other offensive chants could be heard targeting Muslims and immigrants. A chair is thrown at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire ) Police in riot gear surrounded the hotel ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) Home secretary condemned the incident in a statement on Twitter and warned those taking part of the repercussions. The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling, she said. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible. Tensions in Rotherham had been running high earlier in the day as the protesters gathered outside the hotel to be met by anti-racism protesters who chanted refugees welcome. It escalated out of control as the anti-immigrant protesters hurled missiles at the hotel and attacked police officers with pieces of wood and chairs. One officer has been dragged away from the scene with a suspected injury. Rotherhams MP Sarah Champion, said: Im extremely concerned at the escalating violence we are seeing at Holiday Inn, Manvers. The people causing damage and attacking police do not represent our town and I am disgusted by their actions. This is criminal disorder and intimidation - not protest. A police officer walks past a fire during clashes between police and rioters in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire ) A wheelie bin is thrown towards the hotel ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) And Shadow home secretary James Cleverly hit out at the scenes, saying: There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behavior like this. This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law. It marks another day of far-right violence on the streets of Britain after battles between police and anti-immigrant thugs on Saturday in various cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Hull. The far-right has drawn widespread condemnation after disorder in multiple towns and cities in the wake of the killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. False claims had spread online that the suspect, later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. Police and far-right thugs clash outside the hotel ( Reuters ) A man holds a fire extinguisher in the lobby of the hotel as seen through closed glass doors as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) Sir Keir held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday over the unrest, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling colleagues the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible. Elsewhere, more than 300 members of the far-right started marching through Middlesbrough at 4.25pm after gathering at the citys Cenotaph. They carried a banner saying: Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isnt and chanted We want our country back as they made their way through the city centre. At one point police used dogs to keep the group back and stop them breaking through and running ahead of the officers patrolling the march. At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving. Businesses including McDonalds locked their doors as hundreds of demonstrators walked through the city centre. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. A US-made drone has been shot down in northwest Yemen, Trend reports. According to the information, the MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down in the skies over the province of Saada. The province is controlled by the Ansar Allah rebel movement (Houthis). Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tommy Robinson has been accused of stoking far-right riots following the Southport knife attack from afar after he left the UK last week. The High Court was told on Monday that anti-Islam activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had left the country after being released on unconditional bail following his arrest in Kent the previous weekend. A fresh warrant was issued for the English Defence League (EDL) founders arrest after he did not attend a scheduled hearing in a contempt of court case. Follow live coverage of UK riots here But in the days since, Robinson has been regularly posting about the ongoing wave of disorder on social media. The 41-year-old has been publishing running commentary and videos documenting the riots, describing the disorder as a result of legitimate concerns and calling for mass deportations. Campaigners have accused Robinson of playing an important role in inciting violence directed at ethnic minority groups. A man looks through a window as rioters attack a hotel housing migrants in Rotherham ( Getty Images ) There is no doubt that Tommy Robinsons social media is playing a really important role in these far-right demos, a spokesperson for Hope Not Hate told The Independent. Tommy Robinsons reach has grown since his X account was reinstated last year. His last two demos in London have attracted tens of thousands of people and his X following is now over 800,000 people, meaning he once again has an enormous reach online. After Mondays horrific attack, Tommy Robinson was regularly tweeting calling Islam a mental health issue, sharing videos of disorder and encouraging to join future demonstrations. One said: get there and show your support. People need to rise up. We know that he was influential in Tuesdays disturbance in Southport, rioters were chanting Tommy Robinsons name and Who the f*** is Allah? - these are chants regularly heard at far-right demonstrations. Rioting has taken place around the UK in the wake of the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday. Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused carrying out the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker of Muslim faith who had arrived in the UK by small boat in 2023. Robinson has been linked to widespread rioting around the UK in the wake of the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday. ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire ) Several of the demonstrations have targeted mosques and other Muslim religious buildings. Sabby Dhalu, co-convenor of Stand up to Racism told The Independent: What were seeing in Liverpool, Hull, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Southport and elsewhere, is not just violent disorder and thuggery. They are racist, Islamophobic, fascist riots, with targeted attacks on Mosques, asylum seekers and anyone not white. Tommy Robinson is deliberately stoking up racism and Islamophobia, whilst on the run. Its no accident that the riots took place days after Robinson mobilised 15,000 in Trafalgar Square last week. Fascists are emboldened. However this did not emerge from a vacuum. Its a product of politicians stirring up Islamophobia and racism, whilst making people worse off. The only way to defeat this movement is to unite, mobilise against fascism and stand up to racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) claimed Robinson was fanning the flames of violence in the UK from afar. For over 23 years, MAB and other civil society organisations have warned about the growing far-right threat and the and the dangers of making Islam and Muslims appear as the main threat to British security; sadly, our warnings have proven correct, a spokesperson told The Independent. Political and socio-economic failures have given prominence to individuals like Tommy Robinson, a criminal who has fled the country, and is fanning the flames of violence and terror. The warning signs during the Brexit campaign in 2016 were ignored, allowing the far-right to grow in influence. People riot outside Leeds Town Hall ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire ) The governments pandering to the far-right by labelling their actions as legitimate concerns rather than addressing the real danger of far-right extremism has worsened the situation. The current wave of riots has seen mosques targeted, Muslims and other minorities attacked on the streets, and businesses looted and burned to the ground. Robinsons exact whereabouts are unclear. However, photos emerged on Sunday purporting to show him at a hotel in Cyprus. The same day, a reporter for Robinsons online platform was forced to leave the scene of violent disorder in Rotherham outside a hotel housing asylum seekers after a mob clashed with police and started fires. Its not very safe there, tensions are still high, Robinson wrote on X: The organisers of the demonstration are extremely disappointed as they wanted a peaceful protest today. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A senior member of Rishi Sunaks shadow ministerial team has been branded disgusting after appearing to suggest that the far right riots sweeping the UK are the fault of Labour opposing the Rwanda deportation scheme. Shadow Welsh secretary Byron Davies got caught up in an exchange on X/Twitter with Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges over whether there could be any political justification for the riots. After he appeared to suggest that the fault lay at the feet of Sir Keir Starmer and Labour for opposing the Rwanda scheme, Rishi Sunak intervened, after initially declining to take action, and asked the Conservative chief whip in the Lords to speak to him. Labours new Welsh secretary Jo Stevens condemned the peer who is currently shadowing her after the Tories lost every seat in Wales at the last election. A fire is extinguished by police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham ( PA Wire ) She posted: The shadow Welsh secretary's comments are disgusting, misguided and dangerous. Racist violence is never justified. Politicians, including unelected ones, have an important responsibility to de-escalate tensions. Those inflaming them should seriously consider their position. The row has come on a day when Rotherham became the latest English town to be scarred by far-right violence with a hotel set on fire with asylum seekers inside it. Violent scenes have hit Southport, Liverpool, Belfast, Hull and Halifax since misinformation about the murder of three girls in Southport triggered the first wave of civil unrest in the Merseyside seaside resort. The exchange started with Mr Hodges stating: Theres no political justification for the disorder we have seen. But if people want to get into the blame game these are the facts. The Tories were in power for 14 years. Labour have been in power for four weeks. Blaming Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper for this is just ridiculous. Lord Davies, the former MP for Gower, responded: But Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times of course its politically justified! Former prime minister Rishi Sunak hs taken no action against Davies ( PA ) A surprised Mr Hodges questioned whether it was a genuine account but Lord Davies confirmed it was. He said: I am for real @DPJHodges and stand by my comment, that Labours lack of support in parliament to find a solution to the boat issue, cannot be politically justified. Mr Hodges retorted: Thats not what you said. My tweet, and your reply, are clear. But an unrepentant Lord Davies replied: You can put whatever interpretation you like to entertain your followers but the fact remains, Labour were unhelpful in passing legislation to combat the issue of the boats and for that, there cannot be any political justification. Thats what I said and thats what I mean. A Conservatve Party spokesman made it clear that Lord Davies had been given a warning about his conduct. He said: These comments are unacceptable. Lord Davies is being spoken to by the Lords opposition chief whip and reminded of the consequences of the misuse of language at such a sensitive time and the standards expected of him as a member of the shadow cabinet. Lord Davies is not the only senior tory to face questions over statements on the riots with Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones also criticised for a statement she issued, deleted and then reissued which some critics saw as giving justification to the angry scenes. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of new parliamentary staff are at risk from crumbling buildings, fire, asbestos and vermin as the restoration of the Palace of Westminster remains in limbo. The massive turnover of MPs and their staff at the general election means many of those working on the estate are unaware of the risks they face, parliaments leading unions have warned. And the GMB, which represents thousands of employees working in the Commons, Lords and members staffers, said that we cannot afford for the can to be kicked down the street any longer. The Palace of Westminster is undergoing a multibillion-pound restoration and renewal project to ensure it is safe for future generations of MPs and staff across the estate. The cost of simply keeping the site safe and running is currently 1.4m a week, with the decision about a larger restoration project having been repeatedly pushed back. The official restoration and renewal project has identified asbestos in 2,500 places on the estate, as well as the risk of fire, flooding and falling stones. Hundreds of miles of cables and pipes need replacing, outdated water and sewage systems need updating and the project is estimated to take a team of 300 people several years. Another major problem is the lack of disability accessibility, with the estate covering 65 different levels, having more than 100 staircases and only one lift that meets modern-day standards for accessibility. A full decant of parliament would be the cheapest and quickest option for the restoration project ( PA Wire ) On a recent tour of the restoration and renewal sites, The Independent saw at first hand how the corridors beneath parliament are plagued with outdated infrastructure in desperate need of replacement. Basement walls are lined with layers upon layers of pipes, some of which are redundant but cannot be removed without bringing the proceedings of the palace to a standstill. The pipes which heat parliament also stem from a single boiler room, with the steam travelling across the estate, leaving some areas virtually uninhabitable in the winter. A recent freedom of information disclosure by the House of Commons found there were eight incidents of falling masonry on the parliamentary estate in the year to last April. Staff working on the renewal project have recently passed the milestone of 45,000 hours of surveying to prepare for the work to take place. The projects renewal board is considering three options, including a full decant of both houses to an alternative location, likely to the nearby Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Other options are a partial decant, which would see MPs and staff moved around the estate while the works take place in different areas. The third option would see rolling repairs take place while MPs, peers and staff continue working as normal. A report by the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme found this option would be the most expensive, costing up to 22bn and taking 76 years. A full decant of the parliamentary estate, with MPs being housed offsite in a temporary Commons chamber, however, would cost considerably less between 7bn-13bn and last between 19-28 years, the report added. The Queen Elizabeth II Centre has been touted as a no-brainer to become parliaments temporary home ( Alamy ) MPs will not be presented with the options until 2025 after the committee overseeing the project delayed a decision before the end of the last parliament. At this point, they will be able to assess the designs and associated costs and are expected to be able to vote for their preferred option. Marlos Pereira, secretary of GMBs parliament branch, said that after the general election, we now have hundreds of staff in the building who will be unaware how hazardous a workplace this is. He told The Independent: The position GMB has long held is that the parliamentary estate should be decanted, to allow full reconstruction instead of spending astronomical sums on temporary repairs. Our primary concern is peoples working conditions, and currently, the estate is not fit for purpose. With a wave of new MPs, many of whom are GMB members, and thousands of new staff members with access to the estate, we dont want people at risk and its important that some certainty and long-term plan is agreed. Public services union the FDA also backed a full decant of parliament, saying it would be the quickest and most cost-effective option and calling for urgent action. The Prospect union, which also represents parliamentary staff, called for staff representation on the decision-making bodies overseeing the project. General secretary Mike Clancy said: The previous government allowed the Palace of Westminster to degrade throughout their time in office, constantly putting off difficult decisions. Labour can cement its credentials as a different kind of government by not following suit. A parliamentary spokesperson told The Independent: Our absolute priority is the safety of those who work on and visit the parliamentary estate, and we continue to focus on improving both our safety culture and processes to ensure that all those working in or visiting parliament are safe at all times. Where issues are identified, we act quickly to address them. We are on track to bring costed proposals for the restoration of the Palace of Westminster to both houses for a decision next year detailing costs, timescales, risks and benefits of three delivery options, all of which represent a significant, multibillion-pound and decades-long investment in the palace. This highly complex project to improve one of the worlds most recognised buildings will support jobs and opportunities across the UK. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sir Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to racist far-right thugs rioting in British towns and cities with a guarantee they will face swift justice and the full force of the law. In an uncompromising statement to the nation, the prime minister told those behind the appalling scenes in Hull, Halifax, Liverpool, London, Southport and Rotherham: I guarantee, you will regret it. More than 100 people have been arrested following the violent disturbances on Saturday. The prime ministers powerful statement came as a mob stormed a hotel full of asylum seekers waiting for their applications to be heard in Rotherham and set fire to it, knowing people were inside. A large mob gathers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, a suburb in Rotherham, before hurling debris at police on Sunday ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) Violent thugs in balaclavas draped in St George flags hurled chairs and set off fire extinguishers at police outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, a suburb in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Sunday afternoon. The anti-immigrant hooligans chanted get them out, youre not welcome any more and Yorkshire as they encouraged each other to attack the hotel. Another young group of men held a banner saying: Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings and other offensive chants could be heard targeting Muslims and immigrants. The group smashed windows to get inside the hotel at one point, before setting fire to bins and furniture. Later on Sunday evening a far-right mob threw missiles, smashed windows, started fires and clashed with police at another Holiday Inn housing asylum seekers in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Meanwhile, in Middlesbrough further violent disorder took place, with damage caused to the Crown Court and the University, Cleveland Police said. A group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers on Sunday afternoon, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. Keir Starmer addresses the nation about the riots that have plagued cities in England this weekend ( Sky News ) Just after Sir Keir made his statement, the Home Office revealed that extra support is being offered to protect mosques and other potential hot spots around the country as the crisis engulfing the nation appeared to grow. As police kettled the mob in a stand-off outside the hotel, the prime minister said that they are not protesters and made it clear that their racist behaviour will not be tolerated. "Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law, he continued. "The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves. This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online. A fire is extinguished by police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham ( PA Wire ) The violence has hit towns and cities around the UK since misinformation was used to enflame tensions following the murder of three girls and the attempted murder of seven others in Southport. False claims that the alleged attacker was on a watchlist and Muslim were used to stir up far-right mobs who descended on the grieving seaside town in Merseyside last week and besieged a local mosque before setting fire to a police car and throwing rocks at police officers. Addressing the harrowing scenes in Rotherham, local MP Sarah Champion said: Im extremely concerned at the escalating violence we are seeing at Holiday Inn, Manvers. The people causing damage and attacking police do not represent our town and I am disgusted by their actions. This is criminal disorder and intimidation not protest. A chair is thrown at police officers outside the hotel ( PA Wire ) Home secretary Yvette Cooper also appeared to give the green light to the police to use tough measures. The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling, she said. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. South Yorkshire Police have full government support for the strongest action against those responsible. Tensions in Rotherham had been running high earlier in the day as the protesters gathered outside the hotel to be met by anti-racism protesters who chanted refugees welcome. It escalated out of control as the anti-immigrant protesters hurled missiles at the hotel and attacked police officers with pieces of wood and chairs. One officer was dragged away from the scene with a suspected injury. In his statement, Sir Keir insisted that the scenes are not protest but organised thuggery. I am not afraid to call it out for what it is, he said. And it has no place on our street or online. Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham. Marauding gangs intent on law-breaking. Or worse. Windows smashed. Fires set ablaze. Residents and staff in absolute fear. There is no justification none for taking this action. Police in riot gear clash with protesters ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) In a note to those on the right who appeared to have given some justification to the scenes including Lord Davies who on Sunday suggested the cancellation of the Rwanda scheme was to blame, Tory Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones who issued a statement suggesting arrests might not work, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage he added: All right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence. People in this country have a right to be safe, he continued. And yet, weve seen Muslim communities targeted. Attacks on mosques. Other minority communities singled out. Nazi salutes in the street. Attacks on the police. Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric. The government has launched a 29.4m protective security for mosques scheme which will also help Muslim schools. Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed, under new arrangements announced by the home secretary today. There were also disturbances in Middlesborough on Sunday ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire ) The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance. This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship. Ms Cooper said: Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hampshire Tory police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has stubbornly refused to back down over a controversial statement that appeared to justify the activities of the far right and riots up and down the UK. Ms Jones had said in the statement posted online on Saturday night that arresting thugs was treating the symptom and not the cause before it was deleted after attracting widespread criticism. She put the statement back on the official website for Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner but with a clarification statement underlining she does not condone the violent scenes. It appeared Ms Jones had decided to take it down, or had been ordered to do so, because of its provocative language at a time of heightened tensions in the UK, with violent civil unrest in Southport, Liverpool, Hull, Hartlepool, London, Belfast and Rotherham. Police and crime commissioner for Hampshire Donna Jones ( PA Archive ) But it has since emerged that Ms Jones removed it because she referenced her role as chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. She kept the statement on her Facebook page and then around 3pm, just as far-right thugs were besieging and setting fire to a migrant hotel in Rotherham, she put it back on the Hampshire PCC official website. Critics had reacted furiously to the language in her statement which appeared to put the blame on migrants and a lack of British values. In a tweet sharing the statement, former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal branded it totally unacceptable. Lib Dem MP Paul Kohler added: I trust the shadow home secretary James Cleverly and shadow lord chancellor, Edward Argar, will swiftly disassociate their party from this deeply irresponsible statement from the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones. Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said: Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory and grossly irresponsible. Her position is clearly untenable. Winchester MP Danny Chambers said: Im deeply concerned to learn Hampshires Police & Crime Commissioner believes the rioters vandalising our streets and attacking mosques are motivated by "the need to uphold British values. These extreme views make her totally unsuitable to hold this position of responsibility. Tommy Robinson expressed support for the statement ( PA Wire ) However, Ms Jones had support from Conservatives and people on the right of politics. Mark Littlewood, chief executive of Popcon UK, the movement founded by Liz Truss, said: A vital statement. The current government must either (a) heed it and u-turn totally or (b) label Donna Jones as a far right activist. I almost think they might very well do (b). God help us. Far-right leader Tommy Robinson questioned why she had initially taken the statement down in a tweet approving of her words. He said: UKs most senior police commissioner releases a statement following riots, to tell the government to listen to the concerns of the public. In the statement, Ms Jones said: Ive spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowledge what is causing it. Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focussed on three key areas: the desire to protect Britains sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, in order to do this, stop illegal immigration. Ms Jones demanded that the government must acknowledge what is causing the civil unrest in order to prevent it. In an additional statement added to the original one on the Hampshire PCC website, she said: I want to be clear that the violence that has erupted across the UK this week has been criminal, unlawful and senseless. I stand by my statement issued yesterday where I called for calm, and for the country to work together stop this mindless, criminal behaviour. I fully support the polices response to stem the growth of these riots and those acting outside of the law should expect to feel the full force of it. The violence we have seen has endangered our communities and infected lawful protest on a much broader issue. As a country this issue is something we should seek to understand without letting it divide us. I am confident there will be a time and place for that discussion in due course. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A senior Torys statement on an official website, which appeared to justify some of the activities of the far-right rioters in recent days, has been branded totally unacceptable by former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal. The statement by Donna Jones, the Tory police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire, was a response to the rioting that has taken place in Southport, Sunderland, Hull, London and Hartlepool since the murder of three girls in Southport. It was removed on Saturday night without any explanation but not before it attracted widespread condemnation on social media. In it, Ms Jones acknowledged the rioting and civil unrest has escalated to a worrying level. She also noted that the behaviour of some of those protesting has been extremely violent, highly distressing and absolutely criminal. Police and crime commissioner for Hampshire Donna Jones ( PA Archive ) But she then turned her fire on the prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and appeared to justify those who claim he is pushing a two-tier approach to policing, going hard on the far right but not on left-wing protesters. Ms Jones said: The announcement of the prime ministers new violent crime units have led to an accusation of two tier policing, which has enflamed protesters who state that they are battling to protect Britains sovereignty, identity and stop illegal migration. While she added that burning down police stations is not the answer, she appeared to also call for an approach of accepting some of their claims. Ive spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowledge what is causing it, Ms Jones said. Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focussed on three key areas: the desire to protect Britains sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, in order to do this, stop illegal immigration. Police and protesters in a stand-off during Saturdays protest in Hull ( The Independent ) She also noted that the growth of feeling across the country has also mirrored similar riots in France led by the far right across the Channel, in what appeared to be another defence of activities over recent days in the UK. The PCC demanded that the government must acknowledge what is causing the civil unrest in order to prevent it. Remarkably, the woman who is also chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in the UK claimed that arresting people and creating anti-violence units is treating the symptom and not the cause. She insisted Sir Keir and his government needed to find an answer to mass illegal migration, despite the fact it ballooned when her party was in government, and asked what Labour was doing to hold up British values. This is the biggest challenge for Sir Keir Starmers government and it has bitten quickly, Ms Jones added. She also called for understanding of the views of those attending rallies who feel strongly but dont cause disorder. A man with a swastika tattoo was among the protesters in Sunderland on Friday night ( Screenshot ) The statement appeared to be a response to a social media trend by those supporting the violent rallies to ironically tweet #farrightthug about themselves, claiming the government is ignoring the views of British people. It was removed from the website for the Hampshire PCC as a row blew up on social media, with many claiming Ms Jones had attempted to justify the activities of the far right in the UK. At a press conference last week, Sir Keir insisted that the gatherings by the far right were not protests. In a tweet sharing the statement, former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal branded the statement totally unacceptable. Lib Dem MP Paul Kohler added: I trust the shadow home secretary James Cleverly and shadow lord chancellor, Edward Argar, will swiftly disassociate their party from this deeply irresponsible statement from the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones. And Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said: Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory and grossly irresponsible. Her position is clearly untenable. The Independent has attempted to contact Ms Jones and shadow home secretary James Cleverly. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A 71-year-old Florida man is under arrest after police say he lassoed an alligator, tied it to a fence, and called 911 to report it. The Brevard County Sheriffs Office arrested Robert Colin on July 31 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, an hour outside of Orlando. Colin told police he arrived at a local canal with plans to capture an alligator he had spotted, according to the arrest affidavit. There, police say Colin used a white nylon rope to lasso the alligator. He succeeded, according to the affidavit, capturing the creature by its jaw and tying the rope to a handrail. Police arrested Robert Colin after they say he lassoed an alligator, pictured, and tied him to a nearby handrail ( Brevard County Sheriffs Office ) Afterward, Colin called the police and claimed he found the alligator already tied up before walking away, the affidavit said. Colin was arrested at his nearby home. Police have since found security footage showing the 71-year-old lassoing the alligator. Colin is charged with injuring an alligator, and was released from the Brevard County Jail after posting $2,500 bond. Colin was not present for his first hearing on August 1. Robert Colin, pictured in a booking photo, was arrested after lassoing an alligator and tying it up ( Brevard County Sheriffs Office ) The 71-year-old told local outlet ClickOrlando that he didnt think he was breaking the law, and that his intention was to save other local animals from the gator. I tied a line here because I saw a snout coming out of this pipe, Colin said. He hooked his upper jaw on it and he tried to take off, but it was already tied here. Colin also told ClickOrlando he was joking when he told police he found the alligator tied up. This is a very public area, and they feed, of course, the turtles, he continued. So, I thought Id help out. That was my intention. Close Tropical Storm Debby forecast The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tropical Storm Debby slowed over South Carolina Tuesday, bringing over a foot of rain and heavy flooding to the region as Florida reeled from the deadly after-effects of the storm. Debby, which was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane, crossed the Florida-Georgia border late Monday. Green Pond, South Carolina recorded more than 14 inches of rainfall on Tuesday as the storm hovered off the states coast. Meanwhile, tornadoes wreaked havoc on the state. One tornado wiped out power lines and damaged homes on Edisto Beach, while another likely tornado caused damage on Isle of Palms, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. Florida is also reeling from Debby. Deadly hazards remained a threat to Sunshine State residents on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. The dangers included downed power lines, continued flooding and heat stroke amid widespread power outages. Florida officials are also warning residents to properly ventilate rooms with generators to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. At least five people have been killed by the storm, which is expected to strengthen while hovering off the South Carolina coast on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. I had just turned 16 in September and I got married in December, Jennifer Brown says. Her husband was 23 when they got married in 1992 in Mississippi. Despite the pairs glaring age difference or the fact that she was a child no one batted an eye throughout the marriage process, Brown tells The Independent: not her father, who signed the parental consent form, the pastor, who wed them, or a single soul in the county clerks office, where they signed the marriage paperwork. Brown recalls nobody interjecting to say: Wait a minute. Shes 16. Hes 23. This is actually statutory rape. Mississippi marriage law requires boys to be 17 and girls to be 15 to wed but that age floor can be waived with parental consent and other exemptions, meaning a child of any age could be married. As shocking as Browns experience may be, it is far from rare in the United States. Child marriage is still legal in 2024 in 37 states. Like Mississippi, three other states California, New Mexico, and Oklahoma do not have an absolute age minimum. Nearly 300,000 minors were legally married in the US between 2000 and 2018, according to Unchained At Last, a non profit endeavoring to put an end to the centuries-old practice. You might think that everyone would support ending child marriage. But actually, Republicans across the country are trying to keep it legal. Jennifer Brown, 15, smiles in a 9th grade yearbook photo in September 1991 ( Courtesy of Jennifer Brown ) In Missouri, where Brown now lives, the states legislature tried to pass a bill in February that would prohibit anyone under 18 from getting a marriage license. But Republicans in the state House objected. Missouri state Rep Hardy Billington explained: My opinion is that if someone [wants to] get married at 17, and theyre going to have a baby and they cannot get married, then chances of abortion are extremely high. The state already bans abortion in nearly all cases. New Hampshire state Rep Jess Edwards made a similar justification for opposing a child marriage ban in his state. He argued in May that if marriage is restricted to those of ripe, fertile age and may have pregnancy and a baby involved, are we not, in fact, making abortion a much more desirable alternative when marriage might be the right solution for some freedom-loving couple? In other words, extreme conservatives believe that if pregnant children arent married off, they might not keep their babies. Jennifer, 15, and her family attend her grandmothers funeral in June 1991 ( Courtesy of Jennifer Brown ) Brown became pregnant not long after she married as a teenager. She left the marriage a year and a half later and, in a desperately sad turn of events, was not granted even partial custody of her son because she was viewed as too young to be a good mother. The 16-year-old 10th-grader moved in with her new husband right away and dropped out of school one month after the wedding: Because he didnt have a high school diploma, so why should I have a high school diploma? Still, that same year, she decided to get her GED. Her husband had failed his GED test but Brown passed, which her husband seemed to take as an affront, I guess, to his masculinity. Brown quickly learned that her new groom was very physically, emotionally, verbally abusive. She estimates she was physically attacked by him once or twice a week, and says she felt immediate regret about the wedding. The pair lived in her husbands grandmothers house where Brown wasnt allowed to cook or allowed to drive her own car, and didnt have access to her own money. For the majority of their marriage, neither Brown nor her husband had a job. While her husband couldnt keep one, Brown would work long enough to receive a few paychecks before he would groan: Im tired of driving you to work. So she then had to quit, Brown says. Brown rarely saw her family, since she lived miles from them without access to transportation. Brown now feels like she missed out on crucial years of her life because she was married off so young. She recalls her best friend telling her at the time: I dont have anything in common with you any more. Im planning prom and youre buying a vacuum cleaner. Jennifer Brown in Chicago in September 2023 ( Courtesy of Jennifer Brown ) By July 1994, a year and a half into her marriage and nine months pregnant, Brown visited her brother for a Fourth of July celebration. Although she hadnt planned on using the holiday as her escape, after feeling the relief of being away from her husband, Brown says she decided there and then: Im not going back. Her decision to leave was not easy: When you grew up in the South, and you grew up in a Christian householdyou dont divorce no matter what. It look leaving the church for her to realize I have a right to leave an abusive marriage. I have the right to leave. Weeks later, Brown gave birth to a baby boy. When she turned 18 in September, she filed for divorce. Her husband filed for emergency custody of the child. He argued that since I was still so young, he should have custody. I didnt have the money to fight, Brown says. She believed her ex-husband when he said the arrangement was temporary, and would only last until she finished college, which she planned to attend. But that didnt end up being the case: I never saw my son again, until he was 17. Nick Syrett, author of American Child Bride: A History of Minors and Marriage in the United States, tells The Independent that the link between marriage preventing terminating pregnancies is unfounded: I know of no study that actually demonstrates that to be true. Yet child marriage is not the only controversial vestigial law that Republicans across the country are trying to uphold in the name of family values. The Comstock Act an 1873 law originally aimed to promote sexual purity has re-entered the public eye recently, due to the Trump campaigns interest. Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance signed onto a January 2023 letter along with dozens of other Congress members urging the Justice Department to enforce the Comstock Act; Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito even discreetly referenced the 19th-century law in oral arguments over mifepristone. It really is a zombie law. It was not enforced after the 1930s when a series of court cases essentially reclassified contraception as medicine rather than obscenity, Lauren MacIvor Thompson, Assistant Professor of History and Interdisciplinary Studies at Kennesaw State, tells The Independent. But now there is considerable interest in what it could do for the anti-abortion movement, Thompson adds. She warns that laws resembling the Comstock Act also remain on the books at the state level in many places. In the same vein, Republicans have been trying to resurrect abortion bans since Roe was overturned in 2022. In April, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a 1864 law, banning nearly all procedures in the state. A month later, after considerable backlash, the states legislature narrowly voted to repeal the Civil War-era measure. In the 1860s and 1870s, states were starting to criminalize abortion but for very different reasons than seen today. While the religious tones to the anti-abortion movement existed back then, Thompson said these laws were really targeting people that performed abortions that were not trained physicians. Around the same time, there was a push to raise the marriage age. Minor marriage was relatively unremarkable for the first 250 years of American history from the 1600s through the mid-1800s, when people started to protect [children] from adult-like things, Syrett says. The laws around abortion and child marriage may have been shifting at the same times in history, but these movements were almost entirely unrelated with one another. Jennifer, with her two teen daughters, was reunited with her 17-year-old son in 2011 ( Courtesy of Jennifer Brown ) Linking anti-abortion sentiments to uphold child marriage is a fairly recent argument, Syrett says. Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California and expert on the history of abortion, asserts that Republicans are now relying on these zombie laws because they have run out of other options. I think primarily they realized after Roe was gone that its not going to be possible to get policies that they want enacted through the will of voters, Ziegler says. For Republicans, she adds, the question then becomes: How to stand by their longstanding anti-abortion commitments without the support of voters or Congress? Their answer has been through revival laws because they cant pass new ones, Ziegler says. If theyre still on the books, all they have to do is just start enforcing them, Thompson warns. Its very difficult to map the present onto the past, because the past is a different country. Using history as a justification in these cases is a mistake. There is another common thread among these laws: they all came into effect before women had the right to vote yet they primarily impact women (or girls). From 2000 to 2018, 86 per cent of minors married were girls, according to Unchained At Last. And some of the impacts are alarming. Correlative studies show that those in child marriages are more likely to get divorced, less likely to finish high school or college, and more likely to be in abusive marriages. For Brown, even the divorce didnt extract her from her ex-husbands torment. He called the restaurant where she worked and began harassing her there. He would also call her brothers home, where she was living, threatening to kill himself or her. I dont want another girl to experience what I went through at 16. I mean, they deserve to have a childhood, Brown says today. Now, the 47-year-old has a college degree and two daughters with her second husband, who she has been married to for nearly 30 years. Regardless of Republicans reasoning, Brown said she would ask lawmakers trying to uphold the low marriage floors: Would you allow your own daughter to get married to some adult man at 16? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kerstin Emhoff, ex-wife of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, has defended him after he admitted to having an affair during their marriage. Emhoff, who is now married to Vice President Kamala Harris, responded on Saturday to claims that he had an extra-marital affair, first reported by the Daily Mail. During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side, he said in statement to CNN. He was married to film producer Kerstin from 1992 to 2008 and the pair have two children, Ella and Cole, who are now young adults. The Mail reported that the couple split after Kerstin discovered the affair. She did not respond to that allegation in her statement. Doug and I decided to end our marriage for a variety of reasons, many years ago, she told the Washington Post. He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have built together. Harris and Emhoff kiss before Harris spoke at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22. Emhoff is now under scrutiny after he acknowledged an affair during his first marriage ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) The affair allegedly happened over 15 years ago with a former teacher at a private school where both Emhoff children attended and who also worked as a nanny for the family, the Daily Mail first reported. A source told the outlet that she became pregnant by Emhoff but did not keep the child. The Independent is not naming the woman but has contacted her for comment on the claims. The tryst ended years before Emhoff and Harris began dating, CNN reported, and Emhoff had told the vice president about the affair long before they got married. The affair had come to light during the vice presidential vetting process in 2020, the outlet added. The revelation comes weeks before the Democratic National Convention and one day after Harris secured enough delegate votes to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination. This isnt the first time Kerstin Emhoff has come out in support of her ex-husband and Harris. After a clip resurfaced of Trumps running mate JD Vance calling Harris a childless cat lady, Kerstin came to the vice presidents defense. She told CNN: These are baseless attacks. For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon at the soonest possible time following Hezbollah's rocket attack on Israel last night, Trend reports referring to a document published by the ministry. "Due to the risk of military escalation in the Middle East, French citizens are advised not to visit Lebanon," the foreign ministry said. The ministry urged French citizens in Lebanon to be "extremely vigilant." Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kamala Harris is holding last interviews on Sunday to test the chemistry with her final vice president contenders as she gears up to announce her 2024 running mate in the next 48 hours. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro will meet with Harris at her Washington DC residence,The New York Times reported. Harriss final meetings are intended to test the chemistry with the prospective veeps before heading out on the campaign trail. They all hail from states considered to be battlegrounds this November, giving them an edge in the selection process. Walz, Kelly and Shapiro have been highly visible across cable news in the past few weeks, defending Harriss record and taking on the traditional VP role of attack dog. Walz in particular has had success by labeling Republican rival Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance as weird in reaction to Vances old comments - describing Democratic politicians as childess cat ladies and arguing that Americans with children should have more influence at the ballot box - resurfacing. A handful of other Democrats were also thought to be on Harriss VP shortlist including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Vice President Kamala Harris steps off Air Force Two after arriving in Maryland on August 1. This weekend she is making her final decision on a running mate. ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Harris is set to make her VP announcement on Tuesday in Philadelphia as she embarks on a cross-country tour with her new running mate to other swing states, Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania is a must-win for Democrats in November. Recent polling shows Harris is trailing Trump in the state. Philadelphias mayor, Cherelle Parker, sparked chaos this weekend after she released a video urging Americans to support Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for vice president, sparking speculation that Kamala Harris pick for running mate had been leaked. However, The Independent has learned that Mayor Parker was simply expressing her support for a longtime ally and friend as a potential selection by Harris for the Democratic ticket. Harris has seen a wave of support since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her last month. In two weeks, Harriss campaign blew past Trumps fundraising and brought home $310m in July, a stunning total coupled with a wave of thousands of volunteers signing up in battleground states. On Friday, Harris officially clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, making history as the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major political party. 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. Her ascension to the top of the ticket will be celebrated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kamala Harris campaign launched Republicans for Harris with endorsements from former Donald Trump administration officials and prominent conservatives. The initiative is a grassroots organizing program to further outreach efforts to the millions of Republican voters who continue to reject the chaos, division, and violence of Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda, the Harris campaign said in a statement on Sunday. Notable endorsements include former White House Press Secretary and Melania Trump chief-of-staff Stephanie Grisham, and former homeland security and counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Olivia Troye. As a national security official and lifelong Republican, I witnessed firsthand the threat Donald Trump poses to our country while working in the Trump White House, Troye wrote. The stakes are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedoms and the Constitution. The group also includes former Obama administration secretaries Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood; former governors Jim Edgar, Bill Weld, and Christine Todd Whitman; and former lieutenant governor of Georgia, Geoff Duncan. Harris delivers remarks at a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority gathering in Houston, July 31. Her campaign launched Republicans for Harris on August 4 ( AP ) Duncan released a statement addressing Trumps Atlanta rally on Saturday, where the former president accused Georgias top Republican officials of trying to hamper his 2024 election race. Millions of Americans are fed up with his grievance-filled campaign focused only on himself. Tonight we heard a particularly unhinged, angry version of the same Donald Trump that Georgia rejected in 2020, Duncan said. Elections are binary choices. As a lifelong conservative Republican, it was not an easy decision for me to endorse Vice President Harris, but I know that she fights for all Americans, right, left, or center, and will stand up for the Constitution. Former GOP members of Congress like Joe Walsh, Tom Coleman, Jim Greenwood, Denver Riggleman, and Adam Kinzinger, have also thrown their support behind Harris. Kinzinger said: As a proud conservative, I never thought Id be endorsing a Democrat for President. But, I know Vice President Harris will defend our democracy and ensure Donald Trump never returns to the White House. The initiative is just the latest sign that Harris campaign is growing. The presumptive Democratic nominee has already earned support from myriad of groups: venture capitalists, tech entrepreneurs, and even White Dudes for Harris. Republicans for Harris will hold kickoff events on Monday in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick before Tuesday. She is holding final interviews at her DC residence with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday, the New York Times reported. On Friday, Philadelphias mayor released a video encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the states Governor Josh Shapiro for vice president, sparking speculation that Harris pick for running mate had been leaked. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Irans Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and accused the United States of supporting the attack which it blamed on Israel, state TV reported Saturday. The televised statement said a rocket with a seven-kg (about 15-pound) warhead was used to target the residence of the Hamas political leader in capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation, but didn't share details of the location. Iranians attend the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, some of them holding up posters with his photo and reading in Arabic: "Congratulations Haniyeh!" at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, 1 Aug 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the US, said the Guard's statement and reiterated a call for retaliation. The warmongering and terrorist Zionist regime will receive harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity," it added. Files: The Gaza Strip's Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh (L) and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan salute together the lawmakers of Erdogan's Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party at the Parliament in Ankara on 3 January 2012. The Palestinian militant group Hamas said on 31 July 2024, its political leader Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli strike in Iran and vowed the act "will not go unanswered" ( AFP via Getty Images ) Israel had pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the groups 7 October attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The assassination has sparked fears of pushing the region into a wider conflict and forcing Iran and Israel into a direct confrontation if Iran retaliates. In April, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel which the Jewish state said it intercepted 99 per cent of. It came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals, marking the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran does not recognize Israel and supports anti-Israeli militant groups like Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The UK and the US issued urgent pleas for citizens to leave Lebanon now, amid rising concerns of a wider Middle East war, as they deployed military personnel, fighter jet squadrons and consular experts to help in the embattled region. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Saturday said Britons should use any commercial options still working, acknowledging potential exit routes were already limited or closed. It added that the Border Force, consular officials and military personnel had been deployed to support embassy staff there. Foreign secretary David Lammy warned that tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. The US embassy in Beirut urged its nationals to book any ticket available out of Lebanon, noting that several flights had already been cancelled and that military evacuations were rare. Yellow Hezbollah party flags fly alongside a banner showing the assassinated Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr on a walkway on the Sidon to Tyre highway in southern Lebanon ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Pentagon had already announced that the US would move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region in preparation for any escalation. Jordan also issued an emergency directive telling its citizens to leave as soon as possible. The Canadian government followed with a statement saying now is the time to leave. France on Sunday invited its citizens to leave Lebanon and advised against travelling to the country due to the risk of military escalation. Earlier this week, Italy and Germany urged its citizens to depart the Lebanese territory. It comes amid concerns of a full-blown regional war, after Iran vowed vengeance following the assassinations of Hamass political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday and Fuad Shukr, a senior commander in the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Beirut on Tuesday. Irans Revolutionary Guard has said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of the Hamas political chief and accused the US of supporting the attack. Israel, which has been blamed for both killings, has vowed to eliminate leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas over its 7 October attack that sparked a seige and the heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza. Hamas killed over 1,100 people and took more than 250 hostages in the October massacre. Since then the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry says Israels ferocious bombing of Gaza has killed more than 39,500 people, the majority of them women and children. A man rides his moped past a billboard near Beirut International Airport bearing portraits of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and Iranian Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani ( AFP via Getty Images ) Hezbollah fired around 50 rockets from Lebanon toward upper Galilee overnight, prompting Israel to activate its Iron Dome defence system, according to reports. US president Joe Biden on Saturday expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of the Hamas leader. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Mr Biden said, I hope so. I dont know. Mr Biden previously voiced concern that the violence in the Middle East could escalate, adding that the killing of a top Hamas leader, who was also a negotiator in ongoing talks, has not helped efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Mr Biden told reporters he had a very direct conversation with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have the basis for a ceasefire. He should move on it and they should move on it now, he added, echoing calls for a truce from his secretary of state Antony Blinken. Israeli media reported that the call on Thursday, which US vice president Kamala Harris also joined, had gone so badly president Biden allegedly told Mr Netanyahu to stop bulls****ing me over his claims of progress in a hostage ceasefire deal with Gaza. This exchange, first reported by Israels Channel 12 on Saturday night, was allegedly followed by the US leader telling Mr Netanyahu dont take the president for granted. The US is Israels biggest supplier of weapons. The Independent reached out to Israels prime ministers office for comment but is yet to receive a reply. A portrait of the assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is displayed during a demonstration denouncing his killing in the Lebanese coastal city of Sidon ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Netanyahu has said Israel is determined to win nothing less than total victory against Hamas, and that he is working for a ceasefire he hopes to achieve soon. On Saturday, an Israeli delegation led by the Mossad chief arrived in Cairo, Egyptian officials said. However, Mr Netanyahu has been accused of putting his personal interests first and deliberately prolonging the war, with Israeli media publishing alleged leaks of a recent heated meeting between the premier and his security and defence chiefs. The premier reportedly shouted at his team, who accused him of introducing conditions in the truce hostage deal that he knew Hamas would not accept. Airlines, including US carriers United and Delta, Germanys Lufthansa and Indias flag-carrier Air India have scrambled to re-route away from the Middle East airspace and cancelled flights to Tel Aviv. Israeli media reported on Saturday that some internal flights within Israel had been cancelled. Israel continued its ferocious bombardment of Gaza, with an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza city killing at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday. It came hours after two strikes in the occupied West Bank killed nine militants including a local Hamas commander, Hamas said. The Israeli military said the first of two West Bank airstrikes hit a vehicle in a town near the city of Tulkarm, targeting a militant cell it said was on its way to carry out an attack. Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel overnight, approximately 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array, it said. One projectile was identified falling in he area of Beit Hillel, and several fell in open areas. No injuries were reported. Shortly after, the IDF struck the Hezbollah launcher from which the projectiles were launched and additional Hezbollah infrastructure in the area of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon. In addition, IDF artillery fired to remove threats in the area of Odaisseh, the IDF said. The saturated, Black Mirror-esque advert that announced the arrival of Friend this week was in many ways an argument against itself. It depicted a device that users hang around their necks, which is always listening and then sends messages to people on their phone, with the aim of becoming a real friend. At the end, one of the Friends owners is talking to what appears to be a prospective partner, who remarks that the Friend goes everywhere with you. As the awkward chemistry between the two begins to fizz over, the Friends friend reaches out to touch it, and seems to think better of it, deciding instead to stay in the moment. Some people have attempted to use this as a gotcha against Avi Schiffmann, the 21-year-old Harvard dropout who founded Friend. But he has suggested thats exactly the point, to bring people together. He has managed to shrug off all kinds of criticism. Of the $2.5m (1.9m) investment, for instance, he spent $1.8m on the domain Friend.com, bringing himself plenty of free mockery alongside it. And he has been attacked by a rival, Nik Shevchenko, who made his own wearable AI product called Friend and released a rap video making that point. Amid all this criticism, something is working. The video has now been viewed 23 million times on Mr Schiffmanns tweet alone. Whatever the world thinks of the Friend and it is mostly, seemingly not good it appears to be the latest in what might be the decades defining tech product: the innovation that the world loves to hate. Those products might always have existed, and the Google Glass might be the precursor to todays mocked tech products. But recent years have seen a flurry of development of them: NFTs, cryptocurrencies, smart goggles and glasses, and much more besides. Those are not all, necessarily, products that dont have a use or deserve all the ire that they are subjected to. But they are products whose most notable characteristic is that there is a vast swathe of the world who do not like them, and might even argue that their very existence is evil. And yet they still come. Until the NFT bubble collapsed, celebrities were pushing them on TV and a community had sprung up around them that hosted real-life events. Occasionally, that hatred seemed to spur them on: taking the idea that people dont know what they need to the next level, occasionally supporters of those controversial products have argued that it is precisely because people dont like the innovations that it is important to support them. At the same time, the rate of really useful inventions has slowed. Until the release of ChatGPT and other exciting generative AI, perhaps the last tech product that excited the world was social media and TikTok, the youngest of those mainstream social networks, began seven years ago. open image in gallery Avi Schiffmanns Friend device appears to be the latest tech product that the world loves to hate ( Friend ) It is perhaps because AI has somewhat broken that relative quiet that so many people both real innovators and opportunistic grifters have flooded into the space. We have seen all kinds of attempts to turn the exciting technology into a saleable product, and for the moment most of them do not appear to be there yet. The Friend is not the first attempt to fold existing artificial intelligence tools into a devoted hardware item. Before came the Rabbit R1 and the Humane Pin, both of which promoted themselves as an entirely new kind of hardware for the artificial intelligence age. Its not the first of them to run into trouble, either. Both Rabbit and Humane were initially greeted with excitement about the fact that they could really be the future, but once reviewers got their hands on them it was clear that future still wasnt here yet. The idea was perfect for generating excitement, but the actual fact of it failed to deliver. Friend may yet suffer the same fate. Though Mr Schiffmann has shown off his own Friends messages at length on his Twitter account, it will not be available to the world until the first quarter of 2025, and the recent press blitz was not accompanied by any hands-on time or meaningful evidence that it actually works or is being shipped at all. Indeed, Mr Schiffmann has sometimes spoken about the device as if it is as much an art project as it is a tech product. It may be that it doesnt actually have to be released to make its point that we are lonely, that AI could be a useful way of resolving that loneliness, and also (probably unintentionally) that the world is very cynical about any attempts to actually do so. There appears to have sprung up a whole area of technology that is in fact about entering into a conversation about itself, as much as it is about convincing people to actually pay for a product. That was surely the great genius of NFTs: it was rare that anyone bought them, but for a brief time they were nonetheless ubiquitous much more a result of the fact that they seemed a lightning rod for argument and disagreement about the way the world is going than anything else. In that way, the Friend might indeed have helped in its way to solve loneliness: it brought much of the world together this week to laugh at it. A heartbroken supermarket manager said his store was reduced to ashes following violent disorder in Belfast on Saturday, 3 August. Bashir said Muslim businesses were deliberately targeted during attacks which which followed anti-immigration protests in the city. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended a shop and a cafe on fire on the Donegall Road on Saturday night. It said the cause of both fires had been determined as deliberate. Bashir was visibly emotional as he described how he could not sleep on Saturday night during the unrest. There is no message for people like this, he added. Objects were hurled at police officers in Liverpool as the far-right clashed with officers on Saturday, 3 August. Incidents took place in several cities including Manchester, Hull, Leeds, and Stoke, which saw violent thugs clash with police and loot shops in some instances. Around 90 people have been arrested across the UK as authorities warned more disorder is likely in the coming days. Two officers in Liverpool were taken to hospital - one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw - as chairs, bricks, bottles and flares were thrown at them. Rioting is thought to have been triggered in part by social media misinformation about the knife attack in Southport, on Monday, in which three children were killed. A far-right mob repeatedly chanted "Yorkshire" as rioters stormed into a hotel used to house migrants in Rotherham on Sunday, 4 August. Masked rioters attacked police, smashed windows, launched planks of wood, and sprayed fire extinguishers outside a Holiday Inn Express. IHG, which operates the hotel, said: "The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority." The far-right has drawn widespread condemnation as the organising force behind disorder in multiple locations in the wake of the killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. It followed the spread of false claims online that the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. Something has changed in the past 43 years. In July 1981, when the weather was hot and disaffected young men rioted in Toxteth, Liverpool, some on the left sought to explain or even defend the violence. Unemployment was high, Black people suffered racial discrimination and the police were heavy-handed. Margaret Thatcher, the prime minister, was having none of it. Nothing can justify, nothing can excuse and no one can condone the appalling violence weve all seen on television which some of our people have actually experienced and so many fear, she said in a party political broadcast. Now, the weather is hot and young and not-so-young men are rioting in Southport and other places, and some on the right seek to explain or even defend the violence. It is a reaction to societal decline, according to Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK. Sir Keir Starmer is having none of it. There is no excuse for violence of any kind and... the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe, he said on a call with senior ministers on Saturday. He is right, just as Mrs Thatcher was right four decades ago. Whatever narrative ideologues of left or right try to construct around street violence, nothing can excuse it. One of the narratives promoted by apologists for the rioters of Southport, Hartlepool and Sunderland is that Sir Keir is responsible for two-tier policing, meaning that the police treat left-wing demonstrators more leniently than right-wing ones. This is the mirror image of the argument made by some on the left in the Eighties that the police treated marches by the National Front differently from those by anti-racists. Policing can never be perfect, or perfectly even-handed, but generally it was not true then and the opposite is not true now. The basis for the claim of two-tier policing is that the police were restrained in their handling of Black Lives Matter demos a few years ago, and of pro-Palestinian marches over the past 10 months. This is a classic case of starting with an ideological position and looking for evidence to support it. There is a difference between holding an offensive placard, or chanting an offensive rhyme on the one hand, and throwing bricks, overturning cars and setting fire to things on the other. Again, the policing of pro-Palestinian marches has not always been perfect as when a counter-protester with a Hamas Are Terrorists sign was briefly arrested for his own protection. But anyone who thinks that burning down a Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunderland or throwing bricks at a mosque in Southport is merely the expression of legitimate concerns needs to take themselves off social media for a while. Of course, people do have legitimate concerns. The murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport was a harrowing atrocity. But to respond to such bloodshed with violence is inexcusable. People may disagree with immigration policy. They may feel strongly about Gaza, or racism, or the environment but nothing can justify, nothing can excuse and no one can condone violence, in Mrs Thatchers words. Sir Keir has been resolute too. His words to senior ministers, including the deputy prime minister, the home secretary and the justice secretary were clear that violent disorder is very different from the right to free expression. Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, seems to have said that space will be found to accommodate those found guilty of violent offences, despite prisons being perilously close to full. Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said: Anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price. Mr Farage, on the other hand, has misjudged this issue. He said he does not support thuggery, but he followed it with a but and an explanation of the violence that sounded to any reasonable person like an attempt to excuse it. We suspect that many of his supporters will be unimpressed. He says he is an admirer of Mrs Thatcher, so if he will not listen to Sir Keir, perhaps he will take his lead from her. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. As a result of mass cancelation of flights to Israel amid the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, at least 100,000 Israelis are unable to return to the country, Trend reports via Russian TASS. According to the information, travelers were advised to reroute through Greece or Cyprus to make changes to flights bound for Israel at local airports. El Al Israel Airlines continues to operate regular flights to Israel and has added five additional flights to help citizens return home. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry has launched a special online service for people to report their whereabouts and receive guidance on returning to the country. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Family-owned landscaping company works with institutional and corporate clients Redlough Landscapes, the family-owned landscaping company that works with many institutional and corporate clients, is creating 50 new jobs nationwide as part of an expansion plan. The company, founded in 1984 by Liam Redmond and Liam Loughnane, is targeting annual sales of 10m inside the next three years, up from its current level of around 7.5m a year. Landscapers might not have a second generation to pass the business on to Redlough is run by the founders sons, Aaron Redmond and Killian Loughnane, and has grown from a business with just two employees to over 100 today. It is now completing an investment that will create over 50 new jobs across the country, bringing total employment to over 150. The company currently provides landscaping and maintenance services to many institutional clients, including Trinity College Dublin, An Garda Siochana, Shannon Airport Group, Kildare Village and Maynooth University. Speaking with the Sunday Independent, Aaron Redmond, co-managing director of Redlough Landscapes, said the business had been performing well, with the potential to make acquisitions in the industry. If the right opportunity came along, yes, he said when asked about M&A. The opportunity may be say a landscaper where the owner or founders are retiring and dont have a second generation to pass the business to but have a strong portfolio of contracts. We could take on their staff, equipment and contracts and put them into our own business. Redlough is on track to convert at least 15pc of its fleet to electric power this year It does happen, where landscapers might not have a second generation or management team around them to pass the business on to. They can be unsure what to do next. "It is an option for them to sell the business to the likes of ourselves. Redlough was last active in the M&A space when it acquired Limerick-based Shannonvale Landscaping in 2019. The company has a fleet of 75 vehicles servicing contracts nationwide. Redlough recently introduced its first electric vehicle and is on track to convert at least 15pc of its entire fleet to electric power this year. German kitchen manufacturer Nobilia which has sales of over 1.6bn, completed the transaction to become a significant shareholder late last month A McNally spokeswoman said: 'Nobilia is the perfect fit, it being also a family business, albeit on a very different scale.' Above, a Nobilia kitchen interior According to Nobilias results for 2022, the business said it expected 2023 to be 'challenging' for the furnishing industry. Above, a Nobilia interior. Photo: Brian Mac Lochlainn One of Europes largest kitchen manufacturers has become a significant shareholder in the group behind family-owned kitchen designer, manufacturer and fitter McNally Living. Late last month, German company Nobilia, which has sales of over 1.6bn, completed the deal with MCN Investment Holdings, which also owns the kitchen and furniture brand Kube. Directors of McNally include Ian, Edward and Orla McNally, who took over from the previous generation in 1999. A spokeswoman for McNally said the choice of Nobilia was very important, with the company set to continue with its existing brands and develop them with an expansion plan for the Irish market. Nobilia is the perfect fit for the business, it being also a family business, albeit on a very different scale, she said. Established over 50 years ago, McNally Living specialises in bespoke German kitchens. Pictured, a McNally Living kitchen interior Nobilia is the largest kitchen manufacturer in Europe, and we believe that our new partnership with them will provide a very solid foundation for future growth. And we are very happy that the company will be in very safe hands going forward. The McNally spokeswoman said the family would continue to be involved in the business in the coming years, supporting the new owners and the management team. Pat McGrath, managing director since November 2021, will continue to lead the company. There are plans to grow the business in both the retail and contract channels, said the spokeswoman. It is too early to tell what that might mean in terms of new jobs but the future will be about growth. The McNally spokeswoman declined to share any financial details about the transaction, adding that it was structured so that Nobilia is a "significant" shareholder. A McNally spokeswoman said: 'Nobilia is the perfect fit, it being also a family business, albeit on a very different scale.' Above, a Nobilia kitchen interior According to the most recent consolidated accounts for MCN Investment Holdings and its subsidiary companies, the group recorded a turnover of almost 14.7m in 2022, down from nearly 15m the previous year. MCNs profit before tax was 47,157, down from just over 630,000 the prior year. At the end of 2022, MCN and its subsidiaries had net assets of almost 6.25m. The group had 83 employees that year. Established over 50 years ago, McNally Living specialises in bespoke German kitchens with a showroom in Ballsbridge. McNally Kitchens has a showroom in the M1 Business Park, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. The McNally groups Kube business has six locations, including in Dublins Balbriggan, Sandyford, Rathgar, and Long Mile Road, as well as Cork and Galway. Established in 1945, Nobilia trades in around 90 countries and employs 4,523 staff. Over half of the German kitchen giants products are exported. McNally Living managing director Pat McGrath (centre) at the Grant Thornton ESG Awards The company has four production sites in Germany, producing 8.5 million units a year, according to figures from 2022. According to Nobilias results for 2022, the business said it expected 2023 to be challenging for the furnishing industry. It said the development among furniture manufacturers was closely linked to the developments in the construction industry, adding that the projections for that industry looked rather restrained, at least in Germany. Despite the challenges, Nobilia said it believed it was in a very good position as the market leader. Vet who supplied euthanasia drugs to dog pound facing regulatory probe Four people have now been convicted after bad state of animals put down by untrained employees prompted whistleblower report Veterinarian Sydney Nagle (62) leaving Dublin District Court. Photo: Collins Maeve Sheehan Sun 4 Aug 2024 at 03:30 A vet who was fined 12,500 for his role in allowing a euthanasia drug to be administered to dogs by untrained staff at a Dublin dog pound is facing further investigation by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. The Independent MP said the grassroots model that led to his election last week marked the start of a new politics (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A flavour of the Collins English dictionary term was in evidence in Galway at the weekend when the former British Labour Party leader addressed an anti-war gathering and a literary event. The Dublin Fire Brigade said five engines, including a turntable ladder, are at the blaze (PA) An electrical fault is believed to have caused a fire on Sunday morning which led to four people being treated for smoke inhalation at the accommodation centre for international protection applicants outside Castlebar, Co Mayo. The IPAS centre at the Breaffy Woods complex was temporarily evacuated during the outbreak which occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Units of Mayo fire brigade quickly responded and brought the blaze under control. The Breaffy Woods centre is part of the Breaffy House Hotel complex. In a statement this evening, Breaffy House Hotel said: The fire brigade were quickly on hand to contain the situation and following the containment and a thorough investigation, full service in the facility has been resumed. All service in the hotel and restaurant area is not affected and is operating as normal. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation (at Mayo University Hospital) but they have now returned to the centre. Our motoring editor answers your questions on the EUs investigation into Chinese EV subsidies On July 4 the EU imposed tariffs ranging from 17.4pc to 38.1pc on Chinese EVs. The EUs European Commission launched an investigation into Chinese electric vehicle (EV) subsidies to protect Europes motor industry from unfair competition. Chinese EVs, heavily subsidised by Chinas government, saw a big increase in market share in Europe. These subsidies, the EU says, allowed Chinese car companies to set significantly lower prices for their electric cars, thereby undercutting European carmakers. Why did the European Union start looking into Chinese electric vehicle (EV) subsidies? Who announced the investigation and when? Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the investigation last September. The aim was to assess the extent of these subsidies and implement measures to level the playing field for EU carmakers. What prompted the investigation? The investigation was prompted by a substantial increase in Chinese EV imports, which saw their market share in Europe rise from 1pc to 8pc in a few years. When did the EU impose tariffs on Chinese EVs and what were the rates? In April the Commission announced provisional findings, confirming significant subsidies and proposing provisional tariffs. Then in June China and the Commission agreed to start talks to address the concerns raised by the investigation, but on July 4 the EU imposed tariffs ranging from 17.4pc to 38.1pc on Chinese EVs. What additional measures were included with the provisional tariffs? The provisional tariffs were in addition to existing 10pc tariffs on car imports, bringing total duties to between 27.4pc and 48.1pc, depending on the co-operation from the firms involved. What is happening to resolve the trade tensions? Talks between China and the Commission aim to prevent a potential trade war and find a long-term solution to the trade tensions. Got a question? Contact sundaymotors@independent.ie This year is the summer of the coolcation. After several consecutive summers of extreme heat in southern Europe, the baking beaches and stultifying streets of Spain, Portugal, Italy and France are starting to lose their appeal for tourists from northern Europe. As southern Europe remains in the grip of infernal heat trends in summer travel are adapting accordingly. According to figures from the European Trade Commission, three out of four European travellers are changing their plans to avoid the heat, with interest in more northerly destinations with milder climates such as Scandinavia and Ireland rising. The Duchess of Sussex said it is worth voicing how she overcame her experience of suicidal thoughts, at the height of her crisis in the British monarchy, to save lives. Meghan and Harry appeared in a pre-recorded interview for US programme, CBS Sunday Morning, about a new initiative supporting parents of children affected by online harm. I think when youve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it, the duchess said. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content And I havent really scraped the surface on my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed. So, if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everythings okay, then thats worth it. Ill take a hit for that. It comes three years after the duchess confessed she had contemplated taking her own life, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying: I just didnt want to be alive any more. The Duchess of Sussex during her interview with Oprah Winfrey which was broadcast in the US in 2021 (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions) Meghan was surprised by the question relating to her own experience of suicidal thoughts, redirecting her hand to Harrys knee before answering the question. She told host Jane Pauley: I wasnt expecting it, but I understand why you are because there is a through line. The televised interview, broadcast on Meghans 43rd birthday, marked the launch of The Parents Network, in association with the couples charitable Archewell Foundation. The initiative seeks to provide parents with a safe and free-to-access support network to help those whose children have been harmed by social media, and is available for parents to join in the US, UK and Canada. Meghan said about her eldest child, Archie, and daughter Lilibet: Our kids are young, they are three and five, theyre amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see whats happening in the online space, we know that theres a lot of work to be done there and were just happy to be able to be a part of change for good. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Yaroslav Sabitov/PA) In a reference to how the mental wellbeing of young people can be affected by experiences online, Harry said: At this point weve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder, and even the best first responders in the world wouldnt be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this. He said one of the scariest things is the fact it can happen to absolutely anybody. We always talk about the olden days, if your kids were under your roof, we knew what they were up to, at least they were safe. And now, they could be in the next room on a tablet or on a phone and going down these rabbit holes and before you know, within 24 hours they could be taking their life. Harry and Meghan have raised the issue numerous times since their move to America, and are also due to focus the spotlight on the topic during their official visit to Colombia following an invitation by vice president Francia Marquez. The Sussexes trip to the South American nation will be their second official tour of the year after they visited Nigeria in May, taking part in a range of activities over three days. While details of the couples itinerary have not been released by the Archewell Foundation, the vice president said they would engage in several activities related to safeguarding young people online and in physical spaces. Amanda Abbington is currently performing at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park (Matt Crossick/PA) Police are investigating an alleged death threat sent to actress Amanda Abbington. The Sun reported the Sherlock star was sent an email warning her she would die on stage unless she retracts her complaint about dancer Giovanni Pernice, whom she was partnered with on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Abbington is currently starring in When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, and police say they were called to a theatre in the area on Friday afternoon. A statement from the Metropolitan Police to the PA news agency said: Police were called at around 4pm on Friday August 2 by a staff member at a theatre in Finsbury Park following receipt of an alleged malicious communication. Amanda Abbington was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year (Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA) There have been no arrests, inquiries are ongoing. Abbington made a formal complaint about Pernices teaching methods after she left the BBC One show, citing at the time medical and personal reasons. The TV and theatre star told The Sunday Times in July that the aftermath had been really brutal, and she had received death threats and rape threats. Abbington later alleged she was subject to inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying and a toxic environment while on the programme. Pernice, who will not compete on Strictly this year, rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and believes he will be cleared by a BBC review. Abbingtons representatives and the theatre have been approached for comment. On August 4, 1962, at the age of 36, Marilyn Monroe, an undoubtedly significant historical figure, died under mysterious circumstances. The model, actress, and socialite who gave the world many good roles and became a sex symbol and a cult figure of a blonde flirt, actually was smart and had fears and a difficult life. ADVERTISIMENT However, she knew how to pretend to be light-hearted and infantile when it could bring Monroe what she wanted. OBOZ.UA decided to recall what the model was afraid of, why she was hated, and how Marilyn became a symbol of the iconic Playboy magazine. Life's vicissitudes The spectacular beauty, who was named Norma Jean Baker at birth, grew up in a difficult environment. Her father was a man who disowned his child and never responded to her requests for a meeting. Marilyn's mother was a film editor, but she spent very little time with her children and eventually ended up in a psychiatric hospital. During her lifetime, the girl was handed over to 11 foster parents. ADVERTISIMENT At the age of 16, a schoolgirl who was abandoned by everyone married a boyfriend who was much older than her in order to avoid returning to the orphanage. However, their marriage was unhappy, and the young blonde left her family to become a model. In the end, Monroe had many affairs in her life, but none of them brought her happiness. She repeatedly got into scandals because of her allegedly intimate relationships with influential men. The most prominent figure of Marilyn's "lover" is the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Some theories even implicate him in the model's death. In his 1969 book Norma Jean: The life of Marilyn Monroe, biographer Fred Lawrence Giles claimed that the actress had an abortion in July 1962, less than a month before her death. She had no children because she suffered a miscarriage and almost committed suicide. ADVERTISIMENT What was hidden behind the image of a flirt Analyzing Monroe's mannerisms, voice, photos, and roles, one might immediately assume that she was a frivolous flirt who knew how to win men's hearts, knew her worth, and was skilled at using her appearance. However, behind this facade was a very smart woman who did not neglect self-development. It is believed that her IQ was 168 points, and the model's personal library included more than 400 books that she read. Although the information about her IQ is called unconfirmed, the star's biographer noted that she was very intelligent and was always developing. ADVERTISIMENT Nude photos It was during Monroe's popularity that Playboy was founded. She was the first woman to appear on the cover. In 1953, the beauty posed in a revealing swimsuit at the time, so Marilyn was associated with the image. Why the model was hated People had different reasons to dislike Monroe. Women were jealous of her success and attention from men, movie producers blamed her for being late and forgetting the text, and Kennedy was believed to be afraid of the discovery of their affair. ADVERTISIMENT The flamboyant personality made a lot of enemies, so her death is rather called murder. There are theories that Monroe was killed and that someone made to look like a suicide. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Photo courtesy: x.com/himantabiswa Guwahati: The construction of Tatas semiconductor unit in Assam's Jagiroad started on Saturday as part of the government's attempt to create an end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India, the Ministry of Information Technology said in a press release. Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chairman of Tata Sons Limited N Chandrasekaran were present on the occasion. The Tata semiconductor assembly and test facility at Jagiroad is India's first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility. Today's announcement marks a significant milestone in accelerating the progress of the North-East and realizing the Prime Minister of Indias vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Northeast, the Ministry of Information Technology said in a statement. Later, Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media the commencement of the construction of Tatas semiconductor unit in Assam is a very important milestone. He mentioned that this project was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29th February, 2024. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said that the unit at its capacity will employ 27,000 people, 15,000 direct jobs and additional 12,000 indirect jobs. We want to move fast. We are trying to accelerate the building of this factory. We hope sometime in 2025 we will be able to complete this facility and quickly start operations. #WATCH | Assam: At the 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony of Tata semiconductor assembly and test unit in Assam, Chairman of Tata Group N. Chandrasekaran says, "...It will employ 27,000 people- 15,000 direct jobs and additional 12,000 indirect jobs. But what it will additionally do is to pic.twitter.com/WfGQ4v1jiN ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2024 About the semiconductor unit The Union Minister said that the unit in Assam will be set up with an investment of Rs 27,000 crores and is expected to generate 15 thousand direct and 11-13 thousand indirect jobs. While highlighting the importance of the semiconductor industry as being a foundational one, he said that employment opportunities in various upstream and downstream industries will be created. The proposed capacity of this unit is 4.83 crore semiconductor chips per day. He also pointed out that this unit will be the site for development of indigenous advanced semiconductor packaging technologies including Wire Bond, flip chip and I-SIP (integrated system in package) technologies and all these three major technologies which will be deployed in this plant are being developed in India. These technologies are extremely critical for key applications such as automotive (especially electric vehicles), communications, network infrastructure and others. The establishment of semiconductor research and manufacturing units in the northeast states is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Act East policy, Vaishnaw emphasised. The programme for development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India was notified on 21.12.2021 with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. In June, 2023, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the proposal of Micron for setting up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat whose construction is progressing at a rapid pace. Talent development plan The Union Minister also mentioned that 85,000 industry-ready workforce at B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD level in semiconductor chip design are being trained at 113 academic institutions across the country. Photo Courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS The U.S. Consulate General Kolkata presented the United States Air Force Band of the Pacifics brass quintet in a historic first-time performance in Kolkata on Saturday. The band is one of the premier U.S. musical units in the Indo-Pacific and held two public concerts, one at the Calcutta School of Music and another at the Indian Museum. They also visited Modern High School International to interact with the students. The band will travel to Guwahati and Shillong next week and interact with students, musicians and general audiences at various institutions. Known for their motto, "Partnerships through Music," the band comprises five professional brass players who represent the unique tradition of military music. They create lasting impressions at ceremonial and protocol events within U.S. base communities and beyond. Their extensive repertoire spans traditional military music to holiday and popular music, allowing them to engage audiences of all ages and cultures. "Music transcends boundaries and brings people together, Elizabeth Lee, the Director of the American Center Kolkata, said, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. By bringing the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific to Kolkata and the Northeast India, we aim to strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the United States and India. This tour is a celebration of our shared values and the enduring friendship between our nations." The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific averages 200 performances a year, reaching over 200,000 people. They have performed in various countries, including India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Mongolia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Laos. They also regularly tour Korea and Japan. The band is staffed by 24 full-time professional musicians who fulfil both community relations and military functions throughout the Western Pacific region. Their ensembles include rock groups Pacific Trends and Final Approach, the jazz ensemble Pacific Showcase, the brass quintet Pacific Brass, and other protocol groups. Beyond their musical roles, members also contribute to administrative sections within the band. Founded in 1941 at Eglin Field, Florida, with just one sergeant and two corporals, the band has a storied history. During World War II, they were stationed in locations such as Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Morotai, Dutch Indies, Los Negros, and the Philippines. The band eventually settled at Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, Philippines. In 1988, they relocated to Yokota Air Base in Japan, continuing their mission in the Western Pacific. The band was officially renamed The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia in 1997. The band has performed at significant events such as a program for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the Grand Opening of Tokyo Disneyland, the Sapporo International Snow and Ice Festival, the Centennial Celebration of Korean and American relations, the Asian Aerospace Airshow in Singapore, VP 50 and 60 Celebrations in Townsville, Australia, the International Marching Festival at the Tokyo Budokan, and Aloha Days in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2005, they toured Thailand as musical ambassadors, a gesture of gratitude for Thai assistance during the Vietnam War. As part of their three-city tour of India, the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific will perform in Guwahati and Shillong for the first time, following their performances in Kolkata, before returning to the United States. This tour is part of the U.S. Consulate Kolkatas initiative to foster stronger people-to-people connections between the United States and India through cultural exchanges. Videograb of airstrikes in Lebanon | courtesy: Screengrab from X/@GoldingBF Tensions in the Middle East have heightened with Iran and Hamas, along with Hezbollah, vowing strong retaliation to the assassination of their group leaders, blamed on Israel, triggering fears of a regional war. The killing this week of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, hours after the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah's military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut, has intensified the demand for revenge. Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces since October, claiming to act in support of Hamas. The group announced it had fired dozens of Katyusha rockets at the northern Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel as Iran said it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets, media reports said. The US, UK and France called on their citizens to leave Lebanon - where the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement is based - amid airlines cancelling flights. Canada has also warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, saying the regional armed conflict endangered security. Meanwhile, Indian nationals in Israel have been asked to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols following the escalating tension in the region. The advisory for the Indian citizens in Israel comes a day after the Indian Embassy in Beirut strongly advised Indian nationals against travelling to Lebanon till further notice. It also advised them to leave Lebanon. Haniyeh was Hamas's lead negotiator in efforts to end the war with Israel. His assassination has raised questions about the continued viability of efforts by Qatari, Egyptian and US mediators to mediate a truce and exchange of hostages and prisoners. Hamas said it had begun a "broad consultation process" to choose a new leader three days after the assassination of Haniyeh. US President Joe Biden expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Tehran. Biden said he was "very concerned" about rising tensions in the region, adding that the killing of Haniyeh had "not helped" the situation. Israel, meanwhile, warned its adversaries 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. The war in Gaza has caused widespread destruction and displaced almost the entire population of the territory, according to the UN statement on Friday. It said public health conditions "continue to deteriorate". Photo Courtesy: Pixabay A stabbing incident in the Israeli city of Holon on Sunday left at least two people dead, media reports said. The two killed were a 66-year-old woman and an approximately 80-year-old man,, medical officials told CNN. The stabbing attack left two others injured. Police told CNN the attacker was a West Bank resident and was neutralized at the scene. This was a complex and difficult terror attack. The casualties were at three separate locations, approximately 500 meters from each other, Magen David Adom ambulance service medics told The Times of Israel. One of the injured, a 26-year-old man, told CNN affiliate Channel 11 (Kan News) that he was walking his dog when a man ran at him and stabbed him in the shoulder. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condoled the loss of lives in the incident. He posted on X: "I send my condolences to the families of the murdered and best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack in Holon." He praised the cops for eliminating the suspected terrorist. At least 32 children were killed and many more injured and detained in ongoing protests in Bangladesh. Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Claudia Berger At least 32 children were killed and many more injured and detained during student protests that erupted in Bangladesh in July, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday. Last month, students in Bangladesh staged massive protests against the Government, demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs amid rising unemployment. More than 200 people were killed in clashes with security forces, including bystanders, according to media reports. Although the authorities withdrew the system, fresh protests broke out in parts of capital Dhaka on Friday calling for accountability, reports stated. Protecting children is everyones responsibility Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, having just returned from Bangladesh, expressed deep concern over the impact of violence and the ongoing unrest. UNICEF has now confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during Julys protests, with many more injured and detained. This is a terrible loss. UNICEF condemns all acts of violence, he said in a statement. Children must be protected at all times. That is everyones responsibility. Stop detaining children Wijesekera also noted reports that children were being detained, and stressed that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening. In line with international human rights law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Bangladesh is signatory, he called for an end to the detention of children in all its forms. This means that children should not be arrested or detained based on their mere presence in any location or because of their background, religion, or acts or beliefs of their family members, he said. Reopen schools With the outbreak of protests, authorities ordered the closure of schools, causing about 30 million students from pre-primary to secondary school levels to miss 10 days of school. This compounded the learning losses due to school closures earlier this year because of extreme temperatures, cyclones and floods. Primary schools are expected to reopen on 4 August in many parts of Bangladesh, but around 15.5 million school children will still be unable to resume learning. Wijesekera underscored the importance of reopening schools, resuming learning and reuniting children with their friends and teachers. [It is] one of the best ways to help children recover from violence and to keep them safe, he said, adding, the longer children are out of school, especially girls, the less likely they are to return, jeopardizing their future. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Rayhan9d/ShareAlike 4.0 International Bangladesh is witnessing a fresh round of violence across various cities, including the capital Dhaka, which left at least 56 people dead after students clashed with the police and ruling party members on Sunday. The students are reportedly participating in a non-cooperation movement under the banner of Students Against Discrimination. The Bangladesh government has declared an indefinite curfew starting from 6pm Sunday in Dhaka and other divisional cities, district towns and all city corporations, amid the fresh instances of violence which is sweeping across the country. The government also declared a three-day general holiday from Monday to ensure public safety. Last month, the country witnessed brutal clashes over the job quota issue, one of the deadliest witnessed by the nation since it was formed in 1971. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced it will participate in a long march to Dhaka on Monday, a day earlier than previously proposed by the group. Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the movement, was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune: "In an urgent decision to review the situation, our 'March to Dhaka' program has been changed from August 6 to August 5. In other words, we are calling on students from all over the country to travel to Dhaka tomorrow (Monday)." The protesters are demanding the resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina. Termed as 'non cooperation movement', students and organisations allegedly backed by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been urging people to stop paying taxes and utility bills. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairpersons Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the government to step down amid the mass upsurge, reported Dhaka Tribune. BNP declares full solidarity with the one-point declaration raised by the anti-discrimination student movement and the masses, he said. Meanwhile, like the previous protest, Bangladeshi telecommunication operators have shut down mobile internet in the country. The step was reportedly taken on the instruction of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who returned to power for another term this year, described those behind the sabotage in the name of protest as terrorists. I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand, she said in a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs at Ganabhaban on Sunday, according to sources from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), reported Dhaka Tribune. Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving PM of the country, earlier blamed the opposition for capitalising on the situation and carrying out deadly attacks in the country. Stipulating that 93 percent of recruitments will be on merit now, Bangladesh Supreme Court last month scrapped most of the quotas in government jobs that had led to massive protests in July. India, meanwhile, asked citizens to remain alert. Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet posted on X: " All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of Assistant High Commission of India , Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office & are advised to remain alert." IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack OTT release date: As everyone knows, Vijay Varma is a phenomenal actor. He'll be appearing in a thriller series very soon in an intriguing part. The actor will soon appear in IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack. The series' narrative is inspired on the actual event of an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 being hijacked and flown from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to IGI Airport in New Delhi. On August 29, IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack will be released on Netflix. ''188 onboard, and the entire nation held at gunpoint. Based on true events - IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, a limited series, arrives on August 29, only on Netflix!'' the streaming platform wrote while sharing the teaser. Internet reacts to IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack teaser After seeing the teaser of IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack, people wrote about how they are excited about the concept and the leading cast. One wrote, I think Kumud Mishra sir is going unnoticed here....one of the most underrated gem. Another added, For anyone who is young and doesn't remember this. This was such a harrowing time in Indian history. I remember being 11 and seeing the visuals on TV and understanding the sad part of the world. A third went on to add, Vijay Verma & Naseeruddin shah sir as lead star what else do you need. IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack cast IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack cast includes Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Kumud Mishra, Amrita Puri, Patralekhaa, Dia Mirza and Manoj Pahwa. Also read: Brinda on SonyLIV: Who killed Satya in this Telugu crime series? Ending explained What is IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack about? Forty minutes after taking off from Kathmandu on December 24, 1999, five terrorists grabbed control of IC-814. After taking off from Kathmandu, the plane carrying roughly 180 passengers was held captive for seven days before arriving in Lahore. On December 31, 1999, after seven days of talks with the Indian government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the hijackers freed every passenger. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Naam Namak Nishan OTT release date: Naam Namak Nishan, a brand-new online series centered on patriotic themes of brotherhood and love for the country, will soon be available on OTT. On Friendship's Day, the streaming service Amazon miniTV announced Naam Namak Nishan on social media with a meaningful post. The new series, which is produced by Juggernaut Productions, features an impressive ensemble with important characters played by Varun Sood, Danish Sood, Helly Shah, Karan Vohra, and Roshni Walia. Naam Namak Nishan will release on Amazon Prime Video on 14th August 2024. Making the announcement, the platform wrote on its social media, Officers Training Academy ki deewaro ke beech ye kahaani hai dil, dosti aur determination ki. What is Naam Namak Nishan about? The journey of young cadets at Chennai's esteemed Officers Training Academy (OTA) is chronicled in Naam Namak Nishan. The cadets cross barriers of race, caste, class, sex, and creed on their journey, which is characterized by demanding training and personal development. They learn the true meaning of brotherhood and create enduring bonds that reflect the spirit of unity and patriotism among the Indian Armed Forces. The synopsis reads, The story revolves around the dynamic between Yuvraj and Gurbaaz, two young cadets from contrasting social backgrounds. Despite their differences, their shared love for the motherland unites them in a profound and moving journey. It's a story of resilience, honour, and camaraderie that develops in the face of adversity, offering an authentic glimpse into the making of army officers who swear by Naam, Namak, and Nishan. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Mira Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor are frequently spotted sharing their affection in the most endearing ways, always capturing hearts with their charming displays of love. Recently, Shahid took to social media to share a delightful selfie that perfectly showcased his playful side. Credit: Instagram/ Shahid Mira selfie in London Shahid's quack quack moment with wife Mira The image reveals Shahid in his true, fun-loving spirit, making a silly face aimed at Mira. In the photo, Shahid embraces his inner child, playfully mimicking a quack quack while striking a goofy pose next to his wife, Mira Rajput. Despite his goofiness, Mira remains composed, seemingly unfazed by her husband's anticsperhaps a testament to how se is used to Shahids childish behavior. Along with the picture, Shahid humorously added Quack quack as the caption. Credit: Instagram/ Shahid Mira selfie in London Shahid & Mira's journey together Shahid and Mira Kapoors journey together began in 2015 when they tied the knot. Their family expanded with the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Misha, in 2016. They joyfully welcomed their second child, a son named Zain, in 2018. This latest photo is just another glimpse into their loving and playful relationship, which continues to endear them to fans everywhere. On many occasions in the past, Shahid has said that he was not sure if the first meeting with Mira would last 15 mins but it lasted seven hours. However, earlier this year, the actor admitted that his married life contributed to his evolution. Everything that is substantial or a priority, in which you invest your time, shapes who you are. As an artist you express yourself, so the choices you make are on the basis of who you are. So the choices that I make today may seem different from what I did five years back, or I will make them five years from now. They are always a reflection of what a person is in their head space. So in many ways, it kind of influences everything I do, he told Indian Express. Pinterest Shahid Kapoor's next project On the work front, Shahid Kapoor is currently immersed in his next project, the action thriller film Deva. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, the film also features Pooja Hegde in a key role. Notably, Deva will introduce the writer duo Bobby and Sanjay, marking their debut in the industry. For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. Adolf Hitler is infamously known as one of history's most hated and feared figures, remembered for his role in orchestrating the Holocaust and initiating World War II. He ended his life by suicide in April 1945 as Allied forces converged on Berlin. So, imagine the collective gasp of netizens when they spotted someone who looked uncannily like Hitler in a modern-day cafe! A picture posted on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral with over 15.6 million views, and it's sparking laughter for all the right reasons. The image shows a man who bears a striking resemblance to Hitler, deep in what appears to be a serious work conversation in a cafe. The caption humorously asks, "... is that who I think it is?" is that who i think it is? pic.twitter.com/gzF3tEnmHC juju (@ayeejuju) August 2, 2024 The comments section has a number of amusing reactions. One person quipped, "In fairness, looking pretty youthful for 135." Another wrote, "Nah, how does bro leave the house looking like this?" One comment joked, "This gotta be the most unfortunate genetics in the world." Others couldn't resist drawing comparisons to Charlie Chaplin, with someone saying, "I thought Charlie Chaplin was dead!" Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) was a renowned British comedian, actor, and filmmaker, celebrated for his work in silent films. Charlie Chaplin The resemblance between Chaplin and Hitler was noted during the 1930s, especially because both wore similar mustaches. This resemblance became a topic of discussion and humor, particularly when Chaplin's 1940 film "The Great Dictator," a satirical take on Hitler and fascism, featured him in a role that parodied the dictator. Charlie Chaplin However, any physical similarity was coincidental. Chaplin's character was a comedic figure and a symbol of hope, while Hitler was a dictator responsible for immense suffering. And a Harry Potter fan added a magical twist: "Saying his name is like saying Lord Voldemort!" For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Venice is a city that has long attracted tourists with its unique atmosphere and unusual exterior. It would seem that this has a positive effect on the city's economy, but in fact, the large number of crowds has negative consequences. ADVERTISIMENT That is why restrictions on the size of tourist groups have recently been introduced. Euronews has more details about this. Venice, one of the most famous Italian cities, has taken another step to regulate the flow of tourists and improve the quality of life for local residents. Recently, restrictions were introduced on the size of tourist groups, as well as a ban on the use of megaphones by guides. Under the new rules, tourist groups are limited to 25 people. The only exceptions are groups of children under two years old, as well as those on school and educational trips. Guides who violate these rules face a fine of 25 to 500 euros. ADVERTISIMENT These changes are aimed at reducing overcrowding in the city and ensuring a more controlled flow of visitors and more comfortable conditions for both tourists and residents of Venice. The new restrictions apply not only to the central part of Venice, but also to the famous islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, which are also frequently visited by tourists. The city authorities note that such measures are aimed at improving the movement of tourist groups and preserving the city's historical heritage. How else Venice cope with uncontrolled flows of tourists? Venice has long faced problems due to the excessive flow of tourists. The UN Cultural Agency has twice considered adding the city to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger. This was avoided by limiting the arrival of large cruise ships through the Giudecca Canal. ADVERTISIMENT The city is also experimenting with a one-day visit fee. From April to mid-July, a fee of 5 euros per person was applied on 29 peak days. Despite generating 2.2 million euros from 450,000 visitors, some critics have called the measure a failure because it did not significantly reduce the number of tourists. During the first 11 days of the trial period, an average of 75,000 people visited the city daily. How to travel now? Tourists planning to visit Venice should take into account the new rules and prepare for possible changes in the organization of their trips. It is recommended to pay attention to the number of people in the group, avoid using loud devices and be prepared to pay a tourist tax. ADVERTISIMENT Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Local AAPI Leader Receives National Lifetime Achievement Award by Dr. Arthur L. Jue Sunnyvale Resident, Gerrye Wong wins the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for State and Local History from the American Association for State and Local History San Jose, CA Aug 1, 2024: Sunnyvale resident, Gerrye Wong, has been selected by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) as a 2024 Award of Excellence for Individual Lifetime Achievement recipient for her decades of work in preserving and sharing Chinese American history in California. The award is to be presented at the AASLH national conference in Mobile, Alabama on September 13, 2024. A passionate volunteer for the past 60 years working for many Asian American historical causes, Gerrye co-founded the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) in 1987. CHCP subsequently built the Chinese American Historical Museum at History Park San Jose and donated it to the City of San Jose. CHCP continues to operate the museum free of charge for the general public. Gerrye also helped encourage the City of San Jose to issue one of the nations first formal apologies to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for historical atrocities and fires that destroyed five San Jose Chinatowns. She is a prolific writer and columnist for Asian Week, Chinatown News in Vancouver, BC, Silicon Valleys DingDing TV, and Gentry Magazine. Gerrye has also written two books and given numerous interviews that chronicle the local Chinese American community, its culture, and its history. Her lifetime of written work has resulted in a sizable archive of historical source material about Bay Area Chinese Americans. The AASLH leadership awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. It is the most prestigious recognition of its kind, and winners represent the best in the field. CHCPs mission is to promote, preserve, and educate citizens about Chinese and Chinese American history and culture. Besides operating the Chinese American Historical Museum, CHCP offers cultural and educational events and activities, a student docent program, and resources to advance AAPI interests throughout the Silicon Valley region. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, visit aaslh.org. For more information about the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, visit chcp.org. QEPARO, Albania Voters in Himara, a southwestern town in Albania with a significant ethnic Greek population, will cast their ballots for a new mayor on Sunday. This election follows the removal and imprisonment of the previous mayor, Fredi Beleri, who was convicted of vote-buying in a case he and Greece claim is politically motivated. Nigerian artist Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has voiced his disappointment at not receiving any monetary reward for his support of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election. He was used according to him, but he chose to remain calm. Speaking during a recent live session with fans shared on X Saturday, the Zazu crooner argued that fighting the government was a pointless task, emphasising that the government has nothing to lose. Advertisement I supported Tinubu but I was not paid. I was not paid any money. We were the ones who supported Tinubu but were not paid. So since then, I mind my business, he said. READ MORE: Reactions As Portable Distributes Food Items Days After Calling Protesters Poor I did not interact with anyone, anyone did not interact with me. They used me, I became calm. Do not let them use you. Truly we are hungry but we should not be killing ourselves. Be calm. You burn each others houses, you claim you are fighting the government. What is the government losing now? We are the ones losing. You said we shouldnt go out to work for ten days. What will I eat? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest against economic hardship facing the country. The President made this known while addressing the country during his national broadcast on Sunday. Recall that may Nigerians have been invading streets across the nation, expressing their displeasure over the state of the current situation. Advertisement The demonstration, which has led to mayhem in some parts of the country, like Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Delta and Katsina. Reacting to the development in a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu begged Nigerians to halt the exercise and open doors for talk. He said: Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation. READ MORE: #EndBadGovernance: Tinubu To Address Nigerians On Sunday To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build. Speaking further, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensure public order, adding that his constitutional duty to protect the citizens. He said: As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has denied shooting a teenage protester in Kubwa, contrary to widespread reports. On the third day of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance demonstration, video footage circulated alleging that police command operatives killed an unidentified youngster. In response, the command released a statement through Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh stating that its operatives were not to blame for the teenagers death. Advertisement READ MORE: #EndBadGovernance: Omokri Slams Hungry Protester For Having Empty Pot While Holding Alcoholic Bitters She did, however, state that FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh has ordered a quick inquiry to determine the remote cause of death. According to her, the operatives deployed to the axis were not issued lethal arms but only anti-riot equipment not capable of causing the death of the teenager. The command urged locals to avoid disinformation, claiming that certain mischievous persons are using the current circumstances in the country to peddle fake news. Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) winner Hazel Onou Oyeze often known as Whitemoney has fired back at critics who accuse him of being mute on the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. The protests, which began on Thursday, August 1, have seen many Nigerians take to the streets to combat economic hardship and rising prices in various sections of the country. The 10 Days of Rage initiative, which uses the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, has gained national attention. Advertisement Many celebrities have been uncharacteristically silent since the protests began, triggering public outrage. WhiteMoney attracted backlash for sharing a dance video on Instagram amid the protests. In the comment section, some fans expressed disappointment with a user writing Your mate de protest you de Zuzu de Zuzu. Another user wrote, So you couldnt use ur platform to drop even 1 line of remark to plead with the government to the masses or promote the hashtag. Continue. READ MORE: It Screams, I Dont Care Iyabo Ojo Condemns Tinubus Silence On National Protests Reacting to the backlash on his social media page on Saturday, He claimed that he did not force anyone to vote for him during his season in the BBN house and that he is not the reason for their current situation. He mentioned that it had been three years since he left the show and requested Nigerians to let him breathe. Whitemoney stated that he is not an activist and would never be one, and advised anyone who does not like his content to unfollow. He wrote, Fellow Nigerians, please, I am not the cause of your current predicaments, biko, and I didnt force anyone to vote for me during my season at the BBN house, its over 3 years now, let me breathe. Edakun. Finally am not an activist and will never be. PSA: If you dont like my content, kindly unfollow me or waka pass ijn. Amen. See some reactions to his post The Culture Ville wrote, Many of these celebrities always sound dumb. Apparent corollary of por education Gmt0423 wrote, I agree with him. Let him be ___sweetmami_h2 wrote, Was he dragged for not participating? Ssi Builder wrote, Dem wan use reproach kill their favourite Chioma2405 wrote, Hes making sense; you people should allow this guy be. Must he get dragged into everything Distant Sunbae wrote, What do you expect from a light-skinned guy?. SEE POST: As part of efforts to promote sanctity of Nigerias education system, the National Youth Service Corps, has warned graduates of polytechnic and mono-technics without evidence of mandatory one-year Industrial Training, that they will not participate in the program. NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Yetunde Baderinwa, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos. Baderinwa told NAN that NYSC had issued a circular to that effect. Advertisement READ MORE: Corps Members Not Allowed To Participate In Hardship Protest NYSC Baderinwa said: It has been noticed in recent times that some graduates of polytechnics and mono-technics do not observe the mandatory one-year IT before being admitted for HND programme. The one-year IT is a prerequisite for HND. They must undergo the one-year IT with evidence of completion before going for HND, and institutions must confirm this before admitting them for HND. The directive will take effect from the next orientation camp, and we will not register any candidate who did not complete or undergo the process. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned some Nigerians who lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The President also expressed sadness over the destruction of properties recorded in some states during the demonstrations and sent his condolence to the family of the victims. At least seven people have been confirmed dead since the commencement of the protest last Thursday, with four of them caused by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements that infiltrated the protest and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Borno State. Advertisement Two people also died when an unregistered Honda car ran into protesters in another state, while one person died in Kebbi where a group of individuals mobilised to loot a shop and in the process, a local vigilante man shot and killed one of the looters. Reacting to the incidents on Sunday, during his nationwide broadcast, in Abuja, Tinubu said that he was aware of the turmoil and violence in some states notably by young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country. READ MORE: Ive Heard You Loud And Clear Tinubu To #EndBadGovernance Agitators The former governor of Lagos State also issued warning to hoodlums, taking advantage of the protest to loot and destroy innocent citizens properties. He said: I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them. I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction. As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart. To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build. Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO), on Saturday, termed untrue, the claim that it owes N600 million in unpaid taxes by the States Internal Revenue Service. The Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) had, on August 2, sealed the distribution companys (DisCo) headquarters over unpaid tax. Advertisement Zakari Muhammad, KADIRS Head of Corporate Communications, said the company was sealed after it obtained a court order. Speaking on the tax debt in a statement, Kaduna Electric accused the state government of resorting to cheap blackmail after failing to pay the debt. The DisCo also said it owes less than N400 million (instead of N600m) and has been adhering to an agreement to pay N20 million monthly since January 2024. Abdulazeez Abdullahi, KAEDCOs Head of Communications said: In a surprising turn of events, Kaduna Electric has found its headquarters in the state capital shut down by the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service. Kaduna IRS claims this action is due to the companys outstanding tax liabilities. Kaduna Electric is surprised by this development, the Company had demanded for payment of which the state government failed to honor for the last 6 months thus resulting to cheap black-mail, which is uncalled for and unnecessary. We stand by the fact that they have not paid a dime to Kaduna Electric for electricity consumed since January 2024 resulting in debt of N1.16billion, with a total outstanding of N2.9bil. The claim of liability of N600mil by Kaduna Electric is untrue, the Company owe less than N400mil with an agreement to pay N20mil monthly, these payments have been honoured by the Utility since January 2024. READ ALSO: Kaduna Seals DisCo Over N600m Tax Debt Since coming onboard of the new Management back in January, demonstrating its commitment to resolving all tax-related matters responsibly is up to date with payments including statutory monthly tax payments as well as settlement arrangements with the Kaduna Inland Revenue Service. Despite these efforts, the government has taken the drastic step of locking down the head-quarters, including the crucial command and control centre, which is integral to the companys operations. The closure has had a significant impact on Kaduna Electrics ability to maintain full operational control. The dispatch centre, essential for coordinating power supply, is now under lock and key. The DisCo said it has activated its disaster recovery plan to continue operations, but noted that the contingency measure limits its visibility and control over its network raising concerns about supply safety. The company assured the public that it is making efforts to maintain electricity supply, especially during this time of national distress. We are committed to ensuring that our customers receive uninterrupted power despite these hurdles. Reacting to the legality of the shutdown, the DisCo said the court order obtained by the KADIRS to seal its headquarters lacks jurisdiction. Matters of tax are to be heard by the Tax Appeal Tribunal, a specialised court. Moreover, it is illegal to distrain property for personal income tax, a point underscored by the companys legal team. Northwistanding, the Company shall be in obeyance of this order. The ongoing issue of non-payment for electricity by the Kaduna State Government significantly affects the entire electricity value chain, from generation companies to gas producers and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which are all vital for ensuring a stable power supply, the statement furthered. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially confirmed the receipt of Western F-16 fighter jets. According to the head of state, the modern fighters are already performing missions. ADVERTISIMENT On August 4, Air Force Day, Zelensky posted the first video of F-16s in Ukraine on his official Telegram channel. They, as well as MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, flew in the sky during a ceremony to greet the soldiers, the President's Office reported. Zelensky did not specify what tasks the fighters perform, but said that "the number of aircraft and pilots is not enough". "F-16s are in Ukraine. We have ensured this. I am proud of all our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country. I thank our team for this result," the president wrote. ADVERTISIMENT He also expressed gratitude to all partners "who are really helping with the F-16s," and to the first states to accept Kyiv's request for the aircraft - Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States, and all of Ukraine's partners. "We appreciate your support! And I wish our Air Force, all our soldiers to feel the pride of Ukrainians in our combat aviation and to bring Ukraine exactly the kind of combat results that will bring our victory - our just peace for Ukraine - closer. Glory to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to our people! Glory to Ukraine!" ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Bloomberg wrote about the first deliveries of F-16s from NATO countries, citing sources. The Economist magazine reported that there are already ten fighters in the Ukrainian sky. Hooked on Books, a used bookstore on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, where the shelves are filled with bestsellers, mysteries, and classics. Read more WILDWOOD A light rain fell on Pacific Avenue, a fine time to be a bookseller at the Jersey Shore, and as soon as Kieran Linnane unlocked the door on this midsummer morning, customers filed in by the dozens. They came to Hooked on Books looking for Elvis biographies, for naval history and Shakespeare and, with ribbons of blue sky visible to the west, young women came looking for the queens of beach reads, authors like Colleen Hoover and Elin Hilderbrand. Advertisement A rainy day is a busy day, Linnane, the stores co-owner, says. Its a few minutes past 10 a.m. and Linnanes hands are already full as he browses the shelves for misplaced books. Who puts Jackie Collins in with the classics? he says to himself with a lovely Irish accent. Linnane, who was born in Galway, and co-owner James Wright opened the bookstore in 1991, moving to the larger location here on Pacific Avenue in 1997. At the time, booksellers abounded at the Jersey Shore with chains like the now-defunct Atlantic Books having locations in just about every town from Cape May to Long Beach Island. Today, there are just a handful. Linnane said 2010, in particular, was a plague for independent stores. It was Amazon, he says of the demise. They choked the life out of it all. They were ruthless. Bookstores that do remain open at the Shore have supplemented income with what they call sidelines, everything from vinyl records to greeting cards to posters. They are things that have a higher margin, things like calendars and journals, things associated with reading, said Rosalyn Lifshin, co-owner of Ocean Citys Sun Rose Words & Music on Asbury Avenue. Books do not have the greatest margin. Linnane doesnt have sidelines at Hooked on Books, or even magazines. He doesnt sell books online and while there are some paintings and figurines atop the tallest shelves, no ones ever asked to purchase them. Its mostly books, everywhere, and its personal for Linnane. I have a favorite record shop in Ireland. I bought all my first records there and Im so sad when I go in there now because they sell shirts and magnets, and the records and CDs are like in a little corner and it just feels more like a gift shop, he says. New bestsellers and beach reads are front and center at Hooked on Books and some customers rarely venture deeper than the cash register, into the narrow aisles of towering shelves jammed with used books. Linnane prides himself on those used books. Wright often heads out after the morning rush to scour the area for them. Linnane and Wright have five warehouses full of books off the island, and one in Florida, where Linnane lives in the winter. In the store, Linnane tries to keep one copy of a book on the shelf to save space, but the back stockrooms are a veritable catacomb of books, stacked to the ceiling, and hes got steady sellers ready to move up front to replace a copy thats sold. There were at least a dozen copies of Robert Ludlums The Cry of the Halidon waiting in the wings back there. Hooked on Books doesnt accept book donations, to keep their deeply curated sections on point. I love books, Linnane says, but I cant love them all. Hooked on Books has sections and shelves on Race, Culture & Language, Westerns, Meditation, and, of course, Irish Authors. Customer Augustine Coffaro, of Staten Island, was browsing the history section. Hes been coming to the store, while on vacation, for decades. Its not just that its affordable, he says. They have a great selection. Linnane takes pride in his vast selection of mysteries, a genre he believes is perfect when your toes are in the sand. Im always proud of the classics too, he said. To see someone walk out of here with an armful of Fitzgerald and Hemingway gives me hope. And young people buy them too and not just for summer reading but because they want to read them. That impresses me. Lifshin, at Sun Rose, said young customers, particularly teenage girls, are some of her steadier customers. Shes seen their interest in books increase in recent years. I have so many teenage girls that come in and out of here all week, she said. TikTok has played a big role in that, with influencers talking about certain books. At Hooked on Books, customer Charlene Fryberg, of Staten Island, waited outside with her daughter for 10 minutes before Linnane arrived. She wore an Elvis T-shirt and carried an Elvis handbag and already spotted an Elvis book through the window. You name it, Im Elvis, she said. By noon, the sky was cloudless and people passed the store hauling wagons and beach chairs. The tide was going out at Hooked on Books, but Linnane was still busy putting books back in their rightful place. People come here and theyll spend hours here and realize they have too many books and put some back, he said. Its a good problem. People out in the Delaware River enjoying the 5th annual Floatopia with Upstream Alliance at Pyne Poynt Park in Camden, N.J., on Saturday. Read more Without flinching, 8-year-old Lincoln Kiessling gently splashed Delaware River water over his freckled face on a sultry degree Saturday, joining about 80 people who floated on colorful inflatables and other watercraft as part of a water-quality-awareness event called Floatopia. The initiative organized by nonprofit Upstream Alliance has brought people to Pyne Poynt Park in Camden and the back channel off the Delaware River waterfront there since 2019 to help promote efforts to make the waterway more swimmable and accessible. Advertisement The mud is my favorite part, Kiessling said as, some would suggest, the daring entered the water with inner tubes, canoes, and kayaks. Rivers tend to get muddy after storms, and Friday nights rain almost canceled the event because of the potential for sewage spillage. Is it safe to swim in the Delaware River? People are allowed to swim, fish, and float in certain sections of the Delaware. But, rain can cause a problem due to Philadelphias combined sewer system. Stormwater and wastewater share some of the same pipes to the treatment plant. When it rains, there is a risk the pipes will overflow and sewage water will end up in the Delaware. Statistically, 15 billion gallons of Philadelphias sewage-polluted water end up in river streams such as the Delaware yearly. But, there is no system for people to know when its safe or not to access the water. Neither Camden nor Philadelphia have regular testing to be able to do that, so we have to base ourselves on the one-inch-of-rain standard, said alliance president Don Baugh. If it hasnt rained more than an inch within 24 hours, a river is considered safe for close contact activities, Baugh said. We do half an inch to be extra safe, he added. With this in mind, avid open-water swimmer Jacques-Jean JJ Tiziou left his rubber sandals behind and lowered himself into the river, leaving only his head out of the water. The water is delicious, cool but not cold, just wonderful, he said. Tiziou was not scared; he was there to help raise awareness. We should be encouraging people to get in the water, especially as days get hotter with global warming, and [the governments] should be doing everything they can to improve the water quality. Plans to clean the Delaware River Philadelphia Councilmember Mark Squilla attended the event, as his district stretches along the Delaware River. Unlike the mayor of Paris, who was demonstrating that her city was ready to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, Squilla did not plunge into the river Saturday, citing another commitment. But he is preparing to introduce legislation in September to help address some of the water quality issues. Its hard to ask people to use the river if the river isnt clean, Squilla said. The goal is to draw attention to how much the sewage is being allowed into the river and what we can do to stop that amount. The resolution, he said, will outline a plan to hopefully work with the Philadelphia Water Department and environmental organizations to see how to get resources to make changes that prevent sewage overflow into the river. A system that allows people to know when its safe to swim, based on bacteria levels, is likely to be part of the project. Last year, UPenns Water Center recommended such a system after their Delaware water study found fecal coliform, E.coli, and enterococci. E.coli, in particular, can cause gastrointestinal infections when ingested, said Medicos Unidos Pa. doctor Jose Torradas. A lot of people who go swimming will inevitably end up ingesting some of it, experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers, Torradas said. He recommends that immunocompromised people and children under the age of 5 avoid getting into the river after rainy days. Because Floatopia happens on days when the water has not been contaminated with sewer system overflow, organizers said no one has ever gotten sick while attending. This year, attendees were able to enjoy floating in the water for four hours, enjoying sandwiches and snacks, live music, and even face painting. The snapping turtles are more scary than the water, said Lucas Kiessling, Lincolns 11-year-old brother. Americas founders were a little unclear about a lot of stuff were still arguing after 233 years about just what the heck they were saying about guns in the Second Amendment but they seemed very adamant about one idea. Bribery is bad for democracy. Advertisement In fact, the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution spells out bribery as first on its list of things for which a corrupt president or other federal official can be removed from office, ahead of treason and other high crimes and misdemeanors. In case that was too ambiguous, the framers also wrote up the emoluments clause, using an anachronistic term to essentially bar the president and other officeholders from accepting gifts or payments from foreign countries or their rulers. It seems pretty clear, yet over the course of the 21st century, something has gone awry. A corrupt U.S. Supreme Court, aided by a flawed system of criminal justice that gives every possible break to white-collar crooks while cracking down on the underprivileged, hasnt quite legalized bribery but made it a lot easier to get away with. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton must be spinning in their graves over some of the recent developments. The backsliding accelerated in the fateful political year of 2016 when SCOTUS threw out the corruption conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, whod been lavished with gifts like Rolexes and a Ferrari from a businessman, with the justices insisting it wasnt proved that the governor had done anything in return for such largesse. This undermined other federal bribery cases, but it got worse. This year, the high court in a stunning 6-3 verdict tossed out the corruption conviction of an Indiana mayor who took $13,000 from a company hed just awarded a city contract because this seeming bribe was given after the fact. Im sure youll be shocked shocked to learn that two of the Supreme Court justices who voted to legalize a cut-and-dried form of bribery have been accused of improperly accepting gifts from billionaires with an interest in what happens at the nations highest court. In the most extreme case, Justice Clarence Thomas has been pegged with accepting a whopping $4 million-plus in luxury vacations, a relatives private school tuition, and even an RV much of it initially undisclosed. The response to these domestic emoluments has largely been institutional silence from a toothless Congress, a deer-in-the-headlights U.S. Justice Department, and his fellow justices who refuse to adopt a meaningful code of ethics. At this point, one has to wonder: Where is rock bottom? We may have just found it. On Friday, the Washington Post broke a bombshell story about a credible allegation of bribery involving the 2016 election of Donald Trump, Egypts dictator Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and a mysterious $10 million all-cash withdrawal from an Egyptian state-run bank just five days before Trump became president and adopted a more friendly aid policy toward the Middle Eastern nation. The rumors of such an investigation have kicked around for years most famously in the latter days of Trumps term, when part of a federal courthouse was closed off while prosecutors pushed for records from the Egyptian bank, although few details were known at the time. The new Post investigation revealed a stunning detail that the Cairo bank had received a note from an agency believed to be Egyptian intelligence to kindly withdraw nearly $10 million in two, 100-pound bags full of U.S. $100 bills, five days before Trump became 45th president. The case, which kicked off with a tip from a credible U.S. intelligence asset of a $10 million bribe from the Sisi regime to Trump to pay for a last-minute ad blitz in the 2016 campaign, remains a circumstantial one, lacking the smoking gun that could lie in Trumps unexamined bank records. But what remarkable circumstances these are. We know Trump reluctantly, at the urging of aides did inject $10 million into his campaign in its final days. The Post said a Trump campaign official later told the FBI the money was structured as a loan that could be repaid to Trump. We now know about the Egyptian withdrawal of nearly $10 million in American cash, in line with the intelligence tip. And we know Trump cozied up to Sisi largely a U.S. pariah during the Obama administration and even called him my favorite dictator before releasing nearly $1.4 billion in military aid to Egypt that had been held up because of its human rights abuses. The missing link in the probe was Trumps bank records, which might have shown receipt of $10 million. But, as the Post chronicled in great detail, the case was handed off in 2019 from the former special counsel, Robert Mueller, whod chased the tip aggressively, to political appointees in then-Attorney General William Barrs Justice Department, including Barr himself. The Trump appointees refused to go after Trumps bank records from 2017 as he became president even after the evidence of the Egyptian withdrawal that January. And President Joe Bidens AG Merrick Garland, whose tenure has been marked by his political cowardice, didnt restart the case before the statute of limitations expired in January 2022. In many ways, the failed bribery probe is not an isolated incident. This is the third major case in addition to the allegations of a Trump cover-up in Muellers probe of 2016 Russian election interference, and the 2016 hush money to Stormy Daniels that eventually led to Trumps conviction on 34 state felony counts in which Barr is alleged to have put his finger on the scales of justice in a case involving the president who appointed him. That alone is worthy of a congressional investigation. READ MORE: The giant U.S. scandal we dont talk about | Will Bunch Newsletter Meanwhile, the recent, commendable conviction of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez for accepting gold bars and cash bribes tied to ... wait for it ... the government of Egypt showed what happens when such cases can be brought before a jury of everyday Americans. But the Menendez case feels like the exception that proves the rule. Far too much blatant corruption in both parties that would have shocked the founders is met with a giant shrug. I agree it was wrong and immoral (although probably not illegal in the current climate) when a Ukrainian energy company paid millions to the son of a then-vice president, Hunter Biden, for expertise he clearly did not have. Id argue it looks far worse when a presidential son-in-law who became a White House aide heavily involved in Middle East policy leaves office with a $2 billion Saudi investment in his new fund (also, expertise he doesnt really have) that means $80 million or so in fees. And yet, the Democrats who will investigate their own in Menendez or Hunter Biden have been shockingly weak in pursuing Jared Kushners Saudi Arabia dealings. Before dropping out, President Biden kept telling us democracy is on the ballot in November. But what kind of democracy are we fighting for if bribery is becoming increasingly legal, or untouchable? The belief that everybody and everything is for sale in America has created a remarkable aura of cynicism that permeates our politics. One of the many ironies is that Trump, who may or may not have benefited from a $10 million bribe that makes the Watergate crimes of Richard Nixon look like jaywalking, also benefits from this nihilism, the notion that none of that jazz like facts or ethics actually matters. And yet, the Posts report of the most serious presidential bribery allegation in American history all but vanished from our wild political news cycle, like it fell between the cushions of JD Vances couch or whatever else were obsessing about on TikTok. It doesnt have to be this way. If freedom is the new buzzword, America needs to be freed from bribery. Do not let the matter of Trump, Egypt, and the $10 million disappear. Although its tragic the criminal statute of limitations expired, any alleged bribe can still be pursued as a civil case. More importantly, Congress for now, that means the Democratic-controlled Senate needs to open a full-blown investigation, with efforts to subpoena Barr and other Justice Department higher-ups to explain in public why the case was dropped. Whats more, Democratic candidates running to retake control of both houses of Congress in 2025 need to pledge they will strengthen federal bribery laws in the face of these outrageous SCOTUS decisions. Kamala Harris should promise to appoint an attorney general who will make political corruption a top priority, and not just among Democrats. The other wrinkle is the recent, abysmal Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity for so-called official acts that would have made Trumps pro-Egypt policies the quo in this alleged quid pro quo off limits. The next Congress must pass legislation that spells out that a president is not above the law. Anyone can talk about making America great again, but thats not really going to happen until we make bribery a crime again. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Gov. Josh Shapiro is considered a front-runner to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. He's had a big vision since he was a child. Read more One spring day in 1986, Josh Shapiro became a bar mitzvah. Rabbi Aaron Landes told the packed congregation at Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park that there was something special about the boy. Joshua, Rabbi Landes said, carried himself with a special dignity that is reflective of a young man with a purpose, a goal. Advertisement Thirty-eight years later, that young man still has a big vision. Shapiro, Pennsylvanias governor, could be named Vice President Kamala Harris running mate this week, catapulted onto an international stage. In a way, its the next step in a journey that Shapiro has been preparing for since he was a child growing up in Dresher, Montgomery County. Children for Avi A May 27, 1986, Inquirer story detailed the bar mitzvah of Joshua, a dark-haired boy whose coming-of-age ceremony was particularly notable because of a guest who was present: Avi Goldstein, 12. Shapiro and Avi had been pen pals since the American boy was 6 years old. Avi and his family were refuseniks, Soviet Jews denied the right to emigrate to Israel. Avis father, physicist Isai Goldstein, tried for 14 years to leave the Soviet Union. The Goldsteins were persecuted because they were Jewish, The Inquirer reported. Their apartment was searched and their relatives sent to prison. The Goldsteins, who lived in the town of Tbilisi, the capital of what is now Georgia, educated their son at home after second grade, but eventually sent him back to school at age 11. Avi was first beaten until he suffered a concussion, then after school officials promised his family they would keep him safe, he was attacked again classmates grabbed him, removed his clothes, and took a picture of his circumcised penis, The Inquirer reported. Shapiro, who learned about the Goldsteins from his synagogue and school, Forman Hebrew Day School, had written faithfully to Avi. But in 1985, he spearheaded a letter-writing campaign Children for Avi with participants from the U.S., Canada and England. The aim was to get national attention to the familys plight. After Avi was attacked for the second time at school, the family again appealed to authorities. In February, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy announced that Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to let 25 Soviet Jews, including the Goldsteins, leave the country. In May 1986, Avi and Shapiro stood side-by-side at Beth Sholom as Josh became a bar mitzvah. Avi only spoke a few words of English, and until his visit to the United States, his father told The Inquirer in 1986, he had never seen a Torah. At his friends ceremony, Avi chanted a blessing in Hebrew. Avi sat with Shapiro, who had corresponded faithfully over the years, writing every month. Shapiros letters were full of details about the life of an American boy, the 1986 Inquirer story said. Avis letters, probably the victims of a Soviet censor, never made it to Joshuas house. But messages were smuggled out of the Soviet Union to the Dresher boy, Avis father said. Shapiro, in his bar mitzvah speech, said he had lost hope that Avi would be let go in time to celebrate his bar mitzvah. I thought I would have to symbolically share this with him, Shapiro said in his speech. Though he was delighted that the Goldsteins had finally been allowed to leave, the 13-year-old future governor took a big-picture view: His work was not done, he said. Shapiro said in his bar mitzvah speech that he continued to worry about thousands of other [Jewish] children still enslaved in the Soviet Union. An evolution on Israel Shapiros activism on behalf of Avi Goldstein was formative, he has said. In 2022, he told The Forward that these are memories that probably have led me into this life of service. Later, when he was a student at the University of Rochester in 1993, Shapiro wrote in his college newspaper that he believed peace will never come in the Middle East and that Palestinians were too battle-minded to coexist with Israel. A spokesperson for Shapiro told The Inquirer the governors views have evolved in the 30 years since then. He now supports a two-state solution in the Middle East. Shapiro, along with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, is a front-runner to be the Democratic vice presidential nominee. He met with Harris in Washington this weekend. Harris has announced she will make her first public appearance with her vice presidential pick Tuesday in Philadelphia, at the Liacouras Center on Temple Universitys campus. (Managing Director Adam Thiel during graduation ceremonies for the police academy Class #402 at Temple University in June. He is standing with Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel (left) and Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer (center). Read more When Philadelphia residents blasted plans for a drug treatment shelter in Fairmount, Managing Director Adam K. Thiel bore the brunt of their anger. When lawmakers had questions about Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers plans to clean up Kensington, they grilled him. Advertisement And when crises have hit, like a police officer being shot in June, Thiel is on the frontline, flanking the mayor. Its been a tumultuous first seven months for the citys former fire commissioner, now the No. 2 official in city government. As managing director, Thiel, 52, oversees day-to-day city operations and is often a point person on thorny issues, such as Parkers signature goal of ending the Kensington drug market. Under former Mayor Jim Kenney, Thiel was viewed as an effective emergency management expert, and generally kept a lower profile. Now hes increasingly in the spotlight. The Center City resident and father of four adult children has a sprawling resume and is a national leader in fire safety. While fire commissioner, he taught at two universities, pursued two post-graduate degrees, served on numerous professional boards, secured a coveted fellowship, and spoke at international conferences. His affairs outside of city government also include consulting work. During his final two years as commissioner, he earned nearly a half-million dollars from two firms he cofounded, representing his largest source of income. While other government officials have second jobs, Thiels work stands out for its scope and its opacity. Thiel continues to work part time as a consultant while overseeing more than a dozen city agencies, including the fire department, prisons, streets, Licenses & Inspections, and public health. In an interview, he refused to disclose his consulting clients. One of his firms has no website; the other appears to have removed an online client list after The Inquirer asked about the business. When Thiel was fire commissioner, the department directed federal grant money to one of his former clients. Thiel said his work never violated ethics guidelines, and his colleagues said his other jobs didnt appear to interfere with his official duties. Parker said in an interview that she was aware of Thiels consulting work when she hired him and that it fortifies her confidence in him because hes a top expert in his field. His intellectual prowess, his institutional knowledge, and his academic preparedness to meet this moment, and his professional experience, she said, has him as a highly sought-after thought and opinion leader in this field of emergency management. Juggling firefighting and side jobs Thiel was a 19-year-old college student in the early 90s when he drove by a firehouse in Montgomery County, Md., that was looking for volunteers. He signed up and was hooked, attracted to the teamwork and the feeling that every day would be different. He worked stints as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, and hazmat tech in North Carolina and Virginia. In 1999, he started his first consulting company, A-K Thiel Ltd., advising fire departments and government agencies. I wanted to make sure that I had backup options if I ever got hurt, he said. A lot of firefighters and paramedics have side jobs. Mine was consulting. Then, firefighting changed dramatically. Thiels daughter was weeks old on Sept. 11, 2001, when was working in Virginia and a jet slammed into the Pentagon. He raced to the scene, then spent days decontaminating other firefighters as they emerged from the wreckage. Its one of the few parts of his personal life that hes spoken about publicly. At a 9/11 memorial in Philadelphia two years ago, Thiel said that for the first responders like him, theres no danger of ever forgetting. Thiel climbed through leadership roles at a variety of fire agencies, moving to a Phoenix suburb to serve as deputy chief in 2004. There, he and a business partner cofounded FACETS, a consulting firm that specializes in public-safety management, disaster preparedness, and related fields. Thiel remains a principal, but said he does not manage day-to-day operations. In 2007, Thiel became fire chief in Alexandria, Va., and later served as Virginias deputy secretary of public safety and homeland security. When Kenney became mayor in 2016, he hired Thiel as fire commissioner, bringing in an outsider despite some in the department pushing for an internal hire. Thiel won over much of the rank and file, advocating to reopen fire companies closed during the recession and fighting for budget increases to buy new equipment. He was in line with our vision and gave our members the tools and provided equipment and safety nets that they didnt have, said Mike Bresnan, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22. Bresnan said firefighters came to see Thiel who had himself dived into burning buildings before as one of their own. Thiel promised his department hed do what he could to reduce injuries and fatalities, but he was also honest: It is something that you accept as being part of the job. The rest of the city got to know Thiel through tragedy. In 2022, he was the face of the citys response to one of the worst in recent memory: a Fairmount rowhouse blaze that killed 12 people from the same family, nine of them children. Official reports said the cause was a child playing with a lighter who set a Christmas tree ablaze. Thiel saw a different root cause: the dearth of safe, affordable housing. It is much too simple and its wrong to blame a 5-year-old, he said at the time. Its much bigger than that. Outside income and an opaque consultancy As managing director, Thiel is today one of the highest-paid municipal employees, earning $310,000 a year, and wields significant influence over city policy and contracting. Last year, Thiel reported in financial-disclosure forms that he earned more than $334,000 in outside income, dwarfing his $252,000 fire commissioner salary. In Thiels earlier years as commissioner, he earned far less in consulting income than he did over the last two years. Records show that in 2018, the IRS filed a $257,000 tax lien against him and his ex-wife that involved unpaid business taxes Thiel said the lien was linked to his divorce and that he entered into a payment plan with the IRS. Most of Thiels outside income in the following years came from Pantheon Global Strategies, a firm he founded in 2021 that is based out of a second home in Delaware. In an interview, Thiel described Pantheon as a C Corporation that does consulting work, and would not disclose its clients. He later said in writing that Pantheons only client is FACETS his older consultancy and that FACETS clients were listed online. Earlier this year, the FACETS website listed a handful of clients, including the national firefighters union and fire safety companies. After The Inquirer asked Thiel about his clients, the page was altered to display a list of cities where the company has completed projects. Sharon Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Managing Directors Office, said the FACETS website is updated regularly like most companies. She said many clients past and present are not publicly shared out of privacy or request. City ethics codes do not require Thiel to disclose his current or former clients. But Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the good-government group Committee of Seventy, said top officials should set an example for public servants by being as transparent as possible. Outside income streams themselves arent indicative of anything nefarious, she said, but given how many local politicians have been found by courts to have abused that trust, our leaders need to go above and beyond to show Philadelphians that theyre not taking advantage of the paychecks funded by taxpayers. Among the clients seemingly removed from the FACETS website is Kidde, an emergency supply manufacturer that received part of a $1 million dollar federal grant distributed by the city to purchase smoke detectors for distribution in Philadelphia in 2017, while Thiel was fire commissioner. He said his financial relationship with Kidde predated his time as fire commissioner. Kidde did not respond to a request for comment. Thiel said his consulting work never violated city ethics guidelines, which prohibit conflicts of interest, such as city employees taking official action that benefits a client of their outside business. He said the citys chief integrity officer and a lawyer for Parkers campaign reviewed and approved his outside work, which he said currently takes fewer than 10 hours a week. Under city rules, he is not required to disclose outside income he earns this year until next spring. A turbulent start in Parkers administration In the top rungs of Parkers administration, Thiel is unique. Hes a registered independent who hasnt been involved in politics. Parker has run for office seven times. Her three other closest advisers are Democratic operatives who formerly worked in the White House or Harrisburg. So its perhaps unsurprising that the rockiest moments of Thiels year have come down to politics. In March, lawmakers peppered him with questions about Parkers proposal to spend $100 million on triage and wellness facilities for people who use drugs. He said at the time one could open in weeks, but offered few details. A month later, The Inquirer reported the Parker administration had quietly expanded capacity inside a Fairmount shelter to accommodate people who use drugs. Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., who represents Fairmount, wasnt informed. He and other members were incensed. Days later, Thiel was back in front of Council, testifying about the facility and an upcoming homeless encampment clearing. He got into heated exchanges with members who said he wasnt answering their questions. Every time you say, Trust us, we want to do it, Councilmember Rue Landau said, but then something takes us a step backward. Former Managing Director Phil Goldsmith said the job is intended to be apolitical, but managing directors have often borne the brunt of criticism aimed at mayoral administrations. In 2020, then-managing director Brian Abernathy resigned following criticism of the citys response to racial-justice protests. Being the fire commissioner, you have one basic objective, and thats putting the fire out, Goldsmith said. Managing director, you got a lot of balls in the air. Despite the dustups hes had so far, Thiel exudes confidence and stays on message relentlessly. The day after the Fairmount community meeting where Thiel faced down angry residents he was asked whether hed recovered from the night before. I can take it, Thiel said. When youve almost been killed a couple times, you tend to toughen up. Martin Gale and Charles Tyrrell are both painters, though their work could hardly be more different; Gale is known for his portrayals of human and animal figures in highly detailed landscape settings, while Tyrrell has stuck resolutely to abstraction throughout his career. Their work can be seen, this month and next, in a joint exhibition called In Parallel at the Sarah Walker Gallery in Castletownbere, Co Cork. Gale is based in Co Kildare, and Tyrrell in Allihies, on the Beara peninsula in West Cork, but the two have been close friends since they first met, at the National Gallery of Art and Design in 1968. Both remember that NCAD was peaceful enough to begin with. For two years, they attended the practical workshops required of Foundation students before they could proceed to the traditional three-year School of Painting programme. It would have been the same sort of schooling that happened in France and England, but a century earlier, says Tyrrell. It was figurative based. You worked from the antique statue. You started at the feet, and worked your way up to the head. You didnt get into the life room until 3rd Year. The students, and particularly those whod familiarised themselves with contemporary art, soon wearied of this style of teaching. Gale remembers being taken by the Pop Art hed seen in London, while Tyrrell was smitten by the Abstract Expressionism hed encountered while working in Boston in the summers. Around the end of our second year, there was a bit of a revolution, says Gale. This is to put it mildly; for the first time in NCADs history, the students refused to engage with the curriculum. There were protests and lock-ins. We were sleeping in the college and everything. The student body kind of broke into three sections; those who went off and did teaching; those who became very involved in politics; and those like me and Charlie, who went to all the meetings, and supported the revolt, but were also really interested in getting on with the work. NCAD students, including Martin Gale and Charles Tyrrell, in the 1960s. The authorities dithered over how to react. And so, for their last three years in college, the students were effectively left to their own devices. We took over this whole gallery space in the college, says Tyrrell. The tutors would barely set foot in it. You could say there was a fair degree of anarchy at large, but there was some very good work being done. Tyrrell had his first exhibition at the Project Arts Centre before he even graduated. NCAD didnt want to release my paintings because, technically, any work thats done by a student is actually the property of the college. This was being thrown at me, but we were all too arrogant to entertain that or to worry about it. A big team of us carried my whole exhibition of paintings - this train of canvases - from NCAD to the gallery on South King St. Gale had a two-man show with another contemporary, Johnny Davidson, at the Davis Gallery in 1972. Funnily enough, the professor of painting at NCAD, John Kelly, came to the opening. I think it was the first time he'd ever seen our work. As young graduates, all three submitted work to the annual Irish Exhibition of Living Art. I got rejected the first year, says Gale. But I got in the next year, when Johnny Davidson won first prize. I was working in a pea factory in Northamptonshire that summer, and I got word that two of my paintings had sold. One went for sixty quid, the other for forty. And that was it; I gave up the peas for the painting. Tyrrell stayed on in Dublin for ten years or so after graduating, before decamping for Allihies, while Gale relocated to Co Wicklow almost immediately. Later, he moved to Co Kildare, where he has been settled for many years. As an artist, he has always taken inspiration from the natural world, but to label his paintings as landscapes would be to misunderstand his intentions. I dont do scenery, he says. The landscape just happens to be where the paintings are set. Its the starting point, but not the subject. A lot of whats in my paintings is made up. A number of his new paintings feature anxious birds flying through copses of trees. That idea began with a book of Johnny Cashs poetry, he says. One poem in the book is called The Dogs Are In The Wood, and the next line is And the huntings looking good. So this is not Wordsworth, you know, but the title stuck in my head. You dont see any dogs in the painting, but there are all these startled birds, flying in one direction. We dont know why, but for some reason theyve been startled. When I was working on that painting, just after Christmas, there was a lot on the News about fleeing refugees, that was in the air at the time. Martin Gale and Charles Tyrrell in Castletownbere. Despite living between the mountains and the sea in Allihies, Tyrrell has never felt tempted to paint the landscape. Indeed, most of his work over the past 50 years has begun with a fascination with the grid. His new works are among his most minimalistic, layers and layers of paint built up to what he calls an absence of colour. With these paintings, he says. I started building grids by placing random elements on the canvas. One square here, one there, two there. And then, it's really just a case of pulling them all together into a unified whole. If these paintings are about anything, its the awkward accommodation that has to take place, the twisting and turning to pull things together. Theyve ended up being very interesting and elegant. Theres a three-dimensional element to them, but thats a complete by-product. I have no control over that. After all these years, neither artist has ever regretted their choice of career, or indeed, their approach to painting. But surely each must, at some point in time, have felt tempted to try out the others technique? No, says Tyrrell. Never. Though I do remember sitting down to do some landscape drawing one time; I ended up writing Sky on the top of the page, and Grass below. I just dont do depiction. Has Gale ever looked at Tyrrells work, and thought, I could do that? Or a five-year-old child could do it? he laughs. No, I have great respect for what Charlie does, but hes followed his own path as an artist, and Ive followed mine. Thats why the name of the exhibition, In Parallel, is so apt. The National impress yet again Matt Berninger et al are such regular visitors to these shores that some of us could be forgiven at not being hugely excited at the prospect of their two-hour headline show on Saturday. It follows a gig at the 3Arena in 2023 and two relatively by-the-numbers albums last year. The National on stage at All Together Now 2024. But then they get onstage and you forget your qualms. They're irresistible. Berninger, like Nick Cave here two years ago, can't resist reaching out to the front rows and finds himself in the crowd just a couple of songs in. Their best song in recent years, 'Tropic Morning News', sounds electric, while 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' and 'The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness' are greeted as the anthems they are. Finding the Spark The most uplifting set of the weekend belongs to the youngest performers at All Together Now. It's the summer of the Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew as they take over the bespoke Belonging Bandstand for an hour at 5pm Saturday. Looking the part of seasoned pros, they sing and dance - and hula-hoop - all together with each getting their own moment and rap in the spotlight. With Kabin Crew head honcho GMC Beats urging them on, they and the crowd look like they're having the time of their lives. It's impossible not to smile or maybe even tear up at their talk of being proud of where they're from (Knocknaheeny) and overcoming difficulties. When they drop the song of the summer, 'The Spark', there must be about 20 kids onstage - it's utterly glorious. Mary Wallopers pack a punch After taking Glastonbury by storm early in the summer and with a seemingly non-stop touring schedule behind them, Dundalk trad band the Mary Wallopers take to the main stage in the early evening. Alas what should be a joyful homecoming runs into tech difficulties and it's more than 20 minutes in before they start to hit their stride. Revellers enjoying All Together Now Music at the Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford. But when they do, just try and stop them! 'Blarney Stone' and 'Eileen Og' are rollicking but it's the trio of 'quiet' songs in the middle, each taken by the main trio, Sean McKenna and Andrew and Charles Hendy, taking aim at the hypocrital anti-immigrant far right, which really stand out. 'Building Up and Tearing England Down' proves particularly powerful. Trad's next big band There are trad raves and trad porn, the latter hosted by the idiosyncratic, trolley-toting Acid Granny, to be found across the All Together Now Bill over the weekend. We keep hearing we're in a golden age of trad and folk music and it's so interesting to see people doing something different with it. Biird at All Together Now 2024 Mid-afternoon Saturday, the 11-piece all-female band Biird produce something approaching a wall of sound, with no less than three harps on stage. Clad mostly in white and with cowboy boots aplenty, they're headed by Lisa Canny, a seven-time All-Ireland champion on harp and banjo. Their sound skews country and western and their take on the likes of 'Tell Me Ma' is a lot of fun. Expect to hear a lot more about Biird as they take flight. Sing Along at the main stage There's too much fun to be had at Sing Along Social at the main stage in mid-afternoon. A staple of music and family-friendly festivals around the country, it's the brainchild of Aoife McElwain. It's basically karaoke writ large. Any scepticism can be left at the bar as they roll out hits by Ronan Keating and Shania Twain. Sing Along Social at All Together Now. There are at least 14 people, including a couple of drag queens, helping thousands of people shake off the cobwebs and scream loud, with props and crowd engagement - lines are made in the crowd for people to show off their best Michael Flatley and Jean Butler impressions during Riverdance - the order of the day. Simple fun expertly done. Last year, All Together Now took place in the days following the death of Sinead OConnor and saw numerous acts performing cover songs in tribute to her. A year on, it feels like one of the dominant themes of the fifth edition of the festival, which took place on Curraghmore Estate, Co Waterford, over the August bank holiday weekend, is bands speaking out against Israels war on Gaza. Joyous uproar during Aoife McElwain's Sing Along Social at the All Together Now festival at Curraghmore House in Co Waterford. The US RnB star Yaya Bey, during her set on Friday, takes a minute after her first song to shout out Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and anywhere else where war is going on. Death to the imperial ruler, she declares. Aoife McElwain, the head honcho behind the karaoke-en-masse Sing Along Social, during a joyous main stage performance in the sunshine, has Dreams by the Cranberries playing behind her and floating watermelon-slice props around her, one of the symbols of the people in Gaza. Derek O'Reilly, Cillian O'Reilly, and Larry O'Reilly enjoying the Jameson Connects Circle Stage at the All Together Now festival in Curraghmore House, Waterford. Picture: Brian McEvoy McElwain proclaims free Palestine to a chorus of cheers, trans rights are womens rights to more applause, and says everybody has the right to make their own dreams come true. Revellers having fun in the sun at the 2024 edition of All Together Now at the Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford. Picture: Orlaith Jane Dundalk trio The Mary Wallopers have become known for their rollicking, rousing trad singalongs, and while we do get those during their triumphant Saturday evening set, it is the quiet three songs in the middle that leave the biggest impression, singers Sean McKenna, who precedes one song by also shouting free Palestine!, and Andrew and Charles Hendy each taking the spotlight. The Mary Wallopers were one of many acts at All Together Now 2024 repeating the cry of 'Free Palestine'. Theres a lot of problems in the world but foreigners arent the problem, people on the dole arent the problem, says McKenna. The Mary Wallopers, who have had a busy summer of gigs, including a triumphant showing at Glastonbury, also found time to take part in rallies in Dundalk against the far right. Charles Hendys version of the Dubliners Building Up and Tearing England Down, feels especially poignant. Alongside all this, Palestinian flags and keffiyehs are found throughout the colourful crowd. Grub Circus Meanwhile, over at the Grub Circus food tent, this is my role in life, says Rory OConnell as Darina Allen smashes an eggshell in his hand, on her way to making her own mayonnaise in less than five minutes. Theyre onstage, alongside pastry chef JR Ryall, to celebrate 60 years of Ballymaloe House. Sweetlemondae performing on the Jameson Connects Circle Stage at All Together Now in Co Waterford. Picture: Brian McEvoy She would give you her undivided attention, Ryan says of Ballymaloe matriarch Myrtle Allens teaching. And theres not many people you can say that about. Curated by Irish Examiner food editor Joe McNamee, Grub Circus is a mishmash of talks featuring bakers, horticulturists, and ceramicists, focusing on various aspects of food and sustainability; indeed, some focused on Palestine too. But what a delightful lighthearted moment as cake is brought out and the tent sings happy birthday to Darina, who turned 76 two days earlier. James Vincent McMorrow performomg at All Together Now 2024 at the Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford. Picture: Orlaith Jane And while the festival played home to some seasoned names like The Prodigy, The National, Future Islands, and Natasha Bedingfield, the performance of the weekend goes to some of the youngest attendees at ATN. The National were one of the big hit acts at All Together Now 2024 in Co Waterford. The Spark has propelled the Kabin Crew from Knocknaheeny in Cork and the Lisdoonvarna Crew to international acclaim. They played for over an hour at the Belonging Bandstand and their self-penned songs about self-belief and pride of place leaves everyone beaming and believing that the next generation will be alright. The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, said that Russians should not fight sanctions. Instead, they should work on getting rid of dictator Vladimir Putin. ADVERTISIMENT Yermak posted the statement on his official Telegram channel on August 4. "The common goal of all Russians should be the liberation of Russia from the insane dictator Putin and his regime, not the fight against sanctions," he wrote. According to Yermak, sanctions should only be strengthened as long as Moscow continues its armed aggression against Ukraine. "Because the whole essence of Putin's regime is the desire for genocide, the destruction of Ukrainians as a nation, the seizure of territory. And sanctions are what restrain the regime's military machine and prevent it from developing its desire to kill people and children," Yermak said. ADVERTISIMENT The head of the OP added: the real goal should be to strengthen sanctions until the Russian military-industrial complex is completely stopped, the inability to make money on energy exports, and with it - the war. "Because the crimes of the regime only deprive all Russians of the future," he added. As reported by OBOZ.UA, on August 1, in Ankara, Turkey, a prisoner exchange took place between Russia and Belarus, as well as the United States, Germany and Slovenia. Moscow released WSJ journalist Evan Hershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan, and in return, in particular, received FSB killer Vadim Krasikov and spy couple Maltsev, who posed as Argentine citizens in Slovenia. ADVERTISIMENT The Russians released as a result of the big exchange immediately called on the West to ease sanctions against Russia. In particular, Andrei Pivovarov decided to "expose the myth that Russians are hated abroad" and said that they need to "lend a hand." And Vladimir Kara-Murza promised to continue working on the introduction of sanctions, but exclusively against the regime in Russia, calling "not to confuse the Kremlin regime and Russia." Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russia is one of a few countries that is spying in Ireland, while social media is a rich breeding ground for extremists leading to violence like that seen in Coolock, a top garda has said. Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, who heads the gardais Security and Intelligence Bureau, said that Russia is among a number of states seeking to support extremists groups here and create mistrust in the Government. He told RTEs This Week programme that gardai are particularly worried about countries in involved in espionage in Ireland and who may be attempting to steal secrets from the Irish State and from industries here. "We have a duty to investigate and manage the threats from hostile states and that includes espionage in the State, Mr McElgunn said. We are committed to monitoring the particular threats. Russia is one of those countries we have an interest in. Im cautious. Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with these countries. However, if we look at events in Salisbury, in the UK and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I dont think too many people would be surprised if I was to say Russia was one of these states. The assistant commissioner also said that gardai are monitoring the activities of China in Ireland, despite the countries having good diplomatic relations. Violent extremism Mc McElgunn said social media is enabling violent extremism, and he expects threats against politicians to increase. Far-right activists, meanwhile, are using social media which is a very valuable tool for such individuals while gardai believe a small group of people are acting as influencers and extremists who want to create division in society. If [you look at something] that is related to terrorism or violent political extremism on the left or right, it will show you more and more of that material until you are drawn into an echo chamber where theres no counter narrative," he said. "Youre only stuck with this world view and that is a rich breeding ground for the extremists. This is where they will harvest more and more of their people. Mr McElgunn said there are a relatively low number of key individuals operating here. He said extremists are driving violence like in Coolock or the Dublin riots but are cautious and can bring things to the line but not over the line. We are watching closely, he said. We will intervene from a national security perspective once they go over the line. Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust to Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill over protesters flying the tricolour during violent scenes in Belfast yesterday. Mr Harris and Ms ONeill spoke earlier today about the violence in the city yesterday, which erupted amid anti-migrant protests. A government spokesperson said that the two acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island. The Taoiseach also expressed disgust at those flying the Irish Tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents, the spokesperson added. Mr Harris also spoke about how Belfast has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace and build respect and inclusivity. Both the Taoiseach and First Minister have agreed to remain in contact, the spokesperson said. The contact between the two leaders comes after violent scenes in Belfast city centre yesterday, which saw missiles and fireworks launched at PSNI officers during a standoff between anti-migrant and anti-racists at Belfast City Hall. Anti-migrant protesters then moved towards the university, with clashes then taking place with residents of the Lower Ormeau Road. A supermarket was also burnt out on the Donegall Road. The protests were in response to the murder of three children in Southport earlier this week. In a post on X, Ms O'Neill said, "Racism and hatred have no placeand will never have a placeon our island. "Today, I spoke with Taoiseach Simon Harris following the deplorable attacks on communities and businesses in Belfast yesterday. "It is crucial that the PSNI and An Garda Siochana work together to hold those responsible for the violence to account. "I am committed to working together with everyone to continue building a better, and inclusive future for everyone." Meanwhile, those involved in violence which erupted following anti-immigration protests in Belfast will be dealt with "using the full force of the law", a senior police officer has vowed. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck revealed that three officers were injured during disorder in the city on Saturday. He said four arrests had been made, adding that police "will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved". The Party at the Port, the after-party to the Cork Pride Parade, was a huge success with thousands of people attending despite the poor weather conditions. This year Bambie Thug and Kabin Crew were the big draw along with MC Paul Ryder. Lack of specialist deaf facilities has forced a Cork couple to make the heartbreaking decision to send their young son to boarding school in Dublin. Ronan Palmer and his partner Sophie say they are determined to preserve their son Emiles first language Irish Sign Language (ISL) and the only way they can do this is to choose a secondary school for him hours away from their home. The 12-year-old is currently preparing to start sixth class in St Columbas in Douglas, a short commute from their home in Cork City. St Columba's is a primary girls school with facilities for the deaf. Next year, however, Emile will only be able to spend weekends at the family home as he will have to board during the week as a pupil at the Holy Family School for the Deaf in Cabra. Emile is able to decipher spoken language with the help of cochlear implants. However, the family is fearful he may lose the ability to sign without continued specialist support. The sixth-class pupil is fluent in Irish Sign Language and can also interact using British Sign Language after living in the UK with his family. Ronan explains the reasons behind their difficult decision to send their son to Dublin. We dont want Emile to ever lose his ability to sign. "He signs in his sleep the way other people sleep talk. If hes sick hell sign. Sometimes hell speak using ISL and switch to BSL half way through his sentence. This is his language. Deaf people sign because its natural. "A lot of people act like ISL is only a positive thing to have because its nice to have for the deaf community but its so much more than that. Its also important to hold on to the language because its unique and nobody else has it. A devastating brain injury at birth left Emile with hemiplegia a weakness which presents in one side of his body in addition to other issues. Sophie and Ronan battled to teach Emile sign language from a young age. Before he was even diagnosed as deaf we wanted to prioritise him learning sign language that would allow him to communicate as best as he possibly could" says Ronan. "That was really important to us. He couldnt speak and at one point we spent a lot of time struggling with speech and language therapists. They were asking us why we were trying to teach him sign language when we could just have him learn the equivalent of lamh. We spent a lot with speech therapists who were telling us that he didnt need to learn a new language. He could just show people a picture of something he wants. "A far as I was concerned, this would help him with getting things that he needs but he would have never been able to come up with poetry or do anything interesting with it. He would be able to deal with basic transactionals without being able to really express himself. The solution for us was to make him more communicative. Ronan says without specialist support as he moves into secondary school, Emile would risk losing his first language which would be devastating for him. Irish Sign Language is the first and/or preferred language of 5,000 deaf people in Ireland and about 40,000 people in general will communicate in ISL. It is a visual and spatial language with its own distinct grammar and not only is it a language of the hands, but also of the face and body. Irish Sign Language is different from all other sign languages such as British Sign Language, American Sign Language etc. Ronan says without specialist support as he moves into secondary school, Emile would risk losing his first language which would be devastating for him. Emile comes alive in the deaf community in a way he doesnt in any other area of life. Ceasing to use sign language would be like leaving a piece of him be outside the door that we would never get back. Sophie agrees, saying there is inadequate training and support for teachers and SNAs when in comes to deaf children. From as far back as when he was a baby I knew I couldnt deny Emile his own language. For me I dont mind him having a specialist school but I want him to have the signing. The training just isnt there to support teachers and SNAs working with deaf children. Ronan says while sending Emile to Dublin is understandably difficult, they can see the benefits. Having Emile attend boarding school is not an act of desperation because we know it will benefit him in so many ways. Every weekend he will come home after having the chance to meet so many new and wonderful people. However, we do have less choices and it seems like such a long way. "The secondary school in Cork we enquired about and visited had a deaf unit. They were extremely helpful and told us they would do everything they could to make it work but couldnt guarantee anything. Galway city has one of the worst transport systems in any European city, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said as he backs the development of light rail in the city. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Ryan disagreed with the Galway City Council executive, who have previously insisted that there is no need for a Luas in Galway. This is a critical crunch for the city of Galway. Does Galway go with the outer orbital motorway sprawl model, which is inherently unsustainable in my mind because its car dependent, Mr Ryan said. It sees a continuation of whats happened in Galway in the last 20 years, which is the worst transport system in any Irish city and probably in any European city where everyone lives on one side of the city and works on the other side and you dont have proper transport infrastructure between the two. The proposed Galway ring road has been mired in delays over recent years. While it was first approved in 2021, this planning decision was later quashed by the High Court in 2022. Mr Ryan has rejected claims by the Galway executive that there is no demand for a light rail project in the city. Now, the city executive has always said oh no, theres no demand for a Luas in Galway. There isnt the numbers to justify it. I dont agree with them. Mr Ryan described Galway as a spectacularly beautiful city, but that it has been ill-served by a badly planned sprawled model of development. He added that the city is coming around to becoming an active travel and public transport-oriented city, rather than being a city of cars and motorways. The former Green Party leader said that he believed light rail could be built in Galway, with the project first starting through the advent of bus corridors throughout the city. You start to build up the public transport corridor and then you switch to light rail, he said. The same in Cork. You build in Cork the bus corridor first and then you build the Cork light rail on the same route. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian assistance to help North Korea cope with damage from recent floods, in another sign of expanding relations between the two nations. In a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Mr Putin extended deep sympathy and support and conveyed his willingness to provide immediate disaster aid to help North Korea recover from the floods, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday. Russias state news agency Tass carried a similar report, saying Mr Putin told Mr Kim in the message: You can always count on our assistance and support. Ties between North Korea and Russia have been improving significantly amid widespread outside beliefs that North Korea has supplied conventional weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine in return for military and economic assistance. During a meeting in Pyongyang in June, Mr Kim and Mr Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked, in what was considered their biggest defence deal since the end of the Cold War. Large parts of North Phyongan province were left under water following heavy rain at the end of last month (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP) Mr Kim expressed his gratitude to Mr Putin over the offer for aid, saying he could deeply feel the special emotion towards a genuine friend in the most difficult period. But Mr Kim said North Korea has established its own rehabilitation plans and will ask for Russian assistance later if it is needed, according to KCNA. Heavy rain on North Koreas north-western region on July 27 flooded 4,100 houses, 7,410 acres of agricultural fields and numerous public buildings, roads and railways, according to KCNA. The scale of casualties is not known. KCNA recently quoted Mr Kim as saying the flood caused a casualty that cannot be allowed, but did not elaborate. On Thursday, rival South Korea also offered humanitarian support to North Korea. Observers say North Korea will likely ignore or turn down the South Korean proposal, as animosities between the two countries are at one of their highest points in years. During a visit on Friday to a military unit involved in operations to evacuate residents stranded by the floods, Mr Kim called South Korea scum as he lambasted what he called rubbish South Korean media for allegedly tarnishing the Norths image by exaggerating the death tolls from the floods. He did not mention South Koreas offer to provide aid. A common type of bacteria has been found to make certain cancers melt, scientists have discovered. Researchers said that they were brutally surprised to find that Fusobacterium a bacteria commonly found in the mouth appears to have the ability to kill certain cancers. People whose head and neck cancers were found to have this bacteria within their cancer have also been found to have much better outcomes, according to a new study. Dr Anjali Chander and Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira were surprised by their finding (Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust/PA) The exact biological mechanisms behind the link are being keenly studied by researchers at Guys and St Thomas and Kings College London, after they made the initial finding. Their new study, conducted in collaboration with an international team of researchers, used a number of different methods to study the link. Scientists used modelling to help identify which bacteria may be of interest to further investigate. Then they studied the effect of the bacteria on cancerous cells in a laboratory and also performed an analysis on data on 155 patients with head and neck cancer whose tumour information had been submitted to the Cancer Genome Atlas database. This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer - that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells Academics initially expected a completely different outcome as previous research has linked Fusobacterium to the progression of bowel cancer. In the laboratory studies, researchers put quantities of the bacteria in Petri dishes and left them for a couple of days. When they returned to inspect the effect of the bacteria on the cancer, they found that the cancer almost disappeared. They found that there was a 70 to 99% reduction in the number of viable cancer cells in head and neck cancer cells after being infected with Fusobacterium. And analysis of the patient data found that those with Fusobacterium bacteria within their cancer had better survival odds compared with those who did not Fusobacterium detectability in head and neck cancers was associated with a 65% reduction in risk of death compared with patients whose cancers did not contain the bacteria. Our findings are remarkable and very surprising. We had a eureka moment when we found that our international colleagues also found data that validated the discovery Researchers hope the finding could help guide treatment for patients with head and neck cancer which include cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses. Experts said that there have been few therapeutic advances in head and neck cancer in the last 20 years so it is hoped the finding could potentially lead to new treatments in the future. In essence, we found that when you find these bacteria within head and neck cancers, they have much better outcomes. The other thing that we found is that, in cell cultures, this bacterium is capable of killing cancer, senior study author Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira told the PA news agency. What were finding is that this little bug is causing a better outcome based on something that its doing inside the cancer. So we are looking for that mechanism at present, and it should be the theme for a new paper in the very short-term future. Dr Reis Ferreira, a consultant in head and neck cancers at Guys and St Thomas and senior clinical lecturer at Kings College London, added: This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells. However, this finding should be balanced by their known role in making cancers, such as those in the bowel, get worse. He told PA: The research in colorectal cancer indicates that these bacteria are bad, and that was kind of ingrained into our minds, and we were expecting to find the same thing. When we started finding things the other way around, we were brutally surprised. Dr Reis Ferreira said that before the lab work, led by Dr Anjali Chander, the team expected for Fusobacterium to encourage these cancers to grow or make them more resistant to radiotherapy. But they actually found at the end of a few days, it just destroys the cancer completely. You put it in the cancer at very low quantities and it just starts killing it very quickly, he said. And then we got the validation cohort in collaboration with an Italian group from Milan via (researcher) Tiziana Rancati. Dr Anjali Chander, senior clinical research fellow at Kings College London and lead author, added: Our findings are remarkable and very surprising. We had a eureka moment when we found that our international colleagues also found data that validated the discovery. Dr Reis Ferreira added: What it could mean is that we can use these bacteria to better predict which patients are more likely to have good or worse outcomes, and based on that, we could change their treatment so make it kinder in the patients that have better outcomes, or make it more intense in patients that are more likely to have their cancers come back. Scientists have published a paper on the finding in the journal Cancer Communications, which describes how Fusobacterium is toxic for head and neck cancer and how its presence may determine a better prognosis. Fusobacterium detectability was associated with both better overall survival and better disease-specific survival, the authors wrote. Barbara Kasumu, executive director of Guys Cancer Charity, which helped fund the study, said: We are proud to support the ground-breaking research conducted by Miguel and Anjali, which aims to enhance our understanding of head and neck cancer and develop more compassionate and effective treatments. A new round of violence in Bangladesh has left more than 30 people dead and hundreds of others injured as student protesters clashed with police and ruling party activists. The protests began as students called for an end to a quota system that awarded 30% of government jobs to relatives of veterans, but they escalated into violence that left more than 200 dead in July. Protesters are now calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Authorities closed schools and universities across the country on Sunday, blocked internet access and imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew. At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. Protesters called for non-co-operation, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills and stay off work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, while commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to work. Meanwhile, thousands of members of the ruling Awami League party and its associate bodies took to the streets for counter-protests, raising the risk of violent confrontations. People take part in a rally in Dhaka on August 3 to protest at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government, and to demand justice for the victims of deadly clashes nationwide (Rajib Dhar/AP) Protesters attacked Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, a major public hospital in Dhakas Shahbagh area, torching several vehicles. In Dhakas Uttara area, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who blocked a major road. Protesters attacked homes and vandalised a community welfare office in the area, where hundreds of ruling party activists took positions. Some crude bombs were detonated and gunshots were heard, witnesses said. At least 20 people were hit by bullets. Jamuna TV station reported 24 deaths in 12 districts including Bogura, Magura, Rangpur and Sirajganj, where the protesters backed by the countrys main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party clashed with police and the activists of the ruling Awami League party and its associated bodies. The countrys leading Bengali-language Prothom Alo daily said at least 32 people died in Sundays violence. Channel 24 TV station reported at least 30 deaths. Junior minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said mobile internet and messaging services were off to help prevent violence. The government also announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday, and courts will remain closed for an indefinite period. The protests were initially held to demand an end to a quota system for government jobs (Rajib Dhar/AP) The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence against Pakistan in 1971 As violence crested, the countrys Supreme Court scaled back the quota system to 5% of jobs, with 3% for relatives of veterans, but protests have continued, demanding accountability for violence the demonstrators blame on the governments use of excessive force. The quota system also includes quotas for members of ethnic minorities, and disabled and transgender people, which were cut from 26% to 2% in the ruling. Ms Hasinas administration has blamed the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and now-banned right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami party and their student wings for instigating violence, in which several state-owned establishments were also torched or vandalised. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition party, repeated a call for the government to step down to stop the chaos. Ms Hasina offered to talk with student leaders on Saturday, but a co-ordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation. The PM repeated her pledges to thoroughly investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence. She said her doors are open for talks and she is ready to sit down whenever the protesters want. The protests have become a major challenge for Ms Hasina, who has ruled the country for over 15 years, returning to power for a fourth consecutive term in January in an election that was boycotted by her main opponents. Ukraine has sunk a Russian submarine and hit a Russian airfield in the past 24 hours, in line with a surge of long-range attacks against Russian targets, officials said. Russia said Ukrainian drones also hit an apartment building, killing one person. The uptick in attacks since July comes as Ukraine mounts pressure on allies to allow it to use long-range missiles to strike targets in Russia. Western allies, in particular the US, have so far resisted, fearing escalation from Moscow. Ukraine struck a Russian Kilo-class submarine and an S-400 anti-aircraft missile complex in the Moscow-occupied Crimean peninsula, according to a statement from the General Staff on Saturday. The air defence system was established to protect the Kerch Strait Bridge, an important logistics and transport hub supplying Russian forces. A Russian military landing ship sailing not far from Kerch, Crimea, last month (AP) Units of the missile forces as well as the navy damaged four launchers of the Triumph air defence system, while in the port of Sevastopol, the Rostov-on-Don a submarine of Russias Black Sea fleet was attacked and sank, the statement said. The General Staff also confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the Morozovsk airfield in the Rostov region after launching a massive drone barrage on Russia. Hits were recorded in warehouses with ammunition, where guided aerial bombs were stored. The operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence and the Defence Ministry, the statement said. Meanwhile, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on an apartment building in the town of Shebekino early on Sunday. Ukrainian drones also damaged several other buildings in the town, he said. Mr Gladkov said eight civilians have been wounded in the region by Ukrainian shelling and dozens of drone strikes since Saturday. In the span of a month, Russia has experienced a surge in the tempo of Ukrainian drone barrages and long-range attacks, targeting Russian military infrastructure, including airfields and oil depots. Analysts say such an intensification is needed if Ukraine is to degrade Russian capabilities. Residents in Beirut are marking four years since a massive explosion in the port killed more than 200 people, as they live in fear of an escalation of violence in the region. The blast anniversary on Sunday comes as the region braces for retaliation after an Israeli strike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and an explosion in Tehran, widely blamed on Israel, killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. For many in the city, concerns about a new escalation come as wounds of the port explosion four years ago remain raw. On August 4 2020, Helen Ata got a call from someone she did not know telling her that a massive explosion at the citys port had caused her building to collapse. Her brothers were trapped under the rubble. One of them, Issam, survived, with a permanent disability in his right leg. Her twin brother Abdo, who she calls her other half, died. Sitting beside a portrait of her late twin, Ms Ata said: We will never feel safe again. Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate at a port warehouse detonated, with the gigantic blast tearing through the Lebanese capital, killing at least 218 people and leaving more than 6,000 others injured. It devastated large swaths of the city, causing billions of pounds in damage. Fouad Shukur, a top Hezbollah commander, was killed by an Israeli air strike that hit a building in Beirut last week (Hezbollah Military Media/AP) The blast stunned the nation and a probe by a maverick investigative judge into the explosion shook the countrys ruling elite, rife with corruption and mismanagement. However, years of obstructions by top officials to dodge accountability and stall the probe have hampered hopes for justice. Four years later, there is not a single detainee, Ms Ata said. There is a crime, and there are accused, but there are no criminals. Judge Tarek Bitar is the second investigator to lead the probe into the port blast. He has charged more than a dozen senior political, security, port and security officials. Most of the families of the victims rallying for justice have backed him, but senior officials have repeatedly refused to show up for questioning since the start of the investigation. Karim Nammour, a lawyer with the Lebanese watchdog group Legal Agenda, said the case has rattled officials because it exposed the dangers of the criminal incompetence of how they have run the country for decades. Lebanons political leadership has accused Mr Bitar, without providing evidence, of being biased in his investigation, and some even demanded his removal while filing legal complaints against him that have stalled the investigation for years. In a recent speech, Australias Ambassador to Lebanon Andrew Barnes said his country has a particular and strong interest in seeing a full and transparent investigation into the explosion, referring to two-year-old Isaac Oehlers who was killed in the blast. We do not accept the many excuses as to why the investigation cannot continue. Four judicial officials said Lebanons chief prosecutor Jamal Hajjar and top judge Suhail Abboud met with Mr Bitar several times this year, trying to find a way to reach a settlement that is in line with Lebanese law that would lead to co-operation from top officials to break the gridlock. Theyre trying to make us forget. Theyre trying to kill us a second time According to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mr Hajjar suggested different courts and judges handle the case, limiting Mr Bitar to investigating medium and low-level port employees. Mr Bitar completely rejected the idea and saw it as caving in to the countrys ruling elite, the officials said, and insisted on continuing his probe, saying he was adamant on issuing an indictment by the end of the year despite obstacles. Mr Bitars probe has been hindered in many ways. In 2023, then-chief prosecutor Ghassan Oweidat ordered the release of 17 detainees including port and customs officials who had been held in pre-trial detention soon after the blast pending the results of the investigation. Mr Bitar and critics called the decision illegal. This year, two charged ex-ministers who Mr Bitar relentlessly pursued and issued arrest warrants against, Youssef Fenianos and now sitting legislator Ali Hassan Khalil, had their warrants suspended as the case was stalled, a move which Amnesty called another nail in the coffin of justice. Mr Nammour, of Legal Agenda, said: This is also why the establishment and its institutions are afraid of justice and trying to impede Bitars handling of the case. Because hes pursuing officials in a way that is unprecedented in the countrys history. Several rights groups have condemned the Lebanese leadership for not co-operating with Mr Bitar and accused them of obstructing the investigation and abusing the law. Meanwhile, a growing number of people have supported an international United Nations-mandated fact-finding mission which they believe will aid Mr Bitar and keep the investigation moving. Western countries, notably those whose nationals were killed in the blast, have become increasingly frustrated with the Lebanese authorities as the probe got hampered. A Western diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, says there is no clear political will for the investigation to continue. Mirna Habboush and her infant son saw the port warehouse catch fire and explode, and miraculously survived to tell the story. Ms Habboush lost sight in her right eye and suffered wounds in her arms and upper body. She says all she is asking for is a transparent investigation and an indictment for the sake of the survivors and the victims alike. Theyre trying to make us forget, she said. Theyre trying to kill us a second time. In a country like this, with this establishment, and with these people in power, we unfortunately wont get anywhere. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has identified war criminals from among the crew of the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber that was shot down on April 19, 2024, in the Stavropol Territory of the Russian Federation. All four were able to eject, and two survived: the ship's commander, Major Serhiy Kolesnikov , and the navigator of the air squadron, Captain Oleksandr Skryabichev. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the DIU press service on July 4. The military intelligence reminded that the operation to destroy the Tu-22M3 was carried out by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on April 19, 2024. Video of the crash of a Russian Tu-22M3 in the Stavropol Territory of the Russian Federation The Russian bomber, which was destroyed more than 300 kilometers from the front line, crashed near the village of Bogomolov in the Stavropol region of the Russian Federation. The aircraft with the tail number "11" belonged to the 52nd Heavy Bomber Regiment (military unit 33310, Shaikovka air base, Kaluga region, Russia), which is part of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Division of the Long-Range Aviation Command of the aggressor country's VKS. ADVERTISIMENT The documentary material of the DIU representative Artem Shevchenko published the identified data of Russian war criminals from among the crew of the aircraft. In particular, the intelligence established the names and detailed information about four war criminals: - The ship's commander - Kolesnikov Sergey Anatoliyevich, deputy squadron commander for military and political work, major. Divorced, has a daughter; - navigator of the air squadron - Aleksandr Skryabichev, captain. He has a wife and two sons; - assistant ship's commander Kononov Andrey Yuriyevich and navigator-operator of the air squadron Grushanin Andrey Aleksandrovich were liquidated on April 19 along with the Tu-22M3 aircraft. ADVERTISIMENT What is known about the Tu-22M3 aircraft The Tu-22M3 is a Russian-modernized version of the Soviet Tu-22M aircraft. It is a long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier with variable wing geometry designed to engage sea and land targets with cruise missiles, including nuclear warheads and air bombs. The main armament is the Kh-22N anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile with a light high-explosive warhead and the Kh-22PSI missile with a megaton warhead. This bomber can also be equipped with free-fall bombs. According to some reports, only the Russian Federation currently operates Tu-22M3s, which are used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, on April 19, Ukrainian defenders destroyed the occupiers' Tu-22M3 strategic bomber for the first time. This happened almost immediately after the aggressor's missile attack on Ukraine - the aircraft was hit by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine together with the DIU. The Ukrainian military intelligence said that it was not only a shock for the occupiers, but also a serious loss. The DIU also predicted that for some time there may be fewer missile strikes, at least from air, particularly in Odesa region. According to the head of the DIU, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian missiles were used for the operation, which were "made from scratch from old components." In his turn, DIU representative Andriy Yusov noted that "this is not a new type of weapon, nothing extraordinary was used here." ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Keir Starmer vowed rioters would regret engaging in far-right thuggery after a sixth day of escalating violence in England as the Government announced emergency security for mosques amid the threat of further disorder. In a televised address to the nation, the British prime minister condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and promised those involved in unrest would face the full force of the law. Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Starmer suggested that rioters taking to the streets, and those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves, would face consequences. Meanwhile, the Home Office announced mosques would be offered greater protection under a new rapid response process designed to quickly tackle the threat of further attacks on places of worship. A protester uses a fire extinguisher on police officers as trouble flares in Rotherham, South Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA) People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet weve seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, Mr Starmer said on Sunday. Other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I wont shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery. He indicated the response to the violence could mirror elements of how the 2011 riots were handled, at which time he was director of public prosecutions. We do have standing arrangements for law enforcement which means that we can get arrests, charge remanded in custody and convictions done very quickly, he said. A fire is extinguished by police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) I myself was part of that in 2011 when I was director of public prosecutions, and Im determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible. Ministers have suggested that courts could sit 24 hours to fast-track prosecutions as they did in 2011 while police forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to tackle potential unrest. It comes as anti-immigration rioters attacked police and smashed the windows of a hotel in Rotherham as the atmosphere turned increasingly febrile on the sixth day of unrest in England. Masked men launched lengths of wood and sprayed fire extinguishers at officers outside a Holiday Inn Express, with some storming past a police line and into the ground floor, which was set on fire during the disorder. A police helicopter circled overhead, and at least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away. Meanwhile,a group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers on Sunday afternoon, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. It follows similar scenes of unrest in Southport, Belfast, Hartlepool, Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Sunderland and elsewhere earlier in the week. Cleveland Police has said nine arrests have been made so far. The British home secreatary Yvette Cooper said the deliberate torching of a hotel where people were known to be inside was utterly appalling and South Yorkshire Police have Government backing to take the strongest action. The Home Office on Sunday offered mosques greater protections as part of a new process, under which it said rapid security deployment can be requested in order to allow a return to worship as fast as possible. Violence has broken out in parts of England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls in Southport on Monday, with 147 arrests made since Saturday alone. 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana is accused of the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had travelled to the UK by boat. The far right have been widely condemned as the organising force behind the subsequent unrest, which has seen bricks pelted at police officers, community facilities including a library set on fire, mosques attacked and shops looted. Ms Cooper said: Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the Government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for. Mr Starmer said he wanted those who feel targeted because of the colour of their skin to know this violent mob do not represent our country. Forces are bracing for further unrest, with Greater Manchester Police issuing a Section 60AA order in Bolton requiring people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance which will stay in force until 10pm. The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Sir Keirs premiership, with MPs including Ian Byrne and Dame Priti Patel saying Parliament should be recalled as it was in 2011 so the Commons could debate the riots. Ministers have so far said they have been reassured by police that forces have the resources they need to respond to the violence. The Police Federation for England and Wales has voiced concerns that officers will be left unable to attend other incidents as they focus efforts on quelling the disorder, warning there is a cost to all this. Deputy chairman of the federation Brian Booth told the PA news agency: Every day this continues means a certain amount of officer hours are being taken away from other policing duties. It has a massive effect on already significant under-resourcing. Russian propagandists have begun to spread the fake that the Western weapons provided to Ukraine are being successfully neutralized by the Russian army. The same fate, according to them, is allegedly awaiting Western F-16 fighter jets. ADVERTISIMENT Russian media outlets pick up this thesis with reference to American political scientist John Mearsheimer, who consistently repeats all the main Kremlin narratives. The Center for Countering Disinformation, which operates under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, refuted another "victory" of the "second army of the world" and the "world's best Russian air defense." The Center for Countering Disinformation called the thesis that all Western weapons provided to Ukraine are neutralized by the Russian army, which is being spread by Russian state media, a lie. "LIE: all Western weapons supplied to Ukraine are neutralized by the Russian army and the same fate awaits F-16 fighter jets in contact with Russian air defense. This commentary by American political scientist John Mearsheimer is being spread by pro-Kremlin resources," the Center for Public Affairs noted. ADVERTISIMENT Russia has begun to spread such narratives primarily to undermine support for Ukraine from its Western partners. "The supply of Western weapons and military equipment significantly strengthens the Ukrainian Defense Forces, which inflict losses on the Russian army. Although the loss of weapons and equipment is indeed a fact of life in any war, the statement that "all Western weapons are neutralized by the Russian army" is a lie aimed mainly at the Western audience. The purpose of such fakes is to establish the idea of the alleged "superiority of Russian weapons over Western ones" and discredit the support of Ukraine from partner states," the Center noted. ADVERTISIMENT As for the "world's best Russian air defense system," it has shown its "power" by the fact that Ukrainian drones in the Russian Federation are "shot down" mainly not by air defense systems, but by military facilities and oil depots. And the Russians will have even more such "victories" in the future because, as the Center emphasized, Ukrainian pilots have been preparing and are preparing to counter Russian air defense during training on F-16s. The personality and activities of the speaker cited by the propagandists deserve special attention. "By the way, 'political scientist' Mirsheimer regularly promotes Russian narratives, in particular those related to the alleged 'provocation of Russia by the NATO bloc in Ukraine'," the Center added. Indeed, Russian propagandists often quote this person, invariably presenting his statements as the position of the United States or all Western countries in general. Mearsheimer, who is a professor at the University of Chicago, systematically repeats all Kremlin narratives. He blames Russia's aggression against Ukraine on the West, which, he says, was accepting new countries into NATO, approaching Russia's borders, and thus "threatening" Russia's security. Therefore, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was "forced to respond" to the "threatening actions" of the North Atlantic Alliance. ADVERTISIMENT On the other hand, the same speaker reveals the "treachery" of Ukraine, which "plans to invade Russia and drag NATO into a conflict." At the same time, the "United States" and the "West" regularly voice the belief that Ukraine is doomed to defeat through Mearsheimer's mouth. This would be the 10th complete destruction of the Ukrainian army claimed by the Russians. This Kremlin's pocket political analyst also has his own version of what Ukraine "must" do to end the war. Mearsheimer, who is often quoted by Russian propagandists, believes that our country must renounce its membership in the EU and NATO, sever any security ties with the West, be "on its own," and give up the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia. If our country does not accept Russia's ultimatums, Mearsheimer "predicts" that Russia will also seize Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions, where people are supposedly very fond of the terrorist state. It "will not go further" not because it cannot, but because of the disloyalty of the local population. However, according to Mearsheimer, Moscow will continue to destabilize Ukraine until it turns it into a "failed state." ADVERTISIMENT Recently, as can be seen from the publications of Russian propagandists, Mearsheimer has become an "expert" on Western aviation and Russian air defense, actively saying that F-16s in the Ukrainian sky are not at all scary for the "second army of the world." Russian propaganda began to fiercely spread this after the delivery of the first Western jets were officially confirmed in Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation exposed the lies of an American blogger who published fake SES photos from the ruins of the Okhmatdyt hospital bombed by Russia. In particular, the blogger published one of the photos taken by SES showing children's toys in the ruins of the hospital and said that the toys were fake. According to him, they were "photoshopped" and the hospital was destroyed by the Ukrainians. "This is worse than Zionist propaganda," the "expert" summarized. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Aug 04 (Jowhar.com) Irans Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said that a close-up missile was dropped from a location not far from a guest house in Tehran. Irans military said the missile weighed 7kg (16lbs) and caused a strong explosion, killing Haniyeh and his bodyguards last Wednesday. Irans Revolutionary Guard has accused Israel of planning and carrying out the operation, but Israel has not commented on Haniyehs death. A British newspaper called the Daily Telegraph reported that Haniyah was killed by bombs that were placed in his room by representatives of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Iran dismissed the reports as false. Citing Iranian officials, the newspaper said that two Mossad agents entered the guest house and planted explosives in three rooms. Iranians who watched CCTV footage of the activists said the two then left the country before detonating the bombs outside Iran. The New York Times also reported that Haniyeh was killed by explosives in his room, saying that he was buried two months ago. The BBC has not been able to confirm these claims. But Hamas officials told the BBC earlier this week that Haniyeh had previously stayed at the same guesthouse. He has made about 15 visits to Iran since becoming head of the political bureau in 2017. The Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian government have been described as failing to provide security.Dozens of Revolutionary Guard officers were arrested and put on strike as reported by the New York Times. Regardless of how Haniyeh died, both Iran and Hamas have vowed revenge.The IRGC said on Saturday that Israel would receive severe punishment at the appropriate time, place and manner. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese political group, has also vowed to retaliate. One of their top commanders, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an attack by Israel last Tuesday. After an Israeli operation killed IRGC Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi earlier this year, Iran fired 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and at least 110 ballistic missiles towards Israel. Aug 04 (Jowhar.com) The Prime Minister of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hamsa Abdi Barre, who visited the Erdogan hospital tonight to the people who were injured in the barbaric act of the terrorist groups in Lido Beach last night, said that strict measures have been taken. accountable for the officers who worked in the attacked areas, some of which are closed. The Prime Minister said that when they were defeated in the war zones, the Khawaarij groups targeted the youth who were the eyes and the future of the country, who had nothing to do with politics, and were peacefully living in their country, which shows that they have no religion, culture and morals. stand for the extermination of the Somali people. Mr. Hamsa expressed his condolences to the relatives and friends of those who died in the attack, praying that God will shower mercy from Heaven and heal the injured. The Prime Minister called on the Somali people in general to strengthen their support to the military and security agencies, in order to eliminate the Khawarij who are the ones who are killing the Somali people. During his visit, the Prime Minister met with some of the people who were injured in the attack, he listened to a report from the management and doctors of the hospital, expressing his support and solidarity. He also praised the security forces for their role in rescuing and helping the victims. The court of Banadir region sentenced a girl who was popular on social media to prison Aug 04 (Jowhar.com) The court of Banadir region has issued a verdict today in a case against young people who are famous in social media, especially TikTok, who are accused of public incitement, inciting civil war and spreading immorality. The case which completed the various stages was finally issued today by the court of Banadir region, the defendants who consisted of nine girls, seven of them were sentenced to six months in prison, while two of them were released by the court. Urgent: The Banadir Regional Court, where the trial of young girls, mostly from Tiktok, has been going on lately, issued their verdict today. The convicted girls are; 1-Sihaam tahliil 2-Nashaad nalka 3-Sacdiyo galmudug 4-Iftin model 08/04/2024 JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville State University National Alumni Association has announced four distinguished graduates who will receive the schools highest alumni honors. These annual awards recognize alumni for their exceptional professional achievements, community service, and civic activities. Barry Matson, 86, 2024 Alumnus of the Year, is an accomplished Alabama attorney who has served as Executive Director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, Alabama Office of Prosecution Services, National Computer Forensic Institute, and the Alabama District Attorneys Foundation. He is a career advocate for justice with more than 34 years of litigation experience in the courtroom, as well as a teacher, legislative advocate and policymaker with an intense focus on protecting citizens by spearheading the passage of important legislation such as Alabamas national model Computer Crimes Act, Protection Against Online Solicitation of Children Act, Human Trafficking Act, Safe Harbor Act protecting juvenile victims of Human Trafficking, and many others. Wenona Jones Switzer 64, 2024 Alumna of the Year, was the first female in the southeastern United States to become a field agent for the Internal Revenue Service. Mrs. Switzer was named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America and received several superior performance awards from the IRS. After paying her way through college, Mrs. Switzer graduated from Jax State with the highest honors, with a double major in Business and English. In addition to her career accolades, Mrs. Switzer served her community in Huntsville, Alabama, in multiple ways. She was the first female trustee in church history at First Baptist Church Huntsville, serving three terms as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. She also served two terms as President of the Historic Huntsville Foundation and was President of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild. Keaton Brooks Glass 17,21, 2024 Young Alum of the Year, is a two-time Jax State graduate from Leeds, Alabama. Mr. Glass completed his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education, Mathematics in 2017 and a Master of Business Administration in 2021. As a student, Mr. Glass was heavily involved in campus life and serving Jax State in numerous ways, including becoming a member of Freshman Forum, the JSU Ambassadors, Gamecock Orientation Leader and Coordinator, Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society, and was named Intern of the Year by the Phi Delta Kappa Teachers Honor Society. Mr. Glass began his career in higher education in 2018 and currently serves as Director of First and Second Year Experience at Jax State. Some of his most notable accomplishments include acting as Advisor for the Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society (which hosts an annual bed drive for Calhoun County childrenraising over $16,000 and building more than 150 beds for local children over the past four years) and serving as the state coordinator of Alabamas National Orientation Directors Association. Colonel Manuel F. Ramirez 98, Military Alumnus of the Year, is the Deputy National Security Agency Senior Representative to United States Central Command. He received a commission as a military officer in 1998 through Jacksonville State Universitys ROTC program while earning a masters degree in biology. As part of the Armys Branch Detailing program, he initially served as a chemical officer, and in 2002, Col. Ramirez became a military intelligence officer. In 2009, Col. Ramirez was selected by the Army to attend the Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies where he focused on advanced military studies and military strategy. Upon completing the program, he deployed for a year-long combat tour in Iraq as an intelligence planner supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. In 2011, Col. Ramirez began to work for the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland, and from 2014 to 2016, he acted as a commander of a remote technical site in Alice Springs, Australia. Upon returning to the States, he commanded the 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and in 2019, Col. Ramirez graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barrack, PA. Col. Ramirez has received many awards and decorations, including one Legion of Merit Medal and two bronze stars. These four alumni exemplify the highest standards of excellence, said Dr. Wendy L. Cash, Director of Alumni Engagement. Jax State has a proven history of producing positive difference makers. These alumni embody all our university stands for and the caliber of graduates to which we hope all will aspire. Each of these Jax State alumni has embraced the education given to them by our university, capitalized on opportunities provided to them beyond their formal education, and, with determination and perseverance, committed to the betterment of the community around them. The Alumni of the Year awards will be presented to the recipients on Saturday, September 21, 2024, during Homecoming festivities. More detailed information on each of the recipients and the award presentation can be found on Jax States Alumni of the Year Awards web page. By Henning Melber, University of Pretoria | (The Conversation) Germany was a significant and often brutal colonial power in Africa. But this colonial history is not told as often as that of other imperialist nations. A new book called The Long Shadow of German Colonialism: Amnesia, Denialism and Revisionism aims to bring the past into the light. It explores not just the history of German colonialism, but also how its legacy has played out in German society, politics and the media. We asked Henning Melber about his book. What is the history of German colonialism in Africa? Imperial Germany was a latecomer in the scramble for Africa. Shady deals marked the pseudo-legal entry point. South West Africa (today Namibia), Cameroon and Togo were euphemistically proclaimed to be possessions under German protection in 1884. East Africa (todays Tanzania and parts of Rwanda and Burundi) followed in 1886. German rule left a trail of destruction. The war against the Hehe people in east Africa (1890-1898) signalled what would come. It was the training ground for a generation of colonial German army officers. They would apply their merciless skills in other locations too. The mindset was one of extermination. The war against the Ovaherero and Nama people in South West Africa (1904-1908) culminated in the first genocide of the 20th century. The warfare against the Maji Maji in east Africa (1905-1907) applied a scorched earth policy. In each case, the African fatalities amounted to an estimated 75,000. Punitive expeditions were the order of the day in Cameroon and Togo too. The inhuman treatment included corporal punishment and executions, sexual abuse and forced labour as forms of white violence. During a colonial rule of 30 years (1884-1914), Germans in the colonies numbered fewer than 50,000 even at the peak of military deployment. But several hundred thousand Africans died as a direct consequence of German colonial violence. Why do you think German debate is slow around this? After its defeat in the first world war (1914-1918), the German empire was declared unfit to colonise. In 1919 the Treaty of Versailles allocated Germanys territories to allied states (Great Britain, France and others). The colonial cake was redistributed, so to speak. This did not end a humiliated Germanys colonial ambitions. In the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) colonial propaganda flourished. It took new turns under Adolf Hitlers Nazi regime (1933-1945). Lebensraum (living space) as a colonial project shifted towards eastern Europe. The Aryan obsession of being a master race culminated in the Holocaust as mass extermination of the Jewish people. But victims were also Sinti and Roma people and other groups (Africans, gays, communists). The Holocaust has overshadowed earlier German crimes against humanity of the colonial era. After the second world war (1939-1945), German colonialism became a footnote in history. Repression turned into colonial amnesia. But, as Jewish German-US historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt suggested in 1951 already, German colonial rule was a precursor to the Nazi regime. Such claims are often discredited as antisemitism for downplaying the singularity of the Holocaust. Such gatekeeping prevents exploration of how German colonialism marked the beginning of a trajectory of mass violence. How does this colonial history manifest today in Germany? Until the turn of the century, colonial relics such as monuments and names of buildings, places and streets were hardly questioned. Thanks to a new generation of scholars, local postcolonial agencies, and not least an active Afro-German community, public awareness is starting to change. Various initiatives challenge colonial memory in the public sphere. The re-contextualisation of the Bremen elephant, a colonial monument, is a good example. What was once a tribute to fallen colonial German soldiers became an anticolonial monument memorialising the Namibian victims of the genocide. Colonial street names are today increasingly replaced with names of Africans resisting colonial rule. Numerous skulls including those of decapitated African leaders were taken to Germany during colonialism. These were for pseudo scientific anthropological research that was obsessed with white and Aryan superiority. Descendants of the affected African communities are still in search of the remains of their ancestors and demand their restitution. Similarly, cultural artefacts were looted. They have remained in the possession of German museums and private collections. Systematic provenance research to identify the origins of these objects has only just begun. Transactions such as the return of Benin bronzes in Germany remain a matter of negotiations. The German government admitted, in 2015, that the war against the Ovaherero and Nama in todays Namibia was tantamount to genocide. Since then, German-Namibian negotiations have been taking place, but Germanys limited atonement is a matter of contestation and controversy. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? The pain and exploitation of colonialism lives on in African societies today in many ways. I hope that the descendants of colonisers take away an awareness that we are products of a past that remains alive in the present. That decolonisation is also a personal matter. That we, as the offspring of colonisers, need to critically scrutinise our mindset, our attitudes, and should not assume that colonial relations had no effect on us. Remorse and atonement require more than symbolic gestures and tokenism. In official relations with formerly colonised societies, uneven power relations continue. This borders on a perpetuation of colonial mindsets and supremacist hierarchies. No former colonial power is willing to compensate in any significant way for its exploitation, atrocities and injustices. There are no meaningful material reparations as credible efforts of apology. The colonial era is not a closed chapter in history. It remains an unresolved present. As the US novelist William Faulkner wrote: The past is never dead. Its not even past. Henning Melber, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria 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: Namibia: The Price of Genocide | People and Power Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Iranian spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanani, condemned Israel on Saturday on X for practicing medieval forms of torture at the detention center for Palestinians at Sde Teiman, where it was revealed this week that rogue military police had engaged in gang rape and severe torture of detainees, sending one to hospital in critical condition for injuries to his rectum and allegedly resulting in the deaths of others. He compared the torture there to that practiced by the U.S. at Abu Ghrayb in Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay. Nasser wrote: The report published in the Washington Post on July 29, 2024, concerning the medieval forms of torture against Palestinian detainees in Israeli regime prisons, only reveals the tip of the iceberg. Leaked reports about some of the torture methods and crimes committed in the prison at the military base at Sde_Teiman in the Negev Desert, 30 kilometers from the #Gaza Strip near the city of Beersheba, indicate that the Zionist regime has set a new record compared to Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. International bodies and #Human_Rights activists should fulfill their legal and humanitarian responsibilities. Nassers boss, Acting Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani, had called European foreign policy head Josep Borrell on Friday, urging the European Union, in line with its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, to put pressure on Israel so as to prevent it from continuing its crimes. He insisted that if the European side does not take serious action to curb The Zionist regime that will encourage the criminal gang ruling in Tel Aviv to start a war and endanger regional and international peace, stability and security. For his part, Borrell agreed that Iran had a right to defend itself from attack. This is not something Americans will be used to hearing, since in our society international law is a cudgel to use against our enemies but can never be invoked by them. Baqeri Kani went on, however, to say that Iran would invoke its inherent right to punish Israel for its crime (of assassinating a civilian political leader on Iranian soil). He said, violating the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and violating Irans national sovereignty has endangered regional and international peace and stability, and Iran will certainly use its inherent and legitimate right to punish Israel. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Israel of trying to distract from its crimes in Gaza by assassinating what he termed resistance leaders, showing, he said, how barbaric the Israeli government is. For his part, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Hossein Salami, sent a message of condolence to Sayyid Hassan Nasrullah, the head of Hezbollah in Lebanon, for the Israeli assassination of high Hezbollah official Abu Muhsin Fuad Shukr. Salami said that such men are yearning for union with the divine beloved and so cannot be harmed. He added, The enemies of the Islamic nation, especially the criminal, murderous, and terrorist Zionist gangs responsible for killing the innocent women, children, and men of Gaza should, along with their supporters, expect the sacred wrath [of God] and the severe and inevitable revenge and blood lust of the faithful, determined, and resolute fighters of various contingents of the Muslim resistance. It seems clear that Iran is determined to restore deterrence to its relationship with Israel, since the Israelis have repeatedly crossed the red line of violating Iranian sovereignty. Last spring, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bombed the Israeli embassy in Damascus, which is considered Iranian soil, killing a high official of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the equivalent of the countrys National Guard. On that occasion, Iran bombarded Israel with a barrage of missiles and drones, which were intercepted by the US military in the region, save for a couple that got through Israels missile defense. Iran has supplied its ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah, with a large stockpile of rockets, missiles and drones. Iran had earlier pressured Hezbollah to avoid a major confrontation with Israel, despite the ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinians of Gaza. Some observers believe that Iran will now withdraw that pressure and ask Hezbollah to subject Israel to a more concerted missile barrage, which would be calibrated so as not to start an Israel-Lebanon war on the scale of 2006. That will be a tricky thing to pull off, however, for which reason the US and other major embassies in Beirut are urging their nationals to get out of the country however they can and as soon as possible. Bonus Video: Times of India: Unpredictable Strike: Irans Eerie Silence Spooks Israel & U.S; Tehran Insider Reveals Details End Grave Abuses Against Palestinian Detainees, Impunity for Abuses By Bill Van Esveld, Associate Director, MENA, Childrens Rights Division | A standoff at Israels Sde Teiman military base this week has thrown longstanding abuses against Palestinian detainees and the Israeli militarys history of impunity for torture into stark relief. On July 29, Israeli military police arrested nine Israeli soldiers at the base on suspicion of severe abuse of a Palestinian detainee. News reports said the man was admitted to the hospital with broken ribs and life-threatening injuries to the anus and lungs. Soldiers barricaded themselves inside the base to prevent the arrests. Protesters against the arrests, including members of Israels parliament, the Knesset, pushed their way through the perimeter fence. When security forces removed the nine soldiers, protesters went to the Beit Lid military base, where the soldiers were eventually taken for questioning, and breached its perimeter as well. Arrests of Israeli soldiers for abusing Palestinians are rare. From 2017 to 2021, just 0.87 percent of complaints against soldiers led to prosecutions, according to the Israeli rights group Yesh Din. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Israels defense minister and the military chief of staff condemned the clashes at the two bases, though not the alleged torture of the detainee. Israels justice minister criticized detaining for questioning soldiers he said were performing a holy job. The finance minister and the national security minister both tweeted hands off our reservists. The Knessets foreign affairs and defense committee chair slammed this despicable pursuit of our fighters. Since June, Israeli authorities have been transferring Palestinian detainees from Sde Teiman to other facilities due to reports of abuse. But the transfers, and investigations into some cases, are a grossly insufficient response to reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment at Sde Teiman. Rights groups cite beatings, stress positions, surgeries without anesthesia, sexual violence, and the prolonged cuffing of arms and legs. An Israeli doctor working there wrote in April that in one week, two prisoners had their legs amputated due to handcuff injuries, which unfortunately is a routine event. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also reported waterboarding, electrocution, and the detention of healthcare workers, girls, and a woman over 80-years-old with Alzheimers disease. One man said Israeli soldiers fired a nail gun into his knee. At least 53 Palestinians have died in custody since October 7. Israels allies should increase pressure to end grave abuses against Palestinians in custody, stop detaining them without charge or trial, and allow independent monitors access to detention facilities. Bonus Video added by Informed Comment: Israeli protesters enter army base after soldiers held over Gaza detainee abuse | BBC News Video The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released a video of the launch of Storm Shadow missiles against targets in occupied Crimea for the first time. ADVERTISIMENT The video was posted on August 4, Air Force Day, by Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on his official Telegram channel. He noted that the defenders of the Ukrainian sky do a lot to repel the aggressor in the air. "Victory on the ground is forged in the sky!" With this slogan I addressed the air force commanders of NATO countries a year ago, urging my colleagues to create a strong air coalition. We talked to our partners about the closed sky over Ukraine and the need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense even before the full-scale invasion because everyone understood how important it was to keep it clear. That is why we took many preparatory measures to withstand the attack and repel the enemy's air attacks," Oleshchuk said. ADVERTISIMENT He added that the battle for the sky continues as Russia attacks Ukrainians with bombs and missiles, conducts aerial reconnaissance, and strikes with UAVs around the clock. "The Air Force, side by side with the air defense of the entire Ukrainian Defense Forces, repels the attacks. As far as possible, they destroy enemy air attack equipment, hit the enemy from the air, and keep the defense on the ground," the commander said. In two and a half years, the Ukrainian Air Force has destroyed more than 8,000 enemy air targets: hundreds of airplanes and helicopters and thousands of cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian pilots have conducted more than 20,000 combat missions, most of them involving the combat use of air defense systems, Oleshchuk said. ADVERTISIMENT "All this was made possible thanks to the strong support of our Western partners. I am grateful to them for their conscious stance in the defense of peace and democracy, our people! By using modern Western weapons with high quality and skill, the Air Force servicemen showed great courage, heroism, professionalism and ingenuity," he said. Oleshchuk also said that during the full-scale war with Russia,"4475 Air Force servicemen were awarded state awards for personal courage and selflessness in the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, 47 of them became Heroes of Ukraine, and 25, unfortunately, posthumously..." ADVERTISIMENT "Today I congratulate all servicemen and veterans of the Air Force on the 20th anniversary, I thank everyone who makes every effort for our victory! I thank our partners, volunteers, civil society, everyone who helps us become stronger in the fight for peace and freedom for our Ukraine!" Oleshchuk said in a statement. Sunday, August 4, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden is worried about the ongoing protests by Gen Zs calling for the resignation of President William Ruto. So worried that he sent his Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya to Nairobi to cool things down. Uzra Zeya is set to embark on a pivotal journey to Nairobi and Addis Ababa from August 4 to 8, 2024. This visit comes at a critical juncture, amid escalating unrest and human rights crises in the region. Zeya's tour will see her delving into the heart of Kenya's mounting turmoil, which has seen over 60 lives lost since June 2024, according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR). The majority of these fatalities are attributed to allegations of police brutality, with security forces accused of employing excessive force and live ammunition against protesters. This unrest has ignited widespread calls to reject President William Rutos Finance Bill 2024 and loud voices for accountability. In Nairobi, Zeya will engage with senior Kenyan officials, civil society leaders, and US exchange program alumni. Her mission is to reinforce the 60-year partnership between Kenya and the United States, with a focus on enhancing the rule of law, tackling corruption, and promoting transparency in governance. The visit highlights a commitment to democratic values and human rights, which have been under strain amid the current crisis. Zeyas agenda includes addressing the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. Her discussions will highlight the USs unwavering support for democratic reforms and the integration of refugees into society, demonstrating a commitment to upholding human rights in the face of growing challenges. The Gen Zs have planned massive protests on Thursday where they have vowed to camp in Nairobi until Ruto resigns this time around. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS nominee Ali Hassan Joho has cleared the air about the allegations of being involved in drug trafficking. Responding to a question from Teso South MP Mary Emase during his vetting, Joho said that while numerous claims have been made against him, there has never been any evidence to substantiate them. He explained that the late Internal Security Minister George Saitoti once tabled a report in Parliament that cleared him of such allegations. "I believe when there is a dossier it is being investigated. He (Saitoti) came back to parliament with a report of the investigation and the outcome...it was a multi-agency almost international investigation that clearly stated no iota of evidence was found against me," he said. He added that he comes from a family that is "blessed with businesses" and is thankful for what he currently has. He said that if he were involved in illegal business, he would not have "survived" past regimes. Please Kenyans, I do clean business. No evidence was found against me, and the investigation was closed, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka blasted Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki following his controversial remarks on Gen Z protesters. He criticized Kindiki for calling the Gen Z protesters criminals and lauding the police for dealing with them firmly during his vetting session at the National Assembly. According to Kalonzo, Kindiki's sentiments were unethical, saying the youthful protesters only demanded accountability from the government. The main reason the youths are complaining is that the same person who allowed their shooting during the protests was nominated to the cabinet," Kalonzo stated. "He appeared before the vetting committee and called them criminals. He is calling our children criminals and that they invaded parliament, Kalonzo added. Kalonzo further alleged bias in the process of vetting the cabinet nominees, claiming that despite the immense scrutiny, they would still be approved for the cabinet positions. And despite using such a term he will still be approved to be a CS because he has a majority of MPs who will back him up, Kalonzo alleged. "Our take is that we do not have faith in Ruto's nominees because some of them have controversial histories. We are happy that corruption within the government has been tamed, thanks to the Gen Zs." According to Kindiki, the police did their best to restore order during the protests, saying the buck now lies on the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to deal with any officers who operated outside the law. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - The crew employed by President William Rutos son, George, to operate his flashy matatu that plies the Ngong route is unfazed after Citizen TV exposed them for violating traffic rules. The matatu was filmed blocking the road in Nairobi CBD and picking up passengers in undesignated areas. Reports indicate that traffic police officers are too afraid to take action against the crew for breaking traffic rules. The crew, consisting of young men, has dared any police officer with balls to detain the vehicle. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - A man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his three young sons at their Ohio home last year. Chad Doerman, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault for injuring his former wife and stepdaughter during the June 2023 incident. Clermont County Judge Karen Kalifut on Friday, August 2, handed down the sentence, ordering Doerman to serve three consecutive life terms for the deaths of 7-year-old Clayton Doerman, 4-year-old Hunter Doerman, and 3-year-old Chase Doerman. He received an additional 16 years for the assaults on his ex-wife Laura Doerman and stepdaughter. Prosecutor Mark Tekulve had originally planned to seek the death penalty for Doerman but cited the ongoing trauma experienced by the surviving family members as the reason for pursuing the life sentence instead. "My job, as I saw it this week, was to relieve them of that additional agony," Tekulve told reporters after the sentencing. The murders occurred on June 15, 2023, at the family's home in Monroe Township, about 75 miles west of Columbus. According to prosecutors, Doerman admitted to planning the killings and chasing down one of the boys in a field after the child tried to flee. Defence attorneys had argued that Doerman was struggling with severe mental illness at the time of the crimes. In a statement read aloud in court, Laura Doerman, the children's mother and the ex-wife of the defendant, expressed the immense grief and devastation she has experienced. "I would do anything to push them on the swing, cover them up one more time and hear their little ways of saying, 'I love you,'" she said, weeping. "... I have anger, frustration and so much sadness. Grief will never go away because it is all the love that is left with no place to go." In a separate statement issued through prosecutors after the sentencing, Laura Doerman said she was "in full agreement" with the resolution of the case. "No punishment will ever bring my boys back," she wrote. "Having a guarantee that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars is what is best for my family." Laura Doerman also thanked the prosecutors and first responders and asked for privacy as she and her family "grieve every day" for the boys. However, she requested that people remember the children as they were before the tragic events of that day. Prosecutor Tekulve said he plans to reveal more details about the case at a news conference on Monday. The murders shocked the local community and drew national attention. Neighbours and community members expressed their condolences and grief over the loss of the three young boys. "This is a devastating tragedy that no family should ever have to endure," said local resident Alice Williamson. "My heart breaks for the Doerman family, and I hope they can find some measure of peace and healing in the years to come." Saturday, August 3, 2024 - Netizens have unmasked the identity of the rogue driver who is allegedly employed by President William Rutos son, George. The Matatu Crew Welfare Association said the flashy matatu operating on the Ngong - Nairobi route is notorious for flagrantly violating traffic laws in plain view of traffic police officers. The matatu picks up passengers in undesignated areas and even blocks the road in the Nairobi Central Business District during rush hours. A report by a local media station indicated that the matatu has no insurance, or valid license to operate and is not registered in any sacco. The driver, identified as Kinara, operates with impunity because he knows he is untouchable since his alleged boss is the Presidents son. Watch a video of the driver. TikTok DCI are not wasting time. The driver of the car belonging to George Ruto and accused of breaking all the road rules has been identified. Impunity must stop! #NaneNaneMarch pic.twitter.com/GCDE2tU26a Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) August 3, 2024 More videos on his TikTok account. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Ukraine hopes for 128 F-16 multi-role fighter jets, but it will not receive that many even though the United States has them. After all, the country does not have trained pilots, the necessary infrastructure, and the means to effectively protect Western aircraft. ADVERTISIMENT This was pointed out by Defense Express editor-in-chief Oleh Katkov on Radio NV. He noted that the Americans cannot provide additional fighter jets because they themselves are experiencing a shortage of combat aircraft (due to years of army downsizing). "Now the US has a critical shortage of aircraft. The Congress is against decommissioning them. And what they are decommissioning is already junk that can not be called a weapon," the source assured. He also emphasized that 128 aircraft require at least as many pilots, and there is nowhere to get them. Training a pilot requires many months of study. The expert cited the example of the newly created Romanian F-16 Pilot Training Center, which graduated only seven pilots in eight months of training. According to him, even if the problem is solved by attracting foreign volunteer pilots to fly the fighters, "this does not solve the problem," as the Russian occupation forces will certainly try to destroy on the ground. ADVERTISIMENT "All 128 units physically cannot fit on one airfield. Usually, only 12 planes can be stationed at one. Thus, it is necessary to have 10 prepared airfields for these aircraft to be based in Ukraine and fly daily. Does Ukraine has 10 airfields with a hard, full-fledged surface for F-16s, with the appropriate number of arched shelters, and where they won't break their landing gear quickly enough? This is an open question. Probably not," Katkov said. Another problem, he said, is the protection of airfields. For example, to protect them from Russian missile attacks, at least 20 batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (at least two for each) are needed, not to mention shorter-range air defense systems. "The urgent need for these 128 fighters is explained by the enemy's active aircraft (up to 300 units every day)... Is it possible for Ukraine to have 128 F-16 fighters even theoretically? Yes. Is it possible to get pilots? Yes. Is it possible to deploy the aircraft so that they are not destroyed on the first day? Not even in theory," Katkov summarized. ADVERTISIMENT On July 31, it was reported that Ukraine had allegedly already received the first batch of F-16 fighters. The Office of the President and the White House made it clear that they would not officially confirm this information. However, British Defense Secretary Grant Shepps reacted to the alleged appearance of modern fighters in Ukraine, saying that this event marks a turning point in the fight of the Defense Forces against the Russian army and its Su-35 aircraft. At the same time, Russian propagandists have already threatened to reconnoiter Ukrainian airfields and destroy Western aircraft. The occupiers have even deployed Buk SAM in Donetsk region to hunt for F-16s. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appears to be enjoying his retirement, two years after leaving office. Uhuru handed over power to President William Ruto on September 13 in a smooth transition witnessed by Kenyans as well as several heads of state and governments. Uhuru was pictured interacting with his neighbors as he took a walk in the village. Uhuru reiterated to a private life after retiring and rarely appears in public functions. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Kenyan police officers deployed to the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti could be pocketing up to Ksh279,955 per month, inclusive of allowances, making their peacekeeping efforts financially rewarding. Each officer stands to receive a monthly pay of Ksh182,242 from the international agency, with additional allowances boosting their earnings significantly. This was revealed by President William Rutos Cabinet Secretary nominee for Interior Prof. Kithure Kindiki. Speaking during his vetting by Parliament, Kindiki revealed that the police deployed to the troubled Caribbean country are being paid and insured by the United Nations. Our officers are covered, insured, and paid for by the United Nations, and therefore there is no cause for alarm, Kindiki stated. The Kenyan-led mission, authorised by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, includes 400 officers as part of a larger contingent of 1,000 Kenyan police committed to stabilising the violence-stricken Caribbean nation. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, also backed by the United States, aims to restore law and order in Haiti. Prof. Kindiki commended the officers' efforts in restoring peace in Haiti. "It's also good to report good progress so far. "The officers have recovered critical infrastructure, including the port, the airport, the main police station, and the hospital from the gangs. "Some of the defiant gang leaders have now signed for peace and are willing to engage. "Our officers are doing a commendable job. We are praying for them and hope for their continued success," he noted. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - President William Ruto has weighed in on the recent wrangles witnessed in the UDA party that saw Cleophas Malala ousted as Secretary General. Speaking in Baringo County yesterday, Ruto called for an end to the leadership wrangles in the party, saying the infighting was undermining peace. He called on UDA officials to stop unnecessary competition for their own good and the good of Kenyans. "There is no need for petty competition even within our UDA party. "I want to tell them to stop the chaos. Let us stop internal competition within the party and ensure that we unite all Kenyans to move our nation of Kenya forward, said President Ruto. UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) ousted Cleophas Malala from the Secretary-General position and appointed UDA Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar to act in the position on an interim basis. Malala's removal followed drama at the UDA party headquarters on Tuesday where lawyer Khalende declared himself the new secretary general. Khalende accused Malala of abandoning his duties and supporting agendas contradicting the party. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - A flashy matatu owned by President William Rutos son, George, was launched in style in the Nairobi Central Business District about a week ago. The colourful matatu, dubbed Money Fest, plies Ngong Route and it is alleged that it breaks all the traffic rules as traffic cops watch helplessly. In the video taken when the matatu was being introduced to the streets, some youths are seen hanging dangerously as the matatu is being driven around Nairobi CBD, bringing business to a near standstill. According to Citizen TV, the matatu has no insurance, valid operating license and is not registered in any Sacco. It is currently among the hottest matatus in Nairobi. Watch a video of how it was officially launched amid pomp and colour. How GEORGE RUTOs flashy matatu was launched in Nairobi CBD in style. pic.twitter.com/TBfMuYd6XM DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) August 4, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - A six-month-old baby has died after being left in a hot car for seven hours. Travis Carter Jr was found in the back seat of a neighbours car after they allegedly forgot to drop him back with his father. He was pronounced d.ad by paramedics when they arrived at the scene at about 9pm on Tuesday, July 30, in Cordes Lakes, about 60 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. The neighbour, a teenager, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide. Earlier that day, Traviss mother Aleesia Phillips asked the teen neighbour to drive her to Prescott Valley. She took Travis with her, but after the baby fell asleep she asked the neighbour to drop him at his fathers house when she went to work. The neighbour arrived home around 2pm but didnt take the baby to dad Travis Carters house next door. Instead they "parked the car exposed in the hot sun and went into their house, claiming to forget about the baby in the car," police said. Travis called Aleesia about 8.45pm to ask what time the neighbor would be dropping off Travis. Aleesia immediately called the neighbor to find out what was going on, and only then did they realise the baby was still in the car. After realising that they had forgotten about the baby, "the neighbour ran next door to the fathers house and both the father and neighbor pulled the baby out of the car, called 911 and tried CPR," police said. The neighbour was charged as a juvenile on Thursday, August 1, and therefore hasnt been named. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has indirectly sent a message to President William Ruto and his close lieutenants who are planning to impeach him. Already, some Kenya Kwanza Alliance Members of Parliament are collecting signatures to impeach the second in command. The MPs accuse Gachagua of undermining the presidency, gross misconduct, and sponsoring and financing the five weeks of Gen Z protests that nearly toppled Rutos regime. However, speaking on Friday, Gachagua said he will not be dragged into those political sideshows. Gachagua instead stated that he is focused on supporting President William Ruto as his principal assistant. Gachagua said he is also focused on driving reforms in the agricultural sector, eradicating illicit brews, and combating drug abuse. "I am not for politics. My focus is on national development, agricultural reforms, the fight against illicit brews, supporting the church, and assisting the President to succeed. "Those willing to do politics can continue. "But they should also listen to the people and respect them. People are supreme," he said. The DP was speaking in Gatanga, Murang'a County, during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of ACK Thika Memorial Church School. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, August 4, 2024 - It is now emerging that suspended Kenya National Trading Corporation CEO, Pamela Nduku, is angry after being forced to carry the cross concerning the Sh 17 billion edible oil scandal. She was surprised after being arraigned in court for crimes committed with fired Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, despite promises of protection. While Kuria enjoys the loot after pocketing the huge chunk of money, she is struggling to spend the little she acquired to pay lawyers and pay bribes to regain her freedom. She is vowing to spill the rotten beans if she has to carry the cross of the billions she is accused of stealing This is how Sunday Nation reported the gist. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Police forces across the UK have made at least 100 arrests as violent clashes and unrest involving anti-immigration far-right groups erupted this weekend. In different cities like Liverpool, Hull, Bristol, Leeds, Blackpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, Nottingham and Manchester bricks were hurled, fireworks thrown, windows of a hotel housing asylum seekers smashed, shops attacked and set on fire and several scuffles occured between mobs and the police. In response, the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has offered his full support to officers to take firm action against the extremists. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned the mobs they will pay the price for such "criminal disorder and violent thuggery". Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities, Downing Street said In a statement. The Prime Minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe, the statement added. People particularly are frightened because of the colour of their skin, and that cannot be right and that is something this government will take every action to deal with," UK Policing Minister Diana Johnson told the BBC. "When I saw people looting some of the shops in the city centre, that's nothing to do with genuine protest or people having different opinions about immigration. That's about criminal behaviour that needs to be dealt with," she said, warning the culprits there are "sufficient prison places" for such "criminal behaviour". Officials at the UK Ministry of Justice are said to be in discussions with the judiciary, as well as police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for magistrates courts to open longer hours to speedily process the expected surge in the number of people in custody for riot-related offences. Wales-born Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, has been charged with the stabbing attack on the Taylor Swift theme childrens dance workshop in Southport, north-west England, which was the first site of the unrest earlier in the week. It was triggered after false claims spread online that the suspect, who is of Rwandan heritage, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a small boat. Since then, misinformation has continued to spread across social media and resulted in violent demonstrations involving anti-immigrant chants by protesters in different parts of the country. Stand Up to Racism, among the groups organising some of the counter-protests, has warned that the activities of the extremist mobs must not be "unopposed. Watch videos below I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend. Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2024 Gangs of Muslims batter English lads in Middlesbrough with planks of wood after being told by @Keir_Starmer they're all "far right edl thugs". He created this mess with his lazy rhetoric, and still he blames the public. pic.twitter.com/ZVMYe1t5XY Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) August 4, 2024 I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend. Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2024 Gangs of Muslims batter English lads in Middlesbrough with planks of wood after being told by @Keir_Starmer they're all "far right edl thugs". He created this mess with his lazy rhetoric, and still he blames the public. pic.twitter.com/ZVMYe1t5XY Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) August 4, 2024 Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei has criticized Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi for displaying opulence during a YouTube interview. The lawmaker was hosted on the Obinna Show, where he flaunted his pricey wristwatch. Sudi arrived on the set wearing a watch that was quickly confirmed to cost $128,000 (equivalent to Sh 17 million). He went ahead to say; "Such watches were not created for trees or cows. Please find out its price." Singoei, in a social media post, argued that it was insensitive for Sudi to display his wealth when many Kenyans struggle to afford even a single meal a day. Sing'oei questioned what motivated the shows focus on Sudis opulence instead of addressing other issues of national importance. "Unfortunate interview. To what end?" he posed. Others who criticizedn Sudi were former Azimio head of think-tank Makau Mutua who said; "Sad. Tone deaf. Hubris." Benji Ndolo; "Ignorance." The Kenya DAILY POST German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has backed the deal with the United States to deploy long-range US missiles in Germany. According to her, such cooperation with Washington will help deter Russian aggression. ADVERTISIMENT It is about the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles and advanced hypersonic weapons in Germany. This was reported by DW. Baerbock said that Russia is a threat to European security, so the deployment of American missile weapons in Europe is fully justified. "Making foreign policy today means recognizing that the principle of hope will not protect us from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's Russia. What protects us now is that we invest in our own security and strength in the EU, in NATO and in Germany. And this includes the decision to deploy long-range American weapons systems," Baerbock said. She also added that Germany needs a credible deterrent against Russia that will also protect the Baltic states, Poland and Finland. The minister emphasized that these countries have a direct border with Russia and have been facing hybrid aggression from Russia in recent months. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that the United States and Germany agreed to deploy long-range fire systems in Germany in 2026 on the sidelines of the NATO summit in July. This step will lead to the return of American long-range cruise missiles to Germany for the first time since the late 1990s. It is about SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. Earlier, dictator Vladimir Putin said after the US missiles will be deployed in Germany, "important Russian facilities" will be within their range, and the flight time will be about ten minutes. He threatened to consider the Russian Federation free from the moratorium on the deployment of its own weapons in response to such actions. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 1 of 1 khaskhabar.com : , 04 2024 6:48 PM At the Grand Palais, in Paris, the bride walks in as if she were entering a church. Her dress is grand and endless. Its 2015, at the closing of Karl Largerfelds autumn-winter couture show, for the luxury brand Chanel. And the bride is actually a top model, Ashleigh Good, who is several months pregnant. Dressed in white, she walks softly, as if shes almost barefoot, slowly turning and revealing her face to the spectators. The design resembling an empress-style dress was made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber. It was seamless haute couture. Last year, the dress was auctioned off at Christies for 94,500 ($102,000). In recent years, fashion has tended to mix a variety of things, including the memory of the person who first wore an outfit, the desire to own it, as well as political activism. Elizabeth Taylor, LWren Scott, Daphne Guinness, Elsa Schiaparelli, Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve, Zizi Jeanmaire, Vivienne Westwood and in recent weeks actress Jessica Chastain have put parts of their wardrobe up for sale to benefit social causes. The act of collecting the garments once owned by celebrities is experiencing days of silk and gold. Up until June 28 of 2024, Westwoods successors sold more than 200 pieces spanning four decades of fashion design. The proceeds went to the deceased fashion designers foundations of choice: Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders. The objects had a tangible link to her legend that cannot be repeated. This sale is unprecedented and will always be unmatched, says Adrian Hume-Sayer, director of Private & Iconic Collections at Christies. From the French master Yves Saint-Laurent (1936-2008), we learned that while fashion fades, style is eternal. Its an equation with an obvious result: he holds the record for the most expensive haute couture garment sold in the world. It was an evening outfit, a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, known as the tournesols dress (sunflowers in French), with an organza background, glass pearls embroidered by Maison Lesage, silk and chenille satin and buttons by Desrues. Some 600 hours of work were involved, with only four made in total. A passionate person paid 382,000 ($413,000) for the original. In February, over the course of just a few hours, Chastain sold 30 pieces of her private wardrobe. She uploaded them to the luxury resale platform, Vestiaire Collective. Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo online, the circular economy, brands and myths are embroidered together. The resale market, according to sources consulted by Vestiaire Collective, represents $202 billion, with growth that averages between 15% and 20% annually. Clothes associated with celebrities like Chastain are part of a narrative of second-hand buying and selling, all tied into the economy of infinite returns. Great fashion designers have the ability to transfer unjustly forgotten dreams from one era to another. Pregnant, neoprene-clad model Ashleigh Good entered the Grand Palais in Paris as if it were a cathedral. She turned slightly, revealing to the spectators the face of a pregnant woman. A modern Virgin Mary. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New pills to combat obesity are threatening Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk on the stock market. The two pharmaceutical companies are the dominant players in the weight loss market, since (for the time being) they are the only ones producing and marketing anti-obesity drugs. However, this is a very greedy business and in recent months other laboratories, attracted by this millionaire empire, have made progress with their own drugs, arousing the interest of the market and sparking doubts about the empire of the two giants, which have seen shares fall. Last week, Viking Therapeutics presented the latest results of its anti-obesity drug. It is an injection that is in the final stages of study. It also announced that it is working on an oral version, which is currently in a mid-stage trial. After presenting the results of its anti-obesity drug, the companys shares soared 39% in a single day. So far this year, its stocks have risen by 235%. Similarly, Roche which had previously announced that it was working on an oral weight-loss drug said last week that it had accelerated its launch, following promising results from its experimental study. The companys shares are up 13% so far this year, but that rise is really due to the breakthrough in the last two weeks after it revealed its plans for an anti-obesity pill. Diabetes and obesity continue to dominate the healthcare sector. Goldman Sachs estimates that the market will grow from $14 billion in 2024 to more than $130 billion by 2030. Understandably, many pharmaceutical companies are conducting research in this area, says Sebastian Hofbeck, analyst at DJE Kapital. In addition to Viking and Roche, Danish biotech Zealand Pharma and German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim are jointly developing a similar drug. Terns Pharmaceuticals is investigating an oral anti-obesity drug, and expects to report its results in the second half of the year. Altimmune is also testing an injectable drug. Meanwhile, Pfizer has dropped two pills it had been working on due to the strong side effects detected at the intermediate stage, but the lab is willing to play and win in the weight-loss drug market. According to Bloombergs calculations, positive results in studies to develop an anti-obesity drug have driven $93 billion in market gains for companies so far this year. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes obesity as a global crisis. According to the institution, one in eight people in the world were living with obesity in 2022. Amid the rise of the disease, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly were the first companies to develop and market products that help treat obesity, which have brought them millions of dollars in stock market profits. But after the emergence of new competitors, their shares have suffered in recent weeks. Novo Nordisk markets two drugs. On the one hand, it produces Ozempic. This is a drug initially developed to treat diabetes, but among its effects, it reduces appetite and slows digestion, thus helping to reduce weight. On the other hand, it also produces Wegovy, a drug that shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic. Both have propelled Novo Nordisk to become Europes most valuable company, with a market capitalization of more than $570 billion. So far this year it is up 64%, but in the last month it fell 11%. Eli Lilly markets Mounjarro and Zepbound, a drug approved in November last year for obese or overweight patients suffering from complications such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. The company expects Zepbound to become the best-selling drug in history. The firm is up 32% on the stock market so far this year, but in the last month its shares also dropped 14% due to competition that is threatening to break its duopoly with Novo Nordisk. The main beneficiaries of the anti-obesity drug market remain Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which are the only companies already marketing their Zepbound and Wegovy products and will remain alone in this market for a few more years, as potential competitors are only in the early stages of research, explains Sebastian Hofbeck. Until now, the biggest challenge facing Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly was meeting the huge demand. The weight loss market is gigantic. The WHO estimates that 43% of adults worldwide are overweight and 16% obese. In Western countries, the rates are higher (in the U.S. this figure is estimated at 70%). The biggest challenge for the two companies remains being able to meet this huge demand. To this end, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are investing a lot of money in production capacities and in acquiring other companies. It remains to be seen whether these investments will be enough. According to both companies, it will be years before they will be able to meet all the demand, says Hofbeck. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Jun Ji-hye An increasing number of non-life insurers have been restructuring despite their positive performances in recent months. This is interpreted as a move to improve workforce structure to respond to rapidly changing management environments such as digital transformation. KB Insurance recently introduced a voluntary retirement program, and 115 employees left the company through the program, according to industry officials on Sunday. This came after the company saw 101 employees retire through a similar program three years ago. For the latest retirement program, the firm received applications from employees aged 45 and older with more than 10 years of service and employees with more than 20 years of service. "We are aiming to make the organization younger, more dynamic and more active by hiring new employees," a KB Insurance official said. Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance introduced a similar program in June, and about 200 employees left the company, which accounts for about 7 percent of the total. This was the firm's first voluntary retirement program in nine years. Notably, the program targeted younger employees as the firm received applications from those aged 30 or older. In March, Hanwha General Insurance executed a similar program to enhance management efficiency. Unlike banks that conduct voluntary retirement programs annually, insurance companies do not regularly implement such programs. Particularly in the non-life insurance sector, where companies have been making positive results, the latest move is noted to be different from the usual ones initiated due to performance deterioration. Last year, the net profits of the 31 non-life insurers in the country reached 8.26 trillion won ($6 billion), up 50.9 percent from a year earlier. KB Insurance, which recently announced its second-quarter results, reported a record-high first-half net profit of 572 billion won. "Voluntary retirement programs at non-insurance companies should be viewed not as cost-cutting measures, but as moves for organizational reform," an official from one of the major insurers said. The expansion of the voluntary retirement programs to include younger employees in their 30s and 40s has also drawn attention, being interpreted as the firms' intention to recruit the talent they require. The companies are expected to fill vacancies created by the restructuring with personnel specializing in digital, finance and investment areas for their gradual shift to the workforce structure better suited to digital transformation, along with organizational streamlining. In the insurance industry, the importance of traditional sales departments has been diminishing due to the expansion of digital operations. Conversely, the importance of digital and finance-related roles is increasing. China has once again become the leading destination for Korean products in the first seven months of this year, driven by increasing demand for semiconductors, data showed Sunday. Exports to China surged 14.9 percent year-on-year to $11.4 billion in July, marking the highest monthly total in nearly two years since October 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea International Trade Association. As a result of this substantial increase in July, China has reclaimed its position as the top buyer of South Korean goods based on cumulative data from January to July. During this period, shipments to China totaled $74.8 billion, surpassing the $74.5 billion worth of exports to the United States. China had long been the largest purchaser of Korean products before the United States took over this position in the second quarter of last year. The shift back to China is largely attributed to a significant rise in Korean semiconductor exports. In the first 25 days of July, semiconductor exports to China soared by 25.9 percent on-year, outpacing the overall increase of 10.4 percent in Korea's total exports to China during the same period. (Yonhap) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed gratitude for Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer of assistance with rain damage recovery, saying that he will seek Russia's help when necessary, the North's official news agency said Sunday. The previous day, Putin sent a message of sympathy to Kim regarding the recent serious damage caused by floods and rainfall in parts of North Korea, expressing his willingness to provide immediate humanitarian support for recovery, according the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). In response, Kim "expressed sincere thanks" to Putin and said he "could deeply feel the special emotion towards a genuine friend in the most difficult period." North Korea plans to pursue the rehabilitation work according to the already-established plan as state measures were taken at the present stage to immediately repair the flood damage, Kim said. "If aid is necessary in the course, he would ask for it to the truest friends in Moscow," the KCNA reported. The exchange between Kim and Putin came as the North has yet to respond to South Korea's proposal of humanitarian aid for the flood damage, which was offered last Thursday. The North's border city of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Phyongan Province were recently pummeled by heavy rains. South Korean media outlets have reported that the number of those who died or went missing could exceed about 1,000. (Yonhap) Pyongyang open to Moscows aid proposal, likely to reject Seouls offer: experts By Lee Hyo-jin North Korea has not officially accepted any external aid not even offers from its closest ally, Russia as it grapples with the fallout from a massive flood in its northwestern region. This approach aligns with its leader Kim Jong-un's apparent strategy to emphasize self-reliance and project an image that "everything is under control," according to observers, Sunday. Nevertheless, Pyongyang has kept the door open to Moscow's aid proposal, while de facto rejecting Seoul's offer, the experts noted, reflecting North Korea's preference for recovery assistance from strategic allies. Recent heavy rains have inundated North Korea, flooding over 4,000 homes and isolating approximately 5,000 residents in North Pyongan Province. Thousands were rescued by airlift and other methods last Friday, under a rescue mission overseen personally by the North Korea leader, according to the North's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The KCNA reported, Sunday, that Kim received a message of sympathy from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed willingness to provide immediate humanitarian support for recovery efforts. In response, Kim "expressed sincere thanks" to Putin and acknowledged feeling a "deep sense of gratitude towards a genuine friend in the most difficult period." Kim also stated that "rehabilitation work would proceed according to the already-established plan," with state measures currently focused on repairing the flood damage. He added that if aid became necessary, he would request it from "the truest friends in Moscow," the KCNA reported. "Although Pyongyang did not immediately accept Moscow's aid offer, it did not reject it either. It appears that North Korea is more inclined to accept assistance from Russia rather than other countries or international organizations," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies. Yang explained that in the event of a natural disaster, North Korea typically emphasizes self-reliance before seeking external help. It usually turns to allies before approaching international organizations, with South Korea and the U.S. considered as a last resort though this scenario remains unlikely given the current tensions between the two Koreas. The KCNA's Sunday edition did not address South Korea's recent proposal to provide relief supplies for the flood damage. Instead, it included a statement from North Korea's foreign ministry condemning a first-ever tabletop exercise integrating Seoul's advanced conventional forces with Washington's nuclear capabilities. This exercise, dubbed Iron Mace 24, took place last week at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Lim Eul-chul, an expert on North Korea at Kyungnam University, anticipated that Seoul's aid proposal will likely be ignored. On Thursday, the South Korean Red Cross proposed humanitarian assistance for the flood damage and offered to discuss details through the Red Cross societies. This marked Seoul's first offer of flood relief to Pyongyang since 2012. This was the second such proposal under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, which has maintained a tough stance on Pyongyang. The first proposal, made on May 16, 2022, shortly after Yoon's inauguration, offered food and medical supplies to help North Korea cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The North did not respond to that offer. "Given that the North has been stepping up its antagonism toward South Korea, describing it as an enemy state and using this rhetoric to unite its people, it makes little sense for Kim's leadership to accept Seoul's aid proposal. Plus, accepting external aid at this stage would undermine his message that everything is under control," Lim said. In recent days, Pyongyang's main newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, has highlighted "collectivism" among North Koreans in the rescue efforts and distribution of relief materials to the flood-hit regions. On Saturday, the newspaper reported that Kim made a congratulatory visit to the helicopter unit of the Air Force of the Korean Peoples Army, which had conducted the air rescue operations. During a speech at the helicopter unit, Kim described South Korea as an "unchangeable enemy," just two days after Seoul's aid offer. "The enemys rubbish media are spreading a false rumor that the number of casualties in our flood-hit areas is expected to be over 1,000 or 1,500 and that several helicopters are believed to have fallen on the rescue mission. Clear is the sinister purpose of those in Seoul obsessed about such a smear campaign," the North Korean leader was quoted as saying by the Rodong Sinmun. Meanwhile, China, North Koreas traditional ally, has yet to extend an official offer of aid. The latest flooding along the Amnok River and areas near the Chinese border may have been worsened due to China's elevated river embankments, observers noted, which indicates a lack of timely flood prevention cooperation between North Korea and China. "Whether China swiftly offers assistance to North Korea, and Pyongyang's subsequent reaction, will serve as a test of the current state of relations between the two nations," Lim said. Relations between North Korea and China have noticeably strained since the Kim-Putin summit in June, with some observers pointing to Beijings discomfort on being perceived as part of a three-way bloc with the increasingly isolated Pyongyang and Moscow. The foreign ministry strongly urged Koreans residing in Lebanon and Israel, Sunday, to leave the countries as soon as possible amid escalating security concerns in the Middle East. Chaired by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun, the ministry held a meeting to review the security situation in the Middle East and examine measures for the safe protection of Koreans in the region. At the meeting, Kang strongly urged Koreans residing in Lebanon and Israel to depart the nations as soon as possible using available flights. She instructed the ministry and overseas missions to do their utmost to ensure the safety of Koreans in the event of any emergency. Tensions in the region have heightened following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the top political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in Tehran last week. Both Iran and Hamas have identified Israel as the perpetrator and have vowed retaliation. Currently, there are approximately 530 Koreans in Israel, 130 in Lebanon and 110 in Iran. Travel advisories have been issued, with Level 3, or a departure advisory, for all areas of Israel and Lebanon, and Level 4, or a travel ban, for the Gaza Strip. Most of Iran is under a Level 2 advisory, or a travel caution, except for some border regions. (Yonhap) By Antonia Giordano An overseas Korean adoptee from Denmark has filed a lawsuit for information disclosure against the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) in order to receive information on her biological family. With the help of the Adoptees' Right to Know Legal Representatives (LAAR) and the Danish Korean Truth Finding Group (DKRG), a press conference was held for the plaintiff, who is currently in Denmark, at the Seoul Administrative Court in southern Seoul's Seocho District on July 12, before the initial court date. The NCRC was originally established as part of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to ensure that policies and actions were aligned to protect children's welfare. This agency is responsible for adoption and post-adoption services for international and domestic adoptees. One of its key roles is to advocate for and ensure adoptees' right to know their self-identifying information, including about their birth family. According to the lawsuit and the LAAR, an adoptee advocacy group, the plaintiff originally filed a request for the information in 2021 with Korea Social Service, the agency that handled her adoption. However, the only information the organization gave was the surname "Lee" and that the birth father had passed away. The information gave no help in resolving Lee's identity; there are over 7.3 million Lees in Korea, accounting for 14.7 percent of the entire population. In 2022, Lee again filed a request for the information including birth family this time, however, with the NCRC. Lee was dismayed to receive the same information as her previous search. The NCRC cannot go beyond certain privacy laws, and birth parents can refuse to disclose information. A special act that was established in 2012, Article 36 of the Special Adoption Act of Korea, contains a provision that states that if the biological parents are deceased, the adoption agency must disclose information upon the request of the adoptee regardless of the consent of the biological parents. Although Lee had made requests twice and the birth father was known to be deceased, the NCRC still refused to share the information with her. According to the lawsuit, Lee is seeking to overturn the refusal to disclose the information, which she says must be shared under the Special Adoption Act of Korea. This could be a landmark case that can help strengthen the enforcement of these laws and help guarantee adoptees' "right to know." The NCRC will be expected to provide information as to why it was decided to not disclose the information to the plaintiff. There isn't anything especially unusual about this case or the various other adoptee cases seeking such information. However, only in the past few years have these cases been effective in bringing to light the issue of transparency in international adoption. Adoptees are seeking information not just to understand their circumstances, but also there have been many instances where families have wanted to be reunited, information has been falsified, abuse has been reported in the adopted families' homes and other missteps that adoptees have discovered in their records or in trying to obtain the information they so desperately seek. The next court hearing is on Sept. 12, and it is expected the trial will take a long time to reach a verdict. Even if the plaintiff is successful, it will still be an uphill battle for many adoptees. Currently, adoptees have the possibility of accessing information only in extreme cases of health or if a deceased birth parent has passed away. However, the current law does not extend these abilities to other adoptees. There have been hundreds of adoption cases that have been suspected or discovered to contain misinformation and even fabrications in the paperwork. So adoptees are seeking not just to know their roots but also whether the information presented to them is verifiably true. "This lawsuit is not just about an angry adoptee who can't find their 'mom and dad.' It's a fundamental question about the adoptees' right to know their identity. It's not Korean adoptees wanting to be treated special but treated as Koreans," Peter Moller, a member of the DKRG who spoke on behalf of the plaintiff at the press conference, told The Korea Times. "Adoptions from Korea have proven to be very problematic. There are examples of many serious human rights violations, child theft, adoptions without consent and document forgeries. I hope that one day it will be possible for all of Korea's 250,000 adoptees to access their true information." Representatives from the Korean Unwed Mothers Families Association (KUMFA), KoRoot and domestic Korean adoptee groups also showed their support by speaking at the press conference as well as attending the court hearing. The issues mentioned by the plaintiff have also been reported in other countries where international adoption was prevalent, and children from countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Chile have reported that international adoptions have had similar legal issues, altered information and nonconsent. The NCRC said it "would be monitoring the progress of the lawsuit as it is still ongoing. Although it did not explain why it withheld information about Lee's deceased father, it added that it will review and improve the system based on the results of the final court judgment. Antonia Giordano is a freelance photographer and writer based in Seoul. An adoptee, Antonia deeply understands and connects with the issues surrounding adoption and post-adoption. Recently, she opened the photography studio Vesna Seoul. Visit vesnaseoul.com and follow @antonia_creative_services on Instagram. Korea Times intern Kim Hyo-jae contributed reporting to this article. Korea and Poland have agreed to establish a consultative body between their air forces to strengthen bilateral military cooperation following the European country's adoption of Korean fighter jets, sources said Sunday. The air forces of Korea and Poland recently reached the agreement and are currently discussing the specifics of the establishment, including the timing of the launch, the military sources said. Once established, the body will serve as a venue for discussing cooperation on various military issues, including strategies, tactics and the defense industry. In recent years, Poland has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Korea-manufactured defense goods, purchasing FA-50 fighter jets, K9 self-propelled howitzers and K2 battle tanks in 2022. Through the envisioned body, the air forces of the two countries are expected to share operational know-how regarding the FA-50 fighter jet and consider a pilot exchange program. It is also likely that the two sides will discuss the potential export of the advanced KF-21 Boramae multirole fighters to Poland, which Korea has recently begun mass-producing. (Yonhap) South Korea's defense minister plans to issue an apology over the country's past secret program around training commandos for North Korean infiltration during the Cold War era, considered one of the darkest chapters in the South's military history, according to officials Sunday. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik plans to issue a letter of apology for the so-called "Silmido unit" program during an excavation ceremony set to be held between September and October for the yet-recovered remains of four unit members who were executed and secretly buried in 1972. The ceremony will take place at a cemetery in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, where the remains are presumed to be buried. The Silmido unit, also known as Unit 684, was named after the island off the west coast where it was secretly based. It was established in 1968 by the South Korean government following North Korea's failed attempt to attack the presidential office in Seoul that year. Silmido commandos underwent intense training with the goal of assassinating Kim Il-sung, the North Korean leader at the time, but their existence soon became useless for Seoul amid the rising mood for reconciliation between the two Koreas. The then Park Chung-hee government ordered the elimination of the Silmido unit in 1971, but its commandos escaped and headed to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. Confronted with the army in Seoul, most of the commandos blew themselves up with hand grenades, and the surviving four members were executed the following year. The existence of the anti-communist unit was denied by the government until its story became a huge hit with the movie "Silmido" in 2004. Compensation suits were filed and some were settled in favor of the victims' families. In 2022, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended an investigation into the burial sites and the excavation of the remains of the former members, as well as an apology to the victims. (Yonhap) Summer is the peak season for apartment hunting. The holidays offer us the opportunity to slow down and start a new stage in life, or at the very least find the time to get more organized. Many will do so out of obligation, either because work or school is forcing them to move. And some young people, with a mixture of enthusiasm and naivety, will see in emancipation the dream of finally living away from parental control and building an oasis of fun with their friends, with whom they are so in tune, get along so well and have such a wonderful time that, clearly, nothing can go wrong... The Netflix series Worst Roommate Ever, whose second season has just been released, addresses as the title promises the worst-case scenarios. It is a true crime documentary that collects cases that are twisted to the point of tragedy. In its episodes there are scammers, murderers, psychopathic landlords, possessive and alienating roommates, people who dont talk much and plot in silence, and people who try to get rid of the person next door by playing rap songs too loud. They are unpleasant, terrifying chronicles that leave one with very little desire to trust a stranger again or, even, to completely lower our guard with the acquaintances we live with. But you dont have to go to the hyperbolic level to find stories of fear, trauma or simply disillusionment when it comes to living together. Just ask Jose, a 32-year-old from Madrid, who draws a red line: I have only lived with one friend and she is no longer my friend. Moving in with a friend is a mistake we only make once. I am not going to sacrifice a friendship again over an apartment share. He adds that a person can be a very good friend of yours but then you dont fit well together, because one may be more fussy and the other more disorganized, or because they have expectations that you cant meet in terms of plans or lifestyle. With a friend, you also feel like you can be more disorganized and messy, he explains. This theory is confirmed by Ruben, a 27-year-old from Madrid who puts it plainly thus: My roommate in Hong Kong once shit himself at night because something had made him sick, but I didnt notice because I came home really drunk and only got up to vomit. 'Single White Female,' the 1992 movie that turned roommate relations into a horror story. IFA Film (United Archives / Cordon Press) The fact that there are no friendly relations involved, however, is no guarantee that formalities will be fulfilled. Jose, who has lived in the same apartment for six years, has been sharing it with a man for four years and with a woman for three years. Of the latter, he says: I dont think shes a bad person, but shes selfish, inconsiderate, a bad companion and, above all, dirty. In the kitchen, she might leave something on the stove, go to the shower or talk on the phone, an hour and a half goes by and when you get back theres a bunch of bubbles or charred food. Once she left everything covered in soup for hours. You tell her about it, she apologizes, but its a Judeo-Christian apology. Shes very Catholic: she doesnt apologize because shes actually sorry and is going to try not to do it again, he explains. Once we had a strange smell in the house, we didnt know where it was coming from, and it turned out that she had made some spaghetti two months earlier, had some leftovers, left them in a pot and they turned moldy. I have the feeling that she thinks that she lives alone, she doesnt have a sense of solidarity, of thinking about others, he vents. She uses three pans and doesnt wash at least one so that you can use it later. She sets a thousand alarms and you have to turn them off for her, because she has gone off to the gym. She likes to throw Halloween parties and on November 15th the decoration is still up. A bit weird, but a good price If Jose warns that it is not a good idea to move in with friends, another interviewee warns about an even worse choice: tenants living with their landlords. Sara (who asks to use an assumed name), a 32-year-old from northwestern Spain, explains that she and a friend ended up sharing a place in Madrid with a man in his forties, who said he had been former Prime Minister Aznars bodyguard, was a national chess champion and spoke Esperanto. He was, in fact, the landlord. The apartment was a bit weird, but the price was good, and he seemed nice at first, she says. 'Big Brother,' the show that sensed that conflicts arising from living in close quarters could be television gold. Carsten Koall (Getty Images) Both Sara and her friend spent little more than a month there, but it was enough for a shady escalation to occur. Once, while watching a film on TV, he asked me during a sex scene if I was enjoying it. He also told me about what he called the four-minute rule, a trick he said he did to make women cum in four minutes. I didnt need that information. He also sat around in his underwear and pulled it up to show us his balls, several times, she says. Before they left, Sara and her friend were visited by a woman, the landlords ex-girlfriend, who came in looking like she was high on something to collect a bunch of wigs from a cupboard in the hall. In the room that Sara was renting out, they found some old letters of his, which suggested that he had been in prison. Landlords are always talking about squatters, but tenants are always the most unprotected and the most abused party, says Sara, who insists on the importance of signing a lease so that minimum conditions will be respected. She speaks from experience: when she was renting a room in the city of Vigo, the landlord walked in with his keys on a Monday morning and went straight to her room, while she was still in bed. He was the typical 80-year-old man who goes to collect the money in cash. He walked in while I was still in my pajamas, started talking to me about the state of the house, and then put his arm around me and said, as if joking: If youre short of money, you should know that in order to have sex at my age I have to take a pill. I was paralyzed, she remembers. Dolores (not her real name), a 33-year-old from Almeria in southern Spain, believed when she arrived in Madrid at the age of 20 that it was standard procedure for landlords to go to the door to collect the rent in cash. This was the way in all her first rentals. I thought: why cant I make a money transfer to this lady and not have to worry about her coming by for the envelope? In her case, she emphasizes how the cost of rent forces people to accept living in unsuitable conditions, with people they dont want to be with, because they have no other choice. She was a tenant in apartments with up to 10 residents, with tiny common spaces so the landlord could fit more rooms in. At least one of the landlords owned several such apartments. When she saw conflicts between the tenants, the landlady would offer: Dont worry, girls, I have this other place. It was 250 or 300 per room, 400 if it had a balcony. They werent cheap, although if you compare them to todays prices, they were. In another place, the landlady owned almost the whole block. One day she told us that we had to leave, I guess she figured she would make more money renting them on Airbnb. Roommates at Pennington University in 1955. Al Barry (Getty Images) Dolores explains that although she adapted well, one of her classmates ended up going ballistic due to the constant noise and the parties. When you live in an apartment with so many people, most of them Erasmus students, you assume that you wont find peace. But not her. One Sunday morning she got up and turned on the washing machine and the blender, and she started talking loudly on the phone to wake everyone up In another crowded apartment, Dolores repeatedly lost food and appliances, but the large traffic of people made it nearly impossible to track down the thief. Afterwards, I became the strange and bad roommate myself, she admits. Because of these previous experiences, I was terrified when I moved into new places. When people tried to be my friend, I thought: Yeah, sure, you want to trick me just so you can steal my coffee maker. Shitty mates In his 2016 book El companero de piso de mierda: Guia de supervivencia para compartir casa (The Shitty Roommate: A Survival Guide for Sharing a House), author Giuseppe Angelo Fiori laid down three laws: Theres a shitty roommate in every shared house, a shitty roommate leads to shitty roommate things, and if you dont have a shitty roommate at home, its you. The text was based on the famous Italian Facebook page Il Coinquilino Di Merda (The Shitty Roommate), which is still active with almost a million followers and a similar profile on Instagram, where users post bizarre images and stories resulting from living together, such as altars dedicated to dead insects, sculptures made from beard remains in the sink, or eggs cooked in coffee makers. Another testimony comes from Santiago, a 47-year-old from Madrid who lived in Rome when he was 30. I lived with a girl who was a bit peculiar, who was into heavy metal and was a theology student. She told me that when she went to the bathroom, she used it for hours. I thought she was exaggerating, but no, she was in there for about four hours a day. Later, a new roommate came in who must have had some problem, whom Santiago would sometimes find in the middle of the night staring at the kitchen stove or looking closely at a stain. He had a bit of a strange behavior. One day, he started to pee in bottles, which he kept. I think its tied to the girl in the bathroom, I suppose he needed to go and, seeing that he never could, he did that instead. Jamie Dornan and Andrew Garfield at the 2022 Oscars. Before becoming movie stars, they used to be roommates. David Livingston (Getty Images) One problem with living in the same space with people you despise is that its hard to avoid interacting with them. Alberto, a 24-year-old who resides in Barcelona, lives with a Frenchman who never shuts up and who, he says, spends the day arguing with his girlfriend, saying that hes going to leave her because shes a bad person. One day I was finishing The Last of Us 2, which is a super dramatic game, I was very excited and half crying. And the guy comes to talk to me about the same thing again. I had to ask him, with tears running down my face, to shut up. Jose, who at the beginning of this article described the hostilities with his roommate, also details, in the manner of a documentary about predators, the strategy for not exchanging words: She is one of those people who, if she wants to interact, she stares at you. I avoid eye contact as much as I can. If you move, you are lost! However, he admits that talking, however unpleasant it may be, is the solution. At first, I tried to keep quiet about things so as not to have a serious conflict. But it is much worse that way. If something bothers you about the person you live with, you have to tell them, he reflects. It is like having a toxic partner. Either you set the limit immediately or you are screwed. You set a precedent. If you do not tell someone that he or she is a filthy person, the other person will always abuse you. In other words: potentially shitty roommates who have just started living together still have time to mend their ways. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Korea's exports of kimchi hit a fresh record high in the first half of this year, driven by the growing global popularity of Korean cuisine, particularly in North America and Europe, data showed Sunday. Outbound shipments of kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish typically made from fermented cabbage, reached 23,900 tons during the first six months of the year, up 4.8 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Korea Customs Service and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. The half yearly figure has been on a steady rise over the past 10 years, up from 11,500 tons in 2015 and 11,900 tons in 2016 to 20,300 tons in 2020 and 22,200 tons in 2022. In terms of value, kimchi exports came to $83.8 million for the first half, marking the second highest following $86.7 billion in 2021. The increase in kimchi exports is attributed to rising demand from North America and Europe. Exports of kimchi to the United States jumped 20 percent on-year to 6,600 tons in the six-month period through June, while those to Canada soared 34 percent on-year to 900 tons. Overseas sales of Korean kimchi in the Netherlands also vaulted 34 percent on-year to 1,300 tons in the first half. By value, kimchi exports to the U.S. reached a record $24.1 million, up 18.9 percent from a year earlier, followed by the Netherlands with $5.6 million, Britain with $4.2 million and Canada with $3.8 million. Japan, the biggest buyer of Korean kimchi, bought 9,600 tons of Korean kimchi, or $28.3 million, over the past six months, down 11.9 percent from a year ago. Meanwhile, Korea's imports of kimchi came to $83.4 million in the first half, down from $78.8 million a year ago. (Yonhap) Nearly 2,500 cases of prohibited items, including live ammunition and Tasers, have been detected during security checks at Korean airports over the past four and a half years, data showed Sunday. The Korea Airports, which operates 14 international and domestic airports nationwide, and the Incheon International Airport, the operator of Korea's main gateway, reported that 2,485 cases of banned items were found in carry-on baggage across 15 airports from January 2020 to June 2024, according to their data submitted to the National Assembly. More than half of these detections, totaling 1,378 cases, occurred at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, followed by 684 cases in Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul. Prohibited items include Tasers, firearms, sharp objects and explosives, all of which pose security risks and are banned on aircraft. At Incheon International Airport, the number of detections of live ammunition increased significantly, rising from 106 cases in 2020 to 311 in 2022, with 205 cases reported in the first half of this year. Live ammunition accounted for 65.2 percent of all prohibited items detected at the airport over the four and a half-year period. A total of 1,352 cases of other banned items, such as tools, scissors and liquids, were detected at the 15 airports during the same period. (Yonhap) By Jung Da-hyun One-third of employees who took parental leave in the first half of this year were men, marking the first time the proportion of men has surpassed 30 percent in Korea. According to statistics from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Sunday, 69,631 employees received their first child care leave allowance from the national employment insurance program between January and June this year. Since the allowance is funded by employment insurance, these figures exclude public officials and teachers, who are not covered by this insurance. In the first half of this year, the number of child care leave recipients increased by 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year, rising from 67,465. While the number of women taking leave decreased slightly by 1.8 percent to 47,171, the number of men on leave surged by 15.7 percent to 22,460. Men accounted for 32.3 percent of the initial recipients in the first half of the year, indicating that one in every three people on parental leave is now male. This represents a record-high proportion of men taking child care leave. The proportion of men receiving the allowance has shown a steady increase over the years, rising from 8.7 percent in 2016 to 13.4 percent in 2017, 21.2 percent in 2019 and 26.2 percent in 2021. In 2022, the figure reached 28.9 percent, close to 30 percent, but declined slightly to 28 percent last year. In large corporations with over 1,000 employees, 43.5 percent people taking parental leave in the first half of this year were men, nearly half of the total. Conversely, in smaller workplaces with fewer than 100 employees, the male ratio was just 22.7 percent, highlighting a significant disparity based on company size. The increase in child care leave among male workers is widely attributed to the expansion of the national allowance for couples taking leave simultaneously. This suggests that the primary barrier to men has been the low salary level. In response, the government is working to raise the upper limit of parental leave benefits from 1.5 million won ($1,102) to 2.5 million won for the first three months as a measure to combat the low birthrate. Opposition party railroads $180 cash handout bill, set to pass 'yellow envelope bill By Kwak Yeon-soo, Anna J. Park The National Assembly will likely be locked in partisan conflict for the foreseeable future, with the legislative process trapped in a vicious circle of the majority-holding opposition party tabling controversial bills unilaterally, the ruling party staging filibusters in protest and President Yoon Suk Yeol exercising his veto power. The opposition-led National Assembly is set to pass the so-called "yellow envelope bill," which limits companies from demanding compensation from unions that stage strikes, on Monday following a filibuster by the ruling People Power Party (PPP) that lasted for nearly 31 hours. The contentious bill's history dates back to 2014 when the Supreme Court ruled a SsangYong Motor strike in 2009 illegal and ordered unionized workers to pay 4.7 billion won ($3.4 million) in compensation to the company and the state. In response, civic activists delivered yellow envelopes, each containing 47,000 won in donations, to support unionized workers at SsangYong Motor. This has raised the need to amend the trade union law in favor of striking workers, leading to the revision led by the opposition bloc. The Assembly passed the bill last year, but Yoon vetoed it, given strong opposition from business groups and the PPP. They fear that if passed, the bill will encourage illegal strikes and harm labor-management relations and the national economy. "If companies cannot seek compensation for property damage resulting from a strike, it can encourage workers at industrial sites to stage more spontaneous strikes. This can shake the fundamentals of the entire industry, harm labor-management relations and create confusion," Rep. Choi Soo-jin, the PPP's spokesperson, said Sunday. The National Assembly passed a controversial cash handout bill during a plenary session last Friday. The bill stipulates that every Korean citizen, as well as eligible foreign residents of Korea, receive at least 250,000 won worth of cash vouchers to support the recovery of their livelihoods. The bill passed the National Assembly in a 186-1 vote, with Rep. Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, a former PPP chair, casting the only "no" vote. PPP lawmakers left the session in protest. The opposition parties currently hold 191 seats combined in the National Assembly, while the PPP holds 108 seats. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik left the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to sit as the speaker. 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 said that 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 economy. The presidential office criticized the bill's passage, calling it "unconstitutional" and "populist." "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," a senior presidential office official said, hinting at the possibility of Yoon vetoing the bill. Yoon has exercised his veto power 15 times since taking office in May 2022, one of the highest numbers for a president in the country's history, deepening the rift with opposition parties. The partisan conflicts between the ruling and opposition blocs are expected to intensify over the impeachment of the broadcasting watchdog chief. The Assembly on Friday impeached Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-sook, just two days after she took office, in a 186-1 vote with one abstention. Lee has been suspended from her job while awaiting a Constitutional Court impeachment trial. The impeachment procedure is expected to take at least four months, resulting in a long-term halt in the KCC's functions. In August, the DPK plans to reintroduce a bill mandating a special counsel to investigate the military's handling of the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, a Marine who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy flooding in July last year. The DPK urged PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon to propose a new bill calling for a special counsel chosen by a "third party" to investigate the case as he promised during his bid for the PPP leadership in June. "Han expressed his intention to propose a 'third party' special counsel probe into the military's response to the death of the Marine but has remained silent since the PPP's national convention. He should propose a new bill, or else we will think he lied on the campaign trail," DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said Friday. A legislative committee plans to hold a hearing on Aug. 14 on the impeachment of a prosecutor related to first lady Kim Keon Hee's alleged stock manipulation scheme. The Legislation and Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the DPK, summoned the first lady to testify at the hearing as the opposition alleges Kim was involved in the stock manipulation of Deutsch Motors, a BMW car dealer in Korea, between 2009 and 2012. By Choe Chong-dae Maps have been essential tools in human history, aiding travel and shaping our understanding of the world. They reflect geographical and cultural knowledge over time, showcasing the prevailing understanding and expertise of their creators. In Korea, mapmaking dates back to the Three Kingdoms period, serving both topographical and governance needs. Korean maps are invaluable cultural heritage, providing insights into past worldviews. The awareness of a broader world beyond the borders of China and India began to emerge gradually over time. By the early 1400s during the early days of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, significant strides were made in cartography. One remarkable example is the creation of the "Honil gangni yeokdae gukdo jido" (Map of Integrated Lands and Regions of Historical Countries and Capitals) crafted by Korean officials Kwon Kun, Kim Sa-hyung, Lee Mu and Yi Hoe in 1402. This map, the oldest existing Korean map, is recognized as one of the best world maps among both Eastern and Western civilizations at the time. It depicted locations such as Paris in France, Rome in Italy, the African coastline and the source of the Nile River. The map symbolizes the interconnectedness of nations, encompassing the Mongol Empire and illustrating the importance of trade routes in shaping geopolitical landscapes. It provides valuable insights into the evolving understanding of global geography and the interconnectedness of civilizations across continents. This map serves as an enduring testament to human curiosity, exploration and the quest for knowledge about the world we inhabit. It blends Chinese, European and Middle Eastern geographical knowledge, the global perspective of the Mongol Empire and the intellectual prowess of the Korean people. Furthermore, the map encapsulates nearly all the geographic knowledge available to humanity prior to the discovery of the New World. While the Korean Peninsula and China dominate the map, their scales differ significantly. The coastlines of Africa and India resemble modern satellite maps. European and Middle Eastern major place names are included, along with the Paros Lighthouse, a historic site in Alexandria, Egypt, dating back to around 280 B.C. The map reflects the global perceptions of the Korean people, transcending mere adherence to Chinese theory and embracing a broader global perspective. The intriguing history of the map continues in Kyoto in 1910, with Japanese scholars initiating its study. Speculation suggests it may have arrived in Japan during the colonial period. Though the original remains undiscovered, Japan houses four copies, the oldest being the Ryukoku version, meticulously copied from the Joseon Dynasty between 1481 and 1486. Initially found as a large footprint on silk, Korea learned of its existence in the 1960s, with Seoul National University replicating the Ryukoku version after 1980. The map gained global recognition in 1982 at the National Museum of Art in Washington, D.C., during an event commemorating the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage. Gary Redyard, a prominent Korean studies professor at Columbia University, introduced the map, stating, "There is no map from 15th-century Europe that rivals 'Honil gangni yeokdae gukdo jido.'" U.S. media, including The New York Times, hailed it as the most comprehensive world map of its time. This map depects humanity's geographic knowledge and the interconnectedness of civilizations. They are invaluable cultural artifact, bridging historical and contemporary geography and culture. The maps layout may appear as a reorganization of Korea within a map centered on China. According to the preface, the map was crafted using two Chinese maps, "Shengjiao Guangbei Tu" and "Hunyi Jiangli Tu," as well as maps of Korea and Japan. We should trace the original "Honil gangni yeokdae gukdo jido" to fully appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association. Revision of law necessary as foreign interference intensifies Debate is heating up in the National Assembly regarding a possible revision of the Criminal Law to redefine espionage activities following the indictment of Sue Mi Terry for her alleged violations of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Such a development, albeit belated, is more than welcome. And the current debate should serve as a conduit for the introduction of South Korea's own version of the FARA, and, as a result, those who received funds from and who work for foreign governments without declaring their identities can face punishment, regardless of their nationality. Measures like these are needed to safeguard the nation from foreign countries influence operations. Partisan politics in national security is not acceptable. The ruling People Power Party (PPP), the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and other minor parties should team up to draw up a bipartisan bill requiring agents for foreign governments to comply with the law and approve it swiftly, so that the revised measure can take effect as soon as possible. The current Criminal Act stipulates that people working for an enemy state or those who were aware of others espionage activities but failed to report them to the related law enforcement authorities will face up to capital punishment. With this stipulation, the law identifies North Korea as the sole enemy and those who work for the North are subject to the espionage law. The law is outdated. Western countries have been exploring measures that can help them cut off foreign interference in local politics, while autocratic countries like China and Russia are launching massive campaigns to influence local politics. Funding politicians, academics, other experts and even journalists and spreading misinformation to sow seeds of distrust are some of the known tactics of influence operations. The U.S., Canada and Australia have taken various measures, including the closure of state-run Confucius Institutes, in response to Chinas influence operations in their territories. Like these countries, South Korea is also wrestling with foreign interference. But there is no law in place to punish the initiators of foreign interference and people who act on their directions. The problem of South Koreas lack of such a law was addressed last year when the nation learned China allegedly ran more than one secret police station on its soil. One of them was, in appearance, a Chinese restaurant in southern Seoul. Operated by a Chinese national, the restaurant was believed to have served as a front for Chinas secret police who are tasked with the mission of monitoring Chinese dissidents and Chinese nationals critical of their government and repatriating them back to China. The operator of the Chinese restaurant and his wife were arrested. But investigators couldnt charge them with espionage offenses because there is no law that can be applied. Earlier this year, the prosecution indicted the couple for other minor offenses, including violations of the Food Sanitation Act. South Koreas legislation failure flared up again recently after the U.S. prosecution indicted Sue Mi Terry, a senior fellow at the New York-based U.S. foreign policy think tank Council on Foreign Relations, of allegedly having served as an agent for South Korea without registration, which if true is a violation of the FARA. Last week, Rep. Park Sun-won of the DPK submitted a revision bill calling for altering Korea's Criminal Act. In the proposed bill, Park puts forth revising the law to redefine espionage activities to include acts sponsored by any foreign countries. The ruling party concurred with the need to redefine espionage activities. Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the PPP, said the ruling party is willing to cooperate with the DPK to introduce the revision bill. His remark came days after an unnamed military staffer working at the Defense Intelligence Command was arrested for allegedly leaking a list of military intelligence agents engaged in covert operations overseas to collect intelligence about North Korea. The incident raised a red flag. Han said intelligence is a key "weapon" directly related to national security, blaming the DPK for its alleged reluctance to pass the bill during the previous National Assembly. But there is a factual error in Hans remark. Its true that the revision bill was proposed during the 21st National Assembly and it failed to get the nod from the Assembly. But its not true that the DPK didnt cooperate. The Office of Court Administration was negative about the revision bill and this explains why the previous attempt to revise the Criminal Act didnt come to fruition. Now is the time for the National Assembly to draw up legislation to require people who are funded to work for any foreign governments as agents to register and declare their identities, so that the Korean public is not duped by their influence operations. By Peter S. Kim Many consider that Korea's Corporate Value-Up Program (CVP) was inspired by Japan's initiative. After nearly three decades of economic stagnation and a decade following the introduction of Abenomics to revitalize the capital markets, Japans reform program, spearheaded by the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), has captured the attention of global investors. At the core of this plan is "asset-based income growth," a design to engineer internally generated growth through efficient capital management and transparent corporate governance. This year, Korean policymakers followed a similar strategy, recognizing that the country's economic growth, derived historically from a combination of exports and residential property prices, is dissipating rapidly. For decades, every Korean CEO has had one dominant mission growth. The CVP, however, promotes internal efficiency as an alternative priority. While Korea's version may lack detail relative to the Japanese version, for now, the key importance is in the embedded message: growth is NOT everything. Japan's struggles for growth over the past few decades are a potent reminder that Korea must act quickly. Korea is facing an even steeper demographic cliff, while its exporters are encountering unprecedented competition from Japan and China. Japan's devaluation of its currency is coming at a time when China is turning from a net importer to a net exporter of almost everything it produces. For the past decade, Korean companies have assumed that it would take at least a decade for China to catch up on key technologies. However, as exemplified by China's booming electric vehicles industry, China's ascent up the value chain has been quicker than anyone projected. The importance of the CVP is, therefore, not just the corporate governance issue but rather part of the broader economic challenge facing the nation. Consequently, Korean CEOs are now faced with the formidable task of pursuing growth in an environment where escalating domestic wages pose a challenge to price competitiveness, particularly against Japan and China. In addition to absolute growth, Korean CEOs have also coveted market share, both globally and domestically. This mindset is evident in many industries and has left investors perplexed due to the resulting irrational business behaviors, including cutthroat price competition, aggressive capital investments, and reckless market entries. The CVP serves as a resounding message that CEOs may have a mission besides growth and market share. By furnishing listed companies with performance measures such as ROE, ROIC, and PBR, the CVP has established a common goal for Korean CEOs and shareholders to align with. This marks a significant shift in the role and priorities of corporate management, guiding CEOs to prioritize internal efficiency and transparent corporate governance over traditional growth and market share goals. Korean exporters have not been the only ones competing ruthlessly over price. Korean banks have also chased growth as the top priority. For years they have battled fiercely for market share, while enduring stagnant loan growth due to a slowing population. As a result, profitability has suffered due to intense market share competition in the fee business and ventures into overseas expansion. Shareholders have been critical of the excessive price competition, which has resulted in a deep valuation discount on Korean banking shares. Going forward, though, as the best of the financial groups achieve greater efficiency and profits, a return to shareholders is the obvious next step. Korean bank shares have proven to be a shining success of the CVP initiative, which is now being lauded as a benchmark for other industries. The policy's success seems to have been reflected largely in the sector, which has boasted the best share price performance among the CVP themes thus far. The most significant shift for CEOs is the move away from top-line growth as a key performance measure. If investors start rewarding companies that achieve "asset-based income growth" and not just profitless growth, then other companies or sectors could follow suit. This potential for a transformative moment is a reason for optimism for other capable Korean CEOs. The change in mindset carries far more significance for Korean corporates than just the promise of higher dividends. The opposition Democratic Party of Korea jumped into the debate over the fabled "Korea discount" by scrutinizing the fiduciary duty of the board of directors. Currently, Korean law states that the duty of the board is to the "company" rather than shareholders. The historical interpretation thus far has been a duty to the major shareholder, compromising the rights of minority shareholders. Should the revision go ahead, the duty of the board, including the CEOs, will now include a broader array of shareholders, just like most of the leaders of companies in developed economies. Peter S. Kim is managing director at the KB Financial Group. Korea has opened an anti-dumping investigation into hydrocarbon resin imports from China and Taiwan after a local company has claimed cheap imports from the countries were damaging the local industry, according to informed sources Sunday. According to the sources, the Korea Trade Commission of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has recently begun the investigation into four Chinese companies and three Taiwanese companies, following a petition from Kolon Industries. The Korean industrial materials firm claimed that it had suffered damages due to the supply of low-priced products from the Chinese and Taiwanese companies. Kolon Industries alleged that the dumping margins for Chinese and Taiwanese companies stood at 15.52 percent and 18.52 percent, respectively. Hydrocarbon resin, also known as petroleum resin, is a material processed from by-products generated during the cracking process of naphtha. It is used in products like paints and adhesives to provide tackiness and adhesiveness, and serves as a key raw material for both industrial and general consumer goods. Korea currently imposes a basic tariff rate of 8 percent on hydrocarbon resin. However, under the free trade agreement with China, Chinese products are imported duty-free. "Considering the decline in operating profit margins in the Korean industry's domestic business sector, it cannot be said that the damage is insignificant," the trade commission said. The commission will make a preliminary determination on the case within a maximum five-month period and will reach a final conclusion within an additional maximum seven-month period. (Yonhap) CATLs battery credibility also in question By Lee Min-hyung Massive fire damage resulting from a Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan which ignited in an underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Incheon last Thursday has heightened public concerns over the seemingly ever-increasing dangers posed by electric vehicles (EVs). The vehicle was not being recharged at the time that it suddenly caught fire, quickly spreading to dozens of other parked vehicles which were also destroyed as a result. More than 100 residents also had to be evacuated from the complex due to the fire. This heightened existing fears from members of the public that they could fall victim to similar unexpected EV fires. In response, a growing number of apartment complexes nationwide are moving to ban EVs from their underground parking lots. According to data from the Science and Technology Policy Institute, the number of EV fires has been on the steep rise over the past few years, as more people purchase all-electric cars over internal combustion engine vehicles. While only two official EV fires were reported in 2018, the figure soared to 72 as of 2023. The number of registered EVs here also skyrocketed during the same period from around 55,000 to 543,900. The latest accident has also ended up tainting the corporate image of the German carmaker, with the scale of damage being the largest reported in any EV fire to date. The local subsidiary of the German luxury carmaker said it takes the incident very seriously. We will fully cooperate with investigation authorities to pinpoint the exact cause of the accident, an official from Mercedes-Benz Korea said. We also express regret to the residents of the apartment complex. But the official declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, but the vehicle's nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery manufactured by CATL is widely suspected to have triggered the fire. As NCM batteries are used by premium carmakers, the Chinese battery makers global reputation could suffer amid growing safety concerns. The involvement in such huge fires, in itself, will hamper the overall brand images of Mercedes-Benz and CATL, as it is highly unusual for a parked EV to catch fire when it is not being charged, an official from a carmaker said. The latest EV fire occurred just months after Mercedes-Benz Korea held a media event in May to promote the safety of its EVs with two crash-tested EQA and EQS EVs. Displaying the impact-damaged vehicles, the carmaker underscored its proven EV safety, with one of the carmakers engineers saying that EVs are no more dangerous than typical vehicles with internal combustion engines. However, the fire last Thursday has cast serious doubts on the firm's credibility in terms of the safety of its EVs. If the investigation reveals that the vehicles battery management system caused the fire, Mercedes-Benz may be held liable. However, the liability could also extend to CATL if faults are discovered in the battery pack itself. By Park Jae-hyuk Hyundai Glovis looks set to invest in a consortium led by Air Incheon, which has been selected as the preferred bidder to acquire Asiana Airlines cargo business, according to industry officials, Sunday. Its move is interpreted as part of efforts to foster the air cargo business as a new growth engine. We are considering joining Air Incheons acquisition of Asianas cargo business as an investor, Hyundai Glovis said in a regulatory filing Friday. Although Hyundai Motor Group's logistics unit added that nothing has been decided yet, the company is reportedly planning to invest around 100 billion won ($74 million) in a private equity fund holding an 80.3 percent stake in Air Incheon. Hyundai Glovis is said to have once considered the direct acquisition of Asianas cargo business when it was put up for sale as part of Korean Air's attempts to win the European Unions conditional approval for the takeover of a smaller competitor. However, only air carriers were allowed to participate in the bid, so Hyundai Glovis appears to have changed its plan. Given that Hyundai Glovis said in June that it would draw up aggressive growth strategies, there is speculation that the logistics firm may take over Air Incheon, once the budget carrier merges with Asianas cargo business. Depending on strategic needs, we will consider M&As for our growth, Hyundai Glovis CEO Lee Kyoo-bok told investors at that time. Read More Unionized workers at Asiana Airlines oppose merger with Korean Air Over the past few years, Hyundai Glovis has tried to reinforce its air cargo business. Following a memorandum of understanding with Incheon International Airport Corp. in 2022, it started building the Global Distribution Center in 2023 at the airport's second logistics complex, with the aim of finishing the construction by 2025. In addition, Hyundai Glovis has engaged in the air freight forwarding business at airports in Germany's Frankfurt, Austria's Vienna, the United States' Atlanta and India's Chennai. The company also won the certification to transport lithium batteries by air from the International Air Transport Association. "We will enhance customer satisfaction by providing high-quality logistics services on land, sea and air," a Hyundai Glovis official said. Ludovic Slimak, 51, is a paleoanthropologist at the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Toulouse-Le Mirail. In his latest book, The Naked Neanderthal: A New Understanding of the Human Creature (2024), he recounts his experiences excavating sites around the world in search of the essence of the last extinct human species. The author reflects on subjects that transcend science, touching on art, psychology, anthropology and philosophy. His central idea is to use Neanderthals as a mirror, so that we can look at ourselves clearly and identify the impulses that have the potential to annihilate us. In this interview with EL PAIS, Slimak discusses his latest discovery: the remains of what is possibly the last known Neanderthal. The man, who was about 50 when he died, hailed from a clan that was completely isolated for 50,000 years. Question. What do you think happened when our species met the Neanderthals? Answer. To understand this meeting between two [versions of] humans, we must find the right words to express what the Neanderthal is. So far, we havent succeeded. There are two schools of thought: one that considers the Neanderthals to be an inferior humanity, as well as another that almost as a reaction says that this is a racist view, that the Neanderthals were the same as us. Q. And what do you think? A. Ive spent 35 years working in caves. Ive had direct contact with the objects [that the Neanderthals] made, with their way of life and their weapons. While doing this work, something very problematic happened to me: I didnt recognize anything from those two schools of thought. They werent seeing the fundamentals of the Neanderthal question. Its not about understanding their technologies for carving flint, or knowing which animals they hunted, or [identifying] what their genetics were. All of these things are just tools. Weve confused the methods with the subject of study, which is the human being. We sapiens are so complex that we have a hard time understanding ourselves. Weve fragmented human knowledge into many disciplines: anthropology, psychology, etiology, sociology but the human is not in any of these fragments. We [need to ask] ourselves a much bigger question: who are we and what are we in the world? And once weve posed this question, we can ask ourselves what the existence of another independent form of humanity means and what its role was. We cannot understand the Neanderthals by projecting our ghosts. Q. In your book, you discuss a scarecrow Neanderthal, whom weve disguised as ourselves. Can you elaborate? A. For the general public, the Neanderthal is a popstar. The word Neanderthal is used in all cultures of the planet, with many variations. In the United States, its used to insult political rivals. In other cultures, the Neanderthal embodies the dream of the so-called noble savage (a derogatory term). In popular culture, the Neanderthal has escaped us: it has a life of its own. Its not the real Neanderthal, but rather one that has been disguised, dressed up in different ways. We might expect that the scientific field would face the problem coldly but thats not the case, either. The data is so complex that the scientific community has become bogged down. It hasnt been able to take a step back to analyze all the data as a whole. Q. Can you speak to the charges of racism that have flared up in the debate over Neanderthals? A. Racism isnt saying I dont love you because youre different, but rather, in order for you to be human, you have to be like me. By wanting to do good, scientists have fallen into racism 2.0. Weve killed the Neanderthals for the second time by not wanting to understand them as they really were. The same thing happened in the [European] colonization of Africa, Australia and the Americas and it continues to happen in the 21st century. We cannot conceive of extraordinary human forms that arent identical to us. Were prisoners of this refusal to see. Q. Is everyone in the field so misguided? A. Theres a site in Italy where remains of large, showy wings of some birds have been found. There were marks from flint tools on them. They were made by Neanderthals from the last period before their extinction. The conclusion was that they collected those feathers to adorn themselves with plumes, as we once did. But I found writings by the French explorer Jean Malaurie, who spent time with the Inuit people of the Arctic, and he said that they pluck the feathers of birds to suck the marrow of the calamus, which is very nutritious. Suddenly, [the whole theory] collapsed. The Neanderthal wearing feathers turned out to be a caricature. Ludovic Slimak, pictured before his interview with EL PAIS. Samuel Sanchez Q. Is there a sense of guilt in all of this? A. Yes, theres guilt. In the 19th century, the myth of the noble savage was created. In the 20th century, we moved on to racism. But all the horror of the 20th century doesnt change the fact that evolution exists: that we have two humanities, one that lived in Africa us and another in Europe, the Neanderthals, who were there for 500,000 years in totally different climates and environments. If after all that we still think that they were the same as us, its because we dont believe in evolution. Its creationism 2.0. There are unconscious movements to rehabilitate the Neanderthal but be careful, because that always ends in assimilation. Q. And thinking in terms of assimilation is a mistake? A. When I was a student, I had an ethnography professor, Pierre Lemonnier, who invented the anthropology of technology. He would say that, the day we understand that a Papua New Guinean who kills his wife by putting three arrows in her back is considered to be a great man within his tribe, only then we can be good ethnographers. Confronting cultural otherness is always a shocking experience. Not one of our so-called Western values is universal. What they do in Papua New Guinea shocks us but what we do also surprises them. And when we confront the Neanderthal, theres not only cultural otherness, but also biological otherness. The Neanderthal cannot be a politically correct subject. We have to face it and look at it without masks, with total honesty, to try to understand what it is. Were talking about the last great extinction of humanity the last time there was a human being on Earth who wasnt us. Q. Why do you think they disappeared? A. In recent decades, [the disappearance] has been thought of as being [similar] to the extinction of the dinosaurs. But human beings dont become extinct just like that. Its been said that both species (Homo sapiens and Neanderthals) had the same technological knowledge. But after having held [countless] Neanderthal and sapien objects in my hands, [I can say that] they have nothing in common. Sapiens follow processes of normalization and standardization of uniformization. Its not something exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries. The same [is notable] with objects that are 140,000 years old found in the Rhone Valley, or 200,000 years old in the Horn of Africa. When Im presented with an object that was made by sapiens, as soon as I see it, I immediately understand it. But the Neanderthal object is like a game of chess. I know how to make tools with flint, its part of my training as a paleoanthropologist. When I pick up a Neanderthal tool, I see that its very beautiful but I dont understand it. Days can go by until, suddenly, the answer comes to me. The interesting thing is that this object is unique in the world. I can see [tons] of them and not one of them is identical to the other. With sapiens, after seeing 100, I know what the next ones will be like. Q. Does technology allow us to understand the Neanderthal mind? A. These tools open up their mental structure to us and show us that it has nothing to do with ours. We call soldiers outfits uniforms. Why is the soldier asked to dress the same as everyone else? So that he disappears as an individual and is only part of an anthill. In sapiens, there are ways of being and understanding that are very dangerous. Theyre in our nature. That desire to do things at the same time to go all in makes us more effective than any other human species. Q. But when sapiens encountered Neanderthals in Europe, they had sex. And they had children who were accepted. A. Geneticists have shown that all ancient sapiens and even those from today have Neanderthal genes. However, the last Neanderthals didnt have sapiens genes. [Slimak shows EL PAIS a reproduction of a fossilized lower jaw.] This is a discovery that still hasnt been published. It was found in the Mandrin Cave in the Rhone valley and belongs to one of the last Neanderthals. Weve managed to extract DNA from a molar and it tells us that they lived about 40,000 years ago. This individual didnt have any sapiens genes. However, they come from a site where, about 10,000 years earlier, sapiens used to live. When the DNA was extracted, we realized that this is a totally unknown group of late-Neanderthals. Were dealing with one of the last Neanderthals possibly the last. The population that this individual and his ancestors belonged to hadnt exchanged a single gene with any other Neanderthal group for 50,000 years not even with those who lived a weeks walk away! Were dealing with elements of population behaviour that are fundamental to understanding extinction: 50,000 years of evolution is the difference between a wolf and a poodle. During the time that this population lived there, sapiens began to generate communication networks that spanned [1,800 miles] between the two ends of the Mediterranean. An object was found next to this individual that was a true technological feat. Nobody on Earth today would be able to reproduce it: its a completely straight stone point, 10 centimetres long and two millimetres thick. These people had surprising technical capabilities, but their way of understanding the world was different. Each object was unique and showed great creativity and freedom. Q. Arent we sapiens creative and free? A. We would like that to be the definition of the human being, but its not. If it were, we would have disappeared 40,000 years ago. What we are is a normalized, standardized, hyper-efficient species. Theres something very dangerous about sapiens that leads to the extinction of any other human form. Today, were applying our efficiency to the natural environment. We see a collapse of biodiversity. This isnt because we evil sapiens want to destroy everything but if we dont become aware of this, the natural world will collapse on our heads. Q. If Neanderthals were so special, why did their minds not give rise to art? A. My colleagues have looked for Neanderthal art in the caves. But they look for what sapiens did. If we go to the Altamira cave (Spain), we see the bison [drawings]. The details of the legs are the same as those we see thousands of miles away, in the Ural Mountains of Russia. What does this tell us? That its not art: its technique. They all do exactly the same thing, like with flint. The Palaeolithic caves use the same code that communicates the message: Were together and were equal. Art appeared in 1863, with the Salon of the Impressionists. Before that, everything was academic art; everyone painted the same thing. It wasnt art, but technique: extremely refined and artisanal. Manet, Pisarro, Monet and Renoir rebelled and began to paint in a different way and they were rejected for it. But in the end, they opened the worlds eyes. Thats true art. Sapiens dont consider art to be anything except anecdotal, individual moments of light. The academy has a kind of collective neurosis. With the Neanderthal, its different. Their artisanal objects, like the one found in the Mandrin Cave, are unique, unreproducible. That object says: Im the only one capable of doing this. Its the fusion of art and craftsmanship. We havent seen it because weve projected our sapien mentality. Theres Neanderthal art everywhere, behind the spotlights. However, in sapiens, theres no art. They were freer than us. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump proposed to debate Democratic U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Fox News on Sept. 4, but the Harris campaign countered that Trump was trying to back out of a debate that had been set to run on ABC. The rules would be similar to the first debate with President Joe Biden, who has since dropped his reelection bid, Trump said in a post on Truth Social late on Friday. But this time it would have a "full arena audience" and take place in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Trump said. Trump and Biden had agreed to a second debate on Sept. 10 on ABC News which the former president had suggested should be moved to Fox, the most popular network with his followers. Harris, who on Friday secured the delegate votes needed to clinch the Democratic nomination for the Nov. 5 election, said on Saturday that she plans to participate in the originally planned debate. "Its interesting how 'any time, any place' becomes 'one specific time, one specific safe space,'" she wrote on social media platform X. "Ill be there on Sept. 10, like he agreed to. I hope to see him there." Harris spokesperson Michael Tyler said Trump is "running scared" and that her campaign is happy to discuss further debates after the Sept. 10 one that "both campaigns have already agreed to." On Saturday, Trump said on Truth Social that Harris is "afraid to do it" and that he will see her on Sept. 4, "or, I won't see her at all." At a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday night, Trump again appeared to attack Harris' racial identity. On Thursday, Trump falsely suggested to the country's largest annual gathering of Black journalists that Harris had downplayed her Black heritage. Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican heritage, has long self-identified as both Black and Asian. In Atlanta on Saturday, Trump said there were "19 different ways" of pronouncing Harris' first name, while also calling her a "lunatic." On Friday he said that the ABC debate had been "terminated" in that Biden would no longer be in it and because he himself was in litigation with ABC. ABC on July 26 outlined qualification requirements for the debate but did not mention any candidates by name. Requirements include proving polling support and state ballot access by Sept. 3. Recent polls show a tight contest between Harris and Trump, who had enjoyed a bigger lead over Biden after the first debate. ABC News had no comment about whether Trump had dropped out of the debate, a spokesperson said. Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's proposal for the debate on Fox came right after the Democratic National Committee launched an advertising campaign on Friday taunting him by saying "the convicted felon is afraid to debate" and questioning whether that is due to his stance on abortion. David Plouffe, an adviser to former President Barack Obama who recently joined the Harris campaign, posted on social media: "Now, he seems only comfortable in a cocoon, asking his happy place Fox to host a Trump rally and call it a debate. Maybe he can only handle debating someone his own age." Trump is 78 and Harris is 59. Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, who turns 100 on Oct. 1, said, "I'm only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Saturday. (Reuters) Middle East tensions soared Saturday as Iran and its allies readied their response to the assassination of Hamas's political leader, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war. Israel ally the United States said it would move warships and fighter jets to the region, while Western governments called on their citizens to leave Lebanon where the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement is based and airlines cancelled flights. The killing this week of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, hours after the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah's military chief in Beirut, has triggered vows of vengeance from Iran and the so-called "axis of resistance". Iran-backed groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria have already been drawn into the nearly 10-month war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israel on Saturday again traded fire with Hezbollah, carried out a deadly raid in the occupied West Bank, and struck a school compound in Gaza City in an attack that the Hamas-ruled territory's civil defence agency said killed at least 17 people. Numerous schools turned into displacement shelters have been hit across Gaza in recent weeks, with Israel insisting the facilities had been used by militants. Hamas denied using civilian infrastructure for military activities. Haniyeh was buried on Friday in Qatar, where he had been based. Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of carrying out the attack, has not directly commented on it. Iran said on Saturday it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets. The Pentagon said it was bolstering its military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and defend Israel. It said an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln would be deployed, as well as additional ballistic missile defense- capable cruisers and destroyers and a new fighter squadron. U.S. President Joe Biden, at his beach home in Delaware, was asked by reporters if he thought Iran would stand down. "I hope so," he said. "I don't know." Soon after, Hezbollah announced it had fired dozens of Katyusha rockets at the northern Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel. They said it was in response to an Israeli attack on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in southern Lebanon which, it said, had injured civilians. Earlier Saturday, Hezbollah announced the deaths of two of its fighters, including a 17-year-old from Deir Siriane. Take 'any ticket available' In Beirut, 20-year-old student Diana Abu Aasel told AFP she feared something bad will happen to my family and friends. "If there is war, I don't think I will be able to bear staying" in Lebanon, she said. Crowds of thousands rallied Saturday in Morocco, Jordan and Turkey to denounce Haniyeh's killing and show solidarity with Palestinians, AFP correspondents reported. Haniyeh's killing is among a series of attacks since April that have heightened fears of a regional conflagration. His death came hours after Israel struck south Beirut, killing Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr. Both Britain and the United States on Satuday urged their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its unprecedented October 7 attack which triggered war in Gaza and resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. Israel's campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,550 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Haniyeh was Hamas's lead negotiator in efforts to end the war. His killing raised questions about the continued viability of efforts by Qatari, Egyptian and U.S. mediators to broker a truce and exchange of hostages and prisoners. Hamas officials but also some analysts and protesters in Israel have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to safeguard his ruling hard-right coalition. Protesters in several Israeli cities Saturday renewed their calls for a hostage-release deal. Disease spreading in Gaza U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke separately with his French and British counterparts on Saturday about the situation in the Middle East, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. Blinken, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne all agreed on the need for restraint on all sides in the region, Miller said in a statement. Violence has also surged in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian official sources said two Israeli air strikes killed nine people in the north of the territory Saturday. The military said it had "eliminated terrorist cells". The war in Gaza has caused widespread destruction and displaced almost the entire population of the territory where, the U.N. said on Friday, public health conditions "continue to deteriorate". It said nearly 40,000 cases of Hepatitis A, spread by contaminated food and water, have been reported since the war began. Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces since October, saying it is acting in support of Hamas. Several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain halted until at least Tuesday, their parent company said Saturday. Turkish Airlines on Saturday cancelled its night-time flights to Tehran for the second night running, AFP correspondents noted. (AFP) Irans Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and accused the United States of supporting the attack which it blamed on Israel, state TV reported Saturday. The televised statement, which reiterated a call for retaliation, said a rocket with a seven-kilogram (about 15-pound) warhead was used to target the residence of Hamas' political leader in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation. It didn't share details of the residence's location. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the U.S., said the Guard's statement. It added that the warmongering and terrorist Zionist regime will receive harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity. Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the killing of Haniyeh , but Israel earlier pledged to kill him and other Hamas leaders over the groups Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The assassination has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict and of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran if Tehran retaliates. President Joe Biden was asked Saturday night in Wilmington, Delaware whether he thought Iran would stand down. He responded: I hope so. I dont know. In April, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel , which said it intercepted 99%. The barrage came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals, and it marked the first time Iran had launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran does not recognize Israel and supports anti-Israeli militant groups including Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. (AP) Long before Joan Chen charmed Western audiences with seductive turns in "The Last Emperor" and "Twin Peaks" she was a child star in China, hand-picked for her debut movie role by Mao Zedong's wife. That remarkable personal journey, from Red Army propaganda movies to glamorous Hollywood roles directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and David Lynch, could not appear more different to Chen's character in new coming-of-age film "Didi." Chen plays Chungsing, a Taiwanese single mom and frustrated artist in California, whose 13-year-old is too busy trying to impress his skater friends and navigate adolescent crushes to be nice to his family. Yet the role -- which is already earning Oscars buzz -- "poured out of me, because that's the life I've lived," Chen told AFP. "I am, like Chungsing, an immigrant mother, who raised two American children -- with such an intimate, loving relationship, but also fraught with cultural chasm, misunderstanding, unmet expectations," she said. It all started for Chen, aged 14, when she was spotted by a film director who worked for Chairman Mao's wife Jiang Qing. "The director picked me out of school, then sent my dossier and my pictures for her to approve," recalls Chen. "I was so happy that I happened to be the type that they needed. It wasn't my dream. I never thought about it, when they picked me to be an actress. And then slowly, I learned to love it." She quickly became a beloved movie star in 1970s China -- a job that spared her from being sent to work in rural provinces during the devastating Cultural Revolution. Chen moved to the US at age 20, studying film but skeptical about her prospects as an Asian woman in Hollywood. She landed a lead role in Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor," as the wife of China's final dynastic ruler. The film won nine Oscars, including best picture. Yet Chen, now 63, recalls: "Back then, there just weren't any Asian filmmakers or scriptwriters who could create a part for me." "I could have been this ingenue, this breakout new lead (actress)... So that was a shame. Nothing could really follow up." - 'Still here' - In "Didi," out in theaters on August 16, Chen's character is a talented artist who had to forsake her ambitions for her family, in their new country. Chungsing is stoic, quietly bearing her disappointment while devoting herself to her frequently oblivious, Americanized children. Unlike her character, Chen continued to work prolifically through parenthood, acting and directing in both the US and Asian film industries. Chen's part as femme fatale Josie Packard in "Twin Peaks" remains popular with fans of the cult TV series to this day. But her Western roles have failed to match the success of her early career. And she still reflects on the "night and day" difference between her daughters' experience growing up in the West, and her own arrival in the United States as an immigrant, with "that uncertainty of the ground you're standing on." "The pains and joys we see in the film is a lived experience for myself as well," said Chen. With "Didi" winning awards at the Sundance film festival, there are hints of a late-career comeback. Chen and director Sean Wang are earning mentions as dark horses for the next Academy Awards. "I am so thrilled that young filmmakers like Sean exist... when there are enough scriptwriters, directors, then you create more parts for people who look like them," she said. "It's wonderful. And I'm so happy that I'm still here." amz/sst This text comes from the Univision News investigation Exposed: Latino farmworkers risk their health working under threat of pesticide exposure. You can real the full special here. Carlos Candelario was born on December 17, 2004, without arms or legs. He spent years trying to understand why this happened to him. He read about his story and that of others. And, after seeing the impact his case had in the United States, he found the answer: pesticides. His mother, Francisca Herrera, had been exposed to a cocktail of dangerous chemicals while working in tomato fields for Ag-Mart Produce in Florida and North Carolina. Unbeknownst to her, she was in the first trimester of her pregnancy at the time, when Carlos brain, spinal cord, heart and limbs were forming. With the help of a lawyer, the family eventually sued the company. Dr. John Reigart, a pediatrician, was consulted as an expert in this case. In his meetings with Francisca Herrera, he told her that workers at Ag-Mart farms were sprayed with chemicals almost every day and that those who felt ill werent taken to the doctor. Instead, they were asked by their bosses to sit down for a while, drink water and return to work. Clearly, they were all heavily exposed to pesticides and received no medical care in the field, Reigart explained, in an interview with Univision via Zoom. According to Candelarios attorney, Andy Yaffa, the company was found to have used 18 pesticides on its crops, six of which were toxins known to cause birth defects. He says rules and regulations for their use were not followed. There was a long list of negligent acts committed by Ag-Mart with regard to Carlitos, he explains. In 2006, Donald Long the agricultural companys president said in a sworn statement that the firm was unaware of the harm these unscientific pesticides could cause: Were working within the labels and following their recommendations. It doesnt say on the label [of the pesticides linked to birth defects] do not allow pregnant women to work [in contact with] this, even though it has the warning that it might cause problems. Every day, Francisca Herrera and other women some of them pregnant went into the fields clean and came out soaked in pesticides, without anyone informing them of the risks of exposure. This company didnt say anything to Francisca or any of the women who were working in the fields. They werent given any options, Yaffa laments. After Carlos Candelario, other women working as agricultural laborers gave birth to more babies with malformations. The front page of 'The Palm Beach Post,' from March 13, 2005, with Francisca Herreras story. On March 13, 2005, The Palm Beach Post ran a front page story about Francisca Herrera. People have mentioned to me that maybe this has to do with chemicals. But I really dont know anything about that. I would like to know, Herrera told the paper. Univision attempted to interview Ag-Mart executives, but received no response. They werent given any options That same month, the Florida newspaper reported the birth of two other children, who also suffered from severe health conditions. Jesus Navarrete was born on February 4, 2005, with an underdeveloped jaw. He is believed to have survived. The third child was born on February 6, 2005, but died three days later from massive birth defects, the paper wrote. The baby had a cleft palate, no visible sexual organs and only one kidney. The mothers of the three babies all lived on the same field owned by Ag-Mart, just a few yards away from each other. They had all picked tomatoes on the companys farms in North Carolina and Florida. Carlos Candelario in a photo taken when he was just a baby. Cortesia I want people to understand that pesticides can have disastrous consequences, Carlos Candelario told Univision News. Dr. Reigart in his analysis of the young mans case found that some of the pesticides applied by the company in its fields had been linked to birth defects in experimental studies with animals. These defects were similar to those suffered by Candelario and other infants. The pediatrician remembers his meeting with the companys lawyers. They looked at me and said: The fact that it occurs in animals doesnt mean that it can occur in people. I answered that of course that wasnt true, because all the regulations for the use of pesticides in the United States are based on [experiments that use animals]. If [the test animals] show [adverse] effects, then licenses arent granted. In 2005, health and agricultural authorities in North Carolina and Florida investigated the pesticide exposure that Francisca and other mothers were subjected to during a crucial period for fetal development. Carlos Candelario visits a park thats near his Florida home. Cortesia To conduct their analysis, the authorities used company records, which noted what pesticides were applied, on which dates and on what fields. But the information provided by Ag-Mart was incomplete, meaning that the agencies couldnt definitively prove the link between Franciscas exposure to the chemicals and Carlos birth defects. Still, the investigators affirmed that the case revealed the need to reduce pesticide exposure among agricultural workers, while also highlighting the risks of not following the instructions on the labels of the pesticides. The headline with which 'The Palm Beach Post' announced the results of the investigation. Cortesia Following an agreement between the family and the tomato grower Ag-Mart, Carlos Candelario received a trust fund in 2008 that would cover his expenses for life. This settlement eased the situation for his family members, who were left without work when the complaints began. For a time, they even had to live in homeless shelters. On a broader scale, Carlos case has allowed activists to gather evidence to show why its important to have greater regulations to protect farmworkers. Francisca Herrera has been completely dedicated to caring for Carlos since he was born. Cortesia Activist Jeannie Economos coordinates a project through the Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF), which seeks to teach farmworkers how to protect themselves from pesticides. She explained that the protections that were given to farmworkers at the time by the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) the regulatory framework laid out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect laborers from exposure to pesticides were minimal. They contemplated the training of workers in pesticide usage every five years and didnt require employers to put up signs to notify individuals if a field had been sprayed. Nor were employers required to keep detailed records of the pesticides applied. In 2015, all of this changed. Training was mandated to be carried out every year, while employers were required to notify employees if a field was sprayed and specify how soon afterwards anyone could enter. Agricultural firms were also required to keep a detailed record of the pesticides applied. An experiment Almost 20 years after that emblematic case, Economos believes that farmers in the United States still dont have the necessary protections. Farmworkers have told us that their employers care more about their crops than about them that they care more about the production line than about their lives. The hands of an agricultural laborer, pictured while picking tobacco. Cortesia Over the course of two years, Univision spoke with more than 30 workers in North Carolina, Florida, Michigan and Illinois to understand their exposure to pesticides in their daily work. Farm laborers noted that they can be sprayed while picking vegetables and fruit, or while clearing weeds in fields and nurseries. Not all incidents are investigated. This is because farmers prefer to remain silent for fear of reprisals or discrimination. And, oftentimes, when a complaint is filed, a long time has passed since the incident occurred. Evidence as simple as clothing soaked with chemicals hasnt been collected. According to the EPA, in almost 60% of all cases that are addressed, the punishments consist solely of warnings. In only 9% of cases are fines imposed, generally in the hundreds of dollars. Univision interviewed at least 15 experts who helped develop a scientific tool to explore some of the pesticides that farmers are exposed to in their daily environment. These silicone bracelets are capable of detecting up to 75 pesticides. For at least five days, they were placed on 10 field workers either undocumented individuals, or those on temporary work visas (the H-2A temporary agricultural program) who worked in apple, pumpkin, blueberry or tobacco fields, or in nurseries in Florida, Michigan and North Carolina. A farmworker, wearing one of the bracelets from the experiment. Cortesia All of the bracelets recorded pesticides 18 in total similar to those reported by scientific studies conducted with larger populations. With the help of a toxicologist and two medical anthropologists, Univision analyzed the results. The experts warned that these should be seen as a mere snapshot of the pesticides that farm laborers were exposed to. The results wouldnt show how much of the pesticides had entered their bodies. The bracelets of three of those farmers recorded exposure to organophosphates, a class of pesticide linked to an increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases. Four bracelets showed exposure to two organochlorines that were supposedly banned decades ago: 4,4DDE and trans-nonachlor. Linda Forst a physician and professor of occupational and environmental health at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) explains that this doesnt mean that the organochlorines were used recently. They appeared in the analysis because theyre chemicals that can persist for years in an environment. Two bracelets detected chlorpyrifos at a time when it was banned from food crops across the United States. Scientific studies have linked it to damage to childrens neurological development. This agricultural laborer works on a temporary H-2A visa in a tobacco farm in North Carolina. Cortesia Sara Quandt a medical anthropologist and professor emeritus at Wake Forest University School of Medicine says its hard to know where exactly the workers were exposed to chlorpyrifos. The pesticide can linger for years in environments that dont have much access to sunlight or rain, both of which contribute to its degradation. It could have been applied to the crops they were working on, but it could also have been detected in their homes, in their vehicles anywhere else they were while wearing the bracelets, Quandt cautions. All of the workers were exposed to pyrethroids, a class of insecticide increasingly used in agriculture. Its associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. A flawed system Jeannie Economos recalls that, in her conversations with farm laborers in Florida, shes been told that doctors in rural areas arent trained to recognize a pesticide rash, let alone determine its origins. As a result, workers are prescribed dermatitis ointments and given the green light to return to work the next day: theres no official record of either the chemical exposure or the workplace incident. Activists in other states tell the same story. Then, there are the long-term effects of pesticides. Experts say theyve met farmers whove dedicated their lives to agricultural work. Over the years, theyve become ill with cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Theyve seen children of farm laborers with severe developmental disabilities. All of these are conditions that scientific research has linked to different pesticides. Theres no system to track exposure over time. So, if [farmworkers or their families] develop Parkinsons in their 70s or 60s, theres no way to connect it to the pesticides they [were exposed to] early in their career, Quandt says. Hortencia Ramirez has been working in the fields of the United States for almost 30 years. In 2014, a plane accidentally sprayed her team with an insecticide and a fungicide. She fainted from being unable to breathe properly. Cortesia Some of the farm laborers interviewed for this report fell ill with cancer, or had rashes so severe that they required chemotherapy. Some of them continue to be exposed to pesticides while working in agriculture. They have no other option to support their families. Activists such as Jeannie Economus have felt helpless in the face of the lack of answers for the victims. She explains that she had to step away from working with farmers for about five years, because she felt like crying when they asked for help and she couldnt give them any. Do you know what its like to have a title that says pesticide safety and environmental health project coordinator and look in the face of a farmworker whos telling me about their pesticide exposure case and say: I cant do anything to help you. Our laws arent strong enough to help you? Its heartbreaking. Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A commercial-grade firework was seized by investigators Saturday evening during Musikfest on Bethlehems South Side, city police said. The search around 9:30 p.m. Saturday along First Street prompted a heavy police presence among city officers and several other law enforcement agencies as they worked to secure the area. Law enforcement officials removed the firework. A search of First street and the adjacent area was completed and at the conclusion of the search along with the weather clearing, has resulted in officials directing the festival to reopen in its entirety, city police said on the departments Facebook page Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan recently wrote a letter to AIB, in which he raised multiple concerns about the lack of banking services in Manorhamilton. Manorhamilton, Leitrim's second-largest town, once boasted three banks. However, Ulster Bank closed in 2014, followed by Bank of Ireland five years later. Now, the north Leitrim town is left with only one AIB branch, which does not offer cash desk services. Frustrations have been mounting in Manorhamilton due to the lack of banking services. Local solicitor and Manorhamilton Chamber member Conor Maguire, who previously availed of the Bank of Ireland branch, described the significant changes and challenges he now faces in his practice. "I'm a solicitor here for the last 25 years and there's the world of Manorhamilton before Bank of Ireland left and the world of Manorhamilton after Bank of Ireland left. That's how it changed for me in my practise," Mr Maguire explained. "The lack of having a branch which is next door to me is a huge inconvenience, because invariably during the week an issue arises with banking and you have to ring a call centre in Dublin. "The amount of time that's wasted is shocking. Especially when it comes to having cheques cleared, you can't do that online you have to do it through the branch. "It's so time consuming. You have to ring headquarters in Dublin and then you pick the number of the department you want and then you wait in the queue. It's not the same as always, there's no camaraderie between colleagues that was there before when you had a physical presence in the branch, so that's a huge minus." Mr. Maguire explained that when he receives certain cheques, he must take them to the post office. There, the cheques are bagged and sent to the Sligo branch, which processes them the following day. "More often than not, when you get a cheque, it needs to be dealt with. You can't wait for the post. We're waiting on funds to be released and it takes five days for a cheque to clear," he said. "Usually, I just have to drive to Sligo with it but prior to that, I just went in next door to the bank. "It's not as common now but sometimes I'd drive to Sligo and then stand in the queue for longer than it would've taken me to leave the office and get there, as there's only one cash desk in there. "I'd like to see sufficient resources at the Bank of Ireland Sligo branch, what would've taken me five minutes in the old days can now take two hours. "I have to say the staff in there are absolutely fabulous," Mr Maguire urged. "This is a criticism of Bank of Ireland as opposed to the staff." "I had the option of switching to AIB as there's still a presence in town but they have no cash desk so it's the same difference, and the hassle of changing banks for me would be too much too," he remarked. The lack of banking services clearly impacts Mr. Maguire's practice, but it also affects his clients. "For example, if a newly married couple were buying a house as first time buyers its a completely foreign, and the fact that there's only one mortgage provider in Manorhamilton means that the ability of a young couple to shop around is simply short circled. "I have to compliment Antoinette O'Donnell and the staff in AIB, they're excellent when it comes to their mortgage team. But with BOI and Ulster Bank gone, the lack of choice is hard sought." The situation in Manorhamilton highlights a broader issue which is affecting many rural communities across Ireland. The withdrawal of major banks has left towns like Manorhamilton grappling with reduced services and limited options. "There was a huge loyalty given by the people of north Leitrim to the banking institutions in general, and they pulled out. I thought that was a huge act of disloyalty in a way," Mr Maguire reflected. India Inc's earnings for the first quarter have been varied, with IT companies reporting better-than-expected results, while banks have shown slightly disappointing performance. As the earnings season nears its end, several companies, including Airtel, ONGC, LIC, Vedanta, and Tata Power, are set to release their results for the June quarter this week. Last week, several prominent companies released their Q1 results, including Zomato, State Bank of India (SBI), Adani Power, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, Titan, and Britannia. Sector-wise, metals have been affected by weak results and higher imports harming domestic industries. Capital goods and real estate have been impacted by profit-booking, while the auto sector has suffered due to below-expected monthly sales figures,'' said Geojit's Vinod Nair. Q1 results expected next week - August 5 to August 10 August 5 Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Marico, Bharti Hexacom, Honeywell Automation, Deepak Nitrite, Motherson Sumi, Tata Chemicals, Brigade Enterprises, Devyani International, and Triveni Turbine and others. August 7 Pidilite Industries, Godrej Consumer, NHPC, Abbott India, Coromandel International, AIA Engineering, NLC India, BSE Ltd, Apollo Tyres, Aditya Birla, Ipca Labs, Godrej Industries, BASF India, Dr. Lal Pathlabs and others. August 8 Life Insurance Corp, ABB India, Eicher Motors, RVNK, Oil India, Bharat Forge, Cochin Shipyard, Container Corp, SAIL, MRF, Astral, Page Industries, Biocon, Global Health, Timken India, Bayer Cropscience and others. August 9 Trent, Grasim Industries, Zydus, Info Edge, General Insurance, Berger Paints, Alkem Labs, SJVN, Bharat Dynamics, Sun TV Network, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings, Aarti Industries, and others. Mumbai: State Bank of India (SBI) is focused on maintaining its net interest margin (NIM) in the range of 3.2-3.4% for FY25, according to chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara. As of 30 June, the state-run lender's global NIM was 3.22%, and its domestic NIM was 3.35%. Repricing has largely been in term deposits with fixed deposits of one-two years being the biggest component. The bank has already raised rates twice so far this year. This gives the bank some elbow room to hike its marginal cost of funds-based lending rates (MCLR), which should help support margins, Khara said at SBI's first quarter earnings meet. The bank hiked MCLR rates twice by 10-15 bps each across various buckets in June and July. Khara likened the current deposit crunch in the banking sector to the 2010-11 period when deposit growth outpaced credit growth. He said the pressure on deposit accretion is transitory. SBI remains watchful of the rise in the cost of deposits and ensures it maintains an optimal balance while raising rates, he added. Deposit growth is one aspect, but at what rate are we growing the deposits, in terms of cost of depositwe have to be very mindful, he said. Cost of deposits for the bank grew 45 basis points (bps) on year, whereas NIM fell by only 12 bps. SBI is currently sitting on excess statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of about 3.7 trillion which should help the bank navigate the deposit slowdown. In addition, it is also looking at alternative sources of funding such as infrastructure bonds where it has raised 20,000 and certificates of deposits (CDs) through which it has raised 50,000 crore so far at comfortable rates. SBIs CASA ratio was at 40% of pre-covid level but rose to around 45% during the pandemic and has now normalized. As of 30 June, CASA ratio was 40.7%, with Khara saying that the bank should be able to maintain the ratio within 10-15 bps of the current level. Total deposits were up 8.2% on year but fell 0.3% on quarter to 49 trillion as of June 30. Jump in provisions SBI posted a muted 0.9% growth in its net profit for Q1FY25 due to margin compression, higher loan loss provisions and a fall in other income. Slippages for the quarter were 7,903 crore, of which 2,500 crore were from the agriculture book, attributed to seasonal factors. Another 3,000 crore slippages were from personal and home loans, which the bank said were on account of a hit on recoveries due to delayed salaries to government employees by several state governments during the quarter. Further, 2,200 crore slippages were from SME loans and 200 crore from small corporate loans. SBI said that of these slippages, it has already recovered 1,600 crore since 30 June. The slippage ratio was 41 bps higher sequentially but 10 bps lower on year at 0.84%, which shows there is no challenge as far as the banks asset quality is concerned, Khara said. Read more: Indian banks are rising on global stage, but investors are yet to join the party Total provisions for the quarter were 9,413 crore, higher by 11.9% on year and 17% on quarter, which in part were due to a rise in ageing provisions for standard assets. Loan loss provisions were up 70.4% on year and 37.2% on quarter at 4,518 crore. Loan growth Total advances for the public sector lender rose 15.4% year-on- year and 1.2% sequentially at 38 trillion. Khara said the bank is seeing strong opportunity in the MSME segment where it has grown 20% for the past two quarters. It is also seeing good traction in the mid-corporate segment. The bank said it has recalibrated growth in some segments of unsecured and retail loans owing to higher risk weights introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in November 2023. The bank has a corporate loan pipeline of 4.62 trillion, a bulk of which is skewed towards the private sector. Pending sanctions are at around 2.26 trillion and pending disbursements at 2.36 trillion. Corporates are also borrowing heavily from the market, which is another area where the bank is tapping, especially following the new investment guidelines, Khara said. We are very mindful of the YoA (yield on advances) in each of the segment. Whereever we are in a position to make a decent amount of money, we have a focus. When it comes to a trade-off, we look at our YoA in different buckets and portfolios, he said. Fratelli Vineyards, India's second-largest wine brand with a 35% share in the domestic market, is set to debut on the stock exchanges this week, months after a share-swap transaction with a listed sister firm. The company aims to become a 650-crore enterprise by 2028. Gaurav Sekhri, managing director of both Fratelli Wines and Tinna Trade India, which is facilitating the listing through a reverse share swap, spoke exclusively with Mint. In March this year, BSE-listed Tinna Trade, a farm commodity trader, acquired a 100% stake in Fratelli Wines Pvt Ltd through a share-swap deal. Wine consumption is growing, albeit at a slow pace, in India, driven by rising discretionary income, Sekhri said, at a time the European wine industry is being seriously challenged by geopolitical tensions. Read more: Trifecta launches its largest-ever venture debt fund at 2,000 crore The reduced wine consumption in Europe has meant that European producers are eager to access the Indian market. "There is currently a glut of wine in Europe, with many vineyards being uprooted and supply chains being disrupted. Additionally, due to global unrest and the ongoing war, there are no wine sales to Russia. So, we think the wine industry in India needs protection, especially amidst ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations," he said. He said that some Indian wines are of far superior quality at the same price points as imported wines. Yet, new imported wines will likely cause a risk to the entire industry as Indian consumers may prefer imported wines over Indian ones due to perceptions of quality. "We need the continuous support of the government, he said. India's per capita consumption of wine is still very low, but has changed dramatically from, say, about a decade ago. Then, according to Sekhri, as much as 80% of India's wine consumption happened out of big cities. Today, that number is around 65%. Consumption is growing in cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Vijayawada too, which were earlier not considered conventional wine-drinking pockets. "Part of the reason is still that wine is not inexpensive. But we see good growth for our business from these markets as well as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and states like Andhra Pradesh etc., But even a slight increase in consumption in the seven metros in India is good enough to grow the entire industry," he said. The promoter family owns about 57% of the business. It also has partners from Italy, the Secci brothers, Andrea and Alessio, who own a substantial minority stake. The remaining shares are with friends. In the past two years, the company has raised 72.6 crore, of which 36.4 crore was through a preferential allotment of shares. In FY24, the company achieved a gross turnover of about 247 crore. Of this, 70% of the revenue came from categories like luxury, super-premium, and premium segments. The largest share, premium, contributes the most, at 60%. Its strongest area of the business is the luxury segment (wines priced above 2,000) and the ready-to-drink wine in a can space, he said. The business has achieved a 25% growth rate over the past four years, as against the industry average of 15%. Internationally, while it exports to over 10 countries, only 5% of its entire business comes from overseas sales. Ebitda margin stood at 13% in FY24, amounting to 28.6 crore, he said. In terms of luxury, Sekhri said, the company's focus has been strongly on the luxury category for the last decade. In 2012, it launched Sette, a first in its price segment. It retails at about 2,000 today. In 2018, it launched limited edition wines -- J'noon, which was the first luxury wine out of India. It will continue to grow the premium and luxury-end focussing heavily on its vineyards and viticulture. Over the past four fiscal years, the company's gross revenue has nearly doubled, increasing from 129.5 crore in FY21 to 246.9 crore in FY24. This upward trend began with a significant recovery in FY22, as revenue rose to 158.9 crore following the initial impact of the covid-19 pandemic. The momentum continued into FY23 with a substantial 45.7% increase to 231.5 crore, driven by favourable market conditions. The company sells about five lakh cases a year and is in the process of ramping up its capacity to 15 lakh cases. Competitor Sula produces and sells over one crore cases across India and says it has more than 60% share in the super-premium and premium wine business. Fratelli has four wineries which the family owns privately and leases as well from outsiders in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with a capacity of 4.7 million litres across 300 acres of land and about 860 acres of farm land which is leased. By the end of this calendar year, it will also look to expand this capacity. He said the company is the first in Asia to produce white wine from red grapes (Sangiovese Bianco). Tinna Trade Limited which used to trade pulses and grains was a subsidiary company of Tinna Rubber. Tinna Trade, established in 2009, changed its name to Tinna Viterra Trade Private Limited after Viterra Inc. acquired a 60% stake, but later became a subsidiary of Tinna Rubber & Infrastructure Limited and reverted to Tinna Trade Private Limited in 2013. In 2015, it became a public company, renamed Tinna Trade Limited, and was listed on the Bombay and Calcutta Stock Exchanges after demerging from its holding company in 2019. The company became Fratelli Vineyards after the share swap. Route to IPO Sekhri said it became difficult to justify over time why a bean and pulse trading business was to be listed. "We realised that we wanted to list Fratelli Wines and we wanted to go via IPO someday," he said. For now, it's a subsidiary of Tinna Trade, but the two companies will merge to become Fratelli Vineyards. The company decided to do a share swap through which Fratelli Wines will become a listed company, and the trading company has been shut down. This quarter will be the last quarter in which the company will be a trading business. Fratelli Wines first began operations in 2007, with Gaurav's brother Kapil leading it before passing away in 2020. For the business, 65% comes from sales at liquor vends and the remaining at hotels, restaurants, and bars. "We feel the wine business is only getting started in India. The country's demographic dividend will reap for sure, it's just a matter of time. So, listing also helps brand building and can raise capital with the right terms. Markets are providing us a good opportunity to list right now. This is not a slam dunk business, it's a business of grind, that's why we only see two players of scale," he added. Bengaluru: Infosys Ltd. said that the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has withdrawn tax demand of 3,898 crore for the financial year ended March 2018, in a partial relief for India's second-largest software company. This decision comes after a government official earlier told Mint that the Centre was looking at an early resolution of the ongoing tax battle, which started after Karnataka GST officials raised a 32,403 crore notice for unpaid taxes for services availed by the company from its overseas branches for five years between July 2017 and March 2022. The company has now received a communication from DGGI closing the pre-show cause notice proceedings for the financial year 2017-2018. The GST amount as per the pre-show cause notice for this period was 3,898 crore, Infosys informed the stock exchanges on Saturday. Infosys added that it has responded to the pre-show cause notice issued by the DGGI for the period July 2017 to March 2022. Also Read: Centre likely to accept Infosys plea on GST notice According to the company's financials, this amount of 3,898 crore would have made up 24% of the company's 16,029 crore net profit for the year ended March 2018. DGGIs withdrawal DGGIs decision to withdraw the tax demand for the first of the five years still leaves the dispute over the remainder 28,505 crore unresolved. It is unclear whether DGGI, the GST investigative arm, has issued a notice or intimation to Infosys about the remaining amount it alleged the latter has evaded. An email sent to Infosys remained unanswered till press time. Mint could not independently ascertain how the DGGI arrived at 32,403 crore in unpaid tax, which is more than a third of Infosyss 89,494 crore in total profit over five years till March 2022. The controversy The controversy stems from the Karnataka state GST authorities, which is a reference to the zonal body of the DGGI, sending a pre-show cause notice to Infosys on Tuesday, 30 July, for alleged evasion of 32,403 crore in integrated GST (IGST) for supply of services by its foreign branches from July 2017 to March 2022. The Karnataka DGGI office in its letter said the company had set up branch offices abroad and included the expenses incurred by these branches as part of its export invoices from India. The DGGI said that each of these branches are a distinct person, adding that the company had not paid tax as a recipient of services from the import of services from these branches. Also Read: After Infosys, tax authorities may issue GST notices to more IT firms: Report On Thursday, the software services provider, in its statement to stock exchanges said the Karnataka GST authorities had withdrawn the pre-show cause notice and directed the company to respond to the DGGIs central authority on the matter. To be sure, the company had received pre-show cause notices from both the central and state offices of the DGGI. A person with direct knowledge of the matter told Mint that the government was willing to accept Infosyss plea that GST does not apply to the services the company gets from its offshore branches, potentially paving the way for an early closure of the matter. Nasscom supports Infosys IT industry body National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) came out in support of Infosys. Also Read: Will chatbots eat Indias IT industry? Recent media reports of a GST demand of over 320 billion reflects a lack of understanding of industrys operating model. This is an industry-wide issue, and multiple companies are facing avoidable litigation, uncertainty, concerns from investors and customers. The issue at hand involves the applicability of GST through the reverse charge mechanism (RCM). The GST enforcement authorities have been issuing notices for remittance by the Indian head office to its foreign branches for cases where there is no service between the head office and the foreign branch for this RCM, ignoring that this is not a case of import of service by the head office from the branch, read Nasscoms statement. As of the year ended March 2024, the company has 265 locations in 56 countries with over 3,00,000 employees across the organisation. The CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) had stated in a circular dated 26 June that services rendered by the overseas branches of an Indian firm would not attract GST. The circular came after the IT industry representatives brought this matter to the authority's notice. Mumbai: The administrator of Reliance Capital, which is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, filed an affidavit in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) accusing IndusInd International Holdings Ltd of contempt of court for allegedly failing to meet the terms of the resolution plan, as set out in the tribunals 23 July order. Mint has seen a copy of the petition filed by the administrator. Essentially, the NCLT in its order had directed IIHL to deposit 2,500 crore equity component into a designated escrow account of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) in compliance with the resolution plan by 31 July, while granting extension on the implementation of the plan by IIHL to 10 August. Also Read | Mint Explainer: Why has RCap's insolvency resolution been delayed? The NCLT had in February approved IIHLs 9,861-crore resolution plan for Reliance Capital which was mandated to be implemented by 27 May. However, the company has been seeking extension citing various reasons. The resolution plan Under the approved resolution plan, IIHL was to deposit the initial equity amount of 250 crore in a domestic escrow account and 2,500 crore in an offshore escrow account of the CoC by 31 July. Subsequently, just as the deadline was nearing, last week IIHL filed an interlocutory application before the NCLT, seeking modification of the tribunals order. In this regard, the administrator has opposed granting any relief to IIHL. The administrator's affidavit showed that instead of complying with the tribunals order, IIHL has now gone on to file a compliance affidavit wherein it has been stated that the 250 crore have been deposited in the IIHLs promoters accounts including Ashok Hinduja, Shom Hinduja and Harsha Hinduja. IIHL, on its part, refuted charges of contempt of court. In a statement, it said: "IIHL reiterates and confirms that it has completed its obligation of deposit of entire equity capital contribution of 2,500 crore and 250 crore." The company asserted that there is neither any default nor any contempt by IIHL to comply with its obligations as directed by NCLT. IIHL is seeking more clarity from NCLT, the Hindujas said. They said the NCLT order required IIHL to deposit monies in escrow account designated by the CoC and not one "operated" or controlled" by CoC. "Despite this, CoC communicated through administrator, details of bank account of Vistra operated and controlled by CoC - in complete defiance of NCLT order. CoC has also not provided any escrow arrangement terms and details till date. This left IIHL with no choice but to deposit monies in its own account," IIHL said, adding that it confirms its commitment towards implementation of the resolution plan at the earliest no sooner on receipt of clarity from the NCLT and completion of necessary actions under the resolution plan by all stakeholders. Also Read: Reliance Capital lenders accuse IIHL of non-compliance, company denies claims The administrator's affidavit stated that IIHL was seeking minor modifications of the order, and it was trying to cast obligation on the administrator to implement the plan which was not in accordance with the resolution plan. Additionally, it mentioned that by seeking a stay on the NCLT order and seeking directions against the administrator and the CoC, IIHL was indirectly seeking extension of the timeline in implementing the resolution plan. Therefore, the administrator alleged that the modification application is ex-facie not bonafide and ought to be dismissed. Pertinently, the administrator also pointed out that the modifications sought by IIHL are not corrections and rectifications but more significantly seek a detailed review of NCLTs 23 July judgement in the guise of the modification application. It also questioned the NCLTs jurisdiction in such matters. It is well-settled, though the honourable NCLT can correct errors or mistakes apparent on the face of the record in its order, it does not have the 'power' to review its own order/ or make any substantial modifications," the 80-page petition showed. Also Read: Dunzo has only made 50% of part payment, creditor tells NCLT On the other hand, IIHL has petitioned the tribunal that if the NCLT does not consider the modification of its order then the administrator, the CoC and IIHL will jointly face hardship and unexplainable challenges in implementing the resolution plan for the Reliance Capital. Implementation Earlier, the NCLT had given 90-days to IIHL for implementing the resolution plan by May this year. However, the implementation is still languishing due to various regulatory approvals that the company is yet to receive. In February, NCLT allowed the Hinduja Group entity to take over the bankrupt Reliance Capital. The matter will be taken up for hearing by NCLT in the coming week. IIHL has asked the administrator and CoC to implement certain requirements that were part of the resolution plan and were approved by the CoC itself which are pending actions as on date. State Bank of India's profit after tax (PAT) for the past four years has surpassed the cumulative profit earned over the previous 64 years, according to chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara. In the last four years, we have earned a net profit of 1.63 trillion. The same for the 64 years before that was 1.45 trillion, Khara said at the Q1 earnings press meet, responding to a question on his proudest achievement during his term. Also Read: Indian banks are rising on global stage, but investors are yet to join the party When Khara assumed office, the annual profit for the public sector lender was around 14,000 crore. This has now risen to a PAT of 17,000 crore per quarter, he added. Khara's ambition Khara, who has been at the helm of the bank since October 2020, is set to step down at the end of his term later this month. My ambition was to see SBI generating 1 trillion profit after tax. Last year (FY24), we were about 80,00 crore, and the kind of trajectory which we are following this year (FY25), I believe it is likely to be a reality. The significant improvement in profitability is attributed to resolving operational issues in lending, boosting other income, and enhancing employee productivity. SBI's per employee business has grown from 24 crore to about 38 crore in the past four years, while profit per employee has grown nearly six times to around 30 lakh. Also Read | SBI: A balance of performance and valuation Khara, however, believes the bank is being undervalued by the market. While he acknowledged that valuation is ultimately determined by the market, he expressed dissatisfaction. I am not happy; how can I be happy? We are not getting our right value, it should be higher, look at the other players." When asked which peer he would like to be benchmarked against, Khara said SBI was a benchmark in itself due to its network of over 22,000 branches, strong brand presence, substantial balance sheet, comfortable liquidity buffers, and future growth potential. According to Khara, the average balance in SBIs savings accounts is three times higher than that of its nearest competitor, having increased from 12 trillion in March 2020 to around 17 trillion in June. Banking application On the rollout of SBI's second generation mobile banking application, YONO 2.0, Khara said the bank is upgrading the app and will soon launch a beta version for testing. New Delhi: The Union government plans to aggressively achieve a 1 percentage point reduction in its debt-to-GDP ratio annually from 2024-25 till it is down to a more sustainable 50%. It then aims to further shrink the ratio, used to gauge a countrys ability to repay its debt, by 0.5 percentage points annually, two people aware of the matter said. Reducing the debt to GDP is a long-term objective of the central government. We have done a lot of simulations on this. We will be able to reduce the debt to GDP every year by about 1 percentage point till we reach the 50% mark. Though this is ambitious, it is doable, the first person mentioned above said, requesting anonymity. Once we reach 50%, we can work towards reducing the debt to GDP by 0.5 percentage point every year as we dont want to constrain growth, the person added. Govt debt expected to stand at 56.8% of GDP in FY25 Government debt will escalate to 185.27 trillion, or 56.8% of GDP, during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), according to budget estimates, up from 93.26 trillion, or 49.3% of GDP, in 2018-19, minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha last week. Also Read: Indias government debt at safe levels: Nirmala Sitharaman The ratio stood at 52.3% in 2019-20, 61.4% in 2020-21, 58.8% in 2021-22, 57.9% in 2022-23, and 58.2% in 2023-24. The increase in debt was due to higher spending on infrastructure and social schemes aimed at stimulating economic growth. The onset of the pandemic in 2019-20 worsened the situation, pushing the debt to 121.86 trillion, or 61.4% of GDP, in FY21. The Centre resorted to extensive borrowing to fund relief measures and stimulus packages, a necessary response to the economic fallout of the pandemic, which further pushed up the debt. Once the debt falls considerably, we will not be in a debt trap. We will also be on a declining path in the fiscal deficit front, said the person mentioned above. At that level, further compression of the deficit (fiscal deficit) may affect growth, so we have to make the trade-off carefully, the person added. Also Read: Debt, not deficit: Aim for more clarity in next generation of fiscal rules The Centre intends to have enough focus and enough space that if another crisis of the proportion we saw four years ago were to come back, there should be enough space available for fiscal policy to respond. The goal is to bring the total debt to a more sustainable level, said the second person mentioned above, who didnt want to be named. "India is a country which can grow at a high rate over a reasonably longer time. So there will be a need for more investments. We can sustain higher debt for the long term, but not at the current level of 56% (debt to GDP ratio). We will have to bring the debt down," the person mentioned above added. Last month, rating agency Fitch said in a report that sustained fiscal consolidation that helps lower the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term could boost India's prospects for a rating upgrade. Also Read: Lower debt-to-GDP ratio could boost Indias chances of a credit rating upgrade: Fitch A sovereign credit rating measures a governments ability to repay its debt. A higher rating indicates greater trust in the ability to repay, and consequently, lower borrowing costs. While S&P and Fitch rate India at BBB-, Moodys rates the South Asian country at Baa3, which indicates the lowest possible investment grade. India has maintained that its economic health has improved considerably since the pandemic, and finance ministry officials have met rating agency officials to press for an upgrade. During May, S&P Global sparked hopes for a long-awaited sovereign ratings upgrade for India, raising its country outlook to positive from stable after 14 years. A finance ministry spokesperson didn't respond to emailed queries. "The states are likely to continue to maintain a fiscal deficit to GDP target of 3%. They have also not changed their fiscal deficit target in their Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs). Accordingly, states debt-GDP ratio would stabilise at 30%. Together, the combined debt-GDP ratio of the Centre and the states would settle at 70%," said D.K. Srivastava, chief policy advisor, EY India. The Centre is planning to prohibit liquor makers in India from using surrogate advertisements and sponsoring events for their key alcoholic products. As per the new draft rules, companies like Carlsberg, Pernod Ricard, and Diageo can face a penalty of up to 50 lakh if they continue promoting their key products via surrogate ads in India, reported Reuters, citing sources. In India, it is prohibited for alcohol manufacturers to promote their liquor brands via direct advertisement. Hence, companies opt for surrogate ads, which often circumvent the ban by ostensibly showing less desirable items instead, like water, music CDs, glassware, etc. The logos of these products and other elements of such advertisements bear resemblance to their liquor brands. Also Read | GST Council set to amend alcohol tax laws, enable dispute settlement "You can't take a circuitous way to promote products," the official, Nidhi Khare, told Reuters, adding that final rules were expected to be issued within a month. Most of the brands have been promoted by popular Bollywood film stars. The centre could bring fines for companies and bans for celebrities endorsing tobacco and liquor ads deemed misleading, reported Reuters referring a top civil servant for consumer affairs and draft rules. Also Read | Breaching THIS liquor storage limit in Delhi and Mumbai can land you in trouble This measure is intended to ensure that children and young people, who are potential customers, are not influenced by surrogate advertisements, a top official told Mint earlier. The implementation of the new rules will lead to a massive shift in the advertisement and marketing strategy of liquor manufacturers in India, which is touted as the world's eighth-biggest alcohol market by volume, with annual revenues Euromonitor estimates at $45 billion. India is also considered a lucrative market for companies such as Kingfisher Beer Company, United Breweries, which ispart of the Heineken Group, etc. About the new govt law prohibiting surrogate ads Reuters, citing sources, reported that the new laws prohibit the marketing and branding of items like soda, CDs, water, and glasses using similar label, design, pattern, logo to that of alcohol products, explicitly targeting efforts to get around current bans. Part memoir, part moral philosophy and part psycho-social treatise, you are most likely to find the book in the all-encompassing self-help section, right next to the Dale Carnegies and the Steven Coveys of the world. And in a sense, Mans Searchis indeed an amalgamation of all the above genres. Its the father of the self-help book, as it were, that spawned one of the most successful publishing categories ever. The fact that nearly 80 years later Frankls work continues to be put out by trade publishers with titles alluding to the best-sellera case in point being the recent Embracing Hope: On Freedom, Responsibility and the Meaning of Lifeis a testimony to the writers long-standing popularity, especially in the US. Of course, its also a clever SEO tactic, with Instagram-friendly hashtag-like phrases and words making up the title and the subtitle. This prelude isnt meant to scoff at Frankls work, which is recognised and lauded as the third branch of psychotherapy to have emerged from Vienna, after Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler. Frankl called his practice logotherapy, a form of cure that focused on finding logos, the Greek word for meaning. While Frankls contemporaries Freud and Adler focused on pleasure and power, respectively, the youngest doctor built his ideas on the pillar of the purpose. But like Freuds and Adlers, Frankls ideas, too, have been misunderstood, and mythologised. One of the popular misconceptions about Frankls famous book is the belief that it was written at Auschwitz, when he was a prisoner at the concentration camp. While this narrative may deepen the appeal of the book, the reality isnt quite the same. Frankl began to develop his ideas of logotherapy in the 1930s, before the persecution of Jews intensified, leading to his eventual arrest, along with the rest of his familyhis elderly parents, brother and wife. Only Frankl emerged alive at the end of World War II. In the 1930s as a practising young psychologist, Frankl began to apply logotherapy to counsel students, especially during the dreaded end of the year report card" season, when the incidence of suicide would rise. His efforts paid off, as the numbers began to decline the year after he started his sessions. Once he was out of Auschwitz, he developed his ideas further based on his interviews with fellow prisoners, who had been forced to live each day in anticipation of death, either by starvation and disease or in the gas chambers. Also read: In the court of public opinion However well-meaning his intentions, Frankl could not entirely stop suicides in the camps in spite of logotherapy. More problematic were the later revelations of him conducting lobotomy on them in the misguided hope of reviving them, even though he had no training as a surgeon and the conditions in the camp were far from conducive to such medical procedures. Its not surprising that a section of Holocaust historians has accused Frankl of ingratiating himself with the Nazis by undertaking such actions and, thereby, increasing his own chances of survival. Yet, within the extreme ecosystem of the camp, where familiar rules of decorum were suspended and upended, its difficult to label Frankls behaviour as being one of pure complicity. The experiences he synthesised from his time at the camp have led to new approaches to understanding trauma, especially in the idea of post-traumatic growth as opposed to the more debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder. When a tragedy alters the circumstances of a persons life, it can lead to gratitude for what there is instead of focusing on what has been lost. This is not a coping mechanism but quite the oppositeits a strategy to rebuild ones life. As Frankl puts it in the opening essay of his new book, I once heard that an arch that has become unsafe can be reinforced and stabilised, paradoxically, by increasing the load on it. Its a similar situation for human beings: when experiencing external difficulties, our inner strength and resilience apparently grows." In this day and age, however, such counter-intuitive formulations may sound like sweeping generalisations, and indeed insensitive, considering the gulf between a lifeless concrete arch and a flesh-and-blood being. View Full Image The front cover of Frankl's 'Mans Search for Meaning'. In another prescient passage, Frankl discusses the nervous sickness" of our times, which is a version of what we know as burnout. He writes, the accelerated pace of our lives today represents an attempt at self-healing, albeit a failed attempt at self-healing." It is as though he could foresee a future where humanity would be desperately doomscrolling and posting on social media to fill the void at the core of life. Certainly, the frantic pace of our lives can be understood perfectly well if we comprehend it as an attempt to anaesthetize ourselves," he adds. Every person is fleeing from an inner bleakness and emptiness and, during this flight, plunges into turmoil." The antidote to this boreout" (Frankls term) is finding a purpose to live. The idea is to resist giving in to the easy cop-out of the pleasure principle or to the false allure of power. What we need instead is to find a larger meaning to our existence, be it by creating a rich inner life that leads to an expansive view of the world, or by taking our attention away from the self to helping others. Frankls theory, sensible as it is, always ran the risk of being co-opted by any group of people to justify their vested interests. For the Nazis, as many argued, the meaning of life was embedded in the idea of extinguishing the lives of Jews. Major corporates, in a more benign context, continue to urge employees to align their purpose with the companys goals, no matter how underpaid and overworked they may be. Frankl, to give him credit, didnt advocate work as being the meaning of our lives, or embracing challenges as the necessary stepping stone to finding meaning. Re-reading Frankl in 2024 is, therefore, a strangely disconcerting experience. Even as he does validate our human need to seek meaning in what we do and how we live, he also runs the risk of glorifying suffering, especially in current times, which, in many ways, is a spitting image of his timeriddled with authoritarian politics, the persecution of minorities and the denial of the basic conditions of a decent life to a majority across the world. Its helpful that the new book comes with a warning from the publisher: This book is a child of (its) time and may contain language or depictions in common usage at the time that some readers may find offensive today." Somak Ghoshal is a writer based in Delhi. Foldable smartphones have been around for a whiletheyre no longer mere concepts. Come 2024, and the Moto Razr 50 Ultra has built upon its legacy with nostalgia and modern essentials. Samsung, meanwhile, introduced its sixth generation of foldables recentlythe Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. Beyond them, India also has multiple more options in the foldable realm, such as the Oppo Find N3 Flip, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and the OnePlus Open. With multiple choices in the market, are foldable smartphones finally closer to mainstream usability and no longer remain niche objects of fancy? Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold 6 ( 164,999/$1,970) and Flip 6 ( 109,999), on this note, are in their sixth generations, while the Moto Razr 50 Ultra ( 94,999) is in its fifth generation. Are they good enough to replace any other typical flagships, such as the Apple iPhone 15 Pro ( 129,800), Google Pixel 8 Pro ( 106,999) and Samsungs own Galaxy S24 Ultra ( 129,999)in terms of features, practicality, and most importantly, durability? The first point that arises in conversations on choosing the right smartphone today is practicality. Most smartphones today are good enough for the average, userbut why should you spend upwards of $1,000 on a smartphone? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a practical response. Now six full cycles old, the Z Fold 6 offers users not only social recognition with a near-unmatched show value, it also comes with a screen thats hard to argue against. Once you get to using the smartphone as a daily device, the 7.6-inch foldable display on the inside presents itself not as a tablet replacement, but more as a smartphone on steroids. For instance, browsing and typing tasks on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are very obviously superior than on any other deviceincluding the massive Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max ( 154,000/$1,840). The key to its benefit is the width of the display, which is otherwise not attainable without a foldable form factor. Samsung has also succeeded in achieving two key aspectsmaking sure that the device clasps shut without a gap in the middle and optimizing its software experience to seamlessly switch between the large display and the smaller, 6.3-inch outer display. The lack of a gap is important since you dont end up finding any dust in your phone when you open it. On each of the Moto and Samsung phones, the crease on the display is also not apparent and does not get in your way in everyday usage. View Full Image While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 isnt too far away, it feels like there are clear compromises that differentiate it from the Z Fold 6 in terms of usability. (Samsung) Further practicality of form factor is found in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Moto Razr 50 Ultra. If you dont need a large screen for frequent typing sprees like journalists do, the next best thing is to get yourself a phone that can collapse into a more compact, pocketable form factor. On this note, both the flippable phones have managed to tweak their builds and designs into feeling like well-refined gadgets. The Moto Razr 50 Ultra does exceptionally well in this department. With a soft leather-emulating rear panel, smoothened edges and a super-premium glass-metal finish, the Razr 50 Ultra feels befitting of its price tag. The well-finished software ensures that whats on the outside matches the inside. While the Z Flip 6 isnt too far away, it feels like there are clear compromises that differentiate it from the Z Fold 6 in terms of usability. For starters, the awkwardly-shaped outer display offers less real estate than the Moto Razr 50 Ultra. What each of these phones do achieve, however, is that as a user you do not need to always focus on taking extra care of the devices when youre out. Usability, seamlessness of user experience, and durability combined, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Moto Razr 50 Ultra do show actual progress made by designers at Samsung and Lenovo (which owns the Moto brand today). View Full Image Browsing and typing tasks on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are very obviously superior than on any other device. (Samsung) AI and use cases Whats also commendable is that as overall smartphones, each of the above devices feel like complete units that are at least as good, if not better, than conventional smartphones. For instance, on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, you can access its main cameras without needing to open the phone. The same cant be said of the Moto Razr 50 Ultra or the Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, the Razr makes up for it with the certainly-cool gimmick of the camcorder modesimply open the phone by half, open the camera and turn it sideways to turn it into an old-school video recorder. In other features, each of the phones do as well as any flagship. The Samsung duo is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip from Qualcomm, while Moto uses an even newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip for all performance tasks. The flip phones have a very wide screen, which is great for gamers. The Z Fold 6, meanwhile, has a display that makes watching movies a great experienceeven though there are no videos that can make use of its square-ish dimensions. You do not miss out on not having a tablet, especially while travelling. Then, theres the artificial intelligence (AI). Samsungs AI features have improved considerably which is apparent in its transcription of voice notes. Even with the Indian English accent pack, the transcription performance is evidently better than the previous generation (Galaxy Z Fold 5/Flip 5). Samsung attributes this to its continuously improving machine learning algorithms running locally. Motos native generative wallpaper creator, based on Googles Gemini foundational AI model, fares much better than Samsungs, giving users more flexibility to create a wider range of images. However, the Razr does miss out on voice transcriptionan increasingly popular feature today. Overall, each of these features ensure that theres nothing missing in the foldable smartphone experience, and the latter is in fact better and more future-forward than conventional smartphones. Must haves? At above $1,000, as a user, youd want a device that makes you stand out from the crowd. With the latest generation foldables covering up on their previous shortcomings in terms of durability and practicality, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 from Samsung, as well as the Moto Razr 50 Ultra, make for phones that are fun to own and use. If youre willing to spend a sizeable amount, the overall finesse and usage experience does deliver more than conventional smartphones. With each of the above smartphones now producing enough battery stamina to last a full day, even with intense usage, 2024 could well be the year when the foldables grew up. With increasing competition coming in from more brands across all corners (the Google Pixel 9 Pro fold is supposedly around the corner), and rumours around a foldable iPhone still rife, buyers of flagship smartphones must have foldables in their shortlists today. As for which one to pick, the Moto Razr 50 Ultra is undeniably the most appealing in terms of compactness, finesse and features. But the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is by far the only form factor that adds more value in terms of what foldable phones can offer compared to other smartphones. In that regard, the Z Fold 6 (and similar devices from Vivo and OnePlus) is the one to pick, as long as you dont mind the extra heft that it brings to the pockets. As I walk up a tree-lined path with my host, Neerthanjana Senadheera, its some minutes before I realise we are in the tea fieldtheres more shade cover than I have seen. I am at Amba tea estate in Uva Highlands, one of eight tea farms that make up the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association. All share a few traitsorganic farming, including the local community, and the pursuit of crafting tea. Amba had an early start in this journey when its current ownersfour friends who wanted to create a social enterprise bought the estate in 2007. Amba was the first Tamil-owned tea estate in these parts. Over generations, family disputes led to it being fragmented and sold. Simon Bell and his friends chose to convert Amba to organic cultivation and also added coffee and other crops. A few years in, their teas were finding customers in the UK and the US. They added a guesthouse inviting guests to come and experience first hand. At the core of Amba is the desire to offer employment and revenue opportunities for the community, through their tea and tourism and more. At breakfast, I enjoy a spread of jams and chutneys all made by the women of the Six Stars Chutney Cooperative that Amba helped set up. Everything at Amba seems to be about how it can support the community and the positivity is palpable. Its a model of how tea farms can be for the greater good. Also read: Why Ras Al Khaimah is your culinary passport to the Middle East From Amba, I make my way to Kaley, 12km from the Sinharaja forest. Nine years ago, when Kaleys founder Udena Wickremesooriya decided to buy a farm, he landed here. Tea was planted but had been left untended for too long. Wickremesooriya chose organic cultivation, not an easy transition to make as yields drop significantly during the process. At the core of organic farming is soil healthlook after the soil and it will look after the plant is the idea. Nearly half of the 40-acre estate has been left uncultivated, for the land to heal. And thats Kaley, a tea farm but also a retreat, to heal. My last stop is Forest Hill on the way to Nuwara Eliya, the islands famous tea region, to meet Buddika Dissanayake. He is the unofficial guardian of wild tea trees at the Warnagala estate near Adams Peak or Sri Pada. Its an astonishing story of the discovery of an abandoned tea estate where tea bushes hadin 130 years or so grown into thir full height. Having stumbled upon them on his hikes, Dissanayake, who had left his corporate job, (also in tea), leased the land and started handcrafting teas from these leaves. Its an incredible experience to be in the forest and looking up at the tea trees and even more to taste this tea. I was travelling for tea but have returned home with a lesson in how a tea farm can be small yet significant, compassionate and generous to people and the land, welcoming and hospitable to humans and nature. It does make the tea taste better. TEA TAKES To tour one or several of these artisan farms, write to Amba Tea Estate at info@ambaestate.com Vaibhav Purandares study of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920) follows his well-received biographies of V.D. Savarkar and Shivaji. This new book, Tilak: The Empires Biggest Enemy , in a sense, completes the triumvirate of the three interrelated historical legacies that have shaped modern Maharashtra and dramatically impacted national life. As Tilaks last major biography in English appeared perhaps half a century ago, this fresh evaluation of his political career is timely given the tectonic shifts that have since taken place in Indias pollical culture. At least part of the impulse for these changes can be traced back to Tilaks own innovations. Purandares early chapters ably embed Tilak in colonial Pune in the second half of the 19th century, a milieu in which the shadow of 1857 and the earlier vanquishing of the Peshwas lay long, and public opinion instinctively shrank from any criticism, however minor, of the colonial state. Completing his under-graduation and a law degree and consciously eschewing the conventional middle-class pursuit of a government job or a legal career, the young Tilak, along with like-minded colleagues, set up a school, a college and a newspaper each in English and Marathi. Somewhat surprisingly, each of these ventures was successful. Both the school and the college were premised on a good relationship with the colonial authorities and the college was in fact named after the then governor of Bombay James Ferguson. Tilaks association with these educational ventures would, however, end in acrimony with the founding members falling out, largely on account of ego clashes and personality differences. Throughout his treatment, Purandare does not allow his evident admiration for Tilak, or his subjects larger-than-life image in posterity, come in the way of an objective charting of Tilaks personality and its impact on the contours of his political life. Also read: The history of Mughal glass emerges from the shadows Focusing nowin the late 1880s when Tilak was in his early 30son his newspapers, Tilaks public profile steadily grew as did controversies around him. He arraigned himself deliberately against protagonists of social reform. To an extent, this was a defensive reaction to an environment created by colonialism in which everything indigenous was devalued. Tilak and others pushed back against this and sought to enhance Indian self-esteem by defending its society and culture. However, as Purandare also points out, Tilak was not reform minded" and was essentially conservative by inclination. Inevitably disputes and debates would centre on the status of womenmarriage, divorce, rightsand caste. Tilak stood out as a prominent conservative and traditionalist in numerous high-profile cases that punctuate the chronology of this period. Thus, in the famous Rukhmabai case in the 1880s and the proposed Age of Consent law in 1890, Tilak was at the heart of the orthodox reactions. Being a protagonist for tradition further shored up Hindu supportand perhaps more than just upper caste Hindu support. In mid-1891, amidst Hindu Muslim violence across Bombay presidency, Tilaks thinking on the use of religion for political mobilisation also crystallised. In Purandares assessment, religious mobilisation was almost a natural outgrowth of his stand on social issues. Converting a traditional annual Ganapati festival into a quasi-political event followed. Next on the list was an annual mass mobilisation in 1896 on the anniversary of Shivajis birth. View Full Image Tilak: The Empires Biggest Enemy: By Vaibhav Purandare, Penguin Random House India, 480 pages, 999. Both the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals cemented Tilaks position as a mass leader who could draw crowds. Purandare notes that neither was originally anti-colonial in thrust and each was a platform for sectarian mobilisation of Hindusbut the government was worried. Such tactics, plus his innately conservative inclinations, drew criticism from social reformers and from those worried about Hindu-Muslim relationsmany of them the principal faces in Indian National Congress (INC). By the mid-1890s Tilak was himself a rising star in the INC. His stridently nationalist tone and defence of indigenous custom and culture made him appear strikingly different from the Congresss Westernised moderates. To Tilak, their critiques represented both their elitism and their deference and quietism when dealing with the colonial state. Alongside this, Tilaks views on the British in India were hardeninghe saw the Raj, Purandare says, as intrinsically an abomination, its officials mean, crooked corrupt and casually cruel." Matters were soon to come to a head with the assassination of two British officers in Pune. Not surprisingly, Tilaks writings, his speeches and the editorial stance of his newspapers meant that official disfavour would come down on him hard. He was tried, convicted for seditiona charge he vehemently deniedand imprisoned for 18 months. In this phase of his lifefrom the conviction in 1897 till about 1907Tilak, Purandare notes, established himself as the pre-eminent leader of the peoples fight for emancipation". What did emancipation" mean in the first decade of the 20th century? We know that Tilaks political tactics and his stridency set him apart from the moderate nationalists. Yet, as with all major political figures, there is a difference between the intensity of their rhetoric and the substance of their political demands. It is this gap that Purandare could have delved into more deeply, exploring and explaining the substance of how Tilaks demands differed from those of the moderates he so strongly opposed. The partition of Bengal in 1905condemned by Indian opinion of all huesmarks the next stage in Tilaks political career. Differences sharpened between the moderates and the extremists"the latter supported an all-India boycott of the British, while the former, hoping that the government would heed the popular mood, wanted to play things down and restrict protests to Bengal. Tilaks run-ins with Gopal Krishna Gokhale, in particular, had gradually been increasing in intensity. To moderates such as Pherozeshah Mehta and Gokhale, the trio of Tilak, Lajpat Rai and Bipan Chandra Pal (Lal Bal Pal) had somehow to be contained. Tilak by now was the Lokmanya"one esteemed by the people. The moderate-extremist differences, underwritten as they were by personality clashes, had become too big to be papered over, and in 1907, the Congress split leaving the colonial government delighted. By mid-1908, Tilak would be facing sedition charges again and sentenced to six years imprisonment and transportation to Mandalay in Burma (now Myanmar). For some time, his defence team had included Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He returned to his native Pune to even greater popular acclaim. He confronted a changed geopolitical reality with World War I in progress, Muslim opinion alienated from the British over the fate of the crumbling Ottomans in Turkey, and most importantly, a public consensus that the Congress needed to be reunited. Tilaks responses to each of these may have appeared uncharacteristic, even a departure from his past positions, to the more diehard of his followers. He pledged loyalty to the Raj in Britains hour of need and clarified that he had never been hostile but had only sought administrative and governance reform. Then he put his weight behind healing the internal rifts in the Congress and the new moderation in his tone and tenor certainly helped bring about a unified Congress in 1916. Most significantly, he was to be the main force with Mohammad Ali Jinnah in reaching what was, in effect, a Hindu-Muslim pact between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League to give Muslims greater political representation in relation to their population in elected bodies. Tilaks role in this amounted to a Nixon-visiting-China moment and without his support and initiative, the agreement could never have been reached. Along with the Congress unification, this Hindu-Muslim accord meant a qualitatively new political situation in the country and Purandare is right to emphasise how these signal achievements in the last phase of Tilaks life merged seamlessly with the Gandhian chapter of mass mobilisation against the colonial state with the non-cooperation and Khilafat movements. Much as Tilaks political style and imagery had made his moderate contemporaries appear timid and deferential, the politics of non-cooperation and mass satyagraha was to supersede Tilak. Also read: Artist Alamu Kumaresan stitches together a portrait Purandares book delves deeply into Tilaks life, his intellectual interests and most of all his politics. It abounds with other charactersfor instance Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and others who merit modern biographers in their own rightwho make this book come alive. The dense set of relationsoften oppositional and acrimoniousand the nationalist sentiment in which Purandares Tilak is embedded, makes a distinctive contribution to understanding Indian politics of a century ago and whose legacies stretch to our own times. It is a pity that in such a fine work the publishers thought an index unnecessary. T.C.A. Raghavans latest book is Circles of Freedom: Friendship, Love and Loyalty in the Indian National Struggle (Juggernaut, 2024). Amidst dressing the Ambanis and their celebrity guests, a few weeks ago the Manish Malhotra brand launched its summer collection online and on Instagram with overarching theme, Kashmir, with generic references to embroidery and garments. After a social media outcry, the brand replaced all references to Kashmir with terms like traditional artistry" and threads of cultural art". Manish Malhotra, founder of the eponymous brand, is hardly the first to borrow from traditional culture and craft, but borrowing from Kashmirs craftsmanship is more complex than using Lucknowi chikankari or phulkari from Punjab. Kashmir is one of the most militarised zones in the world with both political and economic instability. Its papier mache, wood carving, pashmina, carpet-weaving, and aari, sozni and kashida embroideries have long been coveted by art enthusiasts around the world but little has been done to ensure that the benefits reach the artisans. Wajahat Rather, a Srinagar-based designer, acknowledges that more Indian designers are acknowledging the artisans they work with, but its just as important to reference political and cultural background. Borrowing creative elements from different cultures is not inherently wrong, but it becomes problematic when its reduced to a marketing strategy to benefit from. Craft cannot be isolated from its context," he says. "For us, art and craft are not just aesthetic expressions; they involve identity, history and self-representation. Art from any conflicted region carries profound political and social implications. Borrowing without proper acknowledgement or respect for their origin perpetuates stereotypes and diminishes the cultural significance. Design is a responsibility, especially when working with the crafts of conflicted regions." Also read: Why fashion loves influencers Context is incredibly important to Jaipur-based Chinar Farooqi, too, the founder of the textile-driven brand Injiri. According to her, true appreciation of a certain craft and its practitioners comes from understanding complete context. Appreciation is deeper when one cares for a craft, culture or tradition. Appropriation lies in mindlessness about the art form, its application and execution." Farooqi works with craft clusters in Gujarat for Bhujodi and bandhani and in West Bengal for jamdani, imbibing what she calls an academic approach", spending years understanding the art form and its context to integrate Injiri's design practices into the craft's traditions, as opposed to the other way round." At Abraham & Thakore, known for contemporary interpretations of Indian heritage craft forms, the process is a bit different. As designers who come from a textile-oriented training, weve always believed that our intervention should be as contemporary practitioners. When we work with particular clusters, we work with them while being completely mindful of the traditions and the heritage that particular skill represents. I could not go into an area where they're producing a particular motif and bring in something irrelevant or inappropriate," says David Abraham. While their approaches might be different, Farooqi and Abraham both believe in the importance of cultural sensitivity. The skills that would interest me, for example, as a designer who wishes to work with craftspeople as makers of a product, (but) those very skills can't be separated from the cultural traditions, history or even their natural ecosystems. Because that is what shapes the craft and the skills. So, when you are engaging with them, you are not only engaging with their skill but all that has shaped it," says Abraham. Farooqi and Abraham agree on the importance of responsible communication about the collaboration between brands and craftspeople. In a very large marketing campaign just to refer to a certain region that's a marketing issue. At Abraham & Thakore, we feel its very important to communicate the process behind the product through marketing. Were not always perfect at it but we try to ensure that the storytelling is done as clearly as possible," says Abraham. For Farooqi, a textile researcher, documenting the process behind the scenes with an intent to inform is part of establishing the crafts context. We navigate political and social complexities because we intend to make a difference," she says. Shubhanjana Das is an independent writer. Suhana Bhatia, a young IFS officer proves her mettle and is promoted to the post of deputy High Commissioner to London. Her father, also a celebrated senior IFS officer, is sceptical of her rapid promotion, but encourages her to give it all. In London, too, she faces accusations of Nepotism by her colleagues. She falls headlong into an affair with a smooth talking man. How she tackles her hostile workplace and her involvement with spying is the rest of the film What money lessons can Jahnvi Kapoors spy thriller teach us besides making us facepalm several times about the most overused India-Pakistan terrorism tale? Lesson One: Keep Your Head Firmly On No matter how young you are, how do you forget your place in the hierarchy at your workplace? Have you not seen enough shows about thoughtless sexual encounters with strangers resulting in trouble? You sit in the theatre cringing at the most obvious trope of them all. Especially because you realise that she is too green at the gills and not equipped to handle any backlash of her behaviour. Lets say you have invested your money in Mutual Funds and your money manager is helping your money grow. If you are attracted by an investment scheme like Suhana is attracted to Nakul Bhatia/Sharma (played rather well by Gulshan Devaiah), then pause before you get seduced. Educate yourself about the new offering and all its risks. Schemes that offer you champagne and roses might have hidden costs that will make you regret your choice. Lesson Two: Ask For Help and You Will Be Saved Salim, the driver assigned to Suhana gives her good advice: Ask for help, and people will help you. But Suhana, embroiled in a spying ring, learns quickly that she does not know who to trust and whom to go to for help. There are people who betray her and those who die because she has been blackmailed into giving information. But you are smarter than that, dear investor. You wont ever find yourself in a situation where your work is compromised because you inadvertently helped in inside trading or some such illegal activity. You should know that your money manager can help you get out of foolish investments you made because your best friend or family member persuaded you to invest in something So build that trust so you will find someone like Sebin Josephkutty (Roshan Mathew in a role that should have been bigger!) who will help you. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Sunday defended Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, after his demand to conduct a DNA test of the two men accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya sparked outrage. He said that Uttar Pradesh had become a means of political instrument between the centre and the opposition. The son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Sandeep Dikshit was of the view that such DNA tests had been carried out in the past to find culprits of rape cases. What Akhilesh Yadav is asking, the DNA tests, have been used in cases like these in the past to find out, verify the accused, or the police, administration suspect, Dikshit told PTI. He further said that rape cases in Uttar Pradesh have always been politicized, rather than looking at it as an issue of justice. There is nothing amiss in what Akhilesh Yadav is saying," added the Congress leader while defending the Samajwadi Party chief. Uttar Pradesh affairs very sad Taking a dig at matters of the state, Sandeep Dikshit further stated that Uttar Pradesh had become a means of political games between the ruling party and the opposition, "rather than somebody that wants to dispense justice, he said, terming the state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh as very sad. What Akhilesh Yadav said Akhilesh Yadav, on Saturday, had demanded a DNA test of the two men who had been accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. "Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP's allegation will be considered biased," Yadav had said. Meanwhile, the BJP accused the SP chief of defending a paedophile. Bengaluru news: A man in Bengaluru died after he jumped in front of a metro train arriving at Doddakallasandra on Saturday, August 3. The incident caused huge chaos at the station and disrupted services on Green Line. Train services were suspended on the route for several hours. Train services were resumed at around 8:40 pm on Saturday and are operational as usual on Sunday. Also Read | A coffee shop meets Malaysian dining at Bengalurus newest restaurant The man jumped in front of a metro train on Saturday evening. Later, his dead body was removed by the police and sent to hospital for postmortem, informed Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in a social media post. The investigation in the matter is underway and so far there has been no information about the person who committed suicide. Taking to X, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) shared, A man of 57 years of age has committed suicide by jumping in front of the approaching train at Doddakallasandra Station at 17.45 hrs. The body has been removed by the police and taken to a hospital for postmortem. Further investigation is on. Also Read | US destroys Houthi missile in Yemen amid attacks on ships near coastal area Due to the incident, train services were disrupted between Yelachenahalli and Silk Institute stations for several hours. The incident caused huge convenience to daily commuters leaving. The BMRCL further posted, On Green Line, train services are suspended between Yelachenahalli & Silk Institute Stations, Remaining section the services are on. Also Read | Bengaluru: Additional metro services to function from THESE stations today Train services resumed After hours of disruption due to the incident, train services resumed on the Green Line as usual from 8:45 pm on Satuday, said BMRCL in another post on X. From 20.45 hours, train services have been fully resumed on the green line as usual. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this mishap, read BMRCL post on X. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Software outsourcing from India took off after the Y2K scare of the late 1990s by steering a vast pool of cheap engineering talent toward programming. And because the industry earned dollars, it got to keep most of its profit. New Delhis tax bureaucracy couldnt come up with a plan to slaughter the golden goose. Its never too late, however, to sharpen the knives. Take the notice last week to Infosys Ltd. for allegedly evading Indias goods and services tax, or GST, to the tune of 324 billion rupees ($4 billion) over five years. Thats its annual operating profit. Infosys said Wednesday it has paid all that it is legally required to and even investors dont believe that Indias second-largest software exporter needs to provide for the alleged liability. Infosys shares, the best performers on the benchmark Nifty 50 index over the past three months, have fallen 2.5% on the news. The Bengaluru-based firm sent out another statement Thursday evening, saying that the pre-show-cause notice by the state authority had been withdrawn, and it had been directed to submit a response to the GST intelligence directorate in New Delhi. In a further update Saturday, Infosys said that the notice for the financial year ended in March 2018, covering 12% of the demand, stood closed. Im no tax expert, though I have seen the federal authoritys claim. It says that Infosys imported services from its own global offices, through which it solicits business from large corporations. The coding takes place mostly in India, but the foreign branches also make engineers available onsite at clients locations to execute outsourcing projects in coordination with Bengaluru. These units, the department claims, are distinct from the head office. And since the Indian company is paying their expenses and billing global customers for the same, it is liable to pay GST on the supply of services received from its branches overseas.(1) Infosys must be ruing the day nine years ago when it bagged the $200 million project from the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to write the software for the GST, Indias biggest fiscal reform in decades. Unifying a plethora of sub-national taxes was a long-standing demand of businesses. They wanted the freedom to seamlessly access a common market of 1.4 billion people. What got implemented, however, was one of the worlds most complicated GSTs with five rates: zero, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, even as petroleum products and alcohol continued to be taxed separately. For smaller firms, it was a compliance nightmare. The poorly structured, hastily implemented GST caused heartburn in the accounting community, with Infosys getting its share of the blame. Persistent glitches were an embarrassment for the company, which made things worse by going on to design a clunky, error-prone web portal for people to file income taxes. The administration was livid about the recurring technical snags. A company that had managed to stay largely above the political fray was suddenly taking blows from all sides. Three years ago, Panchjanya, a Hindi weekly believed to be a mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a right-wing cultural organization that stands behind the Modi government, put Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy on its cover, with a title that translates to Reputation and a Grievous Harm. The article took a sinister view of the messed-up tax networks. There are allegations that Infosys management is deliberately trying to destabilize the Indian economy, it said. However, Murthy, the billionaire father-in-law of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is no longer management. He and his family are just shareholders. Still, the 77-year-old remains an influential public figure because of his track record of wealth and job creation. Speaking at a conference last month, he was skeptical of Indias ambitions to compete with China in manufacturing. Thats one of the Modi governments key growth strategies. The political backdrop may be the most interesting thing about the drama currently playing out. Demands similar to the Infosys tax notice may be made of other IT services firms, a government source has told Reuters. Any such move will go down badly. The ruling party has lost its parliamentary majority. The first budget of the governments third term has put off even some of its vocal middle class supporters. Billionaires, though, remain loyal. Even at the eve of the elections in April, captains of industry were singing Modis praises. A sales tax on an industry grappling with lackluster demand and facing a serious challenge from generative artificial intelligence will raise doubts about the Indian leader's pro-business credentials. After all, if there is a loophole in the law through which services that are being exported to global corporate clients become liable for a local Indian consumption tax, then its the GST code itself that needs a fix. Unless, of course, someone powerful in New Delhi wants to fix Infosys or send a chilling message to India Inc. More from Bloomberg Opinion: (1) Typically, the GST is collected from the supplier. But in certain instances, the buyer becomes responsible for the tax under a so-called 'reverse charge mechanism.' This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andy Mukherjee is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies and financial services in Asia. Previously, he worked for Reuters, the Straits Times and Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion The Narendra Modi government is reportedly planning to table a bill in Parliament that would curb the Waqf Board's power over assets. Several media reports emerged on Sunday, claiming the Union Cabinet, in a meeting on Friday, approved as many as 40 amendments to the Wakf Act (also spelt as Waqf), and the bill is likely to be tabled soon. But what is the Wakf Act? What changes are likely to proposed in the Act and why Muslim leaders are not happy? Here your guide to the controversy. What is Waqf and Wakf Act? The Wakf Act, 1995, was enacted to regulate 'Auqaf', which means assets donated and notified as Waqf. The act also mentions "wakif" a person who dedicates a property for any purpose recognised by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable. The Waqf Act was first enacted in 1954. The Wakf Act, 1954 was predicated on the management of waqf; i.e. "holding certain property and preserving it for the confined benefit of certain philanthropy and prohibiting any use or disposition of it outside that specific objective and had sought itself to be a measure towards public welfare and as a benevolent institution." The Waqf Repeal Bill, 2022, states the Wakf Act, 1954 was later repealed and the new Wakf Act was passed in 1995, giving more powers to waqf boards. The Act was amended later in the year 2013, "thereby arming the waqf with limitless and absolute autonomy in the matters relating to it," the Bill states. The Waqf Repeal Bill, 2022, aimed at repealing the Wakf Act, 1995. It was last tabled in the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2023. This 2022 bill, however, may not be related to the bill that reports suggest the government may introduce in a Parliament session soon. Also Read | Shia Waqf Board open to building a mosque away from Babri Masjid site What's issue govt has with Waqf board? The 2022 bill claims that due to their existing powers, the Waqf Boards are "the third largest owner of land after the Indian Armed Forces and the Railways and their share of land has doubled since 2009". It further adds that Waqf Board has been accorded with "unbridled power" in terms of registering any property. "No other trust, mutths, akharas or a society is conferred with even remotely parallel autonomy in their affairs," it says. Also Read | Bill to make Wakf Act more stringent passed What government want to change? According to the Economic Times, the potential bill may seek to repeal several clauses of the Waqf Act. It may also propose 40 changes to the Act. The move is reportedly aimed at reducing the arbitrary powers currently held by Waqf Boards which allow them to claim any property as waqf without mandatory verification. What changes may the potential Waqf Bill propose? 1. Sources told the Economic Times that The draft legislation is likely to propose restructuring and changing the composition of Waqf boards. The bill may include amendments in Section 9 and Section 14 of the Wakf Act, which are dedicated to the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards. The changes may be brought in to ensure the representation of women in these bodies. The government had earlier objected that "the provisions of the Act makes it mandatory that the appointment of members of the Board is restricted to Muslim community only, even when the members of the Board are entitled to the status of public servants which arguably is in contravention of the spirit of equality in employment". Also Read | Cabinet clears bill for protecting Wakf properties 2. The Bill may seek to ensure verification of land before the board announces it as the property of Waqf or verification of disputed land claimed by the state Waqf boards. According to reports, the new rule may introduce mandatory verification of all claims made by Waqf Boards. As per the proposed amendments, the claims on properties made by Waqf Boards will be mandatorily verified. Similarly, mandatory verification has been proposed for disputed properties of Waqf Boards, sources told News 18. 3. To prevent misuse, district magistrates may be involved in the monitoring of waqf properties, the Economic Times reported. There has been no confirmation yet on whether the government has mulled over or prepared any such bill on amending Wakf Act. All the media reports claiming so are based on sources. There as been no response from the government yet on the matter. Muslim leaders concerned over potential Waqf Bill, warn of chaos AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf Board. "This itself is against the freedom of religion," he said. Warning of "administrative chaos", Owaisi said, ...if you make amendments to the establishment and composition of the Waqf board, then there will be administrative chaos, loss of autonomy of the Waqf board and if the control of the government increases over the Waqf Board, then the independence of Waqf will be affected. Meanwhile, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said that as far as the Waqf law is concerned, "it is important that the property should be used only for charitable purposes for which the Waqf has been done". "And it is a law that once a property is made a Waqf it cannot be sold or transferred," he added. Mahali further said, "...we do not feel that there is any need to make any kind of amendment to this Waqf Act." He, however, suggested the government to consult with stakeholders if it want to amend the Act. "If the government feels that there is any need, then the government should consult and take the opinion of the stakeholders before making any amendment," he said. Dr CN Manjunath, former prime minister HD Deve Gowdas son-in-law and the BJP MP from Bangalore Rural, on Sunday reacted to the sexual assault case involving Prajwal Revanna, saying it is always painful to hear such things and nobody can support these things. For the past 35 years, all the children are living separately. We see them only during some family functions, otherwise there is no intimate contact. Whenever such events happen, it is always painful to hear such things and these things nobody can support, CN Manjunath told Hindustan Times in an interview. Also Read | Prajwal Revanna sexual harassment case: Former MP faces 4th FIR Prajwal Revanna, the former Janata Dal (Secular) MP is a son of JDS MLA HD Revanna. Prajwal Revanna, also a grandson of Deve Gowda, is facing allegations of sexual assault on several women and is currently in jail. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year, a huge cache of videos showing Sexual assault and rape allegedly by Prajwal Revanna on several women had came into the public domain. Prajwal was an NDA candidate from Hassan in the Lok Sabha election, however,he lost his seat. Also Read | Gujarat high court orders CID to probe mans custodial death Manjunaths entry into politics According to the Hindustan Times report, on a question on joining politics, Manjunath said: My father-in-law (Deve Gowda) said that politics is a different game. You are a committed doctor and people hold you in high esteem. For someone who has a long experience, he said this. Even my wife was not agreeing. I had not even dreamt that I would be contesting the election. Also Read | Prajwal Revanna case: Karnataka HC grants anticipatory bail to Bhavani Revanna The cardiologist-turned-politician also said: Although I come from a political family, I kept myself away from politics. On January 31, I retired from the institute. Post-retirement, there were a lot of felicitations. During those events, people started asking me why don't I go at a national level. A 29-year-old woman was rescued by locals after falling into a deep gorge in Maharashtra on Saturday evening. The incident took place at the Borne Ghat in Satara district, reportedly while the woman was taking a selfie with friends. She sustained injuries and was later admitted to a local hospital. Videos of the Home Guards and locals pulling the woman to safety have since gone viral on social media platforms. The clip in question showed rescuers throwing a thick rope down the gorge before a man descended to lift the woman to safety. Reports quoting officials offer a somewhat contradictory view of the incident with some indicating that she had slipped and fallen while attending to nature's call amid heavy rains in the region. The development comes mere weeks after an Instagram influencer fell to her death while filming near Kumbhe waterfall in Raigad. 26-year-old Aanvi Kamdar had slipped and fallen into a gorge while taking a video with friends. Following the incident local authorities had issued an advisory urging travellers to explore without indulging in risky behaviour. Maharashtra has received heavy rainfall in recent weeks with Pune and adjoining areas facing extensive waterlogging. Army personnel were deployed at an inundated residential area in the district on Sunday amid heavy downpours and water discharge from Khadakwasla dam. The fire department also evacuated some members of a society located in the Ekta Nagar area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about heavy rainfall in Pune city and the district region and today heavy downpour is experienced. In the wake of the warning the entire administration should be vigilant, said a statement released by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The administration has been directed to make arrangements for the safety of people living in low-lying areas in Pune including Ekta Nagar, Dattwadi, Patil Estate, Yerwada, Shivaji Nagar, court area, Kamgar Putla area, Harris Bridge, and Dapodi. Members of the Samajwadi Party have been accused of offering financial compensation to the family of a minor gang-rape victim in Ayodhya. The assertion came mere days after SP leader Moid Khan was arrested in connection with the attack. According to an India Today TV report, an SP chairman named Rashid had offered her money and asked her to settle the case. Mohammed Rashid is incidentally the party's Bhadarsa Nagar Panchayat Chairman. The remarks echo claims made by BSP leader Vishwanath Pal after a meeting with the family of the victim. The BSP state president also lashed out at the Samajwadi Party for not expelling Moid Khan as an office bearer. Some people were asking her to make a compromise in the case. We assured her that justice will be done and she should not come under pressure or threat from anyone, he told PTI. Also Read | Sandeep Dikshit defends Akhilesh Yadavs DNA test demand for Ayodhya rape case Moid Khan is from the Samajwadi Party and a member of the Ayodhya MP's team. He has been found involved in a case of rape of a 12-year-old. The Samajwadi Party has not taken action against him. I am not able to understand what all this is. He is hanging out with the SP MP of Ayodhya (Awadhesh Prasad), UP chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had told the state Assembly on Thursday. Media reports indicate that the 12-year-old was gang-raped by three men including the SP-affiliated Moid Khan. Police sources told PTI that the bakery owner and his employee Raju Khan had raped the girl two months ago and recorded the act. The incident came to light when a recent medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant. The police arrested the duo from the Purakalandar area of UP on July 30 in connection with the case. Meanwhile a BJP delegation met with the family of the rape survivor and urged the state government to raise the compensation to the survivor's kin from 5 lakh to 25 lakh. At least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured on Sunday in clashes between protesters demanding PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the ruling party supporters in Bangladesh, forcing authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period. The Indian Embassy in Bangladesh issued an advisory urging Indian nationals residing in the country to remain alert after a new round of violence has resumed in the South Asian nation, which has left nearly 72 people dead, including 14 policemen and hundreds injured. Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter) the Indian Embassy in Sylhet posted All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office & are advised to remain alert. Also Read | Protests and violence break out again in Bangladesh amid calls for the governments resignation The Indian Embassy also issued a helpline number for emergencies. In case of emergencies, please contact +88-01313076402 the Indian Embassy said in its post. Also Read | Bangladeshs shaky political future Student Protest At least 91 people were killed (including 14 policemen) and dozens injured in a new round of violence in Bangladesh on Sunday as police fired tear gas and lobbed stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. The clashes broke out this morning when protesters attending a non-cooperation movement to demand the government's resignation faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. So far, 91 people have been killed in day-long clashes across the country PTI reported, citing a leading Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo report. According to the police headquarters, 14 policemen have been killed across the country. Of them, 13 were killed in Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station. One person was killed in Comilla's Elliotganj, the paper said. Indefinite countrywide curfew Following the violence, the Home Ministry imposed an indefinite countrywide curfew from 6 pm today. The government has also ordered the shutdown of social media platforms like Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram to stop the spread of rumours. The mobile operators have also been ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet, the paper added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina has said that those engaged in "sabotage" across the country in the name of protest are not students but terrorists. She has asked people to suppress them with a firm hand. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand, the Bangladesh prime minister said. Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically, pushing the Middle East closer to the brink of a potential conflict. The killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict and a confrontation between Israel and Iran. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The rising threats and provocative actions from both sides have heightened fears of an imminent war. The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the region in response to the escalating situation. 1)As tensions in the Middle East intensified, approximately 50 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards Israel on Sunday, according to SKY News, which cited Israeli media. Videos captured the activation of Israel's Iron Dome defence system in response to the attacks. 2)Hezbollah announced in a statement that it targeted the new Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel with rockets. This action is a response to Israel's assaults on Palestinian villages in Gaza, which have harmed civilians. Hezbollah expressed its support for the Palestinian people and their resistance. 3)Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for Haniyehs killing, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. 4)Due to rising regional tensions, Indian nationals in Israel have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. This advisory for Indian citizens in Israel follows a recent notice from the Indian Embassy in Beirut, which strongly recommended against travelling to Lebanon and urged those already there to leave the country until further notice. 5)US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would de-escalate, despite its threats of retaliation for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. As concerns grow that Israel's conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza could widen into a broader Middle Eastern war, Biden's remarks reflect a push for restraint in the volatile situation. 6)The death of Haniyeh is part of a series of assassinations of senior Hamas leaders as the Gaza conflict approaches its 11th month. This development has heightened fears that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader Middle Eastern war. 7)The US has urged its citizens who wish to leave Lebanon to start making arrangements immediately. Meanwhile, the British government has advised its nationals to "leave now." Canada has cautioned its citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, citing the regional armed conflict as a threat to their safety. 8)According to Gaza health officials, at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. This offensive began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2024, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions, as reported by Israeli sources. 9)In April, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, which claimed to have intercepted 99% of them. This attack occurred less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals. It was the first direct military assault by Iran on Israel, despite decades of hostility dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. 10)Iran does not recognize Israel and provides support to anti-Israeli militant groups, including Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. While the destruction and death toll among Palestinians in Gaza has drawn international criticism of Israel, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has focused on the existential threat to his country and the region from Iran and its proxies in the so-called Axis of Resistance. Netanyahu referred to coordinated defence in a speech to a joint meeting of the US Congress, calling it a possible template for a NATO accord. He said, I have a name for this new allianceThe Abraham Alliance. How Abraham Accords came into existence? The Abraham Accords opened Israels relations with Arab countries and shifted the paradigm of the Arab-Israeli conflict. On the pretext of stopping Israels plan to annex parts of the West Bank in July 2020, the United Arab Emirates engaged in negotiations to normalize relations. What is Abraham Alliance? In his speech to Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the significant threat posed by Iran to the Middle East and advocated for the creation of an anti-Iran Abraham Alliance. Netanyahu's comments emphasized the shared security concerns facing the United States across the Red Sea, Africa, and Ukraine, pointing to the expansionist policies of the Islamic Republic as a common, yet often unaddressed, denominator. What is Axis of Resistance? The network of Iran-backed groups across the Middle East dedicated to diminishing US influence and ultimately eliminating Israel is known as the Axis of Resistance. The origins of the "Axis of Resistance" trace back to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which brought radical Shia Muslim clerics to power. To extend its political and military influence in a region predominantly dominated by Sunni-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Irans new regime began supporting non-state actors. Additionally, this strategy aimed to counter threats from Israel and the US, as Iran perceives Israel's establishment in 1948 as a tool for Western influence in the region to serve its strategic interests. The term axis of resistance is also believed to be a counter to President George W. Bushs axis of evil label, which referred to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea in his 2002 State of the Union address. Main players of the axis of resistance Iran Middle East powerhouse Iran is officially committed to the destruction of what it terms the "Zionist entity" and supports armed groups across the region that have attacked Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Reuters reported. In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israeli soil, using a barrage of drones and missiles in response to a deadly strike on its consular annexe in Damascus, which was attributed to Israel. Shortly thereafter, explosions occurred in Iran's central Isfahan province, with U.S. officials attributing the incident to a retaliatory strike by Israel. Israel has not commented on the killing of Haniyeh, but Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed "harsh punishment" in response. Hezbollah Lebanon's Hezbollah, the most influential group within the "axis of resistance," has engaged in nearly daily cross-border skirmishes with Israel since the Gaza war began. The recent killing of Shukr, whom Israel accuses of orchestrating a weekend attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 children, has heightened fears of a severe retaliation from Hezbollah. Hezbollah, meaning Party of God in Arabic, was established during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) following Israel's 1982 invasion of Beirut. Founded with the support of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the group initially fought Israeli forces occupying southern Lebanon until their withdrawal in 2000. Also Read: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows retaliation against Hezbollah after deadly rocket strike kills 12 children Unlike other factions, Hezbollah retained its weapons after the civil war and is believed to possess a larger arsenal than the Lebanese army. Since its last major conflict with Israel in 2006, Hezbollah has significantly enhanced both the size and capability of its arsenal. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has frequently asserted that the group's advanced weaponry can reach deep into Israeli territory. Hamas Hamas, which originated from the Muslim Brotherhood movement, was established in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising, known as the intifada, and has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. Over the years, the group has faced targeted assassinations of its political and military leaders, leading its leadership to operate from abroad, including Syria, Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey. In recent years, Hamas has strengthened its relationship with Iran, becoming a significant member of the "axis of resistance." The latest Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to AFP based on Israeli figures. Israel's response has led to at least 39,480 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel has vowed to defeat Hamas and recently announced the killing of the group's military chief in a July 13 airstrike in Gaza, though Hamas has not yet confirmed this claim. Iraq resistance groups Several Iraqi Shiite Muslim groups, aligned with Iran and opposed to the United States, are calling for the withdrawal of approximately 2,500 American troops stationed in Iraq as part of a US-led anti-jihadist coalition. These groups have formed a loose coalition known as the Islamic Resistance of Iraq. In the early months of the Gaza war, the coalition targeted U.S. forces in Iraq to show support for the Palestinians but suspended their attacks by late January. The alliance has also claimed to have launched drone and rocket attacks against Israel. The key groups within this alliance include Kataeb Hezbollah, Al-Nujaba, and the Sayyed al-Shuhada Brigades. These factions are affiliated with Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of former paramilitaries who have been integrated into Iraq's armed forces. Yemen's Houthis The Houthis, a Zaydi Shia Muslim minority group, have carried out numerous attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf, which they claim are connected to Israel in the aftermath of the Gaza war. These actions have prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and its allies. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for targeting Israel, occasionally collaborating with Iraqi groups in their operations. On July 20, Israel launched its first attack on Yemen's Houthi-controlled Hodeida port following a Houthi drone strike that killed a civilian in Tel Aviv the previous day. Originating from northern Yemen, the Houthis were established in the 1990s to address the perceived marginalization of their Zaidi Shia community in a predominantly Sunni country. In 2014, they seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and large areas of Yemen, leading Saudi Arabia to form a multinational coalition in 2015 to support Yemen's internationally recognized government. Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Founded in 1979 in Gaza, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is one of the two primary Palestinian militant organizations in Gaza, with the other being the ruling Hamas. While the two groups cooperate, PIJ stands apart from Hamas in its refusal to engage in negotiations with Israel. Islamic Jihad receives its main financial support, military training, and weaponry from Iran. Additionally, Hezbollah offers a safe haven to PIJ leaders and representatives in Lebanon, likely facilitating Iran's backing of Islamic Jihad. The group also engages in joint training activities with Hamas. What is the status quo? As reported by the Associated Press, Nabih Awada, a Lebanese political and military analyst with ties to the Iranian-backed axis of resistance and a former fighter with the Lebanese Communist Party who spent a decade in Israeli prisons with some current Hamas leaders, stated that Hezbollah viewed the strike in Beirut as a violation of all rules of engagement. He noted that it targeted a civilian residential area and that Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur was attacked in his home rather than in a military headquarters. Also Read: Why Iran is hard to intimidate Hezbollah has developed many equations, including that the response to a strike in Beirut's southern suburbs will be in Haifa. For Iran, the current situation is more complex. The present moment somewhat echoes the events of April when Israel and Iran nearly went to war after Israel attacked an Iranian consular building in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals. Iran responded with an unprecedented direct strike on Israel, but diplomatic efforts managed to de-escalate the situation. However, there are significant differences now. The assassination of Haniyeh occurred on Iranian soil, which has embarrassed Tehran and demonstrated Israel's ability to strike targets within its borders. While some analysts believe the impact may be lessened since Haniyeh was not an Iranian figure, Iranian officials have vowed a strong response. Krieg noted that while Haniyeh's death is damaging reputationally for Iran and humiliating as it reveals Tehrans inability to protect high-profile visitors, Haniyeh is not an integral part of the axis of resistance. His death has no strategic implications for Iran other than it being a slap in the face because you're the host and your guest was killed while you were on watch, he told AP. Nomi Bar-Yaacov, an associate fellow in the International Security Programme at Chatham House, suggested that Iran might seek to retaliate through its proxies. They have got their people, training, arming, planning everywhere, and they can reach anywhere in the world, she said. They can also hit Israeli or Jewish targets globally. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, anticipated that Iran's response would involve another direct attack on Israel. The strike on Haniyeh wasn't just on Iranian territory, it was in Tehran, he said. It was at the inauguration. It doesn't matter who was targeted and whether or not the target was Iranian, AP reported. Israel braced for a possible attack from Iran and regional militias in retaliation for assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas officials as the US sent defensive reinforcements while pressing for a Gaza cease-fire deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting Sunday that Israel is in a multifront war against Irans axis of evil. We are striking every one of its arms with great force. We are prepared for any scenario both offensively and defensively. The US, which is moving a fighter jet squadron to the region and keeping an aircraft carrier nearby to help Israel, is also pressing Netanyahu to redouble negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza to prevent the nearly 10-month-long war from escalating. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer appealed to both sides to get back to the table. Netanyahu said the problem is that Hamas keeps changing its demands. Others say Israel has done the same, making a deal harder. Leaders of both Iran and Hezbollah have sworn that the killings last week in Beirut and Tehran would not go unanswered, that red lines had been crossed and attacks were coming. Israeli officials said any assaults, expected imminently, were likely to be simultaneous and could come from Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Iran itself. In April, after Israel killed two Iranian generals in Syria, Iran for the first time fired more than 300 projectiles at Israel, nearly all of which were shot down by Israel and a coalition of US-led powers with regional assistance. Group of Seven foreign ministers expressed concern about the risk of a wider regional crisis during a video call on Sunday, Italys Foreign Ministry said in a statement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East with his counterparts, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. In Israel, GPS systems were telling stunned residents of Tel Aviv that they were in Beirut part of a scrambling to make it harder for an attack to be successful. Two officials said the cabinet has been issued with satellite phones to enable communications should phone lines crash under shelling or cyberattacks. With numerous foreign carriers Delta, United, Lufthansa suspending flights to and from Israel for fear of getting caught in crossfire, tens of thousands of Israelis are stuck abroad. El Al, the national carrier is trying to add more flights to bring Israelis home. There has also been talk of boats to help ferry Israelis back. The US, UK, Canada and other countries are urging their citizens to leave Beirut. France also told its citizens to get out of Iran. Within Israel, a West Bank Palestinian on Sunday morning stabbed to death two elderly Israelis in a park and bus station in the city of Holon near Tel Aviv before being shot dead by police, adding to the rising tensions. Israels military struck two schools in Gaza City it said were housing Hamas command-and-control centers. Palestinian officials said the schools sheltered displaced people and at least 30 were killed, the Washington Post reported. Work of Diplomacy An Israeli delegation led by the countrys intelligence chief visited Egypt on Saturday seeking to make progress in the long-stalled Gaza war talks, but returned with no immediate sign of a breakthrough. The proposed arrangement, which is backed by the US, could help reduce the scale of reprisals from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran after the killings last week of senior militants. In Israel, as well, there was a hope that diplomacy could delay the expected attack. We still believe the gaps are narrow enough to close, John Kirby, spokesman for the White Houses National Security Council, said on Fox News Sunday. President Joe Biden conveyed the message to Netanyahu that this deal needs to get done when the Israeli leader visited Washington in July, Finer said. In this context, when theres so much going on in the region, and the risk level and the threat level is so high, there are always these external events that can make these negotiations themselves much more difficult, Finer told CBS. But, you know, this is the work of diplomacy, he said. Its not about frustration. With assistance from Alicia Diaz and Jennifer Jacobs. A pre-recorded interview teaser of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, released on YouTube, has raised the eyebrows of body language experts. During the meeting, the Duke of Sussex appeared 'bored' and 'disengaged. ' The British Royal couple's new interview will go live on US broadcaster CBS on Sunday, August 4 (US time). Body language expert Judi James claimed that the Duke of Sussex seemed very "disengaged" as the couple spoke to Jane Pauley. However, the expert rated Meghan Markle's engagement with the interview as powerful. James claimed that the Duchess of Sussex showed affection while addressing their children, but Harry appeared unengaged throughout the teaser. James said that the Duke of Sussex was "disengaged" during the meeting, hinting at a sense of boredom. On the other hand, Meghan acted "besotted" while speaking of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. "Her engagement with the interviewer is as powerful as Harrys disengagement signals at the start of this clip while the two women speak... We see him in the clip gazing off into the distance with a serious facial expression while his wife tells a much more sociable and emotional story," Daily Mirror quoted James as saying. Also Read | Heres how Harry and Meghan plan to handle speculation about their marriage During the interview, Meghan expressed a heartwarming sentiment while discussing the mental health of their young son and daughter. "Meghan is seen changing her body language and vocal state to speak about her children, performing a massively coy smile with a puckered top lip and rounded cheeks and partially hiding her face with her hand as though proud but also cutely coy about referring to them," James tells the Daily Mirror. "Telling the interviewer they are amazing, she goes into a besotted-looking state, glancing down as though visualising them in a 'moment' as she shakes her head and her vocal tone dips to an intimate 'throat-creak'." Japans newspapers are scrambling after one of the countrys two biggest printing press makers said it was bowing out of the business for good. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. announced in late June that it was shuttering its printing press operations after filling existing orders. Staffing at the division has fallen by more than 75% from a peak of 400 employees in 2000. For decades, most print outlets in Japan relied on Mitsubishi Heavy or Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho Ltd. to manufacture, install and maintain industrial printing presses costly machines that can be as tall as an office block and churn out more than a million newspapers a week. But as people flock to digital news, print circulation revenues are falling globally. Even in Japan, where newspaper racks are ubiquitous, readership has plunged. Japan Newspaper and Publishers Association data show circulation dropping 38% over a decade to fewer than 29 million papers last year. Although Mitsubishi Heavy will continue maintenance and repair services until 2036, the news was a huge blow to many of the nations rags. The one-sided decision was extremely regrettable, the Hokkaido Shimbun said in a statement. As a user, we cant possibly accept this. The paper, based in Sapporo, has a daily circulation of 763,000 distributed to households across Japans northern island of Hokkaido. It ordered three printing presses from Mitsubishi Heavy in 2017. Mitsubishi Heavy said in a statement that it will discuss the impact of its decision with clients. Another key customer is Yomiuri Shimbun, one of the worlds most widely circulated newspapers with a daily print run of more than six million. As a long-time user its very unfortunate, but we understand repairs and other services will continue so we dont foresee any inconveniences, Yomiuri said. The paper currently operates about 40 presses procured from Mitsubishi Heavy beginning in the 1980s. The abrupt exit of Mitsubishi Heavy which has built more than 700 presses since the 1960s means clients will have to find an alternative. One obvious if not inevitable choice will be competitor, Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, but manufacturing and installing an industrial newspaper press is a years-long process, and doubling production wouldnt be easy. Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho declined to comment. In another sign of the industrys decline, the Mainichi Shimbun, one of the biggest national outlets, recently said it would no longer distribute papers in Toyama prefecture after September its first departure from any part of the country. Then last Friday, the Asahi Shimbun announced it was going to stop distributing evening papers in Shizuoka, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka in October, owing to the rising costs of paper materials and delivery. In Japan, the growing popularity of online media and the advent of generative artificial intelligence has only compounded labor shortages brought on by a shrinking, aging population. Trains used to be full of people reading newspapers, said Kichiro Kawada, 72, who helps run a newspaper stand near Shibuya Station. There used to be five stands in the area that opened up right after World War II, he said, but now only one remains. On a hot summer morning last week, hoards of pedestrians passed by the stand as they rushed between the station and Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Only a handful stopped to buy a paper or a magazine, or a sleazy tabloid and a pack of cigarettes. Newspapers are good for people who want to take their time and read carefully, which is probably why theyve fallen behind, Kawada said. Whats happening is unavoidable. The United States military has successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile (LACM) in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, the USCENTCOM said in an official statement. It was determined the LACM presented an imminent threat to US and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure, the statement read. Also Read | Israeli jets strike Houthi targets in Yemen after Tel Aviv attack On Saturday, Britain's maritime agency reported attacks on two ships near the Yemen coast. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKTMO) released a statement indicating that a ship was struck by a missile 125 nautical miles east of Aden, southern Yemen. According to the alert, the vessel's captain mentioned that an "unknown explosive" hit the ship, causing potential fire. However, there were no fires, water ingress, or oil leakage, and the vessel continued to the next port. The British maritime agency had earlier reported an incident 170 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. As per UKMTO, the captain of a merchant vessel stated that the armed security team observed a small explosion near the ship. There was no damage, and the crew was safe. The vessel continued to its next port. Also Read | US launches effort to stop Russia from arming Houthis with antiship missiles This came amidst heightened alert in the West Asia region following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran while he was on an official visit to Iran and the killing of Hezbollah's top military leader Faud Shukr in an airstrike in Lebanon's capital Beirut on July 30. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched an invasion of Gaza following the Hamas' attack on Israel in October last year. The Houthis control significant portions of Yemen after nearly a decade of conflict against a Western-backed and Saudi-led coalition. They have vocally supported Palestinians amid Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, launching repeated drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023. Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in casualties, vessel seizures, and disruptions to global trade routes. The campaign has forced shipping firms to seek alternative routes, impacting approximately 12 per cent of global trade that traverses the Red Sea. In the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer, a young man is stalked by a large older woman. She is very good at adoration. She tells him beautiful things. She calls him Baby Reindeer." At first, he is flattered by her interest, but soon realizes that she is unhinged. Netflix has told us right at the start that it is a captivating true story." All this actually happened, according to the writer and creator of the show, Richard Gadd, who also plays the lead, but as Donny Dunn. So, early into the drama, things are already very tense because you believe there was such a man and there was such a woman, who is called Martha in the show, and that she grew obsessed with him and sent him hundreds of emails and thousands of messages, and eventually did worse. Baby Reindeer, I could tell, counted on me to feel for the man. But, at first and very often later, I was moved more by Martha, a woman filled with fierce love in a world that just could not love her back. Yes, Martha is a menacing stalker, but I wanted Donny to be made of sterner stuff. Thats what my world would expect of me as a man, and I expected that of Donny. But then, the gambit of the show had worked. Millions of people felt strongly for Donny. No other way could the show have been the big hit it has been, especially in the West. And it occurred to me how modern such sympathy is for fragile men. And this is where modernity is headed: towards a deeper compassion for men in situations that are traditionally terrifying for women. But then, I come from a country where the bar for misery is so high that I could only see how lucky he was. He was playing the role of a bad comedian doomed to fail, a loser who had no hope, but in my eyes, he appeared to have a very good life in the heart of London. His lifestyle would probably put him in the top 1% of India. He even had a lovely ex-girlfriend who let him stay in her mothers flat. Forget me, imagine a Palestinian watching the show (somehow); you think he is going to feel sorry for Donny? To feel the trauma of Donny, your humanity is not as important as the per capital income of your nation. In Britain, where Baby Reindeer is set, a writer can assume there will be no contempt for a weak man who is being destroyed by the attention of a resolute woman. But maybe the writer, Gadd, sensed that there would be some emotional dinosaurs even in the West who would need something more powerful to feel for the man. So he escalates his trauma, or what he seems to consider trauma. In a lonely alley, Martha pushes Donny against the wall and grabs his crotch. He freezes, shocked. He feels humiliated, and walks away. He is actually shattered. The show is from a world and for a world where there is no distinction between what happens to women and men. In the more antiquated world all around, it is not easy to comprehend how an adult hero can be molested by a woman and ruined by the experience. Consider this moment in Larry Davids series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. There is a young man who has claimed that when he was 17, a beautiful 37-year-old actress had taken advantage of" him. Thats the trauma?" jeers David, accusing him of being a fraud. Donny, as though fearing the gaze of the ancient among us, explains why he feels so traumatized. Before Martha stormed into his life, a man had taken advantage of him. A successful TV writer who had befriended him and promised to take his career far, had plied him with drugs and assaulted him. Donny says that the event decisively propelled him towards homosexuality. Psychoanalysis is a modern thing, though not as modern as compassion for men assailed by women. You would never encounter psychoanalysis in the great epics, or Shakespeare, or even in the classics of Dickens times. But after Sigmund Freud promoted the idea that things can be hidden not only in chests and lockers but also inside your head, and that they can be found, there was a revolution in reading the mind, most of it as spurious as reading the palm. But another trait of modern compassion is that a man is granted the right to interpret his frailty and feelings, and his whole personality, as effects of powerful causes. In the modern world, no one questions anyones trauma. So the person who finally does is from a more familiar worldFiona Harvey, who says the character Martha is based on her. She appeared on Piers Morgans show and said that the writer Richard Gadd has made up the whole thing, and that he may not have been sexually assaulted at all, that it was probably conceived in his mind." She denied that she ever stalked him to the extent he claimed; that she sent him only a handful" of emails and very few messages. And that she never assaulted his transgender lover, as shown in the show. She suggested that she may have shown some interest in Gadd, but he made up the horror of it all. She has sued Netflix, claiming about $170 million in damages. Gadd has since named Harvey as his stalker, claiming that she often attempted to touch me in inappropriate (and sometimes sexual) ways." He has also said that his work is a fictionalized retelling of my emotional journey through several extremely traumatic real experiences." Yet, it is promoted as a true story. In a true story, how a story is told can be dramatized, but key events cant be made up. The identity of the woman who Gadd felt stalked by is out, but Gadd has not revealed the name of the man who assaulted him. That is odd, because the defining quality of our modern times is that even men can reveal their rapists. Delays in justice deliver are among the biggest barriers in India to making it easier to do business and improving peoples ease of living. In a recent response, Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament that more than 50 million cases are pending in various courts across India, of which nearly 90% are in district and subordinate courts. This backlog not only burdens the judicial system, but also denies timely justice to millions of citizens, and the cost of it is borne not just by the economy, but by all of us. What the minister didnt say was that another 50 million cases are pending in our tribunals, revenue boards, consumer courts, information commissions, etc. There are several reasons for this dismal state of affairs. Let us analyse what the government and judiciary must do to salvage the situation. In a majority of the cases, governments, both the Union and of states, are the main litigant. Fortunately, the Union minister has announced that a draft National Litigation Policy is to be formally adopted that will endeavour to bind all government parties to reduce litigation. A few states already have litigation policies, while Karnataka has a litigation law in place. Governments can and should ensure the availability of adequate infrastructure and staff, including running courts and tribunals with minimal breaks on a shift system, for the disposal of pending cases before they pile up any further. Governments should also support and establish alternate dispute settlement systems in association with the judiciary and quasi-judicial bodies, such as conciliation mechanisms, lok adalats, grameen nyayalays, etc, to reduce the burden on Indian courts and tribunals. This should be accompanied by disincentives to deter frivolous litigants. The tricky reform involves judge selection. Judges today are appointed to the apex and high courts by a collegium system that seems to keep doors largely closed. There are reports of judges being appointed in an opaque manner from among 350 judicial families in India. Favouritism has also been alleged in some cases. This was sought to be addressed by the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act (NJAC), but that was struck down by the apex court, as it was found to go against the independence of the judiciary. Globally, judges are never the sole authority of appointing other judges. If at all they are involved in appointments, there are checks and balances. In India, the government was peeved with the NJAC Act being struck down, and judicial appointments have been delayed. Also read: Written submissions to courts could speed up the delivery of justice The Act should be revived by Parliament, which is the supreme authority in the country, to reflect the will of the people. Better compensation should be offered to attract judges and a gender balance should be assured. It is mandatory for consumer courts, for example, to appoint one lady member along with a retired bureaucrat and district judge. In the case of lower courts, judges come from a state judicial service, while members of tribunals and adjudicatory commissions are appointed from among retired judges and bureaucrats. Here too, shortages and favouritism are problems. Most retirees seem to take it easy while discharging their duties and often dont even meet their duty time requirements. This adds to delays. There is no effective supervision. The judiciary has privileges that are exclusive to it. For example, the colonial system of court vacations in summers and winters. After independence, we thankfully did drop the colonial legacy of wigs being worn, but did not drop the generous vacations that Raj-era judges took. This is in addition to casual and annual leave for judges. Like any other public institution, even our courts should work every day, except on public holidays. The argument that judging is highly stressful does not hold merit, as doctors, police officers and others work for significantly longer periods under conditions of stress. Frequent adjournments only add to delays. The rule of three adjournments at most is practised more in the breach. In a few cases, when judges got strict with this rule, lawyers agitated against it in various ways: boycotting courts, complaining against judges or even going on strike (which is illegal). The Supreme Court in Harish Uppal vs. Union of India (2003) categorically states that lawyers must not engage in strikes or abstain from court work under any circumstance. There is no court management system being followed in India. In developed countries, judges call the lawyers of both sides to agree on timelines right at the case-admission stage, so that cases are resolved within a pre-determined time frame as far as possible. Now with advanced technology, cases can be disposed of swiftly. The covid period has shown that cases can be heard and decided virtually. This would also help ease Indias court infrastructure problem to an extent. Comprehensive reforms in the justice delivery system are necessary to not just lighten the load on Indian courts, but also restore public confidence. In a country as diverse and populous as India, timely and efficient justice is essential to maintain social order and uphold democratic principles. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, called her husband the 'son of Haryana' in a speech on Sunday ahead of the Haryana Assembly election. "The son of Haryana Arvind Kejriwal will not bow down in front of PM [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi," she said. Sunita Kejriwal also took a dig at PM Modi, saying that he is jealous of Kejriwal. "Is there any other party that has improved the conditions of government schools, hospitals, launched Mohalla clinics, provided free electricity? Only one person do all such development works in the nation and he is your son Arvind Kejriwal [aap ka laal, Kejriwal]," Sunita Kejriwal said while speaking at 'Badlaav Jan Sabha' in Faridabad, Haryana, on Sunday. "And this is because PM Modi is jealous of Kejriwal. He is not able to do such development works...," she said. She alleged that to stop the development works done by Kajriwal, "PM Modi made a fake case and put your son [Kejriwal] in jail". Kejriwal is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail in connection with the alleged scam in the Delhi Excise Policy case. He is currently in judicial custody. Speaking at a public rally on Sunday, Sunita Kejriwal urged people in Haryana to not vote for the BJO in the upcoming assembly elections. "In the upcoming Haryana assembly elections not even a single vote should be given to BJP...," she said. "You have to make your son win with a whopping majority," she added. "This is the question of Haryana's prestige," Kejriwal's wife added. Haryana elections 2024: AAP's announces 5 guarantees Ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections 2024, Sunita Kejriwal announced the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) five guarantees for people in the state. They were: > 24 hours free electricity in all the houses in the state > Mohalla clinics to be set up in all villages to provide free treatment to the people > Haryana's government schools to be made excellent, where best education will be provided > Mothers and sisters of Haryana will be provided free bus travel facility > Every unemployed youth will be given employment Assembly Elections in Haryana are set to be held later this year. The Election Commission is yet to announce poll dates. The AAP and the Congress, which are part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc at the national level, will contest independently in state polls. A day on Earth, might now mean 25 hours, say scientists, as the moon has been increasingly drifting away. The Moon has been receding from Earth at a rate of approximately 3.8 centimetres per year, according to a research conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Also Read | NASA shares image of proton star buried at the centre of Crab Nebula | See photo Such a phenomenon, could result in the Earth days lasting 25 hours in 200 million years time, stated the research. A day on the Earth had lasted just over 18 hours, around 1.4 billion years ago. Gravitational force between Earth and Moon Stephen Meyers, a professor at the geoscience department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, suggests the gravitational interactions between the Earth and the Moon could be a primary cause. "As the moon moves away, the Earth is like a spinning figure skater who slows down as they stretch their arms out," said Meyers. The professor further stated that they have been aiming to use 'astrochronology ' to be able to tell time in the distant past. We want to be able to study rocks that are billions of years old in a way that is comparable to how we study modern geologic processes, said Meyer. Moon's recession not new While the theory of moon's recession has been known to man for years, the Wisconsin research aims to delve deeper into the historical and geological context of the phenomenon. Researchers have been able to track the history of the Earth-moon system, spanning over billions of years by examining ancient geological formations and sediment layers. Amid massive destruction worldwide due to extreme summers, rains, and winters, scientists have warned that the collapse of a crucial Atlantic Ocean current system can significantly amplify the impact of climate change on Earth's weather patterns. Also Read | Climate cash pivots to new reality of a hotter, wetter planet According to the latest research, the crucial Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) can collapse as early as 2030, CNN reported. AMOC is on a course of destruction as it is continuously weakened by warmer ocean temperatures and disrupted saltiness due to human-induced climate change. Also Read | Polar bears, dead coral and other climate fictions About Ocean currents As the name suggests, ocean currents refer to the movement of water in a set direction in the ocean. The directional movement of ocean water is affected by gravity, wind, and water density. Ocean water moves in two directions: horizontally and vertically. Also Read | Why any estimate of the cost of climate change will be flawed Ocean currents are also driven by saltiness and ocean temperature according to a process which is called as thermohaline circulation. One can assume that these currents are carried across ocean in a large global conveyor belt. AMOC is a part of that large conveyor belt. What is AMOC? The AMOC is responsible for the circulation of water from north to south and back. This pattern of circulation continues within the Atlantic Ocean. According to the National Ocean Service, the AMOC plays a crucial role in maintaining favourable weather patterns as it brings warmth to various parts of the globe and also carries nutrients important for the survival of ocean life. According to the CNN report, the collapse of AMOC would drastically transform weather and climate. Impact of AMOC collapse on climate change and extreme weather According to research titled Probability Estimates of a 21st Century AMOC Collapse, the collapse time of AMOC is estimated between 2037 and 2064 with a mean of 2050. Scientists are worried that the weather pattern is already changing drastically due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and glacier melting. The collapse of AMOC will make things worse. A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. It is generally the location of dying stars and often contains the remnants of their explosion, also known as a supernova. Many nebulae are known as star-forming regions where new stars are formed. The Crab Nebula, located 6,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Taurus, is one of the most favourite spaces for NASA scientists who keep capturing its images to understand the large mosaic of this nebula. Recently, NASA shared a spectacular image of the Crab Nebula composed of the inputs received from its Hubble space telescope. Also Read | NASA images: 5 incredible Space images by James Webb telescope The image showcases the Crab Nebula in a green hue. The image also spots light upon the shiny, bright centre of the nebula. It is assumed that a dead star, neutron, is buried at the centre of the nebula. Also Read | NASA spacecraft carrying Sunita Williams needs to be back before August 18 "The "heart" is the crushed core of the exploded star. Known as a neutron star, it has the same mass as the Sun, but is squeezed into an ultra-dense sphere that is only a few miles across. The tiny powerhouse is the bright star-like object in the center of the image," NASA wrote in its Instagram post. Several social media user reacted to the NASA image of majestic Crab nebula. A bunch of social media users, applauded the engaging captions written on NASA's Instagram posts. Absolutely magical thank you @nasa, wrote a social media user on Instagram. Another social media user, associated the Crab nebula image with Marvel Cinematic Universe's character Loki and wrote, It's like Loki is still holding and sitting on his time dimensions realem chair...............Marvel Fan Nasa in their brat summer era We love you NASA So beautiful, life is beautiful...so many amazing things are happening Longtime Clarkston resident, Mary Judith Judi Jeffreys, 79, surrounded by family, peacefully entered her heavenly home on Sunday, July 21, 2024, following a short battle with cancer. Judi was born to Joseph and Frances Nowoj, in Chicago, on May 27, 1945. She was six years younger than her brother Bill, who made her sit in a different part of the theater at the movies when he was a teen, but after he got back from the Navy, they became the best of friends for the rest of their lives. Judi passed away on the same day, July 21, as Bill had passed 24 years earlier. The family moved to Walla Walla, in 1947, where she attended St Patricks school. They moved again to Clarkston, in 1954, where she attended Holy Family Catholic School and Clarkston High School, where she graduated in 1963. Growing up, Judi would often be looking over the fender watching her dad work on the truck, playing with the family dog or other animals, riding her bike for miles to have lunch under some trees out on Evans Road, or driving the family boat up the Snake River before the dams were put in. She loved Westerns, and whenever her parents would give her a doll, her dad would come home from work to find the doll hanging in the tree for cattle rustling or some other wild-west offense. She was the sheriff, and the rest of her dolls were lined up as the posse since they all had already been hanged themselves when they were new. Judi married Vern Jeffreys on June 15, 1963, and they had three children together, Dan, Chad and Kyle. Judi and Vern later divorced. KYODO NEWS - Aug 4, 2024 - 20:17 | World, All, Japan Japan is considering holding the second summit of the Asia Zero Emission Community, a multilateral forum focused on decarbonization efforts in Southeast Asia, in Laos in October when leaders from ASEAN and its partner countries gather for a series of meetings, a government source said Sunday. Japan aims to reach an agreement with other AZEC participants -- nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australia -- at the contemplated summit to establish a detailed plan for accelerating decarbonization in Asia over the next decade, according to source. The first summit of the forum, an initiative proposed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, was held in Tokyo in December 2023, following a ministerial meeting in the Japanese capital the previous March. Japan hopes to use AZEC to encourage investment in the market for products and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Southeast Asian countries dependent on fossil fuels for their energy needs. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar, which has been under military rule since a February 2021 coup, is not an AZEC member. Related coverage: Japan to work with ASEAN to train 100,000 digital professionals Japan eyes pledging support on trade, decarbonization to Central Asia Japan, Pacific islands oppose status quo change amid China's rise Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has gone to court to take away your right to vote on the Open Primary Initiative. He doesnt trust you to decide whether to eliminate the rigged closed GOP primary election, which imposes minority rule on the rest of us and disenfranchises more than 265,000 independent voters. He doesnt want to replace it with an open primary that advances candidates in any given race who win the top four number of votes into the general election. Labrador wants to block plans for a ranked-choice election in the fall. Why? Because Labrador operates on the fringes of the political spectrum. If he had to wage a campaign under a more honest, inclusive election, hed soon be back practicing law in Eagle. He said as much a year ago when the Open Primary Initiative first emerged: Lets defeat these bad ideas coming from liberal outside groups. Still, the level of mendacity on display here is one for the books. In how many ways is Labradors bad faith on display? Start with his argument that combining an open, top-four primary and a ranked-choice general election violates Idahos single-subject rule. Part of the state constitution, the idea is that no bill should be loaded up with so many moving parts that it forces lawmakers to accept measures they dont support in order to secure something they like. Of course, Labradors reading of that rule is self-serving. He ignores a string of Idaho Supreme Court precedents from the first half of the 20th century. In short, they give lawmakers whether its legislators passing bills or the citizens enacting their own laws at the ballot box great deference as long as the various features within a measure have a natural connection. Isnt there a natural connection between a primary and general election? Labrador shows dexterity some would call it hypocrisy when it comes to advocating that rule. Maurice Hornocker now walks with the giants of his field. Of course, hes long matched the wide strides and big footprints of the greats in wildlife biology. But now its official. The 93-year-old wildlife researcher who lives at Bellevue, Idaho, and launched his career with a groundbreaking study on cougars in the central Idaho primitive area is this years recipient of the Aldo Leopold Award from The Wildlife Society. Its both humbling and an honor. I still havent soaked it up yet, Hornocker told the Tribune. Its a very great tribute and Im so humbled by it all. The award, named for the famous author, naturalist and conservationist, is the highest honor bestowed by the organization of wildlife professionals. Past recipients include former Forest Service Chief and wildlife biologist Jack Ward Thomas; the famous grizzly bear researcher John Craighead, with whom Hornocker worked early in his career; and politician Stewart Udall, who championed important environmental legislation such as the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Act. Hornocker, who ran the University of Idahos Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit from 1968-85 and went on to found the Hornocker Wildlife Institute that was based first at Moscow and then Bozeman, Mont., said the people he worked with during his decadeslong career deserve credit as well. I have just been blessed with wonderfully passionate and remarkably capable students and colleagues during my career, he said. I write the music and they conduct it. Hornocker and his colleagues studied large cats, including Siberian tigers and other predators, and a host of other species across North America and around the globe. But he may be best known for the cougar study that shined a light on the secretive cats and painted a picture that ran counter to the negative popular opinion at the time and challenged the conventional wisdom of wildlife managers. The general feeling was that if they werent killed at every opportunity, they would get so thick they would kill everything in sight, Hornocker told the Tribune last year. There was no life history information. The study showed cougar populations did not expand exponentially and the animals did not wipe out deer and elk herds. Instead they helped to regulate big game herds and keep them moving so the ungulates didnt overgraze the habitat they needed to survive. LONDON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Multiple arrests have been made after violent far-right demonstrations erupted across the United Kingdom on Saturday, following the deadly stabbings in Southport that shook the nation. Far-right protesters clashed violently with police officers throughout the day in major UK cities, including Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Nottingham, Sunderland and Belfast. In Liverpool, two police officers have been taken to hospital with facial injuries. Six people, aged between 29 and 58, have been arrested on suspicion of offenses including violent disorder and criminal damage. In Bristol, projectiles were thrown as protesters clashed with local police and counter-protesters who chanted anti-fascist slogans. Police have made multiple arrests. In Lancashire, a ceremonial county in North West England, more than 20 people have been arrested, according to local police. Staffordshire Police, responsible for policing Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands of England, reported detaining 10 people - all male and aged between 15 and 52 - on charges including assault, violent disorder, and racial or religious threatening behavior. Following incidents of "violent disorder" in Sunderland since Friday, Northumbria Police said they have detained 12 people so far. Politicians and the police condemned the far-right protesters for causing chaos at a time when the country needs to focus on healing after the deadly knife attack on Monday. "Violence, looting and vandalism - all of this is not protesting; it's criminal behavior. It is also not mourning the loss of those innocent children in Southport, with whom our thoughts should be," said Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth during a press conference on Saturday afternoon. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said on his X account that "we cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed the government's "full support" for the police against "extremists" attacking officers and attempting to "sow hate" as he held talks with ministers on Saturday over the violence across the country. Three children died and multiple others were injured after the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport. A 17-year-old boy named Axel Rudakubana born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents has been charged with murder. However, disinformation spreading online about the nationality of the boy and his religious affiliation has fueled hatred towards Muslims and the immigrant population in general. A "tsunami of lies" on social media is exacerbating protests across the UK, said Professor Matthew Feldman, a leading expert on right-wing extremism. According to a BBC analysis, activity on mainstream social media and in smaller public groups showed a clear pattern of influencers calling on people to gather for protests, and revealed how the far-right is organizing in the UK. In a press conference on Friday, Starmer urged big social media companies to take responsibility in combatting misinformation and disinformation. The African Development Bank Group has launched Country Focus Reports designed to deepen policy dialogue on the macroeconomic performance and outlook of individual countries and to act as an indispensable tool for policy makers, government and development partners. The reports, in line with the theme of the 2024 African Economic Outlook report (https://apo-opa.co/3SuB1Wu) titled, Driving Africas Transformation: The Reform of the Global Financial Architecture, give deeper country-by-country specific dynamics and insights. The African Economic Outlook report, issued annually, provides timely evidence and analysis on the continents growth, empowering African policymakers to make informed decisions. Growth performance and outlook vary across the 54 African countries of the report, reflecting differences in economic structure, commodity dependence, and policies. The 2024 reports assess the experiences of individual countries in accessing finance necessary to fund their structural transformation and call for an overhaul of the global financial architecture to help turn around African economies. Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist & Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at the African Development Bank Group said: The reports make bold recommendations for financing structural transformation at country level through reforms of the global financial architecture to better respond to African countries growing development financing needs, exacerbated by recurrent global and domestic shocks. All 54 reports document funding needs and gaps as well as inadequacies of the current global financial system in supporting Africas structural transformation up to 2063. The reports make recommendations across five key areas: Leveraging Private Sector Financing: The private sector will remain a key partner in financing African economies. Countries need allow greater private sector participation in the economy to complement public investments, particularly in areas with high social returns such as climate action and human capital development. Ramping up climate finance: African countries contribute the least to climate crisis, yet they are the most affected. Reforming the global climate finance architecture to strengthen coordination and facilitate access for African countries to climate finance will be key. Reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): Multilateral Development Banks need to revise their business models to provide long-term concessional financing at scale to African countries. They need to bolster their capital positions, work on rechanneling a portion of the International Monetary Funds Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and ensuring that countries with the most need get the most funding. Reforming debt resolution mechanisms: The existing debt resolution mechanisms such as the G20 Framework are not very responsive to the needs of African countries that need them. The reports recommend radical reforms for speedy debt workouts and sustainable debt management, including innovative market-based solutions, debt relief for climate action, and sovereign debt authority systems. Enhancing domestic resource mobilization: The reports call upon African counties to look inwards as they seek to finance their structural transformation. The importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilization through improved tax policies, enhancing efficiency in government revenue collection and utilization, combatting illicit financial flows and tax avoidance, and leveraging Africas abundant natural resources will remain key. In summary, these reports contain pragmatic policies ( short, medium and long-term) to accelerate African countries economic growth and structural transformation. They also provide governments and potential investors with up-to-date, accurate data to inform policy and investment decisions. Belgium has ignited a global debate by raising its legal gambling age from 18 to 21, citing concerns over gambling addiction. The move sets Belgium apart from other EU countries like Sweden, Germany, Finland, and Austria, where the legal gambling age is 18. Miranda Raaff, Head of iGaming Information for casino resource portal, Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC), said there were striking disparities in legal age limits across activities like drivers licenses, smoking, alcohol consumption, gambling, and watching adult content. If Belgian lawmakers believe that 21 is the right age for gambling, then shouldnt this age limit be instituted for all high-risk activities like drinking, smoking, driving, and watching porn? It seems arbitrary to single out gambling while leaving other equally, if not more risky behaviors less regulated. Perhaps, they should apply the same logic to all these activities. Whats clear is that 18-year-olds in most countries are allowed access pornography. So, this is the perceived maturity level despite the dangers online, said Raaff. Alcohol poses huge health risks, and driving a vehicle requires even more responsibility with potential life-threatening consequences, still, we allow 18-year-olds, and in some nations, even younger people to drive. Addiction is also not limited to gambling. It can also happen with alcohol, smoking, and porn. Belgiums decision raises key questions about the perceived maturity of young adults. Raaff said a more holistic approach is needed one that addresses all risky behaviors the same. We need a broader global debate about legal age. If we trust 18-year-olds driving, smoking, consuming alcohol, and accessing porn, why should gambling be treated differently? Protecting young adults means taking the same step. We also need to recognize that maturity levels do not change much between 18 and 21. By aligning these regulatory gaps, we will create a more realistic framework. A fire which started at a centre housing International Protection Applicants in Breaffy has been brought under control. Four people were taken to Mayo University Hosital for smoke inhillaation after a fire, believed to be caused by an electrical fault, started at the Breaffy Woods Hotel. The Mayo fire brigade attended the scene this morning (Sunday) and brought the blaze under control after it was temporarily evacutated. In a statement, Breaffy House Hotel said: The fire brigade were quickly on hand to contain the situation and following the containment and a thorough investigation, full service in the facility has been resumed. All service in the hotel and restaurant area is not affected and is operating as normal. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation [at Mayo University Hospital] but they have now returned to the centre. The Breaffy Woods Hotel has accommodated hundreds of International Protection Applicants and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine in recent years. Trusted Source Antifungal heteroresistance causes prophylaxis failure and facilitates breakthrough Candida parapsilosis infections Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Approximately 50,000 bone marrow transplants are performed worldwide each year. #fungalinfections #bonemarrow Approximately 50,000 bone marrow transplants are performed worldwide each year. #fungalinfections #bonemarrow Advertisement Advertisement Contributions from Machine Learning Emory's Fight Against Deadly Infections Antifungal heteroresistance causes prophylaxis failure and facilitates breakthrough Candida parapsilosis infections - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03183-4) Emory University's David Weiss a professor at Emory Universitys School of Medicine and director of the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center has linked fungal infections in bone marrow transplant patients to antibiotic-resistant bacteria ().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 shouldnt have been happening. Weiss, who had been studying theIn 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 Universitys 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.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, though heteroresistant and susceptible strains were more likely to have slightly different evolutionary histories known as phylogenetic clusters.Though the machine learning algorithm wasnt 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 dont 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 holdsBut Weiss believes it will take years of research to determine the precise molecular mechanisms that cause heteroresistance.Right now, theres 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 theres a diminished immune system to fight off the infection.Source-Eurekalert JAKARTA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Sun Haiyan, deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited Indonesia on July 28. During the visit, the delegation met with Prabowo Subianto, general chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party and president-elect of the country. In addition to this meeting, the delegation engaged with leaders of other major Indonesian political parties, including Megawati Sukarnoputri, chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and former Indonesian president, and Airlangga Hartarto, general chairman of the Party of Functional Groups and coordinating minister for economic affairs. They also held discussions with representatives of Indonesian think tanks and universities. The delegation exchanged views on China-Indonesia relations and inter-party exchanges and cooperation with the Indonesian side, and expounded on the outcomes of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee held in July. The Indonesian side expressed their expectation to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including inter-party interactions, between the two countries, and work with China to achieve win-win development while promoting modernization. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck a Liberian-flagged container ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said Sunday, the first assault by the group since Israeli airstrikes targeted them. The Houthis offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which have seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But the resumption comes after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, amid renewed concerns over the war breaking out into a regional conflict. The rebels separately claimed to have shot down another U.S. military spy drone, without offering evidence. The attack on Saturday happened some 225 kilometers (140 miles) southeast of Aden in a stretch of the Gulf of Aden that has seen numerous Houthi attacks previously. It hit the container ship Groton just above its waterline, causing minor damage, said the Joint Maritime Information Center, a multinational coalition overseen by the U.S. Navy. An earlier missile attack missed the vessel, the JMIC said. All crew on board are safe, the center said. The vessel was reported diverting to a port nearby. The Groton had left Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Groton's Greek managers did not respond to a request for comment. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement Sunday afternoon. The rebels have targeted more than 70 vessels with missiles and drones in a campaign that has killed four sailors. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the time since. Other missiles and drones have been either intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or splashed down before reaching their targets. The Houthis maintain that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain as part of the rebels campaign they say seeks to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the war including some bound for Iran. In the case of the Groton, JMIC said that the ship was targeted due to other vessels within its company structure making recent port calls in Israel. The Houthis also have launched drones and missiles toward Israel, including an attack July 19 that killed one person and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv. Israel responded the next day with airstrikes on the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida that hit fuel depots and electrical stations, killing and wounding a number of people, the rebels say. In the time since, there has not been a reported attack on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which links Asia and the Middle East onto Europe through the Suez Canal. Since November, Houthi attacks have disrupted the $1 trillion flow of goods passing through the region annually while also sparking the most-intense combat the U.S. Navy has seen since World War II. Saree also claimed in his statement that the Houthis shot down a U.S MQ-9 spy drone over Saada province, without providing any details or images. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the claim. Since Yemens civil war started in 2014, when the Houthis seized most of the countrys north and its capital, Sanaa, the U.S. military has lost multiple drones to the rebels, while others may have been lost by the CIA. MQ-9 drones, known as Reapers, cost around $30 million apiece. They can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (about 15,000 meters) and have an endurance of up to 24 hours before needing to land. The killing of Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked concerns of a new escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. Already, the U.S. military says it will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and keep an aircraft carrier in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will enter the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman. Other ships are in the Mediterranean Sea with a Marine detachment if regional evacuations become necessary. Meanwhile Saturday, the U.S. military's Central Command said its forces destroyed a Houthi missile and launcher in Yemen. Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, sparked the war. In the time since, Israel has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and 590 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say. SOMEWHERE IN UKRAINE (AP) Ukraines newly arrived F-16 fighter jets were put on display Sunday by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the planes will boost the countrys war effort against Russia. These jets are in our sky and today you see them, said Zelenskyy, standing in front of two of the fighter jets as two others flew overhead in close formation. Its good that they are here and that we can put them to use. Ukraine is also trying to get neighboring countries to help defend it against Russian missiles, Zelenskyy said. This decision is probably a difficult one for our partners, as they are always afraid of unnecessary escalation, said Ukraine's president. We will work on this ... I think we have a good option of a NATO-Ukraine council ... so that NATO countries could talk to Ukraine about the possibility of a small coalition of neighboring countries that would shoot down enemy missiles. Two F-16 jets, sporting Ukraines trident insignia on their tails and draped in camouflage netting, were a dramatic background for Zelenskyys address to Armed Forces Day, an event held under tight security at an undisclosed location to protect the fighter jets from Russian attacks. Since the beginning of this war, we have been talking with our partners about the need to protect our Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles and Russian aircraft, Zelenskyy said. Now we have a new reality in our skies. The F-16s are in Ukraine. We made it happen. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country. ... Our combat aviation will bring us closer to victory. Ukraine may keep some of the F-16 fighter jets at foreign bases to protect them from Russian strikes, according to a senior Ukrainian military official. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow could consider launching strikes at facilities in NATO countries if they host the warplanes used in Ukraine. The American-made F-16 is an iconic fighter jet thats been the front-line combat plane of choice for the NATO alliance and numerous air forces around the world for 50 years. Although new to Ukraine, the F-16s are actually older jets that have been donated by Western allies of Ukraine. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have committed to providing Ukraine with more than 60 of them over coming months in what could be a slow trickle of deliveries. Zelenskyy did not say how many F-16s have arrived in Ukraine or which countries they came from. United States President Joe Biden gave the go-ahead in August 2023 for used F-16s to be deployed to Ukraine, though the U.S. wont be providing any of its own planes. The F-16s will boost Ukraines military strength, especially by upgrading its air defenses. But analysts say they wont turn the tide of the war on their own. Russia is making small but steady battlefield gains in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and its steady forward movement is adding up as Ukraine gradually yields ground. TODAY: Chelsea Freeman posted the great news on Instagram that Maximus has returned home from the hospital. AUGUST 3: For the second time in as many years, the Dodgers have acquired Amed Rosario ahead of the trade deadline. Coming off a down season in Cleveland last year that left him as a below-average hitter overall, Rosario was used almost exclusively against left-handed pitching during his time with L.A. last season. Despite the fact that hes hit both righties and lefties quite well with the Rays this year, however, manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register) that Rosarios role with the club will be similar to last year. Honestly, to be quite frank, hes not on this team, and we didnt acquire him, to be an everyday player he didnt play every day in Tampa and to hit righties, Roberts said (as relayed by Plunkett) when asked about Rosarios role this year. Rosario has improved considerably in terms of both his overall slash line, which sits at .308/.332/.421 (116 wRC+) in 277 trips to the plate, and in boosting his slash against righties to a respectable .299/.324/.395 (107 wRC+). Even so, its worth noting that the 28-year-old is still hitting lefties better than same-handed pitching. With lefty-swinging Gavin Lux at second base, Shohei Ohtani locked into everyday at-bats at DH, and a trio of lefty-swingers in James Outman, Jason Heyward, and Kevin Kiermaier all part of the clubs deep outfield mix, its fair to wonder where exactly Rosario would fit into the clubs lineup against right-handed pitching. Rosario has plenty of experience at shortstop and played a bit of third base for Tampa this year, but the club seems satisfied with Kike Hernandez at third base and Nick Ahmed at shortstop for the time being. Perhaps more importantly, each of those pieces are only stopgap options to begin with. Plunkett goes on to note that Roberts indicated the club hopes to see superstar Mookie Betts return to the lineup on August 12 or 13. Betts has been sidelined since mid-June after an errant pitch fractured his left hand. Betts was in the midst of a MVP-caliber season prior to his injury, slashing an incredible .304/.405/.488 in 72 games thats made all the more impressive by the fact that he was simultaneously making a relatively seamless transition to becoming the everyday shortstop in L.A. this season. While it seemed at one point that veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas had staked his claim to regular starts at short in Betts absence, a forearm issue sent him to the shelf as well and seemingly leaves the position for Betts to slide back into upon his return. While third base figures to be an option for a while longer with Max Muncy still out due to a strained oblique, Freddie Freemans impending return from the restricted list could lessen opportunities for Rosario at the hot corner as well. Freeman has been out for about a week now as he tends to his family following the hospitalization of his son, Maximus, due to Guillain-Barre syndrome but Roberts notes that he could return to the club as soon as this week when they face the Phillies in a three-game set that starts on Monday. Freemans return to action would free up Cavan Biggio from regular reps at first base, giving the club a left-handed infield option with plenty of experience at third base the club may prefer to utilize over Rosario against right-handers. Sticking with news regarding currently-unavailable stars, Plunkett notes that right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a 20-pitch bullpen session today in his first time taking the mound since being sidelined with a strained rotator cuff back in June. Roberts told reporters (including Plunkett) that the bullpen was a big step forward and that Yamamoto is slated to throw another bullpen on Tuesday as the club angles for a return to action for the righty sometime next month. The right-hander received the biggest pitching contract in MLB history before throwing a single pitch in the big leagues this past winter and immediately made good on it with a 2.92 ERA and 2.68 FIP in 14 starts for the Dodgers before being shelved due to the injury. Injuries to Yamamoto and Walker Buehler led the club to fortify their rotation at the deadline by adding right-hander Jack Flaherty, but it seems possible that Yamamoto and Flaherty could join forces down the stretch and into the postseason at the front of L.A.s rotation alongside Tyler Glasnow. Veteran left-hander Lucas Luetge has opted out of his minor league deal with the Red Sox and become a free agent, according to Katie Morrison-ODay of MassLive. The lefty first signed with the Red Sox back in February but will now return to free agency in search of a better deal elsewhere. Luetge, 37, is a veteran of seven MLB seasons who first made his big league debut back in 2012 as a member of the Mariners. He spent his time with Seattle shuttling between the major and minor leagues, during which time he posted a middling 4.35 ERA with a 4.27 FIP in 89 big league innings with a similar 4.21 ERA across 94 appearances in the minors. While Luetge enjoyed a strong 47.7% groundball rate in the majors during his years in Seattle, a lackluster 19% strikeout rate combined with an elevated 12.1% walk rate seemingly limited his potential, leaving him to be outrighted off the Mariners 40-man roster in late 2015. He elected free agency shortly thereafter but would not return to the majors until 2021, when he joined the Yankees as a member of their bullpen. The lefty enjoyed the best seasons of his career by far when in the Bronx as he posted a sterling 2.71 ERA with a 2.92 FIP in 129 2/3 innings of work for the club across the 2021 and 22 seasons. His strikeout rate ticked up to a strong 25% while he slashed his walk rate to just 5.8%. While those improvements came at the expense of his groundball rate (39% with the Yankees), the results more than justified his change in approach and made it somewhat surprising when the club designated him for assignment during the 2022-23 offseason. He was traded to the Braves shortly thereafter and opened the 2023 campaign in their bullpen, though he didnt last long in Atlanta after allowing eleven runs in 9 2/3 innings of work across his first nine appearances as a Brave. He was outrighted to the minor leagues but remained with the club and returned to the big leagues with them to throw four scoreless innings across three appearances down the stretch, but that improvement and his middling work with the clubs Triple-A affiliate (3.75 ERA in 24 frames) werent enough to convince the Braves to retain Luetge for the 2024 campaign. Back in free agency for the first time since signing with the Yankees, Luetge signed on with the Red Sox. He never broke into the big leagues with the club, though hes looked quite impressive in 41 2/3 innings of work for Triple-A Worcester with a 3.02 ERA and a solid 26.7% strikeout rate. Given the constant interest around the league in left-handed relief depth, it would hardly be a surprise if a club saw Luetges success in the minor leagues with Boston and his previous success with the Yankees and decided to bring him into the organization, whether as a non-roster depth option on a minor league deal or perhaps even as an immediate member of the big league bullpen. GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Coast Guard Festival Grand Parade in the small Lake Michigan town of Grand Haven for the festivals 100th celebration. More than 100 entries snaked their way throughout the streets on Saturday, Aug. 3, as people filled front yards and driveways to watch the lengthy parade. PARK TOWNSHIP, MI -- A contentious short-term rental ban is looming over one of Michigans most popular beach towns. Park Township, home to Holland State Park beach, is still in litigation over enforcing a ban on short-term rentals. As it lingers in court, current rental owners are wary of the future of their investments. For Kate Gutierrez-Wilson, thats her retirement fund hanging in the balance. For Tom McGough, its his three kids college funds that are in limbo. Both are part of the group of rental advocates, Park Township Neighbors, who commissioned a survey to better determine the value of rentals in the townships economic ecosystem. West Michigan business owners and 84 Park Township rental owners answered survey questions this spring. The Frost Center for Social Science Research at Hope College administered the survey and analyzed results. RELATED: Tourism versus housing: 5 takeaways from Lake Michigan towns short-term rental report Currently, the township has a ban on short-term rentals, however, a lawsuit from rental owners is blocking that ban from being enforced this summer. The two parties are set to return to Ottawa County Circuit Court on Nov. 21. As she rides out this summer season, Gutierrez-Wilson is wondering if it will be her last. Shes among the 33% of current rental owners who said they would sell their rental property if a ban was enforced, according to Frost Center survey data. Moreover, 64% of current rental hosts said theyre not going to further invest in the area if the ban is enforced. Gutierrez-Wilson, who grew up in Holland and still has family in the area, would likely not buy another property in the area. Instead, shes started investing on the East Coast. When asked to comment on the economic results from the study, Township Supervisor Jim Gerard said he could not respond while there is ongoing litigation. RELATED: Lake Michigan town bans short-term rentals but lawsuit blocks enforcement Gutierrez-Wilson bought her lakeshore property in 2000. When she moved out-of-state for work in 2005, she kept the property for family use and eventually rented it to long-term tenants. She called her landlord experience horrific. Since listing her property for short-term stays, she finds theres less property damage and more profit about three times more. Gutierrez-Wilson lives in South Carolina where she works as a financial consultant. Her rental properties, including two in South Carolina, are long-term investments. My goal was to have that as passive income when I retire, she said. If that opportunity is gone, theres no reason for me to keep the house and then I would sell it. When the township pushed a ban last fall, she closed her booking availability and pivoted. She made major upgrades to her property: kitchen remodel, window replacements and a new roof. She wanted to be Zillow-ready if the decision didnt land in the rental owners favor. Im not some corporation, she said. Thats a big [misconception] that these corporate people own it, and they dont care and theyre running their properties into the ground. Thats not the case. RELATED: Judge lifts short-term rental ban from Lake Michigan beach town In January, a preliminary injunction temporarily lifted the ban until the next hearing, effectively reopening the rentals for summer. Although the temporary lift helped rental owners, they couldnt make up the business they lost. Gutierrez-Wilson said her property is typically 90% or more booked for the summer but it was more open this year. Her property can house 18 people, she said, so she often accepts family reunions, graduation and wedding gatherings. A lot of her renters are repeat customers, but when her calendar was blocked off in the fall, she missed out on families planning their summer vacation. Missing last years holiday booking period left McGoughs summer calendar more open as well, he said. We took our listings down for four months and we are still feeling that impact, he said. We definitely missed the window when people are together in the holidays and making plans for the next summer. RELATED: Where are Michigan tourists coming from? See beachside rental data McGough lives full-time in Park Township and owns three rental properties. Each rental caters to a different demographic - beachgoers at the Holland State Park, budget vacationers or quieter, woodsy guests behind the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. His properties draw in a revenue between $40,000 to $100,000 each. This is a very tangible investment. Three kids, three college funds, three properties. There is no inheritance, he said. McGough, who works in consulting, and his wife, who works in automotive, both had job offers that would take them away from West Michigan. They stayed to raise their family and invest further into the community, he said. Watching the litigation play out has been emotional and frustrating, McGough said. He feels the township is painting rental owners in a negative light. On the business end, telling guests their calendar is blocked off for court hearings and potential enforcement has also been difficult. More than one repeat customer told McGough they wouldnt be coming back to the Holland area as a result, he said. One of the reasons we chose to do this is to share the lakeshore and our love of Holland, he said. To hear people explicitly stating, I will take my vacation time elsewhere. I dont want to be kind of coy, but that doesnt feel very Pure Michigan. As the next court date approaches in the fall, McGough is in the wait and see camp along with 51% of the rental owners surveyed. Out of fear of cancellation fees and bad reviews Gutierrez-Wilson said she will once again block off her booking calendar as the case moves through the court system. A tough competition will come to an end when the next Miss USA is crowned in the pageant finals on Sunday, Aug. 4. You can watch the events of the final rounds live at 8 p.m. ET on The CW. Watch the pageant and see who is crowned a winner for free with trials from Fubo and DIRECTV Stream. About the pageant: This year marks 73 years of the Miss USA Pageant. In addition to the preliminary interviews that contestants already did with judges, they will participate in a swim wear round, evening gown round and an onstage interview. See the 51 contestants vying for the crown here. Michigan is represented by Alma Cooper, a second lieutenant and Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Army. Noelia Voigt was initially crowned Miss USA 2023; however, she resigned from the role in May 2024, citing mental health reasons. The Miss USA 2023 First Runner-up, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, stepped into the role shortly thereafter. She will crown tonights winner and her successor. Garcelle Beauvais from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Keltie Knight from E! News will host the pageant. Tune in tonight, Aug. 4, at 8/7c on The CW to see who wins the Miss USA 2024 title. Where to watch The CW: BEIRUT, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese civilian died on Sunday from wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike on the southeastern village of Deir Siriane a day earlier, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said in a statement. This brings the death toll from the attack to two. Military sources told Xinhua that Israeli drones and warplanes conducted nine airstrikes on Sunday, targeting six towns and villages in the border area and three towns and villages in the Jezzine area deep in southern Lebanon. Additionally, Israeli artillery shelled 11 towns and villages in the border area with about 40 shells, causing damage to buildings and several fires. "A fire broke out at the Taybeh water pumping station in southern Lebanon. Security authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which destroyed the power station and several water pump facilities," the sources said. Ali Al-Zein, former head of the Union of Municipalities of Jabal Amel, told Xinhua that An Israeli drone "fired two air-to-ground missiles at the 66-watt high-voltage line supplying the station with electricity, causing a fire that affected the water pump and much of its equipment." "This resulted in a complete cut-off of drinking water and electricity to about 55 towns and villages in the Marjeyoun and Bint Jbeil regions in the border area of southern Lebanon," he added. On Saturday, a Lebanese boy was killed and seven people, including children, were injured in two Israeli raids on the villages of Deir Siriane and Tayr Harfa in southern Lebanon, according to the sources. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a "definite and painful" response to the Israeli raid following Israel's attack in Beirut's southern suburbs, which killed Hezbollah senior military commander Fouad Shokor and seven civilians. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, after a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel retaliated with heavy artillery fire toward southeastern Lebanon. GAZA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- About five launches were detected crossing from the southern Gaza Strip toward Israel, the Israeli army announced on Sunday. Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attack. A projectile landed in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council area in southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement, noting that no injuries were reported. Kan reported that the rockets were launched from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, which has recently been the focus of a prolonged military operation by the Israeli army in response to rocket fire. Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack in a brief statement. "We fired a barrage of rockets towards Gan Yavne and Ashdod in response to the massacres committed against the Palestinian people and resistance leaders," the Brigades said. Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday that during the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 33 Palestinians and wounded 118 others, bringing the total death toll to 39,583 and injuries to 91,398 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalated in October 2023. NEW DELHI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least nine children were killed and several others injured Sunday after a wall collapsed during a Hindu religious event in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, police said. The wall collapsed in Shahpur village of Sagar district, about 205 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. "Today in a tragic incident near the Hardaul Baba temple in Shahpur here, nine children aged between 10-15 years were killed and several others injured in a wall collapse. The people had gathered in the temple for a religious ceremony when the wall of a house next to the temple collapsed over them," a police official said. "The 50-year-old old house was run down by heavy rain in the ongoing monsoon season." Immediately after the incident, authorities rushed disaster response force personnel and police teams to the spot to carry out rescue work and pull bodies from beneath the debris. The injured children have been sent to the hospital. On Saturday, four children were killed in a wall collapse incident in the state's Rewa district. The children, in the age group of five to seven years, were returning from school when the wall collapsed on them. The owners of the house, the wall of which collapsed, have been arrested. SANAA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's armed Houthi group shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the northern province of Saada on Sunday, a source within the group told Xinhua. The drone was downed by a missile near the border with Saudi Arabia, the source said on condition of anonymity. The group has claimed to have shot down multiple MQ-9 drones since the beginning of the year. MANILA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- An unidentified gunman shot dead a male police officer in General Santos City in southern Philippines before dawn on Sunday, police said. General Santos City Police Director Colonel Nicomedes Olaivar said the ambush happened at around 3 a.m. local time near a subdivision in the city, killing the 29-year-old off-duty police officer instantly. Olaivar said the officer was heading home on a motorcycle, and died from three gunshot wounds in the head and body. Police launched an investigation into the attack. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport of Namibia John Mutorwa speaks during an official naming ceremony of an airport road in Windhoek, Namibia, Aug. 3, 2024. Namibia on Saturday paid tribute to its late President Hage Geingob by naming the Hosea Kutako International Airport Road as the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng) WINDHOEK, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Saturday paid tribute to its late President Hage Geingob by naming the Hosea Kutako International Airport Road as the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway. The event was attended by Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and other Namibian government officials, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping, representatives of Chinese enterprises, and more than 300 local people. President Mbumba in his speech said that since independence, the government has placed a high premium on the expansion, improvement, and continued development of Namibia's infrastructure with the understanding that world-class road networks, railways, airports, and ports are enablers of economic growth, job creation, and regional integration. Mbumba evoked the wisdom of Confucius, stating "The Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, 'Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.' Indeed, Geingob's life can be described as a journey -- a journey of purpose. He has left behind near footprints and those that are far." The freeway is a symbol of Geingob's enduring legacy, he declared, adding that the ceremony also underscored Namibia's commitment to infrastructure development. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport of Namibia John Mutorwa said in an interview with Xinhua that this highway connecting the capital of Windhoek to the international airport is a landmark project of unity and cooperation between Namibia and China. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government and people for their support and help," said Mutorwa. "I hope that China and Namibia can continue to strengthen cooperation in the economic and political fields." China Railway Seventh Group is responsible for the construction of the first phase of the Capital Airport Road project. General Manager Ma Linlin said at the event that we strictly controlled the quality during the construction process, overcame various challenges, and demonstrated the responsibility of Chinese enterprises. We are honored to be able to leave a project named after a former president in the local area. Construction is underway on the 45-km Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway, which is divided into three phases undertaken by different Chinese construction companies. The first and second phases of the project started in 2016 and 2020, respectively, with financing from the Namibian government, while the third phase officially started in 2022, with aid from the Chinese government. The entire project is expected to be completed and fully opened to traffic by the end of 2024. By then, the travel time from the international airport to the center of Windhoek will be shortened from 45 minutes to 25 minutes. A Palestinian woman grieves at a school damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Aug. 4, 2024. At least 25 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said Sunday. Israeli warplanes bombed with several missiles at the two schools, security sources said. Medical sources told Xinhua that at least 25 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded as a result of Israeli air raids. Most of the victims are women and children, the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza said in a statement. Meanwhile, Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israeli warplanes attacked militants operating inside Hamas command and control complexes that were hidden inside the Hassan Salama and al-Nasr schools in Gaza City. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and the Israeli army have been involved in a large-scale war, right after Hamas carried out its unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the besieged coastal enclave. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,583, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. people search for casualties at a school damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Aug. 4, 2024. At least 25 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) people search for casualties at a school damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Aug. 4, 2024. At least 25 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) A Palestinian stands amid the rubble at a school damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Aug. 4, 2024. At least 25 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) A Palestinian inspects the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. Israeli warplanes attacked the Hamama School, which shelters thousands of displaced people, Hamas said in a statement. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that the Israeli Air Force struck "terrorists" operating within a Hamas command and control center, adding that the compound was known as the Hamama school in the northern Gaza Strip in the past. "The Hamas terrorist organization systematically violates international law by operating from within civilian infrastructure, brutally exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for their terror activities," it said. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,550, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. Rubble is seen in the Hamama school after it was attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the Hamama school attacked by Israeli warplanes in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza City, Aug. 3, 2024. At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday, Hamas said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Tourists visit a street in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Tourists visit a street in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Tourists visit the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Tourists relax at the seaside in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A tourist takes photos of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 3, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A tourist poses for photos at a scenic spot in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 3, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A yacht carrying tourists sails on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Yachts carrying tourists sail on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkiye, Aug. 2, 2024. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2024 shows the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkiye. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Office recently, the country's tourism income increased by 9.3 percent to 23.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of the year, while the number of tourists increased by 13.2 percent year on year to 25.1 million. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Sunday evening issued orange and yellow alerts for mountain torrents. From 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday, mountain torrents are highly likely to hit certain areas of Liaoning and Heilongjiang, according to an orange alert issued by the two government departments. The two government departments also issued a yellow alert for mountain torrents in some parts of Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Sichuan, Yunnan and Xizang. Local authorities are advised to strengthen real-time monitoring and flood warning procedures amid preparations for evacuation measures. China's National Meteorological Center renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms in some of the aforementioned regions including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Sichuan and Yunnan. From Sunday evening to Monday evening, heavy rain is expected to batter parts of these regions as well as three other provincial-level regions including Shandong, Henan and Chongqing. Some regions will see up to 180 mm of rain fall within 24 hours, according to the observatory. China has a four-tier weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Police work at the site following a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel, Aug. 4, 2024. A Palestinian knifeman killed an elderly woman and a man and injured two others in central Israel on Sunday morning before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian knifeman killed an elderly woman and a man and injured two others in central Israel on Sunday morning before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. According to a statement released by Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, the assailant went out on a stabbing rampage during the morning rush hour in Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv. He first attacked a 26-year-old jogger who sustained minor injuries and then fatally wounded an elderly woman and a man in a park before proceeding to a gas station where he injured a 68-year-old man. Police said in a statement that an officer had neutralized the assailant at the scene. The assailant was a resident of Salfit village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and entered Israel without a permit. Members of the Israeli emergency service work at the site following a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel, Aug. 4, 2024. A Palestinian knifeman killed an elderly woman and a man and injured two others in central Israel on Sunday morning before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua) Police work at the site following a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel, Aug. 4, 2024. A Palestinian knifeman killed an elderly woman and a man and injured two others in central Israel on Sunday morning before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua) Police work at the site following a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel, Aug. 4, 2024. A Palestinian knifeman killed an elderly woman and a man and injured two others in central Israel on Sunday morning before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua) OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Dune Part Two Review: Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet-starrer is epic science fiction laced with political allegory Sushmita Srivastav An independent journalist and editor, Sushmita writes on diverse topics, ranging from travel, food, fitness and health, to luxury, culture, and everything in between. Follow us on: Go First likely set for liquidation as creditors unanimously decide to end insolvency process: Report You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Follow us on: Emami's 45% of top-line comes from acquired brands; says graduating from rural-focused company A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official on Saturday paid a visit to prominent experts on summer vacation in Beidaihe, a seaside resort in north China's Hebei Province. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, visits prominent experts on summer vacation in Beidaihe, a seaside resort in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 3, 2024. Entrusted by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Cai Qi extended sincere greetings to them and all others across the country on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. [Photo/Xinhua by Wang Ye] Entrusted by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, extended sincere greetings to them and all others across the country on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. It is an important institutional arrangement to annually invite exceptional experts to Beidaihe for a summer vacation. This summer, those invited are representatives from sectors including natural sciences, engineering, philosophy, social sciences, culture and arts. Cai encouraged the experts to study and implement the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, work to make China a leading country in education, science and technology and talent, and contribute to building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. GAZA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army said on Sunday it has discovered a three-meter-high tunnel in the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that recently, IDF troops have been working to locate and destroy underground tunnel routes in the Philadelphi area, a 14-kilometer-long land strip along the Gaza-Egypt border. In one of the operations, a three-meter-high tunnel was uncovered in the Philadelphi Corridor, it added. So far, the troops have destroyed dozens of routes, according to IDF. There was no immediate comment from Hamas on the IDF statement. Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah Crossing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Hamas is not prepared to accept any mechanism that prevents the passage of weapons and militants to the northern Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said in a statement. In early May, the Israeli army took control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah Crossing, which led to the suspension of the entry of aid into Gaza via this crossing. Technology Google Chrome to get three new AI features with Lens integration, tab compare, and improved search history Google has introduced three new AI features for its Chrome browser which utilize Google AI and Gemini models. These tools aim to provide improved shopping comparison and browsing history. Read more here Amit Diwan, Chief Distribution Officer, IMGC In the hardening rate scenario, the country' only private mortgage guarantee company has seen annual growth in excess of 40 percent in turnover. As a matter of fact, in the last two quarters, Indian Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC) has seen a growth at about 70 percent in turnover. According to Amit Diwan, its chief distribution officer, there are two key factors contributing to this growth. First, the company's existing partners are finding new and innovative ways to utilise mortgage guarantees. Second, IMGC OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All 9 children feared dead after temple wall collapses during religious event in MP's Sagar J. Kumar J.Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in Mumbai OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Centre set to bring bill to curb waqf board powers on assets TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The intense heat wave in Japan shows no signs of abating with the mercury in Kyushu nearing 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, weather forecasts showed. Wide areas of western and eastern Japan are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius during the day, triggering heatstroke alerts in 37 prefectures. With the heat persisting through the night, daytime temperatures on Sunday were forecast to reach dangerously high levels, with Kurume in Fukuoka expecting a maximum of 39 degrees Celcius and Saga and Kumamoto predicting highs of 38. Tokyo is set to experience 35 degrees Celcius, marking its first extreme heat day in four days, while Nagoya is bracing for its 11th consecutive day of temperatures at 37. As of 11 a.m. local time on Sunday, the heat stress index, or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), reached the red level in most parts of the country, representing the highest level of heatstroke risk on the country's five-tier system, official data showed. The WBGT, which measures heatstroke risk, takes into account temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity as one of the empirical indices representing the heat stress to which an individual is exposed. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors in cool environments and plan summer activities that minimize exposure to the heat. Residents are urged to take heatstroke precautions seriously and adjust their plans accordingly to ensure safety during this severe heat wave. Follow us on: Harshest punishment for Ayodhya rape culprits, their future generations will remember it: UP Dy CM August 04, 2024 / 22:05 IST --Have good relations with Mamata Banerjee as individual, but Banerjee as politician "not my cup of tea" --Only bills pending in Raj Bhavan are fuel bills: West Bengal Governor on state govt moving SC against withholding assent to eight bills --Concept of passive governor is gone, concept of active governor is coming in --Governor is custodian of Constitution, guardian of federalism, governor is not a rubber stamp OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All India seeks duty concession on cars, commercial vehicles, machinery in FTA with Sri Lanka Follow us on: Modi govt to bring bill to curb Waqf powers? Here's how Asaduddin Owaisi reacted to media reports Follow us on: MVA to launch Maharashtra Assembly Election campaign from Mumbai on August 20: Report Shubhanshu Shukla: Here is all you need to know about the Lead Astronaut for Indo-US ISS Mission SANAA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- A merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen was struck by a second attack on Saturday, just hours after an earlier attack on the same ship, according to Britain's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel was sailing 125 nautical miles east of Aden when the incident occurred, the UKMTO said on social media. All crew members were reported safe. The company's security officer reported that the vessel was hit by a missile. He stated there was no fire, water ingress, or oil leak, adding that the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, and authorities are investigating. Earlier, the UKMTO reported another attack on the same vessel, quoting the ship's master as saying an explosion occurred in proximity, causing no damage. Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles and drones to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Several shipping companies have since altered their routes to sail around the African continent to avoid Houthi drone and missile attacks, resulting in higher fuel costs. Best cities to find a job in the US OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All France's Sejourne, US' Blinken urge restraint as Middle-East tensions flare up Iran may attack Israel 'as early as tomorrow'; top US general in Middle East as fear of war intensifies Follow us on: Israeli strike kills at least 10 Palestinians in Gaza school sheltering displaced, Hamas says OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Jordan's foreign minister to hold talks in Iran as tensions rise AMMAN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Sunday called for intensified international efforts to achieve comprehensive de-escalation and to avoid further conflict and chaos in the region. The king made these remarks during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, in which they discussed the serious developments in the region, according to a statement from the Royal Hashemite Court. The Jordanian leader underscored the importance of halting regional escalation and "unilateral Israeli actions," warning that such actions could fuel violence and tensions in the region. The king emphasized the necessity of reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ending the humanitarian suffering of its residents, noting that Jordan will continue to provide relief assistance through all available means. He also reiterated the importance of working toward a political solution that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. During the call, they also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between their countries and maintain coordination to serve their mutual interests. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Nigeria's president calls for end to protests against economic hardship Follow us on: Over 90 arrested after protests turn violent across multiple cities in UK Follow us on: Russia reports Ukrainian drone barrage on its regions. Kyiv says it hit an airfield OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Severe unrest erupts in Bangladesh: 91 dead as protests against quotas intensify OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Spanish journalist or Russian spy? The mystery around Pablo Gonzalez's double life OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All F-16s officially arrive in Ukraine: Zelensky declares new era in air defense Follow us on: US General Michael Kurilla arrives in Middle East as Israel braces for likely Iran offensive Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Rescuers operate machinery to restore traffic at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) KANGDING, Sichuan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Eight people had been killed and 19 others remained missing as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday after a flash flood and mudslide struck the city of Kangding in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said. The disaster took place at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday in Kangding, the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, toppling a tunnel bridge and destroying homes in Ridi Village. The village is located in a valley at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level, with nearby mountains rising to over 5,000 meters above sea level. The natural disaster has left six people dead and 11 others missing in Ridi Village. Moreover, the collapse of a bridge between tunnels, triggered by the disaster, resulted in the plummeting of four vehicles. With one individual rescued and hospitalized, the bridge collapse has killed two, leaving eight others still among the missing, the local rescue headquarters said. Local authorities have swiftly organized a full-scale rescue operation in response to the disaster, with 1,554 rescuers deployed so far. Their tireless efforts have also seen the successful relocation and resettlement of 939 affected residents. A staff member of the provincial institute of geological research operates a drone to collect date of the disaster site at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Rescuers search for missing people at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) An aerial drone photo shows rescuers operating machinery to restore traffic at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) An aerial drone photo shows rescuers searching for missing people at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) An aerial drone photo shows rescuers operating machinery to restore traffic at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Police officers and villagers try to transfer a trapped car at Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Rescuers wade through floodwater to the disaster site of Ridi Village in Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) 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. BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank) beefed up credit support for the development of the country's foreign trade industry in the first half of 2024 (H1), with loans offered to the sector up 13.27 percent year on year to reach over 1 trillion yuan (about 140.22 billion dollars) during this period. The policy bank contributed to consolidating the foundation of foreign trade and the cultivation of new drivers for foreign trade by upping credit support for the expansion of trade in intermediate goods, trade in services and digital trade, as well as promoting the export of three major tech-intensive and green products, dubbed the "new three." By the end of June, the bank's outstanding loans to the foreign trade sector had risen by 12.42 percent from a year earlier to 3.34 trillion yuan, according to the bank. In addition, it has also boosted financial support for the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. The bank offered special loan products targeting technological innovation and R&D, as well as the construction of new types of infrastructure, to manufacturing businesses. The bank's outstanding loans to the manufacturing industry had exceeded 2 trillion yuan by the end of June. It offered 410 billion yuan in loans to the sector in the first six months of 2024, it said. China EximBank is a state-funded and state-owned policy bank supporting China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation. MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday unveiled plans to develop international transport corridors, including the establishment of a seamless railway network. "We aim to establish seamless railway communication from the Baltic and Barents Seas to the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean," Putin said in a video address on the occasion of Russia's Railway Workers' Day, which falls on the first Sunday of August. "These are indeed grand tasks, and I am confident that with your expertise, experience, and commitment to the nation's interests, we will achieve them," added Putin. He also outlined key projects, including the construction of high-speed railways to be integrated with the Central Transport Hub in Moscow, the creation of international logistics corridors, and the enhancement of the transport route from Azov to the Black Sea. "We need to accelerate the expansion of Russia's railway infrastructure with advanced technological upgrades, using the latest innovations," said Putin. "Our approach must not only meet current needs but also prepare for future demands, ensuring progress for decades to come." The president emphasized the importance of further modernizing Russia's Eastern railway system, specifically the Baikal-Amur, the Trans-Siberian Railways, and the 700-kilometer-long Northern Latitudinal Railway in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District connecting to Arctic ports. Marondera A convicted killer who was released from prison as a beneficiary of on President Emmerson Mnangagwas amnesty, has been arrested for killing his father his time, highlighting the chilling consequences of releasing dangerous criminals back into society. 36-year-old Knowledge Kapesa was found guilty of killing his brothers six-year-old son Tashinga Kapesa in 2016. He spent some time in prison before being granted presidential amnesty, a decision that would have devastating consequences, a development that his own father paid for with his dear life. Last week, Kapesa was arrested for the cold-blooded murder of his own father, 76-year-old Emmanuel Kapesa. The convicted murderer is said to have killed his father following a dispute about sweet potatoes. Sources in Marondera said Kapesa had a history of mental illness and violence. Just days before killing his father, he had stolen his fathers bananas and when his father confronted him about taking sweet potatoes, Kapesa then flew into a rage. He had stolen his fathers bananas the day before, and when his father confronted him about stealing sweet potatoes, he started beating him. When his father tried to run away, Knowledge picked up stones and hit him on the head, crushing his skull. His father died at the spot. It was a brutal and senseless act, said Anastasia Chionerwa whio is Kapesas aunt. Kapesas brother, Kesta Kapesa, also revealed that in 2013 his brother had vowed to kill their father as that would give him freedom. We thought it was a joke, but now we realise he was serious. He had a history of mental disturbance, but we never thought it would lead to this, he said. Kesta narrated to New Zimbabwe how Kapesa brutally murdered the six-year-old boy named Tashinga back in 2016. He lied to Tashinga, saying they were going to fetch maize, but instead, he tied him with a rope and threw him into the water and he drowned. The next day, divers recovered Tashingas lifeless body, a heart-wrenching discovery that would haunt the family forever. Much to everyones shock, Kapesa was granted presidential amnesty despite his proven violent past. This is a decision that Kesta and many other family members say was a very big mistake in judgement. We were shocked when he was released. We had reported his threats to Marondera police, but they said there was no space at the mental health facility. We knew he was a danger to society, but our warnings fell on deaf ears, he added. Kapesas elder aunt Judith Kahwemba echoed the familys concerns and urged the government to exercise stricter vetting of offenders before releasing them from prisons. Murderers should not be released; they are a threat to society, she said. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News A 31-year-old Zimbabwean man named Michael Charumbira has been arrested in Australia and charged with attempting to import a massive amount of methamphetamine, worth a staggering US$538 000. According to Sky News Australia, Charumbira was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at a property in south-west Sydney following a tip-off from the United States Homeland Security Investigations. The tip-off linked large drug shipments to a Sydney-based store and this led the AFP to investigate. The methamphetamine, which is popularly known as mutoriro or dombo in Zimbabwe, was cleverly concealed inside packages within two computer numerical control (CNC) machines. For the offence, Charumbira appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court on August 1 after his arrest on 31 July. He is lucky that Australia is not part of Asian countries, because that offence would certainly result in a death sentence being handed down to him. The drugs were likely planned to be distributed across the eastern seaboard of Australia. Currently it is unclear where the methamphetamine came from but authorities suspect that it was manufactured in either Mexico or the United States. Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty of the Australian Federal Police told Sky News Australia that Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia and its impact can be felt across the community, from our homes to our hospitals. Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, but that will never deter the AFP and its domestic and international partners. We will find those responsible and bring them before the courts, he added. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News SANAA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said on Sunday it had shot down a U.S. drone over northern Saada province and launched a ballistic missile at a ship in the Gulf of Aden. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed the drone was downed by a locally-made missile in retaliation for "American-British aggression" against Yemen, adding that this was the seventh U.S. drone they had shot down since the Israel-Palestine conflict began. The U.S. military has yet to comment on the Houthi claims. Sarea also asserted that the group had fired several ballistic missiles at a ship named "Groton" in the Gulf of Aden. He vowed to escalate attacks on Israel until the siege on Gaza is lifted. The Groton vessel, a Liberia-flagged container ship, reported it was attacked twice on Saturday in the Gulf of Aden, with no damage or injuries caused during the attacks, according to maritime authorities. Tensions have escalated in the region since last November when the Houthis began targeting ships heading to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In response, a U.S.-British naval coalition has carried out air strikes and missile attacks on Houthi targets. The increased maritime threats have forced several shipping companies to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the conflict zone. Conor here: Any word on whether the 2024 presidential candidates think our healthcare system is weird? By Phil Galewitz, a senior correspondent KFF Health News who covers Medicaid, Medicare, long-term care, hospitals, and various state health issues. He has covered health for more than three decades. Originally published at KFF Health News. Facing an ultracompetitive market in one of the nations 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 dont have to decide which facility they need. Instead, doctors there decide whether its 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 Healths 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 Healths 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. Its 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 Intuitives are must be affiliated with hospitals to be covered by Medicare. At the combo facilities, emergency room specialists make medical decisions that determine whether patients are billed for higher-priced ER care or lower-priced urgent care after patients undergo a medical screening. The health system compares the care needed against criteria for urgent- or emergency-level care and bills. 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 UFs 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 dont extend to urgent care centers, Fisher said. Herrmann said Intuitives 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 Intuitives 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, theyre 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 UFs combo centers. But if you break your ankle and need it put back in place it can get treated here, too. Its a one-stop shop. Entire Resistance Axis to retaliate against Israel for assassinating top Hamas leader Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader responsible for peace negotiations in Gaza, has triggered Iran into threatening a full-scale response from the "entire Resistance Axis." After condemning the July 31 killing of Haniyeh, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spewed a mouthful at Israel, calling it a "criminal, murderous, and terrorist Zionist gang" that "disregard[s] international rules and regulations (and) spares no criminal action to cover up its humiliating defeats in the nine-month war in Gaza." Israel's actions, the IRGC continued in a statement, have "resulted in the massacre of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, men, and children." The threatening part of the IRGC's statement came next as Iran promised to meet "this crime by the Zionist regime ... with a severe and painful response from the powerful and grand Resistance Axis, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran." The IRGC also said that "the Martyr of Jerusalem" will bless Haniyeh's efforts "in defending the cause and rights of the Palestinian nation." Following Haniyeh's death, Tehran announced a three-day period of mourning. (Related: Iran continues to warn Israel that if it does not back off, a larger attack will come when they least expect it.) Tensions between Israel and Iran reach breaking point Haniyeh's death occurred just a few hours after Israel conducted an airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon's capital city. That attack in and of itself triggered a serious escalation that only worsened after Haniyeh was targeted as well. The residential building attack resulted in three civilians, a woman and two children, dying. Another 70 people were injured. The target in that attack was Fuad Shukr, a top military advisor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and director of Hezbollah's military operations. Shukr's body was later found under the rubble, he being the orchestrator of the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut. A regional flare-up is now likely a given as tensions between Israel and Iran and Iran's proxies reaches a boiling point. Both sides are hellbent on eradicating the other, and Israel is reportedly now opening up bomb shelters in Tel Aviv and Galilee. "We don't want war but we are preparing for all possibilities," said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the day of Haniyeh's death. As for the situation with Lebanon, IDF (Israel Defense Forces) chief of staff Herzi Halevi claims that his country's military has maneuvering capabilities that will allow it to prevail in that fight. "The IDF knows how to operate and reach a certain window in a neighborhood in Beirut; it also knows how to attack at a certain point in the underground, and we also know how to maneuver inside very strongly," Halevi said. "We have confidence in our plans to move forward because our intention with Hezbollah is not to return to October 6." In the comments, someone suggested that had Israel not successfully assassinated both Haniyeh and Shukr, it likely would have been met with "a barrage of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIC) missiles from Gaza." "There have been no reports of any such missiles, which means that the IDF is achieving its objectives there," this person said. Another wrote that Halevi and other Israeli leaders still need to be held accountable for allowing the October 7 attack to happen in the first place. "We have to fix the issues," he said. One of our own wrote that he feels as though much of the fighting in the Middle East is just theater aimed at destabilizing the world as part of the chaos theory agenda. The Middle East is a powder keg just waiting to explode. Learn more at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co NaturalNews.com JPost.com Iranian analyst warns of harsher response to Haniyehs killing than previous strike on Israel Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran. Hamas and Iran blamed Israel and the US, vowing retaliation. (Article republished from SputnikGlobe.com) 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 experienced after it attacked the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Seyed Mohammad Marandi, a political analyst and professor at Tehran University, tells Spuntik. On April 13, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The attack came in response to Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital in early April. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had intercepted 99% of the aerial targets fired by Iran, including all drones. Marandi believes that "any escalation will simply make things worse for the regime in Tel Aviv," predicting that Iran and other members of the Axis of Resistance will deliver a "major response" to recent actions by Israel.Marandi elaborates that "the Israeli regime has lost the war." ?? 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 "It has lost in Gaza after ten months, it has failed to take this very small piece of land. It has failed in its war with Hezbollah after almost ten months of conflict. The Israeli regime has been unable to dislodge Hezbollah from the border, and it has paid a heavy price," he says. Marandi also warned that if the US were to intervene, they would "lose" and face severe consequences, including being expelled from Iraq and seeing their bases in the Persian Gulf region destroyed. At the same time Marandi argues that only the Americans and the Europeans are able to stop the full-fledged war in the region. They are the ones who are supporting this Holocaust. They are the ones who are enabling the regime in Tel Aviv to continue raping prisoners and murdering children. This is a war that they endorse. They are providing the funding, the ammunition, the weapons, the political cover. Without full Western support Tel Aviv would not be able to continue this war for two weeks. So we all know that the leash is in Washington, so it's up to the Americans to make a decision, he says. On Wednesday, Palestinian movement Hamas confirmed the death of Haniyeh as a result of an Israeli strike on his residence in the Iranian capital. According to the movement, Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli "raid" on his residence in Tehran after his participation in the inauguration ceremony of the new president of Iran. "The death of the hero Ismail Haniyeh after his participation in the inauguration of the Iranian president will not affect the decisions of the leadership [Hamas] and its structures. Israel will pay the price for this crime and for all crimes against our people," Hamas representative in Algeria Youssef Hamdan told Sputnik on Wednesday. Later that day, Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran has an inalienable right to respond appropriately to the murder of the Hamas politburo chief. ?A farewell ceremony for Hamas' leader, Ismail Haniyeh, is taking place in Iran pic.twitter.com/KAJVDvWMzg Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 1, 2024 Read more at: SputnikGlobe.com Kamala the Chameleon changes identity to Indian or black depending on which group shes addressing Democrats are once again playing identity politics with Kamala Harris, who, depending on which group she's addressing, is presented as "Indian" or "black," or sometimes "Jamaican" or even "Caucasian" if the need arises. In a recent interview with ABC News journalist Rachel Scott in front of the National Association of Black Journalists, former president Donald Trump brought the issue to light by suggesting that Kamala may not be black as she so often claims when pandering to black voters. After being asked by Scott if he believes that Kamala is "only on the ticket because she is a black woman," Trump told her that Kamala previously identified as an Indian-American, including on the campaign trail. "I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black," Trump further told Scott about Kamala's constant race changes. "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black." Donald Trump, when asked at the NABJ convention whether he thinks Kamala Harris is on the Democratic ticket only because she is a Black woman. pic.twitter.com/EP27jmE6rw The Recount (@therecount) July 31, 2024 (Related: Did you know that the Democrat political action committee [PAC] ActBlue is committing funding fraud by using donor cash to make unauthorized donations to Kamala?) Who is Kamala Harris really? Benny Johnson from "The Benny Show" posted the following video as evidence to show that Kamala openly bragged about becoming the "first Indian senator in American history" way back when: Kamala Harris brags about becoming the First Indian Senator in American History So pic.twitter.com/1ayqSriFTb Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 31, 2024 Kamala also identified as Indian in the following video, which was captured in 2019: WATCH: In 2019, Kamala Harris identifies as Indian pic.twitter.com/0NKRkcY8yB Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 31, 2024 Whenever she appears on Indian television, Kamala identifies herself as Indian. However, when visiting the predominantly black city of Atlanta, Kamala always identifies as black: So when Kamala hits Indian TV, shes Indian. When she rolls up in Atlanta, shes Black. They call this code-switching & its damn offensive! pic.twitter.com/GmpeES849m Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) July 31, 2024 According to Kamala's birth certificate, she is neither Indian nor black, but is instead a Caucasian-Jamaican-American whose mother was white and whose father was from the Caribbean: Kamala Harris wants you to believe she is an African American woman... If so, then why does her birth certificate not list her as such? Her birth certificate identifies her mother as a CAUCASIAN BORN IN INDIA and her father as Jamaican. Share to make this go viral! pic.twitter.com/5hKHsfj0p9 Carter Hughes (@itscarterhughes) July 31, 2024 It must get tiring keeping this kind of deception going. How Kamala is able to remember which race she is depending on her audience sounds exhausting, not to mention the fact that the internet remembers everything and people are paying attention to this clown show like never before. "Kamala isn't qualified to be POTUS or vice president because both of her parents were foreigners at the time when she was born in the United States and had not yet been naturalized," one commenter wrote. "Hence, Kamala is not a 'natural born American citizen" qualified to be president she is only an 'American born citizen.' Anchor babies cannot be POTUS. Same goes for Obama whose father was indisputably Kenyan." Someone else joked that perhaps Kamala will identify as Cuban when she comes to Miami for a political visit. If they can get away with it, Democrats will steal the 2024 election for Kamala (or whomever they might try to replace her with in the final hour). Learn more at Rigged.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com J.D. Vance: Kamalas vision for America includes OPEN BORDERS and CLOSED FACTORIES Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, the running mate of former President Donald Trump, has warned that Vice President Kamala Harris' globalist vision for the United States involves opening borders and closing factories During a rally in Henderson, Nevada, on July 30, Vance accused Harris of trying to please the Democratic Party's top donors, including Wall Street billionaires and multinational corporation executives, through her regressive policy proposals. "Kamala Harriss vision for America is open borders and closed factories," Vance said. "It's bigger government and smaller family bank accounts. Its widespread war while were left praying for peace. She voted to preserve NAFTA, the very trade deal that sent American jobs to Mexico and turned American dreams into nightmares. I want the American dream as a goal for our children." Moreover, Vance claimed that Harris would only continue serving corporate special interests if elected president. Additionally, Vance stated that Harris would support multinational corporations with their job-killing free trade deals and cheap foreign labor for legal immigrants, visa holders and illegal aliens. All this, while native-born working- and middle-class Americans continue to compete against them. (Related: Kamala Harris hired an illegal immigrant WHO ATTACKED A WOMAN to be part of jobs program while serving as San Franciscos DA.) "For decades, politicians in Washington have sold out our country. When multinational corporations called their offices, they traded American jobs for campaign cash. Now, theyd never admit that of course... they'd brag about trade deals and promise cheaper consumer products. They called it 'globalization,' and that's what it was: American jobs went to some other part of the globe. And if its up to Kamala Harris, it will keep happening," Vance said. Democratic megadonors really want Harris to favor their agenda Several reports have supported Vance's claims against Harris, as powerful billionaire donors from Silicon Valley to Wall Street continue donating for her presidential bid. "Harris is a Wall Street favorite with relationships there [Joe] Biden never really had, and theyre all in," Semafor Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith wrote on X. For instance, prominent billionaire donors like George and Alex Soros swiftly endorsed Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her as the next Democratic nominee. Other prominent backers who supported Harris include LinkedIn co-founder and executive chairman Reid Hoffman, Centerview Partners co-founder Blair Effron, investment giant Blackstone's president and COO Jonathan Gray, CEO of asset management giant Lazard Peter Orszag, litigator Brad Karp, investment banker Roger Altman of Evercore and billionaire financier Marc Lasry, CEO of Avenue Capital. Organizations also steer large donations to voice their support for Harris. Emilys List, known for supporting female candidates who advocate for abortion rights, immediately endorsed Harris. The same goes with Way to Win, another significant donor group with many Harris supporters. In a Wisconsin rally on July 30, Harris tried to present herself as a middle-class defender against billionaires, multinational corporations and big insurance companies. However, Hoffman recently admitted that he wants Harris to end tariffs on imports and fire Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan in exchange for his multimillion-dollar donations to the Harris campaign. Head over to KamalaWatch.com for updates on Kamala Harris' presidential bid. Watch the video below that talks about the mainstream media covering up Harris' failure as the "border czar." This video is from Justin Barclay's channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Kamala Harris loves transgender child mutilation and other degenerate LGBT perversion. Kamala Harris solution to climate change is to alter the food pyramid and force Americans to eat less meat. Kamala Harris secures endorsements from top Democrats except Barack Obama. Obamas endorse Kamala Harris presidential bid. Mainstream media memory holes border czar moniker of Kamala Harris amid worsening migrant crisis. Sources include: Breitbart.com 1 Breitbart.com 2 Breitbart.com 3 Kamala Harris enlists the support of DRAG QUEENS for her presidential campaign A group of drag queens has recently released a music video in support of Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. This comes after over 1,100 pro-LGBTQ+ political leaders, including Hollywood celebrities and social media influencers, signed a letter endorsing Harris and her bid for the White House. Among the signatories are the leaders of Advocate for Transgender Equality, Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Equality California, the LGBTQ Victory Fund, LPAC and the National LGBTQ Task Force. These organizations are supported by the Human Rights Campaign and the Washington D.C. LGBTQ+ lobbying powerhouse. (Related: Kamala Harris loves transgender child mutilation and other degenerate LGBT perversion.) "As advocates, elected officials, organizations and community leaders serving millions of LGBTQ+ Americans and our allies across the country, we urge you to join us in this historic moment to advance equality by supporting Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for president," the letter read. "Vice President Kamala Harris is a galvanizing trailblazer and has been a champion for LGBTQ+ equality for decades: leading the fight in San Francisco against hate crimes, working to end the so-called gay and transgender 'panic defense' in California, and, as an early supporter of marriage equality, refusing to defend the unconstitutional Proposition 8." Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson said: "The [LGBTQ+] community is sending a message loud and clear: we are united in support of the experienced, tough, pro-equality Vice President Kamala Harris and will do everything it takes to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance." In line with this, the drag queens have come together to form the "Drag Queens for Kamala "organization and release a music video to promote their identity politics and campaign for Harris. "She'll get bills passed in Congress thatll protect me and you," one of the drag queens sang. "Black, white, Latino or LGBTQ," another added, in their rendition of Peggy Lee's jazz single "I'm a Woman." These drag queens strongly believe Harris will defend them "from harm without building a wall, 'cause she's a woman." Harris launches her campaign on Ru Paul's Drag Show Harris has not yet promoted the "Drag Queens for Kamala" video, but she already aligned herself with drag queens when she launched her campaign on Ru Pauls Drag Race All Stars. In a short video clip posted on X, Harris showed up with garish, cartoonish and outlandish show regulars. The vice president passionately addressed the audience in a preview of the July 26 season nine finale. "Each day, we are seeing our rights and freedoms under attack, including the right of everyone to be who they are, love who they love, openly and with pride. So, as we fight back against these attacks, let's all remember" No one is alone. We are all in this together," she said, quoting a popular song from Disney's 2009 movie, High School Musical, a favorite of gay audiences. "Your vote is your power. So please make sure your voice is heard this November and register to vote." Read more news about the vice president at KamalaHarris.news. Watch the video below that talks about Harris wanting socialism in the United States. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Grooming the next puppet: Over 1,100 pro-LGBT political leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president. Elon Musk claims Kamala Harris is an extinctionist who wants everyone on Earth DEAD. Coronation of Kamala Harris as democratic presidential nominee demonstrates Americas democratic deficit, analyst warns. Michigan auto workers warn that America is done for if Kamala Harris wins the presidency. Watchdog website PURGES report labeling Kamala Harris the most liberal senator of 2019. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com 1 LifeSiteNews.com 2 Brighteon.com Swiss government kidnaps children and threatens parents with jail time for opposing transgender mutilations A Swiss court recently ruled that the parents of a minor "stolen" by the government should provide legal documents to allow the child a gender alteration intervention despite them disagreeing with the procedure. Three years ago, the kid was separated from her parents because they refused to give their daughter puberty blockers. The kid, now 16 years old, wanted to transition into a boy. Now that the parents lost the case, the highest court in the canton of Geneva, the Court of Justice, is now ordering them to hand over the needed documents so they can submit the teenager to the alteration procedure. The father, who had appealed the order, said: "We are deeply saddened that this nightmare situation continues." "Not only has the state separated us from our daughter because we objected to her 'transition,' but we are now being threatened with criminal charges if we do not aid in her 'legal transition' by handing over legal documents," he added. He also pointed out that if this injustice can happen to them, it can also happen to other parents. "We will not give up trying to protect our daughter and will seek to appeal this decision," he further vowed. In a viral video shared on X, formerly Twitter, the father recalled how it all started. "About three years ago, our daughter informed us that she was a boy. We understood that she was going through a difficult period in her life so we agreed to seek medical advice," he said. Then, they went to the Geneva hospital where they were instructed that they should start treating the child as a boy because of an assessment that used a 'gender unicorn' diagnostic test performed by one of their nurses. "We were told she needed puberty blockers," the father recalled and added that soon enough, the school also got involved. Then, the teachers, administrators and everyone at school started to call the teenager a male name. "We were very clear with the school, that we did not believe it was up to the school to socially transition our daughter. We learned that the school psychologist was getting in and was feeding my daughter with materials, putting her in contact with Le Refuge," he further said. Le Refuge is a transgender advocacy organization, which has taken their daughter down the path of believing that shes a boy in a girl's body. The organization also convinced the daughter that her psychotherapist was "transphobic." Eventually, the Swiss Child Protection Agency, with the school's support, brought a case against the parents in the Swiss court system. Not only had their daughter been taken by the government they also lost tens of thousands of dollars paying legal fees. And now, they are also threatened with serving jail time. Meanwhile, Big Tech mogul Elon Musk commented on the post sharing the father's interview with: "Same thing is happening in California." The said social media entry where Musk commented was shared by the handle Billboard Chris and now has 24.8 million views. Same thing is happening in California https://t.co/8KWF7f27xs Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024 Musk's followers were also quick to react, with most of them saying that it is "sickening that it's spread everywhere across America when it should have never been allowed." Another one posted a meme with the copy: "Liberalism is when you think injecting cattle with hormones is evil but injecting kids with hormones to change their gender is just fine." California Senate bans schools from notifying parents about their kids' gender identity, sexual orientation After more than an hour of debate in which Democratic LGBTQ+ senators lamented about how they delayed coming out to their parents or were outed by someone else, the state Senate approved on August 1 the proposal that bans school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents if their child has found a new pronoun to use at school. The proposal also bars the schools from passing or enforcing policies requiring school staff to disclose the student's gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents without the child's permission. The lawmakers approved the legislation as they argued that gender non-conforming students should be able to come out to their families on their own terms. Meanwhile, Republicans say the state shouldn't dictate whether school districts can enforce so-called parental notification policies and that schools should be transparent with parents. Republican Sen. Kelly Seyarto, who represents Murrieta in Southern California, said schools should increase transparency with parents by notifying them of their child's gender identification change. "If we include the parents, that's the best way to take something from people being angry and mad to developing a solution that works for everybody," he said. Greg Burt, vice president of the conservative Christian advocacy group California Family Council also weighed in saying, "California officials shouldn't prevent all parents from being notified because of the possibility that some parents may react badly. You don't assume that all parents are unsafe. That shouldn't be the assumption." The bill now heads to the state Assembly, where it would need to pass in committees and on the floor before it can reach the desk of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose administration is known for fighting school boards over their notification policies. (Related: Victory for parental rights: California school district agrees to pay family $100,000 settlement after teachers transitioned student to LGBT behind parents back.) Transhumanism.news contains more stories similar to this. Sources for this article include: Expose-News.com ADFInternational.org CBSNews.com PSALM 83? Israel surrounded on all sides by Palestinian Resistance Axis enemies that want to destroy it A growing coalition of Arab states that includes all members of Iran's infamous "Axis of Resistance" plans to strike Israel over its assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. In a move that points to the makings of what is described in Psalm 83, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed that the entire Resistance Axis this includes Iran, Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Yemen, Hamas and various other Palestinian militant groups scattered throughout the Middle East will participate in what comes next for Israel. "This crime demonstrated that the criminal, murderous, and terrorist Zionist gang, disregarding international rules and regulations, spares no criminal action to cover up its humiliating defeats in the nine-month war in Gaza, which has resulted in the massacre of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, men, and children," the IRGC said in a statement. "Undoubtedly, this crime by the Zionist regime will be met with a severe and painful response from the powerful and grand Resistance Axis, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran ... the blessings of the Martyr of Jerusalem Dr. Ismail Haniyeh's efforts in defending the cause and rights of the Palestinian nation will help them." (Related: The moment the U.S. strikes Iranian soil is when all hell will break loose on American targets throughout the Middle East, Iran says.) "Open battle against the Israeli enemy" unfolds as Middle East enters "new stage" of war Psalm 83 foretells of a 10-member alliance of mostly Arab territories that primarily share common borders with Israel who will one day seek to wipe Israel "off the map." Israel's recent attacks on Haniyeh and other Palestinian leaders would seem to be a prelude to this event. Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, the Houthis and various other Palestinian militant groups are ripe for retaliation against Israel over the Zionist state's taking of the lives of top Palestinian leaders. Does this mean that Psalm 83 will play out in the soon coming days? The three days of mourning for Haniyeh are still in progress, but word through the grapevine is that a coordinated attack on Israel will occur after that 72-hour period is up, which lands on or around August 3, depending on the time zone. Israel also just took out Fuad Shukr, the top military advisor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, this coming at a time when tensions have reached a fever pitch between Israel and Lebanon. Israel has reportedly begun opening up bomb shelters in Tel Aviv and Galilee with tens of thousands of Israelis also fleeing the country for safety. "We don't want war, but we are preparing for all possibilities," said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Psalm 83 war coordinates with that of Isaiah 17, which would also seem to make a way for the eventual unleashing of the Gog and Magog War described in Ezekiel 38 and Ezekiel 39. To add further proof, Nasrallah issued a statement on August 1 indicating that the Lebanese resistance is no longer just "a support front" now that Israel has taken these actions. "We are beyond [that] stage," Nasrallah said. "We are now in an open battle against the Israeli enemy on all frontiers we have entered a new stage." "The enemy and those behind the enemy must await our inevitable response [to Shukr's killing], no discussion or debate, and between us are the days, nights, and the battlefield," Nasrallah further said, adding that the operations of the next few days "are not a response to the martyrdom of Mr. Fuad Shukr." Learn more about the situation in the Middle East at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co BlueLetterBible.org (1) NaturalNews.com ChristianPost.com BlueLetterBible.org (2) BlueLetterBible.org (3) BlueLetterBible.org (4) TheCradle.co Russia legalizes Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies for international transactions to skirt Western sanctions Russian legislators have approved a bill allowing businesses to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to settle international transactions. This development is part of Russia's strategy to evade Western sanctions enforced after the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. The new law also updates existing regulations on cryptocurrency mining and the circulation of other digital assets while at the same time maintaining the ban on domestic cryptocurrency payments. This law, which will come into effect in September, aims to address the significant delays in Russia's international transactions, especially with major trading partners such as China, India and the United Arab Emirates. Central Bank of the Russian Federation Gov. Elvira Nabiullina strongly advocated for this law and stated that the country's first nation-to-nation cryptocurrency transactions will occur before the year's end. "The risks of secondary sanctions have grown. They make payments for imports difficult, and that concerns a wide range of goods," Nabiullina said. The central bank also emphasized that the delays in payments have contributed to the eight percent decline in Russian imports in the second quarter of 2024. These delays persist despite different strategies being employed, such as using the native currencies of trading partners and developing an alternative payment system through the BRICS economic bloc. Many transactions still depend on American dollars and European Union euros and are processed through the Western-controlled SWIFT system, raising the threat of secondary sanctions and more delays. Nabiullina stressed that these sanctions have affected import payments, expanding supply chains woes and raising expenses. This decision by Russian legislators seeks to alleviate the economic difficulties caused by sanctions and guarantee softer international trade operations. "We are taking a historic decision in the financial sphere," Anatoly Aksakov, the head of the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, told lawmakers on Tuesday, July 30, after passing the legislation. According to Mati Greenspan, CEO of crypto market research company Quantum Economics, Russia warming to crypto seemed right as bitcoin transactions "cannot be censored or blocked by any government or bank." "Previously, Russia would not want to allow that kind of transactional freedom to its citizens but now we're at the point that bitcoin is used so often in everyday commerce that the opportunity cost for them not to allow it is simply too great," Greenspan added. The world's biggest digital currency is currently worth $66,000, as reported by CoinGecko data, up over 120 percent in the last 12 months. Other sanctioned nations have often tried to avoid such financial restrictions through the use of cryptocurrencies. For instance, North Korea has on several occasions been charged with increasing millions of dollars in crypto to aid in financing different state programs and avoid foreign sanctions. Russian central bank is previously against the use of crypto Apart from passing the bill permitting Russian companies the capability to transact internationally by way of crypto, the Russian central bank will also be given authorization to move money overseas utilizing private digital currencies. The central bank's commitment to employing crypto for cross-border payments marks a turnaround from the regulator's earlier position on the technology. In January 2022, the Russian central bank suggested prohibiting the use of crypto for transactions, along with the mining of digital currencies, citing threats to financial sustainability, citizens' welfare and monetary policy supremacy. (Related: Russia to ban individuals from using cryptocurrency for domestic transactions.) Independently, Russia is also exploring the application of a digital version of the ruble. Nabiullina said the central bank will depart from a pilot operation toward mass implementation of the digital ruble starting July 2025. Central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, are distinct from crypto. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, which have no central authority governing them, CBDCs are released directly by a government and are designed to duplicate fiat currencies in the form of a digital token. Greenspan stated that Russia's move to welcome crypto "makes total sense from a global trade perspective." This will, Greenspan added, "help the Russians open up cross-border payments with countries and businesses that would otherwise be closed to them due to U.S. sanctions." Follow BitcoinCrash.news for more stories about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Watch the video below about former President Donald Trump calling for America to become the world's crypto capital. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Vladimir Putin praises digital ruble, calls for CBDC's widespread use in Russia. Bitcoin SURGES above $73,000 ahead of "halving" event in April. Turkey and Argentina turn to crypto amid record-breaking inflation and crumbling currencies. BlackRock CEO celebrates SEC acceptance of Bitcoin ETF application, says crypto "will transcend international currencies." LocalMonero co-founder says CRYPTO is a DIRECT THREAT to US dollar's monopoly over world economy. Sources include: BitcoinMagazine.com Reuters.com CNBC.com Brighteon.com Teenage son of Rwandan migrants responsible for recent U.K. STABBING SPREE that killed 3 children The 17-year-old boy responsible for the deaths of three young children and injuries of nine others in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class is a son of Rwandan immigrants The stabbing occurred at Hart Studio in Southport in northwest England on July 29. The teen entered the workshop and attacked attendees indiscriminately, which resulted in the death of three children: Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. Eight others were injured, with five of them in critical condition, as well as two teachers, who tried protecting the younger victims. The victims were taken to three hospitals, including the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. That same day, Merseyside Police also confirmed that the suspect was a 17-year-old boy living in Banks, a village near Southport. Reports stated that the boy was originally born in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, but eventually moved to Southport with his Rwandan parents at the age of six. The boy, whose name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, remains in police custody for further questioning and investigation. "Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station," said Merseyside Police. "Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident." The motive of the attack remains unclear, but initial police reports stated that the incident is not terror-related. Peaceful vigil for the victims turns into a violent protest On July 30, hundreds of people gathered in Southport outside The Atkinson Theater and Museum to hold a peaceful vigil and mourn for the stabbing victims. Mourners left flowers and stuffed animals in tribute at a police cordon, while others posted online messages in support of Leanne Lucas, the organizer of the event, who was one of those attacked. However, the incident sparked violent protests outside a mosque in northwest England, a location near Hart Space. Police clashed with demonstrators, some in masks, who hurled bottles and stones at officers and set a police van ablaze. Additionally, firecrackers explosion, sirens wailing and a helicopter hovering overhead contributed to the chaos. (Related: Survey: Majority of French citizens believe rise in IMMIGRATION and decline in public safety are connected.) Protesters pelted objects at officers in riot gear and shields, while chanting "No surrender!" and "English till I die!" Some officers even suffered minor injuries, including one with a broken nose, while vans were damaged by fire and rocks. "There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets," said Merseyside Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss. "We have already said that the person arrested was born in the U.K. and speculation helps nobody at this time." Follow Migrants.news for more stories like this. Watch this clip of illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom. This video is from HaloRock channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: UK government now wants Britons to house non-Ukrainian refugees. Sweden on the "brink of civil war" amid rampant MIGRANT VIOLENCE, warns expert. Illegal immigrants rejoice following leftist victory in British election. Leftist Keir Starmer becomes new British prime minister, pledges to put "country first, party second." Former U.K. immigration minister: Migrants do more harm than good to the British economy. Sources include: RMX.news Mirror.co.uk NationalPost.com Brighteon.com TEHRAN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday exchanged views on the assassination of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh. In a meeting in the Iranian capital Tehran, the two sides also discussed the improvement of bilateral relations and the developments of Gaza, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office. Pezeshkian said the "cowardly" assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran was a "big mistake" by Israel, noting that Iran expected all Muslim states and the world's free people to strongly condemn such "crimes." He stressed that Israel's "audacious" action would not go unanswered, adding those who claim to defend freedom, democracy and human rights had employed all their scientific and operational capabilities to "spread terrorism" and commit "heinous crimes." He highlighted the necessity to strengthen solidarity among Muslim countries to stop Israel's "aggressions and crimes against the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza." Pezeshkian expressed hope that negotiations between Iranian and Jordanian diplomatic delegations on the resumption of normal relations would soon come to fruition, enabling the two Islamic countries to use each another's capacities and people in the region to benefit from "friendship and constructive cooperation" between Tehran and Amman. The Jordanian foreign minister, for his part, said his country had condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, describing the action as being in line with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to widen the scopes of the conflict in the region. Safadi also conveyed Jordanian King Abdullah II's congratulations to Pezeshkian on his election as Iran's president, saying Jordan was seeking to resume normal relations with Iran and to work together on ensuring stability, stability, security and calm in the region. He voiced Jordan's willingness to expand relations with Iran, saying his rare visit to Iran was aimed at exploring ways to strengthen bilateral ties. Turning to the situation in Gaza, Safadi emphasized that his country had, from the very beginning, strongly condemned Israel's "brutal aggression" against Gaza. Earlier in the day, Safadi met Iran's Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and discussed the recent escalation of tensions in the region as well as bilateral relations. Although having diplomatic ties, the relationship between Iran and Jordan has long been tense. In March last year, Jordan welcomed the decision by Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume ties. Haniyeh, who had been invited to attend Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony 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 "terrorist attack" and vowed "a harsh and painful response." HYPOCRISY: According to the U.S. government, Venezuelans peacefully protesting a crooked election is democratic, but in America, you go straight to prison as a domestic terrorist without a trial Attention all Venezuelans who are angry about the election that just got stolen by Maduros, please head to the capital building, where the capital police (and FBI agents wearing your political partys colors and hat) will escort you into the capital, to protest peacefully, that your rights and legitimate votes just got trampled to death. Is there a fake leader there now, whos building concentration camps for housing the dissidents and re-educating them into proper subservience? Sounds just like the United States of America, except your peaceful protest at the capital isnt what you thought. Now youre rotting in a feces-laden cell, your body infected with cancer and spike proteins, and theres no sign of a trial in sight. Got something to say about that too? Solitary confinement for you. U.S. Government condemns Venezuelas crooked National Electoral Council, but any American who questions Dominion Voting Machines gets sued for their net worth We congratulate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia on his successful campaign. 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. 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. Thats right, Secretary of State for the United States, Antony Blinken, announced that the Obamala Harris Regime officially recognizes Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate winner of Venezuelas presidential election. The Maduro regime is under heavy scrutiny for committing widespread fraud and manipulation just before declaring via their fake news that THEIR SIDE won the election. Sound familiar? U.S. Secretary of State Blinken went on to literally commend the Venezuelan people for their resilience in the face of all this fraud from Maduros regime. Blinken even condemned the CNE (National Electoral Council) as a tool of the Maduro Regime for manipulating the results, but Blinken never mentioned the U.S. Democrats using Dominion Voting machines, fraudulent mail-in ballots and the illegal practice of smurfs (paid criminals and extremists) stuffing hundreds of ballots into drop boxes. Just like in the USA when Biden was declared to have 81,000,000 votes that came with no supporting evidence, Secretary Blinken poured salt in the wound, pointing out that, The CNEs rapid declaration of Nicolas Maduro as the winner came with no supporting evidence. Oh really? And how is that working out for Maduro? It gets worse. Secretary Blinken went on to condemn Maduros threats that he will lock up anyone, including the LEADERS of the oppositional political party, if they dispute the election in any way. Thats exactly what the Democrats are trying to do to Trump right now, as they have multiple indictments in multiple states, trying to throw Trump in jail before he can win the election in November. Blinken is literally calling for the protection of those at the top of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutias party, and Blinken is also calling for the release of all individuals arrested for wait for it peacefully participating in the electoral process. Yet, hundreds of innocent Americans are rotting, suffering abuse and malnutrition, in DC gulags right now, because they protested peacefully at the Capital and disagreed with the electoral process, which was totally rigged. Blinken wants to see Venezuelas crucial data published, including official precinct-level results, but dont worry about the massively corrupted 2020 POTUS election Blinken is on the record condemning threats against opposition leaders like Gonzalez and Machado, but the world just witnessed the complete and utter security failures (and maybe a coordinated plot) by the Deep State USSS at the Trump rally where Trump, the opposition leader of the nation, was nearly assassinated. So, the U.S. Democrats in charge say democracy is all-important in Venezuela, but not in the United States, where the leader of the free world just handed the reins to his vice-puppet, without a single vote being cast by the people, congress, or any democratic process whatsoever. So, Blinken, you were saying? Why are the people who peacefully protested the 2020 POTUS election, who walked into the Capital building escorted by Capital police, considered domestic terrorists and STILL locked in prison right now? The right to vote sure doesnt matter much when the processing of those votes is deeply flawed, with falsified outcomes that do NOT represent the will of the people. Thats why the Democrats love their fake news so much here in the United States, because no matter the real outcome of the November election coming up, fake news can just announce that their stooge won, and anyone who protests will be put in concentration camps being built right now by FEMA and DHS. #ObamalaHarrisRegime Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on Dominion Voting Machines, falsified mail-in ballots and illegal immigrants rigging the most fair and secure election in U.S. history, again. Sources for this article include: Censored.news TheGatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com RAMALLAH, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday donated 3 million U.S. dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support its emergency humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Zeng Jixin, head of Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine, signed the contribution agreement with Deputy Commissioner General (Operational Support) of the UNRWA Antonia Marie De Meo, the office said in a statement. China has always supported the UNRWA's active performance of its duty, and called on the international community to support the agency's work, Zeng said, adding that China had provided emergency cash assistance to the agency after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict last year. China will continue to implement the Global Security Initiative and work with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza at an early date, ease the disastrous humanitarian situation, and implement the two-state solution, Zeng said. De Meo, on behalf of the UNRWA, expressed gratitude for China's consistent support and said that China's contribution was critical. She also expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with China to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Governors responsible for setting an ideal example for citizens: President Murmu P resident Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that the governors are responsible for setting an ideal example for citizens and asked them to contribute to fulfill the national resolve of inclusive development. "If governors set examples in important areas, it will not only become their identity but also guide the people. They are responsible for setting an ideal example for the citizens," the President said in her concluding remarks at the two-day 'Conference of Governors' in New Delhi. She appreciated that various groups of governors came out with their valuable ideas and suggestions to improve the functioning of their office as well as for the welfare of the people and also expressed confidence that these suggestions would be implemented. The President said that in order to ensure that no eligible citizen is left out of public welfare programmes, the government has laid great emphasis on last-mile delivery and urged the governors to ensure that the benefits of all public welfare programmes reach every eligible person so that the goal of inclusive development can be achieved in the true sense. She said that women's participation is of utmost importance for meaningful and holistic social inclusion, adding that participation of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in the process of development of the country where the Governors can contribute to fulfilling the national resolve of inclusive development. "The ambience of the Raj Bhavans should reflect the Indian ethos. The governors should endeavour to increase the connection of common people with the Raj Bhavans. People should have a feeling of affinity with the Raj Bhavan as their own Bhavan. Many Raj Bhavans are open for public visits and others can also follow the practice. The Raj Bhavans can increase public engagement by organising social and cultural events," the President said. She said the use of the digital medium in the functioning of the Raj Bhavans will set a good example. "The Raj Bhavans can also organise seminars and symposiums to increase awareness among people about cyber security, data protection and technological innovation," the President said. The second day of the conference began with the six groups of governors making presentations based on their deliberations and suggesting a future roadmap before President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Vice President said that the governors should not hesitate to seek information and maintain sustained communication with the respective state governments for effective functioning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the governors to evolve an ideal model of governance in Raj Bhavans. "There should be a consistent attempt to train the staff for the effective functioning of the Raj Bhavans. Governors must embrace technology in their functioning and promote digitisation," PM Modi said. He also particularly called for tapping the strength of alumni networks of educational institutions and appealed to them to develop a mass campaign to make educational campuses free of drugs. Home Minister Amit Shah praised their efforts and pointed out that all actionable points would be taken up to make the functioning of the governors and the Raj Bhavans more effective. Governors responsible for setting an ideal example for citizens: President Murmu Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Bengal government blames DVC for flood-like situation in state T he West Bengal government on Saturday blamed the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the current flood-like situation in different pockets of the state. Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, told mediapersons that DVC took the decision to release 1,00,000 cusecs of water without prior consultation with the state government. According to Bandyopadhyay, the Damodar Valley River Regulatory Committee has announced the release of 1,00,000 cusecs of water, which can create problems for the people of West Bengal. "There was no prior discussion with the state government on this. The state government has requested DVC not to release water unilaterally without sending a prior alert to the state administration," Bandyopadhyay said. Bandyopadhyay also said the Chief Minister herself is keeping a close watch on the situation and is in constant touch with the concerned state government departments. However, a senior DVC official who did not wish to be named refuted the charge of releasing water without consulting the state government. The river regulatory committee, which makes decisions on releasing water from the dams, has representatives from both the Union and state governments, he said. According to the official, the committee takes the decision based on the rainfall forecasts, and the water is released after considering various aspects like the water holding capacity of the dams and the extent to which water can be reserved there. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika on Saturday held a meeting with the district magistrates and police superintendents of all the districts, and directed them to keep a close watch on the evolving situation. Considering forecasts of heavy rainfall in three North Bengal districts -- Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri -- the district administrations there have been asked to stay on high alert. Bengal government blames DVC for flood-like situation in state Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Need to promote deceased organ donation in India: MoS T here's a need to promote deceased organ donation in India, said Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Health and Family Welfare on Saturday, while urging officials to ensure zero wastage of organs. "There is a need to promote organ donation from deceased persons and brain-stem dead people to meet the huge need for organ donation in the country," the MoS said while addressing the 14th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). With a mere 0.1 per cent of the population donating their organs after death in India, the country faces the lowest organ donation rate worldwide. In stark contrast, Western countries have 70-80 per cent deceased organ donation. The MoS also called the family members of deceased organ donors "an inspiration for the entire country." "They are doing the greatest service to mankind by saving the lives of numerous people," said the MoS adding that one organ donor can give new life to up to eight people. Patel also stressed the need for concerted efforts of every individual and the institutions to help India realise its vision of becoming one of the leading countries in organ donation and transplantation. She also urged officials to take all steps to ensure that no received organs are wasted before getting transplanted. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra stressed the need to strengthen the healthcare system to ensure that there is no organ wastage. "When we receive any brain-dead person, the time is less and we have to harvest the organs in 12 hours and the transplant has to happen within a short window," Chandra said. Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog at the event highlighted the huge gap between the demand for and supply of organs and noted the need for institutional reforms in the government hospitals to take up the challenge of organ transplantation. "There are only around 750 institutions providing organ transplantation services," he said while encouraging other institutions to also come forward to provide such services. Informing that kidney transplantation is covered under the AB PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) Dr Paul called upon insurance companies to cover organ transplantation. Need to promote deceased organ donation in India: MoS Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Jessica Alba lives countryside dream in quaint, 'most beautiful' French village H ollywood star Jessica Alba, who is currently away on French holiday, visited the most beautiful village Moustiers Sainte-Marie. The actress took to Instagram, where she shared a slew of pictures from the moments she spent in the village, which has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. In the first image, the actress is seen posing with a gelato, she then shared some pictures of the beautiful locale and in another photograph, Alba is seen praying in a church. She also shared a video of her hiking to a waterfall. "Moustier! One of the most beautiful villages there is a literal waterfall in the middle of town," Alba wrote as the caption. "My mother in law Susie's dear friends showed us all the local sports! Merci Pierre and Lawrence," added the actress, who is married to filmmaker Cash Warren. Sharing a list of what all she did in her getaway, she wrote: "We hiked, explored the town, walked up to the church, said a prayer, lit a candle, ate a lot of yummies, swam in the gorges du Verdon." "Highly" recommending the picturesque locale, she added: "Checking this area out if you're in province." The actress had previously shared a stunning video of herself when she visited the lavender fields in South Of France. Talking about the actress, Alba started her journey in acting when she was just 13 with "Camp Nowhere", which released in 1994. Her big screen debut happened in 2003 with "Honey", after which she was seen in a slew of Hollywood films such as "Fantastic Four" franchise, "Good Luck Chuck", "The Eye", "Valentine's Day", "Little Fockers", "Machete Kills" and "Sin City: A Dame to Kill" Her latest is the action thriller "Trigger Warning", where the actress plays as a skilled Special Forces officer who takes ownership of her father's bar shortly after he dies. The film also features Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary and Anthony Michael Hall among many others. Jessica Alba lives countryside dream in quaint, 'most beautiful' French village Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Shilpa, Shamita Shetty celebrate 'Sisters Day', say 'my forever' A ctresses Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty celebrated their bond on "Sister's Day" on Sunday by tagging each other as their "forevers." Shilpa shared a reel on Instagram, which also features Shamita. The clip features beautiful moments the two sisters have spent together along with the song "Belong Together (Sped Up)" by Lucky Socks. The caption read: "My forever +1 infinity (emoji) #sistersday #blessed #gratitude #family". National Sister's Day was first celebrated on August 4, 2024, highlighting the special bond between sisters. Both Shamita and Shilpa are avid social media users. They keep sharing a glimpse into their personal and professional lives to keep their fans updated. Recently, Shamita shared a video of her relishing the local cuisine of Uttarakhand. She shared a video of herself in a hotel room trying the flavours of the state. In the clip, she said in the video that she loves trying local cuisine. She was in Dehradun and could be seen indulging in jakhiya rice, hemp paneer, kumaoni raita, kheer made from red rice, and rotis made from ragi. "Indulging in the delectable flavours of a traditional thali. Thank you Chef Kadir for preparing this feast," she wrote as the caption. Shamita made her debut with the romantic drama, "Mohabbatein". She also participated in the reality show "Bigg Boss 15", and finished at fourth place. She was last seen in "The Tenant". Talking about Shilpa, she has been one of the biggest stars of Hindi cinema in the 1990s and has worked in films such as "Baazigar", "Main Khiladi Tu Anari", "Jaanwar", "Dhadkan", "Aakrosh", "Shool", "Phir Milenge", "Dishkiyaoon" and "Sukhee". She will next be seen in "KD - The Devil", a Kannada language film by Prem. the film also stars Dhruva Sarja, Sanjay Dutt and Nora Fatehi to name a few. Shilpa, Shamita Shetty celebrate 'Sisters Day', say 'my forever' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Pinarayi Vijayan visits residence of truck driver missing in Karnataka K erala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday visited the residence of Arjun, the truck driver who is missing in the Shiroor area of Karnataka. Chief Minister visited the residence of Arjun at Kannadikkal in Kozhikode district, spent 15 minutes with the family and promised all possible support and help from the Kerala government. The family also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister seeking help in tracing Arjun. The family members of Arjun have complained that after the Wayanad landslide, the media attention had shifted and expressed disappointment and concern in no developments regarding his disappearance in the landslide. They also informed the Chief Minister that they had no information about Arjun and requested him to provide a solution to the ordeal. On July 16, Arjun went missing after a landslide hit the Shiroor area in Karnataka. He had parked his lorry near a tea shop in Ankola, Shiroor area along the Kochi-Panavel national highway. After the landslide hit the area, the death of ten people including the tea shop owner, where Arjun parked his vehicle, was confirmed while the dead bodies were also recovered. Arjun's lorry's last GPS signal was received from this place and the lorry was suspected to be under 10 meters in the mud. The officials tried to remove the debris but a landslide at a nearby hill again halted the process. Karwar MLA Sathish Krishna Sail who was actively involved in the search operations for Arjun told media persons that Karnataka has not stopped the search operations but heavy rains and strong currents in Gangavali River are preventing the scuba divers and others from undertaking further searches. It is uncertain whether Arjun was trapped in the mud or washed away in strong currents in the Gangavali River. Pinarayi Vijayan visits residence of truck driver missing in Karnataka Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Harris meets VP contenders for final test U S Vice-President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris is meeting three finalists for her running mate for a chemistry test on Sunday, taking the search into the final stage. She is scheduled to announce her pick at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Harris is expected to use these one-on-one meetings to test personal chemistry between her and her pick, who, if the ticket wins, will be her deputy for four years and another four years, if they are re-elected. The other key qualification is governance - whether they will be ready to step in for her when needed. The finalists are the Governors of Minnesota and Pennsylvania, Tim Walz and Josh Shapiro, respectively, and Senator Mark Kelly. It was not immediately clear if invitations had gone out to others in the fray - Kentucky and Illinois Governors, Andy Beshear and J.B. Pritzker, respectively, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Roy Cooper, the Governor of North Carolina, took himself out of the race last month. Presidential candidates usually take months to pick their running mate, but Harris has had to wrap up the search within weeks after her elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket on July 21 when President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid under pressure from within the party and endorsed his deputy. Former Attorney General Eric Holder has done the vetting of the candidate along with a team of lawyers, going through reams of documents to prepare the shortlist for Harris to pick from. Holder gave the Vice-President a presentation at her home in the Naval Observatory on Saturday. Harris has no rallies on her schedule for the weekend to wrap up the search and make the most important decision as the presumptive nominee. Walz, the Minnesota Governor, has emerged as a popular choice with his folksy style and ties to trade unions. He is a former school teacher who served as a member of the House of Representatives for several terms. He has impressed Democrats also for first using the word "weird" for the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and his campaign, which has been embraced by the Harris campaign and Democrats up and down the party hierarchy. Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Governor, has been seen as the top contender given his popularity in the state, which is a critical state for Harris to win to get to the White House. The two-term state Attorney General won the Governor's race in 2022 by nearly 15 percentage points; Harris currently trails Trump in the state by 2.7 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. Kelly is also from a key battleground state, Arizona, and could help Harris reach the 270 electoral college votes she needs to make history as the first woman to become US President - Harris trails Trump by 4 percentage points in this state. As a former fighter pilot and astronaut, he brings unique attributes to the ticket. And he is married to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who retired from politics after she was nearly killed by a gunman in 2011. Harris meets VP contenders for final test Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! August 5, 2019 ushered in new dawn in J&K, made its status as part of India non-negotiable F ive years back, the Parliament on August 5, 2019, abrogated the Constitution's Article 370, conferring special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and simultaneously, the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. The decision took everybody by total surprise although there had been indications that "something big" was in the offing. This had become evident by the annual Amarnath Yatra being cut short and internal instructions to secure security installations and maintain the highest level of security. Even then, not anyone among the regional political parties like the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the People's Conference (PC) and the Awami National Conference (ANC) expected that the over 80-year-long special status of J&K would vanish in a day. The Congress or even the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not know what the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had in mind. National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval had visited the state and also held a series of meetings with the intelligence agencies, local police, and the paramilitary forces. Doval is believed to have been the 'Man Friday' that Delhi depended upon to implement the decision on the ground. Like all his previous sensitive assignments, he worked out, with precision, the contours of the law and order situation that would follow the abrogation of Article 370. Undoubtedly, the confidence and determination that the NSA showed during his meetings here translated into the rank and file of the local police, the security forces and the intelligence agencies. "The top man wanted to have it done with pinpoint precision and that is how it had to happen," said former DGP, Dilbag Singh when he recalled the crucial period that preceded and proceeded the abrogation of Article 370. All the regional political leaders, mainstream and separatists, were placed under house arrest. Cell phones and Internet connectivity were suspended and the ubiquitous presence of security forces was maintained everywhere in the Valley. Not a single protest was held, even one incident of stone pelting which had become routine before August 5, 2019, was reported from anywhere. There was complete silence in the Kashmir Valley while there were celebrations outside including in Jammu where the total integration of J&K with the rest of the country was celebrated with fervour and gaiety. All the oppressive laws like disinheritance of girls choosing a spouse from outside J&K, denial of share in ancestral properties to girls after marriage, ban on the purchase of land and applying for government jobs in J&K by outsiders were repealed. J&K had a bicameral legislature before the abrogation of Article 370, and after it, the Legislative Council was removed and J&K was made unicameral with just the Assembly. The J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019 brought the UT in line with all the laws, privileges and obligations which were applicable to all other states and UTs of the country. The elected government headed by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, supported by the BJP, had lost power after the BJP pulled out of the coalition government in June 2018. J&K was brought under the Governor's rule and the Assembly was dissolved. J&K has been without an elected government during the last 5 years. All preparations are underway by the Election Commission to hold the Assembly elections by the end of September so that the people have an elected government. Centre is committed to restoring statehood to J&K after the Assembly elections, but, by no stretch of the imagination, is the new statehood going to be like what J&K had before August 5, 2019. With a five-bench constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, in December 2023, unanimously negating the challenges to the abrogation of Article 370, the new constitutional dawn that has ushered into J&K is here to stay while its status within the union of the Indian states and Union Territories has become non-negotiable. August 5, 2019 ushered in new dawn in J&K, made its status as part of India non-negotiable Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Flash Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by a "short-range projectile loaded with an almost 7-kg warhead." This photo shows Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh (C) in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Shadati) "In view of the conducted investigations, the terrorist operation has been carried out through firing from outside the guests' residence a short-range projectile loaded with an almost 7 kg warhead, causing an intense explosion," the IRGC said in its third statement about Haniyeh's assassination in an alleged Israeli attack in the Iranian capital Tehran, according to the armed force's official news outlet Sepah News. The statement added the "terrorist" attack had been designed and carried out by Israel with the U.S. government's support. The IRGC stressed that "the revenge for Haniyeh's blood will be definite," adding the "adventurist and terrorist" Israel would receive a "decisive response to this crime, which is a harsh punishment, at the appropriate time and place and with the appropriate quality." 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. BEIRUT, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were killed Sunday afternoon in an Israeli airstrike targeting Lebanon's southeastern village of Houla, Lebanese military and medical sources said. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said an Israeli warplane targeted a house in Houla with two air-to-ground missiles and destroyed it, killing Mohammad Farhat and Ali Amro inside the house. The Civil Defense teams worked to remove the rubble, while an ambulance transported the two bodies to a hospital in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, the sources said. They added that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out six raids on Sunday evening on four villages and towns in southern Lebanon, and Israeli artillery shelled eight border towns and villages in southern Lebanon with 30 shells. On Saturday, the Hezbollah Military Media published an infographic summarizing its military operations against the Israeli army since Oct. 8, 2023, in which it said more than 2,000 Israelis were killed or wounded through 2,500 military operations it carried out in 300 days. Tensions are high in Lebanon following Israel's attack on Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, which resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah military commander, Fouad Shokor, and seven civilians. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli raid at the appropriate time and place. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas's attack on Israel the previous day. In response, Israel fired heavy artillery into southeastern Lebanon. In a new review paper, researchers from the Universities of Arizona, Oxford and Leeds analyzed dozens of previous studies into long COVID to examine the number and range of people affected, the underlying mechanisms of disease, the many symptoms that patients develop, and current and future treatments. Long COVID, also known as Post-COVID-19 condition, is generally defined as symptoms persisting for three months or more after acute COVID-19. The condition can affect and damage many organ systems, leading to severe and long-term impaired function and a broad range of symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive impairment often referred to as 'brain fog' breathlessness and pain. Long COVID can affect almost anyone, including all age groups and children. It is more prevalent in females and those of lower socioeconomic status, and the reasons for such differences are under study. The researchers found that while some people gradually get better from long COVID, in others the condition can persist for years. Many people who developed long COVID before the advent of vaccines are still unwell. Long COVID is a devastating disease with a profound human toll and socioeconomic impact. By studying it in detail, we hope to both understand the mechanisms and to find targets for therapy against this, but potentially also other infection-associated complex chronic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia." Janko Nikolich, MD, PhD, senior author of the paper, director of the Aegis Consortium at the U of A Health Sciences, professor and head of the Department of Immunobiology at the U of A College of Medicine Tucson, and BIO5 Institute member If a person has been fully vaccinated and is up to date with their boosters, their risk of long COVID is much lower. However, 3%-5% of people worldwide still develop long COVID after an acute COVID-19 infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long COVID affects an estimated 4%-10% of the U.S. adult population and 1 in 10 adults who had COVID develop long COVID. The review study also found that a wide range of biological mechanisms are involved, including persistence of the original virus in the body, disruption of the normal immune response, and microscopic blood clotting, even in some people who had only mild initial infections. There are no proven treatments for long COVID yet, and current management of the condition focuses on ways to relieve symptoms or provide rehabilitation. Researchers say there is a dire need to develop and test biomarkers such as blood tests to diagnose and monitor long COVID and to find therapies that address root causes of the disease. People can lower their risk of developing long COVID by avoiding infection wearing a close-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, for example taking antivirals promptly if they do catch COVID-19, avoiding strenuous exercise during such infections, and ensuring they are up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters. "Long COVID is a dismal condition but there are grounds for cautious optimism," said Trisha Greenhalgh, lead author of the study and professor at Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. "Various mechanism-based treatments are being tested in research trials. If proven effective, these would allow us to target particular subgroups of people with precision therapies. Treatments aside, it is becoming increasingly clear that long COVID places an enormous social and economic burden on individuals, families and society. In particular, we need to find better ways to treat and support the 'long-haulers' people who have been unwell for two years or more and whose lives have often been turned upside down." ABUJA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were shot dead when a group of unidentified gunmen attacked a local community in Nigeria's southern state of Imo late Saturday, police said on Sunday. The eight deceased were identified as village heads in the Umucheke community of Onuimo Local Government Area, Aboki Danjuma, Imo State police commissioner, told the media during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident on Sunday morning. Danjuma said at least six gunmen, who rode on three motorcycles, stormed the community to wreak havoc. They identified the homes of the deceased, perpetrated the killings, and fled through a bush path. Alleging that members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network, an armed group in the southern part of the country, were responsible for the attack, Danjuma said security agencies are currently combing nearby forests in search of the perpetrators of the "dastardly act." Giving children a right to be heard and taken seriously when parents separate could help couples reach sustainable child arrangements and relieve significant backlogs in the family court, avoiding unnecessary financial and emotional costs, a new study says. Mediation, court and legal processes should provide a forum for young people's views on post-separation arrangements being considered for them to be aired independently and factored in wherever appropriate. Giving them more agency about decisions which affect their lives and futures will help families make more effective decisions, improve children's wellbeing during this difficult time and may help avoid expensive court cases. Private family law cases took an average of 45 weeks to reach a final order in 2022. The study, by Anne Barlow and Jan Ewing, from the University of Exeter, recommends that unless considered unsafe to do so, child arrangement decisions should be based on whole family consultation. When mediation is used to agree such arrangements and where the children wish to participate by expressing their own views during a separate session with a mediator, this should be facilitated as the default model. Decisions should no longer be seen as the preserve of parental discussion alone. The government must also implement funding mechanisms to ensure children's voices are heard in other non-court processes such as solicitor negotiations, collaborative law or arbitration. Moving towards a family justice system that fully respects children's voices when parents separate in line with their rights under article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) would benefit their mental health and wellbeing. Incorporation of the UNCRC into UK domestic law should be the goal in the longer term. There is potential to reduce conflict and help families reach appropriate arrangements by doing more to include children's voices and taking their views seriously. This requires a shift away from parental autonomy in mediation and wider family dispute resolution towards one that recognizes children as people and not just passive objects. If developed appropriately, this would enhance the process for families. Enhancing children's rights can be an asset rather than a threat within the wider family justice system." Professor, Anne Barlow, University of Exeter Dr Ewing said: "Family mediation, although child-focused, is based around parental autonomy. This can mean arrangements can become the parents' lowest common denominator for agreement, which may or may not coincide with the child's wishes or, indeed, their best interests, an issue which the young people in this study felt was a grave injustice. Children's views in the decision-making process within mediation should become the default. This does not mean their views will or should always prevail, but rather that they are gathered directly from the children and taken seriously as part of the dispute resolution considerations, balancing them against other important considerations about how to further their best interests." The study says the Family Mediation Council (FMC) should take the lead in redefining the purpose of mediation. Small domestic legislative changes could be adopted to aid the focus on children's rights and a further duty could be placed on separating parents to discuss the proposed child arrangements with their children and seek their views. The welfare principle in section 1(1) Children's Act 1989 could be expanded. This makes the child's welfare the paramount consideration in court proceedings determining any question concerning the child's upbringing but is a principle which could be formally extended to apply to out-of-court processes as well. The study recommends a public awareness campaign to raise the profile of child-inclusive mediation and increase awareness of children's right to be informed and consulted when parents separate. At least one session of mediation for each child of the family should be funded by the Legal Services Commission, where the child has expressed a desire to meet with the mediator. 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. The review was published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder featuring recurrent episodes of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking with 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 over 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." Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has started the admission process for undergraduate programmes for the academic session 2024-2025. Candidates who are interested in taking admission in BHU can apply through the official website bhucuet.samarth.edu.in. According to the notice, the filling of new or existing application forms as well as preferences and payment of application fees has started from August 2. Candidates have time till August 10 (11:59 pm) to complete the registration process with fee payment. The correction window for candidates will be open from 12:10 am on August 11 to 11:59 pm on August 12. All saved and submitted preferences of the candidates will be automatically locked on August 13 at 10 am. Candidates who are applying afresh or have completed their registration earlier will be able to choose their programmes, preferences, and locations through the online portal of CAP. Candidates will be allotted seats as per their preferences only if they fulfil the eligibility criteria given in the information bulletin of the BHU website. BHU UG Admissions 2024: How to Apply Step 1: Go to the official website, bhucuet.samarth.edu.in Step 2: From the main screen, select UG Registration Cum Counselling 2024 or New Registration Step 3: The candidate must provide the CUET application number and date of birth Step 4: Select Register to create a profile on the BHU website Step 5: Provide all of the requested credentials and upload all of the required papers in a proper and legible style Step 6: Complete the registration procedure by paying the admission fee. Candidates have to match the subjects studied in their class 12th with the subjects they are appearing for in the CUET exam. Only those candidates will be considered for admission and seat allotment who have passed their class 12th examination. Students can check the subject eligibility beforehand to avoid any chances of mistakes. The allotment by the university will be considered as the final decision. Over the years, preference for government jobs in India has soared as it brings a sense of pride and an opportunity to contribute towards nation-building. However, these exams come with various challenges and have become the toughest with the growing demand. So, if you are also one of those who is seeking to become a government employee, then buckle up. Heres a rundown of the top government-recruited vacancies that are recruiting this week: Kerala PSC Recruitment For Farm Assistant Posts The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has invited applications for the recruitment of 33 Farm Assistant Grade II (Veterinary) officers at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University. Candidates interested can submit their forms through the official website of the Kerala PSC at keralapsc.gov.in. According to the official notice, candidates need to apply for the vacancies till September 4. Candidates who are selected for the above-mentioned positions can expect a salary ranging between Rs 27,900 and Rs 63,700read more IBPS CRP PO/MT Recruitment The Institute of Banking & Personnel Selection (IBPS) is providing an excellent opportunity for all aspirants seeking government jobs. The institute is looking for candidates who have a graduate degree from an Indian government-approved university. Candidates interested in the posts of probationary Officers/ Management trainees (CRP PO/MT) in the participating banks can apply through the official website of IBPS at ibps.in until August 21. To be eligible, applicants should be aged between 20 and 30 years. Moreover, there is an application fee of Rs 850 for general applicants and Rs 175 for SC, ST, and PWD categories candidatesread more RRB Recruitment For Junior Engineer Posts The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is seeking applications for various roles within the department, including Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent, Chemical and Metallurgical Assistant, Chemical Supervisor (Research), and Metallurgical Supervisor (Research). Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for these posts by visiting the official website of the RRB zone at rrbapply.gov.in. The recruitment drive is aiming to fill 7,951 vacant positions on or before August 29. Candidates who get selected for this recruitment by the RRB will get a salary of Rs 35,400 per month along with other allowances and facilitiesread more NABARD Grade A Recruitment For Assistant Manager Posts The National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) is recruiting 102 individuals for the position of Assistant Manager. Candidates who meet the requirements can apply for the posts at nabard.org by August 15. The Phase I preliminary examination will be conducted on September 1. The selection of the candidates encompasses four stages, a preliminary exam, a main exam, a psychometric test, and an interview. The preliminary test will consist of 200 questions worth 200 marksread more RBI Grade B Recruitment The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has started registrations for the recruitment of 94 posts within the organisation. The registration process began on July 25 and will continue until August 16. Candidates must submit their applications through the official RBI website at rbi.org.in. To be eligible, candidates should hold a graduation degree in any discipline/ or equivalent technical or professional qualification with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or post-graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 55 per cent in aggregate of all semesters/yearsread more The back-to-back assassinations of senior figures in Hezbollah and its ally Hamas on July 30-31 have intensified fears that archenemies Israel and Lebanon, which have been trading blows against each other since the October 7 attack in Gaza, are on the brink of an all-out war. On Saturday, Hezbollah said it launched dozens of rockets on Moshav Beit Hillel in Israel injuring civilians there, The Times of Israel reported. It also said it was a retaliatory attack to Israels strikes on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon. Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, was killed in Lebanons capital Beirut in an Israeli airstrike on July 30. Israel has said Shukr was behind a rocket attack on Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that killed 12 young people over last weekend. Later, on July 31, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of Hamas, was killed in Tehran where he was attending the inauguration of the new reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian. Mohammed Deif, the Hamas commander who planned the October 7 attacks, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza on July 13. How Dangerous Is the Situation? Cross-border firing has been a regular occurrence between Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border after the October 7 attacks. More than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon and 30 have been killed in Israel, as per a report by The Conversation. An estimated 150,000 have been displaced on both sides of the border. Though the events of October 7 and their aftermath have affected the situation, Hezbollah and Israel have been embroiled in low-level conflict since Hezbollah was formed in 1982. Resident of Haifa in the north of Israel fear Hezbollah attacks, while people living in south Lebanon fear IDF attacks. Though the attacks have been limited to military targets, the impact has been faced by the civilians living across south Lebanon, forcing many to leave their home. Reports suggest that Hezbollah has a sophisticated armoury, much of it supplied by Iran and Russia, which includes more than a million rockets, anti-tank weaponry, suicide drones and a range of missiles. While Israels arsenal of missiles is far larger, the IDF remains afflicted by political, strategic, theological and economic challenges. Israel Vs Hezbollahs Weaponry System Israel is one of the worlds best-equipped armies, having US-made weaponry such as F35 fighter jets as well as top-of the-range air defences and other new equipment. It has also cultivated a well-developed domestic arms industry that produces its own tanks, armoured vehicles, air defences, missiles and drones. It has warned that if an all-out war erupted, its military actions would go far harder and deeper that the 2006 conflagration. Washington has provided at least $12.5 billion in military aid since the October 7 attack. Also, Israel is the only country in the Middle East with nuclear power, which it does not acknowledge. Lebanon-based Hezbollah, however, is now a formidable force with an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 fighters since the 2006 war with Israel. The US-based CSIS think-tank estimates Hezbollah has between 120,000 and 200,000 projectiles, including precision-guided missiles and armed drones as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. Lebanon sent surveillance drones deep into Israel, which captured the countrys military sites. Hezbollah used an Iran-made surface-to-air missile for the first time in June, compelling Israeli fighter jets to retreat. It claims to have 100,000 fighters. Emile Hokayem, senior fellow for Middle East security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said in 2006, Hizbollah fired an average of 124 rockets a day for 34 days, as per a report in The Financial Times. What Will Iran Do? Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that Israel must be punished and shall be for an operation he said was equivalent to an attack on Iranian soil. Iran could launch missile or armed drone strikes against Israeli military sites or infrastructure. This would be a direct and visible form of retaliation but would also significantly raises the stakes, drawing regional and international responses. Iran might escalate its indirect conflict against Israel by activating its network of allied militant groups across the region. This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, various militias in Syria, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. What about International Pressure? Benjamin Netanyahu has called Iran as an existential threat to Israel, which has been supported by successive US administrations. But this support has begun to wane as a result of growing popular dismay in the US and globally at the way Israel is conducting operations in Gaza. Although Israeli officials have said they can and will operate alone, international bodies have become increasingly critical of the war in Gaza. Votes in the UN have suggested growing anger at Israels conduct, while international bodies have explored legal avenues to end the suffering of Palestinians. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had said in July that Israel should stop settlement activity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its illegal occupation of those areas and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. The State of Israel is under the obligation to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible, the ICJ President had said. The courts findings will now go to the UN General Assembly, which will decide how to respond, including the option of adopting a resolution. Britain is seeing the worst outbreak of civil disorder after clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter protesters, following the murder of three young girls in northwest England. Dozens of arrests were made after the scenes of disorder, with police warning that further violence is likely in the coming days. Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the police would have the governments full support to take the strongest possible action. Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britains streets, she said. What is Happening in the UK? Riots involving hundreds of anti-immigration protesters have erupted in towns and cities after false information spread rapidly on social media that the suspect in Mondays knife attack at a childrens dance class in Southport was a radical Muslim migrant. Police have said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Britain but protests by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrators have continued, descending into violence, arson and looting. Violent disorder erupted in Liverpool, Bristol, Hull and Belfast four cities located in different corners of the UK with scuffles breaking out and bricks and bottles thrown as anti-immigration protesters faced groups opposed to racism, as per a report by Reuters. Many police officers suffered injuries as they kept several rival protesters from clashing. In Liverpool, two officers were in hospital with suspected facial fractures while another was pushed from his motorbike and assaulted in the disorder involving some 750 protesters and a similar number of rival protesters. Similar scenes were witnessed in the southwestern city of Bristol although anti-racist protesters outnumbered anti-immigration groups, with TV footage showing them facing off with police in riot gear. In Belfast, some businesses reported damage to property while at least one was set on fire, according to police. What is UK Govt Saying? Prime Minister: Keir Starmer is facing his first big test since his election a month ago. Starmer has condemned the violence. He held a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday in which he said police had been given full support to tackle extremists who were attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities. He made clear that the right to freedom of expression and the violent scenes over recent days were two very different things. Home Secretary: Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder will pay the price, telling broadcasters criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britains streets. Cooper said: Weve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price. Police: Police have warned that further violence is likely in the coming days. We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready, said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs Council. Liverpool City region Mayor Steve Rotheram said to call out mindless thuggery by people looking for an excuse to spew hatred and carry out acts of violence. There were no reports of far-right marches in London. Separately, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched peacefully through the city to protest Israels military operation in Gaza. Experts: Jacob Davey, the director of policy and research for counter-hate at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue in London, quoted The Guardian as saying it was a perfect storm, with a rising far right in the UK emboldened by recent mass demonstrations. The need for urgent political intervention was stressed by the governments independent adviser on political violence and disruption, Lord Walney, who told the Observer that new emergency powers may be needed. The system isnt set up to deal with this rolling rabble-rousing being fuelled by far-right actors, he said. I think home office ministers may want to look urgently at a new emergency framework perhaps temporary in nature that enables police to use the full powers of arrest to prevent people gathering where there is clear intent to fuel violent disorder, as quoted by The Guardian. How Stabbing Took Place in UK About two dozen children were attending a summer vacation workshop when an attacker with a knife burst in. Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, died from their injuries. Ten other people were injured, among whom five girls and two adults are in critical condition. Far-right demonstrators have launched several violent protests, ostensibly in response to the attack, clashing with police outside a mosque in Southport. A few hundred protesters hurled beer cans and flares near British PM Starmers residence in Downing Street in central London on Wednesday evening. More than 100 people were arrested for offenses including violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker, Londons Metropolitan Police force said. Britains worst attack on children was in 1996, when 43-year-old Thomas Hamilton shot and killed 16 kindergartners and their teacher in a school gymnasium in Dunblane, Scotland. The United Kingdom subsequently banned the private ownership of almost all handguns. Who are the Groups Behind the Riots? Several far-right groups have been at the riots or promoted them on social media. David Miles, a prominent member of Patriotic Alternative, a fascist group, shared photographs of himself in Southport, according to Hope Not Hate, a Britain-based advocacy group that researches extremist organisations. Police have said the English Defence League had been involved in the riots. The English Defence League was a far-right street movement created in 2009 notorious for violent protests and anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance. Joe Mulhall, Hope Not Hates director of research, called the movement post organizational in a 2018 analysis. Social media and other technologies, he wrote offer new ways for it to engage in activism outside the confines of traditional, organizational structures. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his government will soon introduce a law for life imprisonment in cases of love jihad. He also said several measures have been initiated to protect the land rights and government jobs for indigenous people. Speaking at the state BJPs extended executive meet here, Sarma said, We spoke about love jihad during the elections. Soon, we will bring a law, which will award life imprisonment in such cases. The term love jihad is used by right-wing groups to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage. Sarma said a new domicile policy will also be introduced soon, under which only those born in Assam will be eligible for state government jobs. Asserting that his government has been working to protect the rights of indigenous people, the CM said they have been accorded priority in the one lakh government jobs provided as per a pre-poll promise, which will be evident when the complete list is published. In contrast, people of a particular community had got up to 30 per cent of constable jobs in the state police force under the Congress government, when the incumbent Dhubri MP was in charge of the Home Department, Sarma claimed, without elaborating further. Congress Rakibul Hussain had won the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in this years elections. Sarma said that while encroached land equal to the size of Chandigarh has been freed from illegal settlers by his government, land equal to 20 times of the northern Union Territory is still under the grasp of encroachers in the state. Among other initiatives to protect land rights are a resolution to bring in a law to forbid sale of land to people of a particular community in undivided Goalpara district. The undivided Goalpara holds much importance for our Koch-Rajbongshi community. But, people of a particular community took away our land and made us minority in our own place, he alleged. Under the proposed new law, land owned by tribals and people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Castes will not be allowed to be transferred in undivided Goalpara, he said. Similarly, a law will be enacted to allow transfer of land in Barpeta, Majuli and Batadrawa, important centres for followers of Vaishnavism, among residents of these areas only, Sarma said. If the public wants more areas to be protected in a similar manner, we will do it. We know that we cannot chase away anyone to Bangladesh, but with the last ounce of power in us, we will work to secure the future of Assam, he asserted. The CM said the Assam government has also taken a decision regarding the sale of land between Hindus and Muslims. He said though the government cannot prevent such a transaction, it has made it mandatory to take consent of the chief minister before going ahead. The state government had issued a similar notification on March 7, stopping sale of land between two different communities for three months to avoid any possible conflict on communal lines ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Sarma said another legislation will be enacted for creation of micro tribal belts and blocks to protect villages or small, scattered settlements of tribals outside the notified belts and blocks. Referring to the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the chief minister claimed that the agitation was one of deceit as not more than eight people have applied under it in the state thus far. Sarma said his government will be taking a bold step to clear the biometrics of nine lakh people, collected and frozen during updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He maintained that the BJP has been able to secure a third straight term at the Centre on the basis of its work for the masses, as he took a dig at the Congress for trying to downplay the saffron partys winning streak. Congress has been trying to project as if their 99 seats are bigger than our 240 seats. Perhaps, it is so as per mathematics followed in Bangladesh or Pakistan, but it is not so in India, he said. Sarma also asserted that the BJP will return to power in the state in 2026 due to its welfare measures for people. The CM expressed his gratitude to state party chief Bhabesh Kalita for forming a committee to go through the poll promises that have not been fulfilled yet, so that those can be accomplished within the next one year. He said the BJP will contest the Bodoland Territorial Council, panchayat and zilla parishad elections on its own, and urged the party workers to work closely with its allies AGP and UPPL for the bypolls to five assembly seats. Sarma also emphasised that the delimitation of panchayats should be carried out in such a manner that the rights of the indigenous people are safeguarded. Border Security Force (BSF) Director General (DG) Nitin Agarwal was removed from his post over serious differences between his juniors and him, according to government sources. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) removed Agarwal and his deputy Special DG (West) Y B Khurania, sending them back to their respective state cadres with immediate effect on Friday. The BSF DGs removal was not because of any operational reasons or professional incompetency. There were serious differences between his juniors on senior positions and him. On multiple occasions, they were told to sort out their differences as their time was important to manage crisis and guard borders, sources said. ALSO READ | BSF Chief, His Deputys Tenure Cut Short; Sent Back To Parent Cadre With Immediate Effect The BSF is deployed in key locations and the situation becomes bad when those in top positions are fighting among themselves. The situation reached the point of my force versus your force. The government is clear on the issue. Indiscipline and differences will not be tolerated, sources said. The top officials of the government were told and a proposal to repatriate DG BSF was moved on July 30, they said. MHAs NO-NONSENSE APPROACH The MHA is known for its no-nonsense approach. Earlier, Union Home Secretary LC Goel was removed along with Additional Secretary (Home). This was also done overnight after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on the file and both were shifted, said sources. Agarwal had taken charge as the BSF chief in June last year, while Khurania, as the special DG (West), was heading the formation of the force along the Pakistan border. 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. Agarwal, a 1989-batch Kerala cadre officer, 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). Although Khuranias proposal was sent on July 25 as the Odisha government has asked him for the post of DGP, they have sent Amrit Mohan Prasad from Odisha on Central deputation. The Narendra Modi-led Central government is all set to bring changes to the Waqf Act, thereby redefining the powers of the Waqf Board, sources told CNN-News18 said. On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved around 40 amendments to the Waqf Act. As per the proposed amendments, the claims on properties made by Waqf Boards will be mandatorily verified. Similarly, mandatory verification has been proposed for disputed properties of Waqf Boards, sources added. They have also indicated that a Bill to amend the Waqf Act is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week. Waqf Boards have approximately over 8.7 lakh properties totaling around 9.4 lakh acres. In 2013, the UPA government had given more powers to the Waqf Boards by amending the original Act. The Waqf Act, 1995, was enacted to regulate auqaf (assets donated and notified as waqf) by a wakifthe person who dedicates a property for any purpose recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable. The proposed amendments aim to give representation to women in the Central Waqf Council and state boards. These amendments will be extremely important in the wake of the upcoming elections in the states of Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, sources further stated. The government had previously noted the sweeping powers of the state Waqf boards to stake claims on any property and the delays in surveying such properties in most states. Additionally, the government had considered involving district magistrates in monitoring Waqf properties to prevent misuse of the assets. Sources mentioned that flaws in the appeal process were also under scrutiny. For example, an appeal against a decision of the board lies with the tribunal, but there is no timeline for the disposal of such appeals. The decision of tribunals is final, and there is no provision for appeal except under writ jurisdiction in high courts. At present, there are 30 Waqf boards across the country. Bihar Police have registered a case in connection with an email threatening to blow up the chief ministers office here, a senior officer said. According to an FIR registered based on the statement of Sachivalaya Police Station SHO Sanjeev Kumar, the email was sent to the CMO on July 16. The sender of the email had claimed that he was associated with Al-Qaeda and threatened to bomb the premises of the CMO. Its an old case we have registered an FIR on August 2, 2024 after an inquiry, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra told PTI on Saturday. According to the FIR available on the website of the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) of Bihar Police, the case has been registered against unknown persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and IT Act. BEIRUT, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Three members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a motorcycle in the village of Bayt Lif in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military and medical sources said. According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the airstrike seriously injured two people and left a third with minor injuries. All three were transferred by a civil defense vehicle to Bint Jbeil Governmental Hospital in the border area. On Sunday afternoon, Israeli drones and warplanes conducted 15 airstrikes across 10 villages and towns in the border area of southern Lebanon, and three towns and villages in the Jezzine area. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery shelled 13 towns and villages in the border area with about 50 shells, causing damage to buildings and igniting several fires, according to Lebanese military sources. Hezbollah's military wing, the Islamic Resistance, claimed on Sunday to have attacked Israeli sites including Al-Manara, Birkat Risha, and Ramyah. Tensions are high in Lebanon following Israel's attack on Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, which resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah military commander, Fouad Shokor, and seven civilians. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli raid at the appropriate time and place. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas's attack on Israel the previous day. In response, Israel fired heavy artillery into southeastern Lebanon. The Indian-origin CEO of a US startup has promised free visas to all countries for a day to his users if athlete Neeraj Chopra wins a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The LinkedIn post by Mohak Nahta of Atlys left internet users surprised and excited, with many queries about how to apply for the offer. I will personally send a free visa to everyone if Neeraj Chopra wins a gold at the Olympics. Lets go, India," he wrote in a post on LinkedIn. Chopra, who will compete in the mens javelin throw on August 8, is the defending champion and is one of Indias biggest medal hopes. Atlys helps users with fast travel visas with the latest information about the travel destination. After his offer generated much curiosity, in another post a few hours ago, Nahta explained the deal to his users. On 30th July, I promised everyone a free visa if Neeraj Chopra wins Gold. Since a lot of you asked for details, here is how it will work: Neeraj Chopra competes for medals on 8th Aug. If he bags Gold, we will offer one free Visa to all users for one entire day," he wrote. Nahta further said there will be no visa cost and all countries are covered under the offer. Will we charge you anything? Your visa will cost you ZERO it is completely on us. Which countries are covered under this offer? All countries choose wherever you want to travel to next," he added. All users have to do is drop an email in the comments so that Atlys can create an account with a free visa credit, Nahta said. The post garnered more than 2,000 reactions (at the time this report was being filed), prompting a wide array of comments. While many people hailed the CEOs patriotism" and impressive" marketing strategy, others praised him for innovation. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225718366949322752%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225718366949322752%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225756540064944129%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225756540064944129%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225757031096303617%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225757031096303617%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225734272815423489%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225734272815423489%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225725242822864896%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225725242822864896%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 There were some naysayers as well, who felt this is a wrong way to promote a business which, in turn, also creates pressure on the athlete. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224726098348007425?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7224726098348007425%2C7225705511403319296%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287225705511403319296%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7224726098348007425%29 Founded in San Francisco in 2020, Atlys helps users with visa documentation and queries. Its app simplifies the visa application process by enabling users to apply on time, schedule appointments, and create a secure store for documents among other visa-related services. Union home minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Sunday took a veiled jibe at the opposition parties for questioning the strength of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, and said that the INDIA bloc should prepare to sit in the opposition after the 2029 polls as well. While speaking at the inauguration event of 247 Manimajra water supply project in Chandigarh, the union minister said that the NDA alliance will not only complete its term, but also form the government in 2029. I assure you that let the opposition do whatever it wants to do, in 2029 NDA will come, Modi ji will come. They (opposition) do not know that BJP has won more seats in this election than the number of seats Congress got in the past 3 elections. They do not know it. NDAs only one member, the BJP, has more than the total number of seats which their whole alliance has, he said. #WATCH | Chandigarh: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, I assure you that let the opposition do whatever it wants to do, in 2029 NDA will come, Modi ji will come. They (opposition) do not know that BJP has won more seats in this election than the number of seats Congress got pic.twitter.com/6yKaFJnHWi ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Shah also lambasted the opposition parties and said that the INDIA bloc wants to spread instability and they must learn the way of working in the opposition properly. These people who want to spread instability, repeatedly say that this government is not going to last. I have come to assure them that not only will the government complete its term but the next government will be of NDA and be ready to sit in the opposition and learn the way of working in the opposition properly, he added. His remarks came after several opposition leaders at several occasions termed the recently formed NDA government as unstable and claimed that the government might not complete its term. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee earlier said that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was unstable. This government (which assumed office on June 9) may not continue also. This is not a stable government, she had said. Earlier in June, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh claimed that the coalition government at the Centre will not be able to run beyond a year and the INDIA bloc will present itself as an alternative whenever there is an opportunity. In the recently held Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA secured majority by winning 292 seats with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 240 seats. The alliances partners TDP and JD(U) won 16 and 12 seats, respectively. Narendra Modi is serving his third straight term as prime minister, the first to do so since Indias first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The INDIA bloc bagged 233 seats. Others have won 18 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The Congress secured 99 seats. Samajwadi Party got 37 seats while Trinamool Congress 29. DMK managed to win 22 seats. (With inputs from agencies) The BJP-led NDA government is reportedly set to amend the Waqf Act to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board and is ready to table the amendments in Parliament. In a bid To allay the fears that is being created by several quarters from the minority population that the bill will snatch away the rights of the minorities, the upcoming legislation will only be pro-Muslim, said government sources. Sources aware of the development said that many poor Muslims and Muslim women in particular have reached out to the government for justice. They have also expressed as to how these properties have been under the control of the very powerful and there is nobody who has even thought of the miseries of the common man. The act was first brought in 1954 was amended in 1995 and then in 2013. In the earlier form, the word of the tribunal was final and binding, but now with the new amendment proposed anybody who wants to go further can approach a High Court in case of any dispute. There is no intention whatsoever from the government to take away these properties from the Muslims, Eventually, these properties can be used only for benefiting the Muslim community. What is being brought in is a systematic procedure in place so that its benefit can reach to the poorest of the poor, a top government source told Network 18. After the lands that are owned by government entities, including railways and defence, Waqf accounts for the third highest number of properties. However, the revenue coming from such properties does not even stand anywhere close to the price of these properties. In fact, the revenue per year does not even cross 200 crore. Provision is being made in the new law to map each property with the district collector so that the revenue can be eventually be accounted for, a source said. Use of technology and online mechanism to register such properties will bring down any such errors. The Sachar Committee in its recommendation, has also spoken about the need to map properties along with their revenue. In another forward-looking step government sources informed that opposed to the last form of the bill. This time around only practicing members can be on the board and can have such properties. Several Muslim clerics and Muslim leaders have come out in opposition of this law. They have also called the government, anti-Muslim. Sources in the government said that many Muslim persons within the legal fraternity have also called this bill as a forward-looking reform and said that it will break from the anarchic laws that ensured nothing for the poor and deprived. Government sources also said that parties like the Congress, which ruled the country for the longest, in March 2014, just before the Lok Sabha gifted 123 prime properties in the national capital to the Delhi Waqf Board. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the first right of resources of India was with the minority especially Muslims. He further during the launching the National Waqf Development Corporation Limited, in 2014 said the properties under the Waqf board can be used for the socio-economic development and benefit the Muslim community. Has there been any accountability regarding the usage of resources by the Waqf board? Government sources stated. In 2022, an RTI response revealed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals AAP government has given over Rs 101 crore of public funds to the Delhi Waqf board since coming to power in 2015 and Rs 62.57 crore alone was given in 2021. Arvind Kejriwal in 2019 went on and said It is said that the residence of the richest person of this country, which is inside Mumbai, has been built on a waqf property. Im not saying wrong, right? The government of Mumbai cant do anything about that. Had it been our government, we would have demolished the construction. The Waqf board in Tamil Nadu has recently claimed ownership of an entire village taking the villagers by shock. The village had a 1500-year old Hindu temple as well. Jathlana village in Haryanas Yamunanagardistrict witnessed the overriding powers of the Waqf, when a land parcel with a Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was transferred to the Waqf. The land had no history of any Muslim settlement or mosque being there. In November 2021, the Surat Municipal Corporation headquarters at Muglisara had been declared waqf property. The logic given was that during the reign of Shah Jahan, the property had been donated by the emperor to his daughter as a Waqf property, and therefore, the claim could be justified even today, almost 400 years later. In 2018, the Sunni Waqf Board stated, before the apex court, that the Taj Mahal is owned by the Almighty but must be listed as property of the Sunni Waqf Board for practical purposes. On being asked by the apex court to furnish the signed documents from Shah Jahan, this body claimed that the monument belonged to Almighty, and while they had no signed documents, they must be given the rights to the property. In 2022, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board claimed that the disputed property upon which the Gyanvyapi Masjid stands today is a Waqf property. The counsel for the temple side discarded this claim before the court. A Shivalay in Lucknow had been registered as a Waqf property in collusion with the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board.Even though the Shivalay has been documented in the state records, going back as far as 1862, and the Shia Central Waqf Board came into existence in 1908, the claims were furthered. In 2021, Waqf Board had written an application to Gujarat High Court claiming ownership of two islands in Bet Dwarka in Devbhoomi Dwarka. In 2022, the Gujarat High Court rejected that plea. In August 2014, the Wakf Board sent a notice to the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) claiming ownership of a disputed piece of land near Jalna road and urging it to halt the process of obtaining the land from another party for road widening. In 2013, Telangana Waqf Board opposed the Hyderabad municipal corporations move to acquire a portion of land belonging to the green mosque in the citys Banjara Hill for road widening. The board contested that the land was a Waqf property. Pointing to the actual extent of waqf lands being much greater than those that have been recorded, a pilot project launched by the state government had detected over 1,700 new waqf properties in just two districts of Pune and Parbhani in November 2018. In 2019, in a written reply to BJP MP Ajay Nishads question, Minorities Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told the Lok Sabha that a total of 16,937 Waqf Board properties were under encroachment in the country, including 5,610 in Punjab, the highest state with encroachments in the country. In 2017, Maharashtra government, under the BJP, had suspended a former head of a Muslim organisation in charge of land endowments, amid growing concern that waqf land and property set aside for religious or charitable use is being illegally sold on to developers. Waqf is an endowment of land or property by a Muslim for a religious, educational or charitable purpose. Under Indian law, it cannot be transferred or sold, and must be used for the communitys welfare. In 2024, The Delhi High Court observed unauthorised constructions in disputed Waqf properties. The high court flagged the issue relating to the dispute about 123 properties, on which the Delhi Waqf Board laid its claim while the Centre had de-listed them. In January 2024, the Waqf Board filed a special petition in the SC claiming ownership on some portion of the land, which the Uttarakhand high court had declared to be that of the Railways, in Banbhulpura area of Haldwani in Nainital district. The Abdullah Government, in August 2014, stated that more than 360 kanals of Waqf land of commercial value is under the Armys possession in the border district of Poonch out of which the Army is paying rent for only 21 kanals. Such was the political capital of the influence, backed by the local leaders, that the priorities of the army were sidelined to appease the fundamentalists. On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved around 40 amendments to the Wakf Act. On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved around 40 amendments to the Wakf Act. Wakf Boards have approximately over 8.7 lakh properties totaling around 9.4 lakh acres. In 2013, the UPA government had given more powers to the Wakf Boards by amending the original Act. The Wakf Act, 1995, was enacted to regulate auqaf (assets donated and notified as wakf) by a wakifthe person who dedicates a property for any purpose recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable. A Class 3 student in Kerala has written a heartfelt letter to the Indian Army, inspired by their rescue efforts following devastating landslides in Wayanad. The letter written by Master Rayan, highlights the childs aspiration to join the armed forces one day. After days of torrential rains in the southern state, the disaster struck Wayanad before dawn on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of over 300 lives and injuries to many more. In his letter, Rayan, a student at a private school, expressed pride in witnessing the Armys dedication to rescuing those trapped under the debris. #WayanadLandslideDear Master Rayan, Your heartfelt words have deeply touched us. In times of adversity, we aim to be a beacon of hope, and your letter reaffirms this mission. Heroes like you inspire us to give our utmost. We eagerly await the day you don the uniform and stand pic.twitter.com/zvBkCz14ai Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 3, 2024 Aspire to join Indian Army Dear Indian Army, my beloved Wayanad was struck by a massive landslide, creating havoc and destruction. I felt proud and happy to see you rescuing people who were stuck under debris, Rayan wrote in Malayalam. I just saw the video in which you were having biscuits to sate your hunger and building a bridge. That sight moved me deeply and I aspire to join the Indian Army one day and protect my nation, he added. The landslides in Wayanad, known for its picturesque tea estates, were the worst since the catastrophic floods in 2018 that claimed around 400 lives. Rayan mentioned seeing a video of soldiers eating biscuits to sustain themselves while building a bridge, which deeply moved him. He added, I aspire to join the Indian Army one day and protect my nation. The Indian Army responded to Rayans letter, thanking him for his inspiring words. Your heartfelt words have deeply touched us. In times of adversity, we aim to be a beacon of hope, and your letter reaffirms this mission. Heroes like you inspire us to give our utmost. We eagerly await the day you don the uniform and stand alongside us. Together, we will make our nation proud, the Army wrote back. Delhi Records Maximum Temperature at 36 Degrees Celsius The maximum temperature in Delhi settled at 36 degrees Celsius, 1.8 notches above the seasons normal, according to the IMD. Rainfall was also recorded in parts of the national capital. The Delhi PWD said it received five complaints about waterlogging and uprooted trees from the south, central and Rohini zones. Humidity was 63 per cent at 5.30 pm. The weather office has forecast generally cloudy sky with light rain on Monday (August 5). The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 35 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Monday. The AQI was recorded in the satisfactory category with a reading of 63 at 6 pm, as per the CPCB. PTI Uttarakhand: Day 4 of Kedarnath Rescue Ops, 373 People To Be Airlifted Over 370 people, including pilgrims, stranded on the rain-ravaged trek route to Kedarnath, have been evacuated and sent to Lincholi to be airlifted as the rescue operation entered its fourth day on Sunday. So far, more than 10,000 people have been rescued from Kedarnath, Bhimbali and Gaurikund. Chief executive officer of Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Yogendra Singh said these 373 people who left from Kedarnath with rescuers, including teams of SDRF and NDRF, for Lyncholi will be airlifted to safer places via helicopter. At least 570 passengers are also waiting for the helicopter at Kedarnath helipad. Singh said the district administration, temple committee and Tirtha Purohit Samaj are providing food packets, water bottles and fruits to all the people stranded in Kedarnath. PTI Maharashtra: Godavari in Spate, Residents Along Riverbank Told to Stay Alert The administration in Maharashtras Nashik district has appealed to citizens to stay alert amid a rise in the water level of the Godavari river due to heavy rains. An official said in the wake of incessant rains in the district, the authorities released 4,000 cusecs of water from Gangapur dam, which supplies water to Nashik city, at 4 pm. Due to the water discharge, the water level in Godavari has increased and there could be a flood-like situation downstream in Saikheda and Chandroi villages in Niphad taluka in the district. The authorities have urged citizens living in these areas and on the banks of Godavari to remain alert and take precautions, the official said. PTI Gujarat: Crocodiles Enter Residential Areas In Vadodara As Vishwamitri River Level Rises The annual monsoon woe of crocodiles leaving the safe confines of Vishwamitri river and entering residential areas of Gujarats Vadodara aided by flooded streets is being witnessed again this year, with 21 of these reptiles getting rescued last month, an official said. The river, 17 km of which pass through Vadodara, is home to some 300 crocodiles and an encounter with these reptiles is a common occurrence for those living in areas along its banks. While rescue of crocodiles from residential areas near the bank of Vishwamitri river continues throughout the year, the number rises significantly during monsoon. In June, four crocodiles were rescued and released back into the river. The number rose sharply to 21 in July, said forest official Karansinh Rajput. PTI WATCH | Maharashtra: Excess Water Released From Pune's Khadakwasla Dam, Relief Ops On In response to incessant rainfall in Pune and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Indian Army carried out relief work in the Ekta Nagar area. #WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: In response to incessant rainfall in Pune and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Indian Army carried out relief work in the Ekta Nagar area pic.twitter.com/jTo4eujf4w ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 WATCH | Himachal: 2 Bridges Washed Away In Cloudburst at Lahaul-Spiti Two bridges were washed away in a cloudburst at Lahaul and Spiti, which were part of the Manali-Ladakh road. The Kupata bridge and Bailey bridge were damaged and restoration work is underway. #WATCH | 2 bridges washed away in cloudburst, in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/SqxWZ47hOu ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 WATCH | J&K: Vehicles Stranded After Closure Of Srinagar-Leh Highway Due To Cloudburst Several vehicles are stranded at Manigam, as the Srinagar-Leh highway was closed after a cloudburst occurred in the intervening night of August 3 and 4, in the Ganderbal district. #WATCH | Jammu & Kashmir | Several vehicles are stranded at Manigam, as the Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed after a cloudburst occurred in the intervening night of Sunday, in the Ganderbal district. pic.twitter.com/BI8wh9KbT1 ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Uttarakhand: Work of Evacuating Pilgrims Almost Complete, Says CM Dhami On the relief and rescue operation in the disaster-hit areas of Uttarakhand, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said the work to evacuate pilgrims is almost complete, and at least 17,000 people have been rescued. Our effort is to restore the bridges that have been washed away, restore electricity and telecommunication lines. Our entire administration is working for restoration. Our commissioner will play the role of a nodal officer. The departmental secretary will camp there and keep an eye on the situation, he told ANI. WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Part Of Manali-Ladakh Highway Washed Away After Cloudburst A portion of the Manali-Ladakh highway was washed away due to a cloudburst at Chikka village in Lahaul and Spiti district on August 2. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: A portion of the Manali-Ladakh highway was washed away due to a cloudburst at Chikka village in Lahaul and Spiti district on August 2. pic.twitter.com/wxedzwE6MO ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Himachal Cloudbursts: Death Toll Rises To 11, Searches On For Over 40 With the recovery of the bodies of a three-month-old baby and a 23-year-old person, the death toll due to flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh reached 11. Over 40 people are still missing. The bodies of Sonam (23) and three-month-old Manvi were recovered from Rajbhan village in Padhar area of Mandi district. PTI Weather Updates: Rains To Lash Delhi, Punjab, Haryana IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning very likely over Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan; scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Uttar Pradesh; isolated to scattered rainfall over Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh-Delhi during the week Uttarakhand Weather LIVE Updates: Sniffer Dogs To Be Employed To Find Missing People A sniffer dog is being carried in a helicopter by Army personnel to find missing and strayed people in Kedar Valley. #WATCH | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | A sniffer dog is being carried in a helicopter by Army personnel to find missing and strayed people in Kedar Valley. pic.twitter.com/E6HmLqozA9 ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Maharashtra Weather LIVE: IMD Issues Orange Alert For Mumbai The IMD has issued an orange alert for Mumbai today, forecasting heavy rain in the city and suburbs. There is also a possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated areas, accompanied by occasional gusty winds reaching 65 km/h. #WATCH | Maharashtra | People gathered at Mumbais Marine Drive to witness high tide. IMD has also issued an orange alert for Mumbai today. Heavy rain in the city and suburbs with the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places with occasional gusty winds reaching 65 pic.twitter.com/WsOXTik85y ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Maharashtra Weather LIVE Updates: Army Deployed In Pune Amid Heavy Rainfall In response to continuous heavy rainfall and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, an Army column has been deployed in the Ekta Nagar area at the request of the District Magistrate. On August 4, 2024, a column led by a unit of Maratha Light Infantry, has been mobilised at about 10 AM to provide flood relief in Ekta Nagar. The column consists of about 100 personnel, including engineers and medical staff, equipped with necessary vehicles and supplies. The column is expected to reach Ekta Nagar by 12:15 PM. IMD Predicts Light Rain In Delhi The national capital on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 27.4 degrees Celsius, one notch above the seasons average, according to the India Meteorological Department. The weather department has predicted a generally cloudy sky with light rain during the day. Maharashtra Weather LIVE: Heavy Rains To Lash Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Konkan & Goa on August 4 and 5. Weather LIVE Updates: Heavy Rainfall Warning For 5 States Including Bihar, Jharkhand The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several states. Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience intense showers on Sunday. Uttarakhand Weather LIVE Updates: 6 Dead In Rain Related Incidents, IMD Predicts More Heavy Downpour At least six people have died in rain-related incidents Since Wednesday evening. Heavy rains have severely affected various parts of Uttarakhand and the IMD has forecast more showers during the next 3-4 days. Many pilgrims and tourists are currently stranded on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road. #WATCH | Uttarakhand: Visuals from Rudraprayags Sonprayag At least six people have died in rain-related incidents since Wednesday evening as heavy rains lashed different parts of Uttarakhand, while many pilgrims and tourists are trapped on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road. pic.twitter.com/Wc7UNl10Qc ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 Search And Rescue Operation Continues In Wayanad On Day-6 Search and rescue operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad entered their sixth day on Sunday, with the death toll reaching 308. #WATCH | Kerala: Search and rescue operations in landslide-affected areas in Wayanad entered 6th day today. The death toll stands at 308. Drone visuals from Bailey Bridge, Chooralmala area of Wayanad. pic.twitter.com/PK8nHd1BHr ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2024 HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY 2024: Friendship Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating friendships and the bond between friends. It is observed in many countries around the world, although the date varies. The idea is to appreciate the friends in our lives, cherish the moments spent together, and acknowledge the support and love friends offer. ALSO READ: Happy Friendship Day Wishes Images 2024: Best 100+ Wishes, Quotes, Free Images & Shayaris in Hindi to Share In the United States, Friendship Day is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of August. International Friendship Day is recognised by the United Nations on July 30. This year, in India, it will be celebrated on August 4. Friendship Day is celebrated to appreciate the friends in our lives, cherish the moments spent together and acknowledge the support and love friends offer. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of friendship in our lives, and many people use it as an opportunity to reach out to friends, both old and new, to express gratitude and affection. Gifting for Friendship Day is a way to celebrate and honour the bond you share with your friends. Its an opportunity to show your appreciation and love through thoughtful and meaningful presents. The gifts dont have to be expensive; what matters most is the sentiment and effort behind them. Here are some budget-friendly gifts you can give your besties: Friendship Day 2024: Budget-friendly Gift Ideas Rapper Naezy, known for his honest and calm demeanor, emerged as the first runner-up in Bigg Boss OTT 3 after surviving 42 days in the house. The show concluded on Sunday with Sana Makbul taking home the winners trophy. Shortly after the grand finale, Naezy sat down with DNA India for an interview, where he criticised Armaan Malik and Ranvir Shoreys disrespectful demeanor towards women. Naezy stood by his friend Sana Makbul and supported Sana Sultan until her eviction. He emphasized the importance of respecting women and criticized Ranvir Shorey and Armaan Malik for their disrespectful behavior towards women on the show. Unko samajna chaiye ki ladkiyon se kaisi baat karni chahiye. Ladkiyon se tehzeeb se baat karni chaiye, within the lines baat honi chaiye. Aur agar aap line cross karte ho, toh woh aapki galti hai. Aap national television pe agar aisa kar rahe ho toh aapko thodi akal honi chaiye (They should understand how to talk to girls. Girls should be talked to politely, within the lines. And if you cross the line, then it is your mistake. If you are doing this on national television, then you should have some sense), he stated. Throughout his time on Bigg Boss, Naezy faced criticism for being perceived as lazy, inactive, and lost. Addressing these labels, Naezy explained, Yes, Ive been a little laid-back, but Im honest and a bit calm in my real life. This is my personality. I dont like getting into gossip and backbiting. Whenever I spoke, it was for major issues. I didnt speak much because words are important to me. Despite being the inspiration for Ranveer Singhs blockbuster film Gully Boy, Naezy revealed that the film did not benefit him much. The fictionalization of his characters relationship with his parents and love life negatively impacted his image. By the end of the conversation, Naezy admitted that Gully Boy affected his stature and shared his plans to work on his biopic. Main plan kar raha hoon kuch, aur jo galti Gully Boy mein hui, woh main nahi karunga. Main fictionalised nahi rakhunga, ek dum real, and interesting banaouga(I am planning something, and I will not repeat the same mistake that happened in Gully Boy. I will not fictionalize, I will make it completely real and interesting), he concluded. The Bigg Boss OTT3 finale was held in Mumbai on Friday evening, with Sana Makbul emerging as the winner. She beat out Ranvir Shorey and Naezey to claim the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. The grand finale showcased a fierce competition between Sana Makbul and rapper Naved Shaikh, also known as Naezy. Sana, who had garnered significant support from the audience, not only won the trophy but also a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. Dalljiet Kaur has filed an FIR against her estranged husband Nikhil Patel. As reported by Times Now, the television actress filed the complaint on August 2 at Mumbais Agripada police station. The FIR has been filed under sections 85 and 316 (2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This means that Dilljiet has accused Nikhil of cruelty and criminal breach of trust. After the FIR, Dalljiet has now taken to social media to thank to police authorities for making her feel safe in the country. Taking to Instagram Stories, the actress wrote, Thank you Jt Comm Of Police Anil Paraskar, DCP Krishnatkant Upadhyay, Senior Inspector Yogendra Pache & IO Sachin Shelke along with a lady constable for your efficiency. Thank you AGRIPADA PS for letting a woman know that she is safe in this country. This is not the first time that Dalljiet Kaur has taken legal action against her husband. In June this year, the actress also moved to the Nairobi City court against Nikhil and received a stay order to prevent Patel from evicting her or her son from their home in Kenya. Prior to this, Nikhil also sent a legal notice to the actress and accused her of harassment. ETimes reported that Patel said, under the Indian Penal Code, The Information Technology Act of 2000 (India), and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (India), Dalljiet Kaurs social media posts accusing him of an extra-marital affair were wrong. On Friday, Dalljiet took to her Instagram handle to share her wedding pictures on the occasion of Nikhils birthday. She accused Nikhil of hurting her and 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. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan along with their kids Taimur and Jeh have been on vacation for a long time. They are currently in the UK and have been sharing a lot of photos from their vacation. Today, Kareena shared another set of photos announcing that they are returning to Mumbai. Taking to her Instagram handle, Kareena shared photos in which she and Saif both are seen relaxing and enjoying their vacay. Chalo ji time to workAnd thats a wrap to summer 2024. See you soon My Mumbaiiii, read the caption. As soon as she shared photos, fans also reacted. One of the fans wrote, Most beautiful Couple in the world Couple UNIVERSE. Another wrote, Beautiful super gorgeous lovely awesome BEBO. Take a look here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) As for Kareena, the Bollywood diva was last seen in the heist-comedy film Crew alongside Kriti Sanon and Tabu. Besides, the film also featured Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma. Directed by Rajesh A. Krishnan, the film garnered considerable acclaim upon its theatrical release. It is available for streaming on Netflix. Next up for the Jaane Jaan star is The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta. However, the release date of the film has been announced. It is releasing on September 13. Besides, she is set to hit the big screens with Rohit Shettys Cop Universe film Singham Again alongside Ajay Devgn. The most awaited project features a stellar ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Akshay Kumar. Saif Ali Khan will be next seen in Devara with Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. He also has Siddharth Anands next. He took to his social handle and shared two photos. Fans are also reacting to it. Taking to his Instagram handle, Siddharth Anand shared photos and wrote, Back on set with my first hero! How can nothing change! Haha! Love you Saif!. Anubhav Sinhas directorial IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack teaser has been released and it has left all fans and celebrities in awe. Everyone is praising the film and is waiting for it. Rajkummar Rao also took to his social handle and praised his wife Patralekhaa for her next. He mentioned that he could not wait for this. Rajkummar Rao was seen in Bheed directed by Anubhav Sinha. Taking to his Instagram stories, he shared the teaser and wrote, Cant wait for this one. What a great ensemble. Earlier, Manoj Bajpayee also reacted and wrote, It seems that You have been up to something really exciting! Quite intriguing!!! The aviation drama stars Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa and Dia Mirza. Take a look here: Meanwhile, The Kandahar flight hijack refers to a dramatic incident that took place in December 1999, when Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked by a group of militants. The aircraft, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was diverted to Kandahar in Afghanistan after being taken over by the hijackers. The standoff lasted for several days, during which intense negotiations and complex diplomatic maneuvers unfolded. Anubhav Sinha, known for films such as Mulk, Article 15 and Bheed, had earlier said it was a responsibility to be as authentic as possible while working on the series. When I started doing research, almost everyone remembers a few things about the hijack, and what all happened during the process. I realised it is a very complex story and a lot of things happened in those seven days and not many people know about it, he had said at the Next on Netflix event in Mumbai. On the other hand, Rajkummar Rao is gearing up for his next release Stree 2. Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Stree, which grossed nearly Rs 200 crore worldwide. Since the success of the first film, Maddock Films has expanded the universe with several interconnected movies, the latest being the surprise hit Munjya, which earned Rs 130 crore globally. Stree 2 marks the first direct sequel in the series and brings back the original cast, including Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Pankaj Tripathi, with Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. TEHRAN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Sunday condemned Israel's deadly airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City. In a post on social media platform X, Kanaani described the raid, which killed at least 25 Palestinians and wounded dozens of others earlier in the day, as Israel's "newest war crime." Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israeli warplanes attacked militants operating inside Hamas command and control complexes that were hidden inside the schools. Kanaani stressed that despite the Israelis' "horrifying brutality" and "war crimes", "the strategic balance in the Palestinian lands as well as the region will not tilt in favor of Israel and its delusional supporters." The Israeli army has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the strip, killing approximately 1,200 people. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,583, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. Mouni Roy, who launched her acting career with the popular television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has since made a successful transition into films and music videos, capturing attention with her stunning looks and captivating performances. Her Instagram account, brimming with fashionable posts, frequently goes viral, setting major fashion goals with her vacation snapshots. Keeping up with her trendsetting ways, Mouni made the most of her Sunday by sharing a new set of sizzling pictures, once again dazzling her followers with her impeccable style. Taking to her Instagram handle, Mouni shared a bunch of snaps, sporting a sleek black saree with golden borders, posing elegantly on a patterned carpet next to a modern, blue-cushioned wooden sofa. Her hair is styled in loose waves, and she has one hand placed on her head and the other resting on her knee, showcasing a ring on her finger. The carasouel also consisted of several other pictures, featuring Mouni in different sarees. The caption of the post reads Out-takes. Take a look: Mouni Roy, a household name in the Hindi television industry, has soared to the top as one of the highest-paid actresses after her mesmerizing performances in Naagin and its sequel. Besides her acting prowess, she is celebrated as a fashion trailblazer, continuously wowing her fans with her unique and bold style choices. Her social media is a treasure trove of candid shots and memorable moments, always giving her followers something to look forward to. Mouni Roy has come a long way ever since she made her television debut with Ekta Kapoors Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She became a popular name after she starred in Naagin. Mouni made her Bollywood debut with Akshay Kumars Gold in 2018. Last year, Mouni was seen in Ayan Mukerjis magnum opus, Brahmastra. Recently, she was also seen in a music video titled Dotara along with Jubin Nautiyal. Mouni Roy was also seen in the web-series Sultan of Delhi. She was last seen in Emraan Hashmi-starrer Showtime. In a recent interview, Mouni shared that it is projects like Sultan of Delhi and Brahmastra which changed peoples perception of her as an actor. Brahmastra was absolutely different. When you see Gold, RAW and Made In China, I had played very Indianised characters. Maybe after Naagin and Sati, people could only see me as a saree-clad Indian character. So, for Milan sir to think of me as this cabaret dancer Nayantara, at a time when Brahmastra had not even released. I think it is an exciting time to be an actor where makers can visualise you in different roles. Such great parts are being written. I really feel fortunate to be offered these parts and be able to play them on screen, she told Indian Express. Carlos Alcaraz said he felt he let Spain down by losing the Olympic Games gold medal match to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros on Sunday. The 21-year-old Alcaraz had been attempting to become the youngest Olympics mens singles champion of all time, but described his loss as painful as he broke down in tears on court as he attempted to conduct a TV interview. I feel that I let the Spanish people down. I feel they were waiting for the gold medal, said Alcaraz after his 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) defeat. I got emotional because I couldnt make the Spanish people proud. Thats (why) I got emotional. Victory would have continued Alcarazs golden summer in which he won a first French Open on the same Roland Garros courts which hosted the Olympics and then successfully defended his Wimbledon title by sweeping Djokovic off the court last month. READ MORE: Novak Djokovic Becomes 5th to Complete Career Golden Slam After Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal & Serena Williams In Sundays final, which stretched to almost three hours, neither player dropped serve with a total of 14 break points carved out and successfully saved. Alcaraz saw eight break points come and go on Court Philippe Chatrier. Im a bit sad but I did a great tournament. It was a really great match and Im really proud of myself, he added. I was facing a hungry Novak, he was very impressive today. He didnt let me have many chances so credit to him and he deserves victory. Despite his disappointment, Alcaraz said he will learn from Sundays loss as he heads to North America and an assault on the US Open which he won in 2022. The New York title is the only Grand Slam crown currently in the possession of Djokovic. Ill leave with my head held high, said the Spaniard. Last year, when I lost to Novak at the French Open, I said Id learn from that. I will learn from this again, become a better player and not make the same mistakes. I will be more mature. READ MORE: Novak Djokovic Says Paris 2024 Gold Probably Biggest Success, Eyes 2028 Olympics Alcaraz said the Paris Olympics will remain a special memory especially as it gave him the chance to play doubles with Rafael Nadal for the first time. The tournament has been really special for me and I will remember it for the rest of my life, he said. Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 9 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results. Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala gave a good account of themselves in the qualifications but could not enter the final of the 25m rapid fire mens pistol at the French National Shooting Centre range in Chateauroux on Sunday. Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala shot brilliantly over two stages of qualification in the 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol Mens event, staying in contention till the final 10-shots of the second rapid-fire stage, only to shoot scores of 92 and 93 to finish ninth and 13th respectively as the top six make the final cut. Paris Olympics 2024: Day 9 LIVE Both shooters shot scores of 293 in the first precision stage to go into the rapid-fire round in fifth and seventh positions. Vijayveer then shot a 100 and 98 in the first two rapid-fire series to move up to second at one stage as Anish also shot 99 and 97 to stay in touch with the top six. The final round changed all of that. In the mens event, both shooters fired scores of 293 in the first precision stage to go into the rapid fire round in fifth and seventh positions. Vijayveer then shot a 100 and 98 in the first two rapid-fire series to move up to second at one stage as Anish also shot 99 and 97 to stay in touch with the top six. But the final round changed all of that. ALSO READ | Womens Skeet Shooting: Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Finish at 14th and 23rd in Qualification Event Maheshwari Chauhan in the Skeet Womens event shot a 25 in round four early on Sunday morning to go into the final round in fifth position, but a 22 in round five meant she tallied 118 to finish in 14th spot overall. The sixth and final qualification spot went at 120. Raiza Dhillon, the second Indian in the field also in her first Olympics as the above three, shot 113 over five rounds for a 23rd place finish. India still has one more start in the Shotgun events when Maheshwari comes back with Anant Jeet Singh Naruka for the Mixed Team Skeet, an event which will also be making an Olympic debut. The shooting contingent has so far won three bronze medals at the Paris Games. India still has one more start in the shotgun competitions as Maheshwari comes back with Anant Jeet Singh Naruka for the mixed team skeet, an event which will be making an Olympic debut. (With inputs from Agencies) Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 9 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results. Already rated one of swimmings all-time greats coming into the Paris Olympics, Katie Ledecky made it official on Saturday by storming to victory in her signature event, the 800m freestyle to end her work in the French capital in grand style. French torpedo Leon Marchand may be the prince of Paris, electrifying the home nation with four spectacular gold medals. But it is Ledecky leaving Paris sharing the throne of greatest female Olympian with Larisa Latynina after winning a ninth gold medal to equal the Russian gymnasts record. The week was kind of, you know, had its ups and downs like any other meet, said Ledecky, whose Paris haul also included gold in the 1,500, silver in the 4200 freestyle relay and bronze in the 400m free. I knew I just had to focus on the races, dont focus on times, just focus on getting the job done, getting to hear the national anthem at the end of the races as many times as I could, she added. In sharp contrast to Ledeckys runaway win in the 1,500m the 800m freestyle was a thriller from start to finish, with Ariarne Titmus matching her stroke-for-stroke for almost the entire distance. But with the American setting a relentless, grinding pace her great Australian rival would never get her nose in front settling for silver with Ledecky getting to the wall first in a time of 8 minutes, 11.04 seconds. I knew it was going to be a tough race. I felt confident but I knew it was going to be tough no matter what all the way to the finish. I have good early speed, and I can come home hard, and I can trust my endurance. I knew I just needed to stay calm through that and really just try to inch my way forward each lap, and I think I did a pretty good job of that, said Ledecky. It marked the fourth consecutive Games Ledecky has won the 800m free, and she joins compatriot Michael Phelps as the only swimmers to win gold in four different Olympics. Given that Michaels the only one thats ever done that, I think that just shows how difficult that is. Especially in the 800. Its just a lot of miles, said Ledecky. The 800m was the final event on Ledeckys Paris card and she returns home having added two golds, a silver and a bronze, bringing her Olympic stockpile to 14 medals in all with more possible. The 27-year-old admitted that a home Olympics in Los Angeles in four years time intrigues her but she was not ready to commit to being there. Id love to. Well see, I mean, its not easy. Again, Ill take it year by year, and well see, give it everything Ive got for as long as I have left in me, said Ledecky. Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 8 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results. Trouble is rearing its head again in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. That this occurs after a long period of peace in the area, particularly the usually untouched areas in Jammu, is cause not just for alarm, but also for some hard thinking about practical solutions for India. Its not just that Assembly elections are due, but the Chinese border is also volatile. As Rawalpindi well knows, that puts India in a rather difficult position. Situation on the ground The data available needs to be seen in perspective. First, while the army generally considers this period infiltration season, given that passes will soon close for winter, the facts indicate that infiltration has occurred in multiple areas, including across the international border through Punjab and Nepal. In other words, its multi-pronged. Infiltration through Nepal has been observed before, but not through Punjab. This likely means another network is active. Second, this buildup has been happening for some time. Recall that two officers and a police officer were killed in Anantnag in September of last year, and that incidents have escalated since then. Third, there is the now-accepted theory that these infiltrators are irregulars, meaning individuals well-versed in combat and possibly accompanied by a regular Pakistan army component, either retired or serving. This is evident from their strategy of striking security forces, retreating, and then reemerging elsewhere to strike again, not to mention the abundance of seized weapons, including US and Austrian assault rifles. Their arsenal suggests a well-stocked inventory. Fourth, areas in Jammu are, for the first time in recent years, witnessing local support. This implies significant financial backing and the exploitation of local discontent. In summary, this is an organised military operation, characterised by excellent intelligence and a commitment to a protracted campaign. The Indian Army knows its stuff Given these realities, simply calling for better intelligence gathering is ineffective. The problem is that it requires significantly more manpower, and a lot of it. In simple terms, the AOR (area of responsibility) of each unit expands when there is a drawdown, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the surveillance and intelligence grid. In theory, the use of drones could reduce the need for large troop numbers, but these areas are heavily forested, rendering drones virtually useless. Technical intelligence gathering, particularly listening capabilities, has also become problematic. Terrorists are increasingly using Ultra Sets, which importantly bypass mobile towers. Traditionally, counterterrorism efforts have relied on tracking which mobile towers become active, indicating potential infiltration routes and groups. The Ultra Sets circumvent this system by communicating directly with a control station across the border via Chinese satellites and a master server in Pakistan. These sets, incidentally of Chinese origin and custom-made for the Pakistan Army, add another layer of complexity. Its worth noting that troops were moved out of quiet areas in the two Union Territories to man the Line of Actual Control with China. While this is not definitive proof of collusion, it presents a serious issue that needs addressing. This situation is a significant concern that the army must consider as it repositions and redeploys its forces. What to do (and proactive is not enough) Given the grim reality that India has faced this situation for over a decade, the question arises: is it time for decisive action? Should India consider a cross-border raid, utilising land, air, or combined forces? While comparing casualties is tragiceach life is precioussome perspective is necessary. Comparing present figures to 2005 is misleading. That year saw a drastic reduction in terrorism-related deaths, with 15 security force personnel killed compared to upwards of 300 annually in previous years. However, casualties have now risen back to similar levels, although civilian casualties have halved. Given this reality, how should India proceed? The most apparent option is to withdraw from the Ceasefire Agreement negotiated in February 2021. However, recall that this was done after the abrogation of Article 370, and after the Galwan clash. At that time, Pakistans army chief, General Bajwa, agreed to the ceasefire and, crucially, upheld it despite the fact that there were some 600 firing incidents just before the agreement. In other words, the Pakistan Army decided to play ball at a time when Pakistan was facing the worst ever terrorist situation that began that year, coinciding with Indias confrontation in Galwan. Significantly, the Pakistan Army honoured the agreement for nearly three years. However, the current Army Chief, General Asim Munir, appears to have adopted a different stance. This shift in policy may stem from his focus on a new operation, Azm e Istekham, in parts of the tribal areas. While General Bajwa might have sought an understanding with India, General Munir seems to believe that India will exploit the armys preoccupation with this operation. Given the pre-election rhetoric here, he may have his reasons. The Balakot option Another option is a Balakot-style airstrike. This tactic was employed in response to one of the worst terrorist attacks on Indian security forces, which resulted in the deaths of 40 personnel. It was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, and thereafter India retaliated by attacking a (long known) camp of Jaish. That Pakistan would retaliate was expected, but it caused no significant damage, opting instead to target uninhabited areas. In short, Pakistan chose not to escalate, and neither did India. In subsequent years, India threatened Pakistan with missile strikes, communicating this message through the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While Pakistan would likely have retaliated, the threat ultimately led to the release of a captured Indian pilot. Given that the current aggression bears the clear hallmark of the Pakistan armyevidenced by a recent attack involving a Border Action Team (BAT) alongside terroristsa targeted strike on a Pakistani military camp could be considered. However, it must be clearly understood that Islamabad will almost certainly retaliate, as it must to ensure its survival. As in previous instances, this intention would need to be communicated to the US and other relevant actors. While such actions are technically illegal under international law, India possesses the inherent right to self-defence under those same laws. Another, less drastic option involves utilising Special Forces for cross-border operations. However, the critical question remains: will any of these actions achieve Indias ultimate objectivepeace along the Line of Control (LoC)? While they might provide temporary respite, the possibility of another Galwan-like confrontation remains a significant concern. Munirs musings? The key is to understand why Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Munir has chosen this course of action. His decisions so far suggest a high tolerance for risk and a complete indifference to casualties among his own people. It is a fact that he has the backing of China, as evidenced by the frequent visits of Pakistani army contingents to Beijing and other locations. It is also well-established that Pakistan is financially dependent on China. While it is possible that China is exerting pressure on Pakistan to keep India engaged, there is one reservation: Pakistan has not yet fully committed to this approach. The country values its limited resources too highly. A second possibility is that Pakistan aims to disrupt the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. While Islamabad allowed general elections to proceed smoothly, local elections, potentially viewed as an endorsement of Article 370s abrogation, are a different matter. While India could counter with robust psychological operations (psyops), operational successes are crucial to inspiring confidence. A population witnessing attacks on their own soldiers is less likely to participate in elections. A third possibility is that COAS Munir genuinely believes India is acting deceptively in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Accusations of Indian backing for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been growing, even as casualties among the Pakistani Army surge. Pointing out that Pakistan created the TTP from its own resources is futile. The only solution is to initiate discreet talks with the Pakistani Army, facilitated by an institution connected to the Indian Army. Regardless of what the bureaucrats think, these are institutions that speak the same language. Its worth trying. Although the Indian Army does not have the same decision-making power that the Pakistani Army enjoys, (or is saddled with), it is the army that is fighting this battle and its the army therefore that needs to know the truth, however ugly. The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. When it comes to turning up the heat, Shama Sikander knows exactly how to do it. In one striking image, she flaunted her curves in a leopard-printed monokini, looking incredibly hot and effortlessly stylish. (Image: shamasikander/Instagram) Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati said her party, the BSP, does not agree with the Supreme Court verdict allowing sub-classification of scheduled castes and tribes. She said this is because the atrocities faced by these communities were equal and as a group. The sub-classification of people within scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) has been permitted, our party doesnt agree with it at all, Mayawati said while addressing a press conference. Because the atrocities faced by the people of SCs and STs have been faced as a group and this group is equal in which it would not be right to do any kind of sub-classification, she said. The BSP chief said while this is an important verdict regarding reservation, her party is dissatisfied with it. A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, on August 1, gave an important verdict regarding the reservation of SC and ST. Sub-classification of SC and ST has been recognised in this verdict of the Supreme Court, among other things, with which our party expresses its dissatisfaction, she said. She further said in this regard (Devinder Singh vs the State of Punjab), state governments will be able to create new lists of reserved classes in the name of sub-classification that will give rise to new issues. The Supreme Court, via this verdict, has overturned its 20-year-old verdict given in 2004 by a five-judge bench in the EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh, which did not allow the classification of the SC/ST. It had also cleared the air around the sub-classification of SC and ST she added. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court held that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the SCs, which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation to uplift castes that are socially and educationally more backward. We have appealed to the honourable Supreme Court to reconsider its decision, otherwise if the reservation facility given by the most revered Baba Saheb to make crores of Dalits and tribals stand on their feet in this country is abolished, it will become very difficult, she said. She also said those who say SC/STs have become economically strong, only 10 or 11 per cent of the people must have become strong as the condition of the rest 90 per cent is poor. With this decision of the Supreme Court, about 90 per cent of the people who need reservation will be left far behind. If they are removed according to this decision, it will be very bad. Mayawati targeted the ruling party and the Congress. The Centre and the BJP, who say that they are the supporters of the SC/ST community, should advocate for them properly which they did not. The Congress also adopted a vague attitude on the matter, she said, adding, in such a situation, we have to tell the BJP government at the Centre that if your intention is clear then whatever decision has come, you people should amend the Constitution in Parliament and bring it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Raising questions on the intentions of political parties, she said, I do not accept the decision taken by the Supreme Court because Parliament also has the right to overturn it. If they do not overturn it, then whether it is the Congress, the BJP, or other parties, their intentions are not clear in the matter of reservation for SCs, STs and OBC. Calling the Supreme Courts judgment vague, she said the court has not yet set any standard. In a way, under the guise of this, the state governments will make the reservation that SC/STs have been getting till now, ineffective. People will not get the benefit of it. The reservation that SC/STs have got is on the basis of equalising educational, social and economic disparity. The social perspective has not changed regarding them, so it is important for them to get reservation, she added. (With PTI inputs) In August 2024, several high-end smartphones, such as the POCO M6 Plus 5G, Vivo V40 series, and Google Pixel 9 series, would go on sale in India. But July has also been a thrilling month for fans of smartphones, since many flagship models from brands like Motorola, Samsung and OnePlus among others were announced. The best thing is that these phones range from low-cost alternatives to high-end, catering to a variety of users. Smartphones Launched In India July 2024 OnePlus Nord 4 The OnePlus Nord 4 is officially for sale in India. The phone features an aluminium unibody design reminiscent of the OnePlus 3 series. The Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 system-on-chip (SoC) powers the smartphone, which has up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM. The Nord 4 has media editing capabilities including AI Best Face, AI Eraser, and more. Aside from media editing features, the OnePlus Nord 4 and Pad 2 will provide productivity-related AI functions such as AI Speak, AI Summarise, AI Writer, and others. The starting price of the OnePlus Nord 4 in India is Rs. 32,998. Nothing Phone 2a Plus The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has been launched in India as a beefier version of the Phone (2a). It is the first phone to include the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC. The new Nothing phone also has an improved front camera, faster charging, and a performance improvement over the Phone (2a). It retains the same Glyph Interface as the Phone (2a). The Phone (2a) includes a 32MP front-facing camera and 45W rapid charging. It is said to provide a 10% performance gain over the Phone (2a). It is also equipped with ChatGPT and a new AI News Reporter widget. This AI widget offers tailored news in eight different genres. The base variant of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus costs Rs 27,999 and has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. CMF Phone 1 CMF by Nothing makes its smartphone debut with the CMF Phone 1, the first model in the portfolio. The latest smartphone from the Nothing sub-brand is priced at Rs 15,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model, and Rs 17,999 for the top-end 8GB RAM + 128GB variant. The handset has modest features such as a Dimensity 7300 SoC, a Super AMOLED display, a reasonable set of cameras, and others. Using the microSD card slot the phones storage is expandable. The CMF Phone 1 packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W rapid charging. It runs on Nothing OS 2.5, which is based on Android 14, with 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security fixes promised. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra The flip-style foldable smartphone has a full-sized cover display and support for Google Gemini assistant, allowing for easy access without having to unfold the device. Other major improvements include a dual-camera system with a 2x zoom telephoto lens and a main wide-angle sensor, as well as an IPX8 water resistance rating. In India, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is priced at Rs 99,999 for 12GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. The foldable phone comes with Moto Buds Plus earphones. Google Gemini powers the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra's artificial intelligence features. These include Magic Eraser, which allows users to erase undesired objects from images; Photo Unblur, which sharpens images; and Portrait Light, which improves lighting and background for better portrait photographs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung revealed the two foldables with support for the Galaxy AI capabilities, as well as Google's Circle to Search and Gemini AI chatbot. They are outfitted with a unique Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at around Rs. 1,58,600 for the base model, which has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, on the other hand, comes in a 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage option that costs around Rs. 91,800. Samsung has consistently introduced new privacy and security features for its phones and tablets. Building on established safeguards such as Knox, Samsung Pass and Secure Folder, Samsung has now announced significant upgrades to its Galaxy device security platform. The company is adding two new features: Quick Share Private Sharing and Samsung Cloud Enhanced Data Protection. These enhancements aim to provide Galaxy smartphone and tablet users with greater control over their data stored in the Samsung Cloud and bolster its security. Quick Share Private Sharing Quick Share Private Sharing is a new mode introduced within Samsungs Quick Share feature, designed to enable secure file sharing among Samsung devices. This mode allows users to set expiration timers for shared files, ensuring that the files become inaccessible once the timer expires. Additionally, users can restrict access by specifying who can view and access the shared files. Importantly, these settings can be adjusted at any time to maintain control over file visibility. Moreover, files shared through Quick Share Private Sharing are viewable only in read-only format by the recipient, preventing further sharing. Samsung also asserts that screenshots are blocked to maintain privacy, and the files are secured with blockchain-based encryption technology to ensure robust protection. After choosing Quick Share while sharing files, users can turn on the feature by clicking the three-dot button on the top right corner of the screen. Once this mode is on, users can share up to 20 files and a maximum limit of 200 MB. However, it is worth noting that this feature only works between Samsung devices. Moreover, this feature is limited to images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .webp, .heic, .dng), audio files (.mp3, .wav, .ogg, and .m4a), videos (.mp4, .mkv, .webm, 3gp, and .3g2) and documents (.pdf and .txt). Samsung Cloud Enhanced Data Protection Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has introduced the Enhanced Data Protection feature for Samsung Cloud. The new feature offers end-to-end encryption for all synced data and backups, meaning that data stored in your Samsung Cloud account can only be decrypted on the original Samsung device. This improvement provides robust security even if the server storing the data is compromised. Users can access this feature by navigating to their device settings, followed by the security and privacy options. Then, users need to click on more security settings and enhanced data protection. Once done, turn on the toggles for Encrypt Backup Data and Encrypt Synced Data. When you activate this feature, you will receive a recovery code for regaining access to your Samsung account if needed. Every country has its own rule to prohibit drivers from using the parking space for prolonged periods as per their convenience. But these rules, if not designed well, can cost individuals a hefty amount of money. The case in point involves a woman named Hannah Robinson who has been allegedly slapped with penalties costing nearly 11,000 pounds (around Rs 11 lakh) for a ridiculous five-minute rule. Hannah Robinson hails from Darlington, County Durham. She regularly used the car parking at the Feethams Leisure Centre while she was working nearby. The woman, as she informed the BBC in an interaction, had paid for a ticket every time while parking the car. However, due to poor internet connection in the car park, it used to take more than five minutes for the transaction to complete. She shared, Its ridiculous. I paid for it. Ive been trying for the full five minutes. They just dont care, adding that the whole situation had been upsetting and the operators did not want to talk to her about the issue. Ive done absolutely everything I can to get in touch with them. All this just to park my car to come to work, continued Hannah. UKs Excel Parking Services introduced the rule sometime back wherein people must buy tickets within five minutes of arrival to prevent drivers from using the car park as a pickup point from the nearby cinema and hotel without paying the authority. The car park has several ANPR cameras, monitoring the arrival and departure times of the cars. Since 2021, Hannah Robinson has been slapped with 67 fines of nearly 170 pounds (Rs 18,000) each. In the conversation with the media house, she even admitted that the new five-minute rule is hitting hard on drivers who pay for the car park legitimately. The woman further shared that despite adhering to the parking requirements, she is being charged a huge amount. Darlington MP Lola McEvoy called for an urgent meeting with car park operator Excel Parking Services following the incident. She said, Ive written to Excel Parking and told them I want them to come to Parliament and meet with me and tell me to my face why they think its acceptable to treat people like this. In response, the spokesperson of the parking space alleged that a large percentage of motorists do not pay. ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government issued a formal warning on Sunday regarding an impending healthcare crisis, as a severe reduction in international funding threatens the closure of key medical facilities nationwide. The imminent closure of more than 1,000 key health facilities due to declining international funding could potentially endanger the lives of 500,000 women in the war-ravaged Arab country, according to an official statement released by the state-run Saba news agency. Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak on Sunday convened a high-level government meeting in Aden, the country's southern port city, to address the crisis. During the meeting, he called for the formation of a government committee to develop a strategic plan for assessing the health sector's needs and identifying necessary international interventions. He also urged international and regional partners to renew their "vital and continuous support" for health services to avert a potential humanitarian disaster. According to a report presented by Yemeni Minister of Public Health and Population Qasim Buhaibeh during the meeting, the funding shortfall threatens to deprive 600,000 children of essential vaccination and healthcare services, while weakening the country's ability to combat epidemic outbreaks. Across Yemen, 46 percent of health facilities are only partially functioning or completely out of service due to shortages of staff, funds, electricity, medicines, and equipment, according to the World Health Organization. Far-right protests are set to take place in the British cities of Middlesbrough, Lancaster, Bolton, and Weymouth on Sunday, following a knife rampage in Southport that triggered nationwide protests. Violent disorder swept the UK this week, injuring police and damaging property in the most widespread rioting in the country for 13 years, following the murder of three young girls in northwest England. The demonstrations in Middlesbrough are set to begin at 6:30 pm (IST). The riots on Saturday, involving hundreds of anti-immigration protesters, erupted in towns and cities after false information spread rapidly on social media that the suspect in Mondays knife attack at a childrens dance class in Southport was a radical Muslim migrant, according to British media reports. Liverpool, Bristol, Hull and Belfast Police have said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Britain, but protests by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrators have continued, descending into violence, arson and looting. Violent disorder erupted in Liverpool, Bristol, Hull and Belfast four cities located in different corners of the UK with scuffles breaking out and bricks and bottles thrown as anti-immigration protesters faced groups opposed to racism. Many police officers suffered injuries as they tried to keep several hundred rival protesters largely young men who were chanting slogans from clashing. In Liverpool, two officers were in hospital with suspected facial fractures while another was pushed from his motorbike and assaulted in the disorder involving some 750 protesters and a similar number of rival protesters, Merseyside Police, the force overseeing the northwestern city, said. At least two shops in Liverpool were vandalised and looted, police added. Anti-immigration groups Similar scenes were witnessed in the southwestern city of Bristol although anti-racist protesters outnumbered anti-immigration groups, with TV footage showing them facing off with police in riot gear. In Belfast, some businesses reported damage to property while at least one was set on fire. I have no reason why they attacked us, said Rahmi Akyol, standing outside the shattered glass doors of his cafe in Belfast, which he said was attacked by dozens of people with bottles and chairs. Ive lived here 35 years. My kids, my wife is from here. I dont know what to say, its terrible, he said. Across Britain, police have arrested dozens of individuals for offences ranging from violent disorder to burglary and criminal damage. Extra police have been deployed across cities while mosques across the country have been advised to strengthen security. (With agency inputs) The high-profile assassination of the top Hamas leader has raised fears of a regional clash and jeopardised peace talks aimed at ending the Gaza war. The killing of Ismail Haniyeh has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran accusing the United States of complicity and vowing revenge against Israel. According to a report by the UK-based newspaper, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad hired Iranian security agents to plant explosives in a Tehran guesthouse where Haniyeh was staying. This is not an isolated incident. This covert Israeli operation adds to a long list of such missions, including explosions in underground nuclear facilities, cyber attacks, and the poisoning of top scientists. Israels Shadow Wars The assassination of Haniyeh is similar to past events, such as the 1978 killing of Wadie Haddad, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Haddad was a key figure in the Israel-Palestine conflict, known for orchestrating the 1976 hijacking of an Air France plane during the infamous Entebbe operation. The Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, wanted revenge for the Entebbe Hijacking. Wadie Haddad, the mastermind behind the hijacking, was their top target. After gaining international recognition, Wadie Haddad became a priority on Mossads kill list. To avoid a messy execution, the Israeli spy agency chose a quiet method and assigned the mission to an agent known as Agent Sadness, who had access to Haddads home and office. Agent Sadness On January 10, 1978, Agent Sadness replaced Haddads regular toothpaste with a specially prepared toxic version. The toxin, developed at the Israel Institute for Biological Research, would go on to penetrate Haddads mucous membranes and gradually build up to a fatal dose. Each time Haddad brushed his teeth, a minute quantity of the deadly toxin penetrated the mucous membranes in his mouth, wrote Ronen Bergman, Yediot Aharonots senior military correspondent, according to the Jerusalem Post. By mid-January, Wadie Haddad fell gravely ill in Baghdad. His symptoms were severe, consisting of abdominal spasms, loss of appetite and rapid weight loss of over 25 pounds. Despite treatment by top Iraqi doctors, his condition continued to deteriorate and he was diagnosed with hepatitis, then a severe cold. Even powerful antibiotics had no effect. His hair started falling out, raising suspicions of poisoning. Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, sought help from the East German Secret Service, the Stasi. Rat poison or thallium poisoning? The Stasi airlifted Wadie Haddad to East Berlin and admitted him to a secret hospital under the alias Ahmed Doukli. Doctors tested him extensively, but they could not determine the cause of his illness. They suspected either rat poison or thallium poisoning, without conclusive evidence. Wadie Haddads condition continued to deteriorate, with serious haemorrhaging and a dropping platelet count. Doctors sedated him and kept him in the hospital for ten agonising days, but they could not save him. He died on March 29, 1978. An autopsy conducted by Professor Otto Prokop concluded that Wadie Haddad died from brain bleeding and pneumonia caused by panmyelopathy. However, the precise cause of the poisoning remained unclear for years. It took nearly three decades for the truth about Haddads assassination to come out. Israel-Iran Conflict LIVE: Saudi Urges Its Citizens to Leave Lebanon 'Immediately' Saudi Arabia on Sunday called on its citizens to leave Lebanon without delay, as regional tensions soar following high-profile killings in Tehran and Beirut blamed on Israel amid the Gaza war. The Saudi embassy in Beirut said in a statement posted on social media platform X that it was following closely the developments in south Lebanon, near the border with Israel, and reiterating its call for Saudi nationals to leave Lebanons territory immediately. Two Dead in Israel Stabbing, Assailant Killed, Says Medics Two people were killed and two others wounded in a stabbing attack near Tel Aviv Sunday, Israeli medics said, with police reporting a Palestinian suspect was neutralised and later died in hospital. The Magen David Adom emergency service said in a statement that the terrorist attack took place in several locations in Holon, a southern suburb of Israels commercial hub of Tel Aviv. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Foreign Citizens Urged to Leave Lebanon As Soon As Possible as Regional Tensions Spike The US, UK and France are among several countries urging their citizens to leave Lebanon as heightened tensions in the region spark fears of a widening Middle East conflict. The US Embassy in Lebanon called on citizens to book any ticket available to them. Britains Foreign Secretary David Lammy said his message for British citizens was leave now. The region is on high alert after Iran vowed revenge on Israel, who it blames for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the capital Tehran earlier this week. Haniyehs death came just hours after an Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital Beirut killed Hezbollahs most senior military commander, Fuad Shukr. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Jordan's Top Diplomat to Make Rare Visit to Iran as Regional Tensions Soar Jordans foreign minister is expected in Iran on Sunday, as the United States and its Arab allies try to prevent a wider war after the back-to-back killings of top Iran-allied militants sparked vows of revenge against Israel. Ayman Safadi would be the first senior Jordanian official to pay an official visit to Iran in over 20 years. Jordan is a close Western ally and helped intercept scores of missiles and drones fired by Iran toward Israel in April. Iran said it was retaliating for the killing of its generals in an Israeli strike in Syria. Israeli Airstrike Hits Power Station In Southern Lebanese Town Of Taybeh Lebanese media report that an Israeli airstrike targeted a power station at a water utility site in the southern Lebanese town of Taybeh earlier today. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet commented on the incident, The Times of Israel reported. Protesters Rally In Sydney Against Israel's Targeted Killings And Gaza War Hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators marched through the streets of Sydney, Australia, condemning the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protesters, many waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs featuring Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran last week, expressed their outrage over Israels actions. The rally, which took place in Sydneys busy central business district, highlighted the global backlash against Israels targeted killings of the terror group leaders, according to The Times Of Israel. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Two Dead In Israel Stabbing, Assailant Killed Two people were killed Sunday and two others wounded in a stabbing attack near Tel Aviv, Israeli medics said, with police reporting a Palestinian suspect was neutralised and later died in hospital. The Magen David Adom emergency service said in a statement that the terrorist attack took place in several locations in Holon, a southern suburb of Israels commercial hub of Tel Aviv. Jordan's Foreign Minister To Hold Talks In Iran Amid Increased Tensions In Middle East Jordans Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will visit Iran on Sunday for talks with his Iranian counterpart amid heightened regional tensions after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, the Iranian Student News Agency reported. 'As Early As Tomorrow': US And Israeli Officials Warn Of Potential Iranian Attack Officials in Washington and Jerusalem are bracing for a potential Iranian attack on Israel as early as tomorrow, according to the Axios news site. General Michael Kurilla, head of the U.S. Central Command, arrived in the Middle East on a planned trip that coincides with defense preparations for a possible Iranian strike. The situation remains tense as both U.S. and Israeli military officials assess the implications of these high-profile killings. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: France Calls On Citizens In Lebanon To Leave 'As Soon As Possible' France on Sunday called on its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible amid fears of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a broader regional conflict. In a highly volatile security context, we once again call the attention of French nationals, particularly those passing through, to the fact that direct commercial flights and ones with stopovers to France are still available, and we invite them to make their arrangements now to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, the foreign ministry said in its travel advice notice for Lebanon. Central Israel Residents Report GPS Disruptions Amid Fears of Imminent Iranian Strike Residents of central Israel, including the city of Tel Aviv, have reported widespread disruptions to navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, with some motorists being shown as located in Beirut instead of their actual position. As per Israeli media reports, these GPS malfunctions have raised concerns about a potential Iranian attack, as Israel braces for retaliation following the recent killings of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. One Dead, Three Injured In Suspected Terror Stabbing Attack In Israel's Holon A woman in her 70s has died, and three others have been injured in a suspected terror stabbing attack in Holon, according to medics. According to The Times of Israel, the attack occurred at two separate locations in the city. Among the injured, a man in his 70s is in critical condition, while another man, aged 68, is listed as serious. A 26-year-old victim is in moderate condition. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: France Invites Its Citizens To Leave Lebanon Due To Military Risks France has invited French citizens in Lebanon to leave the country due to a risk of military escalation in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said on Sunday in a travel advisory. The French foreign ministry reiterated that it advised French citizens against travelling to Lebanon. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Suspected Terror Attack In Holon Leaves 4 Injured In Stabbing Spree At least four people were wounded in a suspected terror stabbing attack in Holon, according to Magen David Adom, Israels emergency medical service. The incident occurred at two different locations within the city, according to The Times Of Israel. Two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition, while the other two are listed as moderate-to-serious. The assailant was shot and neutralized by security forces at the scene. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Hezbollah Fired Some 30 Rockets In Overnight Barrage Hezbollah launched around 30 rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel late Saturday night, the Israel Defense Forces announced, after the terror group claimed responsibility for the barrage shortly after midnight. The Israeli military stated that air defense systems intercepted most of the rockets, though one struck near Beit Hillel and several landed in open areas. No injuries were reported. In response, Israeli Air Force jets attacked the rocket launcher in the Marjaayoun area of southern Lebanon, along with other nearby terrorist infrastructure, according to the IDF statement. The military also eliminated a threat in the Odaisseh area using artillery fire. Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates: Netanyahu Reportedly Offers Defense Portfolio to FM Katz Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly expressed interest in replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, checking with Foreign Minister Israel Katz to see if he would be interested in the defense portfolio. According to the Israel Hayom daily, which cited unnamed sources within the ruling Likud party, the overtures were made both directly and through associates over the past two weeks. However, Katz declined the offer, stating he is not interested in leaving his current position. Israel And Allies Mobilise Under 'Abraham Alliance' As Fears Of Iranian Retaliation Grow Israeli defence officials are actively coordinating with the United States and the United Kingdom in anticipation of a potential strike by Iran, similar to an attack thwarted by the countrys top allies earlier in April. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned the coordinated defence from April in a controversial speech to a joint session of the US Congress last month, suggesting it could serve as a model for a NATO-like alliance he called the Abraham Alliance. Read full Article Opinion | Hamas Chief Haniyehs Assassination: Early Signs of a More Volatile West Asia? On July 31, leaders from around the world gathered in Tehran for the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Among them was Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas and one of its most senior leaders. He was assassinated in Tehran. Irans Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyehs death hours after he attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new president and stated that an investigation was underway, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Read full Article Biden Warns Netanyahu: Haniyeh's Assassination Could Hinder Ceasefire Deal US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran was poorly timed and could prevent a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release, The Times Of Israel reported, citing a US official. During an intense phone call on Thursday, Biden argued the operation, which came just as the US anticipated reaching a resolution in the negotiations, could ignite a broader regional conflict, the official said. Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel was hindering a ceasefire agreement. While acknowledging Haniyehs death as the primary negotiator would temporarily stall progress, Netanyahu maintained he was not obstructing a deal, contending it would ultimately expedite the agreement by increasing pressure on Hamas. Israeli defence officials are actively coordinating with the United States and the United Kingdom in anticipation of a potential strike by Iran, similar to an attack thwarted by the countrys top allies earlier in April. This comes as Iran has threatened retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh amid the ongoing war in Gaza that is on the verge of escalation in the wider Middle East region. READ MORE: Israel-Iran Conflict LIVE Updates: Fears Of War Grow After Hamas Chief Haniyehs Killing, Hezbollah Fires Dozens Of Rockets Abraham Alliance Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned the coordinated defence from April in a controversial speech to a joint session of the US Congress, suggesting it could serve as a model for a NATO-like alliance he called the Abraham Alliance. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed on Friday that he spoke with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and UK Defense Secretary John Healey, providing them with a situational assessment amid rising tensions in the Middle East. During a call with Gallant, Austin informed the Israeli minister of additional measures taken by US, including future defensive force posture changes, that the Pentagon will take to support the defence of its ally. Austin highlighted that further escalation is not inevitable and that all countries in the region would benefit from a de-escalation, including through completing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. However, he stressed that the unprecedented scale of US support for Israel since October 7 should leave Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups with no doubt about US resolve. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Minister hosted his UK counterpart Healey this week and discussed the important defence ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening cooperation in several strategic and military areas. The talks between the allies came as Middle East tensions soared Saturday as Iran and its allies readied their response to the assassination of Hamass political leader, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war. This morning, I hosted the UK Secretary of State for Defense, @JohnHealey_MP.We discussed the important defense ties between Israel and the UK, and our shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening cooperation in a number of strategic and military areas. Thank pic.twitter.com/0VclLOaCpp Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 2, 2024 Middle East tensions soar The United States this week said it would move warships and fighter jets to the region, while Western governments called on their citizens to leave Lebanon and airlines cancelled flights. The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, hours after the Israeli assassination of Hezbollahs military chief in Beirut, has triggered vows of vengeance from Iran and the so-called axis of resistance. Iran-backed groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria have already been drawn into the nearly 10-month war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israel on Saturday again traded fire with Hezbollah, carried out a deadly raid in the West Bank, and struck a school compound in Gaza City in an attack that the Hamas-ruled territorys civil defence agency said killed at least 17 people. Haniyeh was buried on Friday in Qatar, where he had been based. Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of carrying out the attack, has not directly commented on it. Iran said on Saturday it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets. The Pentagon said it was bolstering its military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and defend Israel. It said an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln would be deployed, as well as additional ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers and a new fighter squadron. Soon after, Hezbollah announced it had fired dozens of Katyusha rockets at the northern Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel. They said it was in response to an Israeli attack on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in southern Lebanon which, it said, had injured civilians. (With agency inputs) A past argument between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton has shed light on the underlying tensions within the British royal family, according to a newly released book by royal author Rob Jobson. A new biography exploring the life of the Princess of Wales was released this week, titled Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography. The book is described as revelatory and offers fresh insights into her relationship with Prince William and her experiences within the royal family. The biography delves into Kates path to becoming Queen in waiting and covers significant events, including her recent cancer diagnosis. Before its release, the book revealed intriguing details, including the reasons behind the royal couples brief breakup in 2007 and a reported clash between Prince William and King Charles over a helicopter flight with his family. Not close enough The royal confrontation, which also featured in Jobsons book, stemmed from Markles comment about Middletons baby brain during a visit shortly after the Sussexes returned from their honeymoon. The incident reportedly occurred when Markle made comments about Middleton forgetting a wedding detail while pregnant with Prince Louis. In response, Kate confronted Meghan, saying, We are not close enough for you to talk about my hormones, leaving Markle visibly shocked. The tension escalated when Prince William intervened, calling Markle rude and pointing his finger at her. Markle reportedly retorted, Take your finger out of my face, highlighting the friction between the sisters-in-law. Jobsons book reveals that the argument was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of discord between Markle and the royal family. The author noted that Markles disregard for royal hierarchy contributed to her strained relationship with Prince William, further complicating family dynamics. The fallout from the argument has drawn public attention, with many royal watchers speculating about the impact on the familys image. The royal family has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly following the Sussexes departure from royal duties and their candid revelations about life within the monarchy. Despite the tensions, both Markle and Middleton have maintained a public facade of cordiality during official events. However, the resurfacing of these personal disputes raises questions about the stability of their relationships moving forward. Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former US president, will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1. However, its not just reaching the milestone thats on his mind. According to his grandson, Jason Carter, the 99-year-old former president is focused on casting his vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Jason Carter shared that his grandfather, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, is more concerned about the November 5 election than his centennial birthday. Despite his declining health, Carters enthusiasm for the political process remains strong. Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris, Jason quoted his grandfather as saying, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981 and is known for his work as a peanut farmer, is deeply engaged in current political issues, including the war in Gaza. According to the New York Post, his grandson noted that Carters focus is on Harriss candidacy rather than simply reaching his 100th birthday. Carter is expected to cast his ballot shortly after his birthday, with Georgias early voting period starting on October 15. This aligns with his plans to use a mail-in ballot due to his advanced age and health concerns. US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop bullshitting me during their phone conversation on Thursday, an Israeli media report said Saturday. READ MORE: Israel-Iran Conflict LIVE Updates: Middle East War Looms After Hamas Chiefs Killing, Hezbollah Fires Dozens Of Rockets The outburst had come after Netanyahu told Biden that Israel was moving forward with negotiations on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas and would soon send a delegation to resume talks, The Times Of Israel reported, citing Channel 12 news. Ceasefire Talks Stalled? Senior Israeli security officials, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, reportedly warned Netanyahu that his insistence on new terms could jeopardize the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. They claim that Netanyahu is aware that the new conditions he is demandingpart of an updated Israeli proposalwill likely doom the agreement The updated proposal includes a requirement for an inspection mechanism to prevent combatants from moving to the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Those ceasefire talks have been ongoing for many months without results, and Biden has previously said that Netanyahu has been intentionally stalling for internal political reasons. This report comes as Middle East tensions soared Saturday as Iran and its allies readied their response to the assassination of Hamass political leader, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war. READ MORE: Israel Braces for Iranian Revenge as West Asia Sits on Powder Keg with Sparks Flying Everywhere West Asia on The Boil The United States said it would move warships and fighter jets to the region, while Western governments called on their citizens to leave Lebanon where the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement is based and airlines cancelled flights. The killing this week of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, hours after the Israeli assassination of Hezbollahs military chief in Beirut, has triggered vows of vengeance from Iran and the so-called axis of resistance. Iran-backed groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria have already been drawn into the nearly 10-month war between Israel and Hamas. Israel on Saturday again traded fire with Hezbollah, carried out a deadly raid in West Bank, and struck a school compound in Gaza City in an attack that the Hamas-ruled territorys civil defence agency said killed at least 17 people. Several schools turned into displacement shelters have been hit across Gaza in recent weeks, with Israel insisting militants had used the facilities. However, Hamas denied using civilian infrastructure for military activities. Haniyeh was buried on Friday in Qatar, where he had been based. Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran and others of carrying out the attack, has not directly commented on it. READ MORE: US Sends More Warships, Fighter Jets To Middle East To Help Israel Defend Possible Iranian Attack Iran said on Saturday it expects Hezbollah to hit deeper inside Israel and no longer be confined to military targets. The Pentagon said it was bolstering its military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and defend Israel. It said an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln would be deployed, as well as additional ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers and a new fighter squadron. Biden, at his beach home in Delaware, was asked by reporters if he thought Iran would stand down. I hope so, he said. I dont know. (With agency inputs) At least one police official was injured after a massive crowd of anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of a hotel accommodating asylum seekers in UKs Rotherham on Sunday, reported the Sky news. The demonstrators wearing masks smashed the windows, while objects, including pieces of wood and chairs, were thrown at police officers who were lined up in front of Holiday Inn hotel, located on the outskirts of Rotherham in South Yorkshire. The injured cop was carried away by his colleagues. BREAKING: Moment anti-immigration rioters smash through Holiday Inn hotel door in RotherhamRead more: https://t.co/g8sbq9EESC Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/2PPbPVkCVv Sky News (@SkyNews) August 4, 2024 The mob, draped in England and Union Jack flags, gathered outside the hotel chanting anti-migrant slogans. Tensions escalated after the protesters started hurling objects at police officers, forcing them to retreat. After breaking in through a window, the rioters attempted to set the hotel on fire, before blockading the exit with bins. Riot police were able to move them away from the entrance, but the mob moved around the side, throwing rocks and debris at the windows. The protesters then flooded the ground floor of the hotel through the broken windows before setting a fire on the ground floor. Tiffany Lynch, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, told the BBC, Were seeing officers that are being pulled from day-to-day policing. But while thats happening, the communities that are out there that are having incidents against them victims of crime unfortunately, their crimes are not being investigated. The hotel is reported to have been used to house migrants but it is not clear if any remain living there after the previous Conservative administration vowed to close more than one hundred this year. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered the police to take any necessary action to respond to rioters attempting to sow hate after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland hit earlier this week. According to the Skynews, over 100 people have been arrested after riots broke out in the wake of the death of three young girls at a dance studio in Southport. Ukrainian pilots have started flying F-16s for operations within the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday, confirming the long-awaited arrival of the U.S.-made fighter jets more than 29 months since Russias invasion. The Ukrainian leader announced the use of F-16s, which Kyiv has long lobbied for, as he met military pilots at an air base flanked by two of the jets with two more flying overhead. F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country, Zelensky said at a location that authorities asked Reuters not to disclose for security reasons. We are now in a new phase of development for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We have done a lot to transition the Ukrainian Air Force to a new aviation standard Western combat aviation. From the beginning of this war, we have been talking with our partners about pic.twitter.com/z21yTU0Hjo Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2024 The arrival of the jets is a milestone for Ukraine after many months of waiting, though it remains unclear how many are available and how much of an impact they will have in enhancing air defences and on the battlefield. Russia has been targeting bases that may house them and vowed to shoot them down so they will not impact the war. Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16s had been on Ukraines wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability. They are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles. Talking to reporters on the tarmac of an airfield, Zelensky said Ukraine still did not have enough pilots trained to use the F-16s or enough of the jets themselves. The positive thing is that we are expecting additional F-16s many guys are now training, he said. It was important, he said, that Kyivs allies found ways to expand training programmes and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams. NEW AVIATION STANDARD Ukraine has previously relied on an ageing fleet of Soviet-era warplanes that are outgunned by Russias more advanced and far more numerous fleet. Russia has used that edge to conduct regular long-range missile strikes on targets across Ukraine and also to pound Ukrainian front line positions with thousands of guided bombs, supporting its forces that are slowly advancing in the east. This is the new stage of development of the air force of Ukraines armed forces, Zelensky said. We did a lot for Ukrainian forces to transition to a new aviation standard, the Western combat aviation, he added, citing hundreds of meetings and unrelenting diplomacy to obtain the F-16s. We often heard it is impossible as an answer but we still made our ambition, our defensive need, possible, he said. It remains unclear what missiles the jets are equipped with. A longer range of missile would allow them to have a greater battlefield impact, military analysts say. Zelensky said he also hoped to lobby allied neighbouring countries to help intercept Russian missiles being launched at Ukraine through conversations at the Ukraine-NATO Council platform. This is another tool, and I want to try it, so that NATO countries can talk to Ukraine about the possibility of a small coalition of neighbouring countries shooting down enemy missiles, he said. I think this decision is probably difficult for our partners, they are always afraid of excessive escalation but we are fighting that. CAIRO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and 20 others injured on Sunday in a collision involving three vehicles on a highway near Helwan district, south of Cairo, Egypt's state-run Al-Ahram news website reported. The accident began with a collision between a trailer and a pickup truck, which were then struck by a speeding passenger microbus, according to the report. Road accidents claim thousands of lives in Egypt every year, mainly due to speeding, negligence of traffic laws, and poor road maintenance. In recent years, Egypt has upgraded its road network to ease traffic and reduce accidents. Road accident fatalities in Egypt declined from 7,762 in 2022 to 5,861 in 2023, marking a 24.5 percent decrease, Egypt's official statistics agency CAPMAS said in a report in May. Question: How hard would it be to order supplies online to whip up a lucrative batch of fentanyl? Answer: "Astonishingly easy," declares Reuters after some of its reporters did exactly that. More specifically, the journalists shelled out a total of $3,607.18 (mostly in bitcoin) and bought enough chemical "precursors" for $3 million worth of pills. Of course, they didn't actually make any pills and instead safely destroyed the chemicals and materials they purchased. But turning the material into fentanyl "would have required just modest lab skills and a basic grasp of chemistry," the story explains. In fact, one fentanyl maker in Mexicoa man who dropped out of school at age 12spoke of how easily he picked the skill up as a lab apprentice. "It's like making chicken soup," he says. "It's mega-easy making that drug." One problem for regulators is that the chemicals used to make fentanyl are commonly used in legit industries, meaning it's not a simple matter of outlawing them. That's a big reason Reuters' reporters were able to order them with a tap on a phone from Chinese sellers and have them shipped in nondescript boxes to locales in the US and Mexico. The story does not offer a precise how-to on how people can go about this, but it does provide a general overview of the process. The takeaway? "Anyone with a mailbox, an internet connection and digital currency to pay the tab can source these chemicals," reads the story. Check it out in full here. (Or read other longform recaps.) A new law in Louisiana makes it illegal for peoplecitizens and journalists aliketo get within 25 feet of police if ordered to back off. A story by ProPublica and Verite News notes that the state becomes the fourth to enact such a police buffer zone, following the lead of Arizona, Indiana, and Florida. The law went into effect at the start of August, and already it is the subject of a lawsuit from media organizations who say it violates the First Amendment. Supporters of the law disagree, saying modern zoom lenses make getting any closer unnecessary. And "that person can't spit in my face when I'm making an arrest," says state lawmaker Bryan Fontenot, a former police officer who sponsored the legislation. Critics of the new law include news photographer Cherri Foytlin. Zac Efron suffered some kind of medical issue while swimming in Spain that was serious enough to land him in the hospital, reports People. A rep for the 36-year-old actor says he's been released and is doing fine after what the rep characterized as a "minor swimming incident," per Deadline. However, a report at TMZ suggests it was more serious than thatthe outlet says two employees at the villa where he is vacationing in Ibiza saw him in distress and pulled him from the villa's pool. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. The previous transformer was damaged due to the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. The previous transformer was damaged due to the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. The previous transformer was damaged due to the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. The previous transformer was damaged due to the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. The previous transformer was damaged due to the clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com The Minister of Youth Affairs, Her Excellency Rawan bint Najib Tawfiqi, expressed high praise for the youth of the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing them as the young ambassadors for the nations principles and values in regional and international forums. She emphasised their competence and the trust placed in them to showcase the Kingdoms efforts in youth empowerment and skill development. The Minister highlighted the importance of celebrating successful young individuals who contribute to building a bright future for the Kingdom. As the announcement of the participants in the second edition of the Bahraini Youth Ambassadors Program approaches, Tawfiqi reflected on the programs goals. The Ministry of Youth Affairs launched the Bahraini Youth Ambassadors Program with the noble aim of creating a platform for Bahraini youth to develop communication skills with their peers worldwide. The program also aims to represent the Kingdom in various youth forums and conferences while leveraging the energy of youth to highlight Bahrains civilised image, she said. The Minister noted the success of the programs first edition, which saw young ambassadors participating in numerous youth forums and events. Through these engagements, they effectively communicated with their global peers, exchanging experiences, knowledge, and skills. These interactions also provided an opportunity to demonstrate Bahrains strategy in empowering youth and supporting their projects and innovations. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com A heated discussion erupted at a recent consultative meeting organised by the Bahrain Bar Society to gather feedback on the draft of the new Law of Advocacy. The meeting, which lasted over three and a half hours, saw lawyers express strong opposition to several key provisions in the draft law received from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments last week. The President of the Bahrain Bar Society, Salah Al Madfa'a, highlighted the unanimous rejection of Article 41, which allows non-lawyers to establish law firms. This article stipulates that a responsible manager, a registered lawyer, must be appointed, who can also be a partner or director in another law firm. Al Madfa'a also pointed out the lawyers' opposition to allowing non-Bahraini lawyers to practice in certain cases determined by the Minister of Justice. This provision, according to the lawyers, creates unfair competition with foreign companies that previously only offered consulting services and were not allowed to represent clients in court. He argued that the focus should be on supporting Bahraini lawyers, not foreign ones, and that Bahraini lawyers could seek assistance from foreign lawyers in cases involving foreign languages. The lawyers also voiced concern that the draft law failed to address the association's demand for mandatory legal representation in commercial and administrative cases. They believe this is essential to protect rights, ensure stability in the judicial system, and safeguard the interests of lawyers. Moreover, he emphasised that comparative laws do not allow parties to directly file lawsuits, and commercial companies should be represented by legal counsel instead of directly pursuing their rights. While the lawyers unanimously rejected Article 41, which permits non-lawyers to establish law firms, a majority also expressed reservations about Article 24. This article allows non-Bahraini lawyers to practice law in partnership with a Bahraini lawyer licensed before the Court of Appeals and the Constitutional Court. However, the attendees did express support for certain positive aspects of the law, including the provision allowing lawyers to deduct fees directly from recovered amounts with client consent. They also welcomed the criminalisation of assault against lawyers during their work, the introduction of a code of conduct stressing professional and personal ethics, the allowance for fee agreements based on a percentage of the awarded amount, and the criminalisation of impersonating a lawyer. NASA awarded SpaceX a contract for $843 million to make a giant version of the Dragon Spacecraft to de-orbit the Space Station. It will use 47 Draco engines instead of the 16 on the Crew dragon. It will four times the thrust and six times the propellant. If there was ever a mission to move something as heavy as the space station to a higher orbit from low earth orbit then even more propellant would be needed. Three times the engines for four times the thrust indicates a 33% improvement in thrust for each engine. SpaceX and NASA could choose to make larger crew Dragons. The Crew Dragon can hold up to seven people but it currently has only moved up to four astronauts. An orbital or Cis-lunar tug with more engines could be built to transport many dozens of people. The architecture and systems used in Crew Dragon have been designed and tested for higher levels of safety. There have been designs to adapt the Crew Dragon for Mars missions. The SpaceX Starship and Raptor engines are getting bigger and more powerful. CAIRO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed on Sunday in a building collapse in the city of Shebin El-Kom in Menoufia Governorate, northern Egypt, according to a statement by local authorities. Civil protection and ambulance teams were dispatched to the site for rescue and search operations, the statement said. A security cordon was imposed around the area, and adjacent houses were evacuated in preparation for the removal of the rubble. The Governor of Menoufia, Ibrahim Abu Limon, stated that a restoration order had been issued for the building, but the owner did not carry out the necessary work. This led the governorate to issue a removal order, which was also not implemented by the landlord. A man riding an electric scooter on Route 280 in Newark was struck and killed by a car early Sunday, police said. The 32-year-old man was traveling eastbound on the highway just after 4 a.m. when he was struck by a sedan at milepost 13.8 near Branch Brook Park, said Sgt. Charles Marchan, a New Jersey State Police spokesman. E-scooters are not allowed on the highway, Marchan said. The identity of the man was withheld pending notification of his family. DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian health authorities said on Sunday that they have reinforced surveillance at the country's border entry points after cases of mpox (monkeypox), an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus, were reported in neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Englibert Kayombo, acting head of government communications in the Ministry of Health, said teams of health workers have been deployed to the country's border points to step up surveillance against the viral disease. "The health workers are screening people arriving in the country and those departing from the country," Kayombo told Xinhua in an interview. "Until now, we don't have any Tanzanian diagnosed with mpox." He also said since Tanzania is not an island, contingency plans have been put in place in case anyone is diagnosed with the disease. The East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc, on Monday called on its eight member states to educate their citizens on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of mpox. The alert followed reports from the World Health Organization that Burundi and the DRC, both members of the EAC, were experiencing an outbreak of the viral mpox disease. Reports also indicated that Kenya recently confirmed its first mpox case at the Taita-Taveta border point. The virus was detected in a long-distance truck driver traveling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya. The mpox virus spreads from animals to humans and is transmitted between people through close contact, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets. Mpox symptoms include skin rash or lesions, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, typically lasting two to four weeks. Ice Spice is on her way to perform now one but two shows in New York City. The rapper set to perform two shows in New York City on Aug. 6-7, and fans cannot be more excited. Here is how you can get your hands on these last-minute tickets. How to get cheap, last-minute Ice Spice tickets Currently, the cheapest ticket we could find for one of Ice Spices New York City shows, before fees, is $44 on Vivid Seats. Tickets are more expensive on Ticketmaster and StubHub, with ticket prices starting at $69. You can also check out other secondary sites, such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, TicketCity, and SeatGeek, to find cheaper tickets than what Ticketmaster is currently offering. The cheapest ticket between all four of those secondary sites is $44. Ice Spice Tour 2024: Dates, schedule & more Ice Spice kicked off the Y2K! World Tour on July 5th for the European leg of the tour and it will wrap up on Aug. 31 in Miami Beach. Special guests RIOTUSA and Cash Cobain will join as the openers for all North American tour dates. The tour includes 25 dates across Europe and North America. A complete list of Ice Spices tour dates is available here. The tour will be in support of the rappers debut album Y2K!, which was just released on July 26, 2024, by Capitol Records and is the artists debut studio album. Upcoming 2024 rap tours Ice Spice is not the only rapper heading out on tour in 2024. Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion and Childish Gambino. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A New Jersey lottery scratch-off ticket worth $1 million was recently sold at a Wawa at the Jersey Shore. The Diamond Spectacular ticket was sold July 21 at the Wawa on the 300 block of Spruce Avenue in North Wildwood, according to the New Jersey Lottery. Angelo Onofri walked into the Mercer County Prosecutors Office over 27 years ago with an offer to be an assistant prosecutor basically an entry-level job. He retired this week after a career in the office, and the last nine years as the prosecutor. An Edison man has been charged with stabbing an acquaintance multiple times with a pocket knife during a dispute early Saturday in South Brunswick, police said. Dante Wright, 24, faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Police were called to James Avenue at 1:19 a.m. Saturday and found a man with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to the hospital and remains in stable condition, South Brunswick police said. Wright was at the scene and taken into custody, police said. The nature of the dispute between the two men was not disclosed. He was taken to the Middlesex County jail pending a detention hearing. Anyone with information about the incident may call Detective Sgt. Timothy Hoover at 732-329-4000, ext. 7496. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A five-alarm fire that ripped through an apartment building in Passaic on Saturday left dozens of people without a home and sent two firefighters to the hospital for heat exhaustion, officials said. The fire that broke out just after 1 p.m. on School Street damaged two adjacent buildings and left an estimated 80 people with nowhere to live, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said. Firefighters from Clifton, Paterson, Wallington, Garfield and East Rutherford rushed to the scene as the blaze went to five alarms, Lora said. You can count the ways the past week has been a horrible, terrible, very bad week for Donald Trump and his presidential campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris: 10. Nephew Fred Trump III published a new book that recounts anecdotes of how Donald Trump pilfered Fred and Mary Trumps inheritance, robbing millions that could have gone to the care of Freds severely diasble child, whom Donald once suggested would be better off dead. 9. Vice presidential running mate JD Vances cat ladies comments and many other remarks preaching to those who dont have children and devaluing their patriotism and contributions to society draw widespread condemnation. Already there are rumors that Trump wants to dump Vance. 8. Trump alienated Jews by calling Harris husband, Doug Emhoff, a crappy Jew. 7. White Dudes for Harris has targeted MAGAs top demographic (white males) while raising more than $4M. This, after Black men and women already have held Zoom calls and raised tens of millions. When White Dudes for Harris Twitter/X account was briefly suspended, many on social media believed owner Elon Musk, a Trump backer, had a hand in it. The backlash likely led to the quick reinstatement. 6. As Trump tried to distance himself from Project 2025, it was revealed that Vance wrote the foreword for a Project 2025 book. 5. President Joe Biden negotiated the historic release of U.S. hostages after Trump insisted Russian president Vladimir Putin would release them only to him after Trump was re-elected. 4. Harris Say it to my face debate challenge went viral, especially as Trump backs out of an agreed-upon debate and demands that Fox News host any future debate. Social media is ablaze with chicken memes. 3. Harris fund-raising haul surpassed $300 million in the two weeks she has been in the race, while Trump has flailed to find a criticize that will stick. 2. Trump went full-on racist in an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists, and analysts suggest he will only get worse as his polls weaken. 1. Nearly every new poll signals that Trumps campaign is unraveling. And now this: In a new CBS News poll, almost half of the respondents say Trump, 78, doesnt have the mental and cognitive health to serve as president. Harris, 59, is polling 13 points better on this basic question of competence. Seems notable that nearly half of Americans think that Trump doesn't have the mental and cognitive health to serve as President. pic.twitter.com/cKBcBwu0ze Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) August 4, 2024 Cognitive health, of course, was a major issue with voters for Biden before he decided to step aside. But this isnt the only area where Harris is dominating or making up ground. Recent polling indicated that Harris boosted by more enthusiastic Democrats, younger and Black voters, and by women who believe shell favor their interests more Harris has reset the 2024 presidential race. She has a one-point edge nationally something Biden, who trailed by five points when he left the race, never enjoyed. In addition, Harris and Trump are tied across the battleground states. According to the CBS poll, the percentage of Democrats who say theyll definitely vote has risen to its highest point this year, 88%. Also, a higher numbers of Black voters say theyll vote, 74%. In short, nearly every aspect of recent polling favors Harris. It could get worse. On Saturday night, Trump criticized George Gov. Brian Kemp for not helping Trump try to steal the 2020 election, and former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan responded with a fiery takedown on Cnn. This is now starting not to be Donald Trumps problem, this is starting to be the Republican partys problem, he said. We have to call him out for what he is. He is a felon thug who walks down the street and throws sucker punches at people like Brian Kemp, like African-American journalists, like John McCain, and the list goes on and on and on again. The Republican party is content sitting across the street watching it happen, not calling him out, not jumping into that fight, saying, You are wrong for us. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Buffalo racers compete during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Buffalo racers compete during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) A buffalo racer competes during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Buffalo racers compete during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Buffalo racers compete during a buffalo race to celebrate the start of paddy-sowing season in Chonburi, Thailand, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Some stocks have total-return charts that border on the edge of being art. Posting steady returns, seemingly year in and year out, these resilient businesses are proof of the mantra, "winners keep winning." One company that fits this billing quite well is leading public safety and enterprise-security services provider Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI). Since its spinoff in 2011, Motorola has more than doubled the total returns of the S&P 500 index, consistently finding new highs time and time again. MSI Total Return Level Chart Once more trading very near all-time highs, Motorola Solutions is ready to reach new heights yet again. Here's what makes the company a magnificent S&P 500 dividend stock to buy and hold forever. Image source: Getty Images. Motorola Solutions' mission-critical offerings Serving over 100,000 public safety and enterprise clients in 100-plus countries, Motorola Solutions commits to "make everywhere safer for all." As broad and ambitious as that statement may be, Motorola does a fantastic job of delivering on this goal, operating through the three following product categories: Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Communications (75% of revenue): Assisting 13,000 networks worldwide, Motorola's rugged and "always on" LMR communications capabilities are essential for public safety departments and enterprise customers who can't afford a lapse in coverage. For example, during disasters such as Hurricane Ian or the Maui wildfires, the company's resilient LMR technologies allowed for crucial communication to take place when cell towers were overloaded and failing. The mission-critical nature of these solutions means that most of Motorola's sales are incredibly sticky and recurring, as the devices in this segment tend to be updated every six to eight years. Video Security and Access Control (17% of revenue): While the company has over 5 million fixed video cameras installed at 300,000 locations, Motorola's video ambitions go far beyond just cameras and footage. With 90% of its video products containing embedded artificial intelligence (AI), the company aims to make video monitoring obsolete. Considering that humans only catch 20% of incidents within 20 minutes of happening, Motorola's machine vision and AI capabilities have helped the company rapidly gain market share in the broader (and increasingly outdated) surveillance market. In addition to these fixed-camera solutions, the company also sells body cameras, which creates natural cross-selling opportunities with its LMR public safety and command-center customers. Command Center (7% of revenue): Though it may be Motorola's smallest segment, the command-center unit dominates its niche. With 60% of public safety answering points (911 call centers and similar emergency services) using the company's call-handling software, Motorola is the top dog in yet another critical industry. Covering the entirety of any given emergency from detection to response to resolution, the company's end-to-end software solutions pair beautifully with the rest of Motorola's products to provide it with a wide switching-cost moat. Story continues And the icing on the cake for investors? Half of Motorola's sales come from recurring revenue tied to the software and services needed across its three product categories. These recurring sales, paired with the company's essential products, give the company a very dependable sales base that is recession-resistant. Top-tier cash generation funds this serial acquirer However, just because Motorola can typically count on its customers to sign new contracts with them every few years, the company doesn't rest on its laurels. With 8,000 of its 21,000 employees working in research and development (R&D), Motorola maintains a high R&D-to-revenue ratio of 8%, highlighting its focus on continuous innovation in safety. Despite (or perhaps because of) this above-average spending on R&D to reinvent its products, Motorola has generated a robust free-cash-flow (FCF) margin of 16% over the last five years. The beauty of this high FCF margin is that it arms management with excess cash to use on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Since 2015, Motorola has spent roughly $6 billion on more than 20 acquisitions, further building out its technological prowess across all three of its product groups. Management believes these acquisitions now grow sales by more than 10% annually, generate more than $3 billion in annualized sales, and maintain an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin of 20%. Sporting a cash return on invested capital (ROIC) of 30% over the last five years, Motorola's management has proven excellent at generating cash from the debt and equity it uses to fund its acquisitions. Historically speaking, serial acquirers like Motorola that maintain high cash ROIC have a strong tendency to beat the market, just as the company has been doing. A premium business at a fair price Overall, Motorola seems like a promising investment with its stellar-acquisition history, robust-cash generation, and strong positioning in its niches. However, the market has also taken notice, leaving the company to trade at 31 times FCF. MSI Price to Free Cash Flow Chart Similarly, Motorola's dividend yield has declined to its lowest mark in over ten years despite 13 consecutive years of payout increases. So, have investors missed their opportunity? I don't believe so by any means. First, while Motorola's yield has dipped to 1%, the company has more than quadrupled its quarterly payments since 2011, leading to an excellent 11% dividend growth rate over that time. Furthermore, despite this history of dividend increases, the company still only uses 28% of its FCF to fund these payouts, highlighting a lengthy potential runway ahead for future raises -- especially considering Motorola's resilient base of sales. Had investors bought and held shares of the company ten years ago, they would now receive a 7% yield compared to their original cost basis. Second, thanks to management's track record of growing through innovation from R&D and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) -- and guiding for a 7% sales increase in 2024 -- Motorola could be positioned for decades of "steady-Eddie" growth. While I would be hesitant to go all in at today's above-market valuation, Motorola Solutions looks to be a classic example of a premium dividend-growth stock trading at a fair price, making it perfect for dollar-cost-averaging purchases over time. Should you invest $1,000 in Motorola Solutions right now? Before you buy stock in Motorola Solutions, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Motorola Solutions wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,306!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2024 Josh Kohn-Lindquist has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 Magnificent S&P 500 Dividend Stock Up 1,150% Since 2011 to Buy and Hold Forever was originally published by The Motley Fool Six American writers including Rachel Kushner, Percival Everett and Tommy Orange are among 13 semifinalists announced Tuesday for the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction. Pulitzer Prize-winning Cheyenne and Arapaho author Orange is the first Native American Booker semifinalist for the 50,000 pound ($64,000) award with his centuries-spanning saga Wandering Stars. Everett is nominated for James, which reimagines Mark Twains Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of its main Black character, the enslaved man Jim. Everett was a finalist for the 2022 Booker for The Trees. Kushner, who was a Booker finalist in 2018 for her bestseller The Mars Room, is a contender again with spy story Creation Lake. Pulitzer-winner Richard Powers, a finalist in both 2018 and 2021, is on the longlist with Playground, a story of money, power and climate change set on a Polynesian island. The other U.S. contenders are Rita Bullwinkel for Headshot, and Canadian-American writer Claire Messud for This Strange Eventful History. Writers from the U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia and the Netherlands round out the list, which includes Held by Canadian poet and novelist Anne Michaels, My Friends by British-Libyan author Hisham Matar and The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, the first-ever Dutch Booker semifinalist. Artist and writer Edmund de Waal, who is chairing the five-member judging panel, said the list included books that navigate what it means to belong, to be displaced and to return, with settings ranging from a small Irish town to a convent in Australia and from deep oceans to outer space. Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize has a reputation for transforming writers careers and is open to novels from any country published in the U.K. and Ireland. Last years winner was Irish writer Paul Lynch for post-democratic dystopia Prophet Song. A list of six finalists will be announced on Sept. 16, and this years winner will be announced Nov. 12 at a ceremony in London. New research shows wastewater from fracking operations in the Marcellus Shale could hold a goldmine of a mineral critical to Americas green energy future. A Ph.D. student at the University of Pittsburgh working with the U.S. Department of Energys National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) found Marcellus Shale wastewater contained amounts of lithium similar to that found in brine ponds in Chile, which is one of the top producers of the mineral in the world. Without lithium, electric cars dont have batteries, nor do the myriad devices that are integral to U.S. society and its economy. U.S. consumption of lithium has skyrocketed over the last decade as the push to shift away from coal and natural gas and into electrification of the nations grid has taken hold. The NETL study estimated theres enough lithium that could be extracted from the Marcellus Shale wastewater to provide nearly 40% of the domestic demand for the mineral. In 2010, the U.S. consumed 1,100 metric tons of lithium, according to Statista. By 2022, that was up to more than 3,000 metric tons being used to power rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles. NETL is searching for unconventional sources (non-typical sources such as a traditional mine) for lithium and other critical minerals, lead researcher Justin Mackey told InsideSources. This study highlights the potential from one type of lithium source, in one area of the U.S. So, this study shows that given the right extraction method, Marcellus wastewater can make significant contributions to the growing US lithium demand, and we anticipate an even broader impact when we incorporate other unconventional sources. In the 1990s, the U.S. was the largest producer of lithium. Today, that has shifted to Australia, Chile and China, according to the World Economic Forum. Those three countries now account for more than 90% of all lithium. In 2010, one of the worlds richest lithium brine deposits was discovered in Salar de Atacama, Chile. While the U.S. maintains strong relationships with Australia and Chile, the relationship with China is much more delicate. China also holds a near monopoly on processing rare earth minerals, an area also critical for cell phones, computer hard drives, electric vehicles and modern TVs. The U.S. also relies on Russia for lithium, a nation thats both an unreliable source and a national security threat. Americans hoping U.S. mining will meet the demand may be disappointed without a change in policy, says National Mining Association president Rich Nolan. According to the NMA, it takes an average of 29 years in America to bring a new mine online. To say that the U.S. is underperforming when it comes to domestic mineral production is putting it kindly, Nolan said. We have the proven reserves to be a global leader in producing the full range of minerals needed for our manufacturing and energy future, but our permitting and legal systems have imposed an unacceptable three decades on average of impediments to that potential. Given the urgent global mineral demand, and Chinas determination to only tighten its stranglehold on mineral supply chains, we must do better. Lithium from fracking offers an opportunity for the U.S. to do better, advocates say, but there may be a new obstacle on the political horizon: Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, who is almost certain to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee, is a vocal opponent of fracking. Theres no question Im in favor of banning fracking, Harris said during a 2019 CNN town hall. She was also an initial sponsor of the Green New Deal legislation that would end fracking entirely. Dave Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, highlighted the importance of a stable, steady stream of lithium. In addition to assuring a domestic supply of a much-needed mineral resource, NETLs research further demonstrates the importance of investing in hydrocarbon resource development and utilization for economic and environmental progress, he said. Electric power, motor fuels, plastics and petrochemicals, hydrogen and now lithium are a few of the many benefits of domestic natural gas development and its ever-expanding role in providing for a more sustainable and secure energy future for our country. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Republicans say that, with or without lithium mining, a fracking ban would be a fiasco. A fracking ban would be disastrous for workers and families, and extreme Democrats mission to force Biden to step aside and replace him with San Francisco radical Kamala Harris shows exactly how out of touch they are with their voters, Republican state Rep. Rob Mercuri, who is challenging first-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio in western Pennsylvania, told Fox News. GOP U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick linked Harriss anti-fracking stance to his Democratic opponent, Sen. Bob Casey, who has endorsed her. Their radical anti-fossil fuel agenda would be disastrous for commonwealth families, hurt the environment, and endanger our national security, McCormick told InsideSources. But there are still technological hurdles ahead, Mackey said. Its safe to say this is still in the early stage of this type of lithium mining and the technologies are continuously being improved and developed to meet the specific need, Mackey said. These methods are fairly complicated and need to be tailored to the specific chemistry of the water to be treated. As such, their effectiveness needs to be rigorously tested to make valid claims. ArcelorMittal's second quarter profit fell to $504 million, or 63 cents per share, the company announced Thursday. That's down from $938 million, or $1.16 a share, in the first quarter and down from $1.8 billion, or $2.21 a share, year-over-year. The company continued to make good progress in the first half of the year," ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal said. Our pipeline of attractive strategic growth projects, which combined with recent acquisitions, have the estimated potential to increase EBITDA by $2 billion, are starting to come online." The Luxembourg-based steelmaker, whose North American headquarters are based in Schererville, earned $75 in operating income per ton of steel in the second quarter, down from $80 a ton in the first quarter and $136 a ton in the second quarter of 2023. ArcelorMittal's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was $1.8 billion in the second quarter, down from $1.9 billion in the first quarter and $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2023. Demand continues to grow for our XCarb recycled and renewably produced steels, which are currently shining brightly on the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in the form of the Olympic Spectacular rings and Paralympic Agitos," Mittal said. "As important as our low carbon steel products, are our climate solutions. We have recently launched the new HyMatch brand for hydrogen transport pipelines supporting the implementation of hydrogen infrastructure globally, and the recent acquisition of Italpannellis Italian and Spanish businesses builds our exposure to the attractive insulation panels market for low carbon emissions buildings. We also continue to progress our decarbonization agenda, with groundbreaking having taken place on the new 1.1 million ton electric arc furnace in Gijon." The multinational company, one of the largest steelmakers in the world but smaller in scale after selling its Northwest Indiana assets to Cleveland-Cliffs, made 14.7 million tons of steel in the second quarter, up from 14.4 million tons of steel in the first quarter and on par with a year ago. Muhammad Zulkifal / Getty Images/iStockphoto Are you looking to purchase real estate? Whether you are a seasoned investor looking for your next buy or a prospective retiree trying to find a stable home out of state, understanding where the market is headed is important. In this article, well cover ten housing markets that will likely plummet in value over the next five years, helping you make an informed purchase decision. While youre at it, you may also be interested in the 20 most affordable cities. According to Real Estate Agents: 7 Worst States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years Also: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. San Francisco, California The Bay Area has long attracted residents; however, the housing market seems to be struggling. For one, large department stores, like Macys and Nordstrom, are leaving the area. In addition, sellers are having trouble closing deals at the listing price, with a 2-bedroom condo selling for $675,000 in April 2024 after being bought for $1.25 million in 2019. This tech hotspot (San Francisco) has been thriving, says Yosef Adde, founder of I BUY Los Angeles. I have a feeling a reality check is on the way. With remote work becoming more common, many people are leaving due to the citys costs. Its like witnessing a gold rush. The median home price has already dropped by 8.2% compared to last year. I believe this decline will continue. Read: 5 Worst California Cities To Buy Property Over the Next 5 Years, per Real Estate Agents Austin, Texas If youre considering a move to Texas, steer clear of purchases in Austin. Redfin found that the area has home prices 28% higher than the national average. Not only that, but 39.8% of homes have price drops, and 11% fewer homes have been sold compared to the previous year. These factors indicate cooling over the next few years. Austin is another market that gives me pause, says Adde. It has been a favorite among real estate investors, but I worry that it has become a victim of its success. The influx of tech companies and employees has driven prices to levels. It feels similar to watching a balloon being inflated too much eventually, it will burst. With home prices rising by 32% in the past two years, a correction appears inevitable. New York City, New York Did you know that 31% of homebuyers in New York City started their searches outside city limits? Redfins data shows that the median days on the market for homes in New York City is a whopping 65 days. Additionally, the number of homes sold decreased 4.6% year-over-year. Taking your search to a neighboring metropolitan area might be beneficial to preserve your investment. Story continues Denver, Colorado According to Redfin, the Denver area is also experiencing real estate cooling, with 45.2% of homes having price drops. Even though homes sell quickly, sale prices are dropping, indicating a declining housing market. Miami, Florida If the nightlife crowd is appealing to you, you might have started to search for homes in Miami. However, before you put in an offer, know that Redfin found that the median time on the market is 80 days. The number of homes sold has decreased 8.1% year-over-year, and the cost of living in Miami is 18% higher than the national average. These items indicate a market decline in the near future. San Antonio, Texas Like many other cities on our list, San Antonio is experiencing a 10.8% year-over-year decrease in homes sold. Similarly, the average days on the market increased 12 days year-over-year to 47, according to Redfin. This means if you purchase a home in San Antonio, you may have a difficult time selling it for a gain in a few years. Seattle, Washington Currently, the cost of living in Seattle is 45% higher than the national average, according to Redfin data. Couple this with 30.1% of homes that have price drops, and the Seattle housing market will face a decline in the next five years. Phoenix, Arizona Redfin found that the number of homes sold in Phoenix dropped by 9% year-over-year, with the average days on the market increasing by 4 to 46. As the number of homes with price drops increases from 8.7% to 36.3%, you might want to avoid the Phoenix home market in the coming years. Los Angeles, California Nearly 21% of homebuyers in Los Angeles are looking to move elsewhere. Could it be that the average cost of living in Los Angeles is 50% higher than the national average? How about that home prices were up 10.9% compared to 2023? Redfins data indicates that the Los Angeles housing market cant stay on top forever, with a looming crash. Sarasota, Florida According to Redfin, Sarasota homebuyers are fleeing the area, as 36% of homebuyers are looking elsewhere. The days on the market increased an astounding 36 days year-over-year to 71, indicating turbulent housing market conditions ahead. The Bottom Line Avoiding these ten places can help you preserve your housing investment and purchase in an area with appreciation potential. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Housing Markets That Will Plummet in Value Over the Next 5 Years A Florida lawyer pleaded guilty on Friday to placing a bag of explosives near the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and trying to detonate it with a rifle, according to court records. This was not the first time the lawyer, Christopher Rodriguez, had attempted a detonation, prosecutors said. He had previously set off explosives in 2022 that caused significant damage to a statue of the Communist leaders Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong in San Antonio, Texas, by shooting at canisters of explosives with a rifle, according to court records. But when Mr. Rodriguez, 45, of Panama City, Fla., employed a similar tactic by shooting at a 15-pound backpack of explosives that he dropped near the fence of the Chinese Embassy on Sept. 25, 2023, he missed, and the explosives did not detonate, according to court records. Image Federal authorities say a Florida lawyer tried to detonate a backpack with explosives outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington in September. Credit... U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Mr. Rodriguez pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to damaging property occupied by a foreign government, using explosive materials to cause malicious damage to federal property, and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm. Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with top candidates to serve as her vice president on Sunday, closing out her search for a running mate with a test of whether she and her potential new partner click. At least three leading candidates Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania are scheduled to meet with Ms. Harris on Sunday at her residence at the Naval Observatory, in Washington, according to several people briefed on the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings. It was unclear whether other potential candidates including Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also on the schedule, or if they had already met with Ms. Harris. The in-person meeting, described as a chemistry test, is a final step in the search, but one that Ms. Harris is expected to put considerable stock in. Aides and associates have said that she often prioritizes personal rapport with her staff and advisers. A tense wait in Israel for retaliation Amid fears of a broadening conflict, a number of international airlines suspended flights to and from Israel pending expected retaliation against the country by Iran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. Britain, Canada, France and the U.S. were among the countries urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The move followed the killings earlier in the week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamass political leader in Tehran. Tens of thousands of Israelis are unable to come home, according to an Israeli official, adding to the sense that the country was no longer in control of its own fate and had no clear plan for quieting its many conflicts. Heres the latest. Clashes continued throughout the weekend. Israel and Hezbollah each said yesterday that they had fired at targets in the others territory. An Israeli airstrike on a school functioning as a shelter in Gaza City killed at least 30 people and injured dozens more, according to the Palestinian emergency response agency in Gaza and Palestinian news outlets. Most of the victims were women and children, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense said. The attack was the third on a school in the last four days. Israel said it had targeted Hamas command and control centers. In the In Times Past column, David W. Dunlap explores New York Times history through artifacts housed in the Museum of The Times. Call it the rough draft of the first draft of history. Almost exactly 18 hours after The New York Times scrambled into action to cover the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump, Randal C. Archibold outlined on a yellow notepad how Times journalists would cover and try to make sense of the event. Mr. Archibold, the senior editor for news, manages The Timess news operations on weekends. On Sunday, July 14, he composed a list of articles that Times journalists were working on that day. Of the nearly 35 stories on his list, 15 concerned the shooting. In one form or other, they would soon be appearing on the web and in the paper. The list was organized by slug, newspaper jargon for an articles working title. Secretservice topped the list, shorthand for an article about the evident failure of security measures at the July 13 campaign rally for Mr. Trump in Butler, Pa. Investigation was next. How happened where, next wk, scene. (Mr. Archibold used to be a reporter. In keeping with the tradition of that craft, his handwriting is often indecipherable. On his list, happened looks like beppev.) Sections of the Rockaway Peninsula, a coastal strip of land in southern Queens, look like beach towns more than the concrete and steel landscape of much of New York City. On a mile-long stretch of the boardwalk in Edgemere, a neighborhood in the Rockaways that was a thriving resort destination a century ago, you can still see open skies, dunes and the ocean. But for most of the summer, the beach here is closed. Since 1996, this swath of sand and surf has been reserved for much of the spring and summer for nesting coastal piping plovers, which are endangered in New York and protected federally by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Along the Eastern Seaboard, from barrier islands to private and public beaches on the mainland, efforts are being made to provide safe habitats for them. We seem to be beginning yet another season of a perennially popular American spectacle, How Much Is That Mulatto in the Window? I frequently think that, after 400 years, this show is about to go off the air jump the shark, as it were. But then it returns, with ever more absurd plot lines. Yet even as a so-called mulatto myself, I cant stop watching. The Hollywood pitch goes something like this: Put racially ambiguous Black people in the public eye Kamala, Meghan, Barack. Have them declare themselves Black. Count down the minutes before the world erupts into outrage, distress and suspicion. People scream their confusion and doubt, accusing the figures of lying about who they really are. It makes for good TV. On last weeks episode, Donald Trump got his cameo, accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of switching races. She was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black person, he said during an appearance in front of the National Association of Black Journalists. His staged bewilderment, implying that she was practicing some sort of sinister racial sorcery, felt wild for 2024, when mixed-race people are everywhere, visually overrepresented in Target commercials and Kardashian family reunions. Yet even in the midst of our fetishization, a stubborn strain of mulattophobia remains widespread. And no matter what answer we give to the ubiquitous question What are you? someone, somewhere, will accuse us of lying, of being a grifter trying to impersonate another race, a more real race. Multiracial, mulatto, mixed-nuts, halfies whatever you want to call us today, we remain the fastest-growing demographic in our country. When we enter the spotlight, we are often treated as specimens, there to be dissected, poked, debated, disputed and disinherited. We are and always have been a Rorschach test for how the world is processing its anxiety, rage, confusion and desire about this amorphous construction we call race. On July 31, I met with Justice Neil Gorsuch in his chambers at the Supreme Court for a wide-ranging interview about his new book, Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law. His co-author, Janie Nitze, a former clerk of his, was present for the interview as well. I didnt get to ask every question I wanted to, but our conversation covered a lot of ground, including Gorsuchs indictment of the regulatory state, his approach to evaluating agency expertise, the problem of mass incarceration and coercive plea bargaining, his jurisprudence holding the United States accountable for its obligations to Native Americans and his definition of originalism and the role of history in understanding the Constitution. What follows has been lightly edited for length and clarity. David French: So I want to start by talking about the book. It takes direct aim at the proliferation of rules, regulations and statutes that govern our lives. But Im really intrigued by the emphasis on the human toll. Critics of the regulatory state often emphasize the economic toll of dense regulations and rules. Theyll tell you if we can smooth out the Federal Register, we could save X billions of dollars, for example. But its defenders will say, Well, wait a minute. These regulations might create economic inefficiencies, but they actually protect people. Your book says thats not necessarily the case. What is the human toll? Neil Gorsuch: Well, thats sort of a question about why I wrote the book, David, I think. And the answer is, Ive been a judge for about 18 years now. And I just have seen so many cases in which ordinary, hard-working, decent Americans, trying to do their best and intending no harm to anyone, just get caught up in a wall of rules or laws that they didnt know existed. On a quiet road in East Hampton, N.Y., on Saturday evening, cars pulled up outside the artist Rashid Johnsons home as a pool party kicked off inside the property. Exiting the cars, handing off keys to valets, was a procession of art-world players, philanthropists and socialites wearing sun hats. The gathering at Mr. Johnsons majestic country home was a fund-raiser celebrating the 50th anniversary of Creative Time, a public art nonprofit that has produced projects like Kara Walkers A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby at the Domino Sugar factory and Tribute in Light, which commemorated the Sept. 11 attacks with two towering beams of light. Wearing white sneakers and white pants, Mr. Johnson savored a moments peace in his living room as guests started streaming into the house. Its walls were lined with works by Sam Gilliam, David Hammons and Bob Thompson, as well as some of his own works and those of his wife, Sheree Hovsepian. Mr. Johnson collaborated with Creative Time in 2021 to produce Red Stage, a festival-like music and cultural gathering held during the pandemic in Manhattans East Village as the city opened back up, and he reflected on the significance of the organizations 50th anniversary. In the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, a mazelike market stretches for a half-mile, packed with stalls selling every type of electronic imaginable. Its an open secret that vendors here are offering one of the worlds most sought-after technologies: the microchips that create artificial intelligence, which the United States is battling to keep out of Chinese hands. One vendor said he could order the chips for delivery in two weeks. Another said companies came to the market ordering 200 or 300 chips from him at a time. A third business owner said he recently shipped a big batch of servers with more than 2,000 of the most advanced chips made by Nvidia, the U.S. tech company, from Hong Kong to mainland China. As evidence, he showed photos and a message with his supplier arranging the April delivery for $103 million. The United States, with some success, has tried to control the export of these chips. Still, The New York Times has found an active trade in restricted A.I. technology part of a global effort to help China circumvent U.S. restrictions amid the countries growing military rivalry. At least 70 people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters on Sunday in Bangladesh, as the countrys leaders imposed a new curfew and internet restrictions to try to quell a growing antigovernment movement. The revival of student protests after a deadly government crackdown late last month, as well as a call by the governing party for its own supporters to take to the streets, has plunged the country of over 170 million into a particularly dangerous phase. The exact number of deaths on Sunday was unclear, but it appeared to be the deadliest day since the protests began in July. A diplomatic official in Dhaka, the capital, said the toll across Bangladesh was at least 72, while tallies by local news media and the protest coordinators put the count at anywhere from 70 to 93. At least 13 of the dead were police officers, the countrys Police Headquarters said in a statement. Sundays toll added to the more than 200 people killed in the crackdown on protesters last month by security forces under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshs increasingly authoritarian leader. In a sign of the risk of further violence, the protest coordinators said they would march on Monday toward the official residence of Ms. Hasina, whose resignation they are demanding. Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) reported earnings after the market closed on July 23, and the results were illuminating. The company's automotive business appears to be stagnating while margins continue to contract. Let's dig deeper into Tesla's challenges and discuss whether or not its CEO, Elon Musk, can pull off another incredible turnaround. The trend is no longer Tesla's friend Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the hot and exciting opportunity they once were. U.S. sales growth has slowed to 2.6% year over year in the first quarter of 2024 (268,909 vehicles) down from a 46.4% growth rate in the prior year period. And competition is increasing as more automakers invest in the technology. On a global scale, the biggest challenge might come from low-cost Chinese rivals like BYD, which overtook Tesla as the world's largest EV maker in January. The Shenzhen-based company boasts in-house battery production, which allows it to offer rock-bottom prices. BYD's cheapest car, the Seagull, starts at around $12,000, compared to Tesla's Model 3, which retails at a relatively pricy $32,000 in China. The good news is that BYD's Seagull is not approved for the U.S., which would add to its production cost. And in May, the U.S. slapped a 100% tariff rate on Chinese EVs, which could help protect Tesla in this crucial market. That said, products like the Seagull could have a devastating effect on Telsa's international growth and margins -- particularly in China, the world's largest EV opportunity. Tesla's valuation no longer makes sense Despite the challenges to its EV business, Tesla still trades for a valuation more than 90 times forward earnings. This is stunningly high for a company that saw second-quarter revenue grow by just 2% year over year to $25.5 billion, while operating income collapsed 33% to $1.61 billion. For context, the S&P 500 has an average forward estimate of just 23, and traditional carmakers like General Motors and Ford trade for forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiples of 4 and 6, respectively. Investors who buy Tesla at current prices seem to believe it has a secret advantage that can separate it from what is traditionally a low-margin, low-growth industry. Elon Musk can change the narrative Love him or hate him, Elon Musk is arguably a one-in-a-million CEO. While he has had his fair share of failures, he has also consistently built cutting-edge businesses ranging from space exploration to brain surgery (SpaceX and Neuralink). His bold and unorthodox management style has helped his companies pioneer new operational strategies that were often imitated by the competition later. Story continues Image source: Getty Images. Under Musk's leadership, Tesla pioneered new manufacturing strategies like Gigacasting (making car components from large molds), which is now on its way to becoming the industry norm for EV manufacturing. Investors who buy Tesla stock now are betting on Musk's ability to, once again, unlock value by pivoting to opportunities like artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and robotics. The company expects to reveal its autonomous robotaxi in October (pushed back from August). Musk claims the company will begin sales of its Optimus humanoid robots in 2026. These planned products could help Tesla transform from just another automaker into a diversified tech conglomerate. Investors must ask themselves if the potential rewards outweigh the near-term risks. Should you invest $1,000 in Tesla right now? Before you buy stock in Tesla, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Tesla wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,306!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2024 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Will Ebiefung has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, BYD Company, Meta Platforms, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $25 calls on General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Reasons to Sell Tesla Stock Right Now (and 1 Reason to Buy) was originally published by The Motley Fool At least four people were dead and 23 others were missing on Sunday, a day after a flash flood and landslide struck the city of Kangding in a mountainous part of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. It was the latest in a recent series of deadly events in China involving extreme weather. State media reported early Sunday morning that at least 939 people had been relocated from the area because of the flooding. The majority of people in the region are Tibetans. Among the missing were some people who had been on an expressway bridge near the city, between two mountain tunnels. The bridge collapsed amid heavy rain early Saturday, and three vehicles and five people were still unaccounted for as of Sunday. A torrent of mud and water rushed into the area with force from a high elevation, according to state media. A photograph released by the official Xinhua news agency showed mud and broken pieces of roadway cascading down a steep slope where a vehicle lay on its side. Darja Stefancic, a painter in Slovenia known for technicolor landscapes, thought it strange when an obscure online art gallery run by a woman from Argentina contacted her out of the blue and asked her to join its thin roster of artists. The painter suspected a scam, and she worried that the gallery, which virtually nobody in Slovenias tiny, tight-knit art scene had heard of, just wanted to cheat people. It did but in ways that far surpassed even her darkest suspicions. The online gallery was a front for Russian intelligence, part of an elaborate network of deep-cover sleeper spies trained to impersonate Argentines, Brazilians and other foreign nationals by Russias foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, around Europe. They were real-life versions of the fictional stars of The Americans, a television series inspired by the 2010 arrest of a ring of actual Russian sleeper agents in the United States. Anti-immigration rioters attacked a hotel in the town of Rotherham in northern England on Sunday, breaking windows and appearing to set fires at a hotel that has housed asylum seekers, as riots continued in Britain. The police in cities across the country have braced for continued far-right and anti-immigration protests spurred by a deadly stabbing attack last week in the northern English town of Southport. Disinformation spread rapidly that erroneously claimed the suspect in the knife attack was an immigrant. On Saturday, dozens of people were arrested as demonstrations from Liverpool to Belfast descended into violence. Sunday saw a new wave of clashes, with groups gathering in Rotherham, Bolton, Hull, Southport, Middlesbrough and other towns and cities scattered across the country that devolved into varying degrees of violence. In Rotherham, protesters smashed windows and set fires at a Holiday Inn Express before storming into the building as riot police officers struggled to control the rampaging crowd. The hotel had been used to house asylum seekers, but it was unclear if they were still staying at the site. For the past two and a half years, Kateryna Bairachna has wanted to meet someone special. But war always gets in the way. Ms. Bairachna met a soldier, but then he was sent to the front. She traded text messages with another man, but those fizzled out because he was in no mood to meet, fearing he might soon be drafted. On the dating app Bumble, Ms. Bairachna liked the looks of a hipster. But when she scrolled through his photographs, she noticed his amputated leg. I looked at his profile for 15 minutes and felt so sorry for him, Ms. Bairachna, 35, a marketing director for a clothing brand in Kyiv, said in an interview. She wondered if she could handle a relationship with a maimed war veteran. Then she swiped left, removing him from potential matches. I feel Im not ready for that. Follow our latest updates on the Middle East crisis here. First came the death of its top leader abroad, Ismail Haniyeh, by a bomb planted in Tehran. Then came Israels announcement that, only weeks earlier, it had killed Hamass most elusive and revered military leader. All of this as Israel continues to wage the deadliest war Palestinians in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip have ever faced. At first tally, the latest score in the 30-year struggle between Israel and Hamas looks like a devastating one for the Islamist movement, one that throws its future into question. Yet the history of Hamas, the evolution of Palestinian militant groups over the decades and the logic of insurgencies more broadly suggest that not only will Hamas survive, it may even stand to emerge politically stronger. Analysts and regional observers in contact with Hamas leaders see the latest blows it has suffered including Mr. Haniyehs assassination, widely believed to be at Israels hand as offering Israeli forces a short-term victory at the cost of long-term strategic success. An Israeli airstrike on a school functioning as a shelter in Gaza City killed at least 30 people and injured dozens more on Sunday, according to the Palestinian emergency response agency in Gaza and Palestinian news outlets. It was the third attack on a school in the last four days. Most of the victims were women and children, said Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense. He said that an F-16 fighter jet hit a school called Hassan Salame, where at least 14 people were still buried under the rubble. Shrapnel and debris also hit a neighboring school known as Nasser, he said. The death toll was initially 25, but rose to 30. It was unclear if any of those killed were militants. Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, each said on Sunday that they had fired at targets in the others territory, amid fears that the region was teetering toward a wider war. But the attack from Lebanon did not appear to be the major retaliation that Hezbollah has threatened in the wake of the Israeli assassination of one of its senior commanders last week. Hezbollah said it had launched dozens of rockets at the northern Israeli village of Beit Hillel. Images posted on social media showed Israels Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepting some rockets. The Israeli military said several projectiles fell in open areas, and one landed in the area of the village but did not injure anyone. It said it responded by hitting the rockets launch site. The rocket barrage from Hezbollah was in retaliation for earlier Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon that Hezbollah said had caused civilian casualties. The Israeli military said its air force had struck what it described as Hezbollah targets in Kfar Kila and killed a Hezbollah leader in Deir Siriane. Israels army also fired mortar shells into Lebanon. The hostilities on Israels northern border have persisted for months without escalating into a full-scale war. Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets and drones at Israel, saying it was acting in solidarity with Hamas, which is also backed by Iran. Israel has retaliated and evacuated tens of thousands of its residents from the region. Israel went into a new workweek in a state of deep uncertainty on Sunday, with the potential for attacks by Iran and the militant groups it supports already causing disruptions for many. A number of international airlines have suspended flights to and from Israel pending expected retaliation against the country by Iran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. That has left tens of thousands of Israelis unable to come home, according to an Israeli official who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to discuss the matter. Delta, United, the Lufthansa group and Aegean Airlines were among those that suspended services to Israel after the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in a strike in Beirut on Tuesday, and the killing early Wednesday of the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. The fear is that the responses to the killings could be the start of a wider regional war. Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs is asking citizens traveling abroad to fill out an online survey to help the government map where they are and try to organize solutions, including alternative commercial flights. Most are believed to be stuck in Europe and the United States. So far in 2024, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is up a resounding 47%. So it might sound a bit strange to be talking about a Bitcoin bounce-back in the second half of the year. But here's the thing -- ever since Bitcoin hit a new all-time high of $73,750 back in March, the world's most popular cryptocurrency has largely traded sideways or down. At one point, Bitcoin even fell below the $54,000 mark, and some feared that it might dip below $50,000. But there are three very good reasons why Bitcoin could regain its bullish momentum in the coming months. The Bitcoin halving When the Bitcoin halving took place on April 19, many crypto investors assumed that the price of Bitcoin would immediately skyrocket. But that simply has not been the case. If anything, the opposite has been true. As a result, some people have entirely given up on the expected halving boost. But I think that would be a mistake. Consider, for example, what happened during the previous Bitcoin halving cycle in 2020. It took nearly five months before the upward-bound impact of the halving kicked in, and that's when Bitcoin went parabolic. It skyrocketed from a price of $10,000 in October 2020 to a $65,000 in April 2021. While past performance is no guarantee of future performance, there's certainly still time for the Bitcoin halving to present a similar pattern again. The spot Bitcoin ETFs It's not time to give up on the price-lifting impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs, either. In the first few months of the year, the new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were all the rage. But then came a cooling-off period in May and June, and many assumed that massive investor capital inflows were coming to an end. Image source: Getty Images. But that simply has not been the case. If you take a look at investor inflows during the month of July, you can see this clearly. Inflows were positive for four straight weeks, and show no signs of stopping in August. In fact, there's reason to think that the next round of institutional investors -- led by pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds -- are about to pick up the slack. If they do, then a lasting comeback could be in the cards, as this new source of money flows into Bitcoin. New political momentum Finally, there's the issue of political momentum. There is growing support from top lawmakers and political candidates for Bitcoin, and that should be music to the ears of crypto investors. The best example is former President Donald Trump, a former Bitcoin skeptic who is now transforming himself into a Bitcoin-supporter candidate. At the Bitcoin 2024 event in Nashville at the end of July, he even went so far as to suggest the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. government. And Trump is hardly alone among high-profile politicians. Independent politician Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has also emerged as a Bitcoin supporter, and U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) has proposed a new plan for the U.S. Treasury to acquire 1 million Bitcoins, which would be worth nearly $66 billion at today's prices. Do you think that won't help to push up the price of Bitcoin? But just keep in mind that public sentiment about crypto can be very fickle. All it takes is one bad news headline, and a lot of positive support in Washington, D.C. could dry up overnight. And even the best-intentioned campaign promises can come to nothing if a politically divided nation can't come to an agreement on anything. How high can Bitcoin go? That being said, there's reason to think that Bitcoin could have a decisive bounce-back in the second half of the year. Investment firm Bernstein, for example, is holding to its prediction that Bitcoin could hit $200,000 sometime in 2025. That price target might strike some as being overly optimistic, but many positive factors are lining up for Bitcoin. The halving boost still has time to go into effect, investor inflows continue into the new spot Bitcoin ETFs, and political momentum is building. As long as all of those catalysts remain relevant, Bitcoin most likely has nowhere to go but up. Should you invest $1,000 in Bitcoin right now? Before you buy stock in Bitcoin, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Bitcoin wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,306!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2024 Dominic Basulto has positions in Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Reasons Bitcoin Could Bounce Back in the Second Half of 2024 was originally published by The Motley Fool Ivanko_Brnjakovic / Getty Images Weve all had some stretches where budgeting was an issue. Maybe weve overspent on groceries, had a medical emergency or had other unexpected expenses crop up. Whatever the case, if youre needing some extra time to catch up on bills, youll be relieved to know there are some bills you can choose to pay late without incurring hefty financial repercussions. Check Out: 6 Things the Middle Class Should Sell To Build Their Savings Try This: 6 Money Moves You Must Make if You Want to Be Like the Wealthy Several types of monthly bills offer flexibility in payment without immediately incurring late fees. Understanding the specific terms and grace periods can help you manage your finances more effectively. Ive seen firsthand how annoying late fees can be when youre trying to stay on top of your bills, said Rhett Stubbendeck, finance expert and CEO and founder of Leverage Planning. Luckily, some bills are more forgiving than others. Here are a few that might surprise you. Here are some expert tips for managing your bills smarter and avoiding costly fees. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Federal Student Loans According to Stubbendeck, they typically have a 15-day grace period and they dont report missed payments to credit bureaus until youre 90 days late. This flexibility can be a lifesaver if youre between jobs or just need a little extra time to get your finances together. Stubbendeck said. Ive had clients who used this to their advantage and it made a huge difference for them. Learn More: Im a Self-Made Millionaire, but I Still Opt For the Budget Versions of These 6 Items Medical Bills Medical bills are another area where you might catch a break. Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer payment plans with no late fees. One of my clients had a huge hospital bill and managed to set up a payment plan by simply calling the billing department, Stubbendeck explained. Theyre often willing to work with you if you just reach out and explain your situation. Utility Bills Then there are utility bills. Stubbendeck noted that some utility companies have grace periods of up to 10 days before they hit you with late fees. Ive had clients call up their electricity providers to explain their situations and they were able to work out a plan to avoid any extra charges. Stubbendeck said. At Leverage, were all about helping you manage your finances better. Knowing which bills are more flexible can really help you stay on track. Dennis Shirshikov, finance expert and head of growth at GoSummer agreed that many utility companies, including those for water, electricity, and gas, offer a grace period before imposing late fees. Story continues Typically, these companies allow for a payment window of up to 15 days past the due date, he explained. For example, if your water bill is due on the 1st of the month, you might have until the 15th to pay without a penalty. He said its crucial, however, to communicate with your utility provider if you anticipate difficulty making a payment on time. This proactive approach can sometimes lead to an extended grace period or a payment plan to avoid service disruption. Credit Cards According to Shirshikov, credit card companies generally offer a grace period, typically 21 to 25 days after the billing cycle ends. While this grace period doesnt technically allow for late payments without fees, it provides some flexibility in managing cash flow. During this period, you can pay your balance in full without incurring interest. Shirshikov said. For instance, if you receive your credit card bill on the 1st and your payment is due on the 25th, paying within this window can help avoid interest charges. Some credit card issuers may also waive the late fee for the first missed payment as a courtesy, especially if you have a good payment history. Rent Landlords may sometimes offer a grace period of a few days past the due date, typically specified in the lease agreement, Shirshikov said. He added that this period usually ranges from three to five days. Its essential to understand your lease terms and communicate with your landlord if you anticipate a late payment. In some cases, landlords are willing to work with tenants to avoid late fees or other penalties. Insurance Premiums Experts noted that insurance companies, whether for health, auto, or home insurance, often have a grace period for premium payments. During this time, you can make your payment without losing coverage or incurring late fees. This period can range from 10 to 30 days depending on the insurer and the type of policy, Shirshikov said. Its important to check your policy details and communicate with your insurer to understand your options. Subscription Services Many subscription services, like streaming services or gym memberships, may not impose immediate late fees. Instead, they might suspend your service until the payment is made. This suspension policy provides some leeway in managing payments without the immediate financial penalty, although continued non-payment can result in account cancellation, Shirshikov said. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Monthly Bills You Can Choose to Pay Late Without Fees In 1963, Joseph Adams Milteer was a right wing extremist from Quitman, GA. On Nov. 9th he had a conversation with a friend, William Somersett, who happened to be an informant for the Miami Police and recorded the details of a plot to assassinate JFK. My name is Michael Capasse. I am a critic of the Warren Commission's conclusions in the JFK assassination. I have studied the case since 1973, and consider it an ongoing, open investigation. In the 50 years I have read about the murder, I've learned that there is no conspiracy theory necessary to expose the flaws and weaknesses in the Government's case against Oswald. I don't rely on conspiracy books or other writer's theories of what happened. It is strictly criticism of the official record. It fails 60 years later. My fellow Americans, Last month, Joe Biden did the most patriotic thing a person could do. He set his personal ambitions aside for the good of the country and endorsed Kamala Harris to be the Democratic candidate for President in November. I had secretly hoped maybe Dolly Parton or Keanu Reeves would be the nominee, but Kamala Harris will be great. We have a pretty good idea of what to expect from a Harris administration. She will continue what Biden has been started to reduce healthcare costs, protect women's reproductive rights, reform immigration, transition away from fossil fuels, reduce student loan debt, restore America's reputation with our European allies, etc... What can we expect if Trump wins? If Trump did manage to stage a successful coup after losing in November, we can expect more of what we saw during his first term-- and I mean a lot more. I don't think we got the full Trump experience during his first term, but that wasn't his fault. Being the narcissist he is, Trump may have truly believed he would win the 2020 election, but most people were surprised, and that included people in his campaign. They were ready to campaign, but didn't know anything about how to govern. Due to their incompetence and Trump's disastrous handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump presidency didn't accomplish much--other than the usual tax cuts for the wealthy and a roll-back of environmental regulations for the rest of us. Prior to the pandemic, Trump did manage to pull the USA out of the Paris Climate Accords; break our nuclear limitation treaty with Iran; pack the Supreme Court--leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and making abortion a crime in much of the United States. So, on second thought, maybe Trump did do some things during his one term, but I wouldn't call them accomplishments. Looking to the future, it's hard to decipher Trump's plans because his speeches are so incoherent and he often contradicts himself (sometimes in the same sentence). But, now--thanks to the Heritage Foundation, we have a detailed blueprint of how Trump can transform our representative democracy into a dictatorship. They call it Project 2025. Ever since it was rolled out early this year, Project 2025 has been getting blowback from people who don't want to live a dictatorship-- especially one ruled by Donald Trump. Because of all the bad press, Trump has claimed to know nothing about Project 2025, even though it was written by members of his administration and other MAGA-minds at the Heritage Foundation. They rounded up Trump's wildest fascist fantasies, made them sound almost reasonable and then detailed how to implement them. You can read the whole PROJECT 2025(here). (Spoiler alert: They have a lot of plans-- around 900 pages worth). Trump blames the "Deep State" for all his failures in office; so the first thing on his 2025 agenda is to eliminate it by reclassifying over 50,000 federal civil service employees as political appointees. Then, he can fire them and replace them with people whose only qualification is blind loyalty to Donald J. Trump. Once he has filled the government with true believers, Trump can start Making America Great Again (again), but this time he won't have to worry about a bunch of "deep state" liberals interfering with his grand plans to turn the deep state into the Trump state. If you are already familiar with Project 2025 and would still like to be one of those 50,000 pawns in Trumpworld, the Heritage Foundation is taking applications on line (here) to compile a database of people ready to take a bullet for The Donald. (Author's note: I assume they are only interested in recruiting men because they know a woman's place is in the home-- barefoot and pregnant.) It shouldn't even matter who the Democratic candidate is this year. We are not choosing between a Democratic candidate and a Republican candidate for President. We are choosing between two very different Americas. We can choose to continue living in the representative democracy our nation has enjoyed for nearly 250 years; or we can choose to live in a dictatorship ruled by the incontinent man-child, Donald Trump. The choice is clear. I haven't read the whole thing yet, but I sincerely believe that if everybody knew half the plans described in Project 2025, a ham sandwich would be able to beat Trump in November. Find out about Project 2025 and spread the word. By Robert Weiner and Olivia Ardito U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle took the stand in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, nine days after the assassination attempt on Former President Trump. Her testimony was the worst we've ever heard. Director Cheatle began by taking full responsibility for the incident and saying that the Secret Service failed. In fact, she said the event "is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades." She also made a point of specifically saying that the Secret Service does not blame federal, state, or local law enforcement for the incident. Really? To say "Only nine days" was no excuse for not issuing to Congress a preliminary factual report and assessment. Yet, Director Cheatle did not reveal much more information. When Committee Chair James Comer, Committee Ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin, and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan -- quite the bipartisan leadership assemblage -- asked her reasonable questions that the American public want the answers to, Director Cheatle repeatedly responded by saying that "we are just nine days out from this incident, and there's still an ongoing investigation". While it is true that the FBI is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, that does not mean the Director could not give the general public more answers to the questions plaguing their minds. This strategy meant that essentially, no new information came about from the trial. It was a pointless failure. Blaming the timing of the trial was simply a cover-up for the Secret Service's lack of preparedness. Instead of copping out, Direct Cheatle should have at least said they are doing everything in their power to clean up the mess. She should have said missing the 140-ft-away roof coverage was a disaster. To not have the site director direct the site was obviously a disaster. The Secret Service had the overall authority to delegate, and the site director was in charge. To us, it seems obvious not just Cheatle, but the Secret Service site director for the July 13 Butler, PA event, should be fired. Director Cheatle and her team knew the hearing was coming. Not having more information or a preliminary report is a failure. Only after Director Cheatle's poor performance in permitting an assassination attempt against a former president, ridiculous comments while sitting in front of members of Congress, and calls from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for her to be fired did Director Cheatle finally step down. In addition, the site agent of the rally dealt with the real-time logistics. That means they knew that there was a suspicious person, as Director Cheatle confirmed in the hearing that the Secret Service was notified two to five times about a suspicious person. The site agent is responsible for the call not to manage the threat earlier and Director Cheatle and especially the site agent are responsible for the larger logistics that even permitted a person on a nearby roof with a gun to have a close, easy shot at a former President. Director Cheatle has finally been removed from her position, and now it's time for the site agent to go as well. Overall, the Secret Service has failed our country in many ways. First, by letting a former president get shot and almost killed. Second, by not taking adequate action to atone for their ineptitude. And third, by failing to testify effectively in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Hopefully, the Secret Service will be able to fix its mistakes and continue to serve the American public. Robert Weiner was a spokesman in the Clinton and George W. Bush White Houses. He was communications director of the House Government Operations and Oversight Committee, and senior aide to Congressmen John Conyers and Charles Rangel, Reps. Claude Pepper and Ed Koch, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Four-Star General/drug czar Barry McCaffrey. Olivia Ardito is a policy analyst, research coordinator, and Op-Ed writer working at Robert Weiner Associates News and Solutions for Change. (Article changed on Aug 05, 2024 at 10:40 AM EDT) For those desiring to sell their home quickly, whether due to downsizing, a job transfer, death of a loved one, illness, facing foreclosure, or they just dont want to go through a traditional selling process, there is a very easy way with Archway Homes. This hometown real estate company, owned by husband and wife team Jon and Stacy Bichelmeyer, has more than 20 years of experience buying homes in all conditions and does it quickly without the often painful and stressful selling process. They buy houses as is in any condition: houses needing little to no repair, houses needing everything repaired from leaking roofs to bad foundations, cluttered houses, or those simply in need of cosmetic updating. Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the sellers choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay. One of the advantages of working with us is selling as is, said Jon. That means you dont have to do any extensive and expensive renovations to make your home appeal to todays buyers or have it ready to show at a moments notice, wait for the right buyer, wait for it to close, and then pay a real estate agents commission or sellers closing costs. A third-generation real estate investor with roots in the Kansas City community for over 40 years, Jons extensive experience really makes a difference. The ability to sell a house quickly, in lieu of the traditional, lengthy home selling method, to an established and reputable company has been the perfect solution for numerous homeowners all over the Kansas City area, including Donda who needed to sell her uncles home in Gladstone after he passed away. My friend had read about Archway in the newspaper and suggested I call them. It turns out my husband recognized the Bichelmeyer name from growing up in Shawnee, and also knew a member of their staff who came out to look at the house, so we felt comfortable working with Archway right away. I was really impressed with their history, she said. They offered us more than a fair price, and Jon let us leave quite a bit of things in the house. It was really a weight off my shoulders. Everyone we interacted with had a great attitude, very positive. The whole process went very smoothly, and quickly. We were able to close within a few days. I would absolutely recommend Archway to others. Archway has purchased homes in all sorts of situations. Sometimes the properties need extensive repairs. Archway Homes will buy the home and make the needed repairs, relieving the sellers of the hassle and expense. Sellers can even leave the unwanted contents, saving time and expense. We are committed to working with sellers, even in difficult situations, to find a solution for all, Stacy said. They strive to make the difficult process of selling a home as stress-free as possible, especially in these challenging times. We even wrote the book on it. Literally! Home to Home Local Edition Kansas City Metro outlines the steps homeowners can take to sell their home and our experiences helping people do just that, Jon said. Weve seen some great times; we lived through the real estate crash in 2008-2010 and have come through the other side. We plan to keep working with sellers no matter what the market is doing, said Jon. I know people are being cautious and careful, so we are using smart technology and every health precaution to make sure our sellers feel comfortable. Archway Homes features a no-obligation offer process. The first step is to call the office at 913-599-5000 to schedule an appointment. Jon will then walk through the home and can provide an offer price within 24 hours. Archway Homes can pay cash and close in as fast as three days. However, some sellers need the opposite approach, needing a delayed closing several months away. They may need time to find their next home, or they are building a home and need time for it to be completed. Coordinating closing schedules in a traditional sale can be challenging. Archway Homes sets a closing date that will meet the sellers needs. Anyone who wants to sell a home quickly for cash should call Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or email him at jon@archwayhomesinc.com. Or they can visit Archway Homes website at archwaypropertieskc.com to fill out an online form or to get a free copy of our book Home to Home Local Edition Kansas City Metro, Kansas and Missouri, call our office. Archway Homes Location: 15301 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite B35 in the UMB Bank building Contact: Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or jon@archwayhomesinc.com Website: archwaypropertieskc.com Editors note: The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board rounds up hits and misses in state and local public affairs. Peaks and Valleys publishes on an occasional basis. To read todays peak, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The past three decades have witnessed an explosion of ways to communicate beyond mail and landline telephone calls. We have email, cell phones and social media to reach one another regardless of the time of day or where people are. But apparently none of that technology could bridge the chasm between the office of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and the office of Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell just over the river. Despite months of planning, revising and passing the citys new controversial camping ban, Portland officials apparently didnt nail down with the sheriff what would happen once people were arrested for violating the city ordinance, which bans camping on public property if a person has access to reasonable alternative shelter. That omission was discovered last week when the sheriffs office refused to book into jail the first person arrested under the new law, as The Oregonian/OregonLives Zaeem Shaikh reported. Morrisey ODonnell then issued a statement that she will not be directing sheriffs office staff to book anyone for violating a city ordinance. Its unclear exactly how the disconnect occurred. Both Wheelers office and Morrisey ODonnells office have differing takes on the information that was exchanged. Regardless, its an exasperating example yet again of the lack of collaboration and alignment among local elected officials. If local elected officials of one body pass a law through their public process that is then upended by another local elected official who disagrees with the policy, the result is a frustrated public and misspent time and resources. While Morrisey ODonnell is correct that arresting and booking people wont solve homelessness, neither will letting people camp in public spaces when there are alternatives. Millions of dollars are going to create both temporary and permanent housing in order to address homelessness. It does no one any good if that shelter and the potential to connect someone to other critical services at the shelter goes to waste. Certainly, the city should have had clarity on what would happen. The enforcement and consequences of violating the law should have been a key element of the discussion surrounding whether to pass the ordinance in the first place. But Morrisey ODonnell also holds some responsibility. Sheriffs spokesman Deputy John Plock said the sheriff shared information in spring 2023 that violations of ordinances are not eligible for booking. That was the last communication we had from the city about this, he wrote in an email. Considering how the ordinance has changed and the length of time that elapsed, a partner in local governance would make sure to raise the issue again. Plock did not respond to additional questions about why there wasnt follow-up. But city and county officials must recognize that the success of their joint initiatives, whether its fighting homelessness or opening a new center to direct drug users to treatment as opposed to jail, relies on good communication not assumptions or surprise stances. Wheeler has directed police to continue arresting those who refuse to accept shelter. Even without jail, the citation sends a message about what the city is willing to tolerate. And late Friday afternoon, the mayors spokesman said that Wheeler and Morrisey ODonnell have met to discuss the situation and will meet again in two weeks. Heres hoping that the city and sheriff are successful in figuring out a better way to get their messages across to each other. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Eighteen high school students dived headfirst into the world of journalism last month at The Oregonian/OregonLives renowned High School Journalism Institute, held in partnership with Oregon State University. The Oregonian started the summer training program in 1993, hoping to introduce teens from diverse backgrounds and communities to journalism. Either have a law and enforce it, or dont have a law in the first place, (Portland mayor tells police to cite people for public camping even if they wont go to jail, July 31). Portland Police arrested a homeless camper who refused an offer of shelter, only to have Multnomah County refuse to jail the offender, who was instead cited by police and released. This is a prime example why Portland will never fix the unsheltered homeless problem. In 1944, my mother died in the Minidoka prison camp near Jerome, Idaho. She was 35 years old, and I was only 1. Her death is one of countless painful memories of the forced removal and imprisonment of 13,000 Japanese Americans, including me and my family, from Oregon, Washington and Alaska during World War II. Because of my mothers death, I consider the Minidoka National Historic Site sacred ground where I join other prison camp survivors and their descendants to heal, learn more about racial injustice and honor our ancestors while immersed in Minidokas remoteness. TAP British Airways parent IAG is to step up its pursuit of Portugals national airline after the collapse of its bid for Spains Air Europa. Company insiders said IAG boss Luis Gallego was prioritising the purchase of flag carrier TAP Air Portugal as an alternative way of boosting flights to Latin America. IAG pulled out of its attempt to buy Air Europa last week after opposition from the EU. Brussels refused to agree to IAGs proposals for maintaining competition in the Spanish market, effectively blocking the deal. The airline group had been pursuing the deal as a means to boost flights to Latin America. Buying Lisbon-based TAP would boost IAGs share of flights from Europe to Brazil and other South American destinations without the regulatory complications of expanding in Madrid, where the groups Iberia division is already the biggest carrier. Company sources said that IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus of Ireland and Barcelona-based Vueling, hasnt been put off dealmaking by the EUs stance, even after Its two failed attempts to acquire Air Europa cost it 100m (85m) in break fees. TAP is viewed as a more straightforward prospect that would add attractive routes, the sources said, though it would do little to further the groups overarching ambition of turning Madrid into a south European travel hub capable of rivalling those further north. Luis Gallego's IAG is attempting to acquire an Iberian carrier in a bid to gain more routes to South America - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg A spokesman for IAG said it remains intent on expansion and that its structure as a holding company provides a platform for consolidation. He said: We have a team that is always analysing opportunities for the group and when we see one that makes sense we go ahead. TAP was taken under full state ownership during Covid. A planned sale was put on hold last year before Portugals new centre-Right government said in March it would seek a buyer. Lufthansa and Air France-KLM have also shown an interest in TAP, though the German carrier may be preoccupied with its purchase of a controlling stake in ITA, Italys biggest airline, which secured approval from Brussels last month. IAG is enjoying a stronger summer than its peers, posting an operating profit of 1.2bn for the three months through June and resuming dividend payments for the first time since the pandemic. Profits fell 40pc at Lufthansa to 686m and 30pc at Air France-KLM to 515m. While already Europes biggest transatlantic carrier, IAGs earnings report identified growth in Latin American routes as its key strategic ambition, alongside consolidating its grip on the North Atlantic market, where BA and partner American Airlines are already dominant. 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. Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at BlueLinx Holdings (NYSE:BXC) so let's look a bit deeper. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for BlueLinx Holdings: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.084 = US$113m (US$1.6b - US$237m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024). So, BlueLinx Holdings has an ROCE of 8.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Trade Distributors industry average of 13%. View our latest analysis for BlueLinx Holdings roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for BlueLinx Holdings compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for BlueLinx Holdings . So How Is BlueLinx Holdings' ROCE Trending? While in absolute terms it isn't a high ROCE, it's promising to see that it has been moving in the right direction. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 8.4%. The amount of capital employed has increased too, by 57%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at BlueLinx Holdings thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. The Key Takeaway All in all, it's terrific to see that BlueLinx Holdings is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. And with the stock having performed exceptionally well over the last five years, these patterns are being accounted for by investors. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if BlueLinx Holdings can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. One more thing, we've spotted 2 warning signs facing BlueLinx Holdings that you might find interesting. Story continues While BlueLinx Holdings isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com A new very short video that features retired federal judge Paul Warner has now been posted by the Interpreter Foundation. Drawn from the Interpreter Foundations 2022 docudrama Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, it is entitled They Never Denied Their Testimonies. If you enjoy it, I hope that you will share it further. Ive been slowly reading through Robert Christopher Coppes, Impressions of Near-Death Experiences: Quotations from Over 100 Experiencers (Durham, NC: International Association for Near-Death Studies, 2023). Dr. Coppes, a Dutch researcher, has compiled a great many quotations from the accounts of other people, both published and unpublished, and arranged them by themes or categories. Here is his introductory summation of the famous NDE life review for a chapter that is dedicated to that topic. I found it quite clear, but also worthy of reflection. We will all, it seems, experience a life review. What do we want it to be like? How do we want it to go? Its not, it seems, entirely out of our control: During their NDEs, some people have a life review, and frequently this occurs in the presence of the Light. A life review comes in many forms. Some experiencers see their life as a film in fast-forward mode. Some see flashes or pictures. Some feel that these are memories of events. The overall feeling is described as this is you. The smallest details are perfectly clear. The life review is a refresher. NDErs say that theyve got to remember their place in the grand universal scheme and the purpose that they had on Earth or, rather, that they still have, considering that all NDErs have returned to continue their earthly lives. The life review also refreshed experiencers memories in another way: It enabled them to be conscious of virtually all events of their lives and of the effect they had on others. This consciousness came in a very interesting way: They remembered these events not only as themselves but also as actually being the other people involved. In other words, they saw their own lives from both their own point of view and also from the viewpoint of everyone else. For instance, when they did something nice for someone else, they actually felt that persons happiness. This was not an experience of as if they were the other person but of they actually were the other person. Likewise, when they harmed someone else, they felt that persons pain as that other person. One woman once shared her candy with a school friend. It was right after World War II in the Netherlands, and candy back then was a rare luxury. During her life review, she felt the gratitude and happiness of her friend. Being her friend, she felt how thrilled her friend was to be considered worthy enough to receive that candy. She was surprised that the feeling of extreme happiness didnt stop with the friend but extended to everyone with whom the friend subsequently interacted, such as the friends mother and, to her amazement, even beyond. In a very strange way, she felt that her kind gesture rippled further, to places she could not have previously imagined. (87-88) I briefly alluded in a blog entry two days ago to the recent article in The Times (of London) about Hannah Neeleman and Ballerina Farm. (See The Church in Recent Media.) Here are two more articles on the topic, both from the Deseret News, of which I especially like the second: Perspective: The real reason for Ballerina Farms popularity: Its easier to project our dreams onto someone else than to live out those dreams ourselves Unfair media portrayals not a rich family life are erasing Hannah Neelemans true identity: The messiness of family life is part of something bigger that cant be captured when we only understand sacrifice as oppression. My continuing quest to share materials with you from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File can, at times, be both daunting and frustrating. Why? Because theres so much in the Hitchens File, and so much that is added every single day, that I cant even begin to keep up. (Think of me, in that regard, as something of a martyr, slaving selflessly away for you, dear reader.) In any case, heres a recent item from the Hitchens File that Ive retrieved for your pleasurable indignation: Church Contributes $2 Million to Torontos Daily Bread Food Bank: Donation will help thousands of Torontonians facing food insecurity Incidentally, there was a complaint over on the Peterson Obsession Board a few weeks ago to the effect that I imagine, quite falsely, that my citing a few (hundred) examples of theism and theists doing good completely refutes all of the late Christopher Hitchenss arguments against religion. But I imagine absolutely nothing of the kind. Pointing out examples of how religion often improves things merely refutes his hyperbolic and obviously false claim that religion poisons everything. (All that is required to demonstrate that not all crows are black is one white crow. And Ive furnished far more than a single white crow.) As for the rest of his claims, well, of course, a large majority of them are also false, and Ive written (but mostly not yet published) quite a number of pages demonstrating their falsehood. My major public foray, thus far, into refuting Mr. Hitchenss onetime best-selling book god is Not Great came in my 2014 remarks at the annual FAIR conference, which were entitled God and Mr. Hitchens or, more accurately and with a nod to his own exotic orthography, God and mr. hitchens. Posted from Depoe Bay, Oregon Senior Researcher, Professor Smart Sarpong has cautioned the heads of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to utilize the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to improve the road networks of their communities. Over 2000 equipment have been provided by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to be shared among the MMDAs. The equipment were commissioned during the unveiling of the DRIP at the Black Star Square on Wednesday, July 31. This project is to enhance the roads across the nation and improve the lives of Ghanaians. Prof. Smart Sarpong advised the MMDAs' heads not to take the equipment for their private use. "The machines must be put to appropriate use", he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, stressing "don't let the machines end up in your homes...If your constituency or district has no need for roads and so the machines won't be useful to you, look for your adjoining constituencies and give it to them". 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. Featured Video At least 32 people were killed and several others injured after a suicide bomber and gunmen targeted a popular beachfront location in the Somali capital on Saturday, a police spokesman has said. Abdifatah Adan Hassan said around 63 people were wounded, some of them critically. Video footage showed a number of bodies and injured people in Mogadishu's Abdiaziz district. Local media say the attack was carried out by al-Shabab militants who control large parts of southern and central Somalia. The group is affiliated with al-Qaeda and has waged a brutal insurgency for nearly 20 years against the UN-backed government in Somalia. One eyewitness told AFP news agency people were in a state of panic, as "it was hard to know what was happening because shooting started soon after the blast". Abdilatif Ali said some people attempted to take cover on the ground, while others tried to flee the location. "I saw wounded people at the beachside. People were screaming in panic and it was hard to notice who was dead and who was still alive," he added. At least five people were responsible for the attack, as Mr Hasan said one attacker blew himself up while three others were killed. One attacker was captured alive, the police spokesman told reporters in Mogadishu. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video When law student Chidimma Adetshina clinched a coveted spot as a Miss South Africa finalist, her triumph unleashed a vicious backlash, unearthing a seam of xenophobia that lies close to the surface for some in the country. The 23-year-olds name hints at her connection to Nigeria, but internet detectives wanted to know more and combed through every inch of her life. They found that her father is Nigerian and though her mother is South African, her family had come from neighbouring Mozambique. "On behalf of South Africans, we dont recognise her and that name! She better start packing and go home, raged one commenter on X. But where is home? Ms Adetshina is South African, as verified by the organisers of the pageant. She has said in interviews that she was born in Soweto - the township next to Johannesburg - and grew up in Cape Town. However, the go-home sentiment, and even harsher attacks, flooded social media. There was also a petition demanding her removal from the high-profile televised competition that amassed more than 14,000 signatures before it was taken down. The countrys Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance party, which has joined a coalition government and made migration issues a key part of its platform, chimed in. We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already," he said on X. The issue has touched a nerve in South Africa that goes beyond who will appear on stage at the final next weekend. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Joseph Kwow Addo Sam, a 57 year old lawyer who is before the Circuit Court in Achimota for allegedly forging the WILL of one Alhaji Salia now deceased, has been been granted bail in the sum of Two Hundred Thousand cedis (GHC 200,000.00) As part of the bail conditions, he is required to provide three surities, one of whom must be a public or civil servant with a monthly salary of not less than Three Thousand (GHC 3,000.00). The court presided over by Her Honour Akosua Anokyewa Adjepong also ordered the accused to report to the investigator once every two weeks. Lawyer Kwow Addo Sam has been charged with four counts of conspiracy to commit a crime namely forgery, forgery of official documents, altering of forged documents and perjury, but he has pleaded not guilty. When the case was called on Thursday, 1st August 2024, his lawyer Bernard Koranteng Obiri holding brief for Paul Asibi Abariga, pleaded with the court to grant him a self recognisaince bail on grounds that he is a well known family man and has a safe place of abode. However the court declined the request for a self recognisaince bail. Lawyer Kwow Addo Sam is standing trial together with Alhaji Seidu Adams Bamba, a Banda Chief in Accra and three sons of the deceased, Abdulai Salia, Abubakar Salia and Saeed Salia. According to the facts of the case as presented by the Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babay, the Complainant ldris Salia is a businessman whilst first accused (AI) Joseph Kwow Addo Sam is a lawyer. The second accused (A2) Alhaji Seidu Adams Baba is Banda Chief in Accra. The third accused (A3) Abdullai Salia Junior, fourth accused (A4) Abubakar Salia and fifth accused (A5) Saeed Salia all at large. The third, fourth and fifth accused persons are siblings and Children of the deceased Alhaji Salia Abdullai. The Prosecution continued that, after the death of Alhaji Salia Abdullai on 23rd June 2021, a WILL surfaced purported to be the last "WILL" of the late Alhaji Salia Abdullai and same has been deposited at the registry of the High Court, Probate Division since 7th May, 2004. The said Will was witnessed by the late Tony Kenyin Foli and Alhaji Seidu Adam Baba the second accused. The complainant became suspicious when he obtained a copy of the said WILL and conducted his private checks and found out that his late father Alhaii Salia Abdullai and the late Tony Kenyin Foli signatures on the said WILL had been forged. Following his investigations he petitioned the Director-Genneral CID for investigation. A certified true copy of the said WILL was obtained fom the Registrar, High Court (Probate Division), Police also obtained from the Regional Police Headquarters/CID a copy of a statement of the late Tony Kenyin Foli previously submitted, whose name appeared on the said WILL as a witness. Investigation was extended to Ecobank, Ghana Commercial bank and the Registrar General's Department where signature samples of the late Alhaji Salia Abdullai were obtained. Both the undisputed and disputed signatures were examined by the Controller General of the Ghana Immigration Service Forensic Department and Spotlight Security Solution for Forensic Examination. The investigation revealed that the signatures on the purported will and probate form did not match those of the named individuals. It was established that, Alhaji Seidu Bamba (A2) conspired with Lawyer Kwow Addo Sam (A1) Abdulai Salia (A3) Abubakar Salia (A4) and Saeed Salia (A5) to prepare the forged WILL of the late Alhaji Salia Abdullai, with A2 signing as a witness to make it appear as the genuine last will of the deceased. The WILL and associated probate form were presented to the High Court Registry, and on August 11, 2021, A3, A4, and A5 applied for probate based on the forged WILL. The complainant, suspecting the wills authenticity, petitioned the police. Joseph Kwow Addo Sam was arrested, and in his caution statement to the police, he admitted to preparing and depositing the WILL at the High Court Probate Division on May 7, 2004. Alhaji Seidu Adam Baba, second accused (A2) was arrested but he refused to give statement to the Police. A4 and A5 allegedly signed on the probate form which was allegedly procured through fraud. Al and A2 were charged with the offences. The case has been adjourned to August 15 for continuation. Source: Philipa Atanga/Court Reporter/Despite Media Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Telecel Ghana has hosted over 100 young girls from the Northern, Eastern and Savannah regions for a day of ICT training and mentoring at its head office in Accra. The annual Girls in ICT Open Day is an initiative by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation aimed at inspiring and educating young women about the skills and opportunities available in the technology sector. The girls were welcomed by members of the Senior Management Team and then received training on foundational data analytics, robotics, cybersecurity, networks, and digital transformation along with mentorship sessions from Women in Technology at Telecel Ghana, to gain valuable insights into the world of technology and innovation. The mentorship sessions featured female tech team leaders who shared their experiences and offered guidance to the aspiring young girls, stressing the importance of upskilling, collaboration, and innovation in achieving success in the tech industry. "We believe that empowering young women with technology is essential for creating a more inclusive and innovative future," said Mrs. Juliana Ametorwogo, President of Women in Technology at Telecel Ghana. "By hosting these amazing young girls in practical workshops and mentorship sessions, we hope to inspire them to pursue tech careers and become leaders in the digital world." The initiative, aligned with the global push to bridge the gender gap in technology, provided a platform for girls to explore various aspects of digital technology. Participants had the opportunity to engage in practical exercises, such as building simple robots and developing basic coding projects. These hands-on activities sparked creativity and ignited a passion for technology among the young girls. Director of Legal and External Affairs, Augusta Andrews, said the interactive and practical sessions will go a long way to nurture these young talents and contribute to creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Investing in improving the digital capabilities of young women is a step in the right direction towards the development of a skilled and diverse future workforce that benefits not just businesses but the country. We believe in inspiring these girls to pursue careers in technology and become leaders in the digital age, Augusta added. The participants expressed their appreciation and renewed enthusiasm in technology after benefitting from the opportunity to learn new tech and digital skills and gain exposure to the tech industry. The successful hosting of the Girls in ICT Open Day demonstrates Telecel Ghana's dedication to partnerships, corporate social responsibility, and its role in empowering the next generation of leaders. 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. Featured Video Former US President, Donald Trump shared a photograph of Vice President Kamala Harris wearing an Indian attire and also her birth certificate as he continued to push racially charged claims that the Democratic presidential candidate isnt really Black. A day after accusing Harris of only recently claiming Black heritage, Trump added to the controversy by sharing the photo of Harris wearing traditional Indian attire alongside her mother and maternal relatives. Thank you Kamala for the nice picture you sent from many years ago! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated, The message came as Trump showed no signs of backing away from the controversy he launched during a 35-minute argumentative interview with reporters at the National Association of Black Journalists. Trumps campaign posted a headline depicting Harris as the first Indian-American senator elected from California as he addressed a rally in Pennsylvania. J.D. Vance, Trumps vice presidential running mate, praised Trump for having the courage to respond honestly to tough questions and slammed Harris as a chameleon. Trump then reposted a series of posts from far right Republican Laura Loomer that "Kamala Harris' birth certificate proves[s] that she is lying about being Black" and "CNN did a whole interview about how Kamala is Indian." That post ends with the declaration, "Not Black!" Trump also reposted Loomer's quoted post of an alleged birth certificate belonging to Kamala Harris. Loomer claims the birth certificate doesn't claim Harris "is Black or African." However, the alleged birth certificate also states Harris is of Jamaican heritage and most Jamaicans are of African descent. Loomer also claims that "Trump is correct" to attack Harris because she is "not Black and never has been." Loomer then stated that Harris is "the descendent of slave owners." Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Running Mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged electorates in the Central Region against being swayed by the sweet promises of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). "They will come with sweet promises, but show them that you desire development and better livelihood," she said. Interacting with hundreds of market women at the Anomabo market in the Central Region, who mobbed her during a stopover at the market, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asked the traders to question the NPP about its failed promises. She said the NDC will continue to be truthful to Ghanaians, adding that the party will not promise what it cannot deliver. Touching on market infrastructure, which Anomabo currently lacks, she reminded the traders that the NDC government built all the major modern markets across the country, citing the Kejetia and Kotokuraba markets as examples. The Anomabo market project, she explained, was initiated by the last NDC government before leaving office, and yet the current government has been unable to complete it, leaving traders with no option other than to sell along the highway. Prof Opoku-Agyemang, who has been campaigning in the Central Region this week, assured the people of Anomabo that the next NDC government will complete the market project and improve the welfare of traders and small scale business operators through various interventions such as the establishement of a Womens Development Bank. "We know how to do it because we have done it before, and shall do it again," she assured the traders and residents. From Anomabo, the Running Mate interacted with a large crowd of traders, drivers and commuters at Apam junction, who mobbed her amidst excitement. The traders and drivers, chanting slogans for change, expressed concerns about the lack of social amenities in the area, citing the poor condition of their roads as a major problem for them.They urged the NDC to prioritise the development of the area when it returns to power, and assured the NDC of their votes. 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. Featured Video Bogota Financial (NASDAQ:BSBK) Second Quarter 2024 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$3.01m (down 36% from 2Q 2023). Net loss: US$432.5k (down by 151% from US$856.6k profit in 2Q 2023). US$0.034 loss per share (down from US$0.065 profit in 2Q 2023). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Bogota Financial shares are down 1.9% from a week ago. Risk Analysis What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Bogota Financial (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Former President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed claims that the 'Agyapadie document, making rounds in the media is a fabrication, stating that its implementation is evidence of its authenticity. Akufo-Addo's fabrication claim Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit under the theme Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation in the Upcoming Election, President Akufo-Addo, referenced the 'Agyapadie' document claiming it was orchestrated to tarnish his reputation. President Akufo-Addo described it as a fabrication and a baseless accusation. Mahama's response However, addressing a mini Durbar of chiefs and people in Bawku, Mr Mahama challenged those who claim the document is fake to explain why it's being implemented. He questioned that If someone had fabricated what was contained in the Agyapadie document then that person was very creative to have known what was on the mind of President Nana Akufo-Addo. We need to hold this government accountable for the hardships; the crisis that theyve subjected Ghana to. For the State capture that theyve implemented in Ghana over the last eight years. Buying State property, buying all the government lands, amassing wealth for themselves...Recently there was a document called Agyapadie and they said its fabricated. But even if its fabricated, the implementation is not fabricated because everything that is written in that document has been implemented. He said "If really somebody sat and fabricated that document, then the person can really read the minds of people because how they could have written that document and read the minds of Nana Akufo-Addo and his family that this is what they were going to do, that person is a proper creative writer because everything in that document has been implemented, and so the implementation cannot be fabricated He further insisted that the ruling Akufo-Addo-led government "must be held accountable, and that is why Nana Addo says he will not hand over to John Dramani Mahama because he knows that when I come, I will hold him and his family and his government accountable for what theyve done" Source: Salaamat Kuukua Paintsil/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. Featured Video By Mark Sherman, The Associated Press WASHINGTON Ordinary Americans are getting whacked by too many laws and regulations, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says in a new book that underscores his skepticism of federal agencies and the power they wield. Too little law and were not safe, and our liberties arent protected, Gorsuch told The Associated Press in an interview in his Supreme Court office. But too much law and you actually impair those same things. Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law is being published Tuesday by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Gorsuch has received a $500,000 advance for the book, according to his annual financial disclosure reports. In the interview, Gorsuch refused to be drawn into discussions about term limits or an enforceable code of ethics for the justices, both recently proposed by President Joe Biden at a time of diminished public trust in the court. Justice Elena Kagan, speaking a couple of days before Biden, separately said the courts ethics code, adopted by the justices last November, should have a means of enforcement. But Gorsuch did talk about the importance of judicial independence. Im not saying that there arent ways to improve what we have. Im simply saying that weve been given something very special. Its the envy of the world, the United States judiciary, he said. The 56-year-old justice was the first of three Supreme Court nominees of then-President Donald Trump, and they have combined to entrench a conservative majority that has overturned Roe v. Wade, ended affirmative action in college admissions, expanded gun rights and clipped environmental regulations aimed at climate change, as well as air and water pollution more generally. A month ago, the Supreme Court completed a term in which Gorsuch and the courts five other conservative justices delivered sharp rebukes to the administrative state in three major cases, including the decision that overturned the 40-year-old Chevron decision that had made it more likely that courts would sustain regulations. The courts three liberal justices dissented each time. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch poses for a portrait in his office at the Supreme Court, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Washington. Gorsuch is out with a new book in which he says ordinary Americans are "getting whacked" by too many laws and regulations. "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law" is being published on Tuesday, Aug. 6. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)AP Gorsuch also was in the majority in ruling that former presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution in a decision that indefinitely delayed the election interference case against Trump. Whats more, the justices made it harder to use a federal obstruction charge against people who were part of the mob that violently attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to overturn Trumps defeat by Biden in the 2020 election. Gorsuch defended the immunity ruling as necessary to prevent presidents from being hampered while in office by threats of prosecution once they leave. The court had to wrestle with an unprecedented situation, he said. Here we have, for the first time in our history, one presidential administration bringing criminal charges against a prior president. Its a grave question, right? Grave implications, Gorsuch said. But in the book, co-authored by a former law clerk, Janie Nitze, Gorusch largely sets those big issues aside and turns his focus to a fisherman, a magician, Amish farmers, immigrants, a hair braider and others who risked jail time, large fines, deportation and other hardships over unyielding rules. In 18 years as a judge, including the past seven on the Supreme Court, Gorsuch said, There were just so many cases that came to me in which I saw ordinary Americans, just everyday, regular people trying to go about their lives, not trying to hurt anybody or do anything wrong and just getting whacked, unexpectedly, by some legal rule they didnt know about. The problem, he said, is that there has been an explosion of laws and regulations, at both the federal and state levels. The sheer volume of Congress output for the past decade is overwhelming, he said, averaging 344 pieces of legislation totaling 2 million to 3 million words a year. One vignette involves John Yates, a Florida fisherman who was convicted of getting rid of some undersized grouper under a federal law originally aimed at the accounting industry and the destruction of evidence in the Enron scandal. Yates case went all the way to the Supreme Court, where he won by a single vote. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch poses for a portrait in his office at the Supreme Court, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Washington. Gorsuch is out with a new book in which he says ordinary Americans are "getting whacked" by too many laws and regulations. "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law" is being published on Tuesday, Aug. 6. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)AP I wanted to tell the story of people whose lives were affected, Gorsuch said. The book expands on a theme that has run through Gorsuchs opinions over the years, from his criticism of the Chevron decision back when he served on a federal appeals court in Denver to his statement in May 2023 in which he called emergency measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis that killed more than 1 million Americans perhaps the greatest intrusions on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country. While Gorsuch has voted with the other conservative justices in most of the courts momentous cases, he also has joined with the liberals in notable cases, including those in which he wrote the opinion in 2020 that expanded protections against workplace discrimination to LGBTQ people. Gorsuch also has sided with the liberal justices in all the courts cases involving Native Americans since he joined the court. Immigration, especially when people fighting deportation have complained they were given inadequate notice about hearings, is another area where he has typically broken with his conservative colleagues. Gorsuch recently returned from a summer teaching gig in Porto, Portugal, for the George Mason University law school. Last year, he spent two weeks in Lisbon, Portugal, with the same program for which he was paid nearly $30,000, plus meals, lodging and travel. He will travel to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, later this week to talk about the new book. The day he met with AP, he said, was the first time in weeks that he put on a tie. He wore a dark blue suit, cowboy boots and a Western-style belt. He seemed at ease, offering chocolate chip cookies and coffee to visitors and joking with a reporter who talked about an upcoming trip to the New Jersey shore. Go fly some flags up there, Gorsuch said, a reference to the controversy over flags, similar to those carried by Jan. 6 rioters, that were flown at homes owned by Justice Samuel Alito and his wife. Gorsuch is not the only justice rolling out a book this summer. Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons memoir, Lovely One, will be published next month. MIAMI (AP) Tropical Storm Debby was strengthening rapidly Sunday and was predicted to become a hurricane as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico on a collision course with the Florida coast. The National Hurricane Center said in an update posted at 8 a.m. Sunday that Debby was located about 155 miles (250 kilometers) southwest of Tampa, Florida, and about 205 miles (330 kilometers) south-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida. The storm was moving north-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (85 kph), up from 50 mph (80) just a few hours ago. The storm was strengthening over the southeastern Gulf and expected to be a hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida, the hurricane center said. Wind and thunderstorms have spread over a broad area including southern Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were in effect for portions of the northern Florida coast. Debby is likely to bring drenching rain and coastal flooding to much of Floridas Gulf Coast by Sunday night and predictions show the system could come ashore as a hurricane Monday and cross over northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean. Forecasters warn it also could drop heavy rains over north Florida and the Atlantic coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina early next week. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June. The National Hurricane Center in Miami predicted the system will strengthen as it curves off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm. Intensification was expected to proceed more quickly later on Sunday. A hurricane warning was issued for parts of the Big Bend and the Florida Panhandle, while tropical storm warnings were posted for Floridas West Coast, the southern Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm watch extended farther west into the Panhandle. A warning means storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, while a watch means they are possible within 48 hours. Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and canals. Forecasters warned of 6 to 12 inches (150mm to 300 mm) of rain and up to 18 inches (450 mm) in isolated areas, which could create locally considerable flash and urban flooding. Forecasters also warned of moderate flooding for some rivers along Floridas West Coast. Heaviest rain could be in Georgia, South Carolina Some of the heaviest rains could actually come next week along the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville, Florida, through coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The storm is expected to slow down after making landfall. We could see a stall or a meandering motion around coastal portions of the southeastern United States, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said in a Saturday briefing. So thats going to exacerbate not just the rainfall risk, but also the potential for storm surge and some strong winds. Flat Florida is prone to flooding even on sunny days, and the storm was predicted to bring a surge of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) along most of the Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with a storm tide of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) north of there in the sparsely populated Big Bend region. Forecasters warned of a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation in a region that includes Hernando Beach, Crystal River, Steinhatchee and Cedar Key. Officials in Citrus and Levy counties ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal areas, while those in Hernando, Manatee, Pasco and Taylor counties called for voluntary evacuations. Shelters opened in those and some other counties. Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast estimated 21,000 people live in his countys evacuation zone. Officials rescued 73 people from storm surge flooding during last years Hurricane Idalia. Prendergast said by phone that he hopes not to have a repeat with Debbie. After the storm surge does come in, we simply dont have enough first responders in our agency and among the other first responders in the county to go in and rescue everybody that might need to be rescued, he said. Flood preparations underway Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Floridas 67 counties, with the National Guard activating 3,000 guard members. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp made his own emergency proclamation on Saturday. The White House said federal and Florida officials were in touch and FEMA pre-positioned resources including water and food. In Tampa alone, officials gave out more than 30,000 sandbags to barricade against flooding. Weve got our stormwater drains cleared out. Weve got our generators all checked and full. Were doing everything that we need to be prepared to face a tropical storm, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. Christina Lothrop is the general manager at Blue Pelican Marina in Hernando Beach, a barrier island about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of St. Petersburg. She said the public ramp was jammed Saturday with people launching boats. City workers empty trash cans to prepare for the storm at Clearwater Beach on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP)AP Today its kind of normal, which is kind of weird, Lothrop told The Associated Press by telephone. Workers at her marina have been preparing since Tuesday, however, securing boats stored on racks, stowing tool boxes and tying everything down. Right now what were doing is mostly tying up boats, Lothrop said. Before closing Saturday, Lothrop planned to raise computers off the floor and sandbag and tape doors. Idalia pushed about a foot of water (30 centimeters) into the store. Betti Silverman, whose home in Crystal River was under an evacuation order, said on Saturday afternoon that she doubted her family would leave. Silvermans waterfront home flooded during Idalia just as her family was moving in, ruining boxes and furniture in the garage. But she said the forecast for Debby didnt seem as severe. Weve been in Florida our whole lives, in South Florida, so hurricanes are not really a big, big thing, Silverman said. On Friday, crews pulled floating cranes away from a bridge construction project across Tampa Bay, lashing together 74 barges and 24 floating cranes and anchoring them, project engineer Marianne Brinson told the Tampa Bay Times. Crews also laid down cranes on land on their sides. Pinellas County paused a $5 million beach renourishment project necessitated in part by erosion from past storms. For some, the name Debby summons bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State. That storm dumped torrential rains, including an astronomical 29 inches (730 mm) south of Tallahassee. More storms in the Pacific, but no threat to land More than 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) off Mexico in the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Carlotta continued moving westward with top sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). Carlotta began losing strength Saturday and is likely to dissipate into a remnant of thunderstorms. Farther west, Tropical Storm Daniel formed in the Pacific. It was more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the southern tip of Baja California and was also expected to dissipate without striking land. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Federico Fellinis classic 1960 film La Dolce Vita is a commentary on the good life, of Italian cafe society and the flamboyant excess of Italys postwar elite. Today at the final table of the Merit Poker Dolce Vita Series $2,200 La Notte Degli Assi Main Event, it seemed like an Italian party in that same mold as four made it to the final five players. Then came an Israeli known only as Dashinka who spoiled all the fun and walked away with the trophy and $355,000 top prize. Dashinka defeated Ermanno Pacini on the first hand of heads-up play, capping off a dominant run through the 1,133-player field that saw him inside the top three of the leaderboard since Day 2. Dashinka seized the chip lead early at the final table and dispatched the Italians one by one until he was the last one standing. It was a very difficult game. Very good players against me. Dashinka said following his victory. I just choose my spots and choose the opponents to play with at the final table. I think I played at the final table, the people and not the cards. $2,200 La Notte Degli Assi Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Dashinka Israel $355,000 2 Ermanno Pacini Italy $240,000 3 Raffaele Castro Italy $160,000 4 Simone Andrian Italy $115,000 5 Fausto Tantillo Italy $90,000 6 Fouad Toujani France $72,000 7 Denis Stoma Belarus $57,700 8 Kirill Burtin Russia $45,000 9 Mohamad El-Sayed Lebanon $34,450 Dashinka describes himself as primarily an online player who had just one recorded live cash before this tournament. I play a lot of years. Before here, I played in Las Vegas for two months. Did not score anything. I play a lot of time online poker, so my experience is from online poker. This is really the first time experiencing live events, he said. Final Table Action The final nine returned to play inside the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino poker room at 1 p.m. local time. Fausto Tantillo, a Merit Poker regular whos enjoyed spectacular success here in North Cyprus, seemed on the verge of doing it again as he led with nearly 26,000,000. Tantillo wasted little time climbing up near 30,000,000 as he rivered a straight against countryman Simone Andrian on the second hand of the day. Mohamad El-Sayed then moved all in for 4,650,000 with top pair on a ten-high flop, but Dashinka had a pair of aces to bust El-Sayed in ninth place. Kirill Burtin was down to 2,750,000 when he jammed with two sixes, but Tantillo called with a pair of eights and Burtin hit the rail in eighth place. Dashinka won a big pot off Raffaele Castro when he turned a straight and jammed after Castro had bet 3,200,000. Denis Stoma then doubled up off Tantillo, but his newfound wealth proved short-lived as he turned a straight, only for Castro to river a higher straight and get paid with a bet of 5,000,000. Left with less than 3,000,000, Stoma got in his last chips the next hand but couldnt complete a flush draw against Pacinis flopped pair of sevens to finish in seventh place. Ermanno Pacini Dashinka seized the chip lead from Tantillo when he five-bet shoved for 25,750,000 with ace-jack and Tantillo folded ace-queen. Andrian was then all in for 9,800,000 but was dominated holding ace-six against Fouad Toujanis ace-jack. The flop was no help, but Andrian caught a running straight to miraculously double up and leave Toujani on fumes. Forced all in from the small blind the next hand, Toujani was a mere spectator as Tantillo and Castro tangled in a big side pot. Tantillo ended up with a queen-high flush and bet 3,800,000 on the river. Castro had a king-high flush and just called to win the pot and bust Toujani in sixth, leaving Dashinka and the four Italians to battle for the title. Tantillo had fallen to the bottom of the counts when he three-bet to 10,000,000 on the button. Dashinka jammed and Tantillo called for 2,200,000 more with ace-jack. He had Dashinkas ace-nine dominated, but Dashinka spiked a nine on the flop and another on the river to make trips and bust the start-of-day chip leader in fifth. It proved to be the turning point of the final table, and a decision Dashinka was comfortable with looking back. Fausto Tantillo My experience was very good. I liked the tournament. Running good. I lose some flips, but not too much. And all the time when I push my money I dont risk all my stack, maybe 20 percent or 25 percent of my stack, he said. I had a lucky hand at the final table with ace-nine against ace-jack and I hit the nine. It was 33 percent preflop, but I think its the right decision to do. Pacini doubled up off Andrian right before a break as Dashinka led with 51,900,000, followed by Castro at 32,200,000. Andrian then moved all in for 9,000,000 with king-queen, but Dashinka woke up with kings and Andrian, the Merit Poker Western Series Warmup champion, had to settle for fourth place this time. Simone Andrian Dashinka continued to increase his chip lead during three-handed play, making a running flush to win a pot off Pacini then flopping the nut straight as he crossed 70,000,000. Dashinka then raised to 3,000,000 on the button and Castro three-bet. Dashinka instantly moved all in and Castro called for 27,100,000 just as quickly, showing king-jack. Dashinka had ace-ten and Castro couldnt find any help on the board as Dashinka took the pot with ace-high, sending Castro to the rail in third place. Dashinka led Pacini 99,100,000 to 14,100,000 at the start of heads-up, and on the first hand Pacini jammed with ace-seven and Dashinka called with a pair of sevens. Dashinka held on to win the title and crashed the Italian Mediterranean poker party. Dashinka, Ermanno Pacini The experience over the past few days has endeared Dashinka to this seaside paradise in North Cyprus. He says hes already planning to return for the next series and try his luck again. For one week amidst this resort's sun and sandy beaches, Dashinka was certainly living the good life. That concludes PokerNews' coverage of the Merit Poker Dolce Vita Series. Stay tuned for coverage of tournaments from around the world. According to the latest CBS News Poll, Vice President Kamala Harris has erased Trumps lead nationally and in the battleground states. Video: Kamala Harris has taken a slight lead over Trump nationally, and the battleground states are tied. There has been a big enthusiasm shift, as the percentage who say they will definitely vote has gone from 58% to 74%. pic.twitter.com/FNDoGciI1z Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 4, 2024 CBS News reported: The percentage of Democrats who say theyll definitely vote has risen to its highest point this year. That narrows the partisan turnout gap weve seen throughout the campaign. And today much higher numbers of Black voters say theyll vote, compared to July when Mr. Biden was the nominee. More generally, all this points to how the election might well hinge on turnout and specifically on marginal-turnout voter those who dont always show up to vote. For example, among those who generally describe themselves as sometimes or rarely voting but say theyll definitely vote now Harris is currently winning. How Kamala Harris Has Changed The 2024 Election What has changed is that Kamala Harris has gotten voters excited and engaged who didnt feel that way about a Trump/Biden rematch. After eight years of older candidates serving as presidential nominees, there seems to have been a pent-up demand among voters for new faces and voices. Voters are more excited about Harris, and what should be encouraging for Democrats is that many voters still arent paying attention yet. The focus on the election usually doesnt pick up among casual voters until after Labor Day. The message in this poll is that Kamala Harris has momentum. This is a different election than it was two weeks ago. Donald Trump has lost any advantage that he once had. Democrats are excited. The swing states have shifted, and if this momentum continues, Kamala Harris will be the next President Of The United States. We are now considering selling this house and using the profits earned to possibly purchase the house they are renting. (Photo subjects are models.) - Getty Images/iStockphoto Dear Big Move, My wife and I purchased a second home in late 2016 for our daughter after she had been through a divorce. This house is located in Lubbock, Texas. She was paying over $1,000 a month to rent an apartment and we decided it would make more sense to invest in a house and have her help pay the mortgage instead of renting the apartment. With our share of money for a good down payment, her share of the mortgage payment was less than the amount she was paying for the apartment rental. Three years after living in that house, she met another man, remarried, and moved out of the Lubbock house. My daughter and her husband rent a house in another small town in the same state. Most Read from MarketWatch For the last four years we have rented the Lubbock house to another family member for six months out of each year; another daughter uses it from time to time, and we use it when traveling there for medical appointments. We now are considering selling this house and using the profits earned to possibly purchase the house they are renting. The couple, our daughter and her second husband are what I would call lower middle class and are not in a financial position to purchase or build a home. My wife and I are retired and live comfortably, and are pretty well set financially. We purchased the Lubbock house, a new build, for $180,000. Comparable sales for houses in the Lubbock area are selling for $250,000. The owner of the rental house in Silverton, Texas that my daughter and her husband are in has expressed an interest in selling the house, somewhere in the range of $105,000 to $115,000. This house is in serious need of plumbing replacement and other repairs, but the basic structure is sound. Of course we would need to get an appraisal to determine what it is worth before necessary repairs. My wife and I would then own the Silverton house and then just rent it to my daughter and her husband. So my question is, how should we proceed, and minimize our costs, and specifically our taxes? We were told there is a way to defer capital gains tax on the Lubbock house with a like-kind property would this be an option for us in our situation? Or is there another way? Story continues We would appreciate any ideas and advice you might have to give. Doting Father Dear Father, It is admirable that you wish to support your daughters not only financially, but also with an eye towards making sure youre not being taken advantage of. Youre not sacrificing your wealth, but rather, finding an optimal solution for all parties involved, so kudos for that. Your daughter must be so grateful that you are looking out for her. As for to how to minimize your taxes if and/or when you sell the former Lubbock property your daughter was renting from you, here are two ideas as suggested by Matthew Chancey, a certified financial planner and author of Tax Alpha Solutions: Effective Tax Management Strategies For High-Net-Worth Investors. You can first consider a 1031 exchange. Essentially, when you sell an investment property, you have to pay taxes on the gain at the time of the sale, but there are federal tax guidelines that allow you to postpone paying that tax, if you reinvest the proceeds in a similar property. To be clear, you are not avoiding taxes, youre just deferring them by undertaking a 1031 exchange. But the problem is that the rules state you have to exchange an amount equal to or greater than, Chancey noted, and since you are selling something at $250,000 and only need to buy the new property for $115,000, to complete a successful 1031 you would have to find an additional property worth the difference of about $135,000. Opportunity zones However, that means you might have to own multiple properties. So consider the fact that you might have to become a landlord to not just your daughter, but another renter too. Consider the legwork involved in being a landlord to a potential stranger is this something you would be up for? They can, in theory, be more unpredictable than people you know. Chanceys second suggestion: Under Section 1400Z-1 of the federal tax code, you can invest your money and also defer taxes. Opportunity zones refer to a provision in the tax code that aims to encourage private-investment in communities that are struggling, according to the Economic Innovation Group. It was enacted by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Your capital gain estimated $70,000, if you sold the $180,000 house for $250,000 could be reinvested into a 1400Z Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund, which would be an investment vehicle. That would in effect defer how much tax you will have to pay on the gain, Chancey adds. You would then have money left over to pay for the Silverton house, plus repairs. Most Read from MarketWatch LuLus Car Wash is in expansion mode locally. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 2 was part of a grand-opening celebration for the third location of the business in Aiken. Free car washes, free lunch from Vestos Kitchen and free LuLus promotional items were available at 3001 Whiskey Road. Early customers also enjoyed music provided by 93.9 BOB FM radio and had an opportunity to win tickets to Keith Sweats Oct. 18 concert in Augusta. In addition, if they signed up for a new Unlimited Wash Club membership, the cost was $10 per month for the first four months. Weve got a brand new site with new technology and new equipment, said Trenton Dierkes, grand opening and marketing manager for LuLus parent company, Mammoth Holdings. Weve created a shiny, new penny. Because of the express service offered, if you come in for a car wash, youre talking three to four minutes from the second you drive onto the site until youre out, Dierkes said. The other LuLus Car Wash locations in Aiken are on East Pine Log Road and Richland Avenue West. Dierkes told the Aiken Standard that each LuLus location usually has 11 to 14 employees. LuLus is well-loved here in the Aiken area, and we sure love operating here. Were excited to continue growing here in Aiken, said Marty Donat, director of new unit growth for LuLus, in a prepared statement that was included in a recent news release. The Aiken Chamber of Commerce assisted with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new LuLus. Attendees included Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Tunison and Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Mammoth Holdings operates more than 140 conveyor car washes under a variety of brand names in nearly 20 states, according to the release. Along with LuLus, those brands include Coastal Carwash, Finish Line Car Wash, Mr. Squeaky Car Wash and Suds Car Wash. A mans got to know his limitations, is the famous advice given by Clint Eastwood in his role as Dirty Harry in the 1973 movie Magnum Force. As a spiritual columnist, I see some spiritual awareness in those words. While my limitations are unlimited, I can briefly share three settings where its helpful for me to know my limitations. Three things Im too inept to manage in the retail setting: 1. I cant seem to learn Italian so I can order a venti or grande iced tea at Starbucks. I remind the clerk, This is America, darn it. Give me the jumbo super slurper. 2. Im unskilled in the self-check line at the grocery store. Those computer voices fluster me. They sound too much like creepy Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey, just endlessly repeating, Unauthorized item in the bagging area. 3. I cant manage accuracy when the grocery store asks for my personal information on the store application for preferred card. I dont need the avalanche of junk mail, text messages or email spam they bring, so I use the name Ima Snooty. Three things Im too clumsy to accomplish at church: 1. I dont care to hug strangers. This limitation is a trait of the INFP, a type from the Myers Briggs personality test. The letters stand for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Prospecting and, according to the test, an INFP tends to be quiet, open-minded and imaginative, and they apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do. As an INFP, I sometimes feel like Id rather run to my car after my sermon than stay around and hug people. 2. Im unable to think of the word that fills in the fill-in-the-blank sermon outlines found in many church bulletins. These outlines are akin to karaoke and were popularized by the now-retired evangelical pastor Rick Warren. 3. Im too rhythmically challenged to clap to the beat of contemporary church music. I have to make a choice: sing or clap. And since people tend to get hurt when I clap, I stick to singing. MOUNT PLEASANT Almost every week for the last 30 years, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has prayed for a wife. It was a recurring devotion that began in his late 20s, grew more urgent in his 40s and, as time marched on without much change in his romantic life, Scott admitted that he found himself asking if God heard his pleas. On Aug. 3, at age 58, Scott's prayers were finally answered. In an intimate evening ceremony at the chapel at Seacoast Church on Long Point Road, the South Carolina Republican exchanged vows with Mindy Noce, a 47-year-old interior designer. Among the readings at the wedding ceremony was a Bible passage that began with the reflection, "Two are better than one." The newlyweds shared their first dance to "Swayin' to the Music (Slow Dancin')" by Johnny Rivers. It marked the first wedding of a sitting U.S. senator from South Carolina in more than 50 years. In addition to close family and friends, the guest list included former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2-ranking Senate GOP leader. Fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham was also in attendance, along with Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, former Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, and Trey Gowdy, the former South Carolina congressman-turned-Fox-News-host who co-wrote a book with Scott in 2018. Scott's older brother, Ben Scott, was best man. Joni Blair, who became best friends with Noce when they attended the College of Charleston, served as Noce's matron of honor. Regular readers will know that we love our dividends at Simply Wall St, which is why it's exciting to see Boustead Singapore Limited (SGX:F9D) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next three days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. Therefore, if you purchase Boustead Singapore's shares on or after the 8th of August, you won't be eligible to receive the dividend, when it is paid on the 27th of September. The company's next dividend payment will be S$0.04 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of S$0.055 to shareholders. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Boustead Singapore has a trailing yield of approximately 5.4% on its current stock price of S$1.01. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! As a result, readers should always check whether Boustead Singapore has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut. Check out our latest analysis for Boustead Singapore Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. Boustead Singapore paid out a comfortable 41% of its profit last year. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. What's good is that dividends were well covered by free cash flow, with the company paying out 21% of its cash flow last year. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see how much of its profit Boustead Singapore paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. Fortunately for readers, Boustead Singapore's earnings per share have been growing at 15% a year for the past five years. Earnings per share have been growing rapidly and the company is retaining a majority of its earnings within the business. Fast-growing businesses that are reinvesting heavily are enticing from a dividend perspective, especially since they can often increase the payout ratio later. Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Since the start of our data, 10 years ago, Boustead Singapore has lifted its dividend by approximately 1.0% a year on average. It's good to see both earnings and the dividend have improved - although the former has been rising much quicker than the latter, possibly due to the company reinvesting more of its profits in growth. Final Takeaway Should investors buy Boustead Singapore for the upcoming dividend? It's great that Boustead Singapore is growing earnings per share while simultaneously paying out a low percentage of both its earnings and cash flow. It's disappointing to see the dividend has been cut at least once in the past, but as things stand now, the low payout ratio suggests a conservative approach to dividends, which we like. Boustead Singapore looks solid on this analysis overall, and we'd definitely consider investigating it more closely. So while Boustead Singapore looks good from a dividend perspective, it's always worthwhile being up to date with the risks involved in this stock. Our analysis shows 1 warning sign for Boustead Singapore and you should be aware of it before buying any shares. Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers. 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 PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-04 16:01:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 517 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MIRAME Fine Art is honoured to represent a range of Costa Rican artists who are redefining Latin American art by blending traditional and contemporary techniques. Below are four artists who exemplify the dynamic nature of Central American contemporary art.SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / August 4, 2024 / MIRAME Fine Art is the premier online Costa Rica art gallery dedicated to showcasing the nation's finest artists. By promoting Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage, MIRAME Fine Art connects talented artists with art lovers worldwide.Carolina Guillermet, Untitled Acrylic on Canvas Carolina GuillermetCarolina Guillermet, granddaughter of renowned Costa Rican abstract artist Lola Fernandez, draws inspiration from the philosophies of color theorists like Josef Albers. Her bright, geometric abstract paintings depict San Jose neighborhoods with irregular shapes and shades that emphasize the contextual nature of color. Carolina also follows the legacy of her other grandfather, J.P. Guillermet, by producing tapestries. She uses the tufting technique to create highly textured surfaces inspired by Peruvian patterns.Carlos FernandezLiving on a farm in the mountains of Santa Ana, Carlos Fernandez integrates raw materials from his environment into his canvases. Influenced by the ceramic tradition of Santa Ana and artists like Joseph Beuys, he mixes natural elements such as clay, soil, beeswax, and turmeric into his paint. An environmentalist at heart, Carlos embraces the philosophy "pigment is food." His abstract paintings emphasize the importance of nature's relationship to art and highlight sustainable creativity.Oscar Ruiz-SchmidtGrowing up in Liberia, Guanacaste, Oscar Ruiz-Schmidt, the fashion designer, and artist behind the label Obra Gris, was inspired by his mother's talent for craft. He integrates traditional woods like Guanacaste and teak into his home decor designs. Oscar's fashion sensibility extends to creating functional yet contemporary home objects, advocating for Zero Waste Design. Inspired by Vivienne Westwood's words, he encourages consumers to "buy less, choose well, demand more," infusing Costa Rican tradition with sustainable art and design.Emilia CantorEmilia Cantor received formal training at the Florence Academy of Art and founded Atelier del Sol, San Jose's first institution dedicated to classical art techniques. Her traditional approach is infused with emotionally charged color contrasts as she creates mythological forms and surreal backdrops. Emilia's work fuses contemporary and classical art, creating narratives that evoke a sense of otherworldliness and invite viewers to decipher the enigmatic figures in her compositions.Balancing Tradition and InnovationCosta Rican artists are redefining Latin American art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices, preserving cultural heritage while pushing artistic boundaries.By addressing sustainability and exploring social or art historical narratives, these artists continue to elevate the relevance and status of Latin American art on the global stage. Their work promotes dialogue between past and present and encourages appreciation for the region's artistic contributions.A premier art gallery in Costa Rica, MIRAME Fine Art, a destination for those seeking to explore and purchase Costa Rican art while supporting the wider Latin American art scene.Contact InformationBelinda SeppingsCo-Founderbelinda@ miramefineart.com +447821591397SOURCE: MIRAME Fine ArtView the original press release on newswire.com President Bola Tinubu on Sunday failed to condemn the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by the police in many states such as Abuja and Lagos. The president, however, condemned the violence that has trailed the protests in some states and led to the deaths and destruction of properties. Mr Tinubu, in his first public statement since the protests began on Thursday, urged the protesters to suspend any further protest and warned that the law would catch up with those executing violence. Although the president acknowledged that some of the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled, he kept mum on the polices violent crackdown on such peaceful protesters. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the police repeatedly fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse peaceful protesters in Abuja leading to injuries to many of them as well as journalists covering the protest. The police also targeted journalists, assaulting, brutalising and detaining some of them despite identifying them as journalists. In his speech, Mr Tinubu only called on security operatives to continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory, thus suggesting that has been the practice of the security agencies in handling 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 Although the president acknowledged the loss of lives in some states, he failed to address the possibility of investigating the circumstances that led to these deaths. He also attempted to shift the responsibility of ensuring peaceful protests to the organisers, stating that they had failed to keep their promise of ensuring a peaceful demonstration. I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will again be used to restore them. I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction, he said. Mr Tinubu, despite the role of the police in provoking protesters, claimed that persons with a political agenda were instigating the violence. As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart, Mr Tinubu said. Tinubu speaks on vandalism of digital centre in Kano In his speech, Mr Tinubu condemned the looting of the digital centre in Kano, describing it as a shame. He disclosed that the government had secured $620 million under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) to train and empower young people in tech to make them globally competitive. Unfortunately, one of the digital centres was vandalised during the protests in Kano. What a shame! the president said. Consequently, the president urged protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protests and create room for dialogue. It is unclear if the protesters will heed the call to suspend the protests. However, some of the protesters who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja said they would leave the streets if the president addressed them. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Reformers (CODER) has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the demands of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The convener of CODER, Peter Ameh, made this call in a statement on Saturday, urging President Tinubu to engage with citizens to resolve their grievances and prevent further unrest. The government should listen to protesters and consider their demands for the benefit of the government and the people. In a democratic society, the government is expected to listen to its citizens, including protesters, as they are elected to represent the peoples interests, Mr Ameh stated. Protesters, dissatisfied with Mr Tinubus economic policies blamed for bringing hardship to millions of Nigerians, began nationwide protests on Thursday to demand drastic solutions to the problems. In some states, the protests have been chaotic, with hoodlums taking advantage of the demonstrations to loot. The protests have been characterised by the high-handedness of the police and other security agencies who have shot at peaceful protesters and journalists in the first three days of the demonstrations. Mr Ameh noted that the right to protest is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and various international and regional treaties. The legal instruments Mr Ameh cited were the United Nations Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the Nigerian Constitution (Section 40). 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 all these protect citizens right to peaceful assembly and association. Group slams govt He criticised the Tinubu administrations handling of the protests that began on 1 August, citing reports of excessive force and brutality by law enforcement. He condemned these actions as violations of human rights and democratic principles. In a democracy, law enforcement agencies are expected to maintain public order while respecting the rights of citizens, including protesters, Mr Ameh said. ALSO READ: President Tinubu to address Nigerians as hunger protest continues He noted that the actions of the Nigerian police and military have caused severe physical harm, emotional trauma, and even deaths, raising alarms among human rights advocates. Appeal for dialogue He said addressing grievances through constructive dialogue can significantly reduce unrest. Mr Ameh pointed out that when citizens feel heard and their issues acknowledged, the likelihood of protests escalating into violence diminishes. Mr Ameh urged the government to listen to the peoples concerns and endeavour to build trust and social cohesion. He said this would help create a win-win situation that benefits the government and society. In a democratic society, it is imperative that the government listens to its citizens, respects them, and works towards solutions that promote the well-being of all, Mr Ameh added. Mr Ameh said by listening to the voices of the protesters, the government can gain valuable insights that enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and equitable policies. He said the approach preserves public order and strengthens the trust between the government and its people, creating a more stable and harmonious society. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following a considerable improvement in the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru in Yobe State, Governor Mala Buni has approved a five-hour review of the curfew imposed on the three towns. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Dahiru Abdulsalam, made this known in a statement in Damaturu. The curfew is now relaxed from noon to 5 p.m. to enable people to undertake lawful activities with effect from Sunday. While commending security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to the areas, the governor urged them to remain vigilant and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the relaxed curfew hours. He enjoined the residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities. He assured the public of the governments continued commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. Kano Govt. relaxes curfew Like Yobe, the Kano State Government has also relaxed the curfew, saying the curfew in the state is now from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 Kano State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Baba Dantiye, announced this on Sunday in a broadcast in Kano. He said that the curfew was adjusted to restore normalcy in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state for safety during the ongoing nationwide protest. Mr Dantiye said that Governor Abba Yusuf of the state expressed condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and property during the protest that turned violent. He also said that the governor urged the residents of the state to return to their various homes by 2 p.m., assuring them that the curfew would be reviewed as the security situation improves. He said the governor also appealed to the states residents to continue to pray for peace, progress, and political stability in the state and the nation. According to the broadcast, the relaxation of the curfew is a step towards restoring normalcy. The state government, nonetheless, insists that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure safety. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said the government has ordered mechanised farm tools from the United States of America, Belarus and Brazil to boost food production in the country. The Nigerian leader disclosed this in a broadcast to address Nigerians who have been protesting against the high cost of living and bad governance in the past three days. In the past few months, we have also ordered mechanised farming equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of Naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil. I can confirm to you that the equipment is on the way, the president said. He explained that his administration is also providing incentives to farmers to increase food production at affordable prices. This is against the backdrop of a significant surge in the prices of major staple food items such as rice, maize, beans, and wheat, among others. Similarly, over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the prices of farm inputs and labour costs, largely orchestrated by the governments tough policies/reforms. While acknowledging this, the president reiterated that he has directed the removal of tariffs and other import duties on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next six months, in the first instance, to help drive down the prices. 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 I have been meeting with our Governors and key Ministers to accelerate food production. We have distributed fertilisers. Our target is to cultivate more than 10 million hectares of land to grow what we eat, the president said. Mr Tinubu explained that the federal government will provide all necessary incentives for this initiative, whilst the states will provide the land that will put millions of Nigerians to work and further increase food production. My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens, the president said. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An array of critical stakeholders will meet in Abuja on Monday to deliberate on deepening accountability, democracy and good governance in Nigerias 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) at a policy conversation convened by Agora Policy and five partners. The policy conversation is organised in response to the 11 July ruling of the Supreme Court, which authorised direct disbursement of federation allocations to the local councils and affirmed that it is illegal for LGAs to be run by caretaker committees appointed by state governors. Put together with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, the policy conversation is designed to tease out practical ways of ensuring that the implementation of the apex court decision translates to positive change in local government administration across the country and, ultimately, to significant improvement in citizens welfare. The event is organised by Agora Policy, an Abuja-based think tank, in partnership with the BudgIT Foundation, Yiaga Africa, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Premium Times and The Cable. The theme is Enthroning Accountability in Local Governance in Nigeria. Our considered view is that while financial autonomy to the LGAs is not a bad thing, that by itself might not change much if it is not undergirded by robust accountability mechanisms, says Waziri Adio, the founder of Agora Policy. Financial autonomy should not be an end by itself but a means to more effective governance, deeper democracy and better service delivery at the local level. However, it does not appear to be an automatic link between direct federation allocation to the LGAs and the improved performance that we expect. It is therefore important to spend time in identifying and thinking about how to emplace the other things that are needed to achieve more effective, more responsive and more impactful governance at the tier of government closest to the people. 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 policy conversation will feature dissection and deliberation on issues such as the state of local government administration and elections, the constraints and pathways to optimal performance in local councils, mechanisms for deepening participatory, accountable and inclusive governance at the local level, and best practices from within and outside the country on local governance and citizens engagement. At the core of the deliberation will be a panel session featuring the following: Aminu Maifata, the national president of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON); Remi Aiyede, a professor of political institutions, good governance and public Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dear Esteemed Readers, We are writing to ask for your support at a critical time in our nations history. As Nigerias leading investigative newspaper, PREMIUM TIMES is committed to providing you with accurate, reliable, and unbiased news. Our dedication to fact-based reporting has made us your trusted source for news and analysis, and we are proud to have built a community of loyal readers like you. However, we need your help to continue this important work. As an independent, investigative newsroom, we need support from our readers to sustain our operations. Your contribution will enable us to: Investigate and expose corruption and abuse of power, holding those in authority accountable for their actions. Amplify marginalised voices and stories, giving a platform to those who would otherwise go unheard. Provide in-depth analysis and commentary on key issues, helping you make sense of the complex problems facing our nation. Support our team of dedicated journalists, who work tirelessly to bring you the news that matters. Your donation will help us maintain our independence and ensure that our journalism remains free from commercial and political pressures. We are committed to serving the public interest, not corporate or political agendas. Every amount counts, and we appreciate your support. 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 donating to PREMIUM TIMES, you are investing in: A free press that holds power accountable. A platform for diverse perspectives and voices. In-depth reporting that sheds light on critical issues. A stronger democracy that serves the people. A news platform that you can trust in the world of fake news and misinformation. Your contribution will help us continue to provide high-quality journalism that makes a difference. Please consider making a donation today. Together, lets hold power accountable and promote a more informed and engaged citizenry. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has urged demonstrators to suspend their ongoing protests and embrace dialogue with the government. Speaking for the first time since the nationwide protests began on Thursday, Mr Tinubu said the protests have turned violent in some states contrary to the promise by protest organisers. I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity, he said in Sundays broadcast. Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets since 1 August to demand economic and political reforms including the reversal of some government policies. Policies such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira have led to Nigerias worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as prices of goods and services more than doubled. Mr Tinubu ruled out such policy reversal in his speech. He stated that his governments decision to remove petrol subsidies was necessary to reverse decades of economic mismanagement that didnt serve us well. 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 fixing the country requires everyones help, regardless of age, political party, tribe, or religion. The president also warned against bigoted speeches, noting that the law will catch up with those who threaten any section of the country. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build, he added. Mr Tinubu condemned the destruction of public facilities and looting of supermarkets and shops in some states, saying it was contrary to the protest organisers promise that the protest would be peaceful. He said the destruction is a setback for the country as the scarce resources will be used to restore them. He also commiserated with the families of Nigerians who lost their lives during the protest in the last three days. I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, he said. I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction. Amnesty International has documented at least 13 deaths since the protests began, most allegedly caused by the police, facts the police dispute. Protests Organisers said the protests would last for 10 days, 1 to 10 August. The protests began peacefully but have turned violent in many states leading to deaths and destruction of property. In Abuja, the protests have been largely peaceful but for the violent disruption by the police and other security agencies. The first two days of the protest in Abuja saw police firing tear gas at protesters when they left the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja and marched towards Eagle Square. The protesters remained defiant and returned the next day. On Saturday, the police and personnel of the State Security Service (SSS) fired tear gas and live ammunition at both unarmed protesters and journalists at the MKO Abiola Stadium which the police said was the designated spot for the protests. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In the blink of an eye, I went from being a hunter of story to become the story. Angry, Luka Fada, an assistant superintendent of police, led the team of officers that descended on me while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest at the Eagle Square in Abuja on 1 August. I was filming the protesters who were chanting hunger slogans when Mr Fada signalled his colleagues to come with him. While Mr Fada and some of his colleagues went for the protesters, a menacing officer in a bulletproof vest and helmet came for me. Three other officers would later join him all pounced on me with a ferocity that left me reeling. One wrenched my right hand to seize my phone, and the three others hit me with their weapons, resulting in a head injury and an internal twist in my right shoulder. These monsters intentionally came for me, fully aware that I am a journalist who has caught them on camera harassing protesters. Who are you? My press jacket and identity card, once a shield for journalists, offered no protection at that moment, not even my explanations. 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 Who are you? They repeated these questions, perhaps expecting me to implicate myself. At one point, I couldnt answer the questions because I could barely speak above a whisper. The fumes from the fired tear gas canisters had made it into my lungs, thus pausing my breath. I tried to scream, but the chaos around me drowned out my voice, and my colleagues were some meters away, covering the protest, unaware of what was happening. My phone had been taken away at that time, and my eyeglasses were damaged. After that, one of the officers thrust his hand between my legs, then lifted me up and violently threw me into a police van. Inside, I found four other people already lying helplessly. We were asked to face down, but I was reluctant. I dont want to be driven to an unknown place. If I must be taken anywhere, I want to see the route. This ordeal lasted more than 15 minutes and ended only after a photojournalist with PUNCH, Kayode Jaiyeola, intervened. Unfortunately, I later learned that Mr Jaiyeola also dressed in a press jacket and helmet, was arrested that same day by officials suspected to be from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Although he had been released, his gadgets were still with the officers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chevron and California legislators have long butted heads over energy and climate policies: The oil giant blamed a $4 billion writedown on the states tightening regulations as it seeks to wean itself off fossil fuels. Chevron Americas Products president Andy Walz said in January, California was playing a dangerous game in response to the climate policies. Two months later, Chevron agreed to pay the state over $13 million in fines for dozens of oil spills since 2018. But as the second-largest oil company in the U.S. plans to complete its move from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas, this year, CEO Mike Wirth has pushed back on politics being the deciding factor for the move. This isn't a move about politics, Wirth told Bloomberg TV on Friday. It's a move about what's good for our company to compete and perform. Chevrons relocation has been anticipated for years. Wirth said the company has deep roots in the state with its suppliers, vendors, and partnerships, and finalizing the move would allow Chevron to be closer to the core epicenter of our industry. Houston, dubbed the energy capital of the world, counts 4,700 energy-related companies among its business operations, including Chevrons competitors ExxonMobil and BP. Chevron first made its home in the Bay Area in the 1870s before moving to San Ramon in 1999. Since 2019, when the company began a reorganization effort, its California employee population has stagnated at about 2,000, while its Texas contingency has swelled to around 7,000. Its a continuation of a mass exodus of corporations from California to Texas, where a lower cost of operations and living and lack of income tax are draws for large companies. Military aircraft manufacturer Aeromax Industries Inc., software company Oracle, and Elon Musks SpaceX and X are all once California-based companies that now count Texas as their home. Some of these relocations go beyond just business strategy. Musks move was explicitly political, following the passage of a California law banning schools from requiring teachers to disclose a change to a students sexual orientation or gender identity to their parents. But despite Wirth emphasizing the practical business elements of the relocation, he hasnt previously shied away from criticizing California efforts to regulate Big Oil. In response to a September 2023 California lawsuit accusing industry giants of lying to the public about the impact of climate change, Wirth said, Climate change is a global issue. It calls for a coordinated global policy response, not piecemeal litigation that benefits attorneys and politicians. Story continues Even as Wirth insisted politics did not drive Chevrons relocation, he couldnt deny his belief that California is hostile to the company. We advocate for policies that keep prices low, that keep supply reliable, that encourage an investment, and California's advanced policies that do the opposite, he said. And so we've certainly expressed our view, so we don't think that's good for the California economy. Chevron did not respond to Fortunes request for comment. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Protesters are gathering across many parts of Nigeria on the fourth day of the #EndBadGovernance protest called by various groups. The protests started on Thursday and have continued despite calls by political, religious and traditional rulers. On Sunday, President Tinubu addressed Nigerians in a televised broadcast where he called on protesters to end the protest and dialogue with the government. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the president also condemned the violent protests in some states but failed to condemn the attack on peaceful protesters by the police and other security agencies. At least 13 people have died since the protests began, many killed by security operatives, Amnesty International said, although the police dispute the facts. Stay on this page for live updates of the Day 4 of the protests. 9:50 am: Police stop Lagos protesters from marching beyond the Freedom Park, Ojota 10:35 am 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 Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Okafor, pleads with #EndBadGovervance protesters in Lagos to go home and wait for the government intervention. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The fourth day of the nationwide protests started slowly in Nigerias capital, Abuja, on Sunday as near normalcy returned to the city. From 10 a.m. on Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES moved from the Umaru Musa Yaradua highway, popularly known as Airport Road, through the Moshood Abiola Stadium to Area 1, Area 10 and to the Three Arms Zone where the Eagle Square is located. Though many of the streets are still deserted, more commuters and commercial vehicles were seen than during the first three days of the protest. At the Moshood Abiola Stadium, only a handful of protesters were sighted hanging around the premises around 10:40 a.m. A few trucks of police officers were also seen at the stadium. Sundays low turnout of protesters may be attributed to fatigue, religious activities, or President Bola Tinubus address earlier in the day. The president appealed to protesters to end the demonstration and dialogue with the government. However, some Nigerians, including Omoyele Sowore, one of the protest organisers, asked Nigerians to occupy Eagles Square on Monday. 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 A controversial ex parte order of the FCT High Court had restricted protesters to the MKO Abiola Stadium. For the first two days of the protest, protesters were tear-gassed when they left the stadium for Eagles Square. On the third day, however, police shot at unarmed protesters and journalists at the stadium, using tear gas and live bullets. Many people sustained injuries in the melee. The protesters had announced that the protest would be held daily until 10 October. Govt wants protest suspended In his Sunday broadcast to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu urged the the suspension of protests and asked protesters to embrace dialogue. The president also reeled out policies his government has put in place to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. He also condemned the destruction of properties and loss of lives in places like Kano and Kaduna. He commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones. The president, however, kept mum on the security agencies attack on journalists and unarmed protesters. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The #EndBadGovernance protesters have left the streets in Kano State after the demonstration was marred by wanton looting and destruction of properties. PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday and Sunday observed soldiers and other security agents patrolling the major markets in the state. At the Kantin Kwari textile market, soldiers were seen manning checkpoints, restricting the movements of persons not on essential duties. The Kantin Kwari textile market, Kofar Wambai market, Dawanau grains market, and Sabon Gari markets were all fortified with security agents. While the peaceful protesters have withdrawn from the streets, some hoodlums continued across the town to loot stores and residential areas. In the Tudun Yola area, shop owners operated skeletal services amidst fear of the hoodlums invading to loot their properties. In Rigiyar Lemu, Kwanar Jajira area, on Friday night, street urchins reportedly seized peoples phones and motorcycles while terrorising the area with dangerous weapons. 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 People stayed indoors for fear of attack because the looters exploited the fact that the police were deployed to the main protests in the Government House and other frontline areas. On Saturday at the Sufaye Store, close to Farida Cinema, the police fired multiple shots and dispersed hoodlums attempting to break into the store, Aminu Ishaq, a resident of the area, told PREMIUM TIMES. Another resident, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also told PREMIUM TIMES that in the Jaen area of the metropolis, residents reported hoodlums breaking into private residences and shops. People have no fear of God. I saw boys going around with dangerous weapons, looting private shops, and smashing flashy cars, Mr Abdullahi said. Some Facebook users warned residents to stay indoors in many areas to avoid the rampaging hoodlums. Avoid the Karkasara, Court Road, Tudun Fulani axes. Looting and robbery ongoing, some of the posts stated. Looting and snatching of items were rampant at Kwanar Taya, Kofar Dawanau, Kofar Ruwa, and Dan dishe, where the hoodlums reportedly had a field day since Thursday. Some business owners had commended security agents on a radio programme for protecting their shops against looting. The police spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, did not respond to phone calls from this reporter. However, in an earlier statement, the police arrested 316 suspected looters across the state. On Saturday, the Kano State government relaxed its curfew to stop violence and criminality. In a broadcast on Saturday, the Kano governments spokesperson, Halilu Dantiye, said the curfew would be further relaxed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Sunday. Mr Dantiye said the government would relax the curfew further if the situation improved. The governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, sincerely sympathises with those who lost valuables and loved ones in the peaceful protest hijacked by the hoodlums, which has left a sad situation for those families, Mr Dantiye said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Saturday was an unusual yet not an unexpected workday in the life of a journalist. It was the third day of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, and the air was thick with tension. The memories of the previous days harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists by security agents loomed. Some of my colleagues, family members and many citizens were freaking out, unsure of what the day would bring. Nigerians began the protest, called by different names including hunger protest, hardship protest, and End Bad Governance in Nigeria protest on Thursday against President Bola Tinubus handling of the economy that triggered rising costs of living. They also expressed discontent with the lack of sensitivity on the part of public officeholders and, generally, the absence of good governance in the country. My colleagues and I were assigned to cover the protest at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The movement was gaining momentum, not necessarily because of the number of protesters but because of the people it kept off the streets and the businesses it shut amid the rising spectre of violence. We arrived at the Moshood Abiola Stadium at 9:14 a.m. on Saturday, finding no protesters. But by 9:54 a.m., a small group had gathered, their chants echoing far into the distance, far away from the stadium. We were in the thick of it, capturing raw emotions and powerful images. The crowd was peaceful but bursting with anger and frustration. We had just finished interviewing a young protester when the atmosphere changed drastically. At 11:35 a.m., without warning, the police began dispersing protesters who were sitting on the ground. Tear gas canisters exploded nearby, causing panic. The acrid smoke burned my eyes and throat as I struggled to maintain composure and continue recording. Caught in the chaos, my colleagues and I dodged protesters and police, seeking temporary refuge across the highway from the stadium. We tried to catch our breath and reassess the situation. 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 police were relentless, ordering peaceful protesters to move into the stadium and firing canisters at those who refused. The situation escalated rapidly. We decided to head back to our vehicle. The road had become a battleground, with more police officers arriving. We moved quickly, trying to stay out of sight. At 12:15 p.m., as we reached our car, agents of the State Security Service (SSS), Nigerias secret police, appeared. Fully hooded, they emerged from their vehicles and marched toward us. They fired at our vehicle, the bullets piercing the metallic body. We ducked instinctively, adrenaline pumping. Three shots rang out, each one driving us into panic. Despite our jackets clearly marking us as journalists, they fired as if with intent to kill, or at the very least, showed indifference to the possibility of our being killed. Miraculously, none of us was hit. We managed to start the car and sped away, hearts pounding and minds racing. The realisation of how close we had come to death was overwhelming. The drive back to the office was silent. Each of us was lost in thoughts, processing the near miss. We had no idea if the protesters who fled into the bush were safe or had been killed. Back at the office by 1:34 p.m., we recounted our ordeal, still shaken but grateful to be alive. The footage we captured was harrowing, a stark reminder of the dangers we face as journalists. Our commitment to telling the truth had never felt more perilous. As I sat down to write this diary entry, the days events replayed in my mind: the protest, the tear gas, the gunshotseach moment etched in my memory. We had escaped with our lives, but the fight for justice and unravelling the truth continued. Saturday was not just a stark reminder of the risks inherent in journalism but also of the profound importance of the profession. Without us, the deadly actions of the SSS operatives and other security forces could have gone undocumented. I was exhausted but resolute as I prepared for bed later that day. I drifted off to a fitful sleep, more determined to make journalism count. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Qudus! Qudus!! start your car; lets go, Dyepkazah Shibayan, a reporter with TheCable, screamed in horror. I cant leave. Abdulkareem and others are still behind, I replied as the sounds of gunshots filled the air. We hopped into the car shortly after, but my trembling hands couldnt immediately locate the ignition spot. Before the car roared to life, Mr Shibayan advised our other colleagues Bola Olabimtan, Claire Mom of TheCable and Solomon Odeniyi of The Punch to bow their heads in the car. From the Moshood Abiola Stadium, we headed towards Independence Avenue at about 80 kilometres per hour. As we moved, the car kept swerving. But the trigger-happy SSS officers pointing guns at us did not give up. They chased after us in an unmarked Toyota Sienna. I had never driven with so much fear. 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 drama Bola, bend down, everybody down, they are shooting. Bullet hit my car, lets go. God save me from this. Where is Ademola? These are memorable phrases from the journalists as they scampered for safety in Abuja, Nigerias capital city, on Saturday. The journalists were covering the peaceful demonstration against hardships at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium before officials of the State Security Service (SSS) shot rounds of live ammunition to disperse them and the protesters. The protest turned rowdy at about 12:15 p.m., just after the SSS officials alighted from their vehicles, heavily armed, masked and kitted in black. As the masked officers moved towards the journalists, many of us knew we had encountered trouble with the security agencies, either to be arrested or harassed. See the way they are holding guns; let us leave this place, please, Mr Shibayan said amid other journalists. A few seconds after his comment, one of the officers cocked his rifle and started shooting. The journalists rushed into their vehicles, while others took to their heels through the bush leading to the Area 1 bridge. The journalists covering the protest were from Premium Times, The Cable, Punch, Peoples Gazette, Arise News, AIT, News Central and many others. Bola, bend down, everybody down , Mr Shibayan directed six other journalists who rushed inside one of the cars conveying PREMIUM TIMES correspondents. Qudus, start your car, lets go please, Mr Shibayan added. I cant leave. Abdulkareem and others are still behind. Let him meet us, I responded. A bullet has hit my car; lets go, Abdulkareem Mojeed, another reporter with PREMIUM TIMES who had six other journalists in his car, said surprisingly. Amid the drama, the journalists from Arise News hurriedly drove away in their official bus. After leaving the area, my PREMIUM TIMES colleague later realised that another colleague, Ademola Popoola, was missing. Call his number, Mr Shibayan suggested His number isnt connecting, I responded. As the conversation continued, the SSS officials moved towards the journalists again. After about five minutes drive from the scene, I called Mr Popoola again, and it connected. Where are you? I asked. I am in the News Central TV car, Mr Popoola responded. Great. Find your way to the office, I said, relieved. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has given tertiary institutions one month to disclose all candidates illegally admitted before 2017. JAMB Registrar Is-haq Oloyede gave the directive at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, saying the decision would end the condonement of illegal admissions without registration number. Mr Oloyede, a professor, cited widespread abuse of the window used to absorb illegal admissions conducted before 2017. Mr Oloyede, represented by the agencys spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, added that the position is informed by the discovery of widespread and unwholesome practices whereby some institutions colluded with candidates to falsify vital details, such as backdated year of entry and age-adjustments, to facilitate illegal admissions and enable fake candidates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Solution He said: It would be recalled that CAPS was introduced in 2017 to ensure accuracy, records, transparency, accountability, fairness, and equity in admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The window (for mop-up of pre-2017 unofficial/unregistered admission) has been on now for seven years and it is now being abused. To address the challenge, he said the board has directed all institutions to disclose all candidates illegally admitted before 2017 within the next one month, beginning from 1 August. Any admission given before 2017 will no longer be recognised or condoned unless disclosed within this window. Institutions are advised to comply with this directive, as there will be no further condonement of unrecorded candidates who did not register with JAMB or sit for any entrance examination, he added. 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 noted that the move is aimed at curbing illegal admissions and falsifying records while ensuring compliance with the provision of CAPS. Part-time, Top-up programmes JAMB condemned the Daily-Part-Time (DPT) and Top-up (TU) programmes being offered by some polytechnics and universities, describing them as fraudulent devices aimed at side-lining quality and approved quota for full-time admission. Mr Benjamin gave a recent example of the advertisement by Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, in Oyo State, inviting candidates to apply for its two-year daily part-time (DPT) programme. He noted that the National Board does not approve such programmes for Technical Education (NBTE) or the National Universities Commission (NUC). He said: Part-time programmes are strictly regulated, allowing institutions to admit only up to 150 per cent of the approved full-time capacity. However, some institutions have been found to admit an excessive number of candidates through this unrecognised DPT programme, merging them with full-time students in classrooms and purporting to graduate them simultaneously with full-time students. This practice undermines the integrity of our educational system under the guise of revenue generation. JAMB, however, advised candidates to avoid such programmes, as they are not recognised and will not be tolerated under any regularisation or condonement. Candidates admitted outside CAPS JAMB further reminded institutions to disclose candidates admitted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) between 2017 and 2020. The Board warned that failure to comply would result in termination of the condonement process. This directive followed the waiver, on the recommendation of JAMB, by the former Minister of Education, which allowed institutions to transit to conducting all admissions exclusively through the CAPS platform from 2020. We then opened the window of Condoment of Undisclosed Institutional Illegal Admissions (2017 -2020) (CUIIA), he said He added that the board is consequently terminating the aspect of the CUIIA process, which allows completely unregistered candidates (without registration) to be introduced to the system. CAPS is the only authorised platform for admissions. Those who even have registration but were illegally admitted between the period (2017 2020) would soon be denied the opportunity of the waiver unless they are disclosed within the next one month. Minimum age for admission The board maintained that the minimum age for candidates seeking admission for the 2024/2025 session remains 16 years. For the 2024 admission cycle, candidates who will be at least sixteen years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible. This decision follows the directive from the Chairman of the 2024 tertiary admission policy meeting, who is also the Honourable Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman that the extant policy of 6-3-3-4 be enforced only from the 2025 session, Mr Benjamin said. The board expressed concern over the alarming rate of false affidavits and doctored upward age adjustments on NIN slips submitted to the Board, vowing to take decisive action against perpetrators. Only those below 16 would not and should not be admitted in accordance with the decision of the 2024 Policy Meeting, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government has rejected a claim by the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, that the state has yet to receive 20 trucks of rice palliatives from it. Mr Yahaya, on Tuesday in a meeting with civil society organisations, Organised Labour and the Amalgamated Unions of Traders in Gombe, said the state was yet to receive the federal government rice palliative. The governor, however, commended the federal government for the initiative. PREMIUM TIMES reported Mr Yahaya saying that the 20 trucks of rice had not been delivered to his state. Reacting to the governors claim on Saturday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview with BBC Hausa programme, said there is no state where the rice was not delivered. The minister said it was dispatched for distribution to the masses two weeks ago. Mr Idris emphasised that every governor received the allocation, contradicting the Gombe governors claim. 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 distribution was made public over two weeks ago, and no other governor has disputed the delivery except from Gombe. All the governors were given 20 trucks of rice for distribution to people. The claim that it was not given is a new statement I have heard. The distribution was made known over two weeks ago and there is no governor that came out to make this claim except that of Gombe, who said his state was yet to receive its share. But in our records, each governor was given 20 trucks of rice, the minister insisted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has called for a probe into the shooting of journalists covering protests in Abuja on Saturday. The shooting also appeared premeditated as the journalists were particularly targeted and shot twice within minutes, a statement by the organisation said on Sunday. The statement said the security agents shot at the media practitioners twice but PREMIUM TIMES reporters said they were targeted with live ammunition thrice. Read the full statement of IPI Nigerias statement here. PRESS STATEMENT August 4, 2024 IPI NIGERIA DEMANDS INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF SECURITY AGENTS WHO FIRED LIVE BULLETS AT JOURNALISTS 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 Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned in strong terms the deployment of excessive force against journalists covering the nationwide protests. On Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, several journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests were shot at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja by security agents wearing hoods. The journalists narrowly escaped unhurt, but bullets damaged one of their cars. The shooting happened at the main entrance of the stadium. The firing of what is suspected to be live ammunition is unacceptable and is strongly condemned. The shooting also appeared premeditated as the journalists were particularly targeted and shot twice within minutes. The security agencies knew where the journalists converged. Many of them wore vests, with the word PRESS boldly written on them. Many had cameras and drove vehicles with press written on them. Saturdays shooting is even more worrisome as it came a day after the Chief of Defence Staff said on live television that journalists should stop giving protesters publicity. The IPI is hereby demanding an immediate investigation of the shooting incident at the stadium where journalists were targeted. The officers involved, reported to be personnel of the police and the State Security Service, should be identified and punished. The media has a responsibility to cover the ongoing protests across the country, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutionally mandated role without interference and intimidation by anyone. Targeting and shooting at journalists carrying out their lawful duties is tantamount to taking a wild shot at our democracy and it should be condemned by all. Musikilu Mojeed President IPI Nigeria Tobi Soniyi Legal Adviser IPI Nigeria Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The colonists defaulted to violence in response to protest because they lacked legitimacy with the natives. Ninety-five years after the colonial regime massacred Opobo women in Ikot Abasi at the onset of the Aba Womens Uprising, the response of Independent Nigeria to the idea of dialogue with its people under the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains largely un-evolved and, if anything, even more lethal. Today, as then, whenever government does that, it is because it suffers a costly crisis of legitimacy. 115 years ago, in 1909, Walter Egerton, the barrister-turned-colonial administrator, and then governor, introduced the Sedition Ordinance into the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. This drew a sharp response from Christopher Sapara Williams, Nigerias first lawyer, the son of an Egba mother and an Ijesha father, who challenged the Ordinance, describing it with considerable prescience as a thing incompatible with the character of the Yoruba people, and (which) has no place in their constitution. Hyper-sensitive officials may come tomorrow who will see sedition in every criticism and crime in every mass meeting. Sapara Williams was Nigerias first articulate defender of civic dissent. The promulgation of the Sedition Ordinance was one of the fallouts of the Lagos Water Riots of 1908. The antecedents go back to the encounter between Lagos and colonial England. As the countries of Imperial Europe concluded their carve up of Africa in Berlin in February 1885, Oba Dosunmu of Lagos died, and was succeeded by his son, Oba Oyekan 1. At the death of Oba Oyekan 1 on 30 September 1900, a fierce succession battle ensued. Sapara Williams was one of the lawyers instructed by the parties to the dispute. When the dust settled, his client, Adamaja, lost to the eventual winner and Oba Dosunmus grand-son, Eshugbayi Eleko, who ascended the throne in 1901, but this did not becloud his clarity of principles on the rights of the peoples of the territory to protest. Unlike the supporters of Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Sapara Williams views on the right to protest did not depend on the ethnicity of the person in power. That was one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of Lagos and it coincided with a most intense period in the colonial territorial consolidation that would ultimately result in the notion of Nigeria. An inevitable conflict between the colonists and dissenting natives revolved around two issues: racial segregation, which privileged whites; and free expression, which patronised the native populations. Over one century later, these same issues discrimination and freedom of expression continue to plague and define governance in Nigeria. Sapara Williams was implacable in his support of the right to protest. Long after his untimely death in 1915, his position remained a source of inspiration to the Eleko and people of Lagos, in an even more consequential dispute over the control of traditional lands in the colony. This issue ended up before the highest court with jurisdiction over the territory in the case of Amodu Tijani, decided by the Privy Council in July 1921. The Eleko rallied behind the Idejo Chiefs, led by Amodu Tijani, the Oluwa of Lagos, who had the support of Herbert Heelas Macaulay, grandson of the first African Anglican Bishop, Michael Ajayi Crowther, and a veteran dissenter. Just as the Eleko was on his way to being reinstated in Lagos, the Aba Womens Uprising took off in 1929. Like the Lagos Water Riots, it was also anchored on dissent over colonial taxation, in the foreground of what would become an incomplete colonial head count in 1931. The pivotal moments in the uprising of the women of the East actually covered the territories of what would today be known as the states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. For the hearing before the Privy Council in 1920, Herbert Macaulay travelled to London with the Obas Staff of Office in support of Amodu Tijani and the Chiefs. While in London, Herbert Macaulay issued a statement claiming that the Eleko was the King of over 17 million Nigerians and in possession of a territory more than three times that of Great Britain. Despite a healthy revenue of over 4 million, he claimed, the British had reneged on a treaty commitment to compensate the Eleko. Embarrassed at being publicly called duplicitous in this way, the British required the Eleko to disown Herbert Macaulay. He issued a public statement clarifying his position on Herbert Macaulays statement but declined to disown him through the Obas Bell Ringers, as required by the colonists. Unable to secure the support of the popular Eleko, the colonists chose to head off rising tension by deposing him. On 6 August 1925, they issued an ordinance de-stooling him and, two days later, on 8 August they arrested and removed the Eleko into internal banishment in Oyo. In his place, they installed Oba Ibikunle Akitoye. 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 Oba Akitoyes rule lasted an uncomfortably brief three years, largely because he lacked the support of the people of Lagos. Indeed, in 1926, he suffered physical assault by his people. Supported by the elite and people of Lagos, the deposed Eleko took his case to the courts, fighting all the way to the Privy Council, which decided on 19 June 1928 in favour of his claim for leave for a writ of habeas corpus. This all but sealed the fate of Oba Akitoye, who is suspected to have facilitated his own earthly demise shortly thereafter. Just as the Eleko was on his way to being reinstated in Lagos, the Aba Womens Uprising took off in 1929. Like the Lagos Water Riots, it was also anchored on dissent over colonial taxation, in the foreground of what would become an incomplete colonial head count in 1931. The pivotal moments in the uprising of the women of the East actually covered the territories of what would today be known as the states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. On 16 December, 1929, Adiaha Mary Edem, a formidable female trader, led a contingent of women from the Andoni, Ibibio, and Ogoni nations, as well as women from Opobo Town, to a meeting with the colonial officers at the Opobo Divisional Office. The purpose of the meeting was to address the concerns of the women over the new colonial tax proposals. In anticipation of the meeting, meanwhile, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) had arranged for the presence of well-armed soldiers from Calabar and Enugu, under the command of Captain J. Hill. It is beyond ironic that rights of protest secured with the heroic sacrifices of Nigerians under colonial bondage are now endangered over six decades after Independence at the hands of a government that trumpets its electoral legitimacy supposedly through the votes of the same Nigerians whose rights to protest it, however, chooses not to respect. Egbert Udo Udoma the son of Adiaha Edem who grew up to become Chief Justice of Uganda and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, testifies in his memoirs that around midday on the day, while he and his mates were still in school, they heard, a loud report in the form of volleys being the sound of a discharge of rounds of gunfire by soldiers. It came as a shock to all of us at school when we were told that the soldiers had shot some of the women who held the meeting with the Divisional Officer. One of the women killed on the day was his mother, Adiaha Edem. The reason for the massacre was that at the meeting, the women had raised objection to the imposition of poll tax by the government. The SDO apparently did not like that; hence soldiers mowed down the women. 20 years later, on 18 November 1949, the colonial authorities killed 21 miners and injured 51 others in Iva Valley, near Enugu. The most that came out of the inquiry that followed was the creation of the Ministry of Labour. Following the adoption of McPherson Constitution in 1951, Ladoke Akintola became Nigerias first Minister of Labour, as a direct result of the Iva Valley Massacre. In the period since then, organised labour has mostly been the biggest force of dissent and protest in Nigeria. That was at least until the onset of the digital revolution put the organisation of protests to scale within reach of everyone with a digital device. It is beyond ironic that rights of protest secured with the heroic sacrifices of Nigerians under colonial bondage are now endangered over six decades after Independence at the hands of a government that trumpets its electoral legitimacy supposedly through the votes of the same Nigerians whose rights to protest it, however, chooses not to respect. The colonists defaulted to violence in response to protest because they lacked legitimacy with the natives. Ninety-five years after the colonial regime massacred Opobo women in Ikot Abasi at the onset of the Aba Womens Uprising, the response of Independent Nigeria to the idea of dialogue with its people under the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains largely un-evolved and, if anything, even more lethal. Today, as then, whenever government does that, it is because it suffers a costly crisis of legitimacy. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Honourable Speaker of the Lower House, Tajudeen Abbas, PhD. should rein in this unfortunate deviance. Apart from being the Speaker, he is well educated and knowledgeable. He is expected to provide the house with a leadership that is pristine, robust and honourable. The Speaker should not allow uninformed members to drag the reputation of the House in the mud. On the surface, the recent tiff between Aliko Dangote, founding president/CEO, Dangote Group, and Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the CEO, Nigerian Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would appear to be the trigger that drew in the House of Representatives to open what it calls an investigation into factors working against the petroleum sector. Dangote had alleged that NMDPRA was licensing product importers who bring in substandard, dirty diesel into Nigeria. To put such allegation in the public space, which could smear the reputation of one of the nations critical regulatory bodies, was tantamount to a declaration of war. Even Dangote appeared to have forgotten that after the deregulation of AGO years ago, NNPC Ltd does not import diesel. Even more curiously, Dangote had also alleged that NNPC Ltd was trying to stifle competition in the refining sector. Ahmed had appropriately dismissed the allegation as unfounded or, at best, ridiculous. As he said: How can NNPC Ltd stifle any competitor in the refining business (or any other sector) when it is the major advocate for the revamp of local (refineries and) refining? While NNPC Ltd was rehabilitating its refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, it made a deliberate commercial decision to invest in the Dangote Refinery. Apparently as a consequence of these allegations, the House of Representatives (HoR) invited itself into the energy sector arena to provide what many consider as questionable oversight. Subsequently, the HoRs Special Joint Committee set sail to investigate factors working against the petroleum sector. Most importantly, last Wednesday (31 July), it directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to halt what it called the mortgage of Nigerias future crude oil until its assignment is concluded. The committees directive followed reports that NNPCL is planning to borrow an additional $2 billion in crude oil-backed loans from international creditors to boost its financial inflow. The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, according to the panel, reportedly stated that the national oil company is in discussions with international creditors to raise an oil-backed credit facility. Is this the hand of Esau and voice of Jacob scenario being replayed? Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It could be recalled that the HoRs committee chaired by the lawmaker representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had last week commenced probe of what it called shady deals in the sector. In a statement issued by Ugochinyere on Wednesday, 31 July, the committee urged the NNPCL not to undermine the forensic investigation by the House of Representatives with another fresh loan. Could this be a contrived legislative drama obviously instigated by a hidden hand? The Reps even cleverly drew from President Tinubus proactive intervention in the midstream sector, which insisted on crude supply to local refineries in naira, to clothe its surprisingly uninformed agenda by claiming that it received intel of plans to mortgage future crude revenue and oil for another loan at a time the nation is struggling. One of the key dimensions to progressive legislative interventions is knowledge. A countrys legislature must navigate with knowledge to effectively aid the development journey in an increasingly disruptive global milieu. First, the NNPC is a CAMA company and no longer a government corporation. The Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (CAMA 2020) is a Nigerian federal law that governs the establishment and management of companies in Nigeria. It supersedes and replaces the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004, which was itself an update of the Companies Act of 1968. Because of its new CAMA status, the NNPCL does not get budgetary subventions from the government. Companies of the nature of NNPCL across the globe run on loans, which are paid back upon negotiated repayment plans. NNPCL and its contemporaries have a number of high-net-worth investments and expansion projects to deliver in the critical oil sector. These require huge financial outlays and investments. Since resources at its disposal are not limitless, NNPCL must necessarily prospect for funding options to keep afloat as a going concern. For instance, the NNPCL obtained a loan of $1billion to fund its equity stake in Dangote Refinery, which helped it (Dangote Refinery) to take off financial pressure at a point when it needed to deal with some operational difficulties. The members of the House of Representatives in the investigative committee should always try to understand issues and proceed from a position of knowledge before making public proclamation on issues. The Honourable Speaker of the Lower House, Tajudeen Abbas, PhD. should rein in this unfortunate deviance. Apart from being the Speaker, he is well educated and knowledgeable. He is expected to provide the house with a leadership that is pristine, robust and honourable. The Speaker should not allow uninformed members to drag the reputation of the House in the mud. Nigerians would recall that the same folks who criticised NNPCLs decision at the time are now supporting Dangote. These House of Reps folks have suggested that the national oil company should suspend the crude-for-loan deal, which has come in handy as one of its strategic funding options. It is either they are simply uninformed about how the company works or they are just being outright mischievous. We should consider again the intervention of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the CEO, Nigerian Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) when the narrative was almost twisted against the NNPC: the NNPC Ltd borrowed $1 billion (which was) paid directly to Dangote Refinery. We can reliably confirm that NNPC has allocated over 35 cargoes of crude to the Dangote Refinery. Illuminating the facts even more, the NMDPRA boss had disclosed that indeed Dangote had received about 23 cargoes, rejected two based on pricing, and was currently negotiating pricing on at least nine cargoes. The Dangote refinery has received a discount of close to $1 per barrel, saving up to $30 million in discounts, he said. This makes many wonder what else he wants, particularly if he not selling cheaper fuels to Nigerians? Could it be that he wants to underprice the crude and overprice the product? It is unconscionable and, indeed, sad, that the committee members are dragging the House into this murky, high-octane, cloak and dagger energy sector game. They have either unwittingly or deliberately inserted themselves into it through the quirky cover of legislative oversight. The dangers are obvious in a country sorely challenged by several existential threats, including the threat of foisting a monopoly on the oil and refinery business at the detriment of energy security in Nigeria. The House of Representatives should certainly rise above the high-octane drama in the energy sector, as many other crucial constitutional issues are begging for attention. Musa Eleojo, writes in from Warri, Delta State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Coca-Cola said it will pay $6 billion in back taxes to the IRS following a federal court decision. The beverage giant said it would continue to fight the decision and believes it will win the legal dispute stemming from taxes and interest the IRS maintains the company owes from 2007, 2008, and 2009. Coca-Cola strongly believes the IRS and the Tax Court misinterpreted and misapplied the applicable regulations involved in the case and will vigorously defend its position on appeal, the company said in a news release. On Friday, a federal appeals court judge issued a two-sentence decision in the case. The case started in 2015 after the company said it was notified by the IRS that is owed $3.3 billion more in taxes and interests for three years. TRENDING STORIES: In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in 2015, Coca-Cola said it had been following the same method to calculate its taxable U.S. income from foreign affiliates for nearly 30 years. In a company quarterly report filed with the SEC on Monday, which included guidance to investors, the company said it believes the IRS and Lauber misinterpreted and misapplied the applicable regulations in reallocating income earned by the companys foreign licensees. The publicly traded company said it expected that some or all of (the $6 billion), plus accrued interest, would be refunded if Coca-Cola wins its appeal. It has 90 days to file appeal documents. Last week, the company raised its full-year sales guidance after reporting a stronger-than-expected second quarter, boosted by product price increases. The Associated Press contributed to this article. IN OTHER NEWS: The movement has been rudderless in many cities where it has staged protests. Anarchy thus became the order of the day. It is abundantly clear that Omoyele Sowore, who is in the engine room of this movement, did not plan for a peaceful protest from the onset. He called for #endBadgovernanceinNigeria, #Days of Rage and #RevolutionNow. These inflated words are what are required to set the country on fire. The events of the last few days in Nigeria remind us of the immutable words of Alf Ross: like a harlot, natural law is at the disposal of everyone. The ideology does not exist which cannot be defined by appeal to the law of nature. Human rights originally developed from natural law theory. Thus, the above flowery characterisation of natural law by Alf Ross perfectly describes the use to which some individuals in Nigeria today have put the term Human Rights and particularly, the right to peaceful protest. Jeremy Bentham corroborated Ross statement when he described natural rights as simple nonsense rhetorical nonsense nonsense upon stilts. But if natural law, as opined by Jeremy Bentham, is a mere fiction which has no determinate meaning a recipe for anarchy and a false sense of righteousness leading to political upheavals, then human rights is, today, anchored on positive laws as enshrined in our constitution and under international law. What this means is that even ordinary citizens are now in a position to understand the basic elements of human rights principles. Unfortunately, the long years of military rule in Nigeria have affected the psyche of most of our people and thrown up, in the process, some self-styled human rights activists whose primary aim is to use the platform to achieve name recognition and for attaining social mobility in the society (which ordinarily, is not, on its own illegitimate) but without any regard for the basic assumptions and suppositions of human rights principles, laws and processes. The leader of the Take it Back Movement clearly falls into this category. In the course of their protests, they cannot coerce or intimidate others to join them. In this case, the Take it Back Movement of Omoyele Sowore, from the onset, has made clear the objective it sought to achieve, which is regime change. Section 1(2) of our Constitution states that Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any group of therefore, take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provision of the Constitution. Then, what is right to peaceful protest under our Constitution? 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 You will need to undertake a joint reading of section 39 Right to Freedom of Expression, Section 40 Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association, and Section 41 Right to Freedom of Movement. The principles expressed in these three sections of the Constitution are condensed to formulate the Right to Peaceful Protest under the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Any group of people that wishes to embark on a peaceful protest must have an identified set of leaders at each protest ground, with their contact addresses and phone numbers communicated to the police authorities for the purposes of coordination and security cover. Their set of demands must be clearly stated and measurable, and should fall within the constitutional responsibilities of those targeted in government. Their leaders are to address the assembly on the purpose and limits of their actions, in order to guide the participants. In the course of their protests, they cannot coerce or intimidate others to join them. In this case, the Take it Back Movement of Omoyele Sowore, from the onset, has made clear the objective it sought to achieve, which is regime change. Section 1(2) of our Constitution states that Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any group of therefore, take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provision of the Constitution. The movement has been rudderless in many cities where it has staged protests. Anarchy thus became the order of the day. It is abundantly clear that Omoyele Sowore, who is in the engine room of this movement, did not plan for a peaceful protest from the onset. He called for #endBadgovernanceinNigeria, #Days of Rage and #RevolutionNow. These inflated words are what are required to set the country on fire. Having worked on their emotions, these protesters blocked roads, set public buildings on fire, looted and committed all sorts of crimes in the process. When a citizen decides to levy war against his state, he is not exercising his human right but committing a crime. The leaders of the Take it Back Movement should take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and the law should take its course. Nigeria is well-resourced to track the keyboard warriors who weaponised the protest rhetoric to achieve this clearly predictable bloody outcome. No one can ascertain the set of demands this protest movement is putting forward. There are many versions in the public domain, some containing ridiculous demands meant to achieve the regime change objective. There is no evidence of the infiltration of the protest groups. Anybody who claims otherwise is only trying to walk back. Again, we are yet to read any word of caution or advice from the influential section of the human rights community in Nigeria, to the leadership of this protest movement. Which law grants this group a licence to unleash terror and cause public disorder and anarchy? Rather it is waiting in the wings to take government up on any alleged violation of the rights of the protesters. It is acknowledged that human rights is the ultimate dividend of democracy and constitutionalism; but not an instrument of subversion and chaos. Government, particularly the sub-national ones, including those initially grandstanding as if they are immune from the consequences of the protests, must work hard to address the plight of out-of-school children in their respective jurisdictions. They are a ready instrument in the hands of fake activists and disgruntled elements. Failure to achieve elite consensus on major decisions affecting the nation has always created room for opportunistic behaviour for opposition elements, who will be happy to manipulate the masses on some key economic policies and thus weaponise their naivety on the subject matter. This is unpatriotic and deceitful. Those responsible for this mayhem have committed treason in disguise. They clearly anticipated and relished the outcome of these ill-advised violent protests, which have led to the loss of lives and property. When a citizen decides to levy war against his state, he is not exercising his human right but committing a crime. The leaders of the Take it Back Movement should take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and the law should take its course. Nigeria is well-resourced to track the keyboard warriors who weaponised the protest rhetoric to achieve this clearly predictable bloody outcome. Those outside Nigeria must also be properly documented and processed in accordance with the law. Abdul Wahab Oyedokun writes from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The popularity of a church is an eloquent testimony of failure and not success. They contradict the counsel of the Lord without batting their eyelids. They plant church parishes like supermarkets on every street corner. They build cathedrals and church monuments like World Trade Centres, each one striving to be the biggest and most splendiferous in the universe. They gather thousands, even millions, of worshippers in front of television cameras every so often in the mountains of Kilimanjaro. They are the new spiritual superstars; the mega-pastors of the mega-churches. In this conceit, one of my former churches takes the cake. While its emphasis on branch networking and exponential growth might be a wonderful policy for a fast-food chain, as a framework for a Christian organisation, it has tended to produce half-baked pastors who exhibit flagrant disregard for godly propriety. Carnal Growth In the world today, success in Churchianity is measured by the size of the congregation and not by the changed lives. Accordingly, highfalutin mega-pastors have fine-tuned church-growth strategies. It is all a question of numbers, numbers and more numbers. Numbers determine how much money is fleeced from the flock. Numbers determine the extent of pastoral control and captivity of men. When pastors meet, the unspoken question is, How big is your church? The answer determines social status. Like Mordecai to Haman, the mini-pastors must bow down to the mega-pastors. One of these putative timber and calibre pastors even maintains that God specifically gave him the mandate to establish mega-churches. He claims God said to him: I am about to raise up a mega-church in Europe, at this end time and I am calling people who will establish those churches. Some people have already responded to my call. Your destiny and that of millions of other people depend on whether or not you will obey me. The primary assignment is to raise up a mega-church. However, God does not raise up churches. He has only one church. He does not ask men to build churches for Him. Jesus says: I will build My church. (Matthew 16:18). Moreover, God despises what men esteem. (Luke 16:15). Therefore, He prefers the mini to the mega. He says: Woe to the multitude of many people who make a noise like the roar of the seas. (Isaiah 17:12). Jesus identifies Gods flock as little, as opposed to large. He says: Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32). Thus, Zechariah asks rhetorically: Who has despised the day of small things? (Zechariah 4:10). 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 Deceitfulness of Riches The Lord says: Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey. (Matthew 21:5). Daughter of Zion, Jesus was not husband-material. He did not drive around in a Mercedes jeep but on a donkey. He did not even build His own house. Instead, He said: Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. (Matthew 8:20). Think of a woman of great and dazzling beauty. Our very own Agbani Darego easily comes to mind. She blazed the trail as Nigerias first Miss World; for a season the acclaimed most beautiful woman in the world. But if we were to seek Gods opinion, he would regard her beauty as ugly. For this reason, Jesus had to be an ugly man; that his beauty might be exclusively divine. Isaiah says of Jesus: He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. (Isaiah 53:2). However, because Jesus was ugly, according to the values of this world, He was handsome according to the values of the kingdom of God. The beauty of the Lord is the beauty of holiness. (2 Chronicles 20:21). His beauty is the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit that is of great price in the eyes of the Lord. (1 Peter 3:4). Kingdom Dynamics Indeed, according to Jesus kingdom dynamics, the popularity of a church is an eloquent testimony of failure and not success. Jesus told His disciples: The world would love you if you belonged to it; but you dont for I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. (John 15:19). However, the world loves todays mega-pastors. Nothing rubbished the ministry of a popular pastor more than Newsweek magazines declaration that he is one of the worlds most respected men. Jesus says: Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26). The wisdom of God is contrarian. She calls aloud in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. (Proverbs 1:20). No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. (Psalm 33:16-17). When applied to our vainglorious mega-churches, this means no man is saved by the size of a church. Neither are the wicked delivered by the great charisma of a pastor. When we play the numbers game in churches, we are guilty of trusting in the multitude of our mighty men. (Hosea 10:13). This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! (Zechariah 4:6-7). One of the great mountains before Zerubbabel was Solomons temple. Those charged with rebuilding it were intimidated that the new temple would not have the splendour and majesty of the old. But God is not concerned with size and other externalities. Through Haggai, he notes that, despite its physical shortcomings, the glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former. (Haggai 2:9). Before Zerubbabel, the great mountain of Solomons temple would become a plain. When the disciples extolled the splendour of the Jerusalem temple to Jesus, He replied: All these buildings will be knocked down, with not one stone left on top of another! (Matthew 24:2). The same fate awaits the magnificent cathedrals of today. However, the real temple of God, the body of Christ, remains impregnable. Jesus said: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2:19). Gods Verdict In the kingdom of God, it is the stone that the builders reject that becomes the headstone. (Psalm 118:22). This prophecy is bad news for mega-churches and their mega-pastors because it predicts they will ultimately be rejected. According to Jesus, the first will become last and the last first. (Mark 10:31). So todays first-class pastors and their majestic churches will eventually be humbled. Isaiah says: Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low. (Isaiah 40:4). This indicates that, in the day of the Lord, we are likely to discover that the big church is small in the sight of the Lord and the small church is big. Mega-church wanna-bes readily sacrifice the doctrine of Christ on the altar of the imperatives of a large following. But we are not called to empire-building but to righteousness. Indeed, Jesus says to popular mega-churches across the ages: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. (Revelation 3:1). David got into trouble with God when he became preoccupied with size. When pride moved him to conduct a census in Israel to glory in the size of his kingdom, God responded by decimating it with pestilence which killed seventy-thousand men. (2 Samuel 24:1-15). Jesus himself was not the product of a big church, but of little Bethlehem Ephrathah. (Micah 5:2). Why are Christians still so sinful? Why is so little of the character of Christ evident in the churches? One major reason is that too much emphasis is placed on numerical growth and too little on spiritual growth. Indeed, the messages that promote numerical growth often impede spiritual growth. Everywhere, pastors are engaged in church-planting, for the primary purpose of increasing their dominion and finances. The outcome is the mushrooming of churches that are impressive to men, but contemptible to God. Isaiah warns: Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, therefore you will plant pleasant plants and set out foreign seedlings; in the day you will make your plant to grow, and in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; but the harvest will be a heap of ruins in the day of grief and desperate sorrow. (Isaiah 17:10-11). Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print There is no quick fix for a nation on its knees. It starts from resetting the foundation of justice, accountability, fairness, and equity. Interestingly, these were the core values that formed the foundation for the new Germany that emerged after the era of the Nazis. Nigeria will not rise, much less becoming great, without the same core values of justice, accountability, fairness, and equity, all built on righteousness. One of the books in my library that has become my go-to reference material for many of my national transformation work is titled, When A Nation Forgets God. Written by Dr Erwin Luther, this books parallels the evil philosophies of the German leaders in the events that spiralled into the Second World War, with the leadership styles of many of todays leaders. Interestingly, a whole chapter was devoted to the church in Germany, and how Hitler covertly and cleverly captured it and sucked out the life and power of the church in the most daring manner. The lessons in the book point to one thing: any church can be captured, given the right strategy. In my personal estimate, many of the current day political leaders in Nigeria are clearly similar in styles and worldviews to the Nazis. The Nazis was just an extreme version of ours, given the totalitarian nature of the political atmosphere of that era. There is actually a sort of resemblance between the Nazis and many of our present day leaders, though the Nazis were scums, the worst breed in human history. Lets stretch this further into the following case examples. The German government under the Nazis was antisemitic, committing crimes against humanity in the annihilation of the Jewish population in the most brutal and inhuman way. Similarly, the Nigerian government has historically designated some ethnic groups in Nigeria as enemies of the state, systematically blocking them from becoming major voices in the political power play of the nation; much less becoming president. Many of these ethnic groups have been wasted, silenced, shut down, and treated with utmost disdain since Nigerias independence. Worst of the Nazis crime against the nation of Germany was the corruption of the church of God. The Nazis infiltrated the church, made new laws that nationalised churches and transferred the payroll systems of many clergies under the control of the government. They employed divide-and-rule tactics to render the church apart, arresting and imprisoning pastors who dared to question their audacity. In fact, the Nazis penetrated the church of God in Germany and requested that pastors replace the cross of Jesus with the image of Hitler and the Swastika a logo of the Nazis, to which many pastors complied. And at the end of the day, most powerful voices of reason in the German church were shut down, paving the way for the total capture of the nation of Germany and the complete collapse of every moral compass. The truth here is this: There are still remnants of righteous men and women in Nigeria, but for the most part, the Nigerian church has backslidden, and the earlier we recognise this, the better for the nation. Remnants dont always save a nation from divine judgement. There were remnants in the time of Lot. Yet, Sodom was destroyed. There were remnants in the days of Noah. Yet, the world was destroyed. Interestingly, the leaders of our land have infiltrated the church in Nigeria with compromises. Many strong voices of the past have been captured by the evil forces of mammon. Contracts have been awarded to some key leaders in the church, which effectively shut down their voices. Many upcoming pastors have in their churches, political stalwarts who donate handsomely to their projects. It is well known to some of us that some key leaders in the church have covertly received huge financial donations from very corrupt individuals in government, effectively shutting up their voices of opposition and morality in a nation completely taken over by mammon the love of money. In fact, the leader of the pentecostal movement in Nigeria made this statement in a public conference, a political party has actually bribed some of our leaders. They offered me money too but I turned it down. 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 truth here is this: There are still remnants of righteous men and women in Nigeria, but for the most part, the Nigerian church has backslidden, and the earlier we recognise this, the better for the nation. Remnants dont always save a nation from divine judgement. There were remnants in the time of Lot. Yet, Sodom was destroyed. There were remnants in the days of Noah. Yet, the world was destroyed. There were righteous people in Rwanda and in Liberia. There were righteous people in Ukraine. God can judge a nation with or without the remnants. God treats the sins of a few leaders as a national offence, which explains why we must elect the right leaders to escape the scenario of judgement by association. We many not have reached the level of the Nazis in terms of the scale and scope of destruction to lives and properties that they brought to play in the most brutal way, but our leaders have actually destroyed lives in their millions through the weaponisation of poverty and ignorance among the people. They have captured the present and the future inheritance of the people through the systematic funnelling of state resources into their private pockets. They have engendered an environment of acute hunger and value system collapse all across the country. They have made sexual immorality so appealing to our youths. They have institutionalised bribery and corruption in its most brutal way. They may not have used guns like the Nazis to kill the people or gas chambers to annihilate the masses. But they have done much worse, for when you take hope away from people, knowing fully well that the last thing that dies in men is hope, you have killed them on all fronts. When the gospel is preached in spirit and in truth, not for pecuniary gains or as a poverty eradication system, prayers will be answered, light will shine, and true leaders will emerge. There is a spiritual dimension to national transformation. The evil forces of the capitalist West can not be conquered by superior economic policies, but by superior supernatural forces. But as the Germans became free at a time the world thought that the Nazis had finally decimated all hopes that they once had, Nigeria can still resurrect if the church can be resurrected. The only hope for a dying nation is life. The only hope for a nation filled with darkness is light. Both life and life are outside the purview of the present political class whom Ive often referred to as dealers. The hope for a new nation rests with the carriers of life and the bearers of light the church of God. When the cream of leaders in the church return to God in all truth and righteousness, seeing the people as more important than buildings, seeing the people as more important than fame, and seeing the transformation of the nation as a major part of Gods kingdom, change would come. When the gospel is preached in spirit and in truth, not for pecuniary gains or as a poverty eradication system, prayers will be answered, light will shine, and true leaders will emerge. There is a spiritual dimension to national transformation. The evil forces of the capitalist West can not be conquered by superior economic policies, but by superior supernatural forces. The foundation for a great Nigeria is not economics but righteousness. It by building on righteousness that every economic policy will work, not the other way round. There is no quick fix for a nation on its knees. It starts from resetting the foundation of justice, accountability, fairness, and equity. Interestingly, these were the core values that formed the foundation for the new Germany that emerged after the era of the Nazis. Nigeria will not rise, much less becoming great, without the same core values of justice, accountability, fairness, and equity, all built on righteousness. God bless Nigeria. Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele@gmail.com. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen have killed eight community leaders in Imo State, Nigerias south-east. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Umucheke Okwe, a community in Onuimo Local Government Area of the state. Residents told this newspaper that the victims included the President-General of the community, Hyginus Ohazuruike, and seven village chiefs. A resident of the community, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the gunmen stormed the president-generals shop where he and the village chiefs were having a meeting in the community and opened fire on them. Immediately the gunmen got to the shop which is inside the community market, they opened fire on the president-general and others having a meeting with him. They killed all the community leaders and burnt the place with their corpses inside, he said. Another resident, who identified himself simply as Ejike, said many villagers had run out of the area, especially other local chiefs in the community for fear of another attack. 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 We dont know the people who carried out the attack or why they attacked, Ejike said. Apart from Mr Ohazuruike, PREMIUM TIMES identified some of the slain village chiefs as Martin Osigwe, Ofoma Eji, Onuoha, Frederick Obiechefu, Ignatius Onuoha and Chinedu. The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, did not respond to calls and a text seeking his comments. Increased attacks Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. The latest attack occurred less than a week after gunmen killed four police operatives in Owerri, the state capital. Apart from the operatives, a woman a Point on Sale machine operator was also killed in the Monday attack. Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator, would later claim responsibility for the killings. The following day, another police officer, J.C. Ireozor, was killed in a separate attack in Nworiubi, a community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state. Mr Ireozor was killed alongside a resident, Paulinus Mbakwe, during the attack. Some gunmen, in a similar attack same Tuesday, killed an entrepreneur at Amawire Junction in Orji Community in the Owerri North Local Government Area of the state. The entrepreneur, Okey Nze, was shot dead in his boutique during the attack. The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied 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. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Police Command in Imo has said that gunmen on Saturday night shot and killed eight community leaders in Umucheke, Onuimo Local Government Area. The police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, confirmed the incident on Sunday when he led some heads of other security agencies to the scene of the attack. Mr Danjuma blamed the attack on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB). He said the police, in collaboration with the Nigeria Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were currently combing the forests in and around the Okigwe axis in search of the hoodlums. The hoodlums that perpetrated yesterdays attack are six in number. They came on three motorcycles; people of the community claimed they saw them but didnt report to the police or other security agencies until they perpetrated the killings and fled. Imo residents need to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity to the police because that is the only way we can put an end to these senseless killings, the state police boss said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the Umucheke Community over the unfortunate killing. He assured them that security agencies were working in synergy to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the dastardly act and make them face the full wrath of the law. He further said that the command would station a detachment of security operatives in the village to beef up security in the area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that those killed included the President-General of the community, Hyginus Ohazurike, and seven other village heads. They were reportedly attacked while holding a meeting at Ohazurikes shop. Sources told reporters on condition of anonymity that the reason for the attack could not be ascertained, saying that the community had been peaceful and never experienced such an incident before. READ ALSO: Gunmen attack military checkpoint in Ebonyi The incident occurred barely a week after gunmen attacked some parts of Owerri, the Imo capital, killing five policemen and three civilians. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Follow warnings and instructions of emergency management officials Widespread damage from high winds and heavy rainfall may cause power outages Crews will begin power restoration as soon as conditions are safe to do so ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida is urging customers to follow the warnings and instructions of emergency management officials and take necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida, bringing high winds and heavy rainfall that may cause power outages. "Safety guides everything we do at Duke Energy, but it's especially important during storms like Tropical Storm Debby," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "Our crews stand ready to get the lights back on as soon as conditions allow, and in the meantime, we thank our customers for their continued preparation and vigilance." Restoring power after a storm can be extremely challenging for repair crews, as travel and work conditions can be impacted by high winds and potential flooding making repair work lengthy and difficult in some areas. Customers are advised to practice the safety protocols below: Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. If rising water threatens your home or business or if you evacuate due to flooding turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet or damp surface. If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored. Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 800.228.8485 or contact your local emergency services department or agency. If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground. Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over and don't stand near downed power lines. Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path. Customers should also implement the following safety measures if they experience a power outage: A generator can be very useful during a power outage but remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Please watch for utility crews and turn the generator off when crews are in your area. The electrical load on the power lines can be hazardous for crews making repairs. Disconnect or turn off any nonessential electrical equipment that may start automatically when power is restored to avoid overloading circuits. Do not open freezers or refrigerators more than necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw quicker. For more information, see the FDA's food safety guidelines. Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide. If you lose power, text OUT to 57801, report online or through the mobile app, or call 800.228.8485. Customers can receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by: Signing up online for phone & email alerts or text REG to 57801 for text alerts Bookmarking our outage map Downloading the mobile app for updates Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app for weather safety. The latest version of the app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, is free, is available in both English and Spanish and offers a variety of features including emergency checklists, interactive maps of open shelters and the ability to monitor multiple locations for weather alerts. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Audrey Stasko Media line: 800.559.3853 Twitter: @DE_AudreyS SOURCE Duke Energy If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here We recently compiled a report on the 20 Countries with Highest Indian Population in the World and in this article we will look at the country with the highest Indian population. Overseas Indians India has the highest population in the world, which currently stands at around 1.43 billion, followed by China at 1.41 billion. Considering the Indian population, it is no surprise that it is the leading country with the highest rates of emigration. According to the UN, the total number of emigrants from India was around 78.26 million between 1990 and 2020. According to Indias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total number of overseas Indians in the world is approximately 35.42 million, as of May 2024. This number includes a total of 15.85 million non-resident Indians and nearly 19.57 million people are of Indian origin. Overseas Indians contribute around 3.5% to their GDP through remittances. Each year, overseas Indians send a large amount of capital back to their families in India. According to the World Bank, India received around $120 billion in total remittances in 2023, almost twice the $66 billion received by Mexico. The remittance flows to India soared by over 7.5% year over year, reflecting a positive demand for skilled and less-skilled workers in the GCC countries. The highest remittance in-flow to India was from the United Arab Emirates, accounting for almost 18% of total remittance in-flow, followed by the US. The majority of Indians in the United Arab Emirates are from the working class and send money back to their families each month. The United Arab Emirates is one of the best countries to work in and make the most money, and it is also one of the countries with zero income tax. Indians have contributed massively to the global success in all major areas including science, food, and corporations. Around 24 executives of Indian-origin lead the Fortune 500 companies. Among the US Fortune 500 firms, the Indian-origin executives employ over 2.7 million Americans and generate more than $1 trillion in revenue, as per the local media outlet, Times of India. Apart from leading large firms and multinational corporations, Indian-Americans have a major presence in the startup world. Indian-Americans have co-founded 72 out of 648 US unicorns, valued at around $195 billion, and employing more than 55,000 people. In addition, Indian-Americans have small businesses in the US, with over 60% of all US hotels owned by Indians. With Indians having a major presence in the US businesses, they also contribute immensely to the US tax base. Indian Americans contribute an estimated 5%-6% in all income taxes, which accounts for almost $250-$300 billion in revenue for the US government. Moreover, the Indian diaspora has contributed to the research, innovation, and academia in the US. Between 1975 and 2019, the US patents obtained by Indian Americans increased from almost 2% to 10%. With that said, lets take a look at one of the top US companies led by an Indian-American executive. Story continues Indians Leading the Race in Disruptive Innovation Sundar Pichai, an Indian-born overseas American, is the CEO of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG). Pichai joined Google in 2004 and led the development of Google Toolbar and then Google Chrome, making it the worlds most popular internet browser. In 2014, Pichai became the lead of product and engineering for all of Googles products and platforms, where his major achievements included the development of all the Google Apps. Under Pichais leadership, Google has invested in various new opportunities such as machine learning, quantum computing, and now AI. Google Cloud and YouTube have grown under Pichai, becoming two of the leading platforms in their segment. Google Cloud has the third largest market share after Microsoft and Amazon, making Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) the third biggest cloud provider by market share in 2024. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) recently posted its earnings for the second quarter of 2024. The company surpassed EPS estimates by $0.05 and reported earnings of $1.89 per share, while the revenue was around $84.74 billion, ahead of estimates by $445.49 million. Alphabet Inc.s revenue has grown by 13.6% year over year, thanks to major growth in Google Cloud. In Q2, Google Cloud revenue was reported at $10.35 billion, up by nearly 30% from a year ago. The Cloud revenue reached its all-time high after crossing the $10 billion mark for the first time. The highest source of revenue for Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) remains its Search platform as it generated around $48.51 billion in revenue, up by 13.8% year over year. AI is making a major difference for the tech giant as the company improves its performance in Search, YouTube ads, Google Services, and other segments. Here is what Sundar Pichai said during the Q2 2024 earnings call: In Q2, Cloud reached some major milestones. Quarterly revenues crossed the $10 billion mark for the first time, at the same time pass the $1 billion mark in quarterly operating profit. Year-to-date, our AI infrastructure, and generative AI solutions for Cloud customers have already generated billions in revenues and are being used by more than 2 million developers. As I spoke about last quarter, we are uniquely well-positioned for the AI opportunity ahead. Our AI product advances come from our long-standing foundation of research leadership, as well as our global network of infrastructure. In Q2, we announced our first data center and cloud region in Malaysia, and expansion projects in Iowa, Virginia, and Ohio. Our TPUs are a key bet here, too. Trillium is the sixth generation of our custom AI accelerator, and it's our best performing and most energy efficient TPU to-date. It achieves a near 5 times increase in peak compute performance per chip and a 67% more energy efficient compared to TPU v5e. And the latest Nvidia Blackwell platform, will be coming to Google Cloud in early 2025. Considering the overall growth of the company, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) seems to be on the right track with AI development. The company is expected to earn $7.65 per share in 2024, up by almost 31% year over year. Compared to the 5-year average, GOOG is trading at a discount price of almost 14.77%, as of August 3. At the moment, GOOG has an average price target of $205, which implies an upside of 22% from current levels. Out of 64 analysts, 78% are bullish on the stock and have a Buy rating. As Sundar Pichai leads Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) to new heights, its time to take a look at the 20 countries with highest Indian population in the world. The Country with the Highest Indian Population in the World India Picture/Shutterstock.com Our Methodology To gather the list of countries with highest Indian population in the world, we compiled the data of overseas Indians from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Government of India. The data is updated as of May 2024. The countries with highest Indian population in the world are ranked in ascending order of population of overseas Indians. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here). The Country with the Highest Indian Population in the World 1. United States Population of Overseas Indians (2024): 5,409,062 The United States is the land of opportunities and has the largest overseas population. According to the US Census Bureau, the US foreign-born population reached a record 46.1 million in 2022, which was around 13.9% of the total US population. There are over 5.4 million overseas Indians living in the US, as of May 2024. Indians are the largest Asian-alone group in the US. Indians are working at different levels in the US from the top to bottom. Two of the most famous overseas Indians in the US are Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella. Both Pichai and Nadella lead two of the largest companies in terms of market capitalization, Alphabet and Microsoft, respectively. Indian Americans contribute massively to the US economy. There are around 24 Fortune 500 companies led by Indian-origin CEOs, collectively employing 2.7 million Americans and generating approximately $1 trillion in revenue. In addition, Indian Americans own around 60% of all US hotels and contribute 5% to 6% of all income taxes. The United States is the country with highest Indian population in the world. Curious to learn about other countries with the highest Indian population in the world? Check out our detailed report on the 20 Countries with Highest Indian Population in the World. At Insider Monkey, we delve into a variety of topics, however, our expertise lies in identifying the top-performing stocks. Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June Disclosure: None. This article is originally published on Insider Monkey. Aden : , Aug 4 (IANS) The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a statement regarding a reported incident nearly 170 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen. According to the UKMTO, relevant authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, though specific details of the incident remain undisclosed at this time, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday. This report marks the conclusion of 13 days of relative tranquillity in the region's waters. Yemeni officials have indicated that this is the first reported incident following a nearly two-week lull in maritime disturbances. Meanwhile, the Houthi group in Yemen, which has been associated with previous maritime attacks in the area, has not claimed responsibility for this reported incident. Since November 2023, the group has engaged in a series of drone and missile strikes targeting shipping lanes, purportedly in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Houthi-led attacks have significantly impacted international maritime commerce, targeting vessels traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 4 : The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, police and other agencies resumed the search operation on Sunday morning for the missing people in the Wayanad landslides. According to official reports, at least 206 people from the Mundakkal and Chooralmala regions of the district, where the maximum damage has occurred, were missing. This includes 49 children also. Already 357 deaths have been confirmed officially till Saturday night when the search operations were halted for the day. State government agencies informed that 1,208 homes were destroyed in the multiple landslides that occurred on Tuesday in the district. Of these 540 houses were in Mundakkal, 600 in Chooralmala and 68 in Attamala regions of Wayanad district. A total of 3,700 acres of agricultural land was also destroyed in the multiple landslide with an estimated loss of Rs 21.11 crore. Meanwhile, the Army announced that it has resumed the connectivity in Punchirimattam area, the origin of the devastating landslides. "Indian Armyas relief columns, in collaboration with other agencies, have successfully restored the connectivity till the last remote village of Punjri Matom, the origin site of the landslide. This connectivity has re-established crucial access, providing essential relief to the impacted community. While doing so, Army personnel also evacuated two civilians stranded near Soochipara waterfall. The civilians named Salim and Muhsin were safe with minor bruises which they had suffered while climbing uphill," said the Army in a post on the social media platform X. On Thursday, the Army's Madras Engineering Group completed the construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge in record time. This bridge restored the connectivity to Mundakkai and Chooralmala, the areas severely impacted by landslides. The officials said the search and rescue operations will continue as several people are still feared trapped in the debris. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Saturday that a secure region will be identified, and a township will be constructed. He said the education minister will visit the schools destroyed in the region and will ensure that children's education is not disrupted. The massive landslides occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai. Jammu, Aug 4 : Over 4.90 lakh devotees had 'darshan' during the last 35 days of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra as a fresh batch of 1,112 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir on Sunday, said the officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The batch of 1,112 devotees left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 3.25 a.m. in two escorted convoys for the Valley. "Of these, the first convoy of 11 vehicles carrying 204 Yatris left for North Kashmir Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 39 vehicles carrying 908 pilgrims left for south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp", officials said. The road to Baltal base camp from Srinagar was blocked by a cloudburst on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kaw Cherwan village of Ganderbal district in the morning. Officials said debris clearance operation is underway and by the time the convoy of Yatris reaches the Ganderbal district, the highway to Baltal base camp and onwards to the Ladakh region would be restored. The large number of security forces, including police and CAPFs, have been doing round-the-clock duties all along the over 350 Km-long route from Jammu to the two base camps to secure the passage for pilgrims. In addition to this, security forces are deployed in sufficient numbers at the transit camps, base camps and at the cave shrine for the safety of the Yatris. Locals are not far behind in ensuring that the Yatris are assisted to perform the mountainous journey with ease. Locals provide ponies and also work as porters for the pilgrims often carrying the weak and infirm devotees on their backs to and from the cave shrine. Officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) headed by Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha have been managing the affairs of the Yatra with professional competence. All this together, has ensured this year's safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage to the cave shrine through some of the most rugged and treacherous mountain terrain in the Himalayas. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Devotees approach the cave shrine either from the traditional South Kashmir Pahalgam route or the North Kashmir Baltal route. The Pahalgam-Cave shrine axis is 48 Km long and takes Yatris 4-5 days to reach the shrine. The Baltal-Cave shrine axis is 14 Km long and takes one day for the pilgrims to have 'darshan' and return to the base camp. Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims both at Baltal on the North Kashmir route and at Chandanwari on the South Kashmir route. This year's Yatra will conclude after 52 days on August 19 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Los Angeles, Aug 4 : Hollywood star Jessica Alba, who is currently away on French holiday, visited the "most beautiful village" Moustiers Sainte-Marie. Los Angeles, Aug 4 (IANS) Hollywood star Jessica Alba, who is currently away on French holiday, visited the "most beautiful village" Moustiers Sainte-Marie. The actress took to Instagram, where she shared a slew of pictures from the moments she spent in the village, which has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. In the first image, the actress is seen posing with a gelato, she then shared some pictures of the beautiful locale and in another photograph, Alba is seen praying in a church. She also shared a video of her hiking to a waterfall. "Moustier! One of the most beautiful villages there is a literal waterfall in the middle of town," Alba wrote as the caption. "My mother in law Susie's dear friends showed us all the local sports! Merci Pierre and Lawrence," added the actress, who is married to filmmaker Cash Warren. Sharing a list of what all she did in her getaway, she wrote: "We hiked, explored the town, walked up to the church, said a prayer, lit a candle, ate a lot of yummies, swam in the gorges du Verdon." "Highly" recommending the picturesque locale, she added: "Checking this area out if you're in province." The actress had previously shared a stunning video of herself when she visited the lavender fields in South Of France. Talking about the actress, Alba started her journey in acting when she was just 13 with "Camp Nowhere", which released in 1994. Her big screen debut happened in 2003 with "Honey", after which she was seen in a slew of Hollywood films such as "Fantastic Four" franchise, "Good Luck Chuck", "The Eye", "Valentine's Day", "Little Fockers", "Machete Kills" and "Sin City: A Dame to Kill" Her latest is the action thriller "Trigger Warning", where the actress plays as a skilled Special Forces officer who takes ownership of her father's bar shortly after he dies. The film also features Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary and Anthony Michael Hall among many others. New Delhi, Aug 4 : NASA, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX plan to launch the next cargo delivery mission to International Space Station on Sunday at 11:02 a.m. EDT (8:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time). This flight marks the agency's 21st commercial resupply services mission to the orbiting laboratory using a Northrop Grumman vehicle. Launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft, loaded with about 8,200 pounds of supplies, will take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Cygnus consists of two modules -- a Service Module and a Pressurised Cargo Module that carries supplies for the crew, the required equipment and experiments to destinations that come in low-earth orbit. The Service Module has the latest aviation technology developed by Northrop Grumman as well as guidance/navigation components that enable operations like these. In honour of the late NASA astronaut Richard 'Dick' Scobee, this spaceship is known as the S. S. Francis R. 'Dick' Scobee, a Vietnam veteran and a member of the 1978 STS 41-C Mission. He was the commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission where he and his crew perished in space. President George W. Bush conferred the Congressional Space Medal of honour on him posthumously in 2004. It has been more than a decade since the first operational Cygnus mission was launched, on January 9, 2014, which was named after the astronaut C. Gordon Fullerton who died in 2013, which has since marked a tradition, of continuing being a pioneer in all space missions without forgetting the legendary astronauts that continue to live on in both earth and space. Kolkata, Aug 4 : The BJP has sought the removal of West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri after he abused a woman forest department officer while she and her team were removing illegal encroachments at Tajpur Sea resort in the East Midnapore district. State BJP leader and the counsel of the Calcutta High Court Koustav Bagchi has forwarded a communique to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose requesting the latter to initiate the removal of Giri from his ministerial chair. In the letter, Bagchi said that Minister Giri was a habitual offender, and also reminded how the same minister had earlier passed derogatory remarks concerning the looks of President Droupadi Murmu. "Shri Giri, a habitual offender in making misogynist and derogatory comments, today had threatened a female officer of the West Bengal Forest Department with dire consequences and had abused her with filthy languages," Bagchi said in the letter, a copy of which is available with IANS. "Previously it was Shri Giri who had made misogynist and derogatory comments on Her Excellency The Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the same had sparked a worldwide controversy ultimately for which he was compelled to apologize. But it seems that he has not learnt a lesson therefrom," the letter read Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress went into a damage-control mode over the entire issue. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh had already issued a statement claiming that the party does not endorse such behaviour on the part of the minister. West Bengal Minister of State in charge of the forest department (independent charge) Birbaha Hansda had personally talked to the woman forest department official and got updated about the development. Party insiders said that Minister Hansda had even expressed her displeasure over the entire matter within the party. A purported video went viral on social media on Saturday showing Minister Akhil Giri abusing a woman forest department officer. In the video, the Minister could be seen threatening the forest officer using abusive language, "You are a government employee, bow down your head (in front of me) while speaking. See what happens to you within a week Mend your ways. You will see what happens when people beat you with sticks." Giri was heard alleging that following instructions from the woman officer, the forest department staff demolished shops of local people late into the night when it was raining torrentially. "I want to see how powerful an officer you are," the Minister was heard saying as he yelled at the officer. The officer was heard questioning Giri as to how she could be removed for doing her duty. To this, Giri asked, "Who asked you to be on night duty? Why were the shops demolished at night," which the officer refuted. Mumbai, Aug 4 : Actress Pranitha Subhash is all set to welcome her second child and is all prepped up for her "C-section" delivery. Mumbai, Aug 4 (IANS) Actress Pranitha Subhash is all set to welcome her second child and is all prepped up for her "C-section" delivery. Pranitha took to Instagram stories, where she shared the symptoms she dealt with during her pregnancy along with a picture posing with her husband and businessman Nitin Raju. For the caption, she wrote: "Sleepless nights, hormonal changes, acid reflux, pelvic pain and preparing for a C-section. All of it is worth it for you and if you're by my side," she wrote. "C-section also known as cesarean is a procedure to deliver a baby through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Pranitha got married to Raju in May 2021 and a year later she gave birth to her first child, a daughter. Pranitha has worked in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam films. She made her debut in 2010 with the Kannada film "Porki", which also stars Darshan. She was then seen in the Telugu movie "Baava" starring Siddharth after which she featured in the Arulnithi-starrer "Udhayan", a Tamil film. The actress was then seen in films such as "Saguni", "Jarasandha", "Bheema Theeradalli", "Whistle", "Attarintiki Daredi", "Brahma", "Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummeda", "Masss", "Dynamite", "Brahmotsavam." In 2021, Pranitha made her Hindi debut with "Hungama 2" starring Shilpa Shetty and Paresh Rawal. The film was a sequel to the 2003 film "Hungama". The film, which is directed by Priyadarshan, was based on the filmmaker's own 1994 Malayalam film "Minnaram". She was then seen in "Bhuj: The Pride of India" starring Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha. The film was set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, where 300 local women of Madhapar Village, reconstructed the damaged landing strip in 72 hours. Beirut, Aug 4 : Many countries, including the UK, Sweden, Jordan, and the US, have asked their citizens to depart from Lebanon in light of the escalating crisis between Israel and Hezbollah. On Saturday, the UK foreign office issued a statement urging British nationals to leave Lebanon when commercial transportation is still operational. The foreign office posted the advisory on social media platform X, requiring British citizens to "leave now." "Border Force, consular officials and military personnel are being deployed to the Middle East to support British embassy staff," the advisory added. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also issued a notice urging its citizens not to travel to Lebanon temporarily and requesting the citizens residing there to "evacuate promptly." The notice said that the recommendation is a precautionary measure in anticipation of the potential security situation in Lebanon following the escalating conflict with Israel after Hezbollah commander Fouad Shokor. The ministry also advised Jordanian citizens to maintain the "highest level of vigilance" and follow the directives issued by Lebanese authorities. Additionally, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom also warned of the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The Swedish Foreign Ministry also decided to temporarily close its embassy in Beirut for one month and withdraw all diplomatic personnel for security reasons. The ministry also urged all Swedish citizens to "leave the country by whichever means possible while they still can." Moreover, the US Embassy in Beirut also issued a fresh "security alert" on Saturday, asking the American citizens in Lebanon wishing to depart the country to book "any ticket available to them", even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route. "The US Embassy notes several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights, and many flights have sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. Please see available flight options ataBeiruta"Rafic Hariri International Airport," the alert stated. It mentioned that citizens who lack funds to return to the United States may contact the embassy for financial assistance via repatriation loans. Earlier, India also urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country and avoid travelling there in view of "potential threats in the region." "In view of recent developments and potential threats in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian Embassy in Beirut said in an updated advisory. Kolkata, Aug 4 : Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Sunday, summoned Trinamool Congress legislator Jiban Krishna Saha, who is currently out on bail, in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-school job case in West Bengal. Saha has been asked to be present at EDas office at the central government office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata by Monday afternoon. Sources said that the ED officials have summoned him for interrogation related to the irregularities in teaching jobs in state-run schools both in the secondary and higher secondary levels. Saha was arrested last year by the sleuths of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is conducting a parallel probe in the school job case. However, earlier this year, he was released on bail. ED officials, conducting the money laundering aspect of the scam, have now decided to question him and hence he has been issued notice for interrogation. Earlier, ED officials questioned Sahaas wife Tagari Saha in this connection. Jiban Krishna Saha became the headlines in April last year, as during the search operation by the CBI sleuths at his residence in Murshidabad district, he threw off his two mobiles at a pond adjacent to his house. After a lot of toiling, the CBI officials ultimately were able to recover both mobiles from the pond and retrieve the data. During that search operations, the CBI sleuths claimed to have recovered documents, both paper and digital, about his involvement with the recruitment of at least 3,200 candidates as teaching and non-teaching staff in state-run schools in West Bengal. Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) Second Quarter 2024 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$204.8m (down 2.5% from 2Q 2023). Net loss: US$27.7m (loss widened by US$26.6m from 2Q 2023). US$1.64 loss per share (further deteriorated from US$0.06 loss in 2Q 2023). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Cumulus Media EPS Misses Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates significantly. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 1.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 3.2% growth forecast for the Media industry in the US. Performance of the American Media industry. The company's shares are down 21% from a week ago. Risk Analysis It's necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 5 warning signs with Cumulus Media (at least 1 which is concerning), and understanding them should be part of your investment process. 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 Chandigarh, Aug 4 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated a round-the-clock water supply project for Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, under the Smart City Mission in Manimajra to benefit over 1 lakh residents. "Water is very important, we cannot exist without it. When it is not clear, we get a lot of diseases. For this whole area, 24X7 supply of filter-cleaned water will be provided through this for the people in the area. It will stand to the test of time," he said in his address after inaugurating the project under the Smart City mission. Later, the Union Home Minister will also review the implementation of new criminal laws at the secretariat, before leaving the city at 5 p.m. He reached the Chandigarh airport and was received by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The Home Minister headed directly to Manimajra to launch the project constructed at the cost of Rs 75 crore will benefit over 1 lakh residents in Manimajra, including those living in Modern Housing Complex, Shivalik Enclave, Indira Colony and Shastri Nagar. The project is aimed at avoiding wastage of water by minimising its storage by the public through 24x7 high-pressure supply. Other features of the project include water resource augmentation through leakage reduction, smart metering, limited dependence on groundwater and monitoring of energy consumption. A total of 22 km water supply pipeline has been laid for this project. Two underground water reservoirs, each having capacity of two million gallons per day, have been set up. Nearly 270 km of the City Beautifulas water supply network, which is not conducive for supply of high-pressure water, will also be replaced later. The project will be implemented phase-wise, for which the city has been divided into 55 district metering areas. The initial phase is the round-the-clock water supply. The entire city is expected to be covered by 2028. He will also inaugurate the e-evidence, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti and e-summon systems built to augment the criminal justice apparatus in the city. "Today, Bharat's criminal justice system will take a giant stride towards providing speedy and timely justice to people. Will inaugurate the e-evidence, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti and e-summon systems built to augment our criminal justice apparatus in Chandigarh," the Union Minister posted on social media platform X. El Fasher, Aug 4 : At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured in an artillery attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, a popular committee said. "Based on the available information so far, at least 23 citizens were killed and 60 others injured due to deliberate shelling by the RSF," the coordinating body of the resistance committees in El Fasher, a non-governmental group, said in a statement on its Facebook page on Saturday. It added that with the continued targeting of health facilities in the state, the RSF, on Saturday, targeted the Tambasi health centre in the southern part of El Fasher, Xinhua news agency reported. Government authorities in El Fasher cannot be reached to get a comment, while the RSF has not yet commented on the incident. Since May 10, fierce clashes have been raging in El Fasher between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Sudan has been witnessing a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 16,650 lives. An estimated 10.7 million people are now internally displaced in Sudan, with approximately 2.2 million others seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, according to the UN data released on Monday. New Delhi, Aug 4 : The 79th successor to Tirthankar Mahavir Swami, spiritual sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suri has said that not just Shikharji Hills but all tirths (pilgrimage sites) nationwide which have been taken over by the state, are facing severe attack to their sanctity. The root cause of all these depredations is the liberty the state takes to interfere in religions and hamper their autonomy. Addressing a press conference, he said: "State interference in religion is a virus in a balanced and civilised society and is alien to Bharatiya tradition." The press conference was called at the behest of His Holiness against the backdrop of an Interim Application (IA) filed by a Jain lady in the course of a litigation going on since 1967. The intent behind this IA is to stop the desecration of the Hills due to the action and inaction of the state. The IA was filed because the state of Jharkhand plays a key role in this ordeal of Jains. The state, first having allegedly taken away 16,000 acres of the Hills in 1953 under the garb of land and agrarian reforms, is now acting like its owner and desecrating the Hills. It has reneged on its multiple promises to protect the sanctity of the Hills. The long period of six decades of pending litigation gave adequate room for various factors to intermittently emerge and cause desecration. From his 20 years of involvement as an advisor on this case, His Holiness shared his insights: "Since long, there is a malafide portrayal that the Shikharji dispute is between Shwetambars and Digambars, but the reality is that it is between Jains and the state." The IA applicant is also party to the main case. However, referring to the larger issue, the religious guru pointed to State interference as the root cause of all this. He took a strong jibe at India's secularism and said that Bharat has nurtured a most ill-conceived form of secularism, which prohibits any interference of religion in the affairs of the state but allows any level of state interference into religions. Throwing light on the Bharatiya tradition of secularism, His Holiness said: "Traditional Bharatiya secularism prohibits any interference of the spiritual domain into the temporal domain and vice versa. The structure of society was such that the state acted as a facilitator to religions. Each domain was complementary and supplementary to the other, and each had its separate and independent source of power and jurisdiction, with the spiritual domain being supreme." Highlighting global scenarios regarding state interference, he said that historically, in almost all civilisations, the prevalent norm was that temporal authority never interfered in the spiritual domain. Even today, the constitutions of many countries like the US, Italy, etc., strictly prescribe this norm. He further said: "Today, globally, it is observed that the sanctity of significant places of worship is protected. The Saudi government banned non-Muslims within 15 miles of Mecca-Medina. Mount Athos in Greece, enjoying the constitutional promise of maintaining its ancient privileged status and the autonomy of Holy Monasteries over the Hill, is exempt from expropriation to preserve its sanctity. Protecting the sanctity and integrity of significant places of worship is prime. Unfortunately, Shikharji is embroiled in a long litigation and, in the meantime, faces the onslaught of every cause of defilement prohibited by Jainism." Justifying his stand on why non-interference must be adhered to, he said: "Will you accept governing powers interfering with the EC or the Ministry of Finance indulging in the affairs of the CAG or RBI? Would it be legitimate for executives to intrude upon the CBI, R&AW and IB? If institutions part of a secular government also need appropriate autonomy, how can religious institutions, which serve a different domain altogether, be interfered with?" He pointed out that autonomy is required for religions to perform the unique service of the decriminalisation of society in a most non-deterrent way, and this autonomy will build a strong society and vibrant civilisation. He bashed the overreach of the temporal government through the saying: "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." Upon being asked how internal religious conflict would be handled, he said: "Every religion should have an internal dispute resolution and grievance redressing system. Due to the continuous onslaught on Oriental religions, especially by the British, since centuries, those systems might have collapsed or become redundant. However, that does not authorise the state to interfere; rather, as its duty, it must facilitate rehabilitation and reform while maintaining their due respect in society." Jainacharya further said: "A nation is considered to have healthy and strong governance when there is a strong separation of power amongst three wings (the legislative, executive and judiciary), with clear lines of demarcation and with no wing overreaching in another's domain yet working together to achieve robust governance. Similarly, a sign of a healthy and strong social order in any civilisation is interference-free temporal and spiritual domains. The autonomy of the spiritual domain is a robust source of soft power, and a lack of this autonomy is a path to social disasters." Conclusively, he said that Jains are the live personification of the adage that justice delayed is justice denied. Shikharji has been embroiled in legal tangles for the last six decades, during which, the tirth has regularly faced severe blows to its sanctity. Today, state's interference into religion has caused Jains particularly to feel more insecure in independent India than under British or Mughal rule. Beijing, Aug 4 : Four people were killed and 23 others remained missing after a flash flood and mudslide struck the city of Kangding in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said on Sunday. The disaster took place at about 3.30 a.m. on Saturday in Kangding, the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, toppling a tunnel bridge and destroying homes in Ridi village, Xinhua news agency reported. Sixteen individuals were hospitalised for medical treatment, with four having been discharged and 12 remaining in hospital without any life-threatening risks, according to a press conference held early Sunday by the local rescue headquarters. The collapse of the bridge between tunnels resulted in the plummeting of four vehicles, with one individual rescued and hospitalised, while 10 others were among the missing, the headquarters said. Local authorities have organised a full-scale rescue operation after the disaster, with 1,448 rescuers deployed so far. The relocation and resettlement of 939 affected residents have been completed. The village is located in a valley at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level, while the mountains nearby are over 5,000 meters above sea level. A local official told Xinhua that villagers were notified to evacuate 10 minutes before the mudslide arrived after the local river chief found the river water had become muddy amid heavy rain. Bhopal, Aug 4 : At least nine children were killed and several others feared trapped after a wall of a house near a temple collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district due to heavy rain. The incident occurred on Sunday near the Hardayal temple located in Shahpur village where more than 100 people were gathered for a religious programme, Sagar District Collector (DC) Deepak Arya said. As a religious ceremony was going on, the wall of a house next to the temple collapsed, burying the people. The area has been receiving rain for the past three days. The DC further informed that the children were buried under the debris of the collapsed wall. "Some children are injured and have been admitted to a hospital," Arya said. Official sources told IANS that 'Bhagwat Katha' was organised at the temple and children along with their parents were busy making 'Shiva Lingas'. Several children had reached the temple with their parents due to Sunday. The officer also informed that the district administration along with local police rushed to the spot and carried out the rescue operation. The children who died were aged between 10 to 15 years. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the deaths and said, "...Saddened by the news of the death of many innocent children in a heart-wrenching accident in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. I pray that God gives strength to the bereaved parents and family members to bear this pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured children." Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also expressed grief over the tragic incident and instructed the district administration to provide proper medical facilities for those who were injured. He has also announced an ex gratia of Rs four lakh to the families of those who died in the incident. "I pray to God to grant peace to the soul of the deceased children. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their innocent children. I have also directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured children," the CM said in an official statement. It was the second such incident that occurred in the last 24 hours in Madhya Pradesh. On Saturday, four schoolchildren were killed after a wall of an abandoned and dilapidated house collapsed in Rewa district. The children, in the 5-7 years age group, were returning from school when the wall collapsed. The house owners have been arrested, said officials. Los Angeles, Aug 4 : Model-actress Miranda Kerr has admitted to being obsessed with the British royal Prince William during her younger years. Kerr, who was previously married to actor Orlando Bloom between 2010 and 2013, told Us Weekly: "My celebrity crush growing up was Prince William." The 41-year-old model has now spoken about feeling "most starstruck" when she met yoga teacher Gurmukh, who is considered to be a pioneer in the field of pre-natal yoga, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Kerr said: "My most starstruck moment was the first time I met Gurmukh." "She brought Kundalini yoga to the western world. I've practised Kundalini yoga since I was 17 years old, and it was a dream to meet her and do Kundalini yoga together," said the model, who is now married to billionaire businessman Evan Spiegel. Talking about the fact that meditation has become an important part of her daily routine, she said: "I've been meditating daily for over 20 years. It's one of the first things I do in the morning and one of the last things I do at night." "I learned and often do TM meditation (Transcendental Meditation), or sometimes I will use the Insight Timer app for guided meditations." Asked if she wasn't modelling, Kerr, who began modelling when she was 13, said that she would love to do something "health and wellness-related". She said: "For an alternate profession, I'd still be doing something health and wellness-related. "I've always been fascinated by psychology and nutrition, and how the mind and body are so connected." Chennai, Aug 4 : Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has reduced the release of water from the Mettur dam to 70,000 cusecs. In a statement, officials of the Water Resources Department said that the discharge has been reduced as the rains in the catchment area of the reservoir in Karnataka have come down. It may be recalled that heavy rains in Karnataka have led to overflow in Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) and Kabini dams and following this, the Karnataka government has started discharging water from these dams. This has led to the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu reaching its full capacity of 120 ft. Around 1.80 lakh cusecs water was released from there and the banks of Cauvery river in Kamarapalayam, Pallipalayam in Namakkal district and residential areas in Erode district were flooded. Already, three relief camps have been set up in the Cauvery districts of the state. About 1,870 people are lodged in the three camps, according to Tamil Nadu government officials. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian has called for the people living on the banks of Cauvery to be agile as rains would lead to the spread of contagious diseases. The Health Department has already opened several medical camps in districts along the banks of Cauvery river. Water Resources Department officials also said that they are closely monitoring the water discharge from Mettur dam and the subsequent rise in water level in Cauvery river. Los Angeles, Aug 4 : Hollywood star Nicole Kidman has shared the key to a happy marriage. She revealed that marriage requires compromise. The actress, who is married to music star Keith Urban since 2006, told Victoria Beckham for Vogue Australia magazine: "The greatest advice I was given was there's the individual - so there's the me and the you - and there's the we. And that's only you. "No one else has what you two create, or what Keith and I create, any married couple who are partners, any people who have chosen to be in a relationship together, we create this, so we decide what this is." Kidman, who was previously married to movie star Tom Cruise, feels that any successful marriage requires some degree of compromise, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "Compromise as well. A lot. It's always trial and error, and sometimes it's imbalanced and then it gets back in balance We don't gloat about it," she said. Kidman added: "People always ask, 'What's your marriage advice?' We don't have any! Everyone does their own thing and creates it. I'm not some relationship guru. I'm just trying to find my own way." The actress said that Urban has been a stable influence in her life since they got married.She also said that her husband has helped her to navigate the pressures of fame and success. She said: "It's such an unstable industry and he's my solace. Every day we get up in the morning and we go for a walkand we hold hands. We love holding hands." Agartala, Aug 4 : Infiltration from Bangladesh into Tripura remained unstoppable after 12 more Bangladesh nationals including three women were arrested for their illegal entry into India, officials said on Sunday. A police officer said that during a routine patrol, the police arrested 12 Bangladesh citizens, including three women, at Ramnagar areas on the outskirts of Agartala in West Tripura district on Saturday night. "The interrogations of the detainees are on. We are not yet sure why they entered India. We have registered a case under the Foreigners Act and Passport Act. They would be produced in a local court here on Sunday," the police officer told the media. He said that in view of the unabated trend of infiltration from trouble-torn Bangladesh, the police would intensify their vigil and patrolling in the border villages. On Friday, the Border Security Force (BSF) troopers apprehended 10 Bangladeshi nationals at Sanmura on the outskirts of the capital city. On Sunday, a BSF Spokesman said that the border guarding troops during the past few days foiled several infiltration bids in different bordering areas and also arrested some Indian touts and human traffickers during the past two weeks. Over the last two-and-a-half months, around 200 Bangladeshi nationals and 32 Rohingyas were arrested by the Government Railway Police, BSF, and Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and various other places in Tripura after they illegally entered India. Most of the Bangladesh nationals told the security personnel that they intend to go to Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai "in search of jobs". The BSF Spokesman 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. He said that to maintain close coordination with Bangladesh border guarding forces, during July, in addition to the Inspector General BSF-Region Commander BGB level conference, four Commandant level flag meetings and 150 Company Commander/Border Out Post (BOP) level meetings with BGB were held. Saying that the BSF has introduced a multi-pronged strategy to prevent trans-border crime and illegal infiltration, the spokesman informed that surveillance has been stepped up and state of the art Hand Held Thermal Imagers and Drones have been inducted. BSF's Tripura frontier Inspector General Patel Piyush Purushottam Das also said that he has directed all commanders, posted along the borders, to step up coordination with all law enforcing and sister agencies for sharing of intelligence inputs and carrying out joint operations both on border and hinterland against illegal infiltrators and trans-border smugglers. The BSF in coordination with the BGB is also conducting joint patrolling along the India-Bangladesh borders to prevent infiltration and numerous border crimes, the official said. Kolkata, Aug 4 : Trinamool Congress leadership on Sunday directed West Bengal Minister of State Akhil Giri to resign from the cabinet after he abused and threatened a woman forest officer at Tajpur Sea resort in the East Midnapore district. Party sources said that the Trinamool state president and Rajya Sabha member, Subrata Bakshi personally spoke to Giri over the phone and told him that the leadership does not approve of such an unwarranted behaviour towards a woman government officer. Besides directing Giri to resign from his ministerial chair, sources said, Bakshi also told Giri to personally tender an apology to the woman officer. Till the time the report was filed, there was no reaction from Giri in the matter. In such a situation the meeting of the state cabinet on Monday becomes extremely crucial, which will be chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and attended by Giri as a member of the state cabinet. All eyes will now be on what the Chief Minister will instruct Giri at the crucial meeting on Monday. Admit Trinamool Congress insiders that the derogatory statements made by Giri had often been a factor of inconvenience for the party. Last year, his derogatory statements concerning the looks of the Indian President Droupadi Murmu created a nationwide uproar. Then, Giri was severely reprimanded by the Chief Minister following which he had to tender an unconditional apology. This time he has abused a woman forest officer. State BJP leader and the counsel of the Calcutta High Court Koustav Bagchi has forwarded a communique to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose requesting the latter to initiate the removal of Giri from his ministerial chair. Earlier in the day, stopping short of saying sorry, Giri said that he should not have used threatening words against the woman forest officer, but added that her behaviour was unwarranted. "The words that I uttered in the heat of the moment were not appropriate. I should not have uttered those words towards a government official," Giri told mediapersons in the afternoon. However, he was not ready to accept his fault and indirectly blamed the woman forest officer for his unwarranted behaviour. "Her way of speaking was not appropriate. The current forest ranger is not liked by anyone in the administration. She made the situation complicated," Giri said. On Saturday, a purported video went viral on social media showing Minister Akhil Giri abusing a woman forest department officer. In the video, the Minister could be seen threatening the forest officer using abusive language, "You are a government employee, bow down your head (in front of me) while speaking. See what happens to you within a week Mend your ways. You will see what happens when people beat you with sticks." Giri was heard alleging that following instructions from the woman officer, the forest department staff demolished shops of local people late into the night when it was raining torrentially. For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away. Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business. See our latest analysis for Essential Utilities How Quickly Is Essential Utilities Increasing Earnings Per Share? Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. Over the last three years, Essential Utilities has grown EPS by 8.5% per year. That growth rate is fairly good, assuming the company can keep it up. It's often helpful to take a look at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. We note that while EBIT margins have improved from 29% to 36%, the company has actually reported a fall in revenue by 16%. That's not a good look. You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart. You don't drive with your eyes on the rear-view mirror, so you might be more interested in this free report showing analyst forecasts for Essential Utilities' future profits. Are Essential Utilities Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? Since Essential Utilities has a market capitalisation of US$11b, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a large percentage of shares. But thanks to their investment in the company, it's pleasing to see that there are still incentives to align their actions with the shareholders. Indeed, they hold US$24m worth of its stock. This considerable investment should help drive long-term value in the business. Even though that's only about 0.2% of the company, it's enough money to indicate alignment between the leaders of the business and ordinary shareholders. It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. A brief analysis of the CEO compensation suggests they are. For companies with market capitalisations over US$8.0b, like Essential Utilities, the median CEO pay is around US$14m. The Essential Utilities CEO received total compensation of just US$5.2m in the year to December 2023. That looks like a modest pay packet, and may hint at a certain respect for the interests of shareholders. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making. Does Essential Utilities Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist? One important encouraging feature of Essential Utilities is that it is growing profits. Earnings growth might be the main attraction for Essential Utilities, but the fun does not stop there. With a meaningful level of insider ownership, and reasonable CEO pay, a reasonable mind might conclude that this is one stock worth watching. You still need to take note of risks, for example - Essential Utilities has 4 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should know about. There's always the possibility of doing well buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But for those who consider these important metrics, we encourage you to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a tailored list of companies which have demonstrated growth backed by significant insider holdings. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Hyderabad, Aug 4 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao on Sunday wished 'best' to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy-led team on its visit to the US and South Korea to attract investments. The former minister took to 'X' to convey his best wishes. He tagged the Chief Minister and the Industry and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu. "I came across the schedule reported by some media outlets and I'm pleased to see that the relationships we've nurtured over the years, along with our relentless persistence, continue to attract significant new investments from marquee companies. The numerous announcements about the expansion of existing establishments are a testament to the success of Telangana's policies and initiatives," said Rama Rao, who was minister for Industry and IT in the previous BRS government. He claimed that under the leadership of KCR, Telangana consistently prioritised creating a favourable ecosystem for economic growth. "We pioneered several innovative policies, such as TS-IPASS, and invested significantly in both physical and social infrastructure. Over the last decade, these efforts have resulted in attracting investments exceeding 4,00,000 crore and creating over 24 lakh private-sector jobs across various sectors," said KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known. "Politics aside, for me and our BRS party, it will always be "Telangana First." I sincerely hope the current government can continue bringing in tangible investments and build upon the strong foundation we have established," added KTR. A delegation led by Revanth Reddy on Sunday began a visit to the US. The delegation arrived in New York. After a week-long visit to the US, the delegation will travel to South Korea. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the visit is aimed at bringing investments and making strategic partnerships that will contribute to economic development and employment generation in Telangana. The delegation will hold meetings and discussions with government officials and business leaders including CEOs of various companies. Mumbai, Aug 4 : Actress Sonam Khan, who is known for her roles in 'Vijay', 'Tridev', 'Mitti Aur Sona', 'Vishwatma', and other films, became emotional on Sunday as she remembered her late friends Divya Bharti and Sridevi on Friendship Day. The actress took to Instagram and shared two throwback pictures of herself with Divya and Sridevi. The grainy pictures are from the late 1980s. In the caption, Sonam wrote: "Some friendships are not to be mentioned. Itas an emotional day for me. #HappyFriendshipsDay, everyone." Sonam worked with Divya in 'Vishwatma', which features the chartbuster song 'Saat Samundar Paar'. Talking about Divya, Sonam said: "Divya ji was a very dear friend of mine, but she is no longer with us. That is a friendship I will cherish very, very dearly. That's all I'll say." Sonam worked with Sridevi in 'Naaka Bandi' and developed a strong bond during the shoot. Before that, the actress traveled to New York for a show featuring Amitabh Bachchan, where Sridevi, Rajnikanth, Salman Khan, and Neelam were also present. The actress recalled: "I was in New York for just 48 hours and performed one song, 'Oye Oye', before heading back. On the flight back, I sat with Sridevi ji, and we struck up a very interesting conversation. We became good friends, and our friendship continued on the sets of 'Naaka Bandi'. I remember when her movie 'Chandni' was released, I sent her a huge bouquet that almost touched the ceiling of her house." Sonam added: "She told Yashji that she had never received such a large bouquet from another actress. She was so sweet. That's how our friendship began. Even when I was living abroad, we had a couple of lunches and went to movies together. Unfortunately, I cannot share more because she is no longer with us, and Divya ji is also not here." Incidentally, both Divya and Sridevi, who were once considered professional rivals and entered Bollywood after successful careers in South Indian films, died tragic deaths. Divya, who was married to producer Sajid Nadiadwala and had almost dethroned a reigning Sridevi, died on April 5, 1993, after she allegedly fell from the 5th floor of her house in Tulsi Buildings in the Versova area of Mumbai. Later, Sridevi stepped into her role in 'Laadla'. Sridevi, who worked in over 300 films, passed away on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, with the cause of her death being ascertained as accidental drowning by the Dubai authorities. Ironically, the actress passed away a day before the birth anniversary of Divya Bharti after 25 years. Seoul, Aug 4 : South Korean men accounted for one-third of employees who took childcare leave in the first half of this year, marking the first time the male proportion has surpassed 30 per cent, labour data showed on Sunday. A total of 69,631 employees received their first childcare leave allowance from the national employment insurance programme during the January-June period, marking an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the Labour Ministry statistics, Yonhap news agency reported. Of them, men accounted for 22,460 employees, representing a 15.7 per cent increase from the same period last year, while women numbered 47,171, marking a 1.8 per cent decline. The change increased the male proportion to 32.3 per cent, or nearly 1 in 3 employees on childcare leave, marking the first time the male share has surpassed the 30 per cent threshold. The corresponding male share was 8.7 per cent in 2016 and had since steadily increased to 13.4 per cent in 2017, 21.2 per cent in 2019, 26.2 per cent in 2021 and 28.9 per cent in 2022 before slightly retreating to 28 per cent last year. In the first half of this year, male workers on childcare leave in large companies with 1,000 or more employees made up 43.5 per cent, while the corresponding proportion was 22.7 per cent in small firms with fewer than 100 employees. The increase in childcare leave among male workers is widely attributed to this year's expansion of the national allowance for couples taking childcare leave at the same time. New Delhi, Aug 4 : In a move that could have significant political consequences, the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to make amendments to the existing Waqf Act, thereby aiming to restrict the expansive powers of Waqf Boards to classify properties as "waqf assets" and assume control over them. Sources told IANS that the Union Cabinet approved around 40 amendments to the act on Friday, and that the proposed changes are designed to limit the Waqf Board's power to designate properties as "Waqf property". The bill is anticipated to be presented in Parliament next week. Should it pass, it will represent a major overhaul in the management and regulation of waqf properties in India, bringing the system in line with practices seen in other Islamic countries where no single entity holds such extensive powers, said sources. Analysts say that the billas introduction is strategically timed just before the Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, expected in October. IANS has examined the finer details of the issue and explored the potential outcomes of the government's proposed changes. What does the government intend to revoke? With these changes, the government understandably aims to repeal several provisions of the existing Waqf Act. In fact, the primary goal is to curtail the arbitrary powers of Waqf Boards, which currently enable them to declare any property as waqf without compulsory verification. What are the main amendments being proposed? Approximately 40 amendments to the current Act are proposed. If the bill is enacted, all claims made by Waqf Boards will require mandatory and transparent verification, according to sources familiar with the matter. Additionally, revisions to Sections 9 and 14 will modify the composition and operations of the Waqf Boards to include representation for women. The properties claimed by the Boards will undergo fresh verification to address disputes. A key focus of the amendments is to prevent misuse, which will be addressed by involving District Magistrates in the oversight of Waqf properties. Why is the bill being brought forward now? Sources indicated that widespread concerns over the Waqf Boards' arbitrary powers have driven the government's initiative. These powers have enabled the boards to designate extensive tracts of land as waqf properties, which frequently resulted in disputes and allegations of misuse. What is the Waqf Act? The Waqf Act, enacted in 1995, regulates 'auqaf' (assets donated and notified as waqf) by a wakif a" the person who dedicates a property for purposes recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable. Amendments made in 2013 under the UPA government conferred more sweeping powers on Waqf Boards, which have since been a point of contention. What does the government intend to achieve? The amendments are set to create a more regulated and transparent process for declaring waqf properties. They will impose checks on the boards' arbitrary powers and require mandatory verification of properties. Additionally, restructuring the boards and incorporating women are expected to enhance inclusivity and accountability. New Delhi, Aug 4 : The ongoing 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in the national capital has been organised after 65 years. Delegates from 75 countries are in participation at this conference. This event began on August 3 and will conclude on August 7. Representatives from the agriculture departments of other countries shared their experiences. Dr Alfred from University of Ghana said that new technologies that can help climate change are efficient irrigation facilities and food seeds that would be tolerant to drought, pathogens and insects. "When we develop new varieties of seeds that can withstand climate variations concerning water use, drought and insects, this would be very commendable," he said, speaking to IANS. "Different disciplines' professionals are assimilated to bring success to the existing problems," he added. Speaking of agriculture and production in India, S. Mahendra Dev, former Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai said: "India is self-sufficient in the production of rice and wheat crops, but in pulses, oil seeds, millets, we are deficient. Punjab is growing rice and wheat, they should also diversify to pulses, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables." He also mentioned: "With genetically modified crops, the yield will be higher, digital technology is important, it will help in increasing the farmer's income." Acknowledging the Indian Government, Shenggen Fan, Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy at China Agricultural University stated: "I would like to thank the Indian government for organising this conference. I have observed the changes in India for three to four decades, the productivity of food and agriculture production has increased so fast. The number of hungry people has decreased, and farmers' income has increased but the country continues to face some challenges such as climate change, increased obesity rate etc." "We must continue to work together to grow. As a person from China, I am looking forward to working with Indian colleagues," he added. The conference was organised to improve the lives of farmers and agricultural development and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Saturday. The ICAE aims to foster collaboration among agricultural departments and international organisations, promoting the exchange of ideas and innovations to improve global agricultural practices. Kolkata, Aug 4 : Controversial West Bengal Minister of State in charge of the Correctional Services Department (independent charge) Akhil Giri on Sunday said that he will resign as the state minister but will never apologise to the woman officer of the Forest Department. On Saturday, the minister allegedly abused the woman officer while she and her team were removing illegal encroachments at the Tajpur Sea resort in the East Midnapore district. Earlier, Trinamool Congress state president and Rajya Sabha member Subrata Bakshi had asked the minister to resign and apologise to the woman forest officer. "I received a call from Subrata Bakshi and I will resign today only. If my actions cause inconvenience to the party and state government, as a dedicated party soldier, I will follow the party directive. However, there is no question of apologising to the forest officer. In my entire political career, I have never apologised to any government official," Giri told media persons. Giri said that the locals have complained on camera about how the Forest Department officials have allotted space against money. "The department should have acted in a much more sensitive manner about this eviction," the minister said. Trinamool Congress Spokesman Santanu Sen said that the instructions given to Giri to resign prove the discipline of Trinamool Congress. "Giri has said whatever he has to say. The final decision about him will be taken by the Chief Minister," Santanu Sen said. Hyderabad, Aug 4 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday alleged that the Modi government wants to snatch Waqf properties from Muslims and interfere with the freedom of religion through proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Issuing a video statement, he said that the media reports on the proposed Bill for amendments to the Waqf Act show that the government intends to dilute the autonomy of the Waqf Board and give powers to the executive to decide disputes relating to Waqf properties. The Hyderabad MP slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for proposed amendments to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board. Owaisi questioned the proposed amendment to do a survey of Waqf properties in case of disputes. "If a property is disputed, it is the judiciary which decides. How can political executive decide the disputes," he asked. The MP alleged that the Modi government wants to create disputes with surveys. "To make a property disputed, they will do a survey and write that it is not Waqf property," he said and pointed out that there are several mosques and dargahs that BJP and RSS claim are not mosques and dargahs. Owaisi said BJP's allies have to decide whether they will allow Waqf properties to be snatched from Muslims. "There are many Waqf properties in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Will they allow the BJP government to snatch these properties," he asked without naming Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He also hit out at the government for not informing the Parliament about the proposed amendments. "When Parliament is in session, the government is acting against Parliamentary supremacy and privileges. It is informing the media but not the Parliament," he said. Reacting to media reports, Owaisi lashed out at the government, accusing it of conspiracy to snatch Waqf properties. When Parliament is in session, it is the government's responsibility to inform Parliament. He said that the proposed amendments show how the Modi government wants to snatch the autonomy of the Waqf board and wants to interfere against the purpose of 'Waqif' on how the property endowed by him should be administered. This is against the freedom of religion, he said and mentioned that once a property is declared Waqf always remains Waqf. "The BJP from the beginning has been against the Waqf Board and Waqf properties. They have a Hindutva agenda. The RSS from the beginning made attempts to finish the Waqf Board and Waqf properties," he said. The Waqf Act empowers the Survey Commission appointed by a state government to identify Waqf properties and make a list. The Survey Commission sends the list to the state government and the government issues gazette notification. If the gazette notification is not challenged in a month, the properties listed become Waf properties. "The Modi government wants to change it. In the case of properties which were already declared Waqf, it has to be established again that they are Waqf properties," he said, adding that the conclusive nature of the gazette is being diluted. Owaisi said this would also give encroachers a chance to claim Waqf properties as their properties. "Under the Waqf Act, there is a Waqf Board in every state and it is responsible for the management and administration of Waqf properties. Amendment to Wakf Board establishment and composition will lead to chaos and loss of autonomy of Wakf Board. The government will have greater control over the Waqf Board. Media reports suggest the government wants to dilute the powers of Waqf tribunals," he added. New Delhi, Aug 4 : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Sunday said that the apex court has ruled that any property belonging to Waqf will always remain with the Waqf. "Supreme Court, while referring to the property, has said that 'once a Wafq, always a Waqf'. Anyone neither can sell the property nor create a third-party right over the Waqf properties. Our elders have distributed these properties as charities which have come properly through the government gazette," AIMIM Spokesperson Waris Pathan said. He also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for trying to "snatch" Muslim properties. "We have been saying from the beginning that the BJP has ill intentions when it comes to the Muslim properties. They have a problem with Muslims. They have a problem with what we eat, with Hijab, madrassas and even masajids," the AIMIM Spokesperson said. He said that everyone knows that after the 1995 Waqf Act, it was amended in 2013. "They (BJP and RSS) have alleged that there is some dispute within the Waqf properties across the country. There are courts and judiciary which can handle these disputes. Who is the BJP to decide about the Waqf properties? Their (BJP and RSS) only agenda is to grab the Muslim properties," he said. He said that the BJP only wants to keep the Muslim community in a state of disruption which is why they (BJP) every day come up with something new against the community. Sources said that the Union government is discussing 40 amendments to the Waqf Act. The proposed amendments include mandatory verification of any property claims by the Waqf Board and changes to the structure of the Central and State Waqf Board Councils to ensure women's representation. The bill also proposes new verification for disputed lands claimed by state Waqf Boards. The Waqf Board Act, initially passed in 1954 during Jawaharlal Nehru's government, aimed to simplify Waqf management and provisions. It led to the establishment of the Central Waqf Council in 1964, under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, providing advisory support on Waqf Board matters. The Waqf Act was amended in 1995 to allow the formation of Waqf Boards in all states and Union Territories. Dhaka, Aug 4 : At least 33 people have been killed and several others injured in clashes between the police and anti-government protesters across Bangladesh, local media reported. The clashes and casualties were reported from Narsigndi, Munshiganj, Rangpur, Masud Alam, Sirajganj, Bogra, Magura, Comilla, Dhaka and Feni, the Dhaka Tribune reported The protesters of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After the deadly clashes, PM Hasina said that those who are engaging in violent activities in the name of protest are "criminals". The protest that began with a demand to end quotas in civil service jobs last month has now snowballed into an anti-government movement. The government has imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. (local time) on Sunday and announced a three-day holiday, beginning August 5 to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country. On Saturday, PM Hasina offered an unconditional dialogue with the student leaders, saying, "I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them. I want no conflict." PM Hasina, who is the Awami League President, on Saturday instructed her three party leaders to sit with the coordinators of the protest. Meanwhile, amid the protests in Bangladesh, the Indian embassy has issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in the country to remain alert as the protests resume. "All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office & are advised to remain alert," the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) said in a post on X. A helpline number was also shared for emergencies. The protesting students have been demanding to quash the 30 per cent reservation quota for the families of veterans of the 1971 Independence War. The quota system in government jobs was scrapped in 2018 after a major student movement but was reinstated by a court in June. New Delhi, Aug 4 : The decision of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to limit the sweeping powers of the Waqf Board through an upcoming amendment to the Waqf Act has received widespread praise on social media. Many users on X have criticised what they view as the Congress' appeasement politics. Some even called for the complete abolition of the Waqf Act rather than just amending it. With political reactions already emerging, there is a strong likelihood that this issue will escalate into a major political conflict in the coming days. The timing of the move, just two months before the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, suggests a forthcoming political showdown. Additionally, the matter gains further significance with the upcoming by-polls in 10 Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. There is no doubt that the issue has sparked a significant debate both in political circles and on social media, centering on how the UPA government granted what many perceive as arbitrary powers. "Big move to limit Waqf powers: The Modi cabinet clears amendments in the Waqf Act. We welcome it. This country and the majority population have been targeted by parties that engage in appeasement politics and empower the Waqf Act," said Anila Singh, a BJP leader. "Did you know that due to Congress' Muslim appeasement politics, Waqf board has the 3rd largest ownership of Indian lands? Now to limit the power of Muslim Waqf Board, Modi govt to present 'Waqf Board Amendment Bill' in Parliament," another netizen posted on X. One user went a step further, posting: "No. No. Waqf Act should be repealed. Not just modified. Appeasement is continuing. Vote bank politics is continuing." "Waqf Act - Draconian law in which anyone's property could be declared Waqf Asset, 1995 was peak Secular politics & Lutyens Media hid its danger. Now reports suggest MODI GOVT is bringing change to it. Great decision," wrote another X user. Appreciating the government's move, Virender Sharma wrote on X: "Waqf Board are the third largest landowners in India. Once passed, Waqf can't tag any property as a waqf asset Presently, it has properties more than 9.4 lakh acres." Key Insights The projected fair value for Seng Fong Holdings Berhad is RM0.99 based on Dividend Discount Model With RM1.12 share price, Seng Fong Holdings Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Seng Fong Holdings Berhad's peers seem to be trading at a higher premium to fair value based onthe industry average of -103% Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Seng Fong Holdings Berhad (KLSE:SENFONG) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Seng Fong Holdings Berhad The Model We have to calculate the value of Seng Fong Holdings Berhad slightly differently to other stocks because it is a chemicals company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. 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 9.6%. Compared to the current share price of RM1.1, 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) = RM0.06 / (9.6% 3.6%) = RM1.0 dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Seng Fong Holdings 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 1.083. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Story continues SWOT Analysis for Seng Fong Holdings Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Chemicals market. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. 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. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Seng Fong Holdings Berhad, we've compiled three pertinent aspects you should explore: Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for Seng Fong Holdings Berhad (2 are a bit concerning!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does SENFONG's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every 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 New Delhi, Aug 4 : A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to remove, freeze and cancel election symbols which resemble "parts of the human body". A bench, headed over by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, is slated to hear the matter on Monday, as per the causelist published on the website of the apex court. The plea said that the PIL litigant lodged several complaints against the symbols, which resemble or are identical to parts of the human body for ensuring free and fair elections in India, but the ECI has not taken any steps in the matter. It added that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) clearly describes the cessation of the election campaign before 48 hours of the polling and Section 130 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, bans the exhibition of the election symbol within 100 metres of the periphery on polling day and therefore, some symbols which resemble or are identical with the human body parts cannot be hidden and can be misused by exhibition of such human body parts. The PIL filed through advocate Omprakash Parihar calls upon the apex court to decide whether ECI can allot the symbol of human body parts as an election symbol to any party and whether such allotment of such symbols is in violation of Article 324 of the Constitution of India, read with section 29A and Section 130 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, and Rules 5 and 10 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. --IANS pds/vd New Delhi: Recently, Microsoft has reportedly banned its employees in China from using Android devices for work, requiring them to switch to Apple devices in September. The move aims to mitigate cyberattacks and prevent data leaks of corporate resources. The unavailability of Google Play in China, leading to reliance on operating platforms from Chinese companies like Huawei and Xiaomi, is a key factor. This decision follows Microsoft's earlier offer to around 800 local employees in China, working in artificial intelligence and cloud business, to relocate to other countries. This relocation is in line with the US administration's efforts to restrict Beijing's access to advanced sensitive technologies due to cybersecurity concerns. While Microsoft describes this as a "regular part of its global operations," their February report highlights state-sponsored cyberattack concerns, including hackers from China using Microsoft's AI tools for intelligence gathering and influencing narratives. The precautionary measures taken by Microsoft are underscored by criticism from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Safety Review Board, which cited "a cascade of errors" in Microsoft's failure to prevent security breaches by the Chinese state-backed hacking group Storm-0558. This group targeted email accounts of approximately 22 organisations, including US government officials, and accessed about 60,000 emails from the US State Department. Cyber espionage is undeniably the most significant national security threat facing the international community today. Recently, China's involvement in cyber espionage has been exposed, despite its covert activities since 2019. In March, the US and the UK filed charges against Beijing and imposed sanctions, accusing it of using both artificial intelligence and Chinese nationals for malicious cyber hacking operations. These activities compromised the private data of millions worldwide, including businesspeople, lawyers, journalists, academics, politicians, bureaucrats, and critics of the Chinese government. Similarly, New Zealand and Dutch intelligence agencies have accused China of state-backed espionage campaigns targeting the Wellington Parliament and Dutch military industries. Beijing's cyber hacking activities have also extended to neighbouring countries in Asia. This was evidenced in the February document leak from i-Soon, a Shanghai-based cybersecurity company, which revealed the Chinese government's collaboration with i-Soon's private hackers for intelligence gathering from foreign governments and organisations. China's state-supported intelligence operations targeting other nations through cyber espionage are primarily aimed at intellectual property theft (IPT), particularly from Western countries. Due to the lesser emphasis on innovation, Chinese firms, especially those with political connections, have little incentive to pursue innovative paths. This policy effectively promotes IPT theft. To surpass Western companies in global market competition, Chinese policies permit the acquisition of foreign technology know-how through both legitimate and illegitimate means, with the latter involving cyber espionage. In 2022, Chinese-affiliated Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) 41 was suspected of conducting cyber operations that resulted in millions of dollars worth of IPT theft from approximately 30 multinational companies across the energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors. Additionally, intelligence gathering has heavily targeted security sectors that possess knowledge of modern warfare's technical capabilities. Emerging Chinese-affiliated APT groups, such as APT 40, have expanded their efforts to gather information for intellectual theft from both government institutions and private companies. Telecommunication companies like Huawei and ZTE have been controversial due to Beijing's potential use of 5G infrastructure for cyber espionage and IPR theft, posing a significant national security threat. In October last year, the Five Eyes; intelligence chiefs from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accused Beijing of intellectual property theft through artificial intelligence in its hacking operations, which was seen as an "unprecedented threat" posed by China globally. China's espionage activities extend beyond digital platforms to physical infiltration in target nations. Utilising its diasporic population as part of human intelligence exemplifies this approach. A 2022 report revealed Beijing's long-term strategy of recruiting prominent scientists of Chinese descent who formerly worked at the US Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. At least 162 such scientists with prior experience at this lab have reportedly been recruited to serve the Chinese government. This represents a broader, time-intensive, unconventional tactic of intelligence gathering, where Chinese researchers and academics are incentivised to advance their expertise abroad and subsequently share their knowledge with Beijing. Notably, China's Counter-Terrorism Law (2015) and National Intelligence Law (2017) mandate Chinese nationals, institutions, and organisations to support and promote state intelligence activities by acting as informants. Additionally, the United Front's political role in managing the diaspora abroad aims to extend Beijing's global influence and maintain a favourable narrative about China, highlighting another facet of its influence operations. China's venture capital (VC) investments in foreign nations have also come under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in human rights abuses and surveillance activities. The policies requiring organisational compliance and intelligence cooperation with the government extend to Chinese entities operating overseas as well. Earlier this year, a US congressional panel accused five American VC firms of investing over $3 billion in Chinese companies with suspected links to the Chinese government and military. The collaboration between Chinese companies and state-owned enterprises, particularly those engaged in developing advanced and critical technologies, thus serves as a cautionary example. China's involvement in global cyber espionage, influence operations, and intellectual property theft has faced widespread criticism, particularly from Western nations. This negative perception recently escalated with accusations against China for foreign interference aimed at election meddling. These hostile tactics have had significant repercussions for China, leading to bans on TikTok and 5G telecommunications networks in multiple countries over national security concerns. Even among its allies, reports of poor performance and a lack of transparency and accountability in China's defence equipment have contributed to a decline in its global arms exports in recent years. The global view of China is further illustrated by the 2023 Pew Research survey conducted across 24 countries, where 67 per cent expressed a negative opinion of China, and 57 per cent regarded its foreign policy as interventionist. Thus, it can be concluded that trust in China is significantly lacking. Tel Aviv, Aug 4 : Spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that dozens of large underground tunnels have been found along the Gaza-Egypt border area. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, said that the forces had located the tunnels, some big enough for vehicles to pass through, on the "Philadelphia Axis". "In recent times, the forces of the 162nd Division and the forces of the Yalam unit have been working to locate and destroy underground tunnels in the Philadelphia area. So far, the forces have located and destroyed dozens of tunnels," he said in a post on X. "The IDF is thoroughly investigating and neutralising the underground route that was found, as well as other large-scale tunnels that were discovered," he added. The operations in the area started last week after a three-metre-long tunnel was discovered on the route. The Israeli military suspected that Hamas was smuggling weapons through this route in the area. Earlier in May, the IDF located 20 tunnels that cross into neighbouring Egypt. The IDF released a video showing rocket launchers that were discovered by the security personnel along the Gaza-Egypt border. On Saturday, an Israeli security delegation arrived in Cairo to resume Gaza ceasefire talks. Since the Gaza conflict broke out in October 2023, Egypt, along with mediators from the United States and Qatar, has been working to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the governing body in Gaza. The latest round of ceasefire negotiation among senior officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the US was adjourned last weekend, several hours after it began in Rome, with no apparent progress reported. Israel launched a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border, last October. Mumbai, Aug 4 : Producer Ektaa Kapoor has an unusual way of celebrating Friendship Day. While people remember their close friends on the special day, Ektaa pointed to those friends of hers who were snakes in disguise. On Sunday, the producer took to the Stories section of her Instagram and reposted an image of a snake drinking milk. She wrote on the picture, "You know who you are." Ektaa, is the daughter of actor Jeetendra, and is considered one of the biggest icons of the television industry. She started her career at the age of 17 in the advertisement industry when she worked with Kailash Surendranath as an intern. Soon, she took over the reins of her home production in television. While sitcoms like 'Hum Paanch' brought her success it was the landslide success of her daily soaps which changed the course of television bringing in a different style of storytelling focusing on family dramas which catered to a large chunk of the population making her ventures highly profitable. She is the recipient of Padma Shri, India's 4th highest civilian honour, and also boasts of an International Emmy Directorate Award which she was feted with at the 51st edition of International Emmy Awards. She has created and produced more than 130 Indian soap operas. Some of her popular shows include 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', 'Pavitra Rishta', 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki', 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain', 'Naagin', 'Kundali Bhagya', and others. Agartala, Aug 4 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday visited violence-hit Ganda Twisa area in the state's Dhalai district and announced an additional Rs 241.46 crore for relief and re-development projects for the areas which were devastated by widespread ethnic violence last month. Saha announced an additional Rs 2.30 lakh for the relief of 145 affected families and Rs 6 lakh for the kin of tribal college student, Parameshwar Reang, who succumbed to his injuries on July 12 after being assaulted on July 7. The state government earlier sanctioned Rs 1.14 crore for the relief of the affected families and Rs 4 lakh for the families of Reang. After visiting the affected areas and interacting with the violence-hit people, the Chief Minister also announced Rs 239.10 crore for 17 development projects in the mountainous areas and setting up additional security camps for mixed populated areas. He said that the government wanted peace and ethnic harmony to maintain uninterrupted development. "Severe action would be taken against the perpetrators of the violence and rumour mongers. The state government has always been giving priority for the development of interior and tribal areas. But for undertaking the development, peace and ethnic tranquility is the foremost condition," CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, told the media. Accompanied by Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Home Secretary Pradip Chakraborty, Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan, District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Dhalai district and more than a dozen senior officials, Saha went to Ganda Twisa after the ethnic violence in the sensitive areas rocked the state for more than three weeks. After the death of tribal student Parameshwar Reang, a mob burnt down and damaged over 40 houses, 30 shops, and a large number of vehicles in the mixed-populated Ganda Twisa area (in Dhalai district), located 130 km from Agartala. The attackers did not even spare cattle and various small animals Over 400 men, women and children belonging to 145 families are still sheltered in a special camp since the ethnic violence broke out. A CPI-M team led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Tripura Assembly Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress delegation led by state Congress President Asish Kumar Saha last week separately visited the Ganda Twisa area. The CPI-M demanded impartial investigation into the violence by constituting a Special Investigating Team while the Congress sought judicial probe. The Tripura Human Rights Commission 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. Amaravati, Aug 4 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed grave concern over the rule of lawlessness and political violence over the past two months in the state. In his post on the social media platform 'X' on Sunday, he urged people to join YSRCP in condemning the acts of violence and to demand accountability from those in power. "It is with grave concern that we address the current state of governance in Andhra Pradesh, which has been marred by the rule of lawlessness and political violence over the past two months. Andhra Pradesh has unfortunately become synonymous with political violence, and the situation shows no signs of improvement," said Jagan Mohan Reddy. "Daily incidents of politically motivated violence, encouraged by the ruling party's leaders and carried out with the confidence of being in power, are becoming the norm. The recent murder in Nandyal district and the attack in Jaggaiahpet, NTR district, stand as stark examples of this alarming trend. To silence any dissent and prevent public protests, the TDP leaders and workers are resorting to intimidation and violence. Such heinous acts are a direct attack on democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens," the YSRCP leader said. He also assured the victims that YSRCP would stand in solidarity with them and pledge to continue their fight against this oppressive regime. "We urge the people of Andhra Pradesh to join us in condemning these acts of violence and to demand accountability from those in power," he said. Jagan Mohan Reddy had last month staged a protest in New Delhi over the political violence in Andhra Pradesh against his party cadres. He alleged that in 45 days, more than 30 people were murdered, more than 300 murder attempts were made, 35 people died by suicide, 560 private properties were destroyed and 490 government properties were vandalised. He also claimed nearly 2,700 families left their homes and villages, and over 1,050 incidents of violence and attacks were reported. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, and AIADMK had turned up at the protest to support Jagan. Washington, Aug 4 : US Vice-President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris is meeting three finalists for her running mate for a chemistry test on Sunday, taking the search into the final stage. She is scheduled to announce her pick at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Harris is expected to use these one-on-one meetings to test personal chemistry between her and her pick, who, if the ticket wins, will be her deputy for four years and another four years, if they are re-elected. The other key qualification is governance - whether they will be ready to step in for her when needed. The finalists are the Governors of Minnesota and Pennsylvania, Tim Walz and Josh Shapiro, respectively, and Senator Mark Kelly. It was not immediately clear if invitations had gone out to others in the fray - Kentucky and Illinois Governors, Andy Beshear and J.B. Pritzker, respectively, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Roy Cooper, the Governor of North Carolina, took himself out of the race last month. Presidential candidates usually take months to pick their running mate, but Harris has had to wrap up the search within weeks after her elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket on July 21 when President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid under pressure from within the party and endorsed his deputy. Former Attorney General Eric Holder has done the vetting of the candidate along with a team of lawyers, going through reams of documents to prepare the shortlist for Harris to pick from. Holder gave the Vice-President a presentation at her home in the Naval Observatory on Saturday. Harris has no rallies on her schedule for the weekend to wrap up the search and make the most important decision as the presumptive nominee. Walz, the Minnesota Governor, has emerged as a popular choice with his folksy style and ties to trade unions. He is a former school teacher who served as a member of the House of Representatives for several terms. He has impressed Democrats also for first using the word "weird" for the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and his campaign, which has been embraced by the Harris campaign and Democrats up and down the party hierarchy. Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Governor, has been seen as the top contender given his popularity in the state, which is a critical state for Harris to win to get to the White House. The two-term state Attorney General won the Governor's race in 2022 by nearly 15 percentage points; Harris currently trails Trump in the state by 2.7 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. Kelly is also from a key battleground state, Arizona, and could help Harris reach the 270 electoral college votes she needs to make history as the first woman to become US President - Harris trails Trump by 4 percentage points in this state. As a former fighter pilot and astronaut, he brings unique attributes to the ticket. And he is married to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who retired from politics after she was nearly killed by a gunman in 2011. Chateauroux, Aug 4 : Three Indian shooters fought hard on day nine of the Paris Olympics shooting competition at the French National Shooting Centre range in, but could not make the finals cut after staying in contention till the final stages of their qualification round. Maheshwari Chauhan in the Skeet Womenas event shot a 25 in round four early on Sunday morning to go into the final round in fifth position, but a 22 in round five meant she tallied 118 to finish in 14th spot overall. The sixth and final qualification spot went at 120. Then Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala shot brilliantly over two stages of qualification in the 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol Menas event, staying in contention till the final 10-shots of the second rapid-fire stage, only to shoot scores of 92 and 93 to finish ninth and 13th respectively. Here too the top six make the final cut. Both shooters shot scores of 293 in the first precision stage to go into the rapid-fire round in fifth and seventh positions. Vijayveer then shot a 100 and 98 in the first two rapid-fire series to move up to second at one stage as Anish also shot 99 and 97 to stay in touch with the top six. The final round changed all of that. Raiza Dhillon, the second Indian in the field also in her first Olympics as the above three, shot 113 over five rounds for a 23rd place finish. India still has one more start in the Shotgun events when Maheshwari comes back with Anant Jeet Singh Naruka for the Mixed Team Skeet, an event which will also be making an Olympic debut. The shooting contingent has so far won three bronze medals at the Paris Games. New Delhi, Aug 4 : The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday asserted hat it will not tolerate reduction or restriction in the powers of waqf boards. In a press statement, the AIMPLB held that any change in the Waqf Act, 2013 which alters the nature of waqf properties or makes it easier for the government or any individual to "usurp the same" will not be acceptable. It said that the Centre wanted to change the status and nature of the Waqf properties through about 40 amendments in the Waqf Act, 2013, so that their possession becomes easier, referring to reports. "According to reports, a bill of this nature may be introduced in the Parliament next week. Muslim Personal Law Board clarifies that waqf properties are donations made by Muslim philanthropists dedicated to religious and charitable purposes and the government has only enacted the Waqf Act to regulate them," the press release said. Further, the AIMPLB said that the Waqf Act and waqf properties are protected by the Constitution of India and the Shariat Application Act, 1937, and the government cannot make any amendment that would change and alter the nature and status of these properties. "Muslims would never accept any amendment to the Waqf Act that would change its status. Similarly, interference with the legal and judicial status and powers of Waqf Boards will not be tolerated," it added. Earlier, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi also alleged that the Modi government wants to snatch Waqf properties from Muslims and interfere with the freedom of religion through proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to make amendments to the existing Waqf Act, thereby aiming to restrict the expansive powers of Waqf Boards to classify properties as 'waqf assets' and assume control over them. Sources told IANS that the Cabinet approved around 40 amendments to the act on Friday. The amendment bill is anticipated to be presented in Parliament next week. Should it pass, it will represent a major overhaul in the management and regulation of waqf properties in India, bringing the system in line with practices seen in other Islamic countries where no single entity holds such extensive powers, said sources. --IANS pds/vd New Delhi, Aug 4 : Is abuse of the Waqf Act driving the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's plan to limit the Waqf Boards' arbitrary powers? New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) Is abuse of the Waqf Act driving the Narendra Modi-led NDA governmentas plan to limit the Waqf Boards' arbitrary powers? This question is at the centre of a heated political debate as the Central government prepares to amend the Waqf Act. Amid the ongoing debate, sources have shared with IANS details that cast the Waqf Boards' operations in a negative light, alleging misuse of the Waqf Act. Sources say for a long time, the Waqf Boards have been accused of acting like a land mafia, seizing various types of properties - including personal land, government land, temple lands, and gurdwara -following amendments to the Waqf Act made by Congress. According to sources, initially, the Waqf Boards had about 52,000 properties across India. By 2009, this number had surged to 300,000 registered properties covering 400,000 acres of land. "Today, the number of registered Waqf properties has exceeded 872,292, spanning over 800,000 acres of land. This represents a dramatic doubling of Waqf land within just 13 years," a source added. Sources say the Mussulman Wakf Act, 1923, was introduced by the British. The British first introduced The Madras Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1925. It drew large protests from Muslims and Christians. Thus, it was redrafted to exclude them, made applicable to Hindus only and renamed the Madras Hindu Religious and Endowments Act, 1927. The Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. Subsequently, it was repealed and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995 which gave more powers to Waqf Boards. "In 2013, this Act was further amended to give unlimited powers to Waqf Boards to snatch anyoneas property, which even could not be challenged in any court of law," sources said. In simple terms, the Waqf Board has been granted sweeping powers to claim properties under the guise of Muslim charity. This effectively means that a religious body has been given almost unchecked authority, preventing plaintiffs from seeking judicial recourse, informed sources told IANS, adding: "No other religious body in democratic India has such powers." According to information, Section 3 of the Waqf Act, 1995 states that if the Waqf Board "thinks" that the land belongs to a Muslim, then it is the property of the Waqf. The Waqf Board does not have to furnish any evidence on why they think the land falls under their ownership. Even countries that follow Muslim laws do not have a Waqf body nor does any religious body have unlimited powers, sources added. It is also informed that the Waqf body did not repatriate any land to the Hindus that migrated from Pakistan during the Partition. Sources report several incidents where Waqf Boards have claimed ownership of entire villages. One notable example is Thiruchenthurai village in Tamil Nadu. The local Waqf Board shocked residents by declaring the entire village as its property. Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River in Tiruchirapalli district, Thiruchenthurai is home to a 1,500-year-old Sundareswarar Temple. Villagers were left questioning how the Waqf Board could lay claim to their historic settlement. In Rajasthan, a notable case involved the Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf seeking financial assistance from the state government to cover workers' salaries. This request was strikingly at odds with the fact that the Waqf Board had over 18,000 properties listed across the state and generated income from more than 7,000 of these properties. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board claimed ownership of the 1,500-year-old Manendiyavalli Chandrashekhara Swami temple land, which comprises 369 acres in and around Thiruchenthurai village. These incidents are cited by sources as evidence of the Waqf Boards misusing the extensive and unchecked powers granted to them by the current Act. Another major issue is the lack of transparency and accountability in managing Waqf properties, sources said. There is no reliable assessment of the revenue generated from these assets, and concerns about how this revenue is used remain unresolved, sources added. Sources indicated reports of corruption and mismanagement are prevalent, and when revenue is documented, it should ideally be directed towards the welfare of the Muslim community. Key Insights The projected fair value for CSC Steel Holdings Berhad is RM1.23 based on Dividend Discount Model Current share price of RM1.35 suggests CSC Steel Holdings Berhad is potentially trading close to its fair value When compared to theindustry average discount of -77%, CSC Steel Holdings Berhad's competitors seem to be trading at a greater premium to fair value Does the August share price for CSC Steel Holdings Berhad (KLSE:CSCSTEL) 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. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for CSC Steel Holdings Berhad Is CSC Steel Holdings Berhad Fairly Valued? As CSC Steel Holdings 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. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Relative to the current share price of RM1.4, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = RM0.09 / (11% 3.6%) = RM1.2 dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at CSC Steel Holdings 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 1.260. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Story continues SWOT Analysis for CSC Steel Holdings Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Currently debt free. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for CSCSTEL. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio. Threat Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For CSC Steel Holdings Berhad, we've put together three further elements you should further examine: Risks: You should be aware of the 1 warning sign for CSC Steel Holdings Berhad we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does CSCSTEL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every 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 Srinagar, Aug 4 : Five years back, the Parliament on August 5, 2019, abrogated the Constitution's Article 370, conferring special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and simultaneously, the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. The decision took everybody by total surprise although there had been indications that "something big" was in the offing. This had become evident by the annual Amarnath Yatra being cut short and internal instructions to secure security installations and maintain the highest level of security. Even then, not anyone among the regional political parties like the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peopleas Conference (PC) and the Awami National Conference (ANC) expected that the over 80-year-long special status of J&K would vanish in a day. The Congress or even the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not know what the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had in mind. National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval had visited the state and also held a series of meetings with the intelligence agencies, local police, and the paramilitary forces. Doval is believed to have been the aMan Fridaya that Delhi depended upon to implement the decision on the ground. Like all his previous sensitive assignments, he worked out, with precision, the contours of the law and order situation that would follow the abrogation of Article 370. Undoubtedly, the confidence and determination that the NSA showed during his meetings here translated into the rank and file of the local police, the security forces and the intelligence agencies. "The top man wanted to have it done with pinpoint precision and that is how it had to happen," said former DGP, Dilbag Singh when he recalled the crucial period that preceded and proceeded the abrogation of Article 370. All the regional political leaders, mainstream and separatists, were placed under house arrest. Cell phones and Internet connectivity were suspended and the ubiquitous presence of security forces was maintained everywhere in the Valley. Not a single protest was held, even one incident of stone pelting which had become routine before August 5, 2019, was reported from anywhere. There was complete silence in the Kashmir Valley while there were celebrations outside including in Jammu where the total integration of J&K with the rest of the country was celebrated with fervour and gaiety. All the oppressive laws like disinheritance of girls choosing a spouse from outside J&K, denial of share in ancestral properties to girls after marriage, ban on the purchase of land and applying for government jobs in J&K by outsiders were repealed. J&K had a bicameral legislature before the abrogation of Article 370, and after it, the Legislative Council was removed and J&K was made unicameral with just the Assembly. The J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019 brought the UT in line with all the laws, privileges and obligations which were applicable to all other states and UTs of the country. The elected government headed by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, supported by the BJP, had lost power after the BJP pulled out of the coalition government in June 2018. J&K was brought under the Governoras rule and the Assembly was dissolved. J&K has been without an elected government during the last 5 years. All preparations are underway by the Election Commission to hold the Assembly elections by the end of September so that the people have an elected government. Centre is committed to restoring statehood to J&K after the Assembly elections, but, by no stretch of the imagination, is the new statehood going to be like what J&K had before August 5, 2019. With a five-bench constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, in December 2023, unanimously negating the challenges to the abrogation of Article 370, the new constitutional dawn that has ushered into J&K is here to stay while its status within the union of the Indian states and Union Territories has become non-negotiable. Seoul, Aug 4 : South Korea has opened an anti-dumping investigation into hydrocarbon resin imports from China and Taiwan after a local company has claimed cheap imports from the countries were damaging the local industry, informed sources said on Sunday. According to the sources, the Korea Trade Commission of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has recently begun the investigation into four Chinese companies and three Taiwanese companies, following a petition from Kolon Industries Inc, reports Yonhap news agency. The South Korean industrial materials firm claimed that it had suffered damages due to the supply of low-priced products from the Chinese and Taiwanese companies. Kolon Industries alleged that the dumping margins for Chinese and Taiwanese companies stood at 15.52 per cent and 18.52 per cent, respectively. Hydrocarbon resin, also known as petroleum resin, is a material processed from by-products generated during the cracking process of naphtha. It is used in products like paints and adhesives to provide tackiness and adhesiveness, and serves as a key raw material for both industrial and general consumer goods. South Korea currently imposes a basic tariff rate of 8 percent on hydrocarbon resin. However, under the free trade agreement with China, Chinese products are imported duty-free. "Considering the decline in operating profit margins in the South Korean industry's domestic business sector, it cannot be said that the damage is insignificant," the trade commission said. The commission will make a preliminary determination on the case within a maximum five-month period and will reach a final conclusion within an additional maximum seven-month period. Srinagar, Aug 4 : J&K Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Sunday dedicated 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) to the farmers of the UT. "I am happy to have dedicated 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) which will serve as one-stop service hubs, offering comprehensive support, from input supply to marketing and technological assistance to our farmers," the L-G said. He said that the KKGs equipped with modern IT systems will ensure efficient delivery of critical services such as input booking, soil health monitoring, plant diagnostics, market intelligence, and capacity building. He said that these Centres will also enable farmers access to custom hiring services, Artificial Insemination, horticulture and institutional data ensuring that farmers have access to necessary and timely services. "1500 KKGs to be established in the second phase and works to be completed by the end of this year. At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to empower 13 lakh farmer families, including nearly 3 lakh vulnerable and marginal farmers," L-G said. The administration has also contributed gainfully towards the implementation on the ground of various national flagship programmes like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan', 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana' and others. --IANS sq/dan New Delhi, Aug 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the country's self-reliance in the field of energy, as it achieved record gas production, as a step towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'. New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the country's self-reliance in the field of energy, as it achieved record gas production, as a step towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'. In a post on X, he congratulated the people of the country for this feat. "Our self-reliance in the field of energy is very important in achieving the goal of aViksit Bharata. This record gas production is proof of our commitment in this direction," the Prime Minister posted. In FY24. India achieved 36.43 billion cubic feet (BCM) gas production, from 28.7 BCM in FY21. The country is expected to reach 45.3 BCM gas production by FY26, according to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri. "The figures are the proof. Under the guidance of PM Modi, India is moving ahead with new energy, new enthusiasm and new resolve," Minister Puri posted on X. The focus of the Oil Ministry under the new government is to boost oil and gas exploration, green hydrogen and increase gas consumption in the country. Meanwhile, the consumption of natural gas in India went up 7.1 per cent in June to 5,594 million metric standard cubic metres (MMSCM), this year. The gas companies have been expanding their network to meet the rising demand for the green fuel. Consumption of petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel went up by 2.6 per cent in June to 20 million metric tonnes (MMT). India is the only country where petrol and diesel prices decreased between November 2021 and April 2024. According to Minister Puri, the government is facilitating discussions between the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the dealers to address margin issues, pointing out that petrol and diesel were deregulated during the UPA administration. Puri pointed out late last month that while petrol prices in India have declined, they have risen in the neighbouring countries. New Delhi, Aug 4 : A day after the Congress expressed concerns about the "sizable increase" in voter turnout after polling hours during this year's Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed the allegations as part of a "false campaign". The poll body stated that the allegations are an attempt to undermine the largest and most transparently conducted elections in human history. The ECI in a post on X said: "False campaign is being run by some (other than candidates) in furtherance of a design to discredit the largest elections ever held in the history of mankind in the most transparent manner involving candidates/ stakeholders at every stage of elections." "Unfounded attempts are made to compare the approximate turnout figure at 7 p.m. on poll day (when many PS might be closing the poll &/or voters waiting in the queue) with 'End of Poll' turnout available a day after poll day. Electoral data & outcomes are strictly as per statutory forms & procedures," the poll body further said. The ECI said: "While the legitimate means to challenge an electoral outcome by a candidate or elector is through an Election Petition u/RPA 1951, no EP is reportedly filed on such grounds. A lesser number of EPs have been reportedly filed in 79 PCs in GE 2024, as against 138 EPs in GE 2019." Earlier, on Saturday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Sandeep Dikshit urged the Election Commission of India to address a report by the civil society group Vote for Democracy, Maharashtra, titled "Conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024". "Their main point is that the initial figures given on polling day and the final turnout figures differ a lot. In some phases, the difference was four per cent, some six per cent. This comes at a time when people swear by the EVM and say that everything is revealed through the EVM. I can't believe that after 7 p.m., 10 per cent votes were cast. This creates suspicion," Dikshit said. Hyderabad, Aug 4 : Hyderabad Police have rescued a six-year-old girl, who was kidnapped from a busy area in Abids in the heart of the city on Saturday, an official said on Sunday. Acting swiftly, the police rescued the girl within 24 hours and arrested the accused, a native of Bihar. Abids police traced in Inmul Narva village in Rangareddy district. Police handed over the girl to her parents. Angry family members of the girl tried to attack the accused when he was brought to Abids Police Station. Police were questioning the accused, identified as Bilal, about the motive behind the kidnap. The girl was kidnapped from Kattal Mandi area when she was playing with her cousin. Priyanka, a housewife residing in Begum Bazar, had lodged a missing complaint with Abids Police Station. The complainant had told police that she had gone to her mother's house in Kattal Mandi along with her niece Pragathi on Saturday afternoon. The girl was playing with her four-year-old cousin Vruthik near Muthyalamma temple. After some time, Vruthik returned home alone. Priyanka began looking for Pragathi but could not find her. She lodged a complaint with Abids police, which took up the investigation. Five teams were constituted to trace the girl. The police scanned the CCTV footage and found a suspicious individual taking the girl in an autorickshaw. The investigation revealed that the kidnapper lured the girl with chocolates and took her in an autorickshaw to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station. He then took the child to Rangareddy district in an RTC bus. The police traced the victim and the accused Inmul Narva village in the limits of Kothur police station in Rangareddy district on Sunday morning and brought them to Hyderabad. Police registered a case against the kidnapper under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. New Delhi, Aug 4 : In a dramatic incident, Parsvnath Developers CEO Sanjeev Kumar Jain was chased by the Delhi Police for nearly 60 km before he was arrested from the IGI airport, as he was allegedly trying to flee the capital city, police said on Sunday. According to Delhi Police, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Jain by the Shahdara police on July 18. He also had four other non-bailable warrants, issued at various places, against him. "Jain was arrested on Saturday by the STF team of Shahdara from the IGI airport following non-bailable warrants issued against the CEO for his inability to appear before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shahdara, Surendra Choudhary said in a statement. According to officials, a special task force of the Shahdara zone police was tasked with tracing Jain and had launched a search for him. According to the DCP, Jain was swiftly changing his whereabouts to avoid detection by the police. However, police were on his trail and through the medium of an acquaintance, had managed to get the number of the mobile phone Jain was using and subjected to to surveillance. On Saturday, police came to know he was somewhere around the IGI airport and a team was sent to the area and managed to locate and apprehend him. The Parsvnath CEO was facing charges of not providing a flat to a Gurugram-based home buyer within the designated time. This was not the only matter. The real estate company had several cases of delaying handing over possession of completed flats to home buyers pending against it. Jain was subsequently produced before the Commission on Sunday by the police. Gurugram, Aug 5 : Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal on Sunday said that Haryana will be developed on the lines of Delhi if the AAP comes to power in the state. She said that emphasis will be laid on setting up Mohalla Clinics in every city and village, similar to Delhi, "opening a new chapter of development for a new Haryana". Addressing a public meeting organised by the party at Anaaj Mandi in Sohna on Sunday, Sunita Kejriwal termed the BJP-led Haryana government as a failure on every front. She claimed that the common person was unhappy with the state government. "Fear and corruption are at their peak," she said. Referring to Sohna, she said "there is no healthcare facility here, no educational facilities or employment". "The situation is worse and the Ghamroj toll located on the Sohna-Alwar National Highway also puts a burden on travel fares between Sohna and Gurugram," she said. Ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Sunita Kejriwal also announced the AAP's five guarantees for people in the state, including 24-hour free electricity in the state, Mohalla clinics in all villages to provide free treatment for people, upgrade the infrastructure of government schools, free bus travel for women with an honorarium of Rs 1,000 and jobs for the unemployed youth. She promised to fulfill all the guarantees after forming the government and making the people of the state live a happy life. She said "the Central government has put Haryana's son Arvind Kejriwal in jail in a fake case". "... because my husband has become the voice of the common people. Arvind Kejriwal's social and political stature is increasing," she added. Haryana unit AAP president Sushil Gupta said that the people of the state want change. "The next government will be formed by the AAP. Every section is unhappy with the current government," he claimed. Gaza, Aug 5 : Around five launches were detected crossing from the southern Gaza Strip toward Israel, the Israeli army said. Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has claimed responsibility for the attack, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday. A projectile landed in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council area in southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement, noting that no injuries were reported. Kan reported that the rockets were launched from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, which has recently been the focus of a prolonged military operation by the Israeli army in response to rocket fire. Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack in a brief statement. "We fired a barrage of rockets towards Gan Yavne and Ashdod in response to the massacres committed against the Palestinian people and resistance leaders," the Brigades said. Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday that during the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 33 Palestinians and wounded 118 others, bringing the total death toll to 39,583 and injuries to 91,398 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalated in October 2023. Amman, Aug 5 : King Abdullah II of Jordan has called for intensified international efforts to achieve comprehensive de-escalation and to avoid further conflict and chaos in the region. The king made these remarks during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, in which they discussed the serious developments in the region, according to a statement from the Royal Hashemite Court released on Sunday. The Jordanian leader underscored the importance of halting regional escalation and "unilateral Israeli actions," warning that such actions could fuel violence and tensions in the region, Xinhua news agency reported. The king emphasised the necessity of reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ending the humanitarian suffering of its residents, noting that Jordan will continue to provide relief assistance through all available means. He also reiterated the importance of working toward a political solution that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. During the call, they also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between their countries and maintain coordination to serve their mutual interests. Kiev, Aug 5 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that long-awaited F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine. "F-16s in Ukraine. We ensured this," Zelensky said on Sunday in a post on Telegram. The Ukrainian pilots have already started using the F-16 aircraft, he added, not specifying how many jets were supplied to Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported. Zelensky thanked Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and Ukraine's other partners for accepting Kiev's request for F-16s. Western media reported that Ukraine received the first 10 F-16 fighter jets on the last day of July. Gaza, Aug 5 : At least 25 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the schools of al-Nasr and Hassan Salama in Gaza City, Palestinian security and medical sources said. Israeli warplanes bombed with several missiles at the two schools, security sources said on Sunday as reported by Xinhua news agency. Medical sources told Xinhua news agency that at least 25 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded as a result of Israeli air raids. Most of the victims are women and children, the Civil Defence Authority in Gaza said in a statement. Meanwhile, Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israeli warplanes attacked militants operating inside Hamas command and control complexes that were hidden inside the Hassan Salama and al-Nasr schools in Gaza City. Since October 7, 2023, Hamas and the Israeli army have been involved in a large-scale war, right after Hamas carried out its unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the besieged coastal enclave. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,583, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. Women facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies need resources, support, and especially intensive, holistic medical care. As the executive director of LifeChoices Family Medical in the Tampa Bay area, Florida, Im proud to say our work goes a long way in improving womens health and supporting babies and moms. From its inception, our center's goal was to provide material and financial resources to women in need, and to join the heroic network of nearly 3,000 pregnancy centers across the United States, which have helped countless moms find hope and receive needed material and emotional support. After years of working to support women in need, we felt called to expand our mission to offer women medical assistance that addresses root causes, and improves womens emotional and physical health long term. Today, our center serves as an exemplary model of the type of medical health care clinics and care women deserve post-Dobbs. LifeChoices started out as a pregnancy care center in 2009. and by 2016 we expanded to offer prenatal care services up to delivery and gynecological services by adding a full-time nurse practitioner to our team. In 2018 while at a medical association conference, I met Dr. Mariana Giron, who was completing her residency as a family medicine physician, had done an OB fellowship, and was trained in Creighton FertilityCare and NaProTechnology. It was a dream come true in 2020, when Dr. Giron called to share that she was moving to Tampa and would love to join our team. Dr. Giron shared her dream of working together and offering moms at LifeChoices prenatal, postpartum, and long-term medical care. She had a vision of pregnancy resource centers partnering with doctors to create a comprehensive medical support system for women in need. She also is Hispanic and bilingual, which I knew would be extremely helpful for many of our patients (we dont call our moms clients) due to the high Hispanic population in the Tampa Bay area. The path forward was clear. So, we got to work. Once Dr. Giron joined our team, our priority was connecting with different insurance companies to ensure that we could offer our patients covered care. Today, we are proud to partner with private insurers, Christian health share programs, Medicare and Medicaid. Our ability to offer Medicaid coverage is critical since many of the moms who come to us are uninsured. Its our passion and pride to work with women who may be low income or lack necessary resources. We are grateful to be able to help them sign up for Medicaid right away, and we are quick to connect them with nearby pregnancy resource centers for additional support. We have incredible referral networks and connect moms with organizations offering them free material goods, counseling, after abortion healing, support groups and more. Our medical staff makes it possible to be there for our clients from far before they even know they are pregnant, to well after their baby is born. Our on-site medical assistants, nurse practitioners and doctor aid our clients with top quality prenatal care, including labor and delivery classes at the center. We also employ an ultrasound sonographer who is able to do our obstetric scans, our gynecological scans, and our fertility study scans. We walk with pregnant moms in need who visit us distressed about the future and can help them however they need throughout their pregnancy. And since we offer family medical care, were able to care for their babies and see and address mom's postpartum health firsthand. Typically, postpartum moms dont go back to their OBGYN for six weeks. Yet were able to walk with moms and address their mental, physical and emotional health needs related to postpartum recovery. Our overarching goal is and has always been to empower women to recognize their strength, and to realize that there is ample medical, emotional and financial support available to them if they need it. Today, when other pregnancy resource centers ask how we transformed to a medical clinic, Im honest. This was never our strategic plan, and it was certainly challenging work. But by finding a pro-life doctor or medical provider to build around, we can offer more moms the high-quality medical care that must be a priority for women post-Dobbs. Far too often, I hear tragic stories from women who have had past abortions who thought they were alone or that they didnt have the medical and financial resources to choose life. Thankfully, our work at LifeChoices offers a great model of one of the ways that pro-life organizations can empower, support and love all women in need so that no woman must walk alone. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners, administrative staff and volunteers are proud to walk with women and their families however long they need. Ana Hidalgo Stooks is the executive director of LifeChoices Family Medical in Lutz/Tampa Florida. Property details: BARCLAY TIMESHARE. Low MaintenanceBarclay Towers Week 8. Seller pays closing costs All fees are current.Maintenance 555/yearlyCan use RCI for exchange weeks. $99/yr. Can exchange the week for RCI inventory. We have gotten larger units (2BR and 3BR) and traveled to Greece, Massachusetts, Vermont, Colorado, Florida, other areas in Virginia at different times in the year.... Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: New York City: Virgina Beach State/Province: Virginia Location: 105**, Larchmont, New York You will be redirected to eBay When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Nearby Virginia Jordan Grumet credits the FIRE movement for helping him retire at age 45. He says he now has the freedom to pursue side hustles he enjoys. Jordan Jordan Grumet; Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI A Gen X doctor was feeling burned out and wanted to retire when he learned about the FIRE movement. FIRE is an acronym for "financial independence, retire early." It's helped him retire by age 45 and grow his savings to over $6 million. In 2014, Jordan Grumet felt burned out working as a primary care doctor and was looking for a way out. By a stroke of luck, he stumbled upon the FIRE movement FIRE is an acronym for "financial independence, retire early." People who call themselves members of the FIRE community use various strategies to boost their savings with the end goal typically being an early retirement or financial security. Grumet said his finances were already in good shape not quite good enough for him to "jump ship" and retire, though. But after learning about FIRE, he realized it could be exactly what he needed to get to the finish line. "Discovering FIRE greatly changed my habits," he told Business Insider via email. "For the first time in my life, I started tracking and budgeting. I stopped spending money on things that weren't of value to me." His efforts paid off. Four years later, in 2018, when he was 45, Grumet said his savings had grown enough for him to retire from his medical practice. But he didn't stop trying to improve his finances. Over the past six years, his savings in his primary investment account have grown from roughly $2 million to more than $6 million, according to documents viewed by BI. Grumet, who's now 51 and based in Illinois, said he focuses his time on "purposeful and joyful" side hustles that keep him busy and provide an income. "When I say retired, I mean that I no longer do these things to make money," he said. "All the activities I engage in now, I would do even if no one was paying me for them." Many Americans are struggling to save for retirement, but the FIRE movement has offered some people a blueprint for becoming financially secure. While the methods and goals of FIRE advocates vary widely, some save the majority of their income, take on side hustles, and delay costly life milestones like having kids. While FIRE isn't for everyone, experts say some of its general principles like consistently allocating money to diversified investment funds are applicable to a wide audience. Grumet shared how he's grown his savings in recent years and his main goals for his retirement. Side hustles and investing in retirement can boost one's savings Over the past decade, Grumet has padded his savings through various income streams. Before he retired from his medical practice, he said his average income was roughly $500,000 a year. Story continues When he retired, he spent time working as an associate hospice medical director. While he considered this to be a side hustle, he said he earned as much as $200,000 a year. He's since scaled back his hospice work to about 10 hours a week but said it still brings in about $75,000 a year. In addition to hospice work, he's also tried side hustles that include medical expert work, nursing home medical directing, medical blogging, and several forms of consulting. Additionally, he's published three books and said he has a fourth on the way. He said the first two books were self-published and "made no money," while the third book which was traditionally published has earned him about $20,000 over the past two years in royalties. His most recent books offer advice for improving one's finances and living a meaningful life. Over the last year, he said he's earned about $110,000 through his various side hustles, including a podcast. While the extra income has helped boost his savings, Grumet said investing much of this income into the stock market and seeing strong investment returns is what's allowed his finances to truly blossom. He said he also sold about $1 million worth of real estate, which provided additional investment funds. Grumet said his retirement goal was to have at least 25 times his total annual spending in savings he's already met this milestone. When he set the goal, he said he averaged about $175,000 in annual spending putting his goal savings figure at roughly $4.4 million. To be sure, Grumet's level of savings is likely to be out of reach for many people. Business Insider has interviewed other members of the FIRE community who have less ambitious goals some said they were aiming for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million in savings. Money doesn't solve all problems Ever since he embraced the FIRE movement, Grumet said he's sometimes struggled to balance active saving and using some money to enjoy his life. But he said this has gotten easier in recent years. "I have started spending more freely than before," he said. "I pay less attention to the stock market and concentrate more on using money as a tool to live the life I want to live." Over the last few years, he said his average annual spending has increased from $175,000 to roughly $250,000. Going forward, Grumet plans to continue pursuing side hustles that interest him. He said two of his main goals for retirement are to live a life "full of purpose and joy" and think less about his finances. He thinks this would improve his personal life satisfaction and his relationships with his family. He also hopes to continue using the free time financial security has provided him to work on other areas of his life. "Money solves money problems," he said. "Being financially independent didn't solve the other myriad problems that come with being a human being. I just had more free time to work on them." Are you part of the FIRE movement or living by some of its principles? Are you willing to share your story? Reach out to this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider At least 91 people, including 14 policemen, were killed and hundreds injured on Sunday in fierce clashes between protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the ruling party supporters in different parts of Bangladesh, forcing authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period. IMAGE: Demonstartors with sticks occupy the street during a protest demanding the stepping down of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following quota reform protests by students, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 4, 2024. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters The clashes broke out Sunday morning when protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination with the one-point demand of the government's resignation over a job quota system faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. At least 91 people have been killed in clashes, shootings and counter-chases across the country surrounding the non-cooperation program, leading Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo reported. According to the police headquarters, 14 policemen have been killed across the country. Of them, 13 were killed in Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station. One person was killed in Comilla's Elliotganj, the paper said. More than 300 policemen were injured. The fresh round of clashes erupted days after over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971. Today's protests were joined by unidentified people and activists of rightwing Islami Shashontantra Andolon, which erected barricades on several major highways and within the capital city, officials said, adding that protesters attacked the police stations and boxes, ruling party offices and residences of their leaders and burnt several vehicles. The situation prompted authorities to order a curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh for an indefinite period from 6 PM on Sunday, mobilising troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion alongside police. The government ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet, the paper added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina said that those engaging in "sabotage" across the country in the name of protest are not students but terrorists and asked people to suppress them with a firm hand. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand, she said. Hasina called a meeting of the national committee on security affairs -- the highest policy-making authority of national security -- at Ganabhaban, the paper reported citing sources from the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was attended by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, BGB, and other top security officers. The meeting came as renewed violence spread to several parts of the country. The government has announced a three-day general holiday on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country. Giving details, the paper said eight people were killed in Feni, 22 including 13 policemen in Sirajganj, four in Kishoreganj, six in Dhaka, five in Bogura, three in Munshiganj, four in Magura, three in Bhola, four in Rangpur, three in Pabna, five in Sylhet, three in Cumilla, two in Sherpur and one in Joypurhat. One person was killed in Keraniganj, one in Savar and one in Barisal. Six Awami League leaders and activists were beaten to death and several others injured in a clash between the ruling party supporters and protesters in Narsingdi, the paper reported. In the capital, protesters took away the bodies of four people from Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The protesters went to the Central Shaheed Minar with the bodies of the four victims and chanted anti-government slogans, it said. Citing Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources, the paper said 56 people were brought to the hospital with bullet injuries from Shahbagh, Shanir Akhra, Nayabazar, Dhanmondi, Science Laboratory, Paltan, Press Club and Munshiganj. In a related development, a group of former senior military generals Sunday asked the government to withdraw the armed forces from the streets and send them back to barracks. "We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis. Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign," said former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, who served as the army chief under Prime Minister Hasina's government. Reading out a statement at a media briefing here, he said, "The Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with the masses or trained their guns at the chests of their fellow citizens." Another former army chief, octogenarian general Nuruddin Khan, who also served as the energy minister in Hasina's past 1996-2001 tenure, was one of those who joined the briefing along with fellow officers, some of them being 1971 Liberation War veterans. "Time is ripe to immediately take the soldiers to barracks to prepare themselves for any eventuality as the time taken to transition from internal security mode to operational mode takes quite some time, the statement read. Most of the shops and malls in Dhaka were closed amid the protest. Hundreds of students and professionals had gathered at Dhaka's Shahbagh, blocking traffic on all sides. Protesters had also gathered at the Science Lab intersection of the capital on the first day of the non-cooperation movement. They chanted anti-government slogans. According to the Daily Star newspaper, several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were torched on Sunday by unidentified people. People carrying sticks were seen vandalising private cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses on the hospital premises, triggering fear among the patients, their attendants, doctors and staff, the paper said. Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced said they will stage a demonstration and mass sit-in on Monday to press home their one-point demand. On Monday, they will unveil Martyrs' Memorial plaques across the country in memory of people killed recently centring the quota reform movement, he said in a statement. There have been reports of vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in multiple locations. In Chattogram, the residences of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, as well as the office of AL MP Md Mohiuddin Bachchu were attacked. In an apparent retaliation, the homes of several Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders, including Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, were targeted. The BNP and its allies, along with numerous political, professional, and cultural groups have thrown their support behind the student-led movement that had been launched to demand reforms to quotas reserved for government jobs. Prime Minister Hasina offered to sit for talks on Saturday with the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. However, the movement's coordinators rejected the proposal. The government leaders earlier claimed that the peaceful campaign was hijacked by fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir being backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia's BNP. Two men from Arunachal Pradesh have been missing for nearly two years from a remote location in the state along the India-China border and are believed to be in the custody of the People's Liberation Army, which so far has not acknowledged the duo's presence in their territory. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviews defence preparedness along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, October 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Batelum Tikro (35) and his cousin Bainsi Manyu (37) went missing from the Chaglagam area in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on August 19, 2022, while looking for medicinal herbs at a high altitude area along the border with China and since then they have not been found. "I have come to know that they were detained by the Chinese army," Tikro's brother Dishanso Chikro told PTI over phone. Chikro said he has approached the local army authorities several times seeking information about his brothers. "I am told that the issue was raised by the Indian Army with their Chinese counterparts. But no response has come so far," he said. Anjaw MLA and state's women and child development minister Dasanglu Pul confirmed that the duo went missing along the border with China while looking for medicinal herbs. The Chinese side has not yet acknowledged that the youths are in their custody. But I am told that they are still alive," she told PTI over phone. After the two went missing, Chikro lodged two complaints of missing persons at Hayuliang police station (registration numbers: 0005/2022 and 0006/2022) on October 9, 2022. It was mentioned in the complaints that 'some fellow villagers might have last seen them at border areas on August 24, 2022' but since then there has been no sign of the whereabouts of the duo.' According to their Aadhaar cards, Tikro belongs to Doiliang and Manyu hails from Manyu Chiprogam of Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. Tikro is unmarried while Manyu and his wife have two very young children. Anjaw district Zila Parishad Chairman Soblem Pul said that he has come to know that the local Army authorities raised the issue of the two men with the Chinese army at the flag meetings held along the border. "I have no idea what was the response of the Chinese side at the flag meetings. The parents of the men keep telling us to do something. But we are helpless so far. We hope that they will return home safe and soon," he told PTI over phone. This is not the first time that residents of Arunachal Pradesh have gone missing along the border or been detained by China's PLA. However, in most cases, such people return home after a few days or weeks. This is for the first time that no whereabouts have been found of two missing persons for almost two years. In September 2020, the PLA allegedly abducted five youths from Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district. The youths were released about a week later by the PLA. On January 18, 2022, a teenage boy, Miram Taron, was allegedly taken away by the Chinese forces from the Upper Siang district. Taron was handed over to the Indian side by the Chinese army nine days later. The latest incident of the two missing cousins comes amid a continuing stand-off between the Indian Army and the PLA in eastern Ladakh since April 2020. India shares a 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. India has repeatedly rejected China's territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country. China, which terms Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area as Zangnan. New Delhi has also dismissed Beijing's move to assign "invented" names to the area, saying it does not alter the reality. Army personnel were deployed at an inundated residential area in Pune amid heavy downpours and water discharge from Khadakwasla dam, officials said on Sunday. IMAGE: The water level of the Mutha River rises due to torrential rains in parts of Pune, Maharashtra, August 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo In view of the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed authorities to be alert and shift people from dangerous zones to safer places with the assistance of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and the Army, if needed. "The India meteorological department has issued a warning about heavy rainfall in Pune city and the district region and today heavy downpour is experienced. In the wake of the warning the entire administration should be vigilant," Shinde said in a statement. People staying in the danger zones near rivers and dams should be shifted to safe places. If needed, help from NDRF, SRF and the Army should be taken and shelter, food, clothing, medicines and health facilities be arranged for the affected people, the Chief Minister's Office said. The Pune Municipal Corporation commissioner and the district magistrate have also been instructed. Following the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, residents of the possible danger zones and those living in the flood line radius of dams and rivers, should be relocated to safe places, the chief minister said. The CM directed the administration to make arrangements for the safety of people living in low-lying areas in Pune including Ekta Nagar, Dattwadi, Patil Estate, Yerwada, Shivaji Nagar, court area, Kamgar Putla area, Harris Bridge, and Dapodi. Other low-lying areas are Juni Sangvi, Kasarwadi, Pimpri camp, Rawet, Balewadi Gaothan, Jupiter Hospital area, Kapil Malhar region, Baner, Bawdhan, and Sangamwadi. The chief minister called for coordination among authorities while relocating people to safe places and providing necessary facilities in the shelter homes. He said instructions given by the India meteorological department be monitored and conveyed to people in real-time. Army personnel were deployed in Ekta Nagar after excess water was released from the Khadakwasla dam, officials said. The fire brigade department also evacuated some members of the society located in the Ekta Nagar area. Following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas in the past fortnight, 35,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) water was discharged from the Khadakwasla dam in Pune district on Sunday, officials of the irrigation department said. "Pune DM has requested for 01 Column of Indian Army for Ekta Nagar be prepositioned at Ekta Nagar as excess water is being released from Khadwasla Dam. Army Column is moving out," a defence press update said. The Army personnel were deployed at the Dwarka Society on Sinhgad Road (Ekta Nagar area) where the water accumulated. In the last two days, the ghat section in Pune district received heavy rainfall. On July 25, several residential areas along the Mutha river on Sinhgad Road were marooned when water was discharged from the Khadakwasla dam amid heavy rains in the district. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his government would soon introduce a law for life imprisonment in cases of love jihad'. IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses the state executive meeting of BJP as state party chief Bhabesh Kalita (third from left), Union minister Pabitra Margherita (right) look on, in Guwahati, August 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo He also said several measures have been initiated to protect the land rights and government jobs for indigenous people. Speaking at the state Bharatiya Janata Party's extended executive meet Guwahati, Sarma said, We spoke about love jihad' during the elections. Soon, we will bring a law, which will award life imprisonment in such cases. The term 'love jihad' is used by right-wing groups to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage. Sarma said a new domicile policy will also be introduced soon, under which only those born in Assam will be eligible for state government jobs. Asserting that his government has been working to protect the rights of indigenous people, the CM said they have been accorded priority in the one lakh government jobs provided as per a pre-poll promise, which will be evident when the complete list is published. In contrast, people of a particular community got up to 30 percent of constable jobs in the state police force under the Congress government, when the incumbent Dhubri MP was in charge of the home department, Sarma claimed, without elaborating further. Congress' Rakibul Hussain had won the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in this year's elections. Sarma said that while encroached land equal to the size of Chandigarh has been freed from illegal settlers by his government, land equal to 20 times of the northern Union Territory is still under the grasp of encroachers in the state. Among other initiatives to protect land rights are a resolution to bring in a law to forbid sale of land to people of a particular community in undivided Goalpara district. The undivided Goalpara holds much importance for our Koch-Rajbongshi community. But, people of a particular community took away our land and made us minority in our own place, he alleged. Under the proposed new law, land owned by tribals and people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Castes will not be allowed to be transferred in undivided Goalpara, he said. Similarly, a law will be enacted to allow transfer of land in Barpeta, Majuli and Batadrawa, important centres for followers of Vaishnavism, among residents of these areas only, Sarma said. If the public wants more areas to be protected in a similar manner, we will do it. We know that we cannot chase away anyone to Bangladesh, but with the last ounce of power in us, we will work to secure the future of Assam, he asserted. The CM said the Assam government has also taken a decision regarding the sale of land between Hindus and Muslims. He said though the government cannot prevent such a transaction, it has made it mandatory to take consent of the chief minister before going ahead. The state government had issued a similar notification on March 7, stopping sale of land between two different communities for three months to avoid any possible conflict on communal lines ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Sarma said another legislation will be enacted for creation of micro tribal belts and blocks to protect villages or small, scattered settlements of tribals outside the notified belts and blocks. Referring to the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the chief minister claimed that the agitation was one of deceit as not more than eight people have applied under it in the state thus far. Sarma said his government will be taking a bold step to clear the biometrics of nine lakh people, collected and frozen during updation of the National Register of Citizens. He maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party has been able to secure a third straight term at the Centre on the basis of its work for the masses, as he took a dig at the Congress for trying to downplay the saffron party's winning streak. Congress has been trying to project as if their 99 seats are bigger than our 240 seats. Perhaps, it is so as per mathematics followed in Bangladesh or Pakistan, but it is not so in India, he said. Sarma also asserted that the BJP will return to power in the state in 2026 due to its welfare measures for people. The CM expressed his gratitude to state party chief Bhabesh Kalita for forming a committee to go through the poll promises that have not been fulfilled yet, so that those can be accomplished within the next one year. He said the BJP will contest the Bodoland Territorial Council, panchayat and zilla parishad elections on its own, and urged the party workers to work closely with its allies AGP and UPPL for the bypolls to five assembly seats. Sarma also emphasised that the delimitation of panchayats should be carried out in such a manner that the rights of the indigenous people are safeguarded. The government is all set to bring a Bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf boards to ensure more accountability and transparency in their functioning and mandatory inclusion of women in these bodies, sources said. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo They claimed that the move comes in the backdrop of demands from within the Muslim community. The Bill to amend the Wakf Act, 1995, will make it mandatory for Waqf boards to register their properties with district collectors to ensure their actual valuation. There are 30 Waqf boards in the country. The sources on Sunday pointed out that the revenue generated by all Waqf properties is estimated at Rs 200 crore per annum. This is not in sync with the number of properties such bodies have, they said. Originally, Waqf boards had around 52,000 properties throughout India. By 2009, there were 3,00,000 registered Waqf properties covering four lakh acres of land, and as on date, there are 8,72,292 such properties on more than eight lakh acres of land. While referring to the revenue generated by such bodies, the sources underlined that the money can only be used for the welfare of the Muslim community and for no other purpose. The amendment Bill with as many as 40 changes in the current law could be brought in the ongoing Parliament session. The government, as of now, does not plan to leave the Bill pending in Parliament after its introduction, the sources said. The key changes proposed in the law include ensuring verification of land before a board announces it as a Waqf property. Fresh verification of disputed lands claimed by various state boards will also be sought, according to the proposed bill. The changes with regard to the composition of the Waqf boards will ensure the inclusion of women in these bodies. The sources cited the recommendations of the Justice Sachar Commission and the joint committee of Parliament headed by K Rahman Khan as few of the reasons for amending the law. "There have been demands from within the community to amend the law to bring transparency and accountability ...some Muslim high court judges had flagged that the decision taken by Waqf boards cannot be challenged in courts. Now, the amendment bill seeks to set that right," a person familiar with the government's decision said. Reacting to the move to amend the law, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dinesh Sharma said Bohra and other members of the Muslim community have raised the issue of anomalies by Waqf boards. The main reason behind this is that there have been complaints against Waqf boards, made for benefitting the minorities, being involved in other works, he claimed. All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson SQR Ilyas said, "The BJP government always wanted to do this. Following the conclusion of the 2024 (Lok Sabha) elections, we thought that there will be a change in the BJP's attitude, but that's not the case. I, however, feel that this is not the right move." Advocate Raees Ahmad said there is a "false narrative" that a Waqf board can claim any property. Waqf board was introduced for the benefit of Muslims, he said, reacting to the move to amend the law. Hitting out at the proposed amendments, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi said, "BJP has been against the Waqf Board and Waqf properties since the beginning and there is a 'Hindutva agenda' of the RSS. They have continued to put efforts to end the Waqf Board and properties from the start." "Demand for improvement in Waqf board is not new, it has been going on for the past 30-40 years. Those who are raising this demand and affected by it are Muslims themselves. There is a need for betterment in the Waqf board and I hope Samajwadi Party, Congress and TMC will support it (the Bill), whenever it is introduced," said BJP leader Ajay Alok. Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have said that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by Israel using a short-range projectile with a warhead and plans to take revenge "at the appropriate time. IMAGE: Children hold placards during a protest and prayer congregation after Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran, at Saidabad in Hyderabad. Photograph: ANI Photo The statement by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday also accuses the "criminal government" of the United States of supporting the attack, which Iran blames on Israel. "This terrorist attack was designed and implemented by the Zionist regime (Israel) and supported by the criminal government of America," the IRNA news agency quoted the statement as saying. The statement by IRGC which was televised on the country's state media, came, three days after Haniyeh was killed at his accommodation in northern Tehran following his attendance at the inaugural ceremony of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian. As per the statement, a rocket with a seven-kilogram warhead was used to target the residence of Haniyeh state media IRNA reported. It said the attack caused heavy devastation. The IRGC statement emphasised that it would "avenge blood of Haniyeh", adding that "the terrorist and adventurist Zionist regime would definitely receive severe punishment and a decisive response at appropriate time and in proper place." The Hamas leader and his bodyguard were killed in an Iranian government guest house in Tehran in the early hours of July 31. Haniyeh had gone to the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the killing. Israel, which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has neither acknowledged nor denied killing Haniyeh. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a public funeral ceremony for Haniyeh in Tehran on Thursday, before the coffin was transported to Doha, and threatened "harsh punishment" for Haniyeh's killing. Earlier on Wednesday, he also ordered Iran to strike Israel directly, in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader. Khamenei gave the order at an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Hanieyh's killing came hours after top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli air attack on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on July 30 Iranian news agency IRNA quoted Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV as saying on Saturday that fighters of the Tehran-backed Lebanon group had targeted a building where Israeli soldiers gathered earlier in the day. Air raid sirens went off in 15 Israeli settlements, the Al Mayadeen TV channel reported. Hezbollah said it launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets towards the Beit Hillel settlement in northern Israel, claiming the attack was in response to Israel's targeting of civilians in Lebanon, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Videos showed Israel's Iron Dome defence system being activated over the area. Meanwhile, during a meeting in Doha, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They also discussed Iran's call for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states over the assassination of the Hamas leader, IRNA reported. A 19-year-old Indian student, who was arrested and charged with falsifying records to gain admission in a US university, will have to return to India under a plea deal entered into with American authorities. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Aryan Anand had submitted fake and falsified documents to secure admission into Lehigh University, a private research university in Pennsylvania for the 2023-2024 academic year. A report in the Lehigh University's student newspaper The Brown and White, said last month that a police investigation had found that Anand had falsified admission and financial aid documents. He had even faked his father's death as part of the conspiracy to obtain admission and scholarship, it said. Anand was arraigned by magisterial district judge Jordan Knisley on June 12, with a bail of $25,000. He pleaded guilty to one count of forgery. As part of the plea deal, he was sentenced to one to three months in Northampton County Prison, which amounted to a time-served sentence, lehighvalleylive.com quoted defence attorney Molly Heidorn as saying. As part of the deal, Anand is required to return to India and Lehigh chose not to seek restitution of about USD 85,000. He was released to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to a release issued by the office of Northampton County's district attorney Stephen Baratta, Anand had created a fake email address impersonating a school principal, the report in lehighvalleylive.com said. The release had said that Anand's father is alive and in India. Anand's forgery came to light after a post he shared on the social media site Reddit titled I have built my life and career on lies' prompted the investigation into his case. In that anonymous post, he had laid out the details of his fraudulent scheme. The Brown and White report said that the investigation began when a Reddit monitor notified Lehigh's admissions department of the post on April 26. The criminal complaint revealed the thread was authored by someone with the username u/transportationOK4728,' and the creator was following only one University group of Reddit and that University was Lehigh University', the report said. Further investigation by the Lehigh police identified Anand as the author of the post, which has since been deleted but in which he had outlined his scheme. Anand had indicated that he created a fake email address in the format of principal@schoolname.com for his application, submitted a death certificate for his father to acquire additional hardship financial aid, falsified tax documentation, altered his secondary school year 1-3 transcripts and created a false Senior School Certificate Examination to show success in his final year of secondary school, the report said. Anand said it was all for the purpose of securing admission and financial aid to attend a university in the United States. The criminal complaint filed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on April 30 accused Anand of violating the statutes of forgery, tampering with records or identification, theft by deception and theft of services. Metadata revealed the death certificate and tax documents were altered using the iLovePDF website, and the academic documents were modified using Adobe Photoshop, according to the criminal complaint. Anand was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for forgery and tampering with records or identification, a third-degree felony for theft by deception and a third-degree felony for thrift of services, the report said. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Sandeep Deshpande is likely to take on Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MLA Aaditya Thackeray from Mumbai's Worli seat in the upcoming state assembly polls, MNS sources said on Sunday. IMAGE: MNS president Raj Thackeray meets Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss Worli's issues, in Mumbai, August 3, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy MNS on X The Raj Thackeray-led MNS senses an opportunity after the Shiv Sena-UBT candidate's lead fell to less than 7,000 votes in the Worli assembly segment during the recent Lok Sabha polls. A home to some of India's wealthiest residents, Worli, part of Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, is marked by high-rises and thriving business hubs. It also contains dilapidated chawls awaiting redevelopment, such as the BDD chawls and police colonies. Many slum rehabilitation projects are stalled, and some redeveloped buildings have not provided the promised monthly rentals to residents. Deshpande is likely to take on Aaditya Thackeray in the assembly polls, MNS sources told PTI. The MNS leader has been actively engaging with Worli residents addressing their concerns. On Saturday, MNS president Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss issues plaguing Worli. The meeting is significant, given the focus on Worli-related concerns. Following the meeting, Shinde directed officials to prioritise addressing Worli's issues, according to the Chief Minister's Office. Notably, the MNS did not field a candidate from Worli in the 2019 assembly polls as Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Shiv Sena-UBT head and former CM Uddhav Thackeray, was contesting his maiden election. Aaditya, the first Thackeray to enter electoral politics, won by a margin of 62,247 votes, facing no strong Opposition. Despite the Shiv Sena-UBT victory, the Worli assembly segment saw a significant drop in lead during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with party candidate Arvind Sawant leading by just 6,715 votes, the lowest in four of the six assembly constituencies under Mumbai South where he dominated his Shiv Sena challenger. The MNS now sees a potential opening. It remains unclear whether the ruling alliance or the MNS will contest together. The Shiv Sena led by CM Shinde and the ruling BJP are organising events in Worli to strengthen their presence. "In 2017 municipal corporation polls, we (MNS) bagged around 30,000 to 33,000 votes from Worli. We have voters dedicated to MNS in this constituency," Deshpande told PTI. The MNS claimed that Aaditya Thackeray- the second in command in the Shiv Sena-UBT hierarchy after his father Uddhav Thackeray- is not accessible to the common people who need a hands-on MLA. "The question is accessibility here. People need an MLA who is accessible, which is not the case with the incumbent MLA," Deshpande said. Shiv Sena-UBT MLC Sunil Shinde acknowledged the "unexpected drop" in the lead of his party candidate during the Lok Sabha polls, attributing it to overconfidence but expressed confidence of Aaditya Thackeray's return to the fray in the upcoming assembly elections. "The drop in the lead does not mean that people were upset with us. Our candidate was far better than our rival (Shiv Sena's Yamini Jadhav). But in the Lok Sabha polls, it was the Modi factor. We did not get the expected response from high-rises," he claimed. The MLC said that in a three-cornered contest, the MNS might eat into votes of the Sena-UBT, but only around 2,500. The Shiv Sena-UBT has a robust plan to attract voters to the polling booths on election day, he added. Elections to the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are due in October this year. Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban district collectively send 36 MLAs to the state assembly. Extending its full cooperation to the state government to rebuild landslide-ravaged Wayanad, the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala on Sunday announced that all its MLAs will contribute one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. IMAGE: Army and NDRF personnel during rescue and relief operations, in Wayanad, Kerala, August 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Sunday said the UDF will take part in all the rehabilitation efforts and work towards restoring normalcy in the lives of the survivors. Apart from the 100 houses offered to be built by the Congress, as announced by Rahul Gandhi, the Indian Union Muslim League, a major ally of the party in the UDF, has also announced rehabilitation packages. Earlier, the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front had announced that its members in the assembly and Parliament will contribute their one month's salary to the CMDRF. The decision of the Opposition UDF assumes significance as the issue of making donations to the CMDRF had created a ripple within the Congress on Saturday. Senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced that he would donate to it one month's salary, which he draws as an MLA and this statement drew a sharp reaction from his party colleague and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran, who expressed displeasure saying there is no need to give money to funds managed by the CPI-M-led Left government. Sudhakaran's statement came amidst online smear campaigns discouraging people from sending funds to the CMDRF. Talking to the media in Kochi on Sunday, Satheesan said special attention should be given to those who have lost their livelihood and those who have become orphans. "It should also be considered whether those who are being shifted back to their houses can survive or not. Normalcy should be restored in everyone's life," Satheesan added. The Congress leader urged the government to consider ways to prevent such disasters in the future. "In 2019, we had mentioned in the assembly to map the landslide-prone regions and coordinate with all the weather agencies and to set up rain gauges. We need to rope in experts from Cochin University," Satheesan said. Along with the rehabilitation efforts, all technological assistance available in the world should be used to set up a warning mechanism, he said. There should also be a proper plan to evacuate people within a short period after a warning is issued, he added. "The Opposition has a definite plan. We had sought for a policy change as per (to mitigate the effects of) climate change. And that's why we opposed K-Rail and now the coastal highway. We are ready to submit our plans before the government," Satheesan said. He said that local residents had complained on July 29 that the colour of the river had changed due to something that had happened upstream. "Based on this, the panchayat had shifted many people from there. We need to bring together such traditional knowledge along with modern technology," Satheesan added. According to the district administration, till Saturday night, 219 bodies and over 143 body parts were recovered, and 206 persons were still missing. As rescue operations in landslide-hit areas of Wayanad district continued for the sixth day on Sunday, authorities intensified efforts to recover bodies and also prepared a mass grave for unidentified remains, amid discussions in the state on donations to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund and whether to classify the natural calamity as a 'national disaster'. IMAGE: Rescue workers moving to landlide-hit areas at Chooramala in Wayanad, Kerala, August 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X On Sunday, more personnel and equipment were deployed in areas where the likelihood of finding bodies is high, and a drone-based Intelligent Buried Object Detection System was used to identify locations where bodies might be buried deep under huge boulders or logs. Stepping up the rescue operations, hundreds of personnel from various forces, including the NDRF, K-9 Dog Squad, Army, Special Operations Group, Madras Engineering Group, Police, Fire Force, Forest Department, Navy, and Coast Guard were deployed in the disaster-struck areas. According to State Revenue Minister K Rajan, till date 221 bodies and 166 body parts have been recovered. He said that the number of missing persons has gone down to 180 from the earlier 206 after authorities were able to get in touch with some of them over phone. Search operations also continued along the Chaliyar river that flows through Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. The river has become a haunting symbol of destruction after the bodies of those who died in the Wayanad lanslides washed up on its banks. The total number of bodies found in the Chaliyar river is 74, and body parts are 134, making a grim total of 208, officials said. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appreciated the valiant efforts of the police and the fire force in the rescue operations while addressing the passing-out parade of Kerala police today. Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi arrived in Wayanad today to visit the landslides-hit areas. Interacting with reporters here, he said the Centre would examine the legality behind the demand from various quarters to classify the Wayanad landslides a 'national disaster'. "The impact has to be studied," he said. He also said that he would apprise the central government of everything he saw and understood after visiting the disaster-hit areas. With regard to assistance to be provided by the Centre to Kerala, Gopi said the state has to assess the damage and make a request. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader V Muraleedharan remarked in a Facebook post that there exists no concept of declaring a natural calamity a 'national disaster' under central government guidelines, according to a policy unchanged since the UPA government's tenure. He posted a 2013 Parliament document in which then minister of state for home Mullappally Ramachandran stated that "there is no provision to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster." "The concept of a 'national disaster' does not exist under the central government's guidelines, a fact that has been the case since the UPA government's tenure. "While there is no official designation of 'national disaster', each disaster is addressed according to its severity," he added, "and urged people not to attempt to create baseless controversies during this time of disaster". The attempt to create controversy on social media around donations to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) was also in the news, especially because of the cooperation extended by the Congress-led UDF to the state government to rebuild landslide-ravaged Wayanad. The Congress said all its MLAs would contribute their one month's salary to the fund. In a bid to ensure transparency regarding donations to the CMDRF for landslide relief in Wayanad district, the Kerala government on Sunday set up a temporary complaint redressal cell to address queries about the funds' utilisation. The decision also comes in the wake of smear campaigns and criticisms from certain quarters against donations to the CMDRF. While announcing the contribution to the CMDRF, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan also said that the United Democratic Front will take part in all the rehabilitation efforts and work towards restoring normalcy in the lives of the survivors. Along with the rehabilitation efforts, all technological assistance available in the world should be used to set up a warning mechanism, he said. There should also be a proper plan to evacuate people within a short period after a warning is issued, he added. On the issue of rehabilitation, state industries minister P Rajeev said that a model project would be prepared to set up a safe township, as announced by the CM a day ago, for the survivors of the landslides. Meanwhile, minister Rajan said that preparations have been made for the mass burial of unidentified or unclaimed bodies and body parts based on the extent of their decomposition. He said that, a day ago, five bodies were buried, and on Sunday, eight more will be laid to rest in graves prepared in a 64-cent land of Harrisons Malayalam Ltd here that has been acquired for the purpose. The burials will be carried out amidst prayers and the last rites of all religions, he said. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Harvey Norman Holdings fair value estimate is AU$7.61 Current share price of AU$4.71 suggests Harvey Norman Holdings is potentially 38% undervalued The AU$4.75 analyst price target for HVN is 38% less than our estimate of fair value In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX:HVN) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Harvey Norman Holdings Step By Step Through The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$339.1m AU$336.2m AU$471.0m AU$489.0m AU$505.0m AU$519.1m AU$533.0m AU$546.9m AU$560.8m AU$574.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 2.80% Est @ 2.68% Est @ 2.60% Est @ 2.54% Est @ 2.50% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.2% AU$316 AU$293 AU$383 AU$371 AU$357 AU$343 AU$328 AU$314 AU$301 AU$288 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$3.3b 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. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.4%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.2%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$575m (1 + 2.4%) (7.2% 2.4%) = AU$12b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$12b ( 1 + 7.2%)10= AU$6.2b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$9.5b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$4.7, the company appears quite undervalued at a 38% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Harvey Norman Holdings 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 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.155. 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 Harvey Norman Holdings Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Multiline Retail market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Australian market. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Harvey Norman Holdings, we've compiled three fundamental elements you should further examine: Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Harvey Norman Holdings , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does HVN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian 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 With the search for missing persons in the landslide-ravaged areas of Wayanad now in its sixth day, the personal nightmares of the affected people are becoming increasingly clear. IMAGE: Relief operations underway in landslide-hit Punchiri Mattam village in Wayanad, Kerala, August 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X For Mansoor, a 42-year-old resident of Chooralmala, the July 30 landslide has brought unimaginable loss, as he struggles to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy. In a heart-wrenching tale of devastation, Mansoor lost 16 members of his family, including his mother, wife, two children, sister, and 11 members of his sister-in-law's family. The landslide swept away his entire world, leaving him alone and bereft. "I'm left with nothing," Mansoor said with his eyes, red from lack of sleep and tears. "My family, my home, everything is gone," he said. Mansoor narrowly escaped death as he was away at a work-related event on the day of the incident. With a heavy heart, he said, "I haven't found my daughter's body yet." "We've found four bodies: my wife, son, sister, and my mom. I still haven't found my daughter. I wasn't there when the incident happened because I was out for work. I have nothing left now. I'm currently staying with my brother," Mansoor said. Nasir, the brother of Mansoor, described the devastating impact of the recent tragedy on their family. This morning, they identified the remains of their mother, bringing the total number of recovered bodies to four. Twelve family members remain unaccounted for. "I used to live in this area but had moved," Nasir said. "My younger brother and his family were staying in our family home, along with my mom and sister. He wasn't there when the incident happened, so he is safe," he said. He said that the residents of the area, including his brother's family, did not receive any warning from the authorities prior to the incident. "When the water level was rising, I told them to come to my place. They said they were safe, but it ended in tragedy. Now everything is gone. The whole area is wiped out. My brother has lost everyone," Nasir said. Search operations are ongoing in the worst-affected regions of Mundakkai, Punchirimattam, and Chooralmala, with the task force focusing on seven key points for inspection. Meanwhile, radar-based search operations, led by the army, have commenced to locate people trapped beneath the soil. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 60F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 41F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on "alien clothing" that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss clothing rules in Central Asia and who is affected by these directives are guests Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, who is based in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia. In the first of a two-part series, Aileen Chuang looks at what Hong Kong's financial regulators, banks and social media network operators must do to stamp out scams. One Sunday afternoon in June, May Lee* received eight phone calls from people who claimed to be the customer support staff from WeChat, the ubiquitous Chinese super app that provides everything from social networking to e-payments and investments. Lee's credit cards and bank account had been frozen, the callers falsely asserted, because she had provided inaccurate data when she tried to unsubscribe an insurance policy on WeChat's wealth management platform. To free her account, she had to raise her daily remittance limit to HK$1 million (US$128,000) and make a handful of transfers to verify her identity, the callers said. 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. To prove their bona fides, the callers attached numerous photographs and documents: certifications by China's securities watchdog, the coverage contract of one of China's largest state-owned insurers PICC, as well as chat records with bank staff and with a chatbot operated by UnionPay, the payments network. They were all fake. The entire scheme was an elaborate ploy to trick Lee into transferring money to a confidence trickster. After phone calls that totalled four hours, Lee found herself poorer by HK$570,000. Lee was the victim of a phone scam. In Britain, this type Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud will compel the bank involved to compensate her when a law comes into effect on October 7. Not in Hong Kong. Lee, an office worker in her early 30s, has no recourse to recover her money because she had authorised her push payment, albeit into a scammer's account. "I was so surprised that my bank did not send a single alert to me," Lee told the Post, declining to name the bank. She sent an "angry email" to her bank, but to no avail, she said. No one has been arrested for the crime. Lee's case was hardly unique. Scams nearly doubled in value last year in Hong Kong to HK$9.18 billion, while the number of cases jumped 42.6 per cent to 39,824, putting the city of 7.5 million people at the top of the world in per-capita losses from fraud. Investment scams accounted for HK$5.9 billion of those losses. APP-related complaints jumped 16 per cent in the first six months, said the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), while financial losses from cybercrime cases rose 31 per cent to HK$2.66 billion, according to police data. Story continues Lee's frustration, juxtaposed with the seemingly easy windfall from fraud, showed how Hong Kong's banking and financial regulations have failed to keep up with the schemes and ploys of fraudsters. Commercial banks are hamstrung, as they must tread a fine balance between privacy and convenience for their customers, and being overprotective when it comes to clients' remittances. HKMA, which oversees the 149 licensed banks in the city, has rolled out a suite of applications and measures to protect the public from online deception. However, these amount to piecemeal measures in a regulatory vacuum, where banks and social media networks are not legally required to weed out fraud, while a cybercrime law remains a work in progress. "Hong Kong is lagging in enacting laws to fight scams," said Johnny Ng Kit-chong, a lawmaker in Hong Kong's legislature and the founder of an anti-deception alliance. Will a cybercrime law in Hong Kong help to stem the rot if banks and social media platforms are made to proactively crack down on suspicious behaviour? Other jurisdictions show how it is done. Australia's government proposed in November 2023 a code that makes it mandatory for banks, digital communications platforms and telecoms providers to assume their anti-scam responsibilities. The code, expected to be introduced by the end of this year, may contain sector-specific codes and standards, with penalties for non-compliance. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) plans to implement a "shared responsibility" framework later this year, where losses from phishing scams are borne by the banks and the telecoms network. Banks, as the custodians of their customers' money, bear the first line of responsibility and are accountable for any losses due to dereliction of duty under that framework, MAS said. Protection has also been strengthened in Britain. Starting on October 7, banks must reimburse APP fraud victims within five working days, with the value of the fraud shared by the receiving and sending banks. "The UK financial services regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has made this a priority and recently conducted a review of how banks mitigate the risks of APP fraud and [scams] more broadly," said Jonathan Cary, a London-based partner at RPC. Closer to Hong Kong on the mainland, an Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud law has been in place since 2022. It requires banks to assume the liability for risk prevention and control. Under certain circumstances, banks may be fined or ordered to cease operations if they violate the law. Cash seized in a money laundering case in Hong Kong on 9 December 2020. Photo: K. Y. Cheng alt=Cash seized in a money laundering case in Hong Kong on 9 December 2020. Photo: K. Y. Cheng> Still, stopping suspicious payments may be challenging because banks "provide the platform with the necessary terms and agreements," said Chad Olsen, head of forensic for Hong Kong at KPMG China. "Their obligation is to report any suspicious transactions," not to proactively stop them, he said. Lilian Sin, the Hong Kong head of financial crime compliance services at KPMG China agreed. Catching "transactions associated with scams at the exact moment they take place can be quite challenging," she said. Information sharing could address the challenge. The HKMA plans to amend Hong Kong's laws to allow authorised banks to share information on individual accounts suspected of involvement in financial crimes, said Raymond Chan, HKMA's executive director for enforcements and anti-money-laundering (AML). Currently, only information on suspicious corporate accounts can be shared under a platform called the Financial Intelligence Evaluation Sharing Tool because of privacy concerns. A weeklong education and outreach campaign by the Hong Kong Police Force to deter phone scams, launched by Chief Inspector Wilson Tam Wai-shun from the Kowloon East regional crime headquarters on June 10, 2018. Photo: K. Y. Cheng alt=A weeklong education and outreach campaign by the Hong Kong Police Force to deter phone scams, launched by Chief Inspector Wilson Tam Wai-shun from the Kowloon East regional crime headquarters on June 10, 2018. Photo: K. Y. Cheng> HKMA will also widen the scope of alerts beyond its Faster Payment System to include internet banking and transactions at bank branches, based on the police database called Scameter, in which suspicious web addresses, emails, platform usernames, bank accounts, mobile phone numbers and IP addresses are recorded. Starting Sunday, 32 banks and 10 operators of stored-value cards will send warnings when users transfer funds to suspicious accounts. These efforts have to be "adequately resourced and coordinated" with "senior management oversight" to deliver more robust customer protection, HKMA said in a letter to the banks' CEOs last October. "The aim is to empower customers by giving them information and letting them decide whether they want to proceed with a transaction," Chan said in an interview with the Post. Chan Chi-wing, the Senior Inspector of Police of the cybersecurity Division of the Hong Kong Police Force, demonstrated how the public can identify and prevent AI-related online scams on June 30, 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen alt=Chan Chi-wing, the Senior Inspector of Police of the cybersecurity Division of the Hong Kong Police Force, demonstrated how the public can identify and prevent AI-related online scams on June 30, 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen> Banks resort to AI to fight fraud "We made significant strides in bolstering our intelligent anti-fraud platform, such as developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model to strengthen our detection capabilities," said Eric Liu, the general manager of personal banking risk at Bank of China (Hong Kong), one of the city's three currency-issuing banks. The AI system helped the bank raise the number of intercepts fourfold. HSBC, the largest lender in Europe and Hong Kong, developed an AI system with Google to check for financial crime worldwide. It has found two to four times more financial crimes than before, with 60 per cent fewer false positive cases through ratification by calls to customers. Last year, HSBC increased its anti-scam IT investment involving "advanced analytics and fraud prevention capabilities upgrades" by 70 per cent in Hong Kong, compared to 2022, a spokesperson said. Eric Chan Kwok-ki, the Hong Kong government's Chief Secretary for Administration and the city's second-highest ranking official, was exploited by fraudsters as the face of a bogus financial scam on social media. He reported the matter to the police on December 23, 2022. Photo: Handout alt=Eric Chan Kwok-ki, the Hong Kong government's Chief Secretary for Administration and the city's second-highest ranking official, was exploited by fraudsters as the face of a bogus financial scam on social media. He reported the matter to the police on December 23, 2022. Photo: Handout> "The HKMA does not expect every fraudulent transaction to be blocked. What it expects is systems and controls to be designed and implemented for the risks faced by the bank, and checked and tweaked on a regular basis, including internal audits to determine whether they are working properly," said Jonathan Crompton, a partner at law firm RPC. To be sure, anti-scam laws should not go to extreme because the individual is still at ground zero in the fight against fraud. Reimbursing every loss may make the public inured to outrageous schemes, rendering them easier victims. Financial efficiency may also be severely damaged if every transaction is scrutinised, experts said. "If we enact a law as tight as the anti-money-laundering Ordinance, the business environment in the city will become difficult," said Ng the lawmaker. Hong Kong police arrested 10 people on June 21, 2024 in connection with impersonating mainland Chinese officials to scam a 70-year-old woman out of HK$258 million over nearly two years. She was Hong Kong's biggest known victim of a telephone deception case. Photo: Hong Kong Police. alt=Hong Kong police arrested 10 people on June 21, 2024 in connection with impersonating mainland Chinese officials to scam a 70-year-old woman out of HK$258 million over nearly two years. She was Hong Kong's biggest known victim of a telephone deception case. Photo: Hong Kong Police.> There may be a way out. Fraud could become a subset of the AML Ordinance because the proceeds of fraud typically are categorised as money laundering. Some bankers already hold themselves to this standard in handling fraud cases. "The AML law in Hong Kong is already a powerful and useful legislation for banks for responding to fraud," said Henry Yu, chief compliance officer at Airstar Bank. "Fraud is already an indictable offence in Hong Kong where banks can use the AML law to report suspicious transactions and stop the proceeds of the indictable offence." Another option is to improve the legal infrastructure to enable fraud victims to recover their losses quickly at lower costs through civil suits, he said. Fraud must be fought at its source on social media Should banks bear the sole responsibility in a fraud case? Social media platforms - from Meta's Facebook to Tencent's WeChat to Elon Musk's X - are typically the entry points to the elaborate schemes where deception takes place, said Josh Plant, an AlixPartners' director. "It's at the point [where] the victim makes the payment, [that allows] the case to enter the banks," he said, adding that social media platforms should bear some responsibility for the scams. The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), the influential guild of the city's lenders, agreed. "Greater cross-sector cooperation is necessary to tackle the problem at its source," since most online fraud cases originate on tech platforms, HKAB said. Any legislation in Hong Kong to arrest deception schemes must also include social media platforms, said Ng the lawmaker. Action is already afoot. The Hong Kong Police Force asked Facebook to take down more than 5,200 fraud-related accounts in the first half of last year, 95 per cent of which were successfully removed. "Police and the relevant stakeholders have been cooperating smoothly in this regard," the force said in a statement. "More can be done via partnerships between the public and private sectors, information sharing, public education and investments in technology," said Debra Au, the head of legal, compliance and secretariat at DBS Hong Kong, who is also the co-chair of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime Asia Chapter. Financial scammers used SCMP's story template to create a deepfake post featuring the Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen to promote an online financial trading tool, purportedly based in Singapore. SCMP never published such a story. Photo: Screen grab. alt=Financial scammers used SCMP's story template to create a deepfake post featuring the Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen to promote an online financial trading tool, purportedly based in Singapore. SCMP never published such a story. Photo: Screen grab.> The city could do with an "anti-fraud tsar or evangelist," said Olsen of KPMG China. "From a structural standpoint, we need a central owner to fight fraud." That may reside at the Two IFC building in Central, where the HKMA operates from an office on the 55th floor, with a view across Victoria Harbour. The de facto central bank's deputy chief executive Arthur Yuen Kwok-hang acted in a musical skit with the Cantopop icon Wan Kwong to showcase common phishing tactics used by scammers. "We will monitor legal and regulatory developments in other jurisdictions and assess whether there are any good practices suitable for the local circumstances," said the monetary authority's AML chief Chan. *Name changed to protect the victim's identity 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. 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 Women's clothes are high on the government's agenda once again in Tajikistan, where authorities and Islamic leaders are working on new guidelines on what women should wear to work and during their leisure time. The new dress code -- the second of its kind in six years -- is expected to be made public in the coming days, and a special event is reportedly being planned for the capital, Dushanbe, in August to showcase compliant clothes. Sulaimon Davlatzoda, the head of the state Committee for Religious Affairs and the Regulation of Traditions, told a press briefing in the capital this week that "a joint task force of the Culture Ministry, the Women's Committee, and the Religious Affairs Committee is working together to determine what clothes are most compatible with our national values and traditions." The new dress code comes after Tajikistan officially issued a ban in June on "clothes alien to Tajik culture," a term widely used by officials to describe Islamic dress, which they treat as an outward sign of potential religious extremism. Earlier this week, the Central Asian country's state-backed Islamic Council of Ulema issued a fatwa -- a religious edict -- against "black clothes" as well as "tight-fitting and see-through" garments for women. In Tajikistan, the term "black clothes" tends to be a euphemism for the Islamic hijab. The July 26 fatwa proclaimed that the color of black is not compatible with "our national and geographical characteristics." Echoing the government's long-standing position on female clothing, the fatwa also promoted a national costume for Tajik women, which consists of a dress, trousers, and a kerchief. The fatwa explained that the three-piece was fully in line with the Islamic practice mandating a woman cover her entire body, with the exception of her face, hands, and feet. 'We Got The Message' Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power for more than 30 years, has been criticized by rights groups for clamping down on independent media, political pluralism, and also religious freedom. Religious beliefs and practices that deviate from the state-mandated norm are often seen by the authorities as a threat to Tajikistan's stability and security. Tajiks, especially those who wear the hijab, say they believe that the June hijab ban, the latest fatwa, and the upcoming guidelines on women's clothing are a "needless, excessive step." "Black was already banned," said Munisa, a nurse in a state hospital in a northern city who didn't want to give her full name. She was referring to the state Religious Committee's 2017 statement that prohibited wearing black at funerals. Instead, the statement urged Tajik women to stick to the local tradition of wearing blue to mourn their dead. "Nothing is new about the hijab ban, either. It's been [effectively] in place for a decade at least," Munisa said. "We got the message already. There's no need to keep repeating it, with new laws," the 40-year-old nurse said. Like many Tajiks, Munisa dismisses the fatwa against tight and see-through dresses as a smokescreen, saying the real target is Islamic dress, which the government considers "alien" and a threat to the secular government. For example, previous bans on miniskirts and plunging necklines have never been enforced. In predominantly Muslim Tajikistan, a country of nearly 10 million people, the authorities' campaign against the Islamic head scarf began in 2007 when the Education Ministry prohibited the hijab -- and miniskirts -- at schools and universities. The ban eventually expanded to workplaces, and officials and police conducted raids to ensure its compliance. Many hijab-wearing women faced a tough choice between their religious and cultural beliefs and their careers. Some quit their jobs or studies, while others -- like Munisa -- swapped their Islamic head scarf for the traditional kerchief. Tajik men have also fallen afoul of government edicts in the past, with the authorities seeing them as suspect because of their long or bushy beards. In 2015, a regional police chief in the southern Khatlon Province announced that nearly 13,000 men "with long and unkempt beards" were rounded up in the streets and bazaars over the course of the year and had their beards "brought to order." A high-ranking government official warned Tajik bloggers in 2023 that promoting beards might be interpreted as "an expression of solidarity with terrorist groups" and presents "a threat to national security." In 2018, the Culture Ministry published The Guidebook To Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan, which outlines acceptable designs, colors, and fabrics for clothing. While the guidebook encouraged women to wear the Tajik national three-piece costume, for the office it suggested that they wear Western-style clothes, albeit with more modest necklines and hemlines. It is not clear if the upcoming dress code will supersede the previous guideline. New Crackdown Some Dushanbe residents have complained that the recent official ban on "alien" clothes has prompted the authorities to crack down. In Dushanbe, a group of hijab-wearing women were rounded up on May 22 by law enforcement officers and representatives of the local women's affairs office and taken to the police station. One of the women later told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that their fingerprints and mugshots were taken and they were made to promise not to wear "alien" clothes ever again, before being released the same day. On May 23, police in the capital's Shohmansur district briefly detained 13 men with bushy beards and demanded that they shave. Police warned them they "will be arrested if caught again with long beards," one of the men told RFE/RL. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. KYIV -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on August 4 welcomed the arrival of the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets he has said are crucial to the defense of his country against invading Russian forces. "Now this is really a reality, a reality in our skies, F-16s in Ukraine," Zelenskiy said during ceremonies marking Air Force of Armed Forces Day in Ukraine, standing on the tarmac in front of the sophisticated warplanes marked with Ukrainian symbols. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. "We have held hundreds of meetings and negotiations to strengthen the capabilities of our aviation, to strengthen the capabilities of our air defense, our defense forces," he said. "We often heard in response, 'This is impossible.' But still we made our ambition possible." Zelenskiy thanked Kyiv's partners -- specifically the Netherlands and the United States -- for their help in providing the F-16s to Ukraine. He did not specify how many F-16s were currently in Ukraine but said the air force "has already begun to use them for our country." "I cannot yet say in detail what tasks will be performed or have already been performed by our first F-16 aircraft.... So far, there are a number of pilots in Ukraine who have already been trained. But this is not enough," Zelenskiy added. The event was held at an undisclosed location, for security reasons. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian authorities have been asking the West to provide modern F-16 fighter jets. In 2023, several countries, with the consent of the United States, agreed to transfer such aircraft to Kyiv. On July 31, Bloomberg reported that the first F-16s had arrived, with other reports putting the number at six, provided by the Netherlands. Zelenskiy also instructed diplomats to organize a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, at which he plans to discuss the possibility of organizing alliance countries bordering Ukraine into a coalition to help shoot down Russian missiles, although he acknowledged it would be a "difficult" proposition for some allies. Meanwhile, Russia claimed that its forces seized the eastern Ukrainian village of Novoselivka Persha, as Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of civilians from areas of heavy Russian shelling in the Donetsk region. The Russian Defense Ministry said Moscow had "liberated the settlement," the latest in a string of villages in the eastern region that the Kremlin has claimed in recent weeks. Some of the villages consist of just a few streets. Donetsk is one of four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine that Russia claimed to have annexed in 2022, just months into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a Telegram post, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said Russian forces continued to "destroy the cities and villages of these communities with aerial bombs every day, forcing the decision to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives" from several villages in the area. "In total, we have to evacuate 744 children and their families from four communities to safer regions of Ukraine," he said. "Another high-profile day in the Donetsk region is another example of Russian atrocities," he added. Elsewhere, the Ukrainian armed forces downed five drones as Russia launched a wave of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at several Ukrainian regions in the early hours of August 4. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk wrote on Facebook that five Iranian-made Shahed-type drones had been intercepted in the Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, and Zaporizhzhya regions. The drones were launched from an air base in Russia's Krasnodar region. Russia also fired two S-300 antiaircraft guided missiles and two Kh-59 guided missiles, the Ukrainians said. Separately, the governor of Russia's western Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said an elderly woman had died in Ukrainian drone attacks on the city of Shebekino. Ukrainian drones also targeted the villages of Saltykovo and Petrovka, according to Gladkov, who said a bus and a car were damaged but nobody was hurt. RFE/RL is not able to independently verify combat reports inside Russia. In Ukraine, Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on August 4 that 15 people, including a child, were injured in Russian shelling a day earlier. Despite strong evidence to the contrary, Russia maintains it does not target civilians in its war against Ukraine. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has reported that at least 11,284 Ukrainian civilians have been killed by hostile actions since Russia invaded in February 2022, emphasizing that the real figure is likely to be much higher. In Russia, the authorities have started sending out text messages to encourage people to enlist with the Defense Ministry and "immediately" receive 800,000 rubles ($9,400) after signing a contract. Russian media first reported on the ministry's plan to launch an SMS campaign to recruit soldiers in June. In addition to the sign-up fee, regional governors have the authority to pay soldiers from their regions extra cash to maintain competition for recruitment. Reports say the extra payments range from 1.12 million rubles ($13,200) in the Komi region to 1.7 million rubles ($20,000) in the Leningrad region. Russia is trying to encourage enlistment to bolster its numbers in its war against Ukraine without formally declaring a mobilization, which could cause discontent. In December, ahead of the presidential election in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised that there would be no new mobilization announcements since there were already "half a million" soldiers on the front lines. On the diplomatic front, Ukraine said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit three African countries in the coming days as Kyiv looks to bolster support on that continent. Kuleba is scheduled to visit Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius on August 4-8, the Foreign Ministry said. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (SGX:H78) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.06 per share on the 16th of October. The dividend yield will be 6.9% based on this payment which is still above the industry average. Check out our latest analysis for Hongkong Land Holdings Hongkong Land Holdings' Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings Impressive dividend yields are good, but this doesn't matter much if the payments can't be sustained. Even though Hongkong Land Holdings isn't generating a profit, it is generating healthy free cash flows that easily cover the dividend. In general, cash flows are more important than the more traditional measures of profit so we feel pretty comfortable with the dividend at this level. According to analysts, EPS should be several times higher next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 17%, so there isn't too much pressure on the dividend. Hongkong Land Holdings Has A Solid Track Record The company has a sustained record of paying dividends with very little fluctuation. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $0.18 in 2014 to the most recent total annual payment of $0.22. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 2.0% a year over that time. While the consistency in the dividend payments is impressive, we think the relatively slow rate of growth is less attractive. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited The company's investors will be pleased to have been receiving dividend income for some time. Let's not jump to conclusions as things might not be as good as they appear on the surface. Hongkong Land Holdings hasn't seen much change in its earnings per share over the last five years. In Summary In summary, while it's good to see that the dividend hasn't been cut, we are a bit cautious about Hongkong Land Holdings' payments, as there could be some issues with sustaining them into the future. The company has been bring in plenty of cash to cover the dividend, but we don't necessarily think that makes it a great dividend stock. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks. Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Hongkong Land Holdings that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Is Hongkong Land Holdings not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Story continues 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 Its no surprise that the Castlerea Rose Festival, now in its 38th year, scooped a major national award earlier this year. In February, the festival won the Best Irish Festival award at the LAMA All-Ireland Community Awards in Dublin. The seven-day festival was nominated by the tourism section of Roscommon County Council as one of the countys premier tourism attractions. Maureen Quinn - sponsored by Hester's Golden Eagle Bar & Restaurant. That national award is due recognition for a festival which continues to gain wider acclaim each year. One of the major highlights of the event is the selection of the Rose of Castlerea. The Rose selection gets underway at 8 p.m. in the Trinity Arts Centre this evening Sunday, August 4th with compere Gerry Glennon, Mid-West Radio. The evening is sponsored this year by Josies Cafe. Cora Sharkey - sponsored by Happy Feet Childcare. The nine Roses taking part this year are: Katelyn Drury - sponsored by Josie's Cafe; Kelis Curran - sponsored by Manson Electric; Sarah Winston - sponsored by Cahill's SuperValu; Jo Keely - sponsored by Frenchys; Mia Doyle - sponsored by Kearney's Chemist; Tara Keane - sponsored by Market Fresh; Cora Sharkey - sponsored by Happy Feet Childcare; Maureen Quinn - sponsored by Hesters Golden Eagle Bar & Restaurant and Ciara Gallagher, sponsored by Castlerea Musical Society. Tara Keane - sponsored by Market Fresh. Rose Festival Secretary Susan Gaynor is keen to pay tribute to the many people who have given of their time selflessly to ensure the continued success of the event each year. Mia Doyle - sponsored by Kearney's Chemist. That includes those who volunteer their time freely and willingly travelling to parades all over the country in all weathers to assemble and display the committees own inflatables to help fund the Castlerea Rose Festival. Jo Keely - sponsored by Frenchys. We have managed to do a lot of fundraising ourselves through the hiring of inflatables which raises money to help us improve our festival, and allow it get bigger and better every year, explains Susan. Sarah Winston - sponsored by Cahill's SuperValu. She points out that all money raised during the festival goes straight back into the festival funds, which allows the committee to put on as many free events as possible. Kelis Curran - sponsored by Manson Electric. And now we've come to the stage where we've been able to put on six nights of music, three of them are free. The funds raised allows us to attract some of the biggest bands currently in Ireland while still maintaining our community focus with our free events. Here are the stories making headlines this Sunday. A poll for the Sunday Independent finds that more than three-quarters of the public back housing asylum seekers in more affluent areas of the country. Businessman Denis O'Brien has given an exclusive interview to the Business Post in which he lashes out at the State's corporate watchdog. The Irish Mail on Sunday celebrates Ireland's "gold rush" after the medal wins for gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and boxer Kellie Harrington at the Paris Olympics on Saturday. The Irish Sunday Mirror says the country is heading for a record medal haul at the Olympics after the success of McClenaghan and Harrington. The Sunday World reports that a Dublin man survived a daylight murder attempt thanks to his "bullet-proof" car. Sunday Life contrasts the success of Rhys McClenaghan with the violence seen on the streets of Belfast yesterday after an anti-immigration protest. A further wave of violence swept England on Saturday, which has featured heavily on the front pages of the British newspapers. Towns and cities in the UK saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters on Saturday, with the story taking up the front page of the Mail on Sunday, the Sunday Express, Sunday People, The Observer and The Sunday Times. Sundays front page: Secret agents hunting down far right rioters #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/oro7dsD7Su Daily Express (@Daily_Express) August 3, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph leads on the introduction of 24-hour courts to process those arrested in connection with violent unrest. The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Telegraph: '24-hour courts to tackle rioters'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletter https://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/VHRIqfKQnb The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 3, 2024 The Sunday Mirror splashes on calls for BBC boss Tim Davie to resign over the Huw Edwards child sex abuse images scandal. Lastly, the Daily Star Sunday reckons Britons are at their most intelligent when they are on the loo, according to the papers front page. Sardar Joginder Singh, Founder of Rozana Spokesman, Passes Away At The Age of 83 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with other political leaders in Punjab took to X and expressed condolences to the departed soul. Rozana Spokesman Founder Sardar Joginder Singh's Death News: In a sad piece of news, Sardar Joginder Singh, the founder of Rozana Spokesman passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with other political leaders in Punjab took to X and expressed condolences to the departed soul. "I received the sad news of Joginder Singh Ji's passing away... My heartfelt condolences to the family in this hour of sorrow... I pray to God... May Guru Sahib bless his departed soul and give strength to the family," said Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in a tweet (in Punjabi). Advertisement Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh said, "Sad to hear about the passing of S. Joginder Singh Ji, founder of Rozana Spokesman. Heartfelt condolences to his wife Jagjit Kaur, daughter Nimrat & the entire family. May Waheguru ji's blessings bring you strength & comfort during this difficult time. I pray for eternal peace to the departed soul." Born on February 20, 1941, Joginder Singh was a lawyer by profession but he gave up a promising career to found and establish an independent media outlet that stood for and raised the voice of the people in Punjab. His fierce writing style targeted the state machinery, bringing light to entrenched misgovernance, corruption, and personalized bureaucracies. He was met with stubborn resistance, but his for-the-people stance highlighted the plight of the citizens and the state. The efforts to muzzle his voice went in vain, and Rozana Spokesman rapidly gained traction under his leadership to transform into a prominent and independent print and digital media journalistic venture. Advertisement His ideology and writing style continue to dictate the organizations journalistic ideals, and its beliefs in representing the people, ensuring governmental and bureaucratic accountability, and reporting unbiased and truthful information to all readers. On Rozana Spokesman Founder Sardar Joginder Singh's Unfortunate Death, Have a Look At This Old News Package: MIRAME Fine Art is honoured to represent a range of Costa Rican artists who are redefining Latin American art by blending traditional and contemporary techniques. Below are four artists who exemplify the dynamic nature of Central American contemporary art. SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / August 4, 2024 / MIRAME Fine Art is the premier online Costa Rica art gallery dedicated to showcasing the nation's finest artists. By promoting Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage, MIRAME Fine Art connects talented artists with art lovers worldwide. Carolina Guillermet, Untitled Carolina Guillermet Carolina Guillermet, granddaughter of renowned Costa Rican abstract artist Lola Fernandez, draws inspiration from the philosophies of color theorists like Josef Albers. Her bright, geometric abstract paintings depict San Jose neighborhoods with irregular shapes and shades that emphasize the contextual nature of color. Carolina also follows the legacy of her other grandfather, J.P. Guillermet, by producing tapestries. She uses the tufting technique to create highly textured surfaces inspired by Peruvian patterns. Carlos Fernandez Living on a farm in the mountains of Santa Ana, Carlos Fernandez integrates raw materials from his environment into his canvases. Influenced by the ceramic tradition of Santa Ana and artists like Joseph Beuys, he mixes natural elements such as clay, soil, beeswax, and turmeric into his paint. An environmentalist at heart, Carlos embraces the philosophy "pigment is food." His abstract paintings emphasize the importance of nature's relationship to art and highlight sustainable creativity. Oscar Ruiz-Schmidt Growing up in Liberia, Guanacaste, Oscar Ruiz-Schmidt, the fashion designer, and artist behind the label Obra Gris, was inspired by his mother's talent for craft. He integrates traditional woods like Guanacaste and teak into his home decor designs. Oscar's fashion sensibility extends to creating functional yet contemporary home objects, advocating for Zero Waste Design. Inspired by Vivienne Westwood's words, he encourages consumers to "buy less, choose well, demand more," infusing Costa Rican tradition with sustainable art and design. Emilia Cantor Emilia Cantor received formal training at the Florence Academy of Art and founded Atelier del Sol, San Jose's first institution dedicated to classical art techniques. Her traditional approach is infused with emotionally charged color contrasts as she creates mythological forms and surreal backdrops. Emilia's work fuses contemporary and classical art, creating narratives that evoke a sense of otherworldliness and invite viewers to decipher the enigmatic figures in her compositions. Story continues Balancing Tradition and Innovation Costa Rican artists are redefining Latin American art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices, preserving cultural heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. By addressing sustainability and exploring social or art historical narratives, these artists continue to elevate the relevance and status of Latin American art on the global stage. Their work promotes dialogue between past and present and encourages appreciation for the region's artistic contributions. A premier art gallery in Costa Rica, MIRAME Fine Art, a destination for those seeking to explore and purchase Costa Rican art while supporting the wider Latin American art scene. Contact Information Belinda Seppings Co-Founder belinda@miramefineart.com +447821591397 SOURCE: MIRAME Fine Art . View the original press release on newswire.com. August 4, 2024 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 04.08.2024, 13:49 Warning. Romanian citizens who are in Lebanon must quickly leave the territory of that state, through the air flights still available. This is the firm recommendation made today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, in the context of an increased risk of escalation of the Middle East tensions. The Ministry warns that people risk not being able to leave, as the situation in the region can easily worsen in an unpredictable manner, affecting the availability of commercial flights and travel routes among other things. At the same time, the MAE strongly recommends Romanians who are in Lebanon to register their presence at the Romanian Embassy in Beirut. Saxons. The mayor of Sibiu (center), Astrid Fodor, member of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania (FDGR), urged the Saxons back home these days to help the Romanians in Germany to integrate more easily there. They have integration difficulties similar, perhaps, to those you have faced. Be responsive to their needs and help them as much as you can said Mayor Fodor. She invited the ethnic Germans who left the country to return home, as, she said, in todays Romania we are talking about opportunities (), here you can find a good place under the sun, you can make a living . More than 10,000 Saxons from abroad have returned to Sibiu these days, to attend the international meeting of ethnic Germans, where the main guest is the president Klaus Iohannis, former national leader of the Forum and mayor of Sibiu. The International Meeting of the Saxons will end on Sunday evening, with a concert in the Big Square in Sibiu. Child Protection. Almost 5,300 cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children were registered in Romania in the first quarter of this year. The National Authority for the Protection of Childrens Rights and Adoption shows that the difference between rural and urban environments is of about 600 cases. Most of the cases were cases of neglect. Hundreds of cases of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as labor exploitation, sexual exploitation and crimes have been recorded. Last year, the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection ordered the emergency placement for almost 800 children, and for 62 the emergency placement was ordered by the court. Covaci. The lifeless body of the Romanian artist Nicu Covaci will be laid at the Philharmonic in Timisoara (west, his hometown), at the beginning of next week Mayor Dominic Fritz announced, on Saturday, in a post on the Internet. He specified that a photo exhibition dedicated to Nicu Covaci will be organized at the House of Culture in the municipality and a book of condolences will be available for longer to those who loved and admired him. The founder of the legendary rock group Phoenix died at the age of 77. Nicu Covaci was one of the most talented and influential musicians in the history of Romanian rock. After founding Phoenix and experiencing rapid success in Romania, he chose to flee to the West in 1976. He initially settled in the Netherlands, then in Germany. In 1990, after the fall of the communist dictatorship, he returned to Romania and resumed the concerts with Phoenix, but he was unable to release albums that could match the success of the 60s and 70s of the last century. Black Sea. The samples taken from the Romanian Black Sea coast, between the resorts of Navodari (north) and Vama Veche (south), show that the water meets all safety and health criteria said the head of the Constanta Public Health Directorate (southeast) , Cristina Schipor. Problems related to seawater quality had been reported in certain isolated areas on the Romanian coast, such as Corbu and Vadu, where the level of e-coli bacteria was high. The DSP Constanta representative also said that the water analysis in Corbu and Vadu, localities located north of Mamaia, will be repeated in the coming days. According to estimates, around 130,000 tourists, Romanians and foreigners, are currently in resorts on the Black Sea coast. Accommodation units by the sea are almost at maximum capacity, on the busiest weekend so far of the summer season. Olympic Games. China is still the leader in the medal standings at the Olympic Games in Paris, after Saturdays competitions, the eighth official day of competition. Romania remains in 12th place, out of 206 countries and territories. Romania has won seven medals, three gold, three silver and one bronze. Gold was won by swimmer David Popovici in the 200 meter freestyle, rowers Andrei Cornea and Marian Enache in the mens double sculls and the womens eight plus one (Maria Magdalena Rusu, Roxana Anghel, Ancuta Bodnar, Maria Lehaci, Adriana Adam, Amalia Beres, Ioana Vrinceanu , Simona Radis, Victoria Stefania Petreanu). The silver went to the double sculls crews Ancuta Bodnar and Simona Radis, Ioana Vrinceanu and Roxana Anghel and Gianina van Groningen and Ionela Cozmiuc. David Popovici also won the bronze in the 100 meters freestyle. Romanian athletes who won medals in Paris will receive 140,000 euros for gold, 100,000 euros for silver and 60,000 for bronze. (MI) If You Invested $1000 In Boeing Stock 20 Years Ago, How Much Would You Have Now? Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is set to report its Q3 2024 earnings on October 23. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post an EPS of ($0.02), up from ($3.26) in the year-ago period. Quarterly revenue is expected to be $19.45 billion, up from $18.10 billion in the year-ago period. Trending: When todays AI startups go public, most of the rapid growth will be behind them heres how not to get left out. This is a paid advertisement. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Innovation Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus. Read them carefully before investing. If You Bought Boeing Stock 20 Years Ago Twenty years ago, the company's stock traded around $35.25 per share. If you had invested $1,000, you could have bought approximately 28 shares of Boeing stock. Currently, shares are trading at $190.60, which means your investment's value could have soared to $5,407 due to of stock price appreciation. But wait, the company also paid dividends during these 20 years, although it discontinued them in 2020. Over the last twenty years, it paid around $47.76 in dividends per share, which means you could have made $1,354 from dividends alone. Summing up $5,407 and $1,354, we end up with the final value of your investment, which is $6,761. This is how much you could have made if you had invested $1,000 in Boeing stock 20 years ago. This represents a total return of 576.1%, which is just slightly higher than the S&P 500 total return for the same period, which is 556.39%. Dont Miss: What Could The Next 20 Years Bring? Boeing has a consensus rating of Buy and a price target of $225.59 based on the ratings of 26 analysts, according to Benzinga. The price target implies around 18% potential upside from the current stock price. On July 31, Boeing reported second-quarter 2024 results and named Kelly Ortberg its new President and CEO, effective Aug. 8, 2024. Boeing reported a second-quarter revenue decline of 15% year-over-year to $16.866 billion, missing the consensus of $17.23 billion. Adjusted loss per share expanded to $ (2.90) from $ (0.93) in the same quarter of 2024, missing the consensus of $ (1.91). The company stated that the results primarily reflect lower commercial delivery volume and losses on fixed-price defense development programs. Story continues Looking ahead, Boeing has provided guidance that reflects both cautious optimism and acknowledgment of the hurdles that remain. The company plans to increase production rates for its 737 and 787 programs by the end of the year, aiming for 38 and five units per month, respectively. Boeing's backlog remains robust at $516 billion, including over 5,400 commercial airplanes, which provides a cushion against short-term market fluctuations. The company also highlighted its comprehensive safety and quality plan submitted to the FAA, which is critical in restoring confidence and ensuring future operational stability. However, Boeing's substantial debt load, which increased to $57.9 billion from $47.9 billion due to new debt issuance, remains a concern that the company will need to manage carefully. In summary, Boeing stock might not be the best choice for income-focused investors, given the discontinued dividends, current challenges, and the struggle to restore confidence after a number of safety incidents. Similarly, Boeing might not be a preferred choice for growth-focused investors, given its modest upside potential. There are potentially better options, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM), reviewed by Benzinga. This stock offers a solid dividend yield and significant upside potential. Better Than Boeing For Right Now? The current high-interest-rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks... Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider. For example, the Jeff Bezos-backed investment platform just launched its Private Credit Fund, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with a target 7% to 9% net annual yield paid to investors monthly. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings. 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. This article If You Invested $1000 In Boeing Stock 20 Years Ago, How Much Would You Have Now? originally appeared on Benzinga.com State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Don't Miss: Rogans conversation with Malice touched on the hypothetical scenario where psychedelics become fully legalized and embraced by corporate leaders. Malice argued that if psychedelics become fully legal and corporations take over, there could be significant downsides. Still, Rogan saw potential for positive change, saying, If the corporations do the psychedelics, theyll probably have a different approach to how they interact with humanity if the CEOs and all these people realize like you are going to die. And if you are wasting all your time trying to squeeze as much money as humanly possible out of every person that interacts with your company, youre not living a harmonious life. He suggested that business leaders should adopt a fairer approach, saying, It doesnt mean that you cant make a lot of money and sell things, but you can make a lot of money and sell things with a psychedelic capitalist perspective where youre not trying to do evil. Youre just trying to be fair about it. He added, Very utopian. 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. Although Malice agreed with Rogan, he noted that the path would not be easy for many people, saying, Theyre not going to like what they see [when they take psychedelics], and theres going to be a lot of things that come up, and its not going to be an easy transition toward a better person. Rogan then joked that this shift could make it much harder to get a good burger, suggesting that fast food workers might quit their jobs in droves if they embraced psychedelics. Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you. This wasnt the first time Rogan offered advice or critiques about corporate America. For example, in a 2017 podcast, he criticized the relentless pursuit of wealth, saying, When youre pursuing wealth, youre pursuing wealth at all costs, and that is the ultimate goal ... the score that you put on the board. I mean, thats the Gordon Gekko philosophy greed is good. Story continues He went on to mention then-President Donald Trump, arguing that Trump personified this philosophy, saying, I mean our president is essentially the greed is a good guy. I mean that is who he is thats what hes done. Hes pursued wealth at all cost. he finished his point by stating, Its a dangerous ideology for a country to aspire to. On the other hand, countless articles, videos, and opinions call Rogan a sellout, and he himself often rubs shoulders with powerful CEOs, business owners, and even politicians. He even called Elon Musk his favorite billionaire and said things like, I will buy Teslas as long as they sell them just to support that dude. Read Next: Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune How much is that worth today? Want to invest in homes? $100 is enough on this platform that lets you cash out whenever you want. "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Joe Rogan Tells CEOs Life Is Short: 'You're Wasting All Your Time Trying To Squeeze As Much Money As Humanly Possible Out Of Every Person' originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The John Lewis Partnership's plans to provide build-to-rent housing were given a boost by the recent approval of its plans in Bromley, south-east London John Lewis has urged Rachel Reeves to introduce tax breaks for developers that start building immediately. Writing in The Telegraph, Katherine Russell, the director of build-to-rent at the John Lewis Partnership, said the Chancellor should look at tax incentives where a developer commits to building right away. Ms Russell also urged the Government to slash red tape for builders to help the industry meet Labours goal of building 1.5m new homes over this parliament. It comes as John Lewis looks to push into property by building rental homes above its shops. The partnership warned that construction has stalled across the country even as most people accept the drastic need for new housing. Many good schemes still continue to be refused, Ms Russell added. John Lewiss own attempts to break into property development have faced setbacks, with local councillors dragging their feet on planning decisions. The partnership is attempting to build flats on top of Waitrose stores. Its first project in Bromley, south London, was approved last month after a two-year wait. It has launched an appeal on a second scheme in Ealing, west London, after councillors took too long to decide on the project. John Lewis's plans for a development in Ealing, west London, have also running up against local opposition Ms Russell said cutting red tape would speed up investment in new housing, as would spending the billions of pounds worth of unused development levies. Local authorities have the ability to charge developers a tax when they build new properties, with the money meant to be used to fund local infrastructure such as schools and roads. However, research by the House Building Federation last year found 2.8bn was currently sitting unspent. It estimated that the property industry pays more than 7bn in direct taxes each year. Tax breaks in return for immediate construction starts would help tackle so-called land banking, where companies buy up land but wait for the most advantageous time to develop it. This practice has been blamed for the slowdown in the delivery of new homes, though the industry argues it is a necessary practice for financial management. A Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report earlier this year said it was not a major cause of delays. The call for tax breaks comes after Labour last week unveiled a drive to get Britain building in an effort to fast-track thousands more first-time buyers onto the property ladder. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has reinstated compulsory house building targets for councils and said the default decision for new homes in urban centres, including towns and city centres, should be yes. Story continues However, developers are wary of committing to new projects after a series of recent changes that have increased costs and slowed down the system. For example, former chancellor Jeremy Hunt earlier this year moved to scrap multiple dwellings relief when building new homes, claiming there was widespread abuse of the tax break. The relief allowed entities to lower their stamp duty liability when buying more than one property. Rental landlord Grainger, housebuilder MJ Gleeson and trade body the British Property Federation (BPF) were among a group that wrote to Mr Hunt in April warning that the move would result in fewer new homes being built, as well as a drop in investment into UK housing delivery. The BPF has also previously called for a stamp duty exemption for new developments that include more than 100 rental homes. John Lewis is one of several retailers that has been exploring how to use their significant land holdings in prime areas for housing. Asda in May unveiled plans to sell the land under one of its London superstores to Barratt, Britains biggest housebuilder, to turn the site into a new 60,000 sq ft Asda store with 1,500 homes. It followed a similar step by Sainsburys, which previously sold its Fulham Wharf site to Barratt for conversion into residential properties. Last year the supermarket agreed a tie-up with developer Ballymore to build a complex of homes, high street shops, restaurants and a new Sainsburys store in Kensington and Chelsea. Tesco started working with Newsteer property consultants in 2015 to look at how it could repurpose parts of its land portfolio. A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: Over the past month, we have committed to a Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and begun a consultation on significant growth-focused reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework. We are committed to fixing the system and will consider what additional steps we may need to take to support our pro-growth agenda and build 1.5m homes over the next five years. Government must not overlook build-to-rent as solution to housing crisis By Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent, John Lewis Partnership Across the country, everyone is trying to do more with less. Nowhere is this truer than when it comes to housing development in cities. Much has been said on the subject over the last two weeks as the new Government gets to grips with Britains housing crisis. While reforming the planning system is not without controversy, building on brownfield land is one area where all parties agree. Squeezing homes into Britains ever-expanding urban centres has become an increasing headache for planners. Building close to infrastructure and transport without eating into the green belt means getting creative. The answer must include looking to those who already own large swathes of land. Our housing plans are focused on creating thousands of homes for rent managed by the John Lewis Partnership with the same trust and quality service that our customers receive from our brands. Renting is often overlooked by politicians trying to support home ownership, but the private rental sector accommodates millions of people caught between ownership and social housing. Our so-called build-to-rent plans involve redeveloping existing Waitrose stores in Ealing and Bromley, the latter where we gained planning consent last month for 353 homes, which prioritise local people. We are also redeveloping a former warehouse site in Reading, creating over 200 homes. Because were a partnership owned by our 70,000 partners (as our staff are known) our focus is on the long-term and on creating a positive impact locally while using the new housing to strengthen our business so we can invest in our core retail offer. The key difference of build-to-rent is that homes are designed specifically for renting. Shared spaces can be used for anything from fitness to home working. And above all, residents will have the certainty of being able to stay for the long term, which is not always possible in the buy-to-let sector. Even though most people accept the drastic need for new housing homelessness, poor energy standards and the need to untangle younger people from reliance on their parents building has stalled. Its fair that some people will be frightened by and resist change, but what I would say to them all is that we need to consider the greater good that can be provided by new housing, new public realm and the ability of younger people to be able to live in quality, energy efficient homes. Transport for London (TfL), like the Church of England and Oxford University, all have plans to build homes on their land. Yet even TfLs proposals to build on a London car park were refused, before being given consent on appeal. Our retail competitors also want to build on existing land. We firmly welcome Asdas plans for thousands of new homes in the Park Royal regeneration zone close to the planned HS2 terminus. They echo proposals announced two months prior by Sainsburys, in another west London opportunity area. These are all brownfield sites previously developed, now under-utilised land, that can be cleaned up and used far more efficiently to provide critically needed housing next to Crossrail. This is important, because we take our environmental goals seriously and all our developments will be gas-free, with rooftop solar panels and heat pumps in every apartment. We even plan to pipe waste heat from refrigerators in our Waitrose stores up into the apartments to heat water and help lower bills further. Due to the sheer weight of different cultural and political interests around urban sites and the pressures of building on top of major businesses they are harder to develop. Yet if we are serious about tackling the housing crisis quickly, there are few better options. With our stores often acting as community hubs, we should harness the potential to create future-proofed housing, while also helping support local charities and community groups. Prioritising social value and support for local groups in Bromley where our joint venture with Abrdn will invest 200m meant we received far more letters of support than opposition. The council voted 10 to five in favour of the plan. London has enough land to build 65,000 new homes a year, according to the Mayor. But with the population projected to grow by 70,000 a year up to 10.5m by 2041, London also needs schools, shops, amenities and space for tens of thousands of new jobs. The 2021 London Plan agrees that we should prioritise sites which are well-connected by public transport [and] explore the potential to intensify the use of land to support additional homes and workspaces, promoting higher density development. Yet many good schemes that fit these criteria still continue to be refused. The numbers are startling. Policy Exchanges report identified 1,220 sites across London that could theoretically accommodate between 250,000 and 300,000 new homes alongside commercial uses. There are three things that should be prioritised in order to get Britain building again. First, reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework set out by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner need to clarify brownfield urban regeneration as being a subset of previously developed land. This requires no primary legislation changes and, as a recent report from British Land and Landsec put it, would allow specific and targeted policies to be developed to unlock the potential of brownfield urban regeneration and exclude more contentious sites disconnected from urban infrastructure. The British Property Federation made the same point back in 2011. Second, Chancellor Rachel Reeves should look at tax incentives to support investment, which would make sense where a developer commits to building right away. Finally, we need firmer links between development levies (so-called section 106 payments) and local benefits. Around 2.8bn of this lies unspent, according to the Home Builders Federation. Such cash should be spent right away and would help reduce opposition caused by people not recognising the socio-economic benefits that investment in new homes creates. As a partnership, each of our stores is deeply embedded in its local community, supporting thousands of community groups, and together contributing millions nationally each year. Adding housing and community spaces to some of our under-used land will enable us to do even more. Cutting the red tape will speed up investment and while well always compete with our rivals in retail, we all need to collaborate if we are to help fight the housing crisis. 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. Politics Spotlight Long a political minority, SF Republicans eye expansion in 2024 On a recent Saturday morning, Min Chang planted herself on a plot of sidewalk along the Embarcadero not far from the Ferry Building, and campaign sign in hand began flagging down passersby. Hi, are you voting in November? she said. Im running for the school board. Few zipping about under a dreary sky even gave a hint they noticed Chang, a longtime executive in the private and nonprofit sectors. But those who did stop to chat seemed to immediately connect with her central campaign pitch, focused on fiscal prudence and good governance, nodding approvingly as she laid out her plan to leverage her decades of business acumen to help stabilize the troubled finances of the San Francisco Unified School District. I know how to fix it, she said. What goes unmentioned in these interactions is that Chang is running with the backing of the local Republican Party and serves on its governing board. Her party affiliation means that Changs campaign is paddling very much against the political current in San Francisco, a famously liberal city that hasnt elected a Republican mayor since the 1960s. In the decades since, GOP registration has fallen so low that The Citys registered Democrats now outnumber Republicans more than eight to one. Craig Lee/The Examiner Min Chang, candidate for San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. This November, Chang is among an unusually large contingent of Republican candidates also running for public office in San Francisco. The group includes Yvette Corkrean, a registered nurse whose anger over the pandemic lockdowns has propelled her to become a first-time candidate running to unseat Scott Wiener from the California State Senate; Bruce Lou, a long-time campaigner against hate crimes targeting Asian Americans now making a run for House Speaker Nancy Pelosis seat in Congress; U.S. Army Veteran Jeremiah Boehner, who is running for District 1 supervisor on a platform that like other local Republican candidates emphasizes support for law enforcement, pro-business policies and clearing the streets of the unhoused and drug users; and several others. While local Republicans acknowledge that their odds of victory in those races remain long, theyve expressed confidence the partys conservative message is one that San Francisco voters are eager to hear this election cycle. Meanwhile, they say, theyre hopeful that Chang and the rest of those running will succeed in spreading that message more widely. Amid simmering voter frustration over crime, street conditions and other quality-of-life issues, GOP leaders say they see signs that many voters are shifting right and growing more open to conservative ideas. After struggling for decades to hold on to electoral relevance in San Francisco, the party hopes to seize in a moment of political flux an opportunity to build common cause with The Citys like-minded independents and moderate Democrats, and maybe, just maybe, regain a seat at the table of mainstream city politics. But political watchers agree in deep blue San Francisco, the challenges will be steep, to say the least. Expanding the conversation For her part, Chang who describes herself as a fiscal conservative says many voters are welcoming her platform, which emphasizes the need for hard decisions in the school district in order to bring costs under control. Asked if Changs partisan status would affect her vote, one woman out on the Embarcadero who had just wrapped up a friendly chat with the candidate said, Oh, she is a Republican? We have to fix our schools, so I guess Id be open to what ideas are being proposed, said the woman, who declined to give her name but described herself as a lifelong Democrat. These days, such interparty meetings of the mind are growing more common in San Francisco politics as conservative priorities gain traction, local GOP leaders say. As one measure, they have tracked modest but consistent gains in Republican voter registration over the past few years. The growing Republican support is a sign, in their view, that more voters are losing confidence in the ability of Democratic leaders to address The Citys many crises. At the same time, some of those same Democratic leaders are now embracing more right-leaning policies themselves, like the recent ballot measure that imposed drug-screening requirements on welfare recipients and another that curtailed police oversight. Craig Lee/The Examiner John Dennis, Chairman of the San Francisco Republican Party, Yvette Corkrean, candidate for State Senate District 7, Bruce Lou, candidate for Congressional District 11 and Stephen Martin-Pinto, candidate for Supervisor District 7, pictured on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Weve been saying what needs to be said and what the right path forward is for a long time, said San Francisco Republican Party Chairman John Dennis. But the Democrats had to go through this progressive era, which has destroyed The City. Afraid to speak out As former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican Partys presidential nomination in Milwaukee days after surviving an assassination attempt last month, about 40 party faithful squeezed inside the cramped quarters of a Marina bar for an evening watch party. The crowd cheered as Trump called on the Democratic party to stop weaponizing the justice system. They booed when he dropped a reference to crazy Nancy Pelosi. And attendees were just as fired up about local political grievances, complaining bitterly during the event that one-party rule and the leadership of Mayor London Breed have failed The City. What has she done? said one independent voter who declined to give her name. Nothing What The City needs now most of all, many agreed, is a conservative counterbalance for San Franciscos progressive excesses. I dont think the Democratic Party would have had its progressive era here had there been a bigger, stronger Republican Party, because we would have kept them in check, said Dennis, who served as a delegate in Milwaukee. Outside the confines of a conservative gathering such as this one, though, many local Republicans say they have been afraid to share their views publicly. Most attendees The Examiner interviewed declined to provide their names, saying they feared blowback from friends or coworkers. We are at the point where, if you are Republican in San Francisco, youre not exactly taking your life into your own hands, Jacob Spangler said, But youre certainly taking your career into your own hands. The 23-year-old conservative, who serves as president of the College Republicans at San Francisco State University, claimed his Republican affiliation has gotten him kicked out of house parties and rejected from a fraternitys pledge process. Even an ex-girlfriend, he said, decided that she did not want to make their relationship publicly known. She said her friends and family would disown her, he said. Can the party rebrand? Hoping to untangle the local Republican Party from a thicket of toxic associations which members contend have been applied unfairly one local conservative group is trying to reshape its image. Briones Society co-founder and president Jay Donde said his group wants to steer the party away from a brand of politics that embraces conspiracy-mongering and reactionism as well as post-liberalism, and instead focus on core conservative values such as small government, public safety and free markets. The effort to shift the party has opened up an ideological rift among local Republicans that has at times grown bitter. Over the past few years, the Briones Society has found itself frequently at odds with many in local Republican leadership. In one contentious episode two years ago, The San Francisco Republican Party passed a resolution censuring the Briones Society for denouncing Trumps role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot, as well as the groups pronouncement that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe to use. However, the Briones Society is now set to gain more sway over the local party, after a slate of aligned candidates secured a decisive majority on the local partys governing board. However fraught the internal politics of this realignment have been, the external politics stand to be even more daunting, given the simple fact that changing minds about the Republican Party in San Francisco will be a tall order. Peoples understanding of the Republican Party is dominated by their perceptions of Donald Trump, said Jason McDaniel, a professor of political science at San Francisco State University. For many local voters, the Trump connection immediately calls to mind his controversial stands on immigration, gender, race and abortion, McDaniel said all issues that have inflamed public opinion in San Francisco during the former presidents time as a leading figure in the party. Thats a lot of political water under the bridge. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press file Republicans looking to make headway in San Franciscos political arena must contend with the fact that voter-registration tallies indicate theyre currently a small minority in The City. These kinds of connections are decades in the making of peoples sense of identity and who they are, McDaniel said and, he said, the national Republican Partys longtime demonization of San Francisco hasnt helped its local image problem either. And there are plenty of fresh examples. Most recently, Trump has doubled down on his claim that Vice President Kamala Harris the Democratic presidential nominee, who is Black and Indian American happened to turn Black a few years ago. Trump and his allies have also highlighted her ties to San Francisco and record as district attorney. If the Trump factor is a sticking point for the would-be allies of local Republicans, its not going away anytime soon. Support for Trump continues to run deep among San Francisco Republicans, with some candidates flaunting their love for the former president as a central pillar of their campaigns. Perhaps the most prominent of these candidates is Ellen Lee Zhou, who has run for mayor twice before. This November, she will be running again as a self-described MAGA Republican, running on a platform that includes promises to resist the globalism agenda and Let God Arise in government to cast out darkness. Political influence San Francisco Republican leaders have been closely following the partys registration numbers. I monitor it every day, Dennis said. Its up again! Currently, the partys voting share stands at 7.6%, a full percentage point higher than it was at the time of the 2020 election. San Francisco Democrats still make up just over 63% of The Citys electorate. {span}All the same, while the Democrats 8-to-1 voting advantage represents a massive lead, that figure is somewhat smaller than it was a year ago. Its a sign that Republicans relative electoral influence is trending up, albeit from a low starting point.{/span} Some observers have cast doubt on the significance of Republicans registration gains, pointing out that Democrats now claim a larger share of The Citys voting public as well, a trend that could suggest that the Republican uptick is simply the result of greater partisan polarization, driving voters without party preferences into one of the rival camps. But those to the right of center can also be found in large numbers among the roughly one-third of city voters who registered with no party preference, Dennis said. I think that the vast majority of those NPPs listen to what we say, he said, even if they dont take the step of registering as Republicans themselves. In the San Francisco mayoral race, it appears that none of the top contenders all of whom are Democrats see a political upside in receiving a Republican endorsement. All five Breed, nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safai, and former interim Mayor Mark Farrell suggested or stated explicitly to The Examiner that they are not pursuing endorsements from the Republican Party. Dennis said SF GOP likely will not make an endorsement in this years race. All this seems to indicate that regardless of any partisan shifting taking place in the electorate, the political calculus for candidates when it comes to Republicans has remained largely unchanged from years past. Its still one of the worst things you could be called in San Francisco politics is a Republican, McDaniel said. Farrell has learned as much on the campaign trail. During a July 16 fundraiser for Farrells campaign, Politico reported the events host offered up opinions that sounded an awful lot like some of the most familiar jabs that Republicans throw at San Francisco, at one point bemoaning The Citys international reputation for lawlessness and wokeism and mocking its pandemic-era vaccine mandates at another. During the event, Farrell offered no pushback, Politico reported. He later distanced himself in response to the report, and Breed pounced. Depending on who hes in front of, hes saying what he needs to say, she told Politico. I dont have to go around telling people Im a Democrat. He has to say it because people think hes a Republican. Keith Menconi/The Examiner School-board candidate Min Chang, pictured campaigning along the Embarcadero in July, said she was a lifelong Democrat before moving to San Francisco two years ago. She found camaraderie among the ranks of the local Republican Party. In the aftermath, Farrell posted his support of Harris presidential run on social media. An uphill battle Given all these political headwinds, this years Republican candidates are facing a daunting uphill battle a fact that is not lost on Changs supporters. Over the course of the hour of sign-waving during Saturday morning campaigning, two such supporters joining Chang that day stole a few moments to press her on her decision to run with the Republican Party. Do you have to be in a party to run? supporter Maya Altman probingly asked. Cant you declare as an independent? Min, the point is for you to win, said another who declined to be named. All the more confusing for these two, Chang was a lifelong Democrat before moving to San Francisco two years ago, switching allegiances only when happenstance led her to volunteer for the SF GOP and she found camaraderie among its ranks. Its family for me, Chang explained. They have been nothing but supportive. Now, her loyalty is unshakable, even as she acknowledges that her Republican affiliation will most likely cost her a number of potentially vital endorsements with left-leaning political organizations that might otherwise support her candidacy. Answering her supporters doubts, Chang said, Im going to try. You know me. Im persistent. Donde of the Briones society said he is already looking ahead to the 2026 elections and the victories that he argues could very well be within reach of Republican candidates if the groundwork is laid now. San Francisco is never going to be a red city lets be realistic, he said. But it can be a much more purple city than it currently is if we can run competent, credible, appealing candidates supported by well-organized campaign infrastructure. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A new Black studies curriculum that will launch in New York City public schools this fall includes lessons on Sandy Ground on Staten Island introducing students to the nations oldest free Black settlement still inhabited by descendants of the original settlers. The Black Education Research Center (BERC) at Teachers College at Columbia University recently launched Black Studies as the Study of the World: A PK-12 Black Studies Curriculum for New York City Public Schools. It was created in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the City Council and the Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) initiative, a group comprising educators, non-profits and government leaders. Sandy Ground will be taught to students in public schools in both elementary and middle school. It is Americas oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement, and is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. The community in Rossville houses landmarked historical structures, as well as the Sandy Ground Historical Society Museum, which was previously endangered and is currently in the process of being rebuilt. The Black settlements history is taught to students in second grade and again in eighth grade part of the curriculums deep dive into historic Black communities across New York City, like Seneca Village in Manhattan, and through major events like the Harlem Renaissance. In second grade, students will be able to describe past events that occurred on Sandy Ground and how it changed over time. They will examine this by using evidence like maps, population, charts, photographs, newspapers, biographies and other historical artifacts, according to the curriculum. During the lessons, teachers are encouraged to share the history of Sandy Ground with students. Today, we will begin with the oldest, continuously inhabited free Black settlement in the United States: Sandy Ground, Staten Island. Before it became Sandy Ground, the only Black people who inhabited this land were enslaved people. When slavery ended in 1827, free Blacks began to move to this area for land because it was inexpensive, or cheap. They made up about 10-23% of the population. Today, we will look at a timeline and trace the history of Sandy Ground to help us understand how this community began to grow and change over time, reads a suggested introduction for teachers in the curriculum. Sandy Ground is taught again in eighth grade, which explores Black communities history and legacy in New York City. The middle school lessons take a deeper dive into Sandy Ground examining the triumphs and challenges from before the Reconstruction period to present day. Students learn about significant neighborhoods and sites like Sandy Ground through activities and historical analysis. They are able to explore how Black New Yorkers established the community, the challenges that Sandy Ground faced, and the efforts made to preserve its history through descendants, community historians and preserved sites. During the lessons, teachers are asked to set up different stations around the classroom, with printed photos from the Sandy Ground Historical Society. These include images of Sandy Ground, Staten Island oystermen, a boarding house and the Rossville AME Zion Church. The programming teaches students how Sandy Ground residents made their living as oystermen, and the impact of the church in the community. By the end of the lesson, teachers will review the establishment and significance of Sandy Ground, contributions by its residents, and preservation efforts. They will also discuss the importance of preserving historical communities and how students can contribute. In addition to this new curriculum, the city Department of Education (DOE) released a separate new Black studies curriculum that launched earlier this year. That curriculum is called Hidden Voices: Stories of the Global African Diaspora and was launched in February after a months-long pilot program. The Hidden Voices initiative which has launched the Black studies, Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and LGBTQI+ curriculums was created in direct response to feedback from educators looking for support to embed content into their lessons that reflect the cultures and diversities of their classrooms. Hidden Voices comes with posters, comics and images with engaging lessons that include strategies for teachers and leaders. This new Black studies curriculum released in February is volume 1 a second volume will also be coming to schools in the future. The first volume begins in the ancient world and ends in the 19th century, while the second volume begins in the 19th century and ends with the exploration of contemporary conceptions of the diaspora. That curriculum encourages students and teachers to visit cultural centers and museum exhibitions dedicated to the history and contemporary experiences of people of African descent, including Sandy Ground. You can view the curriculum here: https://www.weteachnyc.org/media2016/filer_public/16/aa/16aaa1ed-4f5d-4ea3-9ab3-20994f4b487d/black_studies_full_curriculum_pk-12.pdf Hi Neighbor, Its the same argument I have with my good buddy, Bob, every year. Bob, I tell him, summers over when the clock strikes midnight July Fourth. Bob disagrees. If my theory holds water, he says -- using the same logic -- winters over sometime in February. I must disagree, Robert. I do so because a stroll with Maezie, the family dog, at 11 oclock on any March evening is most often a frigid experience. Yet summer seems to fly by every year come mid-July. Fireworks explode on July 4, and the next thing we know, its Labor Day. Ive never understood why we call them The Dog Days of August. The temperature seems to cool quickly by middle of the month. But scientists might be on to something when they talk global warming. Well leave the politics of it all to Kamala and Donald, but there sure seems to be something to climate change, what with ocean temps rising and the miserably oppressive heat weve been living with in recent weeks. The burning sun seems to be moving a lot closer to Planet Earth. In fact, our sister publication, NJ.com, reports that the Jersey Shore and well assume that means Staten Island, too -- is seeing a dramatic rise in ocean temperatures. So much so, reports NJs Steven Rodas, that its affecting the fishing industry. The waters off New York and New Jersey got 2 degrees warmer over the last 15 years. Doesnt seem like a lot, but its faster than the global average, a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, told Steve. Swimmers arent the only ones wholl love the warmer water. Its a big deal for fishermen and women, especially those of the commercial variety. Steve reports the New Jersey black sea bass catch is now topping a million pounds. Thats double what it had been. In the Long Island Sound, Steve says, the black sea bass catch jumped by more than a thousand percent between 2011 and 2021. Im no commercial fisherman. In fact, I dont fish any longer. Its painful watching those poor creatures dragged in with a hook in their bloodied mouths. But it does bring back memories as a kid, fishing off a pier at the foot of Naughton Avenue on a stretch of sand between Midland and South beaches called Ocean Breeze. This, long before the real Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier was built as part of the South Beach boardwalk refurbishment. The Ocean Breeze fishing pier. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri The Yankees have (make that, had) the House that Ruth Built. Staten Island has the Fishing Pier that Jim Molinaro built. The pier we fished off by day and dove off at night is really a storm sewer outfall, its surface pockmarked due to crumbling concrete. Perfect places to store whatever fish we caught. And catch fish we did. Black sea bass was not part of our haul. Mostly baby blues, called snappers, and fluke or flounder. Or the occasional blowfish. There is a difference between fluke and flounder, by the way. What it is I never really figured out. Fluke is flounder. But then theres summer flounder, winter flounder, northern flounder and southern flounder. And then theres flounder with two eyes on the same side of its head, natures miracle because flounder lies flat on the oceans bottom. All pretty good eating, I was told. I never tried them. Want to flummox your favorite restaurant server? Next time youre dining out, order the flounder, and ask your server whats its background. A day out fishing back then meant either a trip to Jacks Bait Shop on Midland Avenue, or the creek that ran all through the East Shore. We went to Jacks if we wanted spearing for bait, or the creek if we wanted killies. The fishing equipment of choice to catch killies was a loaf of bread and a Weissglass milk bottle. (For the non-natives among us, Weissglass was the dairy of Staten Island that started delivering milk in 1899.) Our secret to catching killies went like this . . . Step 1. Tie a line to top of bottle. Step 2. Stuff bottle with bread. Step 3. Toss bottle in creek, watch it fill with water and sink to bottom. Step 4. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Step 5. Pull up bottle, now full of killies. Step 6. Head to the fishing pier. Catching snappers was easier. If you had a few bucks, you bought a small, siliver bluefish lure. If not, you got a cheap hook, attached it to your line, stripped off the white, red or black rubber/plastic insulation from scrap electrical wire you found at any building site or Dads workshop -- and slid over the hook. You could put a half dozen such hooks on the line and snare six snappers at a time. Dad wasnt much of a fisherman, but a couple of uncles were. Uncle Cass would take us out on his boat, the Sea Jay, from the Great Kills Yacht Club. Uncle Pete, not a yacht club guy, would take us to Shoals Marina in Great Kills for a day of blues fishing on Captain Freddie Moores Teal, or Captain Eve Moores Miss Moore. Long gone are those fishing boats, as is Shoals. A fire destroyed the building, which housed a restaurant, in June 1970, killing an 88-year-old porter who worked there for 50 years. The site is now home to Port Regale. Perhaps those days seem glorious and carefree as we gaze back through the lens of time. But I recall vividly, as a 19-year-old, driving to Shell Road, where Shoals stood, the day after the fire. Knowing that someone lost his life there the evening before, recalling the fun times I had with Uncle Cass and Uncle Pete in the months and years before. And realizing, maybe for the first time, that Staten Island was changing. Brian Oh by the way: As much as I promise myself Ill stay out of the political fray, at least for a week, I keep getting dragged back in. (Think Michael Corleone in the Godfather 3.) This time, its the rantings Donald Trumps VP pick, JD Vance. And now, The Donald himself. Weve heard about Vances cat lady remarks. But the latest uncovered really has my head spinning. The Midwest senator says America must go to war against women who dont want children. Not enough people have accepted that if they put their entire lifes meaning into their credential, into where they went to school, into what kind of job they have if you put all of your lifes meaning into that, youre going to be the sort of person who asks women to talk about how they regret having children. Youre going to be a sad, lonely, pathetic person and youre going to know it internally. Honestly, neighbors, is this man crazy? Please, supporters of Trump and his VP choice, please explain how this mans rantings are OK. And this week, we have Mr. Trump -- before the National Association of Black Journalists no less -- questioning whether Kamala Harris is Black. Is there a strategy here. Or is it Trump going off the rails. Again. You be the judge. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is investigating a report of a burglary at a barbershop in Meiers Corners. The burglary occurred on Wednesday, July 24, at approximately 4:58 a.m., according to a spokesperson for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. According to NYPD, an unknown individual gained access to the establishment, located at 2234 Victory Blvd., by using a key without permission or authority. Police reported that approximately $4,000 in cash was taken, along with an Amazon lock box, Matakki scissor and hair products, which totaled close to $1,000. Shalom Styles Barber Lounge is located at the address. The owner, Shalom Gruber, reached out to the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com following the incident. Gruber, who was interviewed back in 2018 after opening his own barbershop at age 20, with locations also in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, said he hopes publicizing the incident will help police make an arrest. Everything was caught on camera, a police report was made, said Gruber, who had to fly from Los Angeles to New York to file the report. I figured if its in the news, maybe this can help lead to an arrest. In security footage provided by Gruber, an individual can be seen sitting on a bench outside the barbershop before entering it through the front door. Another video shows the same individual with a hood over their head walking behind a desk and looking around it before reaching under it. In another frame, the individual is seen leaving the shop with a box in their hands. The NYPD reported that the investigation remains ongoing at this time. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A large tree split following Friday nights thunderstorm, falling onto a residential property and blocking access to three dead-end streets in Port Richmond. The incident unfolded at around 11:30 p.m. on Eldridge Avenue near Clark Place. According to a resident, the tree was struck by lightning earlier in the evening. However, it was the heavy winds that took down a portion of the tree, which as of Saturday afternoon still blocked the front entrance and driveway of a home on Eldridge. FDNY quickly responded and taped off the street at the intersection of Eldridge Avenue and Clark Place. However, the bigger concern, according to neighbors who reached out to the Advance/SILive.com, is that the tree is blocking access to three dead-end streets -- Eldridge, Clark and St. Anthony Place. A tree fell after Friday night's heavy winds in Port Richmond, blocking a three-way dead end street near Eldridge Avenue and Clark Place. (Kayla Simas/Staten Island Advance)Kayla Simas Every time theres a storm, I watch the tree, said the homeowner where the tree fell, regarding her concerns about the tree coming down in a storm. This time, I was in the basement. I got the call from my sister to come outside and see. At the time of the incident, a car was parked out front; however, the tree missed hitting it. The homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said that FDNY came right away and put up the caution tape. However, when the Advance/SILive.com visited the site Saturday afternoon, the tape had been removed. A tree fell after Friday night's heavy winds in Port Richmond, blocking a three-way dead end street near Eldridge Avenue and Clark Place. (Kayla Simas/Staten Island Advance)Kayla Simas The homeowner said that it is difficult for her mother to get out of the house due to the situation, and she cannot get her vehicle out of her driveway. The Advance/SILive.com also observed a few wires down, tangled with the tree. While residents didnt lose power, the homeowner said she lost internet and television, but Verizon responded quickly. The homeowners main concern now is when the tree will be removed by the Parks Department. She said that she filled out a report Saturday morning, but was not given a time frame for when the tree will be removed. The city Parks Department did not return a call from the Advance/SILive.com on Saturday afternoon seeking more information. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Dont expect a storm-free week, according to AccuWeather. Late Sunday afternoon, AccuWeather issued a flood advisory for Staten Island, the other four boroughs, northeast New Jersey and portions of southern Connecticut, which was expected to last until 6:45 p.m. Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas was expected. Outlook for the week To kick of the start of the work week, New York City will bounce back to sunshine, warm weather and moderate humidity on Monday, noted AccuWeather senior meteorologist Bob Larson. Once we get to Monday we are back to sunshine and 90-plus degree weather, said Larson. There is a slight chance for a daytime or nighttime thunderstorm north of New York City. We think the best chance of that is probably north of the city, not so much into the city itself, reassured Larson. Its not out of the question its certainly not a 0% chance of rain. On Tuesday, sunshine will give way to clouds as a front moves into the New York City area from the north. We do expect a couple of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and night, predicted Larson. Some of those could be heavy. According to AccuWeather the high for Tuesday is in the lower 80s although it will still be fairly humid. As the storm front pushes through, it will be even cooler due to residual showers Wednesday morning, said Larson. It will be mostly cloudy. The high on Wednesday is only in the 70s, as we see it now. The sun will partially come out during the day on Thursday, according to Larson. Larson added its still too early to tell whether Tropical storm Debby, which is currently traveling up the Gulf of Mexico, will impact the Northeast. Aces / Shutterstock.com Former president and presidential nominee Donald Trumps vice presidential pick J.D. Vance has garnered a lot of attention since he was announced as his running mate at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last month. Check Out: How Rich Is Kevin McCarthy? Read Next: 6 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money With a few weeks away from the elections, his positions on several economic issues are being scrutinized, including those on union workers. Its notable that Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, spoke at the RNC, becoming the first boss in the organizations 121-year history to address the convention, as CBS News reported. The Wall Street Journal also noted that his presence represents a shift in union voters away from the Democratic Party. Meanwhile other labor leaders strongly voiced their opposition to Trumps pick. For instance, AFL-CIO president Liz Schulyer deemed a potential Trump-Vance White House a corporate CEOs dream and a workers nightmare, according to a July 15 announcement. Meanwhile, Sara Nelson international president of the Association of Flight Attendants said in a July 15 post on X (formerly Twitter): JD Vance is just another shill for the corporate class who will sell out workers to corporate America. This ticket isnt pro-worker or pro-union. Its the billionaire ticket through and through. Here are some ways experts say Vance could impact union workers. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Revive Private Sector Labor Union Membership J.D. Vance has given every indication that he wants to revive private sector labor union membership because he believes that these jobs are at the core of a working-class revival in America, said Richard M. Reinsch II, editor-in-chief at American Institute for Economic Research. While not yet breaking with bedrock right to work principles in the Taft Hartley Act [which limited unions rights to strike and boycott, according to FindLaw] Vance moves closer to such a decision with his rhetoric and public support for a $20 minimum wage, blanket opposition to international trade, and walking a UAW picket line in Toledo, Ohio in 2023, he said. He Would Undermine Unions Valerie Samuels, Esq. plaintiff and management-side employment attorney and partner, Sassoon Cymrot Law, argued that Vance is no friend of organized labor or workers generally. For instance, she said that Vance opposed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act to remove labor law loopholes and expand workers rights to unionize. Story continues Vance stated that he favors sectorial (industry-wide) bargaining but, according to Politico, Vance said he was against empowering unions who are aggressively anti-Republican, she added. In addition, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Vance co-sponsored the Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act in January. According to a statement, this would give employees a voluntary opportunity to negotiate with employers on their own terms and without fear of legal action or bureaucratic meddling, a practice currently prohibited by existing labor laws. Sasson said that this proposed legislation would undermine unions by permitting voluntary organizations, which would not be subject to collective bargaining agreements and may be dissolved by employers. Vance also voted to approve a resolution to decimate the National Labor Relations Boards joint-employer rule, which provides workers additional leverage to organize unions, she said. Individual Responsibility vs. Relying on Bargaining Another potential impact is that in his book, Hillbilly Elegy, Vance promotes the idea of individual responsibility and pulling oneself up by the bootstraps rather than relying on government assistance or collective bargaining through unions, said Michael Collins, CFA, founder, CEO, WinCap Financial. This mindset may make it more difficult for unions to recruit and retain members, as their message of solidarity and collective action may not resonate with workers who have bought into the idea that they should be solely responsible for their own success, said Collins. Collins added that based on his past statements and stances, it seems likely that he would not be supportive of unions and their goals. At the same time, Vances emphasis on promoting economic opportunities in struggling communities could possibly benefit some union workers if it leads to increased job growth and higher wages overall in these areas, he 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: Im an Economist: 3 Ways Trumps VP Pick JD Vance Could Impact Union Workers He was always an equal partner with my mother, Nicole, so I had healthy relationships modelled to me from a young age. This set me up to understand that you could absolutely have equitable relationships between a man and a woman and a woman and a woman. I am his only daughter. When I was about three, he used to hold me on his lap while he read the newspaper. One day I started reading out loud, which is how I learnt to read. Roxane Gay is a writer and cultural critic best known for being the author of Bad Feminist. Here, the 49-year-old shares her memories of her last serious relationship with a man, meeting her now-wife, and why the response to domestic violence needs to address the harm. My middle brother, Joel, was my best friend. He lived by his own rules. He understood that he had as much right to be in this world and to live loudly like everyone else, so he did. Joel died in 2021. It doesnt seem real in some ways, but incredibly real in others. I was 12 years old when I was gang raped in a cabin in the woods. The next day at school, the boys told everyone that I wanted it, so I ended up with the bad reputation. Nothing happened to them. I hope they are suffering but it doesnt seem likely. My father found out about my rape in 2014 from a Time magazine article Id written about the experience. He wanted to know why I didnt tell him and Mom. He said they would have gotten justice for me he was really affected by it. But it clarified for him why one day I was this happy, outgoing girl and the next a completely different person. I was shy and quiet at boarding school. I was really f---ed up and didnt know how to say that I needed help. I spent a year writing backwards it was deliberate, and I cant tell you why, but the school allowed it because I completed the work correctly. My most serious relationship with a man was probably my last. When I was at graduate school in Michigan I met Jon, a logger, at a poker table at the casino. Later on, he saw me at the gas station across from my apartment buying cigarettes. He was like, Hey, Casino Girl. We ended up dating for a couple of years. A federal government agency has warned that training colleges could collapse and domestic students could be left out of pocket under Labors controversial plan to cap international student numbers. In a paper released on Monday, Australian National University higher education expert Andrew Norton said it was clear the government had not thought through how the caps would be implemented by education providers or the government itself. Colleges face collapse under planned international student caps. Credit: He said submissions from multiple government departments and agencies showed there were internal concerns with the implementation process, including Home Affairs noting it would require significant development of inter-agency sharing of data. The Australian Skills Quality Authority, the countrys vocational education regulator, said it was conscious of concerns that the financial hit of the cap could lead to the closure of providers. Nicolaas Ockert Bester, who sexually abused former Australian of the Year Grace Tame when she was a child, has dementia and isnt fit to face a court hearing, his lawyer has said. Bester appeared on Monday in Hobart Magistrates Court where he was expected to face a two-day hearing for allegedly harassing Tame on social media. Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The 72-year-old is accused of making public posts in relation to and directed at Tame in April, July and August of 2022. Bester pleaded not guilty in March 2023 to three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence. He was jailed in 2011 for possessing child exploitation material and for sexually abusing Tame when she was a 15-year-old student at the school where he taught. Today, Besters lawyer Todd Kovacic told the court his client had vascular dementia and his fitness to face a hearing was an issue. Loading Kovacic indicated Besters fitness would almost certainly be conceded based on medical assessments from the defence and prosecution. Bester was granted an adjournment by Magistrate Andrew McKee so the question of where to from here? could be answered. The matter is expected to next come before the court on August 28. The Director of Public Prosecutions had requested more information about Besters medical condition, Kovacic said. The court has previously been told Bester, who was charged in October 2022, had suffered a medical episode. There have also been delays and adjournments in the case to obtain medical reports. Tame, who was not present in court on Monday but has attended on other occasions, was the 2021 Australian of the Year and has advocated for abuse survivors. AAP It was never a case of life before, and then after, I was sexually assaulted. But there is before, and then after, I spoke publicly about it. After all, I experienced something that will affect one in five Australian women, a well-worn statistic that should anger us all. Chelsey Potter, a Liberal Party member who continues to campaign for the prevention of sexual abuse in the political workplace. Credit: Ben Searcy Nearly a decade ago, when a fellow parliamentary staffer pinned me down and removed my underwear, I could not have anticipated that it would feel almost like a footnote today. Dont get me wrong, the whole experience remains vivid. I can still remember the words he whispered to me. I can recall the panic taking hold. The moments after the assault, when I phoned my then boyfriend, wondering where I could possibly go in the middle of a cold night in Canberra. The next day, sitting at my desk in Parliament House, furiously scrolling my Rolodex, trying to find a spare hotel room and somewhere safe to stay in a busy, booked-up sitting week. When Trish McInnes attempted to visit her 82-year-old father Joe Lagan, a wealthy property developer, in Gosford Hospital last Christmas, she was shocked when informed she needed permission from a man shed never met, Valentino Kovacic. Kovacic, 56, who is trying to stave off an eighth attempt to bankrupt him, not only has Lagans power of attorney but under the terms of Lagans enduring guardianship, he can determine whom Lagan should have contact with as well as whether to consent to the use of physical and/or chemical restraint to protect Lagan from self-harm. McInnes was even more shocked to discover her fathers missing black Porsche Macan had been transferred to Kovacics wife Tracey, a struck-off greyhound trainer. Valentino Kocavic and his wife Tracey in front of their Eat Street Cafe in Gosford. Shes grown another leg since she came here, Tracey Kovacic said in March last year of her greyhound, Agent Nevada, which had won nine races and $39,000 in prizemoney since she took over as trainer. Australias two largest telcos, Telstra and Optus, say they remain committed to an imminent shutdown of their 3G networks, despite a Senate committee recommending the switch-off be delayed due to fears relating to public safety and triple zero emergency services. Late last week, the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee handed down its interim report into the 3G shutdown, recommending that Communications Minister Michelle Rowland urgently meet with Telstra and Optus to seek their agreement to voluntarily delay the shutdown. Should the telcos refuse, Rowland should order the delay herself, the report recommends. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The inquiry also said more should be done to aid understanding of the impacts of the shutdown on non-phone devices such as medical alerts and fire alarms. London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers which injured at least 10 police officers, one seriously, describing it as far-right thuggery, as more violence broke out across the country following a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and many more wounded. In a statement from 10 Downing Street on Sunday afternoon (Monday morning AEST), the prime minister vowed that the authorities would do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice and that justice would be swift. Anti-migration protesters riot outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which is being used as an asylum hotel. Credit: Getty Images I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves, Starmer said. This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online. Starmer was speaking after another day of far-right violence, which was particularly acute in the northern England town of Rotherham, where police struggled to hold back hundreds of rioters who sought to break into a Holiday Inn Express hotel being used as accommodation for asylum seekers. Washington: Democrats have unified with remarkable speed behind US Vice President Kamala Harris as she has taken over the top of the partys ticket heading into the November presidential election. It may be another story when it comes to a running mate. US Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event in Atlanta, Georgia. Credit: Bloomberg As Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona senator Mark Kelly have emerged as among the possible finalists, both have faced criticism from some organisations and activists who might otherwise be supportive of Democratic causes, potentially undermining the partys newfound unity barely two weeks after Harris entered the race. The vice presidents team says she is interviewing six possible choices over the weekend before an announcement expected Monday (Washington time). The next day, she and her running mate will appear together at a rally in Philadelphia. They will then visit six more swing states. TRINIDAD/ PHILIPSBURG: --- Sandra Emmanuel, the mother of Meschach Emmanuel, known as 'Plumpy Boss,' who was shot on July 28th, 2024, while performing at a night club in Maho, remains in a coma at a private medical institution in Trinidad and Tobago. Emmanuel told SMN News in a follow-up interview that the bullet that was lodged in her sons brain was successfully removed by a neurosurgeon in her home country. However, her son remains in a comatose state as he recovers. The mother of Plumpy Boss said that her son was shot in St. Maarten while performing at a nightclub; she explained that to secure assistance from St. Maartens Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, she had to pay a lawyer in Trinidad the sum of $50.000.00 who contacted Mercelina so that he could get the neurologist from St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. Maria del Carmen Marques who had gone home to return to SMMC to complete the paperwork so that her son could have been evacuated. Emmanuel said the doctors in Trinidad and Tobago praised St. Maarten Medical Center for the excellent care they provided to her son, even though the Center is not fully equipped to handle such cases. The mother alleged that immigration officers in St. Maarten were paid to allow her son entry to St. Maarten even though her son has a record in his home country. ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com J.D. Vance made a name for himself by writing Hillbilly Elegy, an emotional and insightful novel about Appalachia, and painting himself as a champion for middle Americas struggle against corporate interests. But do his political views and policy beliefs as a potential VP match his rep? Some say no. Check Out: Heres How Much Every Living US President Is Worth: Where Does Biden Rank? Read Next: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work) A Trump-Vance Administration would continue to benefit the wealthiest in the country at the expense of the middle class, said Zach Friend, a public policy and government relations expert. Both have openly called for reforms and cuts that would negatively impact middle class health coverage, increase costs through new import policies that would impact prices for the middle class and tax proposals that would drive up the deficits and cut programs most used by low and middle-income workers, he said. Here are four specific areas a Vance VP could be worrisome for the middle class. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Disproportionate Tax Burdens Based on Trumps first administrations tax cuts, a Trump-Vance win could mean extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which favor the wealthy at the expense of the middle class, according to Michael Collins, CFA and founder and CEO of WinCap Financial. Both J.D. Vance and Donald Trump have been vocal supporters of tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, he said. This has been a key aspect of Trumps first administration, with the controversial Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being passed in 2017. In fact, a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that that white households in the highest-earning one percent received 23.7% of the tax cuts, while the bottom 60% of households of all races netted only a 13.8% share. If the Trump-Vance administration continues to prioritize these cuts, Collins said, it could mean reduced government revenue and potentially lead to cuts in important social programs and services that benefit middle-class Americans. Heavy Impacts to Union Workers Union workers have always been a key element of the middle class, but if Trump and Vance win in November, they could be one of the most adversely affected groups, said Corey Pollard, a workers compensation lawyer and union workers advocate. The economic policies advocated by Vance and the Republican Party could impact job security for union workers, he said. For example, if there is a push for deregulation or tax cuts for corporations, it could lead to job losses in sectors heavily represented by unions, such as manufacturing and transportation. Story continues In addition, he said If Vance supports policies that weaken labor unions or reduce collective bargaining power, union workers could find it more challenging to negotiate fair wages and benefits. This could lead to a decline in job security and financial stability for the middle class, he said. Worse Healthcare Changes in healthcare is another area in which a Trump-Vance ticket could negatively impact the middle class, said Collins. J.D. Vance has expressed support for repealing the Affordable Care Act, and while Trump was unable to fully repeal the ACA during his first term, he did weaken it by removing the individual mandate penalty and expanding access to short-term health plans with fewer coverage requirements, he said. If Trump and Vance continue this approach, it could destabilize the healthcare market, leaving millions of middle class Americans without adequate coverage, said Collins. Pollard agreed. He said that if Vance pursues policies that reduce or privatize public healthcare, it could impact those who depend on employer-sponsored health plans. Changes in healthcare policy can lead to increased out-of-pocket expenses for workers, which could strain household budgets and diminish overall financial security, he said. Stagnant Wages On a broader scale, a Trump-Vance win and their subsequent economic and immigration policies could have industries-wide effects for the middle class and beyond, Collins said. He said the middle class should be concerned about Vances stance on economic issues that are particularly relevant to the middle class, such as job creation and wage growth. For instance, despite Vances claims, its doubtful Vances policies would revitalize manufacturing. There is also the risk that their immigration policies may have a negative impact on industries such as agriculture and construction, which rely heavily on immigrant labor. Pollard added that Vance and Trumps economic policies, which tend to heavily favor corporate interests, will lead to stagnant wages for middle class workers, especially those in the manufacturing sector and unions. 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: Im an Economist: 4 Reasons Why Trumps VP Pick JD Vance Should Concern Middle Class Workers Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Vesuvius plc (LON:VSVS) is about to go ex-dividend in just 3 days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. In other words, investors can purchase Vesuvius' shares before the 8th of August in order to be eligible for the dividend, which will be paid on the 13th of September. The company's next dividend payment will be UK0.071 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed UK0.23 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Vesuvius has a trailing yield of 5.5% on the current share price of UK4.22. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing. Check out our latest analysis for Vesuvius Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Vesuvius paid out 60% of its earnings to investors last year, a normal payout level for most businesses. A useful secondary check can be to evaluate whether Vesuvius generated enough free cash flow to afford its dividend. It paid out more than half (59%) of its free cash flow in the past year, which is within an average range for most companies. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with shrinking earnings are tricky from a dividend perspective. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. Readers will understand then, why we're concerned to see Vesuvius's earnings per share have dropped 5.2% a year over the past five years. Ultimately, when earnings per share decline, the size of the pie from which dividends can be paid, shrinks. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Vesuvius has delivered 4.4% dividend growth per year on average over the past 10 years. Growing the dividend payout ratio while earnings are declining can deliver nice returns for a while, but it's always worth checking for when the company can't increase the payout ratio any more - because then the music stops. To Sum It Up From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid Vesuvius? It's never good to see earnings per share shrinking, but at least the dividend payout ratios appear reasonable. We're aware though that if earnings continue to decline, the dividend could be at risk. With the way things are shaping up from a dividend perspective, we'd be inclined to steer clear of Vesuvius. Having said that, if you're looking at this stock without much concern for the dividend, you should still be familiar of the risks involved with Vesuvius. For example, we've found 2 warning signs for Vesuvius that we recommend you consider before investing in the business. Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers. 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. 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Remembering to focus first on the encounters positives, Blue, pastor at San Antonios Family Life International Ministries, began, addressing Johnson directly: I am so proud of you for coming to this meeting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By the end of the encounter taking place last month inside a local clinic, her fellow trainees and instructors broke into applause as Blue sighed in relief. Having this knowledge with what we already know as pastors is powerful, Blue told the group. Blue and Johnson are among 10 people from eight different Christian churches in San Antonio who have spent the year participating in a Harvard Medical School program called EMPOWER, a unique program to bring basic counseling skills to places of worship. From left: Greg Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Veron Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on July 16 at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio. The activity involved participants breaking into smaller groups and role-playing interactions between an individual struggling with their mental health and a church official offering help. After each scenario, the group would discuss methods they employed that worked well and anything that could have been done better. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune From left: Greg Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Veron Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on July 16 at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune From left: Greg Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Veron Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on July 16 at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune The training is designed to help clergy, and its members become part of the mental health workforce, offering brief counseling sessions to community members. This program is not meant to handle severe mental illness beyond depression, and trainees are taught to refer cases beyond their scope to a clinical provider. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We know the people we are talking to in church, and there is already a built-up trust and dialogue, said minister Greg Carter from Vertical Church in San Antonio. It makes sense for us to use this program. The free 12-month program is being sponsored by the Congregational Collective, a nonprofit organization founded by H.E. Butt Foundation in 2023 to help San Antonio faith communities support mental wellness. The organizations executive director, Rebecca Brune, said the EMPOWER program draws on 25 years of research in India, which showed how community health workers and nonclinical providers could deliver mental health assistance as effectively, if not more effectively, than clinical providers. By the end of the year, this initial group of 10 clergy and church members will move on to an internship where they will do nine skills-building sessions at San Antonios New Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) Clinic and three to five test cases under supervision. By November or December, they will be able to deliver services independently. Once they finish training, this first group will be tasked with helping train the next cohort of religious leaders. With the workforce shortage struggle, we needed to figure out how to distribute mental health treatment from an equity perspective, Brune said. What better place to go to than faith communities, where Latinos and African Americans already have trust in. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When the Rev. David Murillo, lead pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in San Antonio for the past ten years, was approached by the Congregational Collective about participating in the EMPOWER program, he knew it was his calling to say yes. This church has been intentional about outreach for centuries, Murillo said. I view this as the current iteration of the church serving the community. The Rev. Dave Murillo, right, listens as Roxanna Johnson, Congregational Collective coordinator at St. Paul Lutheran Church, explains the program. The Congregational Collective is a nonprofit organization founded by H.E. Butt Foundation to help faith communities in San Antonio support mental wellness. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune Roxanna Johnson of St. Paul Lutheran Church, said their church has always looked to help those with mental illness, but they didnt have the tools to address it until now. She said she already had seen the benefits of the training program when a couple from Honduras who were in the United States for asylum came into their church looking for help. They had a hard time coming here. They told all kinds of stories. I assessed the woman using the training I had received, got her some help, and found her a program to get into, said Johnson, who is now the churchs Congregational Collective coordinator. I am sure we are doing the right thing now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How the program works EMPOWER teaches people how to treat depression using positive emotions. This is the same training mental health providers receive to treat some depression. We have learned that people may need to see a mental health clinician, but they are less likely to speak to someone in a white coat than somebody in the church, the Rev. Murillo said. This means the church needs to step up. If not us, then who? Representatives from churches throughout San Antonio meet with members of Harvard Medical School's EMPOWER program during a training event at the UT Health NOW clinic on July 16. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune This is the first time this training program has been used in the United States, but it has been implemented in countries such as India and various places in sub-Saharan Africa. Harvard Medical Schools Mental Health For All Lab has recently translated the program from Hindi to English and Spanish, and San Antonio is the first stop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Leveraging faith leaders has been done all over the world, said John Naslund, an instructor in Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard who is helping implement the EMPOWER program in San Antonio. America is actually behind in this regard. Naslund believes the program fits perfectly with Texas due to its size and desperate need for more mental health providers. San Antonio was perfect because there was already interest in collaboration between churches and clinical partners, he said. Also, there is a huge need in Texas, so there is a motivation to make it work. The partnership with the NOW Clinic in San Antonio provides the EMPOWER program with ongoing clinical supervision and referrals, which Brune believes adds a layer of efficiency and integrity to their effort. That is the exciting part. We will be able to measure it and track the referrals and the monetary value of this work, Brune said. The Rev. Jaime Paniagua of St. Dominic Church in San Antonio, another EMPOWER trainee, said that when he referred people in the past, it might have taken weeks or months before they got help, and many people turned to their pastor before their mental health provider. There are two reasons I believe this, and one is because we are a place of trust, and the second is that we dont charge $200 an hour, Paniagua said. I never deny a call, and everybody who wants to call me can. We serve right away here, and people know they will be served. Father Jaime Paniagua of St. Dominic Church speaks with Dr. John Naslund from Harvard Medical School on July 16 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in San Antonio. Olivia Anderson/Texas Tribune He also said now is a perfect time for the EMPOWER training because a new generation is starting to return to religion. God created us as good spiritual beings, and we are constantly pursuing things to make us feel spiritually good, but not many places provide it, Paniagua said. Sometimes, as a church, we mess up, but we need to give the people what they seek because deep inside, we all want to be happy. Still, there are some concerns and questions about making the church a general provider of mental health services. I think the biggest challenge is not to get emotional, said Deborah Johnson. You have to understand that we know these people personally, and when you hear about those challenges, you want to help immediately. David Roberts, a psychologist at the NOW Clinic who is helping to supervise the program, said one of the biggest challenges for this pilot program is figuring out where the pastors role ends and the mental health providers begins. It can be tough to be emotionally detached from people you personally care about, but you can use those emotions to affirm your clients feelings, Roberts told the classroom of religious leaders. Religious leaders hear all kinds of problems from their congregation, whether it be rent, divorce, spiritual conflict and more. Their natural reaction is to help their congregation immediately, but this training program focuses on not only helping the physical but also the mental. You have to set boundaries. You can say right now is the behavioral activation session; outside of this, I will call you as a spiritual leader, but be honest about when you switch directions, said Megan Fredrick, director of programs at the NOW Clinic. Another concern brought up by the group of trainees is what to do when someone is suicidal, and Fredrick quickly told them to refer those kinds of cases to mental health professionals. You are going to meet people who you cant help, but you can give them actionable items to find that help, Frederick said. Naslund stressed that this program does not replace proper clinical counseling because the participants arent trained to diagnose or prescribe medication, and its primarily used to treat depression. The current mental health care system isnt working, he said. We had to find a different way. This is meant just to add additional help. The relationship between mental health providers and the church can be viewed as mutually beneficial. Churches can use this program as a method of outreach during a time of declining membership, and providers can use regular people to address low-tier mental illness, freeing up time and space. The church gets to help and serve people. The clinics can connect with clients they might have had difficulty getting a hold of. And the school can do their study, Murillo said. Everybody wins. Key Insights The projected fair value for CSL is AU$418 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of AU$306 suggests CSL is potentially 27% undervalued Our fair value estimate is 30% higher than CSL's analyst price target of US$321 Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for CSL What's The Estimated Valuation? We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$2.98b US$3.51b US$3.83b US$4.24b US$4.74b US$5.11b US$5.43b US$5.70b US$5.94b US$6.16b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x7 Analyst x7 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 7.78% Est @ 6.17% Est @ 5.04% Est @ 4.25% Est @ 3.70% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% US$2.8k US$3.1k US$3.2k US$3.4k US$3.5k US$3.6k US$3.6k US$3.6k US$3.5k US$3.4k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$34b Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after 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 (2.4%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = US$6.2b (1 + 2.4%) (6.0% 2.4%) = US$176b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$176b ( 1 + 6.0%)10= US$98b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$132b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$306, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 27% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at CSL as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.873. 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 CSL Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Biotechs market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for 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. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For CSL, we've compiled three additional aspects you should assess: Risks: Be aware that CSL is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about... Future Earnings: How does CSL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian 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 Thomas Franks 2004 book Whats the Matter with Kansas? documents the rise of populism and anti-elitist conservatism in the United States, showing how Kansas incubated those trends. Now Kansans are trying to move their state in a different direction while providing an example to the rest of us on a way to make things right. There are several states, including Kansas, that are trying to revive fusion voting in order to give moderates more of a voice. As explained by Protect Democracys website: Fusion voting refers to a process where more than one political party nominates the same candidate on the ballot, allowing voters to support their preferred candidate without having to support one of the two major parties. Typically, this means a minor party and major party fuse together to cross-nominate and support the same candidate. A candidates vote total is the sum of the votes they received on each of their nominating partys lines. Imagine a ballot that includes the name and party of, say, Jane Doe, Democrat and further down, Jane Doe, Green Party. Or: John Smith, Republican, and then, John Smith, Libertarian. Its the same Doe and Smith. They appear more than once on the ballot because more than one party is endorsing them. Voters can still vote only once in each race. Then each candidates votes, under the banners of each party, are added to together to arrive at their totals. Fusion voting was commonplace throughout the 19th and into the early 20th century in America. It was once used in every state in the nation. The fact that we have gotten away from fusion voting may explain how we have gotten ourselves into a completely dysfunctional two-party system fueled by polarization. There are probably few Americans who think our republic is working as it should. Many agree that our model has been broken by hyper-partisanship and warped incentives, leaving moderates and centrists out in the cold. No wonder polls show widespread support for third parties. People want more choices and more competition. All this has led to more than 120 leading democracy scholars to encourage states to re-legalize fusion voting in order to alleviate the afflictions to our self-governing. In order to make it work, it will be citizens who will need to push this initiative, as elected officials and their major political parties have no impetus to make things better. In states with fusion voting, minor parties can play an important role in re-engaging disenfranchised voters. Fusion gives voters the opportunity to cast their vote for the candidate they prefer under the party banner that best reflects their values. Crucially, fusing also removes the risk of running a third candidate who might splinter the vote and/or act as a spoiler. Fusion voting creates a win-win for voters, especially for moderates, as it encourages candidates to build coalitions, and reinforces the need for compromise, which is essential to effective governing. Candidates, if elected, will know where their votes come from and will work hard to represent their broader coalition or they will risk losing those voters in the next election. This works to moderate the major parties extremes and would turn the perverse incentives of todays politics on their heads. Imagine the power that kind of competition could produce if those running for office had to appeal to voters outside of their base. Minor parties would have the capacity to announce to candidates We are a 10% party, you need to pay attention to us if you want our votes. In the world of electoral reforms, fusion voting and ranked choice voting are distinctly different. Fusion voting allows political parties, minor or major, to fuse in support of the same candidate, signaling voters that the candidate has broad support. Ranked choice voting, on the other hand, is only a way of casting and counting votes. In May, the United Kansas Party (UK) became a recognized minor political party, after submitting the requisite number of petition signatures to the Kansas Secretary of States office. Jack Curtis, a former Republican, now unaffiliated, and the founding chair of UK said: The issue is that no one side, no one political party, has a monopoly on good ideas. What United Kansas is aiming to do is to be able to slowly, steadily and meaningfully start playing in the middle again. But UK has a major challenge ahead due to a 1901 Kansas law prohibiting cross-party fusion nominations. In July, this new party, joined by some voters and candidates, filed a pair of lawsuits aimed at overturning the 123-year-old ban. The litigation asks the court to recognize that invalidating the United Kansas nominations under anti-fusion voting statutes violates the state Constitutions guarantees of freedom of association. Should United Kansas prevail in state court, election officials would have to treat these nominations no differently than other parties nominations in subsequent elections. As Missourians contemplate their primary ballots this Tuesday, they should ask themselves if they are really happy with the candidates or whether they would prefer to have additional preferences in future elections. Fusing two materials together occurs after heat or pressure is applied and usually results in a stronger and more durable substance. Offering more choices to the voter through more parties has the potential for a more sturdy democracy. If economic development were an Olympic sport, 2021 was Pascos gold medal year. Thats the year Amazon Inc., Darigold Inc. and Local Bounti Inc. all confirmed plans to collectively invest nearly $1 billion in new business facilities in Pasco, bringing the promise of jobs and new tax revenue. Three years later, the promises of 2021 are starting to bear fruit. Amazon ($250 million) and Local Bounti ($40 million) are operating in Pasco and Darigold ($600 million) is close behind, with plans to open in the first part of 2025. Amazon confirmed that one of the two warehouses constructed on its behalf near Sacajawea State Park began operating in late July, about a month after it began hiring 1,000-1,500 associates. Yes, the site is partially open and in the early stages of operations. It takes a while for things to be fully operational and ready for visitors, Leigh Anne Gullett, Amazon spokeswoman, told the Tri-City Herald. Dont expect to see the inside just yet: Amazon wont give tours until at least September. I always joke that they go in and break stuff first, but really it just takes time to test all the equipment and processes and get all the people trained so things are flowing smoothly, she said. Taxes and jobs It took plenty of work to secure the newcomers for Pasco and even more to execute their projects. Theres so much that goes into landing these high investment projects in our community, said Randy Hayden, executive director of the Port of Pasco, which recruited Darigold and helped secure money to build roads, utilities and extend rail service to the property. Economic development is the ports prime mission. When it succeeds, the community succeeds, he said. The result when all the pieces come together are long-term anchors for our community that help provide reliable property taxes for our schools, jobs for our growing population, and new resources for our non-profit agencies. It should be no surprise it took three years to see 2021s headlines turn into businesses with employees. It takes time to turn an idea into reality, said Jacob Gonzalez, the city of Pascos economic development director, who notes all three built facilities on sites that werent previously developed. You need to extend sewers. You need to extend water capacity. And traffic. Thats always on peoples minds, he said. Like Hayden, hes pleased to see new businesses and said the class of 2021 is a good complement to Pascos agricultural roots. Being able to diversify our economic base has been our strategy for quite a long time, he said. Story continues Unexpected detours Amazon and Local Bounti both took detours on the way to opening local facilities. Amazons new Pasco warehouse, 1351 S. Road 40 E., opened as an Inbound Cross Dock, a link in its complicated supply chain. That wasnt its original purpose. Ryan Development, an Amazon partner, built it and a second warehouse across the street as fulfillment centers supporting customer deliveries. But both were left idle when Amazon paused its global expansion. Earlier this year, it had a new mission for Pasco. The building it calls Project Oyster got a $10 million retrofit and opened as a warehouse that serves other warehouses. It is is operating in tandem with the small delivery station being built for Amazon on North Capitol Avenue, ($25 million) The second Amazon warehouse remains unused. Local Bounti followed its own twisting path. The Montana ag-tech startup initially planned to make Pasco one of the first outposts for its commercial greenhouse business. It chose a spot at East A Street and Oregon Avenue. It even began moving dirt to prepare the site for a 242,000-square-foot greenhouse. Work stopped though while Local Bounti pursued an acquisition deal with a California rival, Hollandia Produce Group Inc., aka Petes. Petes came with its own facilities and development pipeline that had to be merged into the new company. Local Bounti revived the Pasco project, which consists of a three-acre greenhouse and packaging facilities at 950 S. Elm Ave. Building permits value the building alone at $24 million. Darigolds big bet Darigold Inc., the Seattle-based dairy cooperative, appears to have had fewer diversions. It selected a site in the Port of Pasco after a lengthy recruitment that involved multiple agencies. It broke ground on its a state-of-the-art $600 million plant on at 8201 N. Railroad Ave. nearly two years ago. Work is reportedly on track on what is billed as the largest private investment in Pasco history. The plant will turn 8 million pounds of milk per day into butter and milk powder for infant formula and other uses. It will purchase milk from 100 dairies and is expected to directly employ 200. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. The Military Honors Team stationed at Fort Liberty, N.C., carry the flag-draped casket containing the remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Mose E. Vance at Charlotte International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., on July 31, 2024. Vance was killed in action in France in January 1945 during World War II. The Vance family worked with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify Vances remains after being interred, unidentified, in France, for nearly 80 years. (Ariana Shuemake/U.S. Army National Guard) U.S. Army Pfc. Mose E. Vance of Bradshaw, W.Va., returned home last week decades after he was killed during World War II. Vance was 21 at the time of his death in 1945. Vances remains were released to his closest living relative Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. For the past several decades, Vance had been interred at the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. Avold, France, known today as Lorraine American Cemetery. Following his return to the United States, his final resting place will be at the Vance Cemetery in Paynesville, W.Va. Services will be held Aug. 10, 2024. The homecoming marks the end of a journey not just for Vance but also for his family. Following the identification and accountability of Vances remains on Jan. 5, 2024, his return home is one of the last chapters in the years-long journey for the Vance family. Oakley Ferrell Vance, or Ferrell as he calls himself, Vances closest living relative, recalls starting the project with his brother. Well, about five or six years ago, me and my brother actually started talking about the whole family, how we used to hear her grandmother (Ferrells great-grandmother) and my grandmother talking about Uncle Mose, Ferrell said. And she never would accept that he got killed in service. She always thought that he was missing and would someday be found, or had amnesia. She just never would accept it, and I guess getting older and my brother and I started talking about it. I said lets try to find him. The family members of U.S. Army Pfc. Mose E. Vance pose with a homemade quilt gifted to them by a group of Gold Star Mothers at a private conference room at the Charlotte International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., July 31, 2024. (Ariana Shuemake/U.S. Army National Guard) Family members of U.S. Army Pfc. Mose E. Vance are led in prayer by airport chaplains during a dignified transfer at Charlotte International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., on July 31, 2024. (Ariana Shuemake/U.S. Army National Guard) Throughout the next several years, Ferrell, as a means to fill his time after retirement, kept digging, which led him to get in touch with a volunteer organization in France that was sponsoring Vance. I got in contact with him and after a couple years of searching ... they gave me a lot of information they traced it to where they had his remains and they did some DNA testing and got a positive hit, Ferrell recalled. Once Vance was positively identified based on the DNA analysis results on Jan. 5, 2024, Jim Bell, a U.S. Army Identification Specialist working for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), stepped in. I notify the family of the identification. I get a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) assigned and then I brief the family on the loss/recovery of the Soldier and how the Soldier was identified, Bell stated. Green also got to let the family know about medals that would be conferred. I had the honor of presenting the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star medals to Ferrell, Green said. U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Mose E. Vance, 21, of Bradshaw, W.Va., killed during World War II, was accounted for Jan. 5, 2024. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) In January 1945, Vance was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in the European Theater. Shortly before midnight on New Years Eve 1944, German forces launched a major offensive operation in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine, France, known as Operation NORDWIND. The German attack surged through Allied defenses along the Franco-German border, and the ensuing battle enveloped two U.S. Corps along a 40-mile-wide front. In the following few weeks, Company F found itself assigned to a seven-mile sector at Reipertswiller and Wildenguth, France. Vance was killed on Jan. 11, but because of the intensity of the fighting, his body was unable to be recovered. Vances name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinoze, France, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. For Ferrell, the day was emotional. Im kind of an emotional person I wear my feelings on my sleeves, whether I feel good or bad, he said. You think its not real sometimes. And I used to watch World War II movies all the time. Theyd shot a lot of video footage and Id watch all of it hoping I could see him, and I never did. This picture taken on December 5, 2023 shows Taiwans remote Shihyu islet. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images) TAIPEI, Taiwan In the imagined blockade of Zero Day, a Taiwanese television drama that will be released next year but is already causing a stir, the Chinese military has encircled Taiwan, cutting it off from the world and plunging the island democracy of 23 million into crisis. In a 17-minute trailer released last week, the public responds to Chinas blockade with a mixture of terror and resignation. Young couples ride bikes past tank convoys on empty streets. Criminal gangs stir up chaos on behalf of Beijing and its territorial claims over Taiwan. Taiwanese shouldnt fight and couldnt win anyway, an influencer tells her followers in the series. Those who want us to enter the battlefield they really dont care about our suffering, she says. It may be fiction, but the shows bleak assessment of Taiwanese readiness to fight touches upon a very real problem facing President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May and whom Beijing considers a dangerous separatist. The threat from Beijing has intensified as Chinese leader Xi Jinping has declared Chinas reunification with Taiwan inevitable. He has underscored his willingness to use force to achieve that goal by sending rising numbers of warplanes and navy ships to probe the islands defenses. Taiwans government has been trying to improve its defenses by extending mandatory military service and revamping ongoing training for reservists as part of a broader shift in defense strategy designed to make Xi think twice before taking a gamble on use of force. But young Taiwanese are not answering the call, and Defense Minister Wellington Koo recently acknowledged a lack of equipment and instructors has slowed attempts to professionalize reservist training. I must honestly say that we need to quickly strengthen [training] as there is still a lot of room for improvement, he told the legislature in June. Such admissions may concern Donald Trump, who has signaled a more transactional approach to American support for Taiwanese defense if he is reelected president in November. Taipei wants to create a professional backup force to support 155,000 active-duty soldiers. All Taiwanese men born in or after 2005 are now required to enlist for a year of service, while some 2 million former soldiers are supposed to complete refresher training every two years. But officials have acknowledged being behind schedule with plans to teach reservists and draftees how to supplement front-line troops in the event of a war. Only 6 percent of eligible conscripts 6,936 people took part in the newly implemented 12-month program this year. Most deferred military service to first attend university, meaning the 2005-born intake cohort wont be fully trained until 2027. Those doing military service this year are not undergoing the anticipated training. A select group of one-year conscripts were supposed to be learning to use drones, Kestrel antitank rockets and surface-to-air Stinger missiles but there were not enough trainees this year to begin the training, according to a Defense Ministry officer. Taiwans slow progress on boosting training concerns military experts in both Washington and Taipei, who are urging authorities to move faster to deter Xi and prevent a war. The last thing that Taiwan wants is for Xi Jinping, as the key decision-maker in China, and for the United States, as the key ally of Taiwan, to doubt Taiwans commitments to its own defense, said Matt Pottinger, who was U.S. deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration and is now a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. To do that, Pottinger said, Taiwan needs the political will and foresight to dedicate some of its best military officers to recruitment and instruction. Im really hoping that Taiwan makes these sacrifices, he said. People's Liberation Army troops stand in formation during a ceremony at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong on June 30, 2017. (Anthony Kwan/Bloomberg) Chinas military, the largest standing army in the world, has 2 million active personnel and recruits about 400,000 conscripts every year. Its defense budget of $230 billion was 13 times as large as Taiwans in 2023 and its military regularly trains to take the island in a sudden overwhelming assault. The United States is required by law to help Taiwan strengthen its own defenses, including through arms sales, but it isnt formally committed to intervening against a Chinese attack, a policy known as strategic ambiguity. While President Biden has repeatedly said he would send the U.S. military to defend Taiwan, Trump has made no such promises. Asked what he would do in an interview last month, Trump said that Taiwan was 9,500 miles away and should pay for American defense. Taiwan must be mentally prepared for a Trump victory in November and the scrutiny that will come with that, said Mei Fu-hsing, director of the Taiwan Security Analysis Center, a New York-based research center. If [Trump] is reelected, he will certainly demand Taiwan to significantly increase its own defense spending and be more proactive in preparing for war, Mei said. Improved training is a key way for Taiwan to show it is taking military readiness seriously, analysts say. But new programs have continued to face shortages of funding, instructors and equipment, leading to regular complaints from attendees about the quality of instruction, according to reservists as well as official statements acknowledging setbacks. It was a complete waste of time, said Vincent Tsao, a 30-year-old scuba diving instructor who spent most of his five days of reservist training last week sitting idly inside being taught by retired soldiers who openly acknowledged they werent prepared to lead the program. Taiwanese men who completed mandatory service within the last 12 years are theoretically called back for refresher training every second year, although in practice many attend far less frequently. Only a fifth of the reservists who went through refresher training last year completed the newly extended two-week course, with the majority doing only five or seven days. Preparing 2 million reservists for immediate combat readiness as a second line of defense is very important for defending Taiwan, said Han Gang-ming, former director of Taiwans All-out Defense Mobilization Office, which oversees reservists. Since the reserve force is not the primary combat unit, we are always placed last whenever budgets are allocated, Han said. Fighting a defeatist attitude Since taking office in May, Lai has vowed to press ahead with his predecessors reforms that will improve readiness and warned the military to guard against a defeatist attitude, telling troops they cannot presume the first battle will be the last battle should China attack. But the new administration has not yet announced major changes to training beyond scrapping ceremonial bayonet and goose-stepping drills. Lai also faces fierce pushback from the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang, which controls the legislature, and has accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of trying to turn Taiwan into a powder keg. China, which wants to undermine Lai, has claimed that he wants to turn ordinary people into cannon fodder. But analysts say Taiwan must prepare for the new realities of an increasingly aggressive China. Taiwans military strategy has long focused on stopping China before its troops crossed the 110-mile strait that separates them, but a growing number of defense analysts in Taipei and Washington say Taiwan must prepare for the worst possible scenario: a protracted battle on the island itself. Taiwans reservists are going to be mobilizing where the fight is happening, when the fight is happening, said Michael Hunzeker, a retired Marine who studies military reform at George Mason University. The island is patently not ready for that, according to people who have completed military training recently. Cony Hsieh, 31, who previously enlisted and served as a soldier for six years, signed up for reservist training as soon as women were allowed to join last year. She returned for a second round in May. While there were minor improvements, the military was moving too slowly to gain public trust and make training more than a formality, she said. I dont even know what Im supposed to do in my position if a war breaks out, Hsieh, who is now working on a masters degree, said in an interview. Rising public concern about a conflict has left many in Taiwan asking themselves what they would do in a Zero Day scenario and how far they should allow Chinas invasion threat to infringe on daily life. Surveys show a majority of Taiwanese support the decision to lengthen mandatory service, but that doesnt mean they think training is a good use of time or public funds. Everyone has their own lives and families. My wife would have to work and take care of the child by herself when I was away, said Hsieh Yu-hsiang, a 30-year-old salesman at an insurance company who attended 14 days of training in early July. Even so, he supports government plans to strengthen reservist training. As the threat increases, Hsieh said, its inevitable that we need measures in place to respond. Abigail Hauslohner in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event on July 23, 2024, at West Allis Central High School in Wisconsin. (Sara Stathas for the Washington Post) Vice President Harris will interview at least three of the finalists to serve as her running mate Sunday in Washington as she moves closer to making her choice, according to multiple people familiar with her plans. Harris will meet with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential deliberations. It is unclear how many of the three other finalists Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois have been invited to meet with Harris. In choosing her running mate, Harris is not solely concerned with electability but is also looking for a governing partner and someone she feels chemistry with, her allies say. Harris spent Saturday at her residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, where lawyers, led by former attorney general Eric Holder, gave presentations on the finalists based on deep examinations of their backgrounds, experience and potential vulnerabilities, a person familiar with the process said. Holder and a team of lawyers at Covington & Burling oversaw the vetting of the officials in contention on an extremely compressed timeline. Presidential nominees usually take months to select a running mate, but only two weeks have passed since President Biden withdrew from the race and Harris became the likely nominee. Holder and his team finished the process this week after poring over reams of paperwork on the candidates. Harris will announce her vice-presidential pick by Tuesday, when she and the candidate appear in Philadelphia for the first of seven rallies over the course of five days. The two will campaign in each of the seven most competitive states Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. On Friday, some of the finalists interviewed with Harriss senior staff, including Jen OMalley Dillon, the campaign chair, and Sheila Nix, Harriss campaign chief of staff. Harriss campaign also brought on Liz Allen, the current undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department, to serve as chief of staff to Harriss running mate. Allen worked as Harriss communications director when she was Bidens running mate on the 2020 ticket. Kevin Munoz, a spokesman for Harriss campaign, declined to comment on the process, pointing to his previous statement that the campaign does not expect to have additional updates until the Vice President announces who will be serving as her running mate. The finalists are all White men, reflecting an assumption that voters would prefer a White male running mate for the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent leading a major-party presidential ticket. Four years ago, Biden selected Harris amid a sense by many in the Democratic Party that it was important to have a woman and a person of color on the ticket. Since Harris became the presumptive nominee, her potential running mates have blanketed the airwaves trying to demonstrate how they would be an asset as vice president while also taking shots at Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former president Donald Trumps running mate, ahead of a potential debate with him should they be selected. Pritzker put out an almost four-minute video on social media to tout his accomplishments as governor, while Gabrielle Giffords, the wife of Kelly, posted a video about their marriage. Allies to Buttigieg, meanwhile, have asked his donors and supporters to make the public case for his bid. As Harris wraps up her process, the finalists have had to change their schedules to accommodate interviews. Walz had originally planned to campaign for Harris in New Hampshire on Sunday before canceling the appearance. Teddy Tschann, a spokesman for the governor, said in a statement that Walzs schedule has changed without providing additional information. Buttigieg, who pulled out of an official stop in Indiana on Friday, attended a fundraiser for Harris in Holderness, N.H., hosted by Gary Hirshberg, the co-founder of Stonyfield Farms, the dairy company. The fundraiser raised more than $800,000, according to a person familiar who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share financial information. Shapiro pulled out of a weekend fundraising swing in the Hamptons, and Beshear canceled a Friday stop in western Kentucky. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez in Phoenix contributed to this report. Adam Corcoran (29) appeared before a special sitting of Mallow District Court today A young man has been charged with the murder of his partner, mother of two Daena Walsh (27), who was found fatally stabbed in a burning Cork building. Adam Corcoran (29) appeared before a special sitting of Mallow District Court today (Sunday) after he was initially arrested on Friday afternoon in Midleton. Corcoran has an address at John Barry House on Connolly Street in the east Cork town. He is charged contrary to Common Law with the murder of his partner, Daena Walsh (27), at John Barry House in Midleton, Co Cork at a time unknown on August 2 last. He appeared in court wearing black trousers and a light grey hoodie. Judge Philip O'Leary heard evidence of arrest, caution and charge from Det Garda Cormac O'Bric. Daena Walsh Corcoran had been detained on Friday under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 which allowed gardai to detain him for up to 24 hours for questioning. The court heard that, when the charge was formally put to him at Midleton Garda Station at 2.18am on Sunday, Corcoran replied: "No comment." As the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court and must be applied for to the High Court. Inspector Mary Skehan told the court the State was applying for a remand in custody to the sitting of Mallow District on Tuesday, August 6. The appearance will be via video-link. Free legal aid was granted and defence solicitor Eddie Burke asked that his client receive all required medical attention while in custody. Judge O'Leary directed the prison authorities that Corcorcan receive all medical and psychiatric attention as required. He remanded Corcoran in custody to appear again on Tuesday. Corcoran did not speak during the brief hearing. Ms Walsh was found critically injured in her flat at John Barry House between Connolly Street and Main Street in Midleton town centre shortly after 4pm on Friday. The young woman was discovered lying in a pool of blood in the apartment complex when Gardai raced to the building after the alarm had been raised. She had sustained apparent stab injuries and, despite desperate efforts by paramedics to help her, she was pronounced dead before she could be transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH). When Gardai attended the scene the property was discovered to be on fire - and Cork Fire Brigade units had to attend the deal with the blaze. No children were in the property at the time. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not spread to adjacent buildings. The property was immediately sealed off and a full technical and forensic examination continued over the weekend by experts from the Garda Technical Bureau. Ms Walsh's remains were transferred to CUH and a full post mortem examination was conducted on Saturday by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCarthy. Ms Walsh had previously lived at other addresses in Cork and in the greater Dublin area. She is believed to have grown up in Wicklow. The young woman had worked for a time in the tele-sales and marketing sectors. Midleton-based Cork East TD Pat Buckley said the local community was reeling from the tragedy. "The entire town of Midleton is in shock," he said. "Everyone was looking forward to the August bank holiday weekend and then to hear that a young woman has lost her life is truly heart-breaking." An incident room was set up at Midleton Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) was appointed. A garda spokesperson confirmed a family liaison officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased woman. Son of man killed in Christmas Eve machine-gun attack is target of motorbike assassin Gardai believe that Devon Hennessy was the target of a botched hit on Friday and that a bullet-proof BMW in which he was travelling may have saved his life. Devon, the son of Christmas Eve murder victim Jason Hennessy Snr, was in traffic on the Church Road in Mulhuddart, West Dublin at noon on Friday when a gunman on a motorcycle opened fire. A source said Devon has been driving a modified bullet-proof BMW since his fathers murder and was uninjured in the attack. Fridays shooting is the second time an attempt has been made on Devons life while he was in a vehicle. In 2019, another car he was travelling in was shot at five times, but he managed to flee unharmed and later declined to make a statement to gardai about the incident. Local gardai and politicians in the Blanchardstown area fear the latest attempted killing has the potential to reignite a feud which gardai have largely managed to keep a lid on in the wake of the murder of Devons father Jason Hennessy Snr. A source said gardai believe it is likely the botched hit was orchestrated by the same gang responsible for the killing of 48-year-old Jason Hennessy Snr. Jason Hennessy Snr Emergency services were alerted to Fridays gun attack at around midday. Witnesses said several shots were discharged from a firearm at the car in which Devon was travelling. However, no injuries were reported. Devon (28) was previously served with a G.I.M (Garda Information Message), an official warning that his life is under threat by gardai, during the height of the Corduff feud. The feud was particularly active in 2019 when there were multiple shooting incidents, assaults, stabbings and firebomb attacks. Devon is well-known to gardai, and evidence was given during previous court proceedings that he was involved in hostilities involving rival criminal gangs. Earlier this year, he appeared before Dublin District Court on a charge of dangerous driving arising from an incident on a motorcycle. The court heard he is currently unemployed and is a beneficiary of social welfare. Previous to this, in March 2020, he was convicted of violent disorder arising from an incident where he threw a punch at a man as he was leaving a courthouse. Gardai said the punch led to a volatile situation which needed the assistance of 20 gardai to calm it down. Garda Richard Finan told the court that as he tried to restrain Hennessy, the criminal had resisted him and tried to go back to the other man, shouting at him you are a dead man. Although the investigation into Fridays shooting is at its early stages, its understood gardai believe it is likely it was orchestrated by the same criminal gang that despatched gunman Tristan Sherry to Brownes Steakhouse on December 24. After opening fire with a machine-gun, hitting Jason Hennessy Snr several times, Sherry was confronted and disarmed. Tristan Sherry He subsequently died as a result of serious injuries sustained during the incident. A number of people charged in connection with his death have been sent forward for trial before the Special Criminal Court. Outlining the circumstances in which Sherry was killed, a court heard previously that slain Mr Hennessy had been with family and associates when two gunmen entered and opened fire. One gunman fled, and the other was grabbed by Jason Hennessy Sr; this gunman was Tristan Sherry. Both fell to the, and the firearm Tristan Sherry had was picked up by a person there. A number of people attacked the gunman on the ground. The court heard Sherry also suffered stab wounds. Jason Hennessy Snr. died as a result of his injuries in hospital 11 days later. At his funeral, the father-of-seven and grandfather-of-10 was remembered as a hero who had sensed the danger and stepped forward to save his family from coming to harm. Although gardai believe Tristan Sherry did not act alone on the night and that two other men were involved, there have been no arrests to date in relation to Jason Hennessy Snrs death. In the wake of the shooting in the crowded restaurant, a number of petrol bombings were carried out, while gardai foiled one suspected murder plot. However, gardai managed to prevent any further fatalities. In a statement, a garda spokesman confirmed they are investigating Fridays botched hit attempt. Devon Hennessy Jnr was attacked while driving his car Gardai at Blanchardstown are investigating the unlawful discharge of a firearm on Church Road, Mulhuddart, shortly after 12 noon on Friday, the statement said. No one was injured during the incident. The scene was forensically and technically examined by local gardai, and the cordon put in place 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. The trial of a homeless man accused of killing Mr Kennedy collapsed nine days ago Peter Kennedy was known and admired for his kindness and good deeds A tree has been planted in a park in Newbridge, Co Kildare, in memory of assault victim Peter Kennedy, who was loved in his local community. The trial of a homeless man accused of killing Mr Kennedy collapsed nine days ago, but a new trial will proceed in the coming months, the presiding judge ruled. Brian Ibe (23) denied murdering good Samaritan Mr Kennedy (65) but admitted causing his death after the deceased had offered him and his mother the use of his home and address until they found accommodation. Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode, but formerly of Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, and the Peter McVerry Trust, Dublin 12, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Mr Kennedy in Newbridge between April 28, 2020 and May 12, 2020. Mr Kennedy, from Moore Park estate, had dedicated his adult life to helping the less fortunate. He worked for over 20 years in the Probation Service, and much of his work was supervising those taking part in court-ordered community service. Peter Kennedy and, right, Brian Ibe A local man from Newbridge, who knew Mr Kennedy for decades, said he was a man who always put other peoples needs before his own. A neighbour, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: He grew up in the house he lived in and inherited it. He wasnt married or in a relationship. He was very well-known and liked by all. For many years his job was supervising people who have been sentenced to community service. So the park was an appropriate place for his memorial because he often worked there when people assigned to community service carried out tasks in the park. Although Mr Kennedy was admired for being a caring and community-conscious man, some of his friends and loved ones had over the years warned him not to be taken in by people out to take advantage of his kind nature. Some of the people he supervised years ago took advantage of him. They would say theyd no money for parking, or had spent their food money on parking fees, and he would end up giving them money out of his own pocket, the neighbour said. His area of supervising people doing court-ordered community service would include other parts of Kildare and into Edenderry in Co Offaly. He couldnt drive, but paid someone to give him a lift, even though the cost of that would take up a lot of his pay. He was the type of man who would do anything for anyone. His untimely death, just as retirement loomed, was a devastating blow to all of us. Well miss him sorely There is no link between Mr Kennedys work for the Probation Service and the man accused of his murder. Mr Kennedy was an active trade unionist and involved in a number of community groups, including Newbridge Tidy Towns. Forsas civil service division paid tribute to him following his death. Branch chair and friend Tom Madden said: Peter was one of a generation who cared and who found his own way of helping people. To say Peter was proud of his town would be a gross understatement. There arent many who took as much pride in Kildare as he did. His untimely death, just as retirement loomed, was a devastating blow to all of us. Well miss him sorely. The murder trial collapsed on July 26. Mr Justice Burns told the jury the court had been informed that additional witnesses were to be called by the defence, but that the prosecution had not believed those witnesses were to be called as experts. Only witnesses classified as experts are allowed to give their opinions in evidence, as opposed to regular witnesses, who can only testify to factual matters. The judge told the jury the court would not be able to deal with that scenario for a couple of months and it would be unfair to ask them to remain empanelled for that duration after already hearing evidence that could have been distressing and disturbing. In opening the case, prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC had told the jury it was not disputed that the accused caused the death of Mr Kennedy, but it was for them to determine whether Mr Ibe was suffering from a mental illness such that it would allow the defence of not guilty by reason of insanity. Over two days of evidence, the court heard that in 2019 Mr Ibe and his mother, Martha, were put up by Mr Kennedy at his home. Mr Kennedy was fatally assaulted by Mr Ibe in April 2020 and died two weeks later. The jury heard Mr Kennedy was an absolute gentleman, who took homeless people into his home while they were looking for accommodation, but he had become fearful of Mr Ibe. Zara Mir was left in hospital with multiple bruises and scratches to her face, arms and upper body following a vicious assault A young mother of two who was spat on in open court by her ex-boyfriend moments after he was jailed for savagely assaulting her while 37 weeks pregnant has broken her silence on her terrifying ordeal in a bid to encourage other victims of domestic violence to come forward. Zara Mir was left in hospital with multiple bruises and scratches to her face, arms and upper body following a vicious assault carried out by her then partner Michael Purcell, (23), of 108 McEoin Park, Farnagh, Longford. The shocking and sustained nature of the assault led gardai to later arrest and charge Purcell with assault causing harm following the incident at Hibernian Court, Longford on December 7, 2022. Zara Mir has spoken of her terrifying ordeal at being violently assaulted by her former partner while she was 37 weeks pregnant. Purcell subsequently pleaded guilty before a recent sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court to the attack on Ms Mir while she was a matter of weeks away from giving birth to his now 18-month-old daughter. Judge Kenneth Connolly initially imposed a two year sentence, suspending the final six months for a period of 12 months subject to a number of conditions. However, as Purcell was being led away by prison officers, the Longford man spat at Ms Mir who was sitting in the public gallery while shouting: Youre nothing but dirt. That outburst resulted in Judge Connolly revoking half of Purcells six month suspended term, meaning the accused will now spend 21 months behind bars with the final three months suspended after Ms Mir entered the witness box to express her desire to pursue the matter. An image of some of the extensive bruising Zara Mir received in the aftermath of the assault. Just a matter of days on from the ensuing court proceedings, the 24-year-old relived the terrifying moments of an attack she believes, to this day, could have claimed her life. I thought I was going to die, she said, recounting how Purcell gripped her neck and left her struggling to breathe. When I was looking into his eyes it was as if it was a different person I was seeing, not the person I was chatting to the night before. It was like there was no stopping him. In a series of images taken following the attack and which have been obtained by the Irish Independent, Ms Mir detailed how alongside a series of bruises to her arms and face, she bravely fought back against her assailant in a desperate bid to protect her unborn child. As the attack went on for so long, I had to keep fighting back because if I didnt he would have ended up leaving me in a coffin, she added. I had (scratches) and bleeding from the back of my head where he pulled out the hair. There was bruising to the cheekbone, I had a black eye and bruising on my arm. Zara Mir susained injuries to her neck, face and arms following the assault in December 2022. Her ordeal unfolded just prior to a scheduled midwifes appointment, an engagement she courageously followed through on as she attended hospital later the same day. It was just a normal check-up I was meant to be going to that day and when I got there I didnt know how to react to it because underneath the face mask that I was wearing at the time, my nose was all swollen and bitten, she vividly recalled. I had a swollen face and my eye was black and everything (bruising) up my arm. I was nervous going in, them (nurses) seeing everything and then making a whole thing out of it. Michael Purcell. The physical repercussions of the incident so close to her scheduled delivery date resulted in Ms Mir going into slow labour for almost a week and undergoing a Caesarean section. To make matters worse, the violent nature of the assault took place in front of Ms Mirs then two-year-old son Riley as he watched helplessly on from a play pen. In a remarkably frank insight into the how the incident has inevitably taken its toll, the Dublin native said she still witnesses its psychological after-effects in her son on an almost daily basis. Riley was two at the time and its like as if now he is attached and cant be apart from me, she said, adding how seeing his mother receive hugs from others can bring on feelings of anxiety. He just doesnt like the whole separation thing. Those challenges are ones she is hoping to overcome with the support of her partner as she looks to steadily rebuild her life and put the past two years or more behind her. Her feelings towards her attacker are, at best, dispassionate, sentiments she said were best summed up by Purcells behaviour in court. I wasnt surprised, she said, when asked about her reaction to being spat on by the father of her child. Its because its quite a normal thing for him to do to basically act out or to have no respect for anyone else but himself. Its like as if I am numb about it all. To be honest I have no feelings. I would love to be angry and I would love to be like Oh I hate him and he is this and he is that, but I am over it. Bruise marks which were photographed shortly after the attack. I was happy that he did actually get sentenced and in another way part of me is thinking it should have been a bit longer considering what he did do and the fact that it was while I was pregnant. I was pleased he got extra time and I know the whole (suspended sentence) wasnt revoked, but I was glad he got something because it showed that his petty actions werent being ignored and that people were actually acknowledging them. Her appreciative words over presiding Judge Connollys handling of the case were mirrored to those she directed at local support group, Longford Womens Link who she credited with helping her through the whole judicial process. And, in a final message of advice to those undergoing similar physical aggression at home, Ms Mir urged others to speak up and become survivors of domestic violence. Zara Mir is now looking forward to rebuilding her life and is encouraging other women subjected to violence in the home to similarly come forward. Dont keep it in because it will leave you going crazy, she said. Talk to a friend or your family or even someone like (Longford) Womens Link because without them I wouldnt have known how to go through the whole process of getting a safety order or anything like that for me and the kids. I dont have to keep looking over my shoulder the whole time now that I know he is gone. I can continue to live my life with the kids so that we can all just breathe and be able to do things we want to do and not have to hide away anymore. Ron Sachs/CNP / Shutterstock / Ron Sachs/CNP / Shutterstock Full details about former President Donald Trumps tax policies if re-elected are forthcoming. However, public policy watchdogs like the Tax Foundation predict Trump is likely to maintain his tax policies. Trumps tax policies generally trended towards reducing tax liabilities and simplifying the tax code. Learn More: Im an Investor Im Making These Money Moves Immediately If Trump Wins For You: 9 Easy Ways To Build Wealth That Will Last Through Retirement Using a proprietary model, Tax Foundation researchers concluded that if Trump made his 2017 tax reforms permanent, it would boost long-run GDP by 1.2 percent, capital stock by 1.1 percent, wages by 0.4 percent, and produce 926,000 full-time jobs. GOBankingRates examined Trumps tax positions. Here are all the promises Trump has made about taxes if hes re-elected. Ron Sachs/CNP / Shutterstock / Ron Sachs/CNP / Shutterstock Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent The centerpiece of Trumps tax plan is making his comprehensive tax reforms permanent. The plan is known as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) or the Trump Tax Cuts. The Act lowered individual income tax rates across most brackets and adjusted the income ranges for each bracket. For example, the law nearly doubled the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. Read Next: Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Expiring How Changes Will Impact Retirees Check Out: 7 Reasons You Must Speak to a Financial Advisor To Boost Your Savings in 2024 It also eliminated personal exemptions while doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, with up to $1,400 being refundable. The tax cuts would decrease federal tax revenue by $4.3 trillion on a conventional basis and by $3.6 trillion on a dynamic basis, Tax Foundation researchers said. That reduction in revenue would come over a decade when the federal government is already projected to run deficits totaling $22 trillion. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. DIEU-NIALO CHERY/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock / DIEU-NIALO CHERY/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock Use Your 529 Savings for Private School Trump would continue a provision in his 2017 tax reform policy that expanded the use of 529 savings plans, which parents normally use to save for their childrens higher education, to include K-12 private school tuition. Find Out: Should Trump Eliminate Income Taxes? Heres What Tax Experts Say MICHAEL WYKE / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com No Taxes for Alimony Income In his 2017 tax reforms, Trump also repealed the deduction for alimony payments for divorces finalized after 2018 and made alimony income non-taxable for recipients. Andrew Leyden/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Cap Your State and Local Taxes The Trump Tax Plan capped local and state income tax deductions at $10,000 and limited the mortgage interest deduction to the first $750,000 of mortgage debt. Story continues CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com Favorable Treatment for Employee Stock Options Employees with incentive stock options wouldnt have to pay the additional Alternative Minimum Tax liability, making these stock options more attractive. Trending Now: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes 3 Items That Will Instantly Get More Expensive Gripas Yuri / ABACA / Shutterstock.com No Tax Penalty For Opting Out of Obamacare Trump has vowed to eliminate the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. One step was to eliminate the penalty for not having health insurance. The measure was part of Trumps 2017 tax reforms. Aces/SplashNews.com / Aces/SplashNews.com Permanently Reduce Corporate and Business Taxes Trump would permanently reduce the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%. In addition, Trump introduced a 20% deduction for qualified business income from pass-through entities like partnerships, S-corporations, and sole proprietorships. Businesses would also be allowed to immediately expense certain capital investments instead of depreciating them over time. Tannen Maury / UPI / Shutterstock.com Permanently Change the Alternative Minimum Tax Trump proposed maintaining the changes he made to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) provisions. Under the proposal, high-income earners would owe fewer taxes. Specifically, high-income taxpayers would no longer need to calculate their taxes under both the regular tax system and the AMT system during the filing process. In addition, taxpayers would no longer deal with the complexity associated with tracking and adjusting for line items such as stock options and other deductions that are treated differently under the Alternative Minimum Tax. U.S. companies that held overseas profits would be liable for a one-time tax to encourage them to invest in America. Trumps tax plan also created provisions to prevent multinational corporations from avoiding paying federal taxes through profit shifting. Be Aware: Im an Economist Heres What a Trump Win in November Would Mean for the Tax Burden on the Poor DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock / DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock Double Exemption For Estate and Gift Taxes While President Trump doubled the estate tax exemption to $11.2 million for individuals and $22.4 million for married couples. 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: Here Are All the Promises Trump Has Made About Taxes if Hes Re-Elected It is understood Dwyer appeared unbothered when he was told the news Graham Dwyer was informed ahead of Wednesdays court ruling, that he had lost his last-ditch appeal against his 2015 conviction for the murder of childcare worker Elaine OHara. It is understood Dwyer appeared unbothered when he was told the news at the Midlands Prison, where he is housed on the A3 landing. A prison source revealed: He found out the day before and there wasnt a bother on him about it. He has never been one to react emotionally, at least outwardly, to any legal developments. "Other prisoners might smash up their cell but not Dwyer. Hes always cool as a cucumber. The decision came after more than a decade of anguish for the OHara family, who have endured appeal after appeal by the killer. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that evidence of mobile phone data was admissible at Dwyers trial. The Court of Appeal rejected Dwyers appeal last year on all grounds. The Supreme Court agreed to hear this final appeal as it said it raised issues of law of exceptional public importance. Dwyer has another legal action ongoing, although it is unrelated to his murder conviction Dwyer has now exhausted all his legal options and will continue to serve his life sentence. In a statement, Elaine OHaras family said: We are relieved that the Supreme Court has upheld the verdict of the Court of Appeal, adding that they hope that Elaine can now, at last, rest in peace. Dwyer has another legal action ongoing, although it is unrelated to his murder conviction. He has an action against the Irish Prison Service and the State over the seizure of a prison-issue laptop amid concerns he used it to download pornography. Prison sources previously confirmed the computer was taken from Dwyer in the Midlands Prison as he prepared for his murder appeal. However, no pornography was found. The laptop was handed to detectives in Dublin who had been involved in securing Dwyers conviction for the murder of Elaine OHara. His plenary action is being brought against the Irish Prison Service, the Justice Minister and the attorney general. The case includes claims for damages for alleged negligence, alleged breach of privacy rights under the Data Protection Act and alleged breach of statutory duty. Dwyer is being represented by Dublin law firm Harringtons LLP, which specialises in personal injury litigation and criminal defence cases. Solicitor and partner David Harrington has declined to comment on the specifics of the action. The original murder trial jury found Dwyer stabbed Ms OHara to death on Killakee Mountain, Co Dublin, on August 22, 2012. Dwyer was a married man at the time and had met his victim through a website. The trial heard he was a violent sadomasochist who filmed himself stabbing sexual partners, one of whom gave evidence against him. Mobile phone data played a large part in the prosecution case as it helped link Dwyer to Ms OHara and to locations connected with the murder. Dwyer denied murdering Ms OHara and claimed she was suicidal when she disappeared. Three PSNI officers were injured and at least 13 reports of criminal damage made to police. The manager of a supermarket on Donegall Road, which was badly damaged by fire, at the scene on Sunday morning. Image: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were killed in the attack. People protest in Sunderland city centre following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, The Unity Over Division event is taking place at City Hall. Photo: Kevin Scott. An anti-immigration protest takes place in Belfast City Centre on August 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) A bin on fire in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road area (Photo: Liam McBurney) Firefighters at the scene of a building on fire in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road area (Photo: Liam McBurney) Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Thugs behind violence which flared in Belfast brought shame on themselves and the city, a senior police officer said today. Four people have been arrested after a day and night of sporadic violence which saw a cafe and shop set on fire. Cars and bins were also torched in the Sandy Row area. Three PSNI officers were injured and at least 13 reports of criminal damage made to police. Petrol bombs were thrown and an apartment block evacuated at one stage, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said. He said police will use every tool at our disposal to identify those involved. Fresh trouble flared on Saturday night after rival groups faced off in the city centre earlier in the day, as unrest following the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport spread to Northern Ireland. At one stage police formed a large cordon around the Islamic Centre on University Street as an anti-immigration march headed towards the area. "Nothing left just ashes" - Businesses destroyed during night of racist disorder in south Belfast There has been widespread condemnation, with political leaders saying those responsible must face heavy punishment. First Minister Michelle ONeill said she had spoken to Taoiseach Simon Harris on the matter. She said: We are agreed that co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination and intimidation anywhere in our society. I remain resolutely committed to a shared, modern and inclusive society. Justice Minister Naomi Long said the demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division. "They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community, she said. Trouble flared in Belfast last night. "This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level. Gavin Robinson, the DUP leader, said: The scenes of violence, thuggery and destruction in Belfast yesterday are totally unacceptable. Lawlessness and violence was and is always wrong. Those intent on such behaviour must face the full rigours of the law. This afternoon, the PSNI released further details of the trouble. They said a protest involving 600 people formed in the City Hall area yesterday morning, with police preventing attempts to march to the Belfast Islamic Centre. Sporadic violence broke out in parts of south Belfast, with further disorder reported in the Sandy Row area on Saturday night. Some nearby roads were closed by police. Mr Beck added: As a result of yesterdays disorder, we are today, Sunday, dealing with a number of reports of criminal damage, assault, and arson as well as other related offences. So far we have made four arrests for a number of offences including disorderly behaviour, assault on police, taking part in an un-notified procession, riotous behaviour and possession of fireworks without a licence. There were four reports of assault made to police involving members of the public. Serious injuries, thankfully, were not reported. Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Three police officers also sustained injuries as a consequence of this disorder, two officers remained on duty and one officer was relieved from duty after suffering concussion. Mr Beck said attacks on officers were totally unacceptable as he praised the professional actions of police who dealt with yesterdays events. To date we have received 13 reports of criminal damage but we expect to receive more as the days progress. We are continuing to engage with communities across Belfast in this regard, he added. Some of these reports included extensive damage caused to local businesses with windows being broken and damage also caused to vehicles parked in the local community some of which were burnt out. There were also five reports of arson including a bin being set on fire, youths throwing petrol bombs and fire damage to business premises in the Donegall Road area. It was necessary to evacuate an apartment block in a building set on fire, such was the recklessness of the disorder. Mr Beck said police are working hard to identify all those responsible and those involved "will be dealt with using the full force of the law. This disorder, violence and destruction has no place in Belfast or anywhere else across the streets of Northern Ireland, he added. I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterdays rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and the devastating impact this has had on local communities. Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and Belfast city. Their actions are completely inexcusable and we will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Let's be very clear - violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Secretary of State Hilary Benn posted on X: "Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today. Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe." UUP leader Doug Beattie called the scenes absolutely appalling, adding: "Those who incited this, not just the perpetrators, must be held to account. SDLP South Belfast MLA Matthew OToole said: "To see far right thugs - many of whom had no connection to the area - rampage through Botanic Avenue and the Holyland, areas proud of their diversity, was appalling. "There was nothing legitimate about their actions. They had no cause other than hate and no agenda other than destruction. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Hundreds of people had gathered for the peaceful Unity Over Division rally, in support of Muslim communities. Some in the crowd held banners saying no to racism and refugees are welcome. Soon afterwards, anti-Islamic protesters also gathered near City Hall. Some chanted "Islam out" while others carried a Coolock Says No sign, in reference to a site in Dublin that was being renovated to accommodate asylum seekers. While the anti-Islamophobia rally ended shortly before 1pm, anti-immigration protesters moved on to south Belfast, arriving on Ormeau Road where around 100 local residents turned them back. Several businesses around Botanic Avenue were targeted. Windows were smashed and furniture broken at the Sahara shisha cafe. Its owner Rahmi, who has been in Belfast for 35 years, said he did not "know how to explain" what happened to his children. Thugs also smashed windows at the Holiday Inn and Dukes at Queen's Hotel on University Street. A banner at the anti-immigration protest in Belfast. Photo: Kevin Scott. Then, on Saturday evening, cars and bins were torched in the Sandy Row area. The owner of one supermarket targeted, Bashir, said Muslim businesses were being deliberately targeted. Firefighters also attended Bash Cafe, which was ablaze. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said four appliances and two officers attended the cafe on fire. The cause was determined as deliberate. NIFRS then received reports of a shop on fire on Donegall Road shortly after 10.50pm. Four appliances attended before leaving the scene just after midnight. The case was also determined as deliberate. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Deirdre Hargey, a local Sinn Fein MLA who attended the anti-racism rally, said there was shock that the anti-immigrant protest had been allowed to reach south Belfast. She told the Belfast Telegraph: Our understanding is the fascist mob that had gathered at City Hall this morning made their way up towards University Road in south Belfast. Ms Hargey said it was very concerning that the procession was able to march from the city centre to south Belfast. She added: "We warned about this yesterday and I spoke to the PSNI and said there was refugee and asylum seeker accommodation the whole way up this route. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Anthony Flynn, a local Green Party councillor, posted on X: Absolutely disgusting scenes from the far-right thugs throwing fireworks, stones, and other missiles towards a peaceful anti-fascist rally. These people are not Belfast. They will exploit any situation to spread their vile hatred." Multiple UK towns and cities saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured, and many more arrests promised. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack. The victims were Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes "will pay the price" and that "criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets". Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his "full support" to take action against "extremists" attempting to "sow hate" by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester and Blackpool which saw several police officers injured. Arrests have been made across the country with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. I hope we can all move on from this, because I want everyone to know they are welcome in my bar. John Bittles, the owner of one of Belfast's most iconic bars bites back this week after religious discrimination case goes against him Penitent publican John Bittles says his popular boozer is open to everyone. Whether youre a Catholic, a Protestant, a Buddhist, a Baptist or a Jew, theres always a welcome on the mat as far as Mr Bittles is concerned. But earlier this week, the well-known owner of Bittles Bar in downtown Belfast, hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Newspapers reported John Bittles had agreed to shell out six and a half grand compensation to a customer who claimed he told him, We dont serve Protestants. Craigan Boyd from Bangor a retired police officer in his 60s, worked as a close protection officer at the nearby Royal Courts of Justice. And he claimed he went to Bittles Bar for a drink which is a candidate for Belfasts Smallest Bar title on a busy Friday afternoon. Mr Boyd, who had previously been an infrequent visitor to Bittles, said he was greeted by the proprietor who explained he would require a seat before ordering a drink. John Bittles at Bittle's Bar According to Boyd, John Bittles told him: No seat, no drink, new rules in the bar. I look after my locals. But Boyd also said the publican then declared: We dont serve Protestants Im only joking, no, Im not. And as he did so, Bittles pointed to a group of customers sitting at a nearby table, who cheered his remark, which made him feel uncomfortable. Boyd latter said, he was made to feel embarrassed and intimidated by what transpired. And after leaving the Church Lane establishment, he reported the matter to the PSNI, prior to consulting the Equality Commission and taking a case against the popular publican. A police officer told Boyd he would be recording the public exchange as a hate crime. But earlier this week, the matter which was supported by the Equality Commission was settled out of court, when Craigan Boyd accepted 6,500 compensation. Said Mr Boyd: I just wanted to have a drink. I had been to Bittles Bar many times before over the years. The landlord knows me and had spoken to me. I honestly thought the days of this type of behaviour in Northern Ireland were behind us. I felt I had to challenge it, so I reported it to the police and contacted the Equality Commission. The commission said the incident took place on a Friday afternoon. And it had left the man intimidated and embarrassed. Owner John Bittles of Bittles Bar, Church Street Belfast. A spokesperson said the settlement was a warning to other business owners about how to conduct themselves in front of customers. And yesterday John Bittles told the Sunday World: I accept what the Equality Commission said about this matter. And I apologise publicly to the man who took the case. I hope we can all move on from this, because I want everyone to know they are welcome in my bar. This week I was contacted by a number of Protestant customers who wished me well for the future. The irony in all of this is, when I was a small boy, although my father was a Catholic, I was actually raised as a Protestant for a good few years. And the highlight of my year, was watching the loyalist bands walking behind the Orangemen on July 12! My mother Sally who was a staunch Protestant took us every year to the Lisburn Road to hear the bands and I loved it, said Mr Bittles. And he added: It was only after my mother and father parted and we moved to another part of Belfast that I switched to a Catholic school because it was nearer. John has been the proprietor of the Church Lane bar for near 35 year, although the bar itself dates back to the late 1800s. Some far-right loyalists were filmed giving Nazi salutes Glen Kane, who was part of a gang that battered a Catholic to death in 1992, was part of the far-right hate mob on the streets of Belfast yesterday afternoon A convicted killer was at the front of a far-right hate protest yesterday which repeatedly accused immigrants of being killers. Seen here at the front of the hate protest at Belfast City Hall is Glen Kane, who is an actual convicted sectarian killer. Yet the Shankill loyalist killer stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Irish flag-waving republicans who had travelled from Dublin to support the far-right, anti-Muslim demo. Its unlikely the republican mob would have had any clue they were teaming up with a man who killed a Catholic, but Belfast witnessed the unthinkable as Ulster loyalists and Irish republicans united together in a festival of hate. Things turned nasty as missiles including eggs and fireworks were hurled from the ranks of the far-right gathering towards a mass counter-protest which had been organised in opposition to the anti-immigrant hate-mob. Protesters from Coolock attended the protest in Belfast and were warmly welcomed by flag waving loyalists. Several fireworks were chucked over the police lines indiscriminately, with one hitting an innocent woman who fell to the ground and required treatment by the PSNI and then an ambulance. Far-right loyalists some of whom were filmed giving Nazi salutes were seen hugging and shaking hands with a group of protesters who had travelled from Coolock in North Dublin, where there have been violent protests over plans to house international protection applicants. The reason for the far-right protesters to take to the street was bizarrely sparked by the shocking murders of three young schoolgirls at a dance event in Southport Merseyside during the week. Misinformation about the man suspected to have carried out the attack spread on social media and linked him, falsely, to radical Islam. This led to shocking violence on the streets of Southport and that has spread to other towns and cities, including London, Hartlepool and Sunderland, where hundreds of people have been arrested. Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Despite the fact a judge lifted a reporting ban naming the man alleged to have murdered the three kids and it was made clear the name spread on social media had been incorrect, it has not stopped the far-right continuing to blame the Muslim community, with mosques becoming targets of protest and attack. Yesterday an egg smashed into the face of a press photographer and drew blood on his forehead as the loyalist and republican haters cheered and shouted abuse at journalists. Moments later another far-right protester, with a northern accent, threatened to rip the throat out of a Sunday World photographer in clear earshot of police. A Dublin man was one of the most vocal and stood shouting vile insults at the counter-protesters, including Youre standing under the f**king flag of paedophilia referencing the rainbow flag. Other Dubliners, draped in tricolours and at times hiding their faces behind masks, appeared to filled with rage as they had to be held back by police officers. Some held a banner saying Coolock Says No. One man shouted, Dirty scummy b***ards, you paedo-loving c**t. Youll be laughing when its your child f**king murdered a clear reference to the tragic Southport murders. A Dublin-based protester shouts at counter-demonstraters in Belfast yesterday Incredibly, the far-right loons chanted about paedophiles and killers but we can reveal one of their leading protesters is a convicted killer himself. In 1992 Glen Kane was part of a gang that battered 35-year-old Catholic Kieran Patrick Abram to death during a riot. Some of the men used wooden planks with nails in them during the savage attack, which took place in the early hours of the morning near an army barracks at North Howard Street. Originally charged with murder, the men later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Kane, who was 26 at the time of the killing, was described as being very immature and was sentenced to nine years in jail. After being released from prison, Kane turned to supporting far-right groups including the British National Party and Britain First. And he actively campaigned against Syrian refugees, who at the time were fleeing civil war, being re-homed in Northern Ireland. The anti-immigration mob Earlier in the day the Antrim, Crumlin and Boucher Roads were blockaded and around 50 protestors gathered outside the Indian centre on Belfasts Carlisle Circus. Chants of Nazis get off our streets were greeted with a barrage of missiles and fire-crackers. There was a significant security operation with police helicopters overhead. A counter-protest, organised by Progressive Politics NI, arrived 30 minutes before the far-right had planned to meet up and was addressed addressed by Patrick Corrgian, Amnesty Internationals Northern Ireland Director, and trade union leader Mick Lynch of the RMT. Speaking to the Sunday World Mr Corrigan said the people of Belfast would not allow the haters to win. Belfast has become a city of diversity and multi-culturalism, this is not us, he said, pointing at the anti-immigration protestors. We are a city of love, we are welcoming city, this is not a place where we dont welcome people of colour and creed. He slammed those seeking to exploit the tragic triple murder of three young girls in Southport as an excuse to whip up racist tensions. Firefighters at the scene of a building on fire in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road area (Photo: Liam McBurney) From Belfast, we send our support and compassion to all those affected by the awful tragedy in Southport, to the families and friends of the girls who so tragically lost their lives in the most terrible circumstances and to the children and adults who were injured and are still in hospital, said Corrigan. A group of far-right protestors marched on a hotel in the south of the city which has been used house asylum seekers. There they smashed windows at the front of the hotel. At one stage the demonstrators, headed by a Dublin activist, got lost in the maze of streets around the university area as they tried to find the Islamic Centre. Earlier they had been forced to turn back when angry residents on the Ormeau Road confronted them. An anti-immigration protest takes place in Belfast City Centre on August 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Gerard Rice, once of the Lower Ormeau Concerned Citizens, group confronted the mob which was being tailed by riot police complete with shields. On the loyalist Sandy Row several business were attacked with windows put in and on nearby University Road the Islamic centre was also attacked. At the time of going to print there was tense stand-off between a crowd of around 200 people and riot police. A cafe on Botanic Avenue was smashed up. The owner, who has lived here for 35 years said: I have no words. Family want to strip jailed husband of his parental rights over her three sons Five years and three criminal trials is how long David French had to wait before he could speak out about the murder of his sister Valerie. Valerie French Kilroy (41) was killed by her husband James Kilroy at her home, near Islandeady, Co Mayo, on June 14, 2019. On the night of her death, her husband attacked her with a knife, beat her and strangled her. The couples three young sons were in the house at the time. Kilroy was found, on the morning of June 14, wandering naked in a nearby field. His wifes body was found that afternoon in a campervan beside their remote bungalow about 6km from Westport. The cause of her death was ligature strangulation combined with blunt force trauma to the head and a stab wound to the neck. Kilroys first two criminal trials collapsed, but last month at his third trial he was found guilty of his wifes murder after jurors rejected his insanity defence. He had claimed cannabis use spurred him to kill her. Brother of murder victim Valerie French speaks out in the aftermath of her husband James Kilroy being sentenced to life imprisonment David French was present at every court appearance Kilroy made since he murdered Valerie. I think its been 60 separate days in court altogether, he said. My three sisters have been there all through this as well. Every time he went to court, I wanted to be there too. Kilroy (51), a park ranger, was sentenced by Mr Justice Tony Hunt to mandatory life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court last week. You cant lie to children like that. And my sisters sons must now be protected from him But the conclusion of the criminal case against Kilroy is not the end of the matter for the French family. We were silenced for five years. We could say nothing, Mr French said. The criminal trial is now finished, James Kilroy has been convicted of Valeries murder. It took three criminal trials to get here, but it is not the end of the legal battles we have in front of us. The ultimate crime happened, and hes been held criminally responsible, but how does the rest of the system respond? There is no joined-up thinking. James Kilroys guardianship over Valeries three boys is an example of this. Valerie French The couple had three young sons, all under the age of five at the time of their mothers murder. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, Kilroy retains guardianship rights over the boys. Mr French believes Ireland should follow the lead of the UK where people who have killed their partners lose parental rights to their surviving children. He is now campaigning for a change in the law for Ireland to follow suit. Kilroy is not the biological father of the couples children, a fact that emerged during criminal proceedings as he is sterile. Im precluded from speaking about Valeries sons, because its a family law matter, Mr French said. But what I can say is Valerie was a wonderful and dedicated mother, she loved her boys more than anything in the world. Mr French and his younger sisters Suzette, Hilary and Veronica are determined that Valeries sons must now be protected from their legal father. In the immediate aftermath of the murder, Kilroy got a message to his sons. He managed to get word to them, Mr French said. Daddy is sick. Daddy is in hospital. Daddy didnt mean it. The reality is that he was already in prison. You cant lie to children like that. And my sisters sons must now be protected from him. Veronica French, David French and Hilary French outside court last week Kilroy and Valerie had been married since 2008 and were together for many years before that. I knew James well, Mr French said. Hes stayed in my home. Ive gone kayaking with him, gone out for beers with him. If I was asked to describe him in one word before this, it would be harmless. To be honest, I didnt spare him much thought. Kilroy was generally quiet around the French family, and Valerie once confided in her brother that he told her he felt inferior as all of her siblings had doctorates. We certainly never made him feel inferior. We welcomed him. My opinion of him was that he went with the flow, never really had much to say for himself. The only thing he had strong views on was deer culling, which was linked to his work, Mr French said. He was an aimless kind of a guy. He definitely had a pleasure-seeking side too. Kilroy would spend a fortune on boy toys, acquiring pieces of expensive sporting equipment, a motorbike and a ride-on lawnmower. He would buy things he could not afford, but soon tire of them and then they would be discarded. His wife was the primary breadwinner as an occupational therapist and she ran an Airbnb to provide the best life possible for her sons. It might have been the case that Valerie was going to leave him, and his response was to murder her Kilroy held old-fashioned views on the roles of men and women in a relationship. Mr French said: He was patriarchal. She would do the inside jobs and he would do the outside jobs. Years ago, he posted a photo on Facebook of dishes in the kitchen sink. I guess its pizza night for me, he wrote. I didnt think much of it at the time, I have since. There is nothing to suggest Kilroy was violent towards his wife before the night he murdered her. Mr French said she simply wouldnt have stood for that. Ninety per cent of women who are killed by their partners have suffered violence that has eventually escalated to murder. Knowing my sister, she would have told someone. She wouldnt have accepted that. Valerie was well able to stand up for herself, said her brother. I believe their relationship changed when they had kids. She wasnt minding him the same way any more, the boys became her priority over him. And there was a problem he wasnt stepping up to mind the kids and that was becoming an issue for my sister. James Kilroy By his own admission, Kilroy told gardai the couple had rowed on the night of the murder as she felt he was not pulling his weight in their marriage and as a father. My personal belief is that my sister had had enough of him, Mr French said. He is a narcissist and an entitled man. He once complained to a colleague that he had to babysit his kids because Valerie was going out. The response he got was, Its not babysitting when its your own children. It might have been the case that Valerie was going to leave him, that she had enough of him, and his response was to murder her. Five months after Valeries killing, her mother, also named Valerie, died of a stroke at the age of 82. The French family were left reeling from the second tragedy, and Mr French has no doubt his sisters murder caused their mothers death. He said: My mother once observed of Kilroy, He doesnt put himself forward very much, does he. My mother was a calm, understated person. After Valerie was murdered, she said, Our family is destroyed, and she meant it. She was very worried about the fate of her grandchildren, who she adored. In some ways Im glad my mother didnt have to go through the three trials and face what we are facing now, but it was very difficult, almost a feeling of not knowing who to grieve for. In the immediate aftermath of the murder, members of Kilroys family tried to present the situation to the French family as a double tragedy. Valerie's remains are removed from her home near Westport, Co Mayo. Photo: Mark Condren Mr French said: Certain things were said to my mother by members of his family. He doesnt remember it, he didnt mean it, life must go on. His family tried to present it as a joint tragedy. We didnt sign up for that. We do not accept that narrative whatsoever. A memorial notice was put out for a church service to remember Valerie and pray for James. I put a stop to that. And I may have had to have a row with a bishop to do so. The French family, from Leap, west Cork, have been consumed by the fallout from the murder for the past five years. That Kilroy tried to claim insanity because of his cannabis use made it more difficult and was a complete red herring, according to Valeries brother. One [son], when he learned to speak, said I miss Mummy after seeing a photo. It was one of his earliest sentences He and his three remaining sisters will continue to campaign for Valeries Law, which would see parents who intentionally kill their partners lose guardianship rights over any shared children. A bill is being drafted by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who is a Cork south-west TD. It has the cross-party support of other Cork TDs. Mr French is also preparing to challenge Valeries estate, namely her Co Mayo home, so the property is passed on to her sons rather than her imprisoned husband. How do you stop a killer profiting from their murder? There must be a way, he said The French family strove to make Valeries funeral at St Fachtnas Church of Ireland Cathedral in Rosscarbery, Co Cork, a celebration of her life. Her orphaned son lovingly arranged hand-picked daisies on his mothers coffin, which obviously had to be closed. Picture a five-year-old boy wearing his best clothes holding a bunch of flowers and carefully lining them up while a full church stands in silence, Mr French said. Two of his nephews were pre-verbal when their mother was murdered, but one, when he learned to speak, said I miss Mummy after seeing a photograph. It was one of his earliest sentences and clearly deeply felt, he said. Mr French has no qualms about being angry over the loss of his sister, and in particular the effect it will forever have on his three nephews. There has been a lot of pressure to be a good victim. And when the anger comes out, youre not a good victim any more, he said. I mean, if one more person asks me about finding closure... But we are doing this for Valerie. There is no doubt she would do the same for any one of us. Cavan-based chef (46) told she has 12 months at most to live following missed diagnosis Evija Rudzone received an apology and a significant settlement from the HSE this week at the High Court. Photo Collins Courts Evija Rudzone knew deep down that something wasnt right. Her symptoms chronic tiredness, severe pain and heavy bleeding were getting worse. I knew my body, she said. I knew what was happening wasnt normal, but I kept being told that everything was fine, that maybe it was menopause and all my symptoms were normal. I trusted the doctors because thats what you do. Now I have to accept that they were wrong and that Im dying. Ms Rudzone, who is 46 and from Co Cavan, sued the HSE and Quest laboratories in January after doctors here failed to detect cancer in her womb over a three-year period. The chef, who has been given an estimated two to 12 months to live, received an apology and a significant financial settlement from the HSE at the High Court on Wednesday. I want other women to read my story and have the courage to trust their own bodies, she said. With me there is nothing much to say any more. I understand where I am and that my time is now limited, but maybe somewhere someone might read this and might see that you have be strong in voicing your opinions to doctors. Trust your body more. Ms Rudzone, who moved to Ireland from Latvia in 2010, described how doctors here failed to detect cancer in her womb in 2019, 2020 and 2021. I was getting the usual smear tests here in Ireland when they discovered some abnormal cells, she said. Then they sent me to the colposcopy clinic where I was being seen every six months and they did some procedures. I kept saying to them, I dont feel well, something isnt right. But they said, No, no, we are looking after you. All is good. It was during lockdown and I was feeling lucky to even be getting inside a hospital. I was thinking, They are doctors, they know what they are doing. They couldnt understand how I was even able to walk with what they saw Ms Rudzone underwent a procedure to burn out the abnormal cells in her cervix. I asked them if they could remove my womb and they said it wasnt necessary, she said, but then her symptoms worsened. Things continued to get worse for me. I was in pain, a lot of pain. I had an awful lot of bleeding, it never stopped. I was bleeding all the time, she said. I went to the emergency department with the pain one time. My GP prescribed me more and more painkillers that made me feel so tired. I couldnt work properly. Ms Rudzone then used her life savings to fly home to Riga in 2022 to undergo tests and was diagnosed with stage-two cancer. They couldnt understand how I was even able to walk with what they saw, she said. Initial tests showed cancer and I was given an urgent appointment with an oncologist. The oncologist sent me for an MRI and scans. The scans showed grade-two cancer. I wasnt really shocked. I knew it. I knew I was sick. I knew then that I had to do something. I have to solve this straight away. For several months, Ms Rudzone flew back and forth between Latvia and Ireland for further treatment. Following hysterectomy surgery in May 2022, her doctors in Latvia discovered the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. They told me the cancer was slow-growing. I was angry because I realised it could have been detected much more quicker That made my cancer go to grade three, she said. I was really angry after the surgery when I learned that. I asked the doctors in Latvia, This type of cancer how fast is this growing?. They told me the cancer was slow-growing. I was angry because I realised it could have been detected much more quicker. It took years for it to grow to that stage. I was devastated. I was more angry with myself. Why dont I pay more attention? Why did I listen to the doctors? In the midst of the chaos and trauma of learning about her illness, Ms Rudzone had two daughters and a nephew to care for. My nephew lives with us and is like a son to me, she said. My eldest daughter is 26 and my youngest is 11. I spent a lot of time away from them in Latvia, trying to prolong the time I have left with them, but in doing that it created a gap between us because I was away so much. My youngest child, she became used to being without me. That was a very hard moment for me. Now that I am accepting reality, I am not trying to get too close because I realise I could die. I want to see her spend more time with her friends and father to prepare her. It will hurt more if we are closer. I have moved my treatment back to Ireland. Being treated in Latvia would be a waste of the time I have left. At least I see my kids every day now. I will never get to see my children get married or meet my grandkids and I feel pain over that Life before cancer was an active one. Ms Rudzone loved her job, her family and her hobbies. She spent her free time exploring Ireland, hiking and taking in the views. She enjoyed going to the gym several times a week. Last January, she underwent chemotherapy on her lungs after it was found the cancer had spread. Last month, she had brain surgery. I had metastasis on my brain, she said. One of my arms doesnt work so well since the brain surgery. I am tired. I am just about able to go for a walk with my little girl. I am no longer able to work. They said I have at most 12 months left. I feel fine about that. They could be wrong as well. I just accept it. I cant change the situation. When they discovered the metastasis on my brain, it was the first time I thought I could lose this battle. Before, I never let thoughts like that into my head. I just try to live every day. I try to pretend Im the same. Thats how I deal with it. During Wednesdays High Court hearing, a letter of apology from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, was read out. The HSE accepted it had breached its duty of care to Ms Rudzone by failing to diagnose and treat her cancer sooner. The court heard the case had been resolved following mediation. While no details of the settlement were given in open court, counsel said the settlement was substantial. I dont like it when people feel sorry for me, Ms Rudzone said. That makes me feel like a more sick person. I am trying every day. There is not much I can do for myself any more. I must just keep going. I will never get to see my children get married or meet my grandkids and I feel pain over that because they dont deserve that. I only hope that what has happened to me can be a lesson to other women. I could have had more time. Please trust yourself. Trust your body. We are underestimating one of the leading causes of death, especially in a particular age group in Ireland, among men in particular Most of those who died by suicide in 2021 were male. Picture posed The rate of suicide in Ireland is being underestimated by as much as 25pc, according to research at Trinity College Dublin. The study, headed by Dr Ronnie OToole, an independent economist at TCD and a partner at Indecon International Economic Consultants, shows the true rate of suicide is 20pc to 25pc more than reported. He said the study showed Ireland needed to have an important and difficult conversation to recognise the scale of the challenge of suicide. We are underestimating one of the leading causes of death, especially in a particular age group in Ireland, among men in particular, he said. Under Irish law the standard of proof required for a coroner to record a verdict of suicide is beyond reasonable doubt. But in other countries, including England and Wales, a coroners ruling on suicide is based on the balance of probabilities, which is a lower standard of proof. Dr OTooles study has estimated what would be the number of suicides if the standard of proof for a legal determination of death by suicide here were changed. It used advanced statistical techniques to compare Ireland to England and Wales after the change there from beyond reasonable doubt to balance of probability. Using a range of data, Dr OToole has estimated the number of deaths classified as suicide rose by two to 2.5 deaths per 100,000 population. This suggests that the real rate of suicide is 20-25pc higher than is reported. This would equate to about 100 to 125 additional deaths assessed as suicide in Ireland if the practice by coroners courts here were to change. According to the latest figures, 449 people died by suicide in 2021. Of those 359 were male (80pc) and the rest were female. If a change in standard of proof were introduced, that total would rise to up to 574 deaths by suicide for that year. Calling for a change in how Ireland classified such deaths, Dr OToole said: There are many deaths which are simply not being recorded as suicide, but which likely are. In the UK those deaths would be classified as suicide. We are underestimating the problem. There is absolutely no doubt about that. There still is stigma associated with suicide, but hopefully that is diminishing and hopefully we can have a healthier discussion in the future. Maybe we are in a position now to do something in a way we wouldnt be to do so 20 or 30 years ago. Sarah OToole, executive director of Samaritans Ireland, said every life lost to suicide was a tragedy. We must remember that behind every suicide and every statistic is a family and community mourning the loss of a loved one, Ms OToole said. She said revising the statistical definition of suicide to include deaths of undetermined intent and changing the standard of proof used by coroners could provide greater accuracy of suicide statistics. Fiona Toumey, CEO of HUGG Ireland, said this research mattered because the State was not accurately reporting the number of people who died by suicide. This study underlines the importance of us getting in step with our near neighbours and changing the burden of proof. It will mean more clarity and fewer people will be left wondering about and querying the cause of death. It will also mean we can see where the need is, she said. "If we do not know the scale of the problem then how can the problem be tackled? "Every year the equivalent of a plane full of Irish people die by suicide. And do we talk about it? No. It has to be given as much time and public discourse as other health issues. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; or call Pieta on Freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 The former wife of controversial Prince Andrew was in the county where she was attending the Beyond Light Therapy Clinic Nancy's Barn in Ballyliffin on the Inishowen Peninsula is well used to catering for a wide variety of customers. The seafood restaurant is famous for its spectacular dishes including its world-renowned seafood chowder. But it's not every day that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, stops by to taste the seafood for itself. The former wife of controversial Prince Andrew was in the county where she was attending the Beyond Light Therapy Clinic. Nancy's Barn head chef Kieran Doherty even made a special menu for the Duchess and her entourage. Kieran said "We received a very special guest this week in our home from home in Ballyliffin, Inishowen, and on the path of the Wild Atlantic Way. "We had the privilege of being of service for the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson and her entourage. "A very special occasion for myself and our staff, and having a full house of guests who enjoyed their time in the presence of a great humanitarian for many people and communities in need of charity and a voice across the globe. "The Duchess was very gracious with her time with the crowd of well wishers, and we loved having her here sharing her stories and giving her a well deserved, amazing Inishowen, Irish welcome. "It was so good to create a Donegal inspired menu with pride," chef Kieran added.. "We cooked a fabulous fresh local seafood platter smoked mackerel pate, smoked salmon mousse, pan fried garlic and chilli crab claws, fermented organic veggies and seaweed bread." Six-hundred kilograms of knitted items and 100kg of supplies are on a container ship on their way to warm people set to take on eastern Europes approaching winter. And for this to be achieved through Bay of Plenty people handcrafting items, donating wool, cash or help to the cause is warming the cockles of BOP Operation Cover Ups co-ordinator. Area co-ordinator Sharman Marsh says BOP knitters have contributed more than 300 blankets, 965 hats,126 mittens, 394 slippers, 340 jerseys and 93 knitted soft toys in this years effort. And shes thanking all those who handcrafted or participated in any way, saying many hands made lighter work. The container ship left Auckland on July 20 bound for Rotterdam, says Sharman. The estimated time of arrival is late October to early November. From there, the knitted goods along with toys and games, hygiene packs, stationery, shoes and backpacks are transported to a large processing centre in Romania for further distribution to Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and Ukraine. Operation Cover Up began more than 20 years ago in New Zealand to unite Kiwi knitters and crocheters in making blankets and warm clothing for children, families, and the elderly living in temperatures as low as -25C in eastern Europe. Sharman is now turning her attention to next years appeal. We desperately need any donations of yarn or wool to start us off creating more clothing and blankets, she says. Donations can be dropped off at Lifezone Church, 7 Oak Lane, Judea, or email: tsmarsh@kinect.co.nz Three lucky Lotto players from Auckland and Tauranga will be toasting an incredible win after each winning $333,333 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw. The winning tickets were sold at Raines Avenue in Auckland and on MyLotto to players from Auckland and Tauranga. Powerball was not struck on Saturday evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $38 million. Meanwhile, two lucky Strike players from Canterbury will also be celebrating after winning $250,000 with Strike Four. The winning Strike tickets were sold on MyLotto to players from Waimate and Selwyn. 18 Lotto players win Second Division Eighteen lucky Lotto players will be having a blast after each winning $25,722 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw. Three lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $36,836. The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Sunny Dairy Superette in Auckland, Mountain Road Pricecutter in Auckland and on MyLotto to a player from Kawerau. The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores: Store Location MyLotto (x2) Auckland Sunny Dairy Superette (+PB) Auckland Mountain Road Pricecutter (+PB) Auckland Pak N Save Clendon Auckland MyLotto (x3) Waikato Davies Corner Foodmarket Waikato MyLotto (x2, incl 1xPB) Kawerau, Bay of Plenty MyLotto (x2) Hawkes Bay MyLotto Manawatu-Whanganui Four Square Cloverlea Palmerston North Anita's Store Wellington MyLotto Wellington MyLotto Timaru Anyone who bought their ticket from the above store or on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App. Lotto NZ is encouraging players to get in early, by picking up a ticket before draw day or early on Wednesday, to avoid the busiest times both instore and online. At all times, Lotto NZ encourages their customers to play a little, dream a lot. "We know high jackpots can be exciting but remember it takes only one ticket to win," says a Lotto spokesperson. Lotto NZ exists to return 100 per cent of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board. Lighthouse Funeral Home appoints Patricia Garcia as Managing Partner Lighthouse Funeral Home and Cremation, which describes itself as Amarillos most inclusive and customized end of life care, has named Patrica Garcia as a managing partner. In her new role, Garcia will continue to build upon the trust and commitment she has provided to families in the Amarillo area by fulfilling Lighthouses mission to make funeral planning comfortable, meaningful, and affordable for all beliefs and communities, a news release states. Patricia has been a steady hand, guiding hundreds of families through some of the hardest times of their lives as they turn to Lighthouse for help and advice, said Joel Carver, owner and founder of Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation. As we transition to a new chapter of our funeral homes story, I know that she and I, as the sole members of the leadership team, will be able to continue our legacy of lifting the heads and hearts of those grieving in the Amarillo area. Patrica Garcia, managing partner, and Joel Carver, owner and founder of Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation. According to the release, after more than a decade of experience serving families, Garcia is the only female funeral director in Amarillo that speaks both English and Spanish, giving her the unique ability to empathize and communicate with various populations in the city. Garcia is involved with the community as a member of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, an active member of the Rotary Club of Amarillo, and a Patriot Guard Rider honoring fallen veterans. Look for more details on Garcia's life and career in an upcoming story in the Globe-News. To learn more about Lighthouse, visit: https://lighthousefunerals.com/ Carolyn Hudson Northwest Texas Healthcare System announces assistant chief nursing officer Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) has announced the promotion of Carolyn Hudson, MSN, to Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. Hudson served as the Director of Nursing Operations with previous experience in the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Recovery, Neonatal ICU and Emergency Department. She has been with NWTHS since 2004. In her new role Hudson will be responsible for the management of Nursing Services and Nursing Administration. Roy Bara of La Fiesta Grande Amarillo restaurateur inducted into Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor at 87th annual Texas Restaurant Show SAN ANTONIO The Texas Restaurant Association hosted its 87th annual Texas Restaurant Show presented by Eat Local. Eat Often. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on July 14 and 15. The annual event is the second-largest restaurant show in the country with over 5,500 attendees and 500 exhibitor booths. Story continues Roy Bara, with La Fiesta Grande Restaurants in Amarillo, was among this year's Hall of Honor Inductees, bestowed on industry leaders selected by their peers with at least 15 years of TRA service who exemplify superior business ethics. The other inductees were Gary Johnson of Frontier Enterprises (San Antonio) and Sharon Van Meter of SVM Productions, LLC (Dallas). The show provides those in the foodservice industry with valuable insights through informative seminars and interactive panels by industry thought-leaders and access to cutting-edge products and services exhibitors from across the globe, and the annual Texas Restaurant Awards & Lone Star Bash honors restaurants and culinary leaders in Texas. The Texas Restaurant Association represents the states $106.8 billion foodservice industry, which encompasses more than 56,000 restaurant locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. To learn more, visit txrestaurant.org. Pantex Site Manager Colby Yeary, right, presents a check July 23 to Hutchinson County United Way Director Julie Winters for wildfire relief. CNS Pantex wildfire relief fundraising efforts a success as contributions surpass $100,000 Corporate donations along with employee contributions and local fundraising efforts has resulted in $101,036 dollars being raised at Pantex for local wildfire relief. Bechtel-led Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, the current management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, joined with its parent companies in fundraising efforts at Pantex. The charitable arm of CNS parent company Bechtel, the Bechtel Group Foundation, donated $25,000 to Hutchinson County United Way, matching up to $25,000 in additional funds donated by its employees around the world and Leidos, a CNS parent company, also donated $10,000 to the United Way of Hutchinson County, along with other corporate donations. In addition, Pantex hosted fundraisers from the sales of commemorative t-shirts as well a portion of food sales from Pantexs cafeteria along with more than a dozen food trucks on site. While there was no damage to Pantex property and no Pantex employees were injured at the plant as the wildfires abated about three miles from the plants boundary, the Pantex Fire Department built firebreaks, prepared the plant for the fires, and responded to communities near the plant. Thanks to the swift efforts, properties were protected and Pantex remained safe, said Colby Yeary, Pantex Site Manager. There has been an outpouring of Panhandle pride and spirit through donations, volunteer efforts, and assistance coming in from all over the area and across the state. We wanted to show our own support to our communities in need through our own fundraising efforts. The donated funds have been presented to the United Way of Hutchinson County and the Amarillo Area Foundation for distribution. Abbott announces Governors Small Business Summit in Plainview Governor Greg Abbott announced recently that the next 2024 Governors Small Business Summit will be held in Plainview on Thursday, Aug. 8. Held throughout the year and in regions across the state, the Governors Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business. The Governor's Small Business Summit Plainview brings together local, state, and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. The Summit also provides participants the opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant, and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics. The event takes place 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Plainview Municipal Country Club and Civic Center, 2902 West Fourth St. in Plainview. Panel topics include Marketing & Social Media Engagement for Small Business; Access to Finance & Funding; Making Technology Work for Your Small Business; and Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Employees in Todays Economy. Registration is $20 and includes access to all sessions, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots. For more information and to register: gov.texas.gov/events. Registration is also open for all upcoming 2024 Governors Small Business Summit locations. Rebuilding the Cow Herd theme of Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course on Aug. 5-7 Rebuilding the Cow Herd is the theme of the 70th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course on Aug. 5-7 in Bryan-College Station. The event is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science. From the Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner to the Cattlemans College, the nationally and internationally recognized three-day annual event offers producers more than 50 hours of training and 20 courses covering basic practices, new technologies and hot topics in beef cattle production. The event offers attendees access to over 150 agriculture-related businesses and trade show exhibitors, as well as continuing education units for both pesticide license holders and veterinarians. Both in-person and virtual attendance are being offered. The cost is $300 for in-person attendance, $160 for virtual (with a late registration fee will be charged after July 27) and $150 for youth. Go online for registration, call 979-314-8507 or email beefcattleshortcourse@gmail.com for more information. Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, will kick off the general session with his presentation 2024 Market Outlook: Cattle Prices and Input Costs. The Long-Range Weather Planning presentation will bring Colorado meteorologist Brian Bledsoe to the stage. After that, David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, will present What Can I Afford to Pay for a Replacement Female? Finally, What Are My Replacement Female Options? with Ron Gill, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Stephenville, will round out the look at rebuilding the cow herd. Shuttered Kelly-Moore Paints stores reopening under HIS Paint brand WICHITA FALLS After Kelly-Moore Paints suddenly ceased operations at 157 stores nationwide earlier this year, H-I-S Paint has stepped in to re-open seven of the shuttered stores in Texas and Oklahoma, according to a news release. H-I-S Paint has opened a store in Wichita Falls and has also reopened three former Kelly-Moore stores in Oklahoma and another two stores in Texas. An additional opening is planned for Amarillo. These former Kelly-Moore locations have been reopened with the same team and quality of products as before, enabling contractors, builders and DIY enthusiasts to return to the paint they trust. H-I-S Paint CEO Joe Cox said his company, a paint-industry leader with more than 50 years in business, saw an opportunity to save jobs and give customers access to the same quality paint of product at the same locations. When the Kelly-Moore stores closed, tenured employees lost their livelihoods while customers were left without an equal alternative, said Cox. Were pleased to be able to give jobs back to more than 30 employees while allowing customers to return to what they know and love. To learn more about H-I-S Paint, visit https://www.hispaint.com. Freddy's raising funds for Kids In Need Foundation Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will be participating in a month-long giveback with its national charity partner, Kids In Need Foundation, an organization that provides teachers and students in under-resourced schools with the supplies they need to succeed. From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, guests will have the option to give back to Kids In Need by rounding up to the nearest dollar in restaurant, or by selecting a $1, $3, $5 or $10 donation when ordering in-app or online. For more information, visit https://www.kinf.org/freddys24/ . This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for Aug. 4 The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is planning to have a government-backed digital currency in place by 2030. It is in stage two of a multi-year project to consider the use of digital cash, which would circulate alongside physical notes and coins. The public consultation on the design of a digital cash system for New Zealand closed last week, with more than 18,000 responses submitted. Reserve Bank head of money and cash Ian Woolford told Saturday Morning, especially after the CrowdStrike glitch, it wanted digital cash to be as similar to physical cash as possible. "What that means is you will be able to use it when the power is down, when the internet is down," says Ian. While the Reserve Bank confirmed it would not phase out cash, Ian says it was getting harder and harder to access, which is why a digital alternative was needed. "We want to preserve the cash system. We want it to be available for as long as people want it, but it is also important for us to be future-focused and to be thinking about putting in place digital cash so people can continue to access central bank money." However, University of Auckland economics lecturer Dr Chanelle Duley says all four countries that had launched a central bank digital currency - The Bahamas, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Jamaica - were struggling with adoption. Ian says the Reserve Bank was still in the very early design stages, and will begin consulting with focus groups soon, with a digital currency to be available by the end of the decade. He says the Reserve Bank is taking a different approach from other central banks in being explicit that the third party provider need not be a bank. "The New Zealand banking system is the most profitable banking system in the world. "We think there's a bit of a lack of innovation in the New Zealand payment system, and we think digital cash can act as a real spur to drive competition in." He says everyone would benefit from having a digital currency available, as it would spur innovation and competition. "What we want to do is to give people the the ability to to transact offline when the internet is down, when the power is down, to have the choice and trust and confidence in the New Zealand dollar. "People have a choice whether they use digital cash or not, but we want it to be available for people if they want to use it." RNZ Members of the Bay of Plenty Bangladesh community along with supporters have taken to the streets of Tauranga today, to protest for justice, humanity and democracy in Bangladesh. Community leader Kamal Hossain says they are concerned at the level of violence their families back home are facing from police and other government forces. We have been living in New Zealand for many years, and we are concerned for our family and friends back home in Bangladesh, says Kamal. We have heard that the police have killed many people. Police are shooting students. The last two weeks we havent been able to contact our family and friends. They have shut down Facebook, social media and internet. Phone lines are disconnected. We are so worried about our families. Members of the BOP Bangladesh community and supporters protesting today on the corner of 15th Ave and Cameron Rd. Photo: Supplied. Kamal says Bangladesh is facing civil unrest after a Supreme Court ruling that under the quota system, some 56 per cent 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. Members of the BOP Bangladesh community and supporters protesting today on the corner of 15th Ave and Cameron Rd. Photo: Supplied. We learned about the killings, that 500 people had been killed there, through watching Al Jazeera news, says Kamal. There is no democracy there and no rights. The media are not allowed there. 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." He says their families back home are also facing violence from 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. Shaikh Imran, Sojib Ahmed, Rabeya Sultana and husband Kamal Hossain on Cameron Road. Photo: John Borren. The group, which has been protesting over the last two weeks, held their third protest today from 11am on the corner of 15th Ave and Cameron Rd by Tauranga Boys College to raise awareness of the civil unrest. We want to protest to raise awareness and to tell the Bangladesh Government to stop killing innocent people. - Additional reporting Ayla Yeoman/SunLive. Volney, N.Y. -- A 59-year-old man died in Oswego County Saturday after his minivan crossed over into the opposite lane and crashed into another vehicle, deputies said. The man who died was Frederick Hayles, a Jamaican resident who was in the area on a work permit, according to Lt. Andrew J. Bucher, a spokesperson for the Oswego County Sheriffs Office. Hayles was driving a 2008 Dodge Caravan north on County Route 6 when his vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, Bucher said. The minivan hit a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder driving south. Some historic buildings are worth saving, at almost any cost. Others are not. Syracuse University wants to demolish a fraternity house at 727 Comstock Ave. as part of its plan to build a 700-bed dormitory behind it on Ostrom Avenue. Key Insights Quaker Chemical's estimated fair value is US$238 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Quaker Chemical's US$172 share price signals that it might be 28% undervalued Analyst price target for KWR is US$220 which is 7.6% below our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE:KWR) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Quaker Chemical Is Quaker Chemical Fairly Valued? We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$189.0m US$192.7m US$196.8m US$201.2m US$205.9m US$210.7m US$215.8m US$221.1m US$226.5m US$232.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Est @ 1.97% Est @ 2.13% Est @ 2.24% Est @ 2.32% Est @ 2.37% Est @ 2.41% Est @ 2.44% Est @ 2.46% Est @ 2.47% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.9% US$177 US$169 US$161 US$154 US$148 US$142 US$136 US$130 US$125 US$120 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$1.5b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = US$232m (1 + 2.5%) (6.9% 2.5%) = US$5.5b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$5.5b ( 1 + 6.9%)10= US$2.8b 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 US$4.3b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$172, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 28% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Quaker Chemical as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.057. 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 Quaker Chemical Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Chemicals market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the American market. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Quaker Chemical, we've compiled three additional items you should assess: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Quaker Chemical that you should be aware of before investing here. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for KWR's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every American 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 RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,475 Thanked: 23,610 Times Google Maps update highlights building & helps users find parking locations for their cars As per reports, the new update to Google Maps now highlights the building the user is looking for, find the entrance and also where they can park their vehicles. While the current version, just mentions phrases like "your destination is on the right", the new update is said to offer a "more complete" experience. Google Maps will first light up the building on the app, then find parking areas where users can leave their cars. Post this, the feature will also, in dotted lines, guide you to the entrance of the building from the parking lot. Also, based on your location, the walking directions are updated in real-time. Google calls the new feature "destination guidance" and will be available across all platforms in the coming weeks. This includes Google Maps on smartphones running Android and iOS, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Source: Link to Team-BHP news According to media reports, Google has updated its Maps application to offer users a more stress-free experience.As per reports, the new update to Google Maps now highlights the building the user is looking for, find the entrance and also where they can park their vehicles. While the current version, just mentions phrases like "your destination is on the right", the new update is said to offer a "more complete" experience. Google Maps will first light up the building on the app, then find parking areas where users can leave their cars.Post this, the feature will also, in dotted lines, guide you to the entrance of the building from the parking lot. Also, based on your location, the walking directions are updated in real-time.Google calls the new feature "destination guidance" and will be available across all platforms in the coming weeks. This includes Google Maps on smartphones running Android and iOS, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Source: AutoEvolution Last edited by RahulNagaraj : 2nd August 2024 at 16:48 . Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) just released its quarterly report and things are looking bullish. It was overall a positive result, with revenues beating expectations by 5.7% to hit US$6.9b. Arrow Electronics reported statutory earnings per share (EPS) US$2.01, which was a notable 17% above what the analysts had forecast. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimates to see what could be in store for next year. View our latest analysis for Arrow Electronics Taking into account the latest results, the seven analysts covering Arrow Electronics provided consensus estimates of US$27.7b revenue in 2024, which would reflect a small 6.5% decline over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are forecast to tumble 26% to US$8.22 in the same period. In the lead-up to this report, the analysts had been modelling revenues of US$27.3b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$8.02 in 2024. So the consensus seems to have become somewhat more optimistic on Arrow Electronics' earnings potential following these results. There's been no major changes to the consensus price target of US$129, suggesting that the improved earnings per share outlook is not enough to have a long-term positive impact on the stock's valuation. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. There are some variant perceptions on Arrow Electronics, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$141 and the most bearish at US$100.00 per share. As you can see, analysts are not all in agreement on the stock's future, but the range of estimates is still reasonably narrow, which could suggest that the outcome is not totally unpredictable. One way to get more context on these forecasts is to look at how they compare to both past performance, and how other companies in the same industry are performing. These estimates imply that revenue is expected to slow, with a forecast annualised decline of 13% by the end of 2024. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 4.0% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 7.2% per year. It's pretty clear that Arrow Electronics' revenues are expected to perform substantially worse than the wider industry. Story continues The Bottom Line The most important thing here is that the analysts upgraded their earnings per share estimates, suggesting that there has been a clear increase in optimism towards Arrow Electronics following these results. Fortunately, the analysts also reconfirmed their revenue estimates, suggesting that it's tracking in line with expectations. Although our data does suggest that Arrow Electronics' revenue is expected to perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates. Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Arrow Electronics going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here.. However, before you get too enthused, we've discovered 4 warning signs for Arrow Electronics that you should be aware of. 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 dheerajjoshi Newbie Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Espoo, Finland Posts: 9 Thanked: 54 Times Getting the Driver's License in Finland As an immigrant in Finland, I had two options to obtain a Finnish drivers license, Exchange my Indian drivers license for a Finnish drivers license since India is a signatory for the Vienna Road convention. Only licenses permitting the driving of Group 1 vehicles can be exchanged Get a new license after completing the training and examination So, the only option was to complete the training and examination to obtain the new license. The steps and official costs involved in obtaining a new passenger car license are Obtaining a driving license permit The driving license permit can be obtained online if the age requirement is met for the driving license category. The permit cost is 24 Completing driving instructions The driving instructions can be obtained either at a driving school, from the person holding an instructor permit or with a combination of the two. At a minimum, we need 22 hours of lessons. 4 hours of EAS theory lessons (ENSIMMAISEN AJOKORTIN SUORITTAJAN Training for first drivers license ) 4 hours of risk management theory lessons 10 hours of driving lessons including driving in the city, motorway, secondary roads etc. 4 hours of risk management driving lessons including driving in the rain, dark, slippery conditions etc The driving lessons will be a combination of lessons in an actual car and a simulator. Driving in the dark and rain is done in a simulator while driving on a slippery surface can be done in a simulator or on a slippery surface (At an additional cost Entry fee for track with the slippery surface). The cost of these training lessons varies from the driving school to the driving school At a minimum, we need 22 hours of lessons. The driving lessons will be a combination of lessons in an actual car and a simulator. Driving in the dark and rain is done in a simulator while driving on a slippery surface can be done in a simulator or on a slippery surface (At an additional cost Entry fee for track with the slippery surface). The cost of these training lessons varies from the driving school to the driving school Completing the theory and driving exam The theory and driving test can be taken at Ajovarma service points (Ajovarma Oy is a service company that handles all customer services for the Finnish transportation agency TRAFICOM). Apart from the official languages Finnish and Swedish the theory and driving tests can be taken in English. The cost of the theory test is 40. The cost of the driving test is 99 I applied for the drivers license permit online from the Finnish transportation authority and obtained it instantly. The permit is valid for three years. Selecting a driving school Armed with the above information related to the overall process of obtaining a new license and drivers license permit, I started the driving school hunt at the beginning of May. The main criteria for choosing a driving school were Theory and driving lessons in English Well-reputed driving school with more licenses issued on the first try It provides only the minimum required training hours since I already know the basics of driving. Most driving school packages involve more hours of training since they are tailored for teenagers who need more training hours. But in recent years many driving schools started offering packages with minimum required training hours to cater for the needs of immigrants coming to Finland who are experienced drivers. Reasonable cost. The cost of driving training in Finland (like other European countries) is very high. Many driving schools charge more than 1200 for minimum driving instructions. After searching and reviewing the driving schools, I decided to get drivers training from The EcoliteS course includes 8 theory lessons Possibility to take classes virtually 14 driving lessons 7 lessons in the car and 7 in the simulator. DL e-book Online e-book for self-studies Netreeni Training program to prepare for theory exams Using driving school car for the 1st drivers test For subsequent tests (If the first test is failed) then we can use the driving school car after paying the additional cost) The payment is made in multiple stages 50 To get access to the learning portal with DL e-book and Netreeni training portals. 349 To start EAS and Risk management theory lessons and simulator lessons 350 To start driving lessons in the car and to use the driving schools car in the test Major terms and conditions of the driving school If the student doesnt cancel a booked simulator or driving lessons before midnight of the previous working day, the driving school will impose a fee of 74. During the driving test, the student is responsible for the driving even though the examiner may intervene in the case of an emergency. If something goes wrong (Damage to the car etc.), then the student is responsible for paying a risk fee of 1200. Extra driving lessons cost 74 Self-study After paying 50, I got access to the learning portal. I started the DL e-book. DL e-book is an online self-study material that gives a basic introduction to the concepts of driving passenger cars. There are 19 modules in it and those are Driver training and learning Car and its handling Vehicle behaviour and controls Basic skills of a responsible driver Interaction skills in traffic Traffic environment and traffic control Driving in city traffic Junctions: Lanes and positioning Junctions: Right of way Driving on Highway Overtaking Driving in difficult conditions: rain and darkness Driving in difficult conditions: slippery roads Planning your trip Anticipation - incident - accident Social and ecological aspects of driving The driving task and self-control Controlling your driving condition Car and self-control Each module has a video explaining the concept and the same are provided in PDF format as well. At the end of many modules, there is an exercise which students need to complete. These exercises are time-bound, meaning we must answer them within 10 seconds. All questions must be answered correctly to mark a module as completed. After completing a module, we get a unique completion code, and we must give it to the instructor if requested (To check if the module was completed by the student). By the end of May, I had completed the self-study modules. Online theory lessons At the beginning of June, I paid a second instalment of 349 and got access to the EAS and risk management theory lessons. EAS theory lessons are mainly related to the following topics Driver education and learning environment Goals of driver education and traffic management Basic skills of a responsible driver Traffic interaction Risk management theory lessons are mainly related to the following topics Risk management theory lessons are mainly related to the following topics Traffic accidents and helping in a traffic accident Car safety equipment and economical driving Driving in difficult weather conditions Managing your driving ability (internal risks) Lessons are in Finnish with English subtitles; The English subtitles are converted by a professional and are not converted through Google or other services. Hence, the content of the videos is really good. Each lesson is broken down into multiple chapters, after each chapter there are exercises. We can move to the next chapter only after completing the exercises. The chapters cant be skipped. The online theory lessons can be watched only once, the lessons can be only taken when the control room of the driving school is operational. When we take online lessons, the person from the control room can call us on WhatsApp or Signal to check if we are really in front of the computer to take the classes. In my case, no one called me while I took the classes. Along with the lessons, I was also doing exercises and mock theory tests on the Netreeni and preparing for the theory tests. By mid-June, I completed all the theory lessons and booked the first simulator lesson at the beginning of July. Driving lessons At the beginning of the summer vacation, I paid the third instalment of 350 and visited the driving school for the first lesson. The first lesson is always on the simulator. I was able to take the second lesson on the same day since the simulator was free. The first two lessons were about car controls and driving on a track at multiple speeds, moving forward and reversing the car in a continuous S shape that progressively gets sharper. The third driving lesson was in a car, we went to an industrial area with wide roads. In my previous interactions, I had told the instructor that I have a drivers license from India and have been driving for 15+ years. After the third class, he believed that I had sufficient knowledge about the car controls and had no problem with moving the car in first gear or crawling at 5 Km/h. In the past, it seems he had a few students who claimed that they had licenses from other countries but didnt know anything about the cars let alone the driving. After those incidents, he is sceptical about students who claim to have licenses from other countries . He didnt mention the countries of those students and I didnt ask Theory test Once I had cleared 5 mock tests on the Netreeni training tool. The instructor booked the theory test on my behalf on 16th July at 11 AM. The driving school can only book the test; however, we must pay before appearing for the test using an online booking confirmation link. We must pick up the EAS theory lesson completion certificate from the driving school before appearing for the test I reached the test centre around 10:30 AM. Customers with an appointment must wait in the lobby till their appointment time and no need to get any tokens. At 11 AM they called for people waiting for the test. At the counter, they checked my ID, checked the EAS theory lesson completion certificate. Mobile phones or other devices are not allowed inside the test room. They must be handed over for depositing in a secure locker. I handed over my mobile phone at the counter. Then they handed us the tablet to take the test and directed me to one of the test rooms. Each test room has a chair, table and tablet holder. Each room has surveillance cameras. The instructions for the test are first displayed on the screen and once I read through all the instructions, the test data set gets downloaded to the table and the test gets started. The exam has a 30-minute time limit and the exam includes three areas: Multiple choice questions 15 (maximum mistakes 4) The questions deal with cars, traffic and rules related to driving Risk questions 5 (maximum mistakes 1) The questions deal with the risk involved with driving. Risk questions may contain images. Situational questions (images) 50 (maximum mistakes 7) Image questions deal with I can drive straight from this lane I can turn right from this lane I can turn left from this lane I need to give way when driving straight I need to give way when turning right I need to give way when turning left I can overtake I can change the lane I need to stop The car in the picture is parked correctly The pictures used in the questions are mostly computer generated on the Helsinki city centre background, some of them are completely generated on the computer. They look very much like images from a computer game. Extra care is required while checking for the indicators on the cars in the pictures, shadows on the ground etc. The images can be zoomed in by clicking on them Netreeni also uses similar computer-generated images In the mock tests and exercises. An example image is Enthusiasts can take a free Netreeni theory test at I completed the test in about 20 minutes. Then for about 6 to 7 minutes I double-checked the answer and submitted the answer. The overall results are emailed and displayed on the screen instantly. The questions and the correct answers are not emailed or displayed. So after submitting the answers, there is no way to know which questions we got wrong. I passed the test. The questions were straight forward and the English language used in the questions was very good. It wasnt a bad translation job. After the test, I went back to the counter and handed over the table. They gave a printed payment receipt (For online payment) and gave the mobile phone from the secure storage. Continuing the driving lessons Post completing the theory test, I continued the driving lessons. I planned to take the driving test at the end of July. Since it was a holiday season, all the slots were full till the end of August. Many university students use the summer vacation to get their first drivers license. The only option was to stretch the remaining driving lessons in August after my summer holidays. And the instructor didnt want me to complete the lessons in July and take the test at the end of August or the beginning of September. After one of the classes, the instructor was checking for an open slot for a driving test and there was an available slot on 2nd August at 8 AM. He asked if I could make it. Even though the vacations were over, I said I could make it since it was at 8 AM. He then booked the driving test and we worked backwards and scheduled all the remaining lessons. Driving test The driving test ensures that you know how to act as a responsible driver and that you know how to apply basic driving skills independently and safely in various situations. You must know how to identify and evaluate risks and your activities and their effects on traffic safety. The driving test lasts 60 to 65 minutes, of which at least 45 minutes is driving time. The basic skills checked during the examination are Knowledge-related workings of different car controls turn signals, wipers, fog lamps, defoggers, lights, seat control, mirrors etc. How to check oil level, coolant level, fuel level etc etc Car controls Observation and appraisal Situational speed Signals Driving line and driving order Distance to other road users Following traffic guidance The most common reasons for driving test rejection: Passing a stopped or parked vehicle in front of the pedestrian crossing without stopping Driving when the traffic light is red If you do not stop at a STOP sign Passing a traffic divider on the wrong side Incorrect driving order Prohibited driving direction Incorrect grouping for turning Short safety distance Accidentally changing lanes at an intersection Overspeeding Reversing dangerous way Changing lanes without good observations Ignoring a bus leaving the bus stop Weak observation in the equal intersection Weak observation of pedestrians and cyclists Driving in the opposite lane Difficulties in vehicle handling skills Too slow speed when joining the highway Two days before the test I paid 99 using the driving test booking link I reached the driving school at 7:15 AM and filled out the self-assessment form for the driving test and risk training completion certificate. The assessment areas and the possible grades are as follows Vehicle handling and management Consideration of road users Anticipation and management of traffic situations Management of own operations Grades: 1 = weak, 2 = fair, 3 = normal, 4 = good, 5 = very good I was very conservative in giving self-assessment and I gave 3,2,2,2 respectively. Then we completed the last 30 mins of driving lessons and went through common mistakes people make during the tests. We reached the test centre exactly at 8 AM. The examiner checked my ID card against the application permit and checked the Risk training completion certificate and self-assessment form. He entered my self-assessment grades on his tablet. He then went through how he would be giving the directions to follow while driving, it could be take next left, take next right, take the exit towards Helsinki, take the third exit at the roundabout etc. Missing a turn is ok and it doesnt influence the outcome of the test. But the test taker must follow the traffic rules even after missing the exit or turn. He also clarified that he is not looking for a perfect driver, he is looking at how well I can adapt to conditions around us, how I consider other road users while driving, and if I drive ecologically, and responsibly. He also clarified that during the test I could ask questions or discuss about driving situation with him if needed. Afterwards, we started the driving test and drove for about 45 minutes. We did drive through motorways, primary roads, secondary roads, and roundabouts. We reached the test centre, the last task was to park the car in the parking space. I reversed the car into the parking space. He said the test was over, I passed it and he is happy to give me the license. I then told him I have been driving for 15+ years and he said I can tell that you have driving experience based on your driving. We went through the self-assessment grades and he changed my grades from 3,2,2,2 to 4,4,4,4. Overall he was satisfied with my driving performance. He handed over a temporary paper license which is valid for 6 months and assured me that I would get my license card in the post within a week. He also clarified that the paper license is only valid in mainland Finalnd and is not valid in Aland Island and the rest of the EU. A few aspects were not tested during the driving test Stop sign Using car controls while driving General questions related to car checks. Like, as opening the boot, oil check etc General questions related to car usability. Like turning on the wiper, rear wipers, high beam, seat adjustment, mirror adjustment etc. I am happy that I was able to get the license in my first attempt and overall it was a nice experience to get driving lessons from a school We have been living in Finland for a couple of years now, due to the excellent public transport facilities in Helsinki, Espoo and surrounding areas, for the most part, we never really felt a need to own a car. However, though the public transport is great within the capital region and surrounding areas, you might still need a car to take kids around to after-school activities, weekend activities (When public transport is running at a reduced capacity), haul large goods, go on a one-day trip to neighbouring cities etc. During the summer (Summer of 2024) I had 4 weeks of vacation with no travel plan, and I finally decided to get my Finnish drivers license.As an immigrant in Finland, I had two options to obtain a Finnish drivers license,So, the only option was to complete the training and examination to obtain the new license.The steps and official costs involved in obtaining a new passenger car license areI applied for the drivers license permit online from the Finnish transportation authority and obtained it instantly. The permit is valid for three years.Armed with the above information related to the overall process of obtaining a new license and drivers license permit, I started the driving school hunt at the beginning of May. The main criteria for choosing a driving school wereAfter searching and reviewing the driving schools, I decided to get drivers training from Autokoulu Eco driving school in Espoo. This is a family-run driving school with only one branch. I Choose the EcoLiteS course for 759 in a manual car.The EcoliteS course includesThe payment is made in multiple stages50 To get access to the learning portal with DL e-book and Netreeni training portals.349 To start EAS and Risk management theory lessons and simulator lessons350 To start driving lessons in the car and to use the driving schools car in the testAfter paying 50, I got access to the learning portal. I started the DL e-book. DL e-book is an online self-study material that gives a basic introduction to the concepts of driving passenger cars.There are 19 modules in it and those areEach module has a video explaining the concept and the same are provided in PDF format as well. At the end of many modules, there is an exercise which students need to complete. These exercises are time-bound, meaning we must answer them within 10 seconds. All questions must be answered correctly to mark a module as completed. After completing a module, we get a unique completion code, and we must give it to the instructor if requested (To check if the module was completed by the student). By the end of May, I had completed the self-study modules.At the beginning of June, I paid a second instalment of 349 and got access to the EAS and risk management theory lessons.EAS theory lessons are mainly related to the following topicsLessons are in Finnish with English subtitles; The English subtitles are converted by a professional and are not converted through Google or other services. Hence, the content of the videos is really good.Each lesson is broken down into multiple chapters, after each chapter there are exercises. We can move to the next chapter only after completing the exercises. The chapters cant be skipped.The online theory lessons can be watched only once, the lessons can be only taken when the control room of the driving school is operational. When we take online lessons, the person from the control room can call us on WhatsApp or Signal to check if we are really in front of the computer to take the classes. In my case, no one called me while I took the classes.Along with the lessons, I was also doing exercises and mock theory tests on the Netreeni and preparing for the theory tests.By mid-June, I completed all the theory lessons and booked the first simulator lesson at the beginning of July.At the beginning of the summer vacation, I paid the third instalment of 350 and visited the driving school for the first lesson. The first lesson is always on the simulator. I was able to take the second lesson on the same day since the simulator was free. The first two lessons were about car controls and driving on a track at multiple speeds, moving forward and reversing the car in a continuous S shape that progressively gets sharper.The third driving lesson was in a car, we went to an industrial area with wide roads. In my previous interactions, I had told the instructor that I have a drivers license from India and have been driving for 15+ years. After the third class, he believed that I had sufficient knowledge about the car controls and had no problem with moving the car in first gear or crawling at 5 Km/h. In the past, it seems he had a few students who claimed that they had licenses from other countries but didnt know anything about the cars let alone the driving. After those incidents, he is sceptical about students who claim to have licenses from other countries. He didnt mention the countries of those students and I didnt askOnce I had cleared 5 mock tests on the Netreeni training tool. The instructor booked the theory test on my behalf on 16th July at 11 AM. The driving school can only book the test; however, we must pay before appearing for the test using an online booking confirmation link. We must pick up the EAS theory lesson completion certificate from the driving school before appearing for the testI reached the test centre around 10:30 AM. Customers with an appointment must wait in the lobby till their appointment time and no need to get any tokens. At 11 AM they called for people waiting for the test. At the counter, they checked my ID, checked the EAS theory lesson completion certificate. Mobile phones or other devices are not allowed inside the test room. They must be handed over for depositing in a secure locker. I handed over my mobile phone at the counter.Then they handed us the tablet to take the test and directed me to one of the test rooms. Each test room has a chair, table and tablet holder. Each room has surveillance cameras.The instructions for the test are first displayed on the screen and once I read through all the instructions, the test data set gets downloaded to the table and the test gets started.The exam has a 30-minute time limit and the exam includes three areas:The pictures used in the questions are mostly computer generated on the Helsinki city centre background, some of them are completely generated on the computer. They look very much like images from a computer game. Extra care is required while checking for the indicators on the cars in the pictures, shadows on the ground etc. The images can be zoomed in by clicking on themNetreeni also uses similar computer-generated images In the mock tests and exercises. An example image isEnthusiasts can take a free Netreeni theory test at Netreeni . Change the language to English and open the Netreeni DemoI completed the test in about 20 minutes. Then for about 6 to 7 minutes I double-checked the answer and submitted the answer. The overall results are emailed and displayed on the screen instantly. The questions and the correct answers are not emailed or displayed. So after submitting the answers, there is no way to know which questions we got wrong.I passed the test. The questions were straight forward and the English language used in the questions was very good. It wasnt a bad translation job.After the test, I went back to the counter and handed over the table. They gave a printed payment receipt (For online payment) and gave the mobile phone from the secure storage.Post completing the theory test, I continued the driving lessons. I planned to take the driving test at the end of July. Since it was a holiday season, all the slots were full till the end of August. Many university students use the summer vacation to get their first drivers license.The only option was to stretch the remaining driving lessons in August after my summer holidays. And the instructor didnt want me to complete the lessons in July and take the test at the end of August or the beginning of September.After one of the classes, the instructor was checking for an open slot for a driving test and there was an available slot on 2nd August at 8 AM. He asked if I could make it. Even though the vacations were over, I said I could make it since it was at 8 AM. He then booked the driving test and we worked backwards and scheduled all the remaining lessons.The driving test ensures that you know how to act as a responsible driver and that you know how to apply basic driving skills independently and safely in various situations. You must know how to identify and evaluate risks and your activities and their effects on traffic safety. The driving test lasts 60 to 65 minutes, of which at least 45 minutes is driving time.The basic skills checked during the examination areThe most common reasons for driving test rejection:Two days before the test I paid 99 using the driving test booking linkI reached the driving school at 7:15 AM and filled out the self-assessment form for the driving test and risk training completion certificate.The assessment areas and the possible grades are as followsGrades: 1 = weak, 2 = fair, 3 = normal, 4 = good, 5 = very goodI was very conservative in giving self-assessment and I gave 3,2,2,2 respectively.Then we completed the last 30 mins of driving lessons and went through common mistakes people make during the tests. We reached the test centre exactly at 8 AM.The examiner checked my ID card against the application permit and checked the Risk training completion certificate and self-assessment form. He entered my self-assessment grades on his tablet. He then went through how he would be giving the directions to follow while driving, it could be take next left, take next right, take the exit towards Helsinki, take the third exit at the roundabout etc. Missing a turn is ok and it doesnt influence the outcome of the test. But the test taker must follow the traffic rules even after missing the exit or turn. He also clarified that he is not looking for a perfect driver, he is looking at how well I can adapt to conditions around us, how I consider other road users while driving, and if I drive ecologically, and responsibly. He also clarified that during the test I could ask questions or discuss about driving situation with him if needed.Afterwards, we started the driving test and drove for about 45 minutes. We did drive through motorways, primary roads, secondary roads, and roundabouts.We reached the test centre, the last task was to park the car in the parking space. I reversed the car into the parking space. He said the test was over, I passed it and he is happy to give me the license. I then told him I have been driving for 15+ years and he said I can tell that you have driving experience based on your driving. We went through the self-assessment grades and he changed my grades from 3,2,2,2 to 4,4,4,4. Overall he was satisfied with my driving performance. He handed over a temporary paper license which is valid for 6 months and assured me that I would get my license card in the post within a week. He also clarified that the paper license is only valid in mainland Finalnd and is not valid in Aland Island and the rest of the EU.A few aspects were not tested during the driving testI am happy that I was able to get the license in my first attempt and overall it was a nice experience to get driving lessons from a school Last edited by dheerajjoshi : 3rd August 2024 at 19:03 . Reason: Fixing typo Facepalm: Nvidia's highly anticipated Blackwell series of AI chips has encountered a significant setback. Newly discovered design flaws will delay shipments by at least three months. This delay will likely cause considerable disappointment among customers who have placed billions of dollars in orders. Nvidia's highly anticipated Blackwell series of AI chips is facing significant delays due to design flaws discovered late in manufacturing. The Information cites two anonymous sources involved with Nvidia's chip and server hardware production, stating that the issue could take at least three months to resolve. The crux of the issue lies in the processor die connecting two Blackwell GPUs on a GB200 chip a problem identified by manufacturer TSMC. In response, Nvidia is revising the design and will need to conduct new production tests with TSMC before mass production begins. As a stopgap measure, the company is considering producing a single GPU version of the Blackwell chip to expedite delivery. The delay has far-reaching implications for Big Tech players who have invested heavily in Nvidia's technology. For instance, Google has ordered over 400,000 GB200 chips in a deal exceeding $10 billion. Similarly, Meta has placed a $10 billion order, while Microsoft had plans to have 55,000 to 65,000 GB200 GPUs ready for OpenAI by the first quarter of 2025 a timeline now in jeopardy. Nvidia has reportedly informed Microsoft and another cloud provider about the delay affecting the most advanced AI chip models in the Blackwell series. Consequently, significant shipments of these chips are not expected until the first quarter of 2025, potentially disrupting the AI strategies of these tech giants. Despite these reports, Nvidia's official stance remains optimistic. A company spokesperson stated that "production is on track to ramp" later this year without directly addressing the reported delay. Meanwhile, the affected companies, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Meta, have declined to comment. The setback could allow Nvidia's competitors to gain ground in the AI chip market. Intel and AMD have struggled to impact Nvidia's market share since the outset of the AI boom. However, the delay might let them reposition their products as viable alternatives for customers needing immediate solutions. For instance, AMD designed its open-source ROCm framework to compete directly with Nvidia's CUDA, offering developers an alternative to build AI applications without being locked into Nvidia's ecosystem. Likewise, Intel is developing AI accelerator chips, including the Gaudi line, as more affordable alternatives. According to Intel, its AI accelerators are one-third to two-thirds the price of competing brands. As customers move past the initial disappointment of the delay, they may question Nvidia's ability to maintain its dominant 80-percent market share in the face of production challenges and increasing competition. As the AI arms race intensifies, the industry will closely watch how Nvidia navigates this hurdle and whether it can deliver on its promises to its high-profile customers. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust On the horizon: Samsung recently pulled back the curtain on its latest battery innovations aimed at powering tomorrow's electric vehicles. From solid-state cells promising over 600 miles of range to ultra-fast charging and extended lifespans, the tech giant laid out an ambitious roadmap. Samsung's oxide solid-state batteries, now in pilot production and testing with automakers, boast an impressive energy density of around 500 Wh/kg roughly double that of today's mainstream EV batteries. The Elec notes the batteries have an unbelievably quick time to full-charge of just nine minutes and lifespans up to an incredible 20 years. According to Samsung SDI Vice President Ko Joo-young, carmakers are going gaga over these next-gen batteries because they are significantly smaller, lighter, and much safer than today's EV batteries. However, the high production costs mean they'll initially be confined to the "super premium" EV segment. Luxury electric cars using the tech can travel between 900-1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles) on a single charge without significantly increasing battery size and weight. Toyota has also circled 2027 as its target for mass producing long-lasting solid-state batteries. However, the carmaker cautioned that its first deployment would likely be limited to premium Lexus EVs. While Samsung's and Toyota's plans may sound game-changing, they're still only playing catch up with Chinese battery makers. This timeline puts the duo behind the current EV battery leader, China's CATL. Notebookcheck reports that CATL expects a one-percent solid-state penetration rate by 2027. Meanwhile, Chinese rival NIO already offers semi-solid state batteries enabling over 650 miles of range. Still, others have achieved ultra-rapid 5C or 6C charging speeds although the main hurdle of deploying sufficient charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Samsung will also face competition from South Korean rival LG on the solid-state front. Although it trails Samsung's 2027 target by three years, LG Energy Solutions claims it is aggressively developing dry electrode-based solid-state tech that puts it "ahead of the curve." However, solid-state technology isn't Samsung's only play. It's also developing cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cobalt-free batteries to compete in more affordable EV segments. The popularity of LFP batteries is rapidly growing. A recent report highlighted that the technology already accounts for 40 percent of EV sales. Apple is pressuring Tencent, the company behind WeChat to make huge changes when it comes to app fees in China. It's also pushing ByteDance to do the same thingApple is attempting to compel WeChat, the world's most popular app, to close a payment loophole that allows external payment links for in-app purchases. If Tencent, WeChat's owner, does not comply, the Cupertino giant will not have a second thought of blocking essential updates for the app in China. WeChat's Dominance in China WeChat is not just an app; it's an entire ecosystem used by nearly a billion active users. Initially launched as a messaging app, WeChat has evolved into a comprehensive platform where users can access a myriad of services. These services include hailing a taxi, ordering food, purchasing movie tickets, playing games, checking flight statuses, transferring money, booking medical appointments, accessing banking services, paying utility bills, and much more. Essentially, WeChat functions like an operating system with its own app store, integrating millions of lightweight apps within its platform. Related Article : Tencent Aims to Give WeChat Users ChatGPT-Like Experience Soon Comparison with Douyin and TikTok Similar pressure was applied by Apple to ByteDance's Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, which subsequently complied with Apple's demands. Despite this, three months later, Tencent continues to resist Apple's demands. Apple's Stance on External Payment Links Apple's contention is that WeChat's practice of allowing mini-app developers to include links to external payment services violates the terms and conditions of the App Store. While Tencent agreed to remove these links initially, Bloomberg reports that in-game messaging services are now being used similarly, and Tencent has refused to block this workaround. Apple's Threat to Block WeChat Updates In May, Apple warned Tencent that it might reject essential WeChat updates unless the developer removes these payment links used by mini-game developers. Recently, the iPhone maker demanded that Tencent disable a key in-game messaging feature that also redirects users to external payment services. However, Tencent has resisted, arguing that this change would undermine the product and compromise the gaming experience for users. The Implications for WeChat and Apple The standoff between Apple and Tencent highlights a significant power struggle. While Apple is typically the dominant player in such disputes, the situation with WeChat is different. In China, consumers rely heavily on WeChat for daily activities and transactions, making it indispensable. Consequently, a threat to block WeChat updates holds less weight compared to other apps. Given WeChat's unparalleled influence in China, Apple's threat has not yet been acted upon, even after several months. This delay suggests that a compromise may eventually be reached, but for now, Tencent holds a stronger position in this negotiation. According to 9to5Mac, both companies understand the critical role WeChat plays in the Chinese market, and any drastic action could have significant repercussions. Apple's attempt to enforce its App Store policies on WeChat won't be an easy task. Although it's a gargantuan company in the tech space, Chinese companies will assert their rights when it comes to these regulations. While Apple has had success with other developers, the unique importance of WeChat in China makes this situation more complex. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how both companies will navigate this high-stakes conflict.. It seems like the misfortunes in the world of crypto are never-ending, as another crash in the market took place again at the start of August, and this is after the industry saw these coins bounce back. The top ten coins in cryptocurrency are the biggest losers, as collectively, the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more have a combined $300 billion loss. Last week saw promising performance in the crypto industry as Bitcoin recently soared towards a $70,000 valuation, alongside the promise of a cryptocurrency-friendly America. Crypto Market Crashes Again: Stock Market is the Reason The dawn of August is not good tidings for the crypto market as it saw a crash take place while the industry recently saw it bounce back after a previous drop. According to Forbes, the reason behind this new crypto crash incident is due to the stock market crash that took place, prompting significant instability in a supposed growing market. It affects the entire industry, and the top ten cryptos in the market including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and more saw humongous drops. Bitcoin, which recently soared to as much as $70,000, saw it crash to $60,000 and is still seeing massive reds in the charts. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to investors to secure their accounts as hackers may take this opportunity to steal from wallets. Read Also : Investors Soon to Profit on the Decline of Cryptocurrency in Hong Kong Crypto Investors are Liquidating their Digital Assets Because of the recent stock market volatility, one of its darkest times, it was reported that crypto investors and traders have recently been liquidating their assets. The industry saw $272 million worth of crypto being liquidated by investors in the last 24 hours, and Bitcoin alone saw $78 million liquidated according to CoinTribune. The Projected Future of Cryptocurrency One of the past few weeks' top stories about crypto is how it would play a massive role in the United States, should Donald J. Trump win the highest seat in the country again. This was after rumors of the US adding more crypto to its holdings, centering on Bitcoin strategic reserves which was speculated to be the course of action for the possible Trump administration. This was later confirmed by the former President of the United States himself during the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, with Trump announcing a future where America becomes the crypto capital of the world. Not only that, Trump also claimed that his administration would focus on Bitcoin, making the top crypto in the market a 'superpower.' Despite these massive stories towards the end of July and a bouncing-back performance in the market forcryptocurrency, it still saw significant roadblocks that are now hindering its continued growth. The crypto industry is now crashing yet again, and this took place in only a matter of days amidst the stock market crash, now affecting all the coins, including those in the top 10. Researchers at the cybersecurity firm Volexity on Friday revealed that a Chinese hacking group StormBamboo has successfully compromised an internet service provider (ISP) to abuse automatic software updates with malware. This Chinese cyber-espionage threat group, also tracked as Evasive Panda, Daggerfly, and StormCloud, has been active since at least 2012, targeting organizations across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Nigeria, and several Southeast and East Asian countries (via BleepingComputer). During one incident investigated by Volexity, the threat researchers discovered that StormBamboo targeted software that used insecure update mechanisms, such as HTTP, and did not properly validate the digital signatures of installers to deploy malware payloads on victims machines running macOS and Windows. When these applications went to retrieve their updates, instead of installing the intended update, they would install malware, including but not limited to MACMA and POCOSTICK (aka MGBot), Volexity explained in a report published on Friday. To do that, the attackers interrupted and modified victims DNS requests and redirected them to malicious IP addresses. This technique delivered malware to the victims systems from StormBamboos command-and-control (C2) servers, thus requiring no user interaction. Volexity found StormBamboo targeting multiple software vendors, who use automatic update mechanisms, using differing levels of complexity in their steps for pushing malware. For instance, they took advantage of 5KPlayer requests to update the youtube-dl dependency to push a backdoored installer hosted on their C2 servers, the BleepingComputer report stated. After compromising the targets systems, the threat actors installed a malicious Google Chrome extension (ReloadText), which allowed them to harvest and steal browser cookies and mail data. The threat researchers notified and worked with the ISP, which then investigated important traffic-routing devices on their network. Once the ISP rebooted, it took specific network components offline, which immediately stopped the DNS poisoning. StormBamboo is a highly skilled and aggressive threat actor who compromises third parties (in this case, an ISP) to breach intended targets. The variety of malware employed in various campaigns by this threat actor indicates significant effort is invested, with actively supported payloads for not only macOS and Windows, but also network appliances, the researchers concluded. Sicily's Catania airport reduces arrivals due to Etna activity Rome, Aug 4 (AFP) Aug 04, 2024 Sicily's Catania Airport said it had reduced its arrivals Sunday, due to a gush of volcanic lava and smoke emitted from nearby Mount Etna. The airport said on its website that "as a result of this morning's volcanic activity", arriving flights would be reduced to six per hour and one section would be closed. "Passengers are requested to check the status of their flight with the airline if necessary," said the airport, which is Sicily's busiest. Twice last month, the airport suspended all flights after eruptions spewed volcanic ash over runways. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported a "lava fountain" gushing from the volcano Sunday morning, with an accompanying "volcanic cloud" dispersing towards the east and southeast. At 3,324 metres (nearly 11,000 feet), Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and has erupted frequently in the past 500,000 years. China landslide death toll rises to 8, with 19 missing Beijing, Aug 4 (AFP) Aug 04, 2024 A landslide that hit a village in southwestern China and caused a highway bridge to collapse killed at least eight people and left 19 missing, state media said Sunday. The disaster occurred early Saturday morning near Kangding, in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwestern Sichuan province. A flash flood and mudslide caused the collapse of a highway bridge that linked two tunnels, with four cars carrying 11 people plummeting off it, state broadcaster CCTV said on Sunday. One person was rescued but two others were found dead and eight were missing. In the village of Ridi, near the collapsed bridge, six other people were killed and 11 were missing, according to CCTV. China is experiencing a summer of extreme weather events, including torrential rains, flooding, landslides and record-high temperatures, which scientists say are made more frequent and intense by climate change. Last month, the collapse of a highway bridge in northern Shaanxi province killed 38 people and left 24 missing, state media said on Friday. Heavy rains in central China this week have also killed at least 30 people and left 35 missing, according to a provisional toll published on Thursday. Swaths of eastern China have baked under a scorching heatwave this weekend, with temperatures in some areas reaching record highs. The mercury reached 40.4 degrees Celsius (104.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in downtown Shanghai on Sunday, a record high this year, according to state media outlet The Paper. As an investor, mistakes are inevitable. But really bad investments should be rare. So take a moment to sympathize with the long term shareholders of INNOVATE Corp. (NYSE:VATE), who have seen the share price tank a massive 87% over a three year period. That would certainly shake our confidence in the decision to own the stock. The more recent news is of little comfort, with the share price down 66% in a year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 31% in the last 90 days. We really feel for shareholders in this scenario. It's a good reminder of the importance of diversification, and it's worth keeping in mind there's more to life than money, anyway. After losing 20% this past week, it's worth investigating the company's fundamentals to see what we can infer from past performance. Check out our latest analysis for INNOVATE INNOVATE wasn't profitable in the last twelve months, it is unlikely we'll see a strong correlation between its share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Arguably revenue is our next best option. When a company doesn't make profits, we'd generally hope to see good revenue growth. As you can imagine, fast revenue growth, when maintained, often leads to fast profit growth. In the last three years, INNOVATE saw its revenue grow by 18% per year, compound. That's a fairly respectable growth rate. So it's hard to believe the share price decline of 23% per year is due to the revenue. More likely, the market was spooked by the cost of that revenue. This is exactly why investors need to diversify - even when a loss making company grows revenue, it can fail to deliver for shareholders. You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). Balance sheet strength is crucial. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time. A Different Perspective Investors in INNOVATE had a tough year, with a total loss of 66%, against a market gain of about 19%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 12% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with INNOVATE (including 4 which shouldn't be ignored) . If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com New flooding keeps parts of Latvia under water Jurmala, Latvia, Aug 4 (AFP) Aug 04, 2024 Floodwaters from neighbouring Lithuania are keeping parts of rural central Latvia underwater, a week after record quantities of rain fell on the Baltic state, officials said. The local administration in the Latvian city of Jelgava said on Sunday that areas of Lithuania "have been overflooded and the excess waters are now reaching Jelgava vicinity through Svete river". "Residents must be ready for evacuation," it said. In the central lowlands, many roads remain closed. "Usually these meadows near the Svete river are grasslands where cows used to graze," a local farmer, Aigars Karklins, said on Sunday. "Ducks are swimming over the former country roads," he said. The Latvian state weather forecasting service said 193 millimetres fell in one day last week on the town of Kalnciems -- usually the average for over a two-month period. The Baltic seaside city of Jurmala was hit with severe winds, which uprooted tens of thousands of trees and caused widespread damage to homes. "Our backyard is now full of broken pines that fell right in. It's such a pile that I could start a logging company," Aksels Sadovskis, a resident of Jurmala, told AFP. The falling trees have destroyed a park, flooded basements and disrupted train services in the popular resort. Vice President Kamala Harris has immediately complicated Republican efforts to win over Silicon Valley converts. Donald Trump tallied millions in donations from tech-world figures in recent months. But Democrats have long held an advantage there and the new presumptive Democratic nominee has especially deep connections to this community and its pocketbooks. How this plays out in the months ahead could make things, at the very least, awkward, even for some of Trump's most ardent supporters. "She came to my wedding," Trevor Traina, one of the tech world figures leading the charge for Trump, said in a recent interview. He is the founder and chairman of digital wallet app Kresus Labs and was ambassador to Austria under Trump. Traina helped organize a recent high-profile Silicon Valley fundraiser for the former president at the home of billionaire David Sacks that raised $12 million. His support for Trump isn't wavering, he said, but he also declined to criticize Harris personally in the recent conversation. "Kamala is a dear friend of mine, and I like her very much," he said before adding: "It's just that in today's world, candidates who want to be successful on the left have to toe the line on the whole Elizabeth Warren school of thought." Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves as she boards Air Force Two in Indianapolis on July 24. (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI via Getty Images) Others said a change is afoot inside the center of the tech universe as Harris has quickly consolidated the public support of existing Democratic mega-donors and a new open letter from "VCs for Kamala" has over 400 signatures. Her campaign also raised over $200 million in national grassroots donations in her first week of the race. "The change from Biden to Harris has absolutely shifted the environment in Silicon Valley," said Box CEO Aaron Levie in a recent post on X. The well-known Democratic donor added that some "were on the sidelines or wouldn't have been all that energized, but that has changed now." Another indication of possible Harris momentum in Silicon Valley was a reader survey by the Information that found a jump in tech-world support for Harris. Harris's ties to Silicon Valley even extend to the familial. Her niece is Meena Harris, who used to work at Uber (UBER) and wrote a children's book about her aunt. She's married to Nikolas Ajagu, who, according to Linkedin, was formerly an executive at Facebook (META). A counteroffensive from Trump and his allies Trump, meanwhile, is clearly not going to cede any gained ground without a fight. On Monday, GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance visited Palo Alto for a sold-out fundraiser, according to an invitation posted online. Story continues Vance boasts his own bevy of Silicon Valley contacts from a stint as a San Francisco venture capitalist and was back in the region for a fundraising lunch in the nearby town of Coalinga on Wednesday. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) pays for a breakfast order on July 28 during a stop in St Cloud, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) (Stephen Maturen via Getty Images) Harmeet Dhillon is a California lawyer and the former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party who shared this week's invitation. Like many in the area, she crossed paths with Harris, once representing opposite sides in litigation. She said in a recent interview that Harris's potential to shake up this aspect of the race is being overblown. "She lives in Silicon Valley, but ... she's not part of the tech community," Dhillon said of Harris, arguing "no one's authentically a cheerleader for Kamala Harris other than her immediate family members." Dhillon also strongly disputes the notion that Harris could be friendlier to Big Tech than Biden. She is most focused on the Harris record when it comes to other issues like crime, which she said could be more determinative among the safety-conscious tech community. And Vance's selection has also already led to a thaw of sorts between the Trump campaign and one key tech billionaire: PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Vance used to work for Thiel and the billionaire, in a recent New York Times interview, signaled new warmth for Trump while also remaining noncommittal about jumping into the 2024 race financially. The Harris tech agenda A possible tech agenda for Harris, if she wins this fall, is also being looked at closely. Harris rose to national prominence in San Francisco and was known during her time in California for having a modestly collegial relationship with Big Tech. Donations from some of Silicon Valley's most prominent figures and their employees fueled her early runs for office, especially her 2016 Senate victory. And during her time as California attorney general, Harris often looked at tech issues but ended up focused on voluntary agreements with companies as she sought their cooperation on issues like sex trafficking online. Then Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg appeared with then California Attorney General Kamala Harris at a "Safer Internet" event at Facebook headquarters in 2015 in Menlo Park, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (Justin Sullivan via Getty Images) Even during her 2020 presidential race, when Harris veered left on a variety of issues, she declined to call for the breakup of Big Tech as her rivals, Sens. Warren and Bernie Sanders, did. She focused on regulating the giants around issues like online privacy. Harris has focused on AI during her years as vice president and offered a similar approach focused on largely voluntary agreements as Washington begins to grapple with the technology. In a speech in London last November, Harris called out companies and accused some of choosing profit over safety. But at the same time, she often courted AI business leaders and convened CEOs to discuss the issues. This helped shepherd a wave of voluntary business-world commitments to some of the plans from top companies like Adobe (ADBE), IBM (IBM), and Nvidia (NVDA). Harris has offered little in the way of public commentary on tech issues since entering the race but is expected to tout Biden accomplishments popular in tech circles like the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which is sending billions to semiconductor companies. A focus on those issues could be amplified further if Sen. Mark Kelly is picked as VP. Kelly has made the semiconductor efforts a centerpiece of his time in the Senate and helped shepherd much of the money to the swing state of Arizona that he represents. Kamala Harris poses with officials including officials from Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as Sam Altman of OpenAI on the second day of the UK AI Safety Summit in November 2023 in Bletchley, England. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) (Leon Neal via Getty Images) Trump, meanwhile, is set to keep focused on the mashup of vocal tech-world venture capital figures and crypto libertarians he has assembled behind his candidacy. "You are going to be very happy with me," Trump told an audience of bitcoin enthusiasts last weekend, arguing that across tech issues like cryptocurrency and AI "we understand it, they don't understand it." As for Traina, he expects that many of Trump's inroads in Silicon Valley will be durable as Trump-leaning technology figures are increasingly comfortable speaking out. That is going to continue to allow Trump, he says, to access a "silent majority [in Silicon Valley] that was at the very least centrist, if not slightly right of center, but who were apolitical." Traina himself has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump and to other Republican candidates in 2024. But in yet another example of the complex equation in Silicon Valley at the moment, Traina himself had a very small role in the political rise of his former wedding guest. According to election records, he sent Kamala Harris a $1,500 check back in 2015. Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Loading There were no mentions of the NATO meeting [held that week], there were no mentions on Israel-Gaza, there was no mention on the continuing turbulence in the French election. There was no mention of Ukraine, this is in the top stories, and there was no mention of any state political story at all. Now thats admittedly on the national feed, as News reminds me, and Im not saying that to have a go at News, but I would just say its what I would describe as an idiosyncratic selection of story priorities. We need to have a better coherent logic in relation to story prioritisation. And I think thats not surprising, and in fact, is much more responsive to the way in which people expect new services to be delivered. I think I make no apology for the fact I think news should be prioritised appropriately. Sorry if thats unsatisfying. The ABC is rolling out a news website redesign, which it says allows it to present the latest news, explain the wider context and provide information to make life easier for its diverse audience, including making it easier for users to localise content for them. Some users are already offered the new site, which will go fully live on August 19. The ABCs new News website layout. Internally, some at the ABC are split over Williams intervention. Some question whether it is the chairs job to be involved on specific content output in a constructive manner, while others believe it displays genuine effort to lift standards and return the broadcaster from a downmarket shift. Is it his job? Yes, if there is a wider issue, it is the chairs job to fix it. This whole downmarket shift is what he is pushing against. Its heartening to see, said one staffer, speaking on condition of anonymity. On Sunday morning, the top stories on the new layout covered the prime minister at the Garma Festival, the US election, riots in Britain, the Olympics and a foreign affairs story on Russia. Also in the meeting, Williams discussed his intention to establish Radio National as the ABCs heartland, and to emulate the impact of the BBCs Radio 4 on the Australian public. Radio 4 reached 17 per cent of the British public weekly, Williams said. In the most recent radio ratings survey, Radio Nationals audience share in Sydney was just 1.5 per cent, and 1.6 per cent in Melbourne. Loading My aspiration would be to that level. My aspiration is to actually see it be a service that has a real impact. To help RN reach Williams aspiration, station manager Dina Rosendorff is leading a review, looking at how the station sells itself, its programming schedule, and to establish a new mission statement to replace the current think bigger tagline. I dont believe [RN] should continue to be an exclusive silo inside the ABC. The ABC has this myriad of services which are extremely proficient at not cross-promoting each other, that are extremely practised and developed in the art of ignoring each other, and I think that is not only to be regretted, but it is to be rejected, Williams said. My view of ABC programming is that [it] should always be distinctive. Why do it if its not? ABC programming needs to be bold. It needs to be something that actually stands up, and that you can embrace and feel proud of, and we need to do that on a very regular basis. Williams said addressing audience declines could not be solved by shuttering or cutting services. Audiences are down across the board, and that is something we need to address, and I dont think the way to address them is to progressively eliminate services, or to migrate services into different delivery technologies, he said. Williams plans require increased funding, something he has placed top of his agenda publicly since taking the role four months ago. He was critical yesterday of the lack of effective efforts by the organisation to gain those funding increases. The Japanese company SoftBank is developing an emotion-cancelling filter called SoftVoice for call centre workers to screen out the inevitable parade of angry people who have been waiting 2 hours to speak with a human, just to be told that, while their call is very important, they are unable to help them with their request. The AI isnt designed to remove all of the angry notes entirely, but to keep just a slight hint of the frustration so that the call centre responder is still able to get some vague sense of how to respond, Kate Irwin wrote in PC Mag. Youre not quite hearing me. Credit: iStock We know that call centre workers are probably the most yelled-at people, aside from parents of toddlers or parking enforcement officers, but surely censoring human emotion is the most dystopian use of AI being dreamed up right now? I mean, we could all use a bit of AI emotion-altering software, like removing passive-aggression in your voice when reminding your husband for the fifth time to take out the bins, toning down the sarcasm when your boss asks why your small children appear to be sick all the time, as you imagine the parade of exotic germs they bring home from daycare every day, or responding civilly to your mother, who has reminded you again (in case you forgot) that bacon actually causes cancer. Advertisement Eating outJust open Nearly 50 Chinese restaurant closures forces change by next generation The lazy Susans have ceased spinning at some of Sydneys best-known Chinese restaurants. But young operators are shunning tradition and charting a new path. Scott Bolles August 5, 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 Sydney has lost nearly 50 Chinese food venues in the past 18 months, according to the president of the Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Tseng. Since February 2023, 49 establishments have either closed or changed their operations, Tseng says. The list of suburban closures includes Chatswoods King Dynasty and Chao Kong Chinese Restaurant in Eastwood and Chans Canton Village, which opened in 1980 at Casula. Numerous high-profile Chinese restaurants have also closed, among them Redferns Good Food Guide-hatted Redbird, China Diner in Double Bay, Crowns elevated Silks, and Lotus, which pivoted its Double Bay location to takeaway-only. Wayne Tseng of the Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce. Chris Hopkins One of the problems facing traditional Chinese restaurants in Australia is the business model on which many first prospered: the artificially low wage cost of family restaurants, Tseng says. Advertisement Low wages kept menu prices and operating costs flat a financial advantage not shared by modern Chinese restaurants, which operate in an era of government compliance, staff entitlements, rising costs and rents particularly in the city areas where many Chinese restaurants are located. When COVID arrived, it affected business even further, and kicked off a brutal period for Sydneys iconic Chinatown restaurants. Yum Cha Projects team (from left): co-owner Waiwing Lau, chef Vincent Lim and restaurateur Howin Chui. Supplied In August 2020, the 40-year-old BBQ King closed. A year later, 39-year-old Marigold Chinese Restaurant followed, citing several factors but primarily the pandemic, and 32-year-old Golden Century, a favourite among a roll-call of chefs, slid into voluntary administration. Then the three-decades-old Zilver restaurant in Haymarket shut last year, the building it occupied slated for redevelopment. But Tseng says he is confident that operators are adapting. Mid-market restaurants are getting smarter, reducing the number of menu items they offer, he says. Every industry has to evolve. Sometimes that means unshackling from the old model. Advertisement One such restaurant is Yum Cha Project, which opens at Grosvenor Place in the Sydney CBD on August 8. Aiming to set itself apart from more traditional Chinese restaurants, it will pack takeaway dumplings in pizza and hamburger boxes, and Peking duck pizza will be available as a side order. The emblematic Irish Chinese dish, spice bag, at The Taphouse, Darlinghurst. I dont want this to be another luxurious Sydney Chinese restaurant, says owner Howin Chui. I want to be like Guzman y Gomez, an Australian brand growing domestically and internationally. The restaurant has 50 seats, much smaller than the huge traditional yum cha restaurants, and there will be no yum cha trolleys or long waits for tables, only large stacks of steamers and quick delivery. Customers will be able to order yum cha by the piece, rather than overloading on a whole basket of a single type of dumpling. Chui is similarly confident there is a wider revolution taking place in the Chinese restaurant market. He points to a growth in niche players, such as the recent explosion of Irish Chinese food in Sydney. At venues such as Paddy Chans in Kensington (a Newtown branch is on the way), Chinese food and hot chips co-exist in a dish called a spice bag. Advertisement Duk Inns neon interior is a departure from conventional Chinese restaurant design. Supplied Chui attributes some of the restaurant casualties to a reluctance to evolve. The look and business model of many traditional Chinese restaurants has remained unchanged for more than half a century, he says. Marketing isnt a strength of Chinese restaurants. The word marketing, for many older Chinese restaurateurs, is like a scam, says Chui. He has signed chef Vincent Yeow Lim who, under the handle Dim Sim Lim, has more than 4 million social media followers as an ambassador at Yum Cha Project. Newtowns Duk Inn co-owner Johnathan Wu, who grew up above his familys Chinese restaurant in Burwood, is another restaurateur trying a fresh approach. He says when Duk Inn opened late last year, he was told that all he needed for success was word of mouth and a pamphlet drop. Kowloon Cafe in Burwood has a bold design featuring a Hong Kong minibus. Christopher Pearce Advertisement Duk Inns vibrant interior, featuring multicoloured neon lights, a photo of its owner as Chairman Wu and a mural of a fortune cat riding a rubber duck, is proving a hit with diners, though it doesnt impress his parents generation. They think it looks like a nightclub, not a restaurant, Wu says with a laugh. Yum Cha Project eschews conventional Chinese restaurant design. Chui has opened a string of Sydney venues, from the moody Ni Hao Bar to slick Senpai Ramen, but his most memorable interiors are Kowloon Cafe in Burwood, where a Hong Kong minibus was reassembled on site and doubles as both bar and decoration, and Kowloons Eastwood venue, where a double-decker Hong Kong tram is wedged into the facade. Yum Cha Project skips the public transport theme, leaning instead on bright yellow tiling and a neon sign of a smiling dim sum character. A computer render of Yum Cha Project. Supplied Our mission for the Yum Cha Project is to make yum cha more accessible, affordable and convenient, Chui says. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Australias peak fertility organisations say Medicares current definition of infertility is outdated and discriminatory, urging the federal government to give equal access to reproductive services regardless of a persons relationship status, sexual orientation or gender identity. At a meeting in Sydney last week, the Australian New Zealand Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (ANZSREI), Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) all agreed to expand their definition of infertility to better represent same-sex and solo parents. Claire Sara and Nina McCann with their baby, Emily. Sara was eligible for Medicare-funded IVF because she had a burst appendix. Credit: Kelly Barnes The update could have major implications for Medicare funding of fertility treatment, which is currently limited to people unable to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, as is the Commonwealth Ombudsmans definition of infertility. Single people and LGBTQ couples often have to pay thousands of dollars for failed IVF treatment before they can be deemed medically infertile and receive Medicare rebates. The grassy plains west of Epping might be the last place a person would expect to find the ruins of the Parthenon. But anyone who ventures onto the last remaining cattle grazing paddocks along the busy Craigieburn Bypass has a chance to see the remains of a recent slice of Melbourne art history. They would need sturdy boots, though, and a willingness to wander well off the trodden path. An aerial view of the dismantled Temple of Boom in a paddock in Epping. Credit: Jason South In November 2022, the National Gallery of Victoria revealed the latest winner of its coveted annual Architecture Commission: a large-scale reimagining of the ancient Greek Parthenon, built to roughly one third the size of the original, its lightweight concrete pillars serving as a canvas for several local artists. A Melbourne lawyer charged with perverting the course of justice has launched court action against the legal industry regulator after it suspended her practising licence and appointed an independent manager to oversee her law firm. Zoe Davis, 34, has accused the Victorian Legal Services Board of failing to give adequate notice and breaching procedural fairness when it suspended her certificate on July 12 and appointed an external manager, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court. Zoe Davis and Rachelle Badour-Taha are accused of doctoring a document for a client they were acting for. Credit: Chris Hopkins Davis and another lawyer, Rachelle Badour-Taha, 25, were charged last month with perverting the course of justice, attempting to pervert the course of justice and using a false document. Both women are accused of altering a medical certificate for a woman they were acting for, who was charged with traffic matters and was due to face Frankston Magistrates Court in September last year. Silicon Valley exec accidentally sent $400,000 down payment to a scammer now she's warning house hunters The tragic story of a woman who lost a six-figure sum to online fraudsters proves that no one is safe from cybercrime not even a tech-savvy Silicon Valley executive. Rana Robillard was ecstatic when she thought she'd landed a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home earlier this year in Orinda, California, a half-hour drive from her office in Pleasanton. Don't miss Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But 5 minutes could have you paying as little as $29/month These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how After beating three other bidders, Robillard wired $400,000 to an account per instructions she received in an email. But it turned out the message asking for the funds was from a scammer who intercepted the conversation and spoofed the brokers email address. With one click, her life savings vanished. "The day after I funded the wire, the title company reached out to me to set up the signing of the papers, and I asked if they had received the funds," Robillard told NBC Bay Area on July 23. "They said no, and my heart sank." Robillard, the Chief People Officer at cloud technology company Tekion Corp., never got to move into the attractive single-family ranch home, built in 1950. It seems to have been [relisted](https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/19-El-Pulgar_Orinda_CA_94563_M18517-87256] for $1.6 million. After a months-long battle, Robillard was able to recoup most of her money, according to NBC Bay Area. Now, she wishes her story to serve as a warning to fellow house hunters. Why is cybercrime happening to businesses, to individuals, every day, and theres just not enough protections? she wondered aloud. Why all Americans need to be wary The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center says in 2023 it received 21,489 complaints regarding compromised business emails amounting to $2.9 billion in adjusted losses. These scams target both businesses and customers with fraudulent requests of funds, including for real estate transactions. Rathbun Insurance describes how property wire transfer fraud like the one that hit Robillard can happen. Its possible for fraudsters to hijack email addresses via passwords purchased off the dark web, or use phishing techniques to trick employees into entering login credentials. They can then comb through emails to find targets and set up a bogus transfer, either using an agents real email account or by spoofing it. Story continues Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free) How you can protect yourself Robillards case demonstrates how anybody can be sucked into the cybercrime vortex by increasingly resourceful thieves. No one, sadly, is completely safe. But there are simple steps that can provide strong measures of protection. First and foremost, never wire money to anyone who requests it by email, even if the emails address and contents look legitimate. Dont click on any links that ask you to enter financial information, and when in doubt, call the person youve been doing business with to confirm the email is legitimate. When sums as large as Robillards are on the line, insist on completing the transaction in person or by other secure means set up by the brokers company. Its also healthy to check your account activity regularly to ensure your finances are in order. Two-factor authentication also bolsters your account security, and can reduce the risk of identity theft by up to 99%, according to Gitnux, a market research platform. Speaking of passwords, change them regularly to protect yourself in the event of a data breach or, even better, use a password manager. And by all means, avoid any of the ten most common passwords on this list from Cybernews, with 123456 topping them all. Read backwards, its the ultimate countdown to money misery. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Dhaka: Anti-government protesters across Bangladesh planned to march to the capital, Dhaka, after a weekend of violence that left dozens of people dead, as the military imposed a curfew for an indefinite period and authorities cut off mobile internet in an attempt to stem the unrest. At least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in clashes in the capital on Sunday, according to the countrys leading Bengali-language daily newspaper, Prothom Alo. Hundreds more were injured in the violence. Men run past a shopping centre, which was set on fire by protesters during a rally against Bangladeshs Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka. Credit: AP The demonstrations began with students seeking to end a quota system for government jobs, but clashes with police and pro-government activists escalated into violence that left more than 200 dead. That prompted protest and opposition leaders to call for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign in widening protests across the country. The military-imposed curfew went into effect Sunday night and covered Dhaka and other divisional and district headquarters. The government had earlier imposed a curfew with some exceptions in the capital and elsewhere. Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the killing of Haniyeh, but had earlier pledged to kill him and other Hamas leaders over the groups October 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The conflict in the Middle East has now entered a new phase in the wake of Haniyehs assassination. The day before, an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from Hezbollah. How high are the risks of a full-blown regional war? US President Joe Biden expressed hope on Sunday (AEST) that Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination. Hezbollah fighters stand behind the coffin of their top commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed last week by an Israeli air strike. Credit: AP The deaths have increased the risk of a dangerous escalation in Israels Gaza war and of a regional conflagration pitting Israel against Iran and its proxies. Officials and analysts in the region said the assassination indicated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to shift the wars rules of engagement, moving beyond Gaza to directly eliminate Hamas leaders and strike proxies of Iran elsewhere. The attack is seen by analysts and officials as one of Israels biggest blows yet to Iran and its allies. They said the timing and location were also chosen to embarrass Tehran, which was hosting Haniyeh and other regional dignitaries at the inauguration of its new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. In response to a shouted question by reporters as to whether Iran would stand down, Biden said: I hope so. I dont know. An Israeli tank near a border crossing to the southern Gaza Strip. Credit: Bloomberg Seeking to bolster defences in the Middle East in response to threats from Israels foes, the Pentagon said it would deploy additional fighter jets and warships to the region. The US and international partners including France, Britain, Italy and Egypt continued diplomatic contacts, seeking to prevent further regional escalation. Two Iranian sources said that Haniyehs killing sent shockwaves through Irans top leadership, who are now deeply concerned that their security forces were infiltrated by Israel. There is also growing anxiety about their arch-foes ability to reach and assassinate high-ranking Iranian officials. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said avenging the killing was Irans duty as it occurred in the Iranian capital. Israel had provided the grounds for harsh punishment for itself, he said. Loading The killing confronts Pezeshkian with his first major crisis. Iran has adopted a dual policy of avoiding direct engagement in full-scale war while backing militant groups that have been firing at Israel from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria. Hossein Alai, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, told Irans Jamaran website, without citing evidence: The United States definitely had close cooperation with Israel in both operational and intelligence aspect in the plan to assassinate Haniyeh. By carrying out this assassination, Israel wanted to show Palestinian groups that there is no safe place for them to live and be present anywhere in the world ... it was also a message to Pezeshkian that we will not allow changes in Iran and its establishment of good relations with the world. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was not involved in Haniyehs killing. What are Irans options for retaliation? Iran has several options for retaliation, but analysts, officials and militant leaders say all carry risks of escalation. Hundreds of Iranians took part in a protest in Palestine Square, Tehran, against the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. Credit: Getty Images It could respond by launching drones and missiles in a retaliatory strike on Israel, similar to the attack it launched after Israel targeted its embassy compound in Damascus in April, killing seven senior military commanders. Israel then retaliated with a calibrated attack on Iranian territory that did not kill anyone. Workers in Tehran install a banner depicting Haniyeh. Credit: AP Iran could also assassinate Israeli diplomats or officials or attack Israeli missions overseas. Tehran may opt to retaliate via armed proxies, including Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis and Iraqs Shiite militias, which could step up their attacks against Israel and US interests in the region. This Israeli attack on Haniyeh is embarrassing for Iran, said Adeeb Ziadeh, an expert in international affairs at Qatar University who has studied Hamas. It is a strike at the heart of Iranian leadership; it is a strike at the security and intelligence establishment. Iran would have to respond to make up for what was a major security shortcoming, Ziadeh said. This is a powerful and harsh hit to Iran. What does this mean for Hezbollah? The attack on Shukr compounded the risks of escalation in the conflict between heavily armed Hezbollah and Israel, which have been exchanging fire in a largely contained confrontation since the Gaza war erupted in October. Analysts say Hezbollah will be compelled to retaliate with a response that reflects Shukrs standing as Hezbollahs top military commander but also takes account of the fact that Israel struck him in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (centre) walks with Israeli forces during a surprise visit to Rafah, Gaza, last month. Credit: AP Hezbollah could attack areas of Israel it has not yet hit in the current conflict, including urban centres, risking a spiral of retaliation and counter-retaliation. Who succeeds Haniyeh and what does it mean for Hamas? The most likely successor is Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, Haniyehs deputy-in-exile who lives in Qatar, analysts and Hamas officials said. Under Meshaal, Hamas has emerged as an ever more important player in the Middle East conflict due to his charisma, popularity and regional standing, analysts said. Protesters urging a hostage deal rally against the Netanyahu government in Tel Aviv in June. Credit: Getty Images Meshaal narrowly survived an assassination attempt ordered by Netanyahu in 1997. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya is also a possibility as he is a favourite of Tehran and its regional allies, the analysts said. Meshaals relations with Iran have been strained due to his support of the Sunni-led 2011 Syrian revolt against President Bashar al-Assad. Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli cities, will remain the commander in Gaza. Loading What now for Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks? The killing of Haniyeh, a crucial interlocutor in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations, has ended any chance of an imminent agreement, Hamas sources and analysts initially said. Despite this, ceasefire discussions on Gaza have continued, with an Israel delegation led by the Mossad chief briefly visiting Cairo. The US has urged Israel to seize the chance for a ceasefire. What next for Netanyahu and his coalition? Netanyahus government was silent on Haniyehs killing, although some hardline ministers not connected with defence and foreign policy posted celebratory messages on social media. The government has faced rifts over issues including the conduct of the Gaza war, with hardline religious nationalist parties pressing the military for tougher action. But ministers have been united on the need to destroy Hamas. Opposition leader Yair Lapid welcomed Haniyehs killing, while social media carried images of Israelis celebrating. Netanyahu will have, at least for a moment, what he wants: becoming the flag around which Israelis rally. And his coalition will certainly not turn against him, said Uriel Abulof, an associate professor at Tel Aviv Universitys School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs. Families of hostages in Gaza, who have led protests pushing for a deal to halt the fighting, said true security depended on the release of all remaining 115 hostages and urged Netanyahu to accept a deal. What are the implications for Bidens Middle East goals? The escalation will add to the many obstacles already facing Bidens ambitious diplomatic gamble to end the Gaza war, provide a path to Palestinian statehood with security for Israel and secure a US-Saudi-Israeli normalisation deal. The killing may leave the Biden administration scrambling to limit the fallout rather than reshaping the region in its final months. India a food surplus country: PM NEW DELHI : Working to provide solutions for global food security PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has become a food surplus country and is also working to provide solutions for global food and nutritional security. The Prime Minister said, agriculture is at the centre of Indias economic policies, and the Union Budget 2024-25 has given a big push to sustainable and climate-resilient farming and developing a complete ecosystem to support Indian farmers. He was addressing the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), which is being organised in India after 65 years. Recalling the last International Conference of Agricultural Economists, Modi mentioned that India was then a newly Independent nation, and it was a challenging time for the countrys agriculture and food security. Now, India is a food surplus country, he said, adding that the country is the number one producer of milk, pulses and spices in the world. Also, the country has become the second-largest producer of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar and tea. There was a time when Indias food security was a concern for the world. Now, India is working to provide solutions for global food security and global nutritional security, he said at the conference, attended by about 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries. Therefore, Modi said, Indias experience is valuable for discussions on food system transformation and will benefit the global south. The Prime Minister reiterated Indias commitment to global welfare as a Vishwa Bandhu. He highlighted various mantras put forward by India on various fora, including One Earth, One Family and One Future, Mission LiFE and One Earth One Health. He underlined Indias approach of not viewing the health of humans, plants and animals in silos. Challenges before sustainable agriculture and food systems can only be tackled under the holistic approach of One Earth, One Family and One Future, he said. Modi emphasised the importance of the agriculture sector in the Indian economy and highlightedtheworkdoneby hisgovernmentinthelast10 years for the growth of the farm sector in a sustainable manner.Agricultureisatthe centre of Indias economic policies, he said. In Indian agriculture, 90 percentoffarmersown very little land, and these small farmers are the biggest strengthofIndiasfoodsecurity, Modi said. Hepointedout that asimilar situation is prevalent in severaldevelopingcountries inAsia,makingIndiasmodel applicable. The Prime Minister also saidIndiahasprovided1,900 new climate-resilient varieties of crops in the last 10 years. India is promoting chemical-freenaturalfarming,he added. He also said the country ismoving towardsachieving the 20 per cent ethanol blending target in petrol. The conference will highlight Indias proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and showcase the nations advancements in agricultural research and policy. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the seriousness of the nutrition challenge, along with water scarcityandclimatechange. He presented Shri Anna, Millet, as a solution given the superfoods quality of minimum water and maximum production. Modi expressed Indias willingness to share Indias milletbasketwith theworld. In his speech, he also talked about how India is leveraging digital technology in the agriculture sector. HealsomentionedthePM KisanSammanNidhi,where money is transferred to the bank accounts of 10 crore farmers with a single click, and a digital public infrastructurefordigitalcropsurvey that provides real-time information to farmers and enables them to make datadriven decisions. Heemphasisedthatcrores of farmers will benefit from the initiative and improve their economic condition. Modi also spoke about a huge campaign forthe digitisationofland,where farmers will be given a digital identification number for their land and the promotion of drones in farming, where drone didis are trained to operate them. India set global example by evacuatingstudents from war-hit Ukraine: Kovind NEW DELHI : INDIA set an example for the world by evacuating its students from Ukraine and it could happen after Prime Minister NarendraModinegotiatedwith both Russia and Ukraine for a 24-hourceasefire,formerpresident Ram Nath Kovind said on Saturday. Delivering the fifth Dr Rajaram Jaipuria Memorial Lecture here, the former president said India is on the path of being a vishwaguru or global leader and called upon the youth to contribute to it. He also gave several examples of how India proved itself to be a global leader, including the recent Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for giving reservation to women in legislature. Talking about the Russia Ukraine war, the former president said everyone expected it to be overin a month ortwo, which is why several Indian students got stuck in the warstruck Ukraine. When six-eight months passed, the situation became suchthatitwasdifficult to survive.The concern of parentsof the students was acknowledged by the Government. I am deliberately giving this example, I was in Rashtrapati Bhawan at that time, Kovind said. I asked why somany Indian students go to Ukraine. I was toldmedicaleducationischeap there. Our students got stuck, if something would have happened to them, the Governmentwouldhave been held responsible. Thoughitwas not the Governments responsibility,parentssentthemthere, but the Government would have been blamed, he added. Asserting our Government set an example, Kovind said they played the role of a global leader and talked to both nations,RussiaandUkraine,to have a ceasefire for 24 hours. Bothare bignations.Would they have agreed if any other country would have intervened? No, he said. Our Prime Minister talked to both Russia and Ukraine, andthankgodbothagreed.For 24 hours, war was paused, Kovind claimed. Questions without malice -- from the social catalyst By Vijay Phanshikar : EVEN as the city of Nagpur grapples with its civic trauma, suffering people have simple and straight questions to ask -- about genuine civic leadership. The Hitavada joins this discourse as part of its avowed professional duty and also as a social catalyst. Engaging itself in this sacred duty, all The Hitavada does is to raise issues and ask questions -- without malice, and beyond bias. Questions are the only tool journalism has in its hands -- questions such as What?, When?, Where?, Why?, Who?. and How? Seeking answers to these basic questions and writing those for the benefit of the readers and the larger society is the way journalism works as part of technical requirement. In the parallel, these six questions are also used as points of reference to a larger context to show the society the mirror -- in the core belief that that is how the democratic polity conducts its collective life. A social scientist once described democracy as a market-place of free-flowing criss-cross ideas. To that definition, we add the fourth dimension -- or the fourth pillar -- of democracy through journalism. Our questions, therefore, are without any malice toward anyone. We raise the questions as part of our task of seeking answers on behalf of the larger society. In this process, we have a sense of gratification that whatever we are trying to do is being understood by the larger society in the right spirit. On that count, therefore, we wish to thank the citys political leadership, administrative leadership, social leadership and cultural leadership. For, each of these entities has understood our sincere ways and means -- making us eternally grateful to one and all. The reports we are writing, the pictures we are publishing, the questions we are raising, therefore, come from our most sincere desire that Nagpur should become a livable city by any standard. When we see that some elements are allowing compromises to be made on some counts, we get disturbed, just as common people do when they see or sense something amiss. Hence our questions out of genuine concern. For the last 113 years, The Hitavada has been doing this duty as a newspaper, having been founded by the late Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Even as it describes itself as The Peoples Paper, The Hitavada has no other idea than serving the community in which it exists with honour. We do believe that by now the citys larger community has become suitably aware of what is happening on the ground and what should be happening on an ideal count. We also believe that this awareness will lead to sensible solutions to the citys issues that have mainly -- and unfortunately -- stemmed from inefficient leadership. We pray that this belief of ours will lead to a sensible realism -- beyond politics. n Meredith Portillo, 20, was killed July 21 in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 37. Courtesy of Cindy Portillo Meredith Portillo, 20, was identified by the sheriff's office as one of the three people killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 37 on July 21. Bexar County Sheriff's Office Funeral services for Meredith Portillo, a Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputy who was one of three killed in a wrong-way crash last month, are scheduled to start Monday. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, with the rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. Her funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cornerstone Church and will be hosted by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. A procession will depart from Mission Park Funeral Chapel South at 9 a.m. and is expected to arrive at Cornerstone Church at 9:45 a.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We ask people to be patient with us as the procession makes its way through the city," Salazar said. The sheriff's office said Portillo's honors will be rendered in the church parking lot after the memorial service concludes. Salazar said Portillo will receive full honors from the sheriff's office and her casket will be draped with the Texas flag. "It's not outside the realm of possibility that we may get a huge crowd," Salazar said. "Nobody's going to watch from outside; there will be plenty of room." READ MORE: SAPD Chief increases police visibility after downtown fatalities Portillo, 20, was identified by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office as one of three killed in a wrong-way crash on July 21 in the 15600 block of Interstate 37 near Southton Road. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Portillo had been with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office since September. She graduated from the detention academy in January with ambitions of becoming a patrol officer. She graduated from Southside High School. She had one sister and two brothers. A preliminary police report said officers received a call about a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-37 at Loop 1604. The vehicle, a Ford F-150, crashed head-on into a Ford Mustang, police said. Her mother, Cindy Portillo, said her daughter was driving home with friends after riding scooters downtown and going to In-And-Out Burger and Voodoo Doughnut. The sheriffs office said Portillo and another passenger in the Mustang were killed on impact. The driver of the F-150 was also killed on impact and another passenger in the vehicle with Portillo was sent to the hospital in critical condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with: The chart of the day What we're watching What we're reading Economic data releases and earnings "Fixable, but it will take time," a Starbucks (SBUX) insider with knowledge of the company's many troubles recently told me. The comment left an impression, especially in the wake of Starbucks' earnings results this past week. Shares of Starbucks popped briefly following a quarter that could only be described as abysmal: 6% transaction drop in North America. International comparable sales tanked 7%. Comparable store sales in China plunged 14%. Non-GAAP operating profit margins fell to 16.7% from 17.4% a year ago. The market response was befuddling, and likely stemmed from management hyping up a few green shoots in the business on the earnings call (though, to be fair, cold espresso sales were up a sizzling 4%...) or what they perceive as green shoots. The Street having been burned by Starbucks for most of the past two years (the stock is down 9% versus a 35% gain for the S&P 500 during that stretch) largely didn't buy in. "Macro, boycotts, pricing resistance, or in-store operations are the root cause of the North America slowdown? We have not found a unique answer to this question yet, suggesting that all (or none?) of the reasons above are causing the pullback in North America. While Starbucks points to transitory nature of the challenges, we believe that some structural (yet not insurmountable) demand headwinds are also playing a role (e.g., store saturation, increased competition, fading appeal to younger and occasional consumers and declining store experiences)," Bernstein restaurant analyst Danilo Gargiulo said in a client note. The bigger picture: The one-time iconic company and growth stock has tanked 21% in the past five years, according to Yahoo Finance data. And this venti-sized black eye isn't out of the blue. Consider what we've seen from Starbucks over the last 12 months. Howard Schultz a meddling billionaire founder turned failed presidential candidate not so covertly ripped his hand-picked successor Laxman Narasimhan in a LinkedIn post, all but undermining his authority. Talk about a kick in the butt for a new CEO who trained in stores for months with Schultz before officially taking over. Narasimhan is also an accomplished C-suite executive with a successful track record. But also a reminder on how Schultz just can't seem to relinquish the limelight and the ingrained desire to lurk over the company like a hungry aging lion. Story continues Then Narasimhan got publicly embarrassed on live TV in an expert interview by my friend and former boss Jim Cramer. I encourage everyone to watch how Jim conducted this interview; it's how investors should scrutinize a company's fundamentals and leadership. Hat tip to Jim for holding "Lax's" feet to the fire and seeking honesty. Restaurant CEOs I have talked to privately since this interview still can't believe how terrible and ill-prepared Narasimhan appeared to be a few have quipped he may not be around deep into 2025 after these public stumbles. So there's all of that, from TV and internet embarrassments to dreadful financials. Starbucks is no longer a growth company. Source: Bernstein. (Bernstein) Then there is the percolating battle between Starbucks and feared activist investor Elliott Management. A source familiar with the situation tells me Elliott which has amassed a sizable stake in Starbucks put forth a settlement with the company three weeks ago. Elliott is seeking more people added to the 10-member board (Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella resigned in May), plus corporate governance enhancements. Starbucks has not responded to Elliott's offer, the source says. A spokesperson for Elliott declined to comment to Yahoo Finance on the situation. Narasimhan told analysts on the earnings call this week the talks have been "constructive." Bottom line: Starbucks looks like a shell of its former self right now. And a lot of this could be traced back to 71-year-old Howard Schultz and the fundamental problems of Starbucks I posted on X a few weeks ago (see below), which aren't easily fixable. Schultz needs to exit Starbucks once and for all so the executive team can be free to make mistakes and grow, the board can assess management outside of a founder's gaze, and new talent can ascend to the upper rungs of the corporation. No more chairman emeritus status. No more being allowed to attend board meetings and having a parking spot at HQ, as the FT reports. No more olive oil deal, as the FT also reports. No more stuff like this in the company's proxy filings: "Starbucks and entities owned by Mr. Schultz previously entered into a management services agreement and a hangar space lease for Mr. Schultzs aircraft. Pursuant to the management services agreement, an entity owned by Mr. Schultz operates his aircraft using services provided by Starbucks and pays Starbucks fees for such services, the amounts of which were set at market rates. Under the terms of the hangar space lease, an entity owned by Mr. Schultz pays Starbucks rent based on its pro-rata portion of the maintenance, utilities and other expenses paid by Starbucks for the hangar." And let Schultz with an estimated net worth of $3.1 billion, according to Forbes pay for his own security services rather than Starbucks (per the company's proxy filings). A clean break and a thank you for your service, Howard. We only wish you the best, thank you for changing the coffee and restaurant landscape forever. Elliott stake in Starbucks is not a shock, its a shock it took this long. 10 Things Wrong With Starbucks 1. Leadership culture of believing the company does everything perfectly. 2. Rushes product innovation. 3. Crazy complex menu. 4. Poor quality food. 5. HQ disconnect Brian Sozzi (@BrianSozzi) July 19, 2024 Then, to fix this hot mess, Starbucks needs a cultural and mindset reset. Its C-suite needs to recognize the world doesn't revolve around its Seattle headquarters. There are a lot of places selling better and faster coffee (see Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma's awesome profile of up-and-coming rival Dutch Bros). It needs to realize that unions will not put Starbucks out of business and these are workers just trying to live a better life. The brand perception among a new generation of consumers is not as favorable as the prior one. And they have to acknowledge Starbucks is a mature entity and fixing its many problems won't happen overnight so stop serving up whipped cream and syrup on these earnings calls. Give it to investors straight; the numbers and the stock price don't lie. Until then, this former high flier's stock will probably be as cold as a freshly poured nitro cold brew. Starbucks declined to make CEO Laxman Narasimhan available for an interview. Three times each week, I field insight-filled conversations with the biggest names in business and markets on my Opening Bid podcast. Find more episodes on our video hub. Watch on your preferred streaming service. Or listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. In the below Opening Bid episode, investor and retail expert Jeff Macke dives into the numerous challenges retailers are facing right now. This embedded content is not available in your region. Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor. Follow Sozzi on Twitter @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy While HSS Engineers Berhad (KLSE:HSSEB) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a significant share price rise of 37% in the past couple of months on the KLSE. While good news for shareholders, the company has traded much higher in the past year. Less-covered, small caps tend to present more of an opportunity for mispricing due to the lack of information available to the public, which can be a good thing. So, could the stock still be trading at a low price relative to its actual value? Lets take a look at HSS Engineers Berhads outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if the opportunity still exists. View our latest analysis for HSS Engineers Berhad Is HSS Engineers Berhad Still Cheap? Great news for investors HSS Engineers Berhad is still trading at a fairly cheap price. According to our valuation, the intrinsic value for the stock is MYR2.01, but it is currently trading at RM1.25 on the share market, meaning that there is still an opportunity to buy now. Although, there may be another chance to buy again in the future. This is because HSS Engineers Berhads beta (a measure of share price volatility) is high, meaning its price movements will be exaggerated relative to the rest of the market. If the market is bearish, the company's shares will likely fall by more than the rest of the market, providing a prime buying opportunity. What kind of growth will HSS Engineers Berhad generate? Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. With profit expected to more than double over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for HSS Engineers Berhad. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? Since HSSEB is currently undervalued, it may be a great time to increase your holdings in the stock. With an optimistic outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as financial health to consider, which could explain the current undervaluation. Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on HSSEB for a while, now might be the time to make a leap. Its buoyant future outlook isnt fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means its not too late to buy HSSEB. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to make a well-informed buy. Story continues In light of this, if you'd like to do more analysis on the company, it's vital to be informed of the risks involved. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of HSS Engineers Berhad. If you are no longer interested in HSS Engineers Berhad, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. 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 Eileen T Meslar / TNS via ZUMA Press Wire / Shutterstock.com Few people would dispute that Donald Trump has had plenty of financial successes and financial failures. We, as onlookers, can learn lessons from both, to reproduce the wins without suffering the losses. Read Next: Rich Dad Robert Kiyosaki: Buy These 8 Assets To Get So Rich You Can Quit Your Job Forever For You: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup Whether you love or despise Donald Trump, take a dispassionate look at what we can learn from his decades in the financial world. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Take Bold Risks Today, Make Adjustments Tomorrow Im a self-made millionaire who worked with Trump years ago in the commercial real estate space, shared Brenda Christensen, serial entrepreneur and founder of Stellar PR. Its highly competitive, cutthroat even. The world got a glimpse of this on The Apprentice long after I collaborated with him. Everyone in that sector, but especially Trump, is aggressive with investments. My experience working with him is that he is the ultimate risk taker. Fortune does in fact favor the bold Trump earned hundreds of millions by stepping forward when others shied away. But bold risks sometimes come back to bite. Its not surprising that he even went into the gaming industry, opening a casino and ultimately filing for bankruptcy to restructure debt, said Christensen. Calculated risks often pay off, and you can always implement Plan B tomorrow if the winds shift against you. Explore More: Tony Robbins: 10 Passive Income Ideas To Build Your Fortune Leverage Works, But Cuts Both Ways In business and investments, you can leverage other peoples money and time to amplify your own returns and income. Anthony Termini, a seasoned investment advisor and expert contributor for Annuity.org, has seen this play out repeatedly, and points out Trump as an extreme example of both the rewards and the risks. Trump has leveraged all of his real estate projects to the maximum most of them successfully. However, his overuse of leverage led to no fewer than six separate bankruptcies. Negotiate from Strength or the Appearance of It Christensen noted that Trump truly does negotiate better than anyone else. He knows how to portray strength, which is a trait that later endeared him to many voters. Ive worked with titans like Mark Cuban, Bill Gates and others, and no one, and I mean no one, comes close to his expertise in the art of the deal,' she explained. He was born of the commercial real estate crucible, which is even more competitive than tech. Story continues Find ways to shore up your disadvantages going into a negotiation, and double down on your advantages. Most of all, never hesitate to walk away if you dont like the direction the negotiations take. And never underestimate the power of knowledge in a negotiation. In Business and Investing, Knowledge Trumps All Sure, money is useful. But its just a tool, and only as effective as the person wielding it. Long before becoming a controversial political figure, Trump swam in the shark-infested waters of finance, private equity and commercial real estate. In making big money, knowledge is far more important than any other ingredient, including money itself, Trump tweeted in 2013. Dont invest in anything you dont understand. Dont make crucial business decisions without gathering the facts you need first. Act from a position of knowledge and expertise, and if you dont have it, find people who do to help inform your decisions. Underwrite Investments for Risk First Yes, Trump took bold risks in his real estate business. But they were always calculated risks, and Trump balanced the potential losses before the gains to be made. How much money can you stand to lose? Thats how much risk you should assume, Trump wrote in his 2005 book, Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate and Life. If you cant afford to lose it, play it safe. Think in Decades and Generations, Not Months and Years Termini puts it bluntly: The first financial lesson from Donald Trump is that the best way to get rich in America is to inherit wealth. Trump inherited more than $400 million from his father and was the beneficiary of his grandmothers trust, which made him a millionaire at age eight. (Note that those figures come from a 2018 New York Times article, and Trump himself tells a different story.) Regardless of exactly how much Trump received from his father and grandmother, you can look at his inheritance through two different lenses. Through a cynical lens, you can scoff and dismiss any and all successes that Trump ever achieved. Through a more inquisitive lens, you can learn a lesson about generational wealth. The shrewdest among the wealthy plan not just their own success, but their childrens, grandchildrens and beyond. Start with a simple question: What time horizon do I use in my financial planning? The least financially stable and savvy live hand-to-mouth. Others move on to living on a monthly budget, then making annual financial plans, and then longer-term plans such as retirement and their childrens education. The savviest planners raise their children with not just financial literacy but wealth literacy and with a family estate to create generational wealth. Final Thoughts Brian Meiggs, founder of My Millennial Guide, aims to take a nuanced look at the man that many either lionize or demonize. Donald Trumps financial strategies and bold investments often yielded significant gains, highlighting the benefits of taking calculated risks and leveraging favorable policies, he said. However, his high-profile bankruptcies and legal troubles underscore the importance of diversification and careful financial planning. From Trumps experiences, we can learn to balance ambition with caution, ensuring that our financial decisions are well-informed and resilient against uncertainties. Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Can Trumps Financial Moves Teach You About Your Finances? Nati Harnik/AP/REX / Shutterstock.com For one of the richest people in the entire world, Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is surprisingly down to Earth. He famously lives in the same modest house in Omaha that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, and his favorite meal for breakfast is McDonalds. Between that and his folksy, easy-to-understand wisdom, its no wonder that Buffett is so popular with the general public. Expert Advice: I Followed Mark Cubans Genius Advice and Am on Track To Become a Millionaire Find Out: 6 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Investors no doubt also love his enviable track record, which has more than doubled the average annual return of the S&P 500 since 1965, an incredible run. The bottom line is that when Buffett talks, people listen. With that in mind, here are some of the best pieces of financial advice for the middle class offered up by the man known as the Oracle of Omaha. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Pay Yourself First Buffett isnt the first or the only one to recommend paying yourself first, but hes a vocal advocate of it. Buffett approaches the problem of prioritizing savings through wise budgeting. As the billionaire puts it: Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving. The idea behind this philosophy is that if you wait to sock away savings until after youve spent all your money in a given month, its highly likely that youll find theres nothing left. But if you instead save your money first, youll have to budget whats left so that it stretches to cover all of your expenses. This serves the dual purpose of forcing you to cut down on needless expenditures, while at the same time forcing you to build up savings, even on a smaller salary. Some middle class Americans feel that they dont earn enough to save, but when you flip the equation on its head like Buffett suggests, you might find out that you can save much more than you imagine. Read Next: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 6 Steps I Took To Become Rich on an Average Salary Reduce Your Unnecessary Expenses On the topic of budgeting, Buffett says that one of the keys to financial prosperity is simply to reduce your unnecessary expenses. How do you know which ones are unnecessary? If you force yourself to live on a tighter budget, youll see right away which expenses you prioritize in life and which ones might be extra costs that you dont really need. Over time, even a little amount of savings can build into a large amount. Invest In the S&P 500 Its true that billionaire investors like Warren Buffett have something of a leg up over the average middle-class American when it comes to picking and choosing good investments. But that doesnt mean that you dont have access to wealth-building investments. Story continues The humble S&P 500 index, which can be bought cheaply through an exchange-traded fund by anyone, has a remarkable record of putting even professional money managers to shame. According to Morningstar, the S&P 500 has outperformed the majority of U.S. large-cap fund managers for 14 years in a row. This is why Buffett has been quoted as saying that most investors should just consistently buy an S&P 500 low-cost index fund. Keep buying it through thick and thin, and especially through thin. Avoid Consumer Debt If you budget properly and spend less than you earn, you should be able to avoid consumer debt. To Buffett, that is an essential piece of advice if you want to get ahead. Buffett himself says that he has an American Express card, which I got in 1964. But I pay cash 98% of the time. If using cash is one of the tools that has helped Buffett remain wealthy, perhaps its good enough for the middle class, also. Invest In Yourself In response to a question about the best investment at the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Buffett told his audience, The best thing you can do is to be exceptionally good at something. Whatever abilities you have cant be taken away from you. They cant actually be inflated away from you So the best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and its not taxed at all. Buffet has also been quoted telling students I would pay you $100,000 for 10% of your earnings for the rest of your life, further emphasizing the tremendous asset that each person has in the form of their future earnings potential. For this reason, Buffett believes an investment in yourself is the best possible one available. Live Frugally, Not Miserably After all of his advice about saving and making tough choices, Buffett still insists that you need to live a balanced, enjoyable life. If you live so frugally that you make your entire life miserable, then whats the point? While Buffett endorses focusing on long-term gains rather than short-term goals, he suggests that you balance your life between saving for something and still enjoying the moment. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Warren Buffett: 6 Best Pieces of Money Advice for the Middle Class The Tata Groups semiconductor plant in Assam will produce 4.83 crore semiconductor chips per day, along with generating 15,000 direct and up to 13,000 indirect jobs once operational, Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and IT and I&B, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on Saturday. The Union Minister also pointed out that the semiconductor unit will be a site for the development of indigenous advanced semiconductor packaging technologies, including Wire Bond, flip chip, and I-SIP (integrated system in package) technologies. According to the Minister, these technologies are extremely critical for key applications such as automotives (especially electric vehicles), communications, network infrastructure, and others. Advertisement Nearly 85,000 industry-ready workforce at B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD-level in semiconductor chip design are being trained at 113 academic institutions across the country, and nine of these are in the Northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasised the Act East policy and a very important milestone is being achieved in Assam with the commencement of construction of this facility, the Minister told the media. According to the government, the Assam plant will be set up with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore and is expected to generate 15,000 direct and 11,000-13,000 indirect jobs. Highlighting the importance of the semiconductor industry as being a foundational one, the Minister said employment opportunities in various upstream and downstream industries will be created. Delhi Women & Child Development Minister Kailash Gahlot joined the women beneficiaries of Anganwadi Centres and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) at Shri Ram International School in Najafgarh to celebrate the Teej festival here on Sunday. An event was organised on the occasion by the Women & Child Development department of the Government of NCT of Delhi to highlight the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of womanhood. Addressing the gathering, Gahlot said, Teej is not just a festival but a celebration of the spirit of womanhood and the strength of our cultural heritage. It is heartening to see the joy and camaraderie among the women here today. Delhi government is committed to the empowerment and well-being of women, and such events are a testament to our dedication. Advertisement The programme commenced with a traditional puja, setting a spiritual tone for the festivities. The women, dressed in vibrant red and green attire, participated enthusiastically in various cultural activities. The event featured folk songs and dances that brought to life the traditional melodies and rhythms of the festival. A special highlight was the mehendi and henna application session, where skilled artists adorned the womens hands with intricate designs. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a rangoli competition was held, showcasing the artistic talents of the participants. The event also included insightful discussions on womens empowerment and the importance of self-care, emphasizing the governments commitment to supporting and uplifting women in society. Teej Parv, celebrated primarily in North India, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. The festival is marked by fasting, singing, dancing, and donning festive clothing. It signifies the arrival of the monsoon and is observed to seek marital bliss, the well-being of spouses and children, and the purification of ones body and soul. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Saxena inspected the Barapulla, Kushak and Sunehri drains, along with the historic Barapullah bridge, in Nizamuddin on Sunday. During his visit, the LG expressed grave concern over the current state of these crucial water management infrastructures. He said the three arterial drains, managed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), are essential for carrying rainwater into the Yamuna River. However, they have not been desilted or de-clogged for years, despite previous assurances by the civic authorities. Advertisement As a result, only a fraction of the drainage capacity remains functional. Specifically, only five out of the 12 bays under the culverts at Barapullah, 3 out of 6 bays at Sunehri, and 4 out of 7 bays at Kushak drains are open, with the rest completely choked. This drastic reduction in water carrying capacity has led to backflow and flooding in surrounding colonies, posing a severe risk of flooding to the residents. In addition to the infrastructural issues, the LG expressed his concern on the ASI-protected historic Barapullah bridge that has been heavily encroached upon. Of the 12 culverts under the bridge, only five are partially open, while the remaining are blocked due to accumulated silt and debris. The encroachment and lack of maintenance have not only diminished the bridges historical value but have also exacerbated the drainage issues, he added. During the inspection, the LG issued immediate directives to the accompanying officials. He emphasized the urgent need to desilt and clear the clogged drains, remove debris and construction and demolition waste, and restore the smooth flow of water. Furthermore, he instructed the removal of encroachments on the Barapullah bridge and mandated the restoration of the bridge to its original state within a week. The reality on the ground is appalling and shameful. The neglect of these vital drains and the historic Barapullah bridge requires urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth flow of water and mitigate flooding, said Saxena. Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) stock surged in July's trading. The company's share price rose 18.5% in the month, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Thanks to a series of positive developments, Archer Aviation was able to post gains despite volatility in the broader market. The flying-taxi specialist attracted new investment from Stellantis, received positive analyst coverage, and benefited from other bullish catalysts. July was a good month for Archer Aviation Archer is a pioneering player in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft -- or "flying taxis" as they're often called. The company has been holding successful test flights for its Midnight vehicle, and it recently confirmed that it's on track to complete a facility late in 2024 that will be able to produce 650 of the eVTOL aircraft each year. Image source: Getty Images. At the beginning of July, automotive company Stellantis announced it was investing an additional $55 million in Archer Aviation. The investment came on the heels of a successful test flight for one of Archer's Midnight flying vehicles. Stellantis had invested $110 million in Archer in 2023. On July 12, the flying-taxi company published a press release announcing it had formed a new partnership with Southwest Airlines. The two companies are teaming up to develop plans to operate Archer's vehicles at airports in California. Investors got some more good news on July 17, when Archer announced it had received new support for its $117 million manufacturing expansion project in California from a department in the state treasury office. The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) granted Archer a sales and tax exclusion that could create a net benefit of approximately $10 million for the company over the next several years. The company also received some positive coverage from a high-profile source. On July 24, JPMorgan published a bullish note on Archer Aviation stock. The bank's lead analyst on Archer maintained an overweight rating on the company and raised his one-year price target from $5 per share to $6 per share. With the stock closing out this week's session priced at roughly $4 per share, that would suggest upside of 50%. Archer Aviation stock could be volatile this coming week Archer Aviation stock has fallen 3.8% early in August's trading. While there hasn't been any business-specific news pushing the company's share price lower, the stock has pulled in conjunction with the broader market amid a renewed focus on macroeconomic risk factors. Story continues ACHR Chart Archer Aviation is scheduled to publish its second-quarter earnings results after the market closes on Aug. 8. While it's unlikely that the business will report any significant revenue in the quarter, the company's operating expenses and net loss for the quarter will provide some valuable data and could spur swings for the stock. Management could also share some new info about the company's manufacturing plant and production ramping up next year. Should you invest $1,000 in Archer Aviation right now? Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Archer Aviation wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,306!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2024 Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines and Stellantis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Archer Aviation Stock Soared 18.5% Higher Last Month was originally published by The Motley Fool The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a tree adoption campaign from New Jaffrabad located in ward number 235 of Shahdara North Zone. , the civic body said on Sunday. The objectives of the campaign being conducted by the Horticulture Department of the MCD through a joint effort with the citizens is to beautify Delhi, increase the biodiversity of Delhi and make efforts to improve the air quality of Delhi. Advertisement Under the campaign, the name of the citizens adopting the trees and the date of its planting will be displayed on the safety net of the adopted tree. This tree adoption initiative of the MCD received the support of Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The Delhi environment minister, Municipal Councillor of ward number 235 Priyanka Saxena, Additional Commissioner MCD Amit Kumar Sharma and Director-1 of horticulture Department of MCD R K Singh extended their support to this campaign by adopting trees. More than 50 citizens of New Jaffrabad also adopted trees. Apart from this, there is a plan to adopt a total of more than 250 trees by the citizens in two other wards in the coming days and if this scheme gets public support, it will be implemented in other wards as well. The Horticulture Department of the MCD is providing suitable trees (flowering, shady, fruit bearing and medicinal plants) for residential areas such as, Amaltas, Kachnar, Champa, Molshree, Ashok, Amla, Jamun, Guava, Ficus Benjamina, Lagerstromina, etc. It is also providing pits for planting trees and security nets for the trees, the civic body added. Makers of the Indian original series under the Citadel spy universe dropped the pules-pounding trailer recently, and since fans of the spy thriller are completely taken over. Starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles, Citadel: Honey Bunny has been helmed by the ace directorial duo Raj and DK, with the Russo Brothers being the executive producers. Adding to the anticipation and piquing the excitement quotient, Priyanka Chopra who helmed the Hollywood original, Citadel alongside Richard Madden has hinted at connections between the Hollywood variant and the Indian original. For the unversed, the Citadel universe comprises original series from around the world and was started with the eponymous Hollywood series where Priyanka Chopra played the role of Nadia Sinh. Citadel and its subsequent original spy thriller series that are being created across the globe, are poised to elevate the story of the spy agency- Citadel and its nemesis syndicate, Manticore. Ahead of the release of the Indian original, Citadel: Honey Bunny, a Japanese version, Citadel: Diana is slated for release. Each original series from the Citadel Universe stars local talent and is created, produced and shot in the region, resulting in unique shows deeply rooted in the cultural identities of the respective countries of origin. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Sharing the thrilling teaser, launched on August 1, of Raj and DKs upcoming series on her Instagram story, PeeCee gave a huge shoutout to the directorial duo and was all praises for Varun and Samantha. Sending fans into a frenzy, the Desi Girl also wrote, When you watch this series, look for the connection to NadiaBreadcrumbs all over Citadel. You just have to find them. The upcoming series is the fusion of a gritty spy thriller and an alluring love story, set against the backdrop of the 90s. The teaser features both the spies Samantha (Honey) and Varun (Bunny) looking dapper as they engage in high-octane action sequences with snippets of a whirlwind love story sprinkled across the trailer. With a modernised rendition of Raat Baki playing in the background, the trailer promises a gripping and compelling narrative exuding the 90s charm, bringing together an ensemble cast and a highly talented team working behind the scenes. The teaser ends on a high note with Samantha pointing a gun at Varun. Catch the trailer here: The Indian adaptation of the series marks Samanthas second collaboration with the director duo and the series will also star the celebrated star Kay Kay Menon, who played a key role in their series, Farzi. Previously, Raj and DK expressed confidence over the slated series and expressed gratitude towards the ensemble cast for helping them realise their vision. Citadel: Honey Bunny will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on November 7. Actor Faisal Malik, who has gained eyeballs with his effortless portrayal of Prahlad Pandey in eyeballs 3, will start working on the fourth installment next year. Asked what he learned from Prahlad Pandey, Faisal told IANS: I learnt the simplicity around him. Talking about the challenges from him, Faisal, who was present at the Chitrashaala Film Festival in the National Capital, said: Every act is a challenge. Every performance is a challenge The good part is that Prahlad Pandey as a character is loved by people and I will try my best to make that happen next year also. Advertisement The actor revealed that it was the writing that drew him to Panchayat 3, which tells the tale of of an engineering graduate who joins as a Panchayat secretary in a remote fictional village of Phulera in Uttar Pradesh. Its the writing that inspired me. It is the best thing. The show is written by the very talented Chandan Kumar. It is such a beautiful show for people especially, he said. The series also stars Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Sanvikaa, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak and Sunita Rajwar, whom he describes as his family. Talking about the cast, Faisal said: It is like a family now. They are the most beautiful people. The director is the most talented and the most calm person. Any memorable moments from the show? Everyday is an experience only because Neena Gupta maam and Raghu bhai because they both are an (film) institute in themselves. They have done so much that no matter how much we try to learn it will be less in front of them because they are the best, he said. Three-day long Sushrutacon conference on surgery was inaugurated at Yogi Guru Baba Ramdevs Patanjali University, bringing together distinguished scholars from Ayurveda and modern medical sciences to discuss the advancements in surgery. The event, held at the universitys auditorium, marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Sushruta, the father of surgery. Acharya Balkrishnas birthday was also celebrated as the Herbal Day. The conference was jointly organized by Patanjali Indian Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and Patanjali University, with support from Patanjali Research Foundation, National Sushruta Association, India, and NeoV Laser, Israel. Advertisement The event was graced by the presence of Padma Bhushan Prof Manoranjan Sahu from Banaras Hindu University, who lauded Patanjali Research Institute for elevating Indias global stature in the fields of Yoga and Ayurveda. In his keynote address, Prof Sahu emphasized the importance of rigorous research in surgery and the development of integrated medical practices, praising Patanjalis contributions in this domain. During the inaugural session, Dr Anurag Srivastava, an expert in Shalya and Shalakya Tantra, provided a detailed exposition of Ayurvedic surgical principles, reconnecting participants with the ancient roots of Ayurveda. Dr Sachin Gupta, Professor and Head of the Shalya Tantra Department at Patanjali Ayurvedic College, elaborated on the objectives of the conference and highlighted Patanjalis significant role in advancing the field of surgery. Dr Vedpriya Arya, Head of the Patanjali Herbal Research Division, extended a warm welcome to the guests and illuminated the extensive research initiatives undertaken by Patanjali in the realm of Ayurveda. Prof Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Ayurveda Honorary University, Jaipur, underscored the necessity of scientific research to harmonize ancient Shalya Tantra with contemporary surgical practices for the greater good of humanity. Prof Mahavir Agrawal, Vice Chancellor of Patanjali University, in his address, described the conference as a convergence of Yoga, Ayurveda, and modern medical sciences. Prof Anil Kumar, Principal of Patanjali Ayurvedic College, echoed this sentiment, noting that Acharya Balkrishnas life is devoted to the welfare of humanity through Ayurveda. He also briefed the participants on the activities at Patanjali Ayurvedic Hospital and the college. The technical sessions featured presentations by Dr. Anurag Srivastava on the integration of Ayurvedic principles in cancer prevention and management, and Dr Vinoth Philip on cutting-edge laser techniques for treating varicose veins. The third session included insights from prominent figures like Dr MC Mishra, Dr Manoranjan Sahu, Dr Shiv Ji Gupta, Dr P Hemant, Dr Sachin Gupta, Dr Sanjeev Sharma and Dr Ajay Gupta, who provided valuable guidance through their discussions. The conference also featured a cultural evening where students from Patanjali University and Patanjali Ayurvedic College showcased their talents through hymns, dances, and yoga performances. The event has attracted approximately 1,100 participants from 12 states, reflecting the widespread interest in this unique confluence of traditional and modern medical knowledge. The inauguration was attended by several notable figures including Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Mayank Agrawal, Chief Consultant Prof KNS Yadav, Registrar Dr. Praveen Poonia, along with other officials, faculty members, researchers, and students. While the BJP celebrates five years of the abrogation of Article 370, sudden revival of Pakistan sponsored terror strikes in the hitherto peaceful Jammu has become a matter of concern for the people of the region. Terrorist incidents here claimed lives of both soldiers and civilians in the past few days. The Modi Government at the Centre, on 5 August 2019, scrapped Article 370 providing for special status to Jammu & Kashmir claiming that the Constitutional provision was misused as a tool to spread terrorism and was a hurdle in development of the region. The erstwhile princely state was also split into two separate union territories (UTs), J&K and Ladakh. Advertisement Despite the discontent among the people against the Centres move, normalcy returned to the Kashmir Valley. Stone pelting, which was part of a daily routine once, vanished and the weekly shutdown calendar of the separatists has become a thing of the past. With most of the kingpins of the stone pelting cooling their heels behind bars the region could see the restoration of normal social life and commercial activity. Development has been accelerated in the past five years, but the Jammu region that was declared terrorism-free about two decades ago is now witnessing a fresh spurt in terror attacks. Eleven security forces personnel, including 10 Army soldiers, were killed in ambush by terrorists in Doda, Kathua and Rajouri last month. Meanwhile, the number of infiltration bids has once again increased in the Kashmir Valley after the initial drastic decline in terrorism. Presence of security forces, which was reduced after the restoration of peace in Jammu, is again being increased by redeploying troops from other regions to check the revival of terrorism. The UT being under the Central rule since the 2019 long spell of bureaucratic administration has become an irritant for the people. Complaints of the administration losing contact with the public are mounting by the day. The Supreme Courts September-end timeframe for the Assembly elections in the region has generated a lot of hope for the people who are looking forward to see the end of the unbridled bureaucratic rule in J&K. The people in Ladakh, who initially celebrated on becoming a separate UT as the liberation from the Kashmir domination, are now agitating for Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Their anger against the Centre reflected in the BJP losing the lone Lok Sabha seat of Ladakh which it was holding since 2014. Five years later, the discontent against the BJP in the Kashmir Valley was reflected in the recently held Lok Sabha elections with most of the candidates supported by it losing their security deposit. The saffron party had not fielded its candidates on any of the three Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir. What is disturbing is that an independent candidate with separatist ideology Engineer Rashid won the election from the sensitive north Kashmirs Baramulla Lok Sabha seat defeating no less a person than the National Conference leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah. Engineer Rashid contested the election from the Tihar Jail in Delhi where he is lodged on the charges of terror funding. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on 24 July, claimed remarkable improvement in the overall law and order scenario in the UT of J& after the abrogation of Article 370. He said 14 civilians and 10 security forces personnel were killed during the first six and a half months this year till 15 July against 14 civilians and 30 security forces personnel in 2023. The region has seen 11 terrorist attacks and 21 encounters so far this year. The minister said there was not a single incident of stone pelting or organised shutdown. It is worth mentioning here that recruitment of local youth in terror outfits has reduced to almost nil and most of the terrorists killed in the recent encounters were Pakistan nationals. Nipping revival of terrorism was on top of the agenda of the government as peace has increased the footfall of tourists and pilgrims whose number, the authorities say, has increased to almost 1.88 crore. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxenas office of neglecting the capitals healthcare system, alleging a failure to address critical staff crunch at government hospitals on Sunday. Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj said despite multiple requests and letters from him and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, significant vacancies for medical personnel remained unfilled. Bharadwaj stated that through a letter, the LG was informed that 30 per cent of doctors, 20 per cent of nurses, 30 per cent of pharmacists and about 1,658 posts of operation theatre technicians, lab technicians, and postmortem technicians are lying vacant. There are expensive equipment and operation theatres in hospitals, but due to lack of staff and doctors, people are not able to be operated upon, added Bharadwaj. Advertisement He presented letters written by him to the LG informing him about these unfilled vacancies. He said, In March 2023, I took over as the Health Minister of Delhi and on 19 April 2023, I wrote the first letter to the LG, informing him that there is a shortage of 292 General Medical Duty Officers (GDMOs), 234 Specialists in Delhi Government hospitals and I had appealed to him through a letter to fill these vacancies as soon as possible. He further alleged that no action was taken to fill these vacancies, rather the doctors who were holding high positions in Delhi Government hospitals through Central Health Services (CHS) were also called back by the Central Government by removing them from Delhi Government hospitals. Bharadwaj highlighted the need for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and technicians in Delhis public hospitals, noting that the shortage has left essential medical equipment idle and patients without necessary treatments. He emphasised that the responsibility for these appointments falls under the LGs office, specifically the Services Department, and criticized the lack of action taken to alleviate the issue. The health minister referenced a committee led by Dr Sarin, constituted by the High Court, which reportedly found a substantial deficiency in the number of medical professionals in Delhis government hospitals. The committee recommended immediate contractual staffing to address the shortfall, but according to Bharadwaj, these suggestions have been ignored. Bharadwaj accused the LGs office of spreading misinformation, asserting that the office has deflected responsibility onto the Delhi government. He called on the LG to publicly address these concerns directly, rather than through indirect channels and told the urgency of hiring healthcare professionals on a contractual basis to ensure adequate patient care. Showing another letter, Bharadwaj claimed that about a week ago, on July 26, he again wrote a letter to the LG requesting that since the Services Department comes directly under him, the appointment of a doctor through UPSC can take a lot of time, so doctors should be hired for Delhi Government hospitals on contract basis as soon as possible, so that the poor people coming for treatment in Delhi Government hospitals can get complete and adequate treatment. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the landslides in Wayanad that claimed over 300 lives. In a post on X, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong disclosed, On August 3, Premier Li Qiang sent a message of condolence to PM Modi on the landslides in Kerala. Li Qiang said that he was shocked to learn that a landslide disaster occurred in Kerala causing heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government, he expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured. The condolence message from the Chinese premier came amid the ongoing military standoff between India and China at eastern Ladakh. Despite umpteen rounds of talks, the two countries have not been able to resolve the stand-off that started in April-May 2020. Advertisement The 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 31 July 2024 in New Delhi. The two countries reviewed the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with a view to finding an early resolution of the outstanding issues concerning the border stand-off. They agreed that the restoration of peace and tranquility, and respect for the LAC are an essential basis for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. They agreed on the need to jointly uphold peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two Governments. Claiming that the National Testing Agency (NTA) made a profit of Rs 448 crore in the last six years, Congress said on Sunday that the future of millions of Indias youths has become a mere revenue-raising exercise for the ruling dispensation. In a post on X, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said, The National Testing Agency (NTA) is at the very heart of the NEET scandal. It is a body of the Education Ministry whose only purpose is to function via outsourcing to private vendors. Not only do these vendors very often have dubious credentials but the NTA itself is headed by a person who presided over the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, which has seen mega-scams. Ramesh, who is the Congress MP in Rajya Sabha, said, In an answer to the Rajya Sabha, the Union MoS for Education has revealed that the NTA collected an estimated Rs 3,512.98 crore while it spent Rs 3,064.77 crore on the conduct of examinations it therefore netted a profit of Rs. 448 crores in the last six years. Advertisement Attacking the BJP government, he said, This corpus, however, has not been used to build the agencys capabilities to conduct tests itself, or to strengthen regulatory and monitoring capabilities for its vendors. The future of millions of Indias youths has ultimately become a mere revenue-raising exercise for the non-biological PMs government. The Congress leader along with the post also shared the written statement made by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in Rajya Sabha on 31st July in response to a question on NTA. NTA was established in the year 2018. Since its inception, NTA has conducted over 240 examinations involving over 5.4 crores candidates. NTA is self-supporting through the examination fee collected, he said. The minister further said, Considering the sensitivity involved in competitive examinations, various operational and security measures are undertaken for their smooth and fair conduct. Such measures involve engagement of specialised/experienced agencies for providing services like capturing of Biometric, frisking, CCTV surveillance, Al analytics with a view to identify any potential impersonation, exam delivery, etc. An MP-MLA Court in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday sentenced former Congress MLA Vipin Wankhede and three Youth Congress leaders to two years in jail in connection with an eight-year-old case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on each accused found guilty of rioting and damaging public property during a protest near the Chief Ministers residence in Bhopal in 2016. The protest was organised by the National Student Union of India (NSUI), the students wing of the Congress. The Congress leaders and workers under the banner of NSUI had staged a protest at the then Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans residence in Bhopal against the Vyapam Scam. Advertisement The police had placed barricades to stop a protest march heading toward the CMs House. In the meantime, a clash broke out between the Congress workers and the police personnel. The protesters were also accused of damaging police vehicles. As Assembly elections were then due in the next two years (2018), the Congress had planned to corner the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the issue of Vyapam Scam which was being investigated by the Special Task Force of the Madhya Pradesh police. Later, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The police had registered a case against the then Congress MLA from Agar-Malwa, Vipin Vankhede, NSUI leader Vivek Tripathi, Ashutosh Chokse, Dhanji Giri and others, and they were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi visited the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad on Sunday as the death toll crossed 360, with at least 200 people still missing. He said that the legal aspects of declaring the landslide in Wayanad as a national disaster will be examined. Suresh Gopi visited Mundakkai and Churalmala areas in Wayanad where the impact of the landslides severely affected the people. He also visited Punchiri Mattam in Mundakkai, the origin points of the landslide, on Sunday morning and assessed the situation and received updates on the ongoing search operations from officials. He also held discussions with Kerala PWD Minister Mohammad Riyaz and the army officers who are leading the rescue operations. The Army officials briefed Suresh Gopi about the rescue operations. He also visited the relief camps. Advertisement Later speaking to media persons, Suresh Gopi said that the legal aspects of declaring the landslides in Wayanad as a national disaster will be examined. In order to declare the landslide as a national disaster, its legal aspects must first be evaluated. Currently, the primary focus is on the mental health and rehabilitation of the survivors, said the Union Minister. Suresh Gopi said that the Centre is assessing the situation closely and that if more force is required for the search operation, Kerala government has to request it to the Centre. The Kerala government and various parliament members from state have demanded to the Centre to declare the landslides in Wayanad as a national disaster. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also raised the same demand in the Governors conference held in New Delhi on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has clarified that there is no provision to declare all natural calamities as a national disaster. The clarification came in response to a question by K Sudhakaran, MP. The Central government also explained that the method is to consider each disaster according to its nature. Even the floods in Kerala in 2018 and 2019 were not declared as a national disaster. The massive flood that engulfed Chennai was not declared a national disaster. If declared as a national calamity, the disaster victims get relief in loan repayment. They also get more financial support. Harley-Davidson is the latest target in a series of protests against companies with DEI efforts. Last week, a conservative activist from Tennessee posted a video on X discussing all the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that the storied motorcycle company has put in place over the years. The video encourages people who do not support or align with those beliefs to spend their money elsewhere. A similar campaign was launched against both John Deere and Tennessee's Tractor Supply within the past two months. Both companies decided to step away from DEI in favor of keeping customers, but Harley-Davidson has yet to respond. Here is what we know about the situation. Why are people mad at Harley-Davidson? On Tuesday, July 23, Robby Starbuck posted a 10-minute video detailing the ways in which "Harley-Davidson has gone woke." According to the video and post, the company has hosted an LGBTQ+ boot camp, donated money to LGBTQ+ campaigns, helped found Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, had employees attend training on how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ members, and made employees adhere to DEI measures. Other items from Starbuck's post include: Openly supports the Equality Act Made February and March into months of inclusion Donated millions to United Way who made the United Way Equity program Claiming that Harley has a 90/100 score on the Human Rights Campaign's corporate equality index. They were ranked 45 in 2023 and were ranked 80 in 2022. Why does Harley-Davidson support LGBTQ+ and DEI? The Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Jochen Zeitz, has been an active advocate for sustainability for a long time. Before becoming the CEO of Harley-Davidson, Zeitz worked at LiveWire Inc., Puma and luxury goods company Kering. He also founded his own organization, the Zetiz Foundation, to support sustainable solutions that balance conservation, community, and culture and commerce. Zeitz has only helmed the ship at Harley-Davidson since 2020, but he made sure to sign the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge. This brings more than 2,500 CEOs together who have pledged to: Cultivate environments that support open dialogue on complex conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Implement and expand unconscious bias education and training. Share best-known diversity, equity and inclusion programs/initiatives, as well as those that have been unsuccessful. Engage boards of directors when developing and evaluating diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. While the motorcycle company has not responded to Starbuck's calls for a boycott, a dealership in Vermont published a blog post calling them "another example of his baseless attempts to stir controversy. Story continues "His baseless accusations against Harley-Davidson are part of a broader pattern of sensationalism aimed at monetizing outrage," reads the post on the Wilkins Harley-Davidson website. Why do companies support LGBTQ+ and DEI? Riders line up outside the Sounds Stadium where for the 24th year, Boswells Harley-Davidson is partnering with the MNPD for Saturdays Annual Toy Parade, a significant fundraising event for the police departments Christmas Basket Program benefiting needy Nashville families Saturday Nov. 3, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. DEI is not a new thing to the United States, however, it has become more and more controversial now than in the past few decades. Diversity policies and programs rushed into existence amid the nations racial reckoning in 2020 and 2021 are increasingly under the microscope. Despite these criticisms, DEI and LGBTQ+ friendliness has a positive outcome in business settings. Nearly three-quarters of executives surveyed by Bridge Partners Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Barometer cited the benefits of DEI on recruiting, hiring and retention (94%) and the reputational boost with the public (74%). The executives expect to build their DEI programs in the next 24 months while only 4% say they will cut back or eliminate them. They said the political climate has not had much impact on their DEI commitments, with 53% of executives saying it has had no impact and 47% saying it had a small impact, Bridge Partners found. A survey from employment law firm Littler Mendelson had similar findings: 91% of executives said they are still prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion and 57% said they had expanded their efforts. "Companies from every industry work closely with us to be sure their employees and customers are respected, valued and can get the job done for their workforce and shareholders," said Eric Bloem, vice president of programs & corporate advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign in response to Tractor Supply distancing itself from its DEI initiatives. "This is why the Tractor Supply Co and most of the country's biggest employers have worked with us for years to create inclusive policies and practices. Caving to far right extremists is only going to hurt the same folks that these businesses rely on." Who is Robby Starbuck? Starbuck, whose legal name is Robby Newsom, is a former director and producer of music videos and commercials turned social media influencer. Starbuck moved to Tennessee from California in 2019 and eventually made a failed attempt to run for Congress in 2022. In the past two months, Starbuck has made it his mission to make consumers aware of "the wokeness" that is taking over companies. Starbuck is behind similar campaigns against both John Deere and Tractor Supply starting in June "My goal with this reporting is never destruction. My goal is to inform consumers about the values major companies are adopting so they can make choices about what they're willing to support, Starbuck wrote in his post about Harley-Davison on X. Response to claims in Starbuck's Harley-Davidson's video Sean Strickland, a former UFC middle weight champion, has shown disdain for Harley-Davidson's equity efforts. The fighter took to social media and threatened to sell his bike during a rant about the company. Strickland said, "If you love America, you will not own a Harley. And I am getting rid of this Harley as soon as possible." Harley Davidson has been a major partner of the UFC since 2007. The motorcycle company gained a proud, loyal following since their partnership began almost two decades ago. Harley-Davidson dealerships in Tennessee Tennessee has a total of 13 Harley-Davidson locations that can service or sell motorcycles. Knoxville has the most of these facilities with two. Chattanooga: 7720 Lee Highway Clarksville: 2501 Highway 41A Bypass Columbia: 1616 Harley Davidson Boulevard Jackson: 326 Carriage House Drive Kodak: 3607 Outdoor Sportsman Place Knoxville: 5810 Clinton Highway Knoxville: 605 Lovell Road Madison: 2200 Gallatin Pike North Maryville: 1820 W Lamar Alexander Memphis: 2160 Whitten Road Murfreesboro: 2250 NW Broad Street Nashville: 401 Fesslers Lane Pigeon Forge: 105 Waldens Main Street USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What did Harley-Davidson do? Why company is facing a boycott over DEI In a tragic incident, nine children were killed while two others were seriously injured after a dilapidated wall fell on them due to heavy rain in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh Sunday morning. According to the police, the tragedy occurred during a Bhaagwat Katha and clay Shivling preparation event inside the Hardaul Temple in Shahpur in the Sagar district. While the children were preparing the Shivalings, the wall of an adjoining house, said to be more than 50 years old, came crashing down on them. Advertisement The nine kids who died in the incident included Divyansh Sahu (12), Vansh Lodhi (10), Nitesh Patel (13), Dhruv Yadav (12), Parv Vishwakarma (10), Divyaraj Sahu 12), Ashutosh Prajapati (15) and Khushi Patwa (12) and Hemant (10). Two children were seriously injured in the incident. According to Sagar Collector Deepak Arya, of the nine deceased, two died on the spot. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident. The CM announced an ex gratia of Rs four lakh to each of the families of the deceased children. In another incident in the Narsinghpur district, a child and a youth were killed when a kuccha house collapsed in village Rampura. According to the police, the house of one, Pawan Namdev, collapsed and seven members of his family were trapped under the debris. Neighbours and other villagers rescued the family members and rushed them to a hospital. However, a three-year-old girl and a youth died during treatment. A man was crushed to death under a wall that fell on him while he was taking shelter near the wall due to heavy rain in the Tikamgarh district. The incident occurred in village Bhagwantpura on Saturday evening when the victim, Tulsidas Palera, who was riding his motorcycle, took shelter behind the wall as it suddenly started raining. Opposing the proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Bill, AIMIM chief Assaduddin Owaisi on Sunday accused the Centre of trying to interfere in religious freedom, curtail the autonomy of the Waqf Board, and grab properties from Muslims. He also urged BJP allies, such as the TDP in Andhra Pradesh and JD (U) in Bihar, to consider the issue, wondering if they were prepared to take away the properties of Muslims. Owaisi criticised the Centre for not informing Parliament about the proposed amendments while it was in session. He also accused the Centre of creating legal ambiguity regarding Waqf Board properties through these amendments. He also questioned why the political executive should resolve disputes instead of leaving this matter to the judiciary. The Modi government will first create a dispute and then conduct a survey through the executive, Chief Minister, or BJP. We all know what the outcome will be. This is a tactic to turn a property into a disputed one and then, after the survey, declare it not a Waqf property. There are many mosques and dargahs which the BJP claims are not legitimate. If media reports are correct, the Modi government aims to seize the Waqf Boards properties, Owaisi alleged. He claimed that the Centres move is part of the Hindutva agenda. The Hyderabad MP warned that government interference in the Waqf Board would result in the loss of its autonomy. Advertisement He dismissed claims that the amendments would lead to increased representation of women in the Waqf boards. He said, The real reason is interference in the freedom of religion. He urged BJP allies to pressure the Centre on this issue, specifically mentioning Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. The Hyderabad MP said, The BJP allies should consider whether they want to seize the Waqf properties of Muslims. Political parties supporting the BJP must think about this. According to media reports, the Centre plans to introduce up to 40 amendments to the Waqf Board Act. Search operations continued with increased force and equipment in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday. Search operations on Sunday focused on the areas of Mundakkai and Panchirimattam. Rescue teams are using advanced radars, drones, and heavy machinery in their endeavour. Advertisement Search teams also continued operations on Sunday along the 40-kilometre stretch of the Chaliyar River, which flows through Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts. Many bodies and remains were recovered from the river near Nilambur in Malappuram. The latest efforts by various agencies, including the Army, the Navy, police, Fire and Rescue teams, and the NDRF, along with local residents, led to the recovery of three more bodies and 13 body parts from the river on Saturday. These recoveries bring the total number of bodies found in the Chaliyar River to 73 and body parts to 132, making a grim total of 205. The river carried these bodies, or rather parts of human bodies mutilated by the devastating landslide, for around 25 km to Pothukallu near Nilambur in Malappuram district. Meanwhile, the death toll from the massive landslides in Wayanad has risen to 369 with the recovery of four more bodies on Sunday. However, the official count stands at around 240. Of the deceased, 148 bodies have been identified and handed over to their relatives. A total of 206 people are still missing. Among the deceased, 30 are children. Reports indicate that 49 children from the affected region remain unaccounted for, some of whom are students of Vellarimala GVHSS. The exact number of missing students is still unknown as authorities continue their efforts to ascertain the details. The bodies of unidentified victims who died in the landslide in Wayanad will be laid to rest on Sunday at a site in Puthumala provided free of charge by Harrison Malayalam Plantation Limited. Out of the 67 unidentified bodies, 8 will be cremated on Sunday. Initially, it was announced that all 67 bodies would be cremated together. However, in the evening, Revenue Minister Rajan announced that only 8 bodies would be cremated. Funeral services will be held after interfaith prayers. Out of the 67 unidentified bodies, 27 are complete bodies, while the rest are body parts. Each body part will be treated as an individual corpse and cremated, officials said. The devastating landslide has destroyed approximately 3,700 acres of agricultural land, leading to a staggering crop loss of Rs 21.111 crore. Meanwhile, the Health Department is operating 24-hour counselling sessions in the 17 relief camps in the Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad to address the emotional issues faced by the survivors of the deadly landslides. Around 2,000 psychological counselling sessions and 400 group counselling sessions have been conducted for the survivors from the disaster-struck zones of Mundakkai and Chooralmala area. The opposition Congress-led UDF on Sunday announced that all its MLAs will contribute one months salary to the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Sunday said that the UDF will take part in all the rehabilitation efforts and work towards restoring normalcy in the lives of the survivors. Earlier, the ruling CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) had announced that its members in the assembly and Parliament will contribute their one months salary to the CMDRF. The decision of the Opposition UDF in this regard assumes significance as the issue of making donations to the CMDRF had created differences within the Congress. Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithalas decision to donate his one-month MLA salary to Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) invited criticism from KPCC president K Sudhakaran on Saturday. The issue has opened a fresh battleground between KPCC chief K Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. Responding to Chennithalas decision, KPCC chief K Sudhakaran said that Chennithala should not have contributed his salary to the Left governments relief fund. Chennithala should have donated the amount to the partys own relief mechanism, K Sudhakaran said on Saturday. The Congress party has its own forum to procure funds. All the allied organisations of the party have kicked off fundraising. Chennithala should have donated his salary to that option. It was not right on his part to donate to the CMDRF, said Sudhakaran. Rejecting the KPCC president K Sudhakarans statement against donating to CMDRF, Satheesan asked everyone to contribute to the CMDRF, stating that this is not the time to play politics. There is nothing wrong in paying money to the CMDRF. Sudhakaran should not have blamed Chennithala for his decision to contribute his MLA salary to the CMDRF. Its not the time to play politics, Satheesan told media persons in Kozhikode on Saturday. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy reached New York on Sunday as a part of his 10-day long trip to the USA and South Korea to attract investment to Telangana. Meanwhile, BRS working president KT Rama Rao wished All the Best to the Chief Minister after a particularly acrimonious Budget session in the Assembly while claiming that the Opposition party would always put Telanganas interest ahead of politics. The Chief Minister is slated to hold more than 50 meetings with top business honchos of several multinational companies, including Pepsico, Amazon, Google, Apple, Hyundai, Samsung, LG, and so on. He is accompanied by Industry and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu as well as senior officials of the state government. The government has claimed the twin visits will bring about agreements for massive investments worth Rs 16,000 crore in the state. He will be visiting Stanford University as well. In South Korea, his schedule includes a visit to the Han River Front. The Musi River Front development project is a pet one for the Chief Minister who will return to Hyderabad on 14 August. According to the Telangana Congress, the Chief Minister received a warm welcome upon his arrival at John F Kennedy Airport as hundreds of Telugu NRIs waited to greet him. He also met the Indian diaspora in the US in New Jersey on Sunday. Advertisement BRS working president KT Rama Rao took to X ahead of the Chief Ministers tour to wish him and his team while tagging the Chief Minister and the Industry Minister. Politics aside, for me and our BRS party, it will always be Telangana First. I sincerely hope the current government continues bringing in tangible investments and build upon the strong foundation we have established, he said, while tactfully claiming that the Congress government was building on the solid foundation left by the erstwhile BRS government. He said under BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as the Chief Minister a favourable ecosystem had been created in the last decade. He stated that they had been successful in creating investments of over Rs 4,00,000 crore as well as 24 lakh private sector jobs. Im pleased to see that the relationships we have nurtured over the years along with our relentless persistence, continue to attract significant new investments from marquee companies. The numerous announcements about the expansion of existing establishments are a testament to the success of Telanganas policies and initiatives, Rao said in his post. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the state will realise the goal of one district, one medical college soon. Stressing his governments efforts, the CM on Saturday stressed the need for strengthening healthcare services in all medical colleges. He emphasised quality research and innovation along with technical upgradation for medical staff to uplift the healthcare system. Advertisement CM Yogi Adityanath expressed these views while addressing a gathering after distributing 483 laptops among MBBS students and paramedical staff at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur. Earlier on Saturday, he reached here on a two-day visit. The laptops were presented under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme. He said several new medical colleges had come up in various districts and that two new medical colleges one each in Ballia and Balrampur would be set up soon. The Chief Minister added that new medical colleges in Shamli and Sambhal would also start their academic session this year. As per him, Uttar Pradesh will give admission to 10,500 MBBS seats this year. CM Yogi Adityanath also inspected medical and paediatrics wards and took feedback from patients and their attendants at the BRD Medical College. He urged MBBS students and paramedical staff to keep patience in handling patients and their attendants. The CM appreciated the medical fraternity for their services towards mankind and appealed to them to focus on their technical upgradation to expand their outreach. Lauding the cooperation extended by PM Modi, he said that a super speciality hospital for the treatment of Japanese Encephalitis patients was granted by PM Modi along with a regional unit of the Indian Council of Medical Research. In a remarkable display of bravery and dedication, a team of Kerala forest officers undertook an eight-hour long rescue mission deep in the forests of landslide Wayanad, successfully saving a tribal family including four children. The family, belonging to the Paniya tribe, had taken refuge in a cave atop a hill after being cut off from their community due to the devastating landslides that struck the region earlier this week. Despite the hazardous conditions including heavy rain and rocky paths, the officers managed to bring the entire family back to safety. The arduous journey and the selfless actions of the forest officers have been widely lauded. Advertisement The operation, led by Kalpetta Range Forest Officer K Hashis has garnered widespread praise, including commendations from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan expressed his deep admiration for the rescue team, stating, Their heroism reminds us that Keralas resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger. Rahul Gandhi, former Wayanad MP, also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Kalpetta Range Forest Officers, for risking their own lives to save the tribal family. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kalpetta Range Forest Officers who risked their lives traversing through difficult terrain amidst heavy downpour, undertaking a tireless 8-hour operation to successfully rescue a family in distress. Your selfless service, commitment, and unity will help us overcome this crisis and emerge stronger, Gandhi said in a statement. The recent prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia marks a significant, yet complex, moment in international diplomacy. While the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan is undeniably a cause for celebration, the broader implications of such high-stakes negotiations deserve careful scrutiny. First, the emotional reunions witnessed on American soil underscore the human element at the heart of international diplomacy. The images of the two embracing their loved ones are poignant reminders of the personal toll of geopolitical strife. For the families, these reunions are nothing short of miraculous, a testament to the relentless efforts of diplomats and negotiators who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. President Joe Bidens gesture of giving his lapel pin to the freed Marine highlights the personal commitment and the gravity of such missions. It is a moment of triumph for those directly involved and showcases the potential for diplomacy to achieve humane outcomes even amid political turmoil. However, this exchange also raises profound ethical and strategic questions. Critics argue that trading convicted criminals for hostages sends a dangerous message, potentially incentivising future detentions. This concern is not without merit. By engaging in such exchanges, there is a risk of validating a perilous tactic, effectively encouraging hostile states to capture more foreign nationals as bargaining chips. This could lead to a vicious cycle where no one, especially journalists and other high-profile individuals, is truly safe from becoming a pawn in international power plays. Advertisement Moreover, the inclusion of Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian murderer, in the exchange adds another layer of complexity. His return to Russia, and subsequent heros welcome, reflects a troubling double standard. While the West sees him as a criminal, the Russian state treats him as a patriot. This dichotomy highlights the profound differences in how justice and loyalty are perceived and exploited by different regimes. It raises the question of whether such exchanges undermine the integrity of international law by equating political prisoners with convicted criminals. The geopolitical context cannot be ignored either. The swap occurs against the backdrop of on-going tensions between the West and Russia, exacerbated by the latters invasion of Ukraine. This exchange, while a diplomatic success, does not signal a thaw in relations. Instead, it underscores the transactional nature of modern diplomacy, where strategic interests often overshadow long-term solutions. US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finers admission that there was no trust involved in the negotiations highlights the fragile and pragmatic nature of such deals. The international community must tread carefully, balancing the immediate human benefits of such exchanges with the long-term implications for global stability and justice. As America celebrates the safe return of two hostages, it must also reflect on the broader consequences of this exchange and strive for a diplomatic approach that upholds human rights without compromising on principles of justice and security. How well has Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, performed as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament? Nobel laureate Professor Amartya Sen recently talked about Rahuls progress since his time at Cambridge University. Sen said that Rahul has matured a lot over the years and pointed out that his actual test would be how he leads the Opposition in Parliament. Riding on the recent success in the Lok Sabha polls, Rahul has been confident and forceful inside and outside the house, fitting for the Leader of the Opposition. His parents, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, also held the same positions during their time and did well. Rahul assumed his first constitutional role as a LOP 25 years after he entered politics in 2004. There has been no LoP in the Lok Sabha for the past ten years, as no party secured the required numbers to claim the post in the previous two Lok Sabhas. During the recent budget session, the first after Rahul became the LOP, he took a vital leadership role within his party and the Opposition. Since becoming the Leader of the Opposition, he has taken on more responsibilities. He now leads and represents the Oppositions viewpoint on various subjects. This is a new role for him. He organised protests, delivered powerful speeches against the Modi government, and worked closely with allies to coordinate their efforts on the floor. Advertisement He also focused on critical issues for the people and made himself more accessible. Rahuls backroom office has a dozen key members who handle all aspects of his leadership, helping him in his new role. The team, including General Secretary K.C.Venugopal, Sam Pitroda, Sunil Kanugolu, K. Buju, B. Srivatsa, Manickam Tagore, Alankar Sawai and Kaushal Vidyarthi, plays a crucial role in managing Gandhis political activities and election strategies, from logistics to social media. Rahuls transformation into a more confident leader is a testament to his growth and evolution in the political arena. This significant departure from his earlier image as a reluctant politician is a compelling aspect of his political journey. It is easier for Rahul to take on an aggressive role because the opposition benches in the 18th Lok Sabha have a sizeable number. Additionally, the allies have realised they can succeed if united, as proven in the 2024 polls. In his maiden speech as LoP, Rahul declared, Of course, the government has political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of Indias people. This time, the Opposition represents significantly more of the voice of the Indian people than it did last time. Rahuls continued criticisms of the Prime Minister have evoked strong and tense responses from the ruling party members. During Rahuls maiden speech, the PM intervened twice, for the first time in 10 years. Modi accused Rahul of labelling the entire Hindu society as violent. The PM said, Democracy and the Constitution have taught me to take the Leader of the Opposition seriously. Modis responses to Gandhis criticisms demonstrate an acknowledgement of this shifted paradigm and the resulting tension in the house. Rahul Gandhi has been speaking out against the Modi governments decision to arrest AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and JMM chief Hemant Soren. He is opposed to the BJPs attempts to silence opposing viewpoints. This has caused increased tensions in Parliament for the ruling party. During his two Bharat Jodo yantras and the subsequent Lok Sabha election campaign, Rahul consistently sported a white T-shirt and dark cargo pants. He explained that this attire symbolises transparency, simplicity, and perseverance. His switch to a white kurtapyjama on his first day in the Lok Sabha as LoP further underscored the symbolism and significance of his sartorial choices. It effectively communicates his political messaging and personal branding. During his Lok Sabha campaign, Rahul strategically displayed a small red pocket edition of the Constitution at public meetings. This calculated move effectively highlighted what he called the perceived threat to the Constitution from the BJP. His use of the Constitution was instrumental in garnering support from beneficiaries of reservation. Though Rahul has been an M.P. for the past two decades, he was not considered a good Parliamentarian. He asked only 99 questions, participated in 26 debates, and wasnt always present at critical times. Since 2014, he has been noticeably absent during budget sessions, only appearing suddenly and occasionally. He also disappeared, often going abroad, leaving the party in a crisis. Rahul has started well as the Leader of the Opposition. His progress will depend on his political planning. While he missed some chances in the past, like becoming a minister in Manmohan Singhs cabinet or strengthening the party as Congress President, his current role shows potential. He needs to use this opportunity to face future political challenges confidently. Rahuls belief in the power of the LOP to raise a voice in Parliament instils hope and optimism in the audience. Amid tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, United States Embassy in Beirut has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens in Lebanon, urging them to leave the country on any available ticket. The advisory follows a similar warning from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy asking British nationals in the Middle East country to register with the countrys embassy. In view of these developments and potential threats, the Indian Embassy in Beirut has also advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon until further notice. Advertisement In an advisory issued on August 1, the embassy stated, All Indians are strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason should exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut via email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128. Several other countries, including the UK and Japan, have issued similar advisories, urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. These warnings follow Irans declaration of severe retaliation after the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, an act for which Iran blames Israel, though Israel has not claimed responsibility. Haniyeh was assassinated on Wednesday hours after Hezbollah Commander Fuad Shukr was killed in Beirut. Given Lebanon-based Hezbollahs close ties with Iran, there are concerns that the group could play a crucial role in Irans anticipated retaliation, potentially sparking a broader conflict with Israel. Earlier this week, the US said it would deploy more fighter jets and warships to the Middle East in a bid to protect Israel from potential Iranian threat. Reiterating its commitment to protect Israel, the Pentagon noted that missile defence forces have also been placed on heightened alert. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the tragic landslides in Wayanad should be declared a national disaster. Addressing at the passing-out parade at Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur, the CM appreciated the rescue efforts being conducted by police and other forces in Wayanad. What happened in Wayanad was a significant disaster at the national level. The efforts of the police, who participated in the rescue mission there are commendable, OnManorama quoted the CM as saying. Vijayan said police personnel risked their own lives to save others. Meanwhile, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, and Petroleum and Gas visited the landslide-hit places in Wayanad on Sunday and reviewed rescue efforts. The minister visited Mundakkai and Chooralmala, the worst affected places due to the landslide and said the impact of the landslide has to be studied. Gopi said rehabilitation of minds has to be prioritised and counselling must be arranged for those affected to overcome the trauma of the disaster. The union minister discussed with Army personnel about rescue efforts being carried out in the region. Gopi told reporters that he would brief the Centre on the ground picture and added union government will announce assistance once the state government submits a report assessing the impact of the disaster. On declaring it as a national disaster, the union minister said the Centre will examine the legality behind that demand. Search operations in Wayanad entered the sixth day on Sunday and over 1,500 personnel are involved in the rescue operations. Death toll crossed 300 and over 200 are still missing. Tweeting about his visit, Gopi said, "My heart is heavy amidst the ruins in Wayanad. Landslides have claimed many lives,including innocent children,and left others missing. My deepest condolences to the grieving families. Wayanad's resilience is inspiring.Thank you to all rescuers and volunteers. We stand with you." West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri, who had courted controversy after threatening a woman officer, said he would comply with the instruction of the Trinamool Congress and resign from his post. Giri, however, asserted that he will not apologise to anybody. The ruling party had asked the Jail Minister to resign after videos showing him threatening and verbally abusing forest ranger Manisha Sahu emerged on social media. In the videos, Giri was seen warning Sahu of reducing her tenure after she and her team removed encroachments on forest department land near Tajpur beach. TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen said party state president Subrata Bakshi had called Akhil Giri on Sunday afternoon and instructed him to submit his resignation and apologise to the officer. Talking to reporters later in the day, Giri said he would submit his resignation but dismissed the demand for an apology. He, however, regretted his remarks, saying they were made in an agitated state. I will email my resignation tonight and hand it over personally to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tomorrow in the Assembly," he added. The minister said he will continue as an MLA and serve the people in his constituency. The BJP has demanded the Giri be sacked and arrested over his behaviour to the woman officer. "Will Mamata Banerjee dare to throw out this minister and put him behind bars? Will charges be filed against him for obstructing government workers and outraging the modesty of women? Let's see if this goon is kicked inside the jail for threatening to indirectly kill and outrage the modesty of a woman," the party said in a post on X. A tragic development was reported from Sagar of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning when a wall collapsed onto temple premises amidst heavy rains, claiming the lives of nine kids. A ceremony was underway at Sagar's Hardayal Baba temple when the incident happened, reports said. Several survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals after police units joined locals in rescue operations. Many were pulled out of the rubble with the help of an earthmover amidst the unfavourable weather. Located in the Shahpur neighbourhood, the wall of the dilapidated house near the Hardayal Baba temple was half a century old. The deceased kids were sitting near it in a tent when it came crashing down, news agency PTI said in a report. While two kids died on the spot, others died while on the way to hospitals. All victims were below 15 years of age and were engaged in making 'Shivlings' for the Sawan festivities in the temple, the report added. According to officials, the deceased were identified as Dhruv Yadav (12), Nitesh Patel (13), Ashutosh Prajapati (15), Prince Sahu (12), Parv Vishwakarma (10), Divyansh Sahu (12), Dev Sahu (12), Vansh Lodhi (10) and Hemant (10). The incident occurred between 8.30 am and 9:00 am. Madhya Pradesh police reportedly told the press that during the month of Sawan, believers engage in Shivling-making ("Parthiv Shivling Nirman") at the Hardayal Baba temple from dawn. It was no different on Sunday when the tragedy occurred. The state government announced financial relief for the families of the nine victims. The chief municipal officer (CMO) of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat and a sub-engineer were suspended as a consequence of the incident, reports added. "Today, I am saddened to hear the news of 9 innocent children dying due to the collapse of the wall due to heavy rains in Shahpur of Sagar district. I have directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured children. I pray to God to grant peace to the souls of the deceased children. I pray for the speedy recovery of the other children injured in the accident. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their innocent children. The families of the deceased children will be given a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each by the government," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said on X (formerly Twitter) US President Joe Biden reportedly got upset with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their phone conversation on Thursday which saw him raise his voice at the Israeli Prime Minister. "Stop bullshitting me," Biden reportedly told Netanyahu, after the latter told him that Israel was moving forward with negotiations on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas. The angry US President also told Netanyahu that he wanted a ceasefire deal reached within a week to two weeks. "Dont take the president for granted," Biden also reportedly told the Prime Minister. The US President also contended that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran was poorly timed, coming right at what the Americans hoped would be the endgame of the process, New York Times quoted an unnamed U.S. official. Biden did not hide his concerns while talking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday after welcoming home three Americans released by Russia in a prisoner swap. "Im very concerned about it," Biden said. "I had a very direct meeting with the prime minister today very direct. We have the basis for a cease-fire. He should move on it and they should move on it now." He added that Haniyeh killing has "not helped" to reach a deal. The report also added that Israelis did not inform the Americans of the plan to kill Haniyeh even though Biden had hosted Netanyahu at the White House just days before. An Israeli official quoted by NYT added that Netanyahu did not want to compromise the Americans by giving them a heads-up. Biden believes that the killing could spark a regional war. The President then told Israel that while the U.S. will help Israel defeat an Iranian attack, he expects no more escalation from the Israeli side but an immediate movement toward a hostage deal. "We are at an inflection point. We need to do everything to end the war and reach regional stability, even if the deal is not perfect. Hamas wants the deal right now. It might change," Biden told Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Netanyahus office did not respond to the reports about Biden's outburst. It said the prime minister does not comment on the content of his private discussions with the US president. In a statement given to an Israeli media organisation, the Prime Minister's Office said the premier does not intervene in American politics and will work with whoever is elected president, and expects the Americans to also not intervene in Israeli politics." Over 90 people died in violent clashes that broke out between protesters and the ruling Awami League supporters in Bangladesh on Sunday. The protests erupted demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when the ruling governments supporters opposed them. Students' movement had announced a non-cooperation movement demanding the PM's resignation to begin from Sunday. Protesters attending the programme launched under the movement faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. Clashes were reported in at least 13 districts across Bangladesh. Deaths were reported from regions including Feni, Sirajganj, Munshiganj, Rangpur and Dhaka. A curfew has been imposed on Sunday by the Home Ministry following the violence. The so-called peaceful protests have turned into violence, vandalism and human rights violations by #BNP & #Jamaat-#Shibir. In the disguise of students, they are attacking hospitals in #Bangladesh, jeopardizing the lives of hundreds of patients. #WeBelieveinHasina pic.twitter.com/rqxJv5rXrI Hussain Saddam (@saddam1971) August 4, 2024 The government also ordered the shutdown of social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, reported Prothom Alo newspaper. Suspension of the internet was also directed to prevent further escalation of the protests. Amid fresh violence in the country, India issued an advisory to its citizens. Advisory: All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of Assistant High Commission of India , Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office & are advised to remain alert. In case of emergencies,please contact +88-01313076402@MEAIndia @ihcdhaka India in Sylhet (@ahcisylhet) August 4, 2024 The platform Students Against Discrimination called for an all-out non-cooperation movement against PM Hasina. ALSO READ | Why Bangladesh students are protesting against quota system for govt jobs Meanwhile, Hasina alleged that those protesting were not students but terrorists and vowed strict action against them. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand," she said. A meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs chaired by Hasina took place at Ganabhaban to discuss the situation. Reportedly, chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and other top security agencies took part in the meeting. Amid protests, most of the shops and malls remained shut in Dhaka. Hundreds of students and professionals had gathered at Dhaka's Shahbagh, blocking traffic on all sides. The protesters under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement chanted slogans calling for Hasina's resignation and justice for those killed in the recent violence relating to the quota reform protests. Several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were torched. Protest coordinators had called on students from schools, colleges, universities, madrasas, professionals, political activists and other public members to join the protests. Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced said they will stage a demonstration and mass sit-in on Monday. A large students' rally took place in Dhaka on Saturday to announce their demand for a single-point agenda proceeded without incident, and clashes erupted in various other parts of the country. There have been reports of vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in multiple locations. Prime Minister Hasina offered to sit for talks on Saturday with the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. However, it was turned down by the coordinators. The fresh clashes erupted in the country days after over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial quota system, reserving 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of war veterans. As Israel braces for attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the cabinet meeting on Sunday said that the US and the allies are prepared to defend Tel Aviv from an expected counterstrike and further prevent the regional conflict. The recent deaths of the senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas' political chief in Iran have paved the way for regional instability in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed a strong response against Israel. Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario. White House national security adviser Jon Finer said "We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over." Meanwhile, Jordan's top diplomat visited Iran on Sunday nearly after two decades amid escalating regional tensions. Foreign minister Ayman Safadi made the rare visit in an effort to persuade Iran to back off from retaliatory strike against Israel. However, the visit is not likely to make an impact as Iran on Sunday reiterated that there is no room for compromise and it would make a decisive response to the assassination. Jordan is a close Western ally and in April it shot down Iranian missiles flying above its airspace when the country attacked Israel. Jordan had said it would not allow its country to become a battlefield for other conflicts. Also, Iran is insisting on calling for a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), at which Tehran would put pressure on Arab Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE to adopt sanctions against Israel. It is also to be noted that Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for killing Haniyeh. ALSO READ | Could Ismail Haniyeh's death spark a regional war? The official explanation of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official is that Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile launched from outside his accommodation in northern Tehran. The explanation is quite different from the reports that a bomb was placed in the guesthouse, where Haniyeh was staying, in Tehran two months ago. The Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari had earlier told journalists There was no other Israeli aerial attack ... in all the Middle East on the night the Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was killed in Lebanon. It is reported that Iran and its proxies in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen could attack Israel as early as Monday. The US also believes that the Iranian retaliation will be similar to the April attack but with Lebanon joining it could be on a large scale. It remains to be seen whether Iran could be persuaded to back off from the attack. Iran and its proxies in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen could attack Israel as early as Monday to retaliate for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to reports. The fear of the widening Middle East crisis has also brought Gen. Michael Kurilla, a senior US defence official, to Tel Aviv. Three American and Israeli officials told US media Axios that they expected Iran to attack Israel as early as Monday. Washington also believes that though the Iranian retaliation will be similar to the April 13 attack, it could potentially be larger in scope and involve Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Sunday, Hezbollah fired over 50 Katyusha rockets at northern Israel. Though many projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, several impacts were recognised, especially in the Beit Hillel region. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the murder of Haniyeh or Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr, the US general in charge of American forces in the Middle East arrived in Tel Aviv on Saturday in a bid to oversee the preparations and mobilise the regional coalition that saw it defend Israel against an attack from Iran on April. 13, added Axios. Gen Kurilla is also expected to visit several Gulf countries, including Jordan. During the April 13 Iranian attack, Jordanians played a significant role by intercepting Israel-bound Iranian drones that entered their territory. Jordan also allowed US and Israeli jets to use their air space to intercept Iranian drones. The US has already mobilised its troops near the area by deploying more combat aircraft and warships, a move they aimed would deter Iran and influence their military plans. Iran and its proxies are still working on finalizing their military plans and approving them at the political level. Iran has already made it clear that it expected Hezbollah to strike deeper inside Israel, including civilian targets. A spokesperson for Irans Permanent Mission to the United Nations told CBS that until now though Hezbollah followed an unwritten understanding with Israel that it would only target military objectives and shallow zones, things have changed. "However, the [Israeli] regimes attack on the Dahieh [neighborhood] in Beirut and the targeting of a residential building marked a deviation from these boundaries. We anticipate that, in its response, Hezbollah will choose both broader and deeper targets, and will not restrict itself solely to military targets and means," the spokesperson said. At least two people were killed and others wounded in a stabbing attack near Tel Aviv on Sunday. According to the police, a Palestinian suspect was "neutralised". The stabbing took place during the morning hours near a gas station and a park in Holon City. The police said in a statement that the suspect, a Palestinian from the occupied West Bank, was killed by a police officer who arrived at the scene. "The terrorist was quickly neutralised...at the scene and prevented him from carrying out an even worse attack," police spokesman Eli Levi said. Extensive searches were conducted in the area to rule out any infiltrators. A 70-year-old woman and an 80-year-old man died in the tragic incident. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Ben-Gvir visited the scene of the incident and encouraged the citizens to take up arms, reported Israeli media. Reportedly, the suspect was identified as a 34-year-old man from Salfit. He had entered Israel without a permit. Soon after the attack, the Israeli forces closed the entrance to the town as well. An Israeli soldier was killed in another stabbing incident last month. The suspect was shot dead by the police. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 18 people in Gaza on Sunday. Among those dead were four who were sheltering in a tent camp for displaced Palestinians inside a hospital complex. After the death of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, tensions soared in the region. A threat of regional war looms amid the mounting fears of escalation in the Middle East. Israel has been bracing for retaliation after the death of the senior militants and Iran's "direct" threat of attack. Since the Israel-Hamas war, at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza Health Ministry. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most of them were killed during Israeli raids and violent protests, it said. The fear of an all-out conflict in the Middle East mounted on Sunday as Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at northern Israel. Though many of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, several impacts were recognised, especially in the Beit Hillel region, according to local media reports. This comes as the US senior defence officials arrived in Israel on Saturday as the latter prepares for retribution from Iran and its proxies in Yemen, Gaza and Lebanon for the assassinations of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leaders. The Pentagon has also bolstered its presence in the Middle East by sending more warships and combat aircraft. An amazing clip from earlier tonight when Israel's Iron Dome batteries fired multiple Tamir interceptors at Hezbollah rockets targeting northern Israel. pic.twitter.com/lcbIH9shwM Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) August 4, 2024 This is not a game. This is our reality. Hezbollah has just fired approximately 50 rockets toward civilians in northern Israel with the intent to kill as many Israelis as possible. Hezbollah must be destroyed. pic.twitter.com/mUDg6CRWJE Vivid. (@VividProwess) August 3, 2024 Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility for the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. It is also unclear if Iran and Hezbollah will conduct a coordinated attack or operate separately. Both the US and Israel believe that Iran and Hezbollah are still working on finalising their military plans and approving them at the political level. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israelis that "challenging days lie ahead." "We have heard threats from all sides. We are prepared for any scenario," he said. However, U.S. President Joe Biden said he hoped Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassinations of Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military commander. When asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Biden said on Saturday in response to a shouted question, "I hope so. I don't know." Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Beirut has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon on "any ticket available" a day after the UK issued a similar advisory. The Indian Embassy in Beirut on Thursday strongly advised Indian nationals against travelling to or staying in Lebanon till further notice. Houthis target container ship A suspected missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck a container ship travelling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said on Sunday. This is the first attack by Houthis on a merchant vessel since Iran and its proxies warned Israel of retribution. The attack on Saturday happened some 225 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Aden in a stretch of the Gulf of Aden. Though a missile struck the vessel, there has been no fire, water ingress or oil leaks, said British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre. The UKMTO did not immediately identify the vessel hit but details released by private security firm Ambrey suggested the vessel targeted was the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton, which had left Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Groton's Greek managers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As the fear of a wider conflict looms in the Middle East, several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon. The United States has issued a warning urging its citizens to leave the country on "any ticket available." After the death of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday, Iran has vowed retaliation against Israel. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, Hamas and Iran accused Tel Aviv of involvement. So far the diplomatic efforts by the US and other Western countries to de-escalate the tensions across the region have not been fruitful. Experts had pointed out that Haniyehs death could lead to regional instability, widening the conflict. ALSO READ | Bomb that killed Hamas leader Haniyeh was 'smuggled' into Tehran guesthouse two months ago Countries including the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Canada and Jordan urged its citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. "We are sending extra military personnel, consular staff and border force officials to help with any evacuations," said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He also added that the regional situation could "deteriorate rapidly". India had also issued an advisory to its citizens in Lebanon on Friday. "In view of the recent escalations in the region, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon. All Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise 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 Indian Embassy in Lebanon said. The French foreign ministry recommended citizens residing in Iran temporarily leave the country given the risk of its airspace being closed. The ministry called on its citizens in Lebanon, especially those on trips there, to take advantage of the fact that there are still commercial flights available to leave. Since the Gaza war, the Hezbollah-Israel conflict rose. Most of the strikes and violence were contained to the border areas so far, however, with the recent death of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, tensions have escalated. Hezbollah has vowed a 'strong' response to Shukr's assassination. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched an airstrike at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel. Iron Dome air defence system intercepted the rockets and no casualties have been reported so far. In response to the attacks, Israel's air force targeted southern Lebanon. ALSO READ | Middle East: Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel as Netanyahu prepares to face Iran's wrath Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that it was "Iran's duty" to strike back at those behind the Haniyeh's killing. Haniyeh was killed in Iran, as he reached there to attend the presidential inauguration. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned Israelis that "challenging days lie ahead...We have heard threats from all sides. We are prepared for any scenario." Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed his deep concern over the dangerously increasing pace of escalation to his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib. In a phone call with Habib, Abdelatty affirmed Egypts support to Lebanon in confronting the threats surrounding it, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. Police forces across the UK have made at least 100 arrests as violent clashes and unrest involving anti-immigration far-right groups continued to spread over the weekend, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer offering his full support to officers to take firm action against the extremists. Bricks being hurled, fireworks thrown, windows of a hotel housing asylum seekers smashed, shops attacked and set on fire and several scuffles breaking out between mobs and the police were among the scenes of confrontation that played out in Liverpool, Hull, Bristol, Leeds, Blackpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, Nottingham and Manchester on Saturday. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned the mobs they will pay the price for such "criminal disorder and violent thuggery". Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities, Downing Street said after a high-level meeting of ministers convened by Starmer on Saturday. The Prime Minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe, the statement added. Groups that monitor anti-Muslim incidents across the UK have said there has been an increase in reports from British Muslims expressing concerns for their safety, with many scared to visit their local mosques. People particularly are frightened because of the colour of their skin, and that cannot be right and that is something this government will take every action to deal with," UK Policing Minister Diana Johnson told the BBC. "When I saw people looting some of the shops in the city centre, that's nothing to do with genuine protest or people having different opinions about immigration. That's about criminal behaviour that needs to be dealt with," she said, warning the culprits there are "sufficient prison places" for such "criminal behaviour". Officials at the UK Ministry of Justice are said to be in discussions with the judiciary, as well as police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for magistrates' courts to open longer hours to speedily process the expected surge in the number of people in custody for riot-related offences. Wales-born Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, has been charged with the stabbing attack on the Taylor Swift theme children's dance workshop in Southport, north-west England, which was the first site of the unrest earlier in the week. It was triggered after false claims spread online that the suspect, who is of Rwandan heritage, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a small boat. Since then, misinformation has continued to spread across social media and resulted in violent demonstrations involving anti-immigrant chants by protesters in different parts of the country. Merseyside Police in Southport publicly identified the English Defence League (EDL) as a key factor a group that does not exist in a formal sense but its founder, Tommy Robinson, is associated with using the social media space to whip up far-right sentiments. Stand Up to Racism, among the groups organising some of the counter-protests, has warned that the activities of the extremist mobs must not be unopposed. The wait for Ukraine is finally over, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy displayed the newly arrived F-16 fighter jets on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the country's defence capabilities. The pilots have already started flying F-16s, said Zelenskyy, adding that it will boost the country's war effort against Russia. Zelenskyy met military pilots at an airbase flanked by two of the jets and two flying overhead in close formation. "F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country," said Zelenskyy while revealing the fighter jets. Since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has been long waiting for the F-16 fighter jets to enhance its air defences. However, it is unclear how many are currently available and how it will help them on the battleground. The F-16s had been on Ukraines wishlist for a long time. They are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles. President Zelenskyy confirmed the arrival of F-16 in Ukraine. The aircraft have already begun performing combat missions. During the ceremony, where the announcement was made, Zelenskyy awarded Ukrainian defenders and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. pic.twitter.com/x62K0oih9l UNITED24 Media (@United24media) August 4, 2024 "Since the beginning of this war, we have been talking with our partners about the need to protect our Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles and Russian aircraft," said Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow could consider launching strikes at facilities in NATO countries if they host the warplanes used in Ukraine. The US-made F-16 is an iconic fighter jet that's been the front-line combat plane of choice for the NATO alliance and numerous air forces around the world for 50 years. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have committed to providing Ukraine with more than 60 of them over the coming months. F-16s were agreed to be deployed to Ukraine by US President Joe Biden in August 2023, though the US won't be providing any of its own planes. On the war front, Russia is making small but steady battlefield gains in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and its steady forward movement is adding up as Ukraine gradually yields ground. KAMALA HARRIS, TILL now a heartbeat away from the presidency, could well become the first American president of Indian origin. In the past, there had not been much excitement about her candidacy, but once President Joe Biden 'anointed' her his successor, it is as if she has been reincarnated. Democrats cannot get enough of Harris, her trademark joyful laugh, occasional goofiness and the stern prosecutorial air. The conversation has entirely changed with the arrival of Kamala Harriss candidacy... and we have to make that work, because we cannot allow the alternative to happen. Salman Rushdie For Democrats who were shell-shocked by Biden's lacklustre debate performance against Donald Trump, Harris has come as an avenging angel. She is now the Rocky Balboa kind of fighter whose fiery words are pure music to them and they would love to see her take on Trump in a national debate. They, however, know that it is going to be a very close election, especially in the battleground states. The results may be decided by a few thousand votes, so Democratic operatives are keen not to repeat the complacency that cost them the 2016 election when Trump beat Hillary Clinton. All sorts of groups within the Democratic camp have come together for Harris, including major Indian-American organisations. The Indian American Impact Fund, a progressive group, is supporting her campaign planning the largest ever investment in its history. Said Chintan Patel, executive director of the organisation, As one of the nations foremost leaders on reproductive and womens rights and one who has championed policies that have helped countless small business owners and entrepreneurs, Harris has shown that she is eminently qualified. She is our best chance to safeguard our democracy and fight Trump and his extreme agenda. South Asian voters can make history by electing the first South Asian, Black and woman president. So strong is the excitement about the Harris candidacy that scores of new groups supporting her are cropping up. Apart from South Asians for Harris and South Asian Women for Harris, the latest is South Asian Men for Harris, which was launched with a star cast of noted names. It was initiated by tech wiz and president of SAJA (South Asian Journalists Association) Sree Sreenivasan, historian Manu Bhagavan and social media consultant Neil Parekh and was headlined by no less than Salman Rushdie. The July 27 launch featured many political players, including Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Ro Khanna of California, and they spoke about the urgency of supporting Harris and the ways to do it; thousands watched on social media and donated funds. I absolutely agree it is a critical moment, said Rushdie. I am a boy from Bombay. My wife is African-American, so we like the fact that there is a Black and Indian woman running for the White House. But frankly, ethnicity itself is not enough. We would not be gathering in this way, let us say, for Usha Vance or Nikki Haley. We are here because something very extraordinary and transformative has happened in American politics, said Rushdie. The conversation has entirely changed with the arrival of Kamala Harris's candidacy... and we have to make that work, because we cannot allow the alternative to happen. This Hollow Man without a single noble quality trying to drag this country towards authoritarianism, that cannot happen. Rushdie was asked about the sceptics within the Indian American community who may not believe in the Harris candidacy for a variety of reasons, including the fact that America would not elect a half-Black, half-Indian woman. I think times have changed... the way in which the race issue can be made a positive is a new thing. And so, I think there is absolutely no reason why Harris should not win... I think the tide is turning. Roohi Rustum, national organising director for Harris for President, also stepped in: Harris in the first 24 hours of our campaign raised the most ever for any presidential candidate, over $81 million (around Rs680 crore). More than 60 per cent of this was from first time contributors. Hundreds of thousands of grassroots supporters are joining Zoom calls... so many people are joining to talk about Harris and how she is ready. Neha Dewan, who started out as a volunteer with Harris before she embarked on her presidential campaign, spoke about her association with Harris, I was a lead volunteer organiser for her in California. I travelled with her to Nevada and Iowa. Now four and a half years later, to think that we are on the cusp of electing her, it is just so incredibly exciting. Dewan is co-head of South Asians for Harris. Apart from Indian Americans, people of Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Nepali origin, and members of the Indo-Caribbean communities are also active in supporting Harris. They have joined hands with the Hispanic and other communities of colour in a common fight to safeguard their rights and freedom. As writers, tech experts, organisers and academics came together for Harris, thousands more watched on social media channels and pledged their time and money for the campaign. The Kamala that I know is tough. She is brilliant. She is ready. She is experienced, said Dewan. We are talking about a woman who has shattered so many glass ceilings. It is absolutely possible. Lavina Melwani is a New York-based writer for several international publications. She blogs at Lassi with Lavina. New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) Niti Aayog member Arvind Virmani on Sunday said it is better for India to get Chinese firms to invest and produce goods here to boost local manufacturing than to keep importing goods from the neighbouring country. Virmani was responding to a pitch made by the pre-budget Economic Survey on July 22 for seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to boost local manufacturing and tap the export market. "So, there is a trade-off the way an economist looks at it...So, the trade-off is that if there are going to be some imports, which we are anyway going to import for 10 years, 15 years from China, then it is better to get Chinese firms to invest in India and produce the same goods here," he told PTI in an interview. As the US and Europe are shifting their immediate sourcing away from China, it is more effective to have Chinese companies invest in India and export the products to these markets rather than importing from the neighbouring country, according to the Economic Survey. "So, in effect, we have to look at each good one at a time, you know, each category of good one at a time, and evaluate that trade-off," the eminent economist added. The survey noted that India faces two choices to benefit from the 'China plus one strategy' -- it can integrate into China's supply chain or promote FDI from China. "It is the trade-off...instead of keeping on import from them (China). We should allow it," Virmani opined. "Among these choices, focusing on FDI from China seems more promising for boosting India's exports to the US, similar to how East Asian economies did in the past. "Moreover, choosing FDI as a strategy to benefit from the China plus one approach appears more advantageous than relying on trade. This is because China is India's top import partner, and the trade deficit with China has been growing," it has added. China stands at the 22nd position with only 0.37 per cent share (USD 2.5 billion) in the total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to March 2024. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a stand-off since May 2020, and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved, though the two sides have disengaged from several friction points. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. Following these tensions, India has banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps like TikTok, WeChat, and Alibaba's UC browser. The country has also rejected a major investment proposal from electric vehicle maker BYD. However, earlier this year, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared JSW Group's proposed acquisition of a 38 per cent stake in MG Motor India Pvt Ltd. MG Motor India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai-headquartered SAIC Motor. Though India has received minimal FDI from China, the bilateral trade between the two nations has grown multi-fold. China has emerged as the largest trading partner of India with USD 118.4 billion two-way commerce in 2023-24, edging past the US. India's exports to China rose 8.7 per cent to USD 16.67 billion in the last fiscal. The main sectors that recorded healthy growth in exports to that country include iron ore, cotton yarn/fabrics/made-ups, handloom, spices, fruits and vegetables, plastic and linoleum. Imports from the neighbouring country increased 3.24 per cent to USD 101.7 billion. The trade deficit widened to USD 85 billion in the last fiscal year from USD 83.2 billion in 2022-23. According to the Commerce Ministry data, China was India's top trading partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18 and 2020-21. Before China, the UAE was the country's largest trading partner. The US was the largest partner in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Kathmandu, Aug 4 (PTI) A woman died and four others, including her 11-year-old daughter, sustained injuries when a tractor carrying Hindu pilgrims returning from India fell into a canal in Nepal's Sarlahi district on Sunday, police said. There were 25 pilgrims on the tractor at the time of the accident, which took place at Malangawa area. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the tractor as the Bolbom pilgrims were coming back home after offering holy water at a temple in Madhiya in Bihar, police said. Patahi Devi, 45, a resident of Chakraghatta Rural Municipality, was critically injured and later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital, police said, adding that four others, including her daughter, were injured in the mishap. The remaining pilgrims are reported to be safe. Police are currently searching for the tractor driver, who is at large. The Bolbam festival takes place in the Hindu month of Shrawan during which pilgrims visit Shiva temples to offer holy water along with flowers, fruits, rice, and other materials to Lord Shiva. Tel Aviv, Aug 4 (AP) Israeli strikes early Sunday killed 12 people in Gaza, including four who were sheltering in a tent camp for displaced people inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing of two senior militants in separate strikes in Lebanon and Iran last week. Those killings brought threats of revenge from Iran and its allies and raised fears of an even more destructive regional war. A woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man were killed in the stabbing attack, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralised, and that a search was underway for other suspects. The rescuers said the wounded were found in three different locations, each about 500 metres apart, adding to concerns that more than one assailant was involved. Israel has been bracing for retaliation after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in an attack in Iran's capital last week. Both were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into Israel. In Gaza, an Israeli strike earlier on Sunday hit a tent camp housing displaced people in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the wounded and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. A separate strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the ministry. An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command centre. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians, but the military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children. Gaza's Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its tallies. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage in their surprise attack into southern Israel last October. Israel's massive offensive launched in Gaza has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hezbollah has regularly traded fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, in what the militant group says is aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. The continuous strikes and counterstrikes have grown in severity in recent months, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. (AP) GRS GRS Tel Avi, Aug 4 (AP) Israeli strikes early Sunday killed 18 people in Gaza, including four who were sheltering in a tent camp for displaced Palestinians inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing of two senior militants in separate strikes in Lebanon and Iran last week. Those killings brought threats of revenge from Iran and its allies and raised fears of an even more destructive regional war. A woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man were killed in the stabbing attack, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralised. The rescuers said the wounded were found in three different locations, each about 500 metres (yards) apart. Police initially said they were searching for other suspects but later ruled out the possibility of there having been more than one assailant. Israel has been bracing for retaliation after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in an attack in Iran's capital last week. Both were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into Israel. In Gaza, an Israeli strike earlier on Sunday hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the wounded and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the ministry. Another three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defence first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command centre. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians, but the military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children. Gaza's Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its tallies. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage in their surprise attack into southern Israel last October. Israel's massive offensive launched in Gaza has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hezbollah has regularly traded fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, in what the militant group says is aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. The continuous strikes and counterstrikes have grown in severity in recent months, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. (AP) PY PY London, Aug 4 (PTI) Police forces across the UK have made at least 100 arrests as violent clashes and unrest involving anti-immigration far-right groups continued to spread over the weekend, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer offering his full support to officers to take firm action against the extremists. Bricks being hurled, fireworks thrown, windows of a hotel housing asylum seekers smashed, shops attacked and set on fire and several scuffles breaking out between mobs and the police were among the scenes of confrontation that played out in Liverpool, Hull, Bristol, Leeds, Blackpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, Nottingham and Manchester on Saturday. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned the mobs they will pay the price for such "criminal disorder and violent thuggery". Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities, Downing Street said after a high-level meeting of ministers convened by Starmer on Saturday. The Prime Minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe, the statement added. Groups that monitor anti-Muslim incidents across the UK have said there has been an increase in reports from British Muslims expressing concerns for their safety, with many scared to visit their local mosques. People particularly are frightened because of the colour of their skin, and that cannot be right and that is something this government will take every action to deal with," UK Policing Minister Diana Johnson told the BBC. "When I saw people looting some of the shops in the city centre, that's nothing to do with genuine protest or people having different opinions about immigration. That's about criminal behaviour that needs to be dealt with," she said, warning the culprits there are "sufficient prison places" for such "criminal behaviour". Officials at the UK Ministry of Justice are said to be in discussions with the judiciary, as well as police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for magistrates courts to open longer hours to speedily process the expected surge in the number of people in custody for riot-related offences. Wales-born Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, has been charged with the stabbing attack on the Taylor Swift theme childrens dance workshop in Southport, north-west England, which was the first site of the unrest earlier in the week. It was triggered after false claims spread online that the suspect, who is of Rwandan heritage, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a small boat. Since then, misinformation has continued to spread across social media and resulted in violent demonstrations involving anti-immigrant chants by protesters in different parts of the country. Merseyside Police in Southport publicly identified the English Defence League (EDL) as a key factor a group that does not exist in a formal sense but its founder, Tommy Robinson, is associated with using the social media space to whip up far-right sentiments. Stand Up to Racism, among the groups organising some of the counter-protests, has warned that the activities of the extremist mobs must not be "unopposed. Tel Aviv, Aug 4 (AP) Israeli strikes early Sunday killed 18 people in Gaza, including four who were sheltering in a tent camp for displaced Palestinians inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing of two senior militants in separate strikes in Lebanon and Iran last week. Those killings brought threats of revenge from Iran and its allies and raised fears of an even more destructive regional war. A woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man were killed in the stabbing attack, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralised. The rescuers said the wounded were found in three different locations, each about 500 metres (yards) apart. Police initially said they were searching for other suspects but later ruled out the possibility of there having been more than one assailant. Israel has been bracing for retaliation after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in an attack in Iran's capital last week. Both targeted killings were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into Israel. In Gaza, an Israeli strike earlier on Sunday hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the wounded and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the ministry. Another three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defence first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border on Sunday, without causing casualties or damage, the military said. An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command center. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians, but the military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children. Gaza's Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its tallies. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage in their surprise attack into southern Israel last October. Israel's massive offensive launched in Gaza has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hezbollah has regularly traded fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, in what the militant group says is aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. The continuous strikes and counterstrikes have grown in severity in recent months, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. (AP) GSP Washington, Aug 4 (PTI) Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has rejected her Republican rival Donald Trump's offer to shift the presidential debate to the Fox News channel, media reports said on Sunday. Trump, 78, and President Joe Biden -- who was then in the race to the White House -- agreed in May to participate in two presidential debates. The first was in June, hosted by CNN, and the second - to be hosted by ABC News - was scheduled for September 10. Biden withdrew from the race last month, following which Vice-President Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, was declared the 2024 presidential nominee of the ruling Democratic Party after she won enough votes from Democratic delegates in a virtual roll call. On Saturday, Trump said that he has agreed to an offer from Fox News to hold a debate with Vice President Harris on September 4, shifting from the original plan, CBS News reported. "I have agreed with FoxNews to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th. The debate was previously scheduled against Sleepy Joe Biden on ABC, but has been terminated in that Biden will no longer be a participant, and I am in litigation against ABC Network and George Slopadopoulos, thereby creating a conflict of interest," he said. Meanwhile, Harris took to X to turn down Trump's debate offer on Fox News. "Its interesting how any time, any place becomes one specific time, one specific safe space. Ill be there on September 10th, like he agreed to. I hope to see him there," Harris said. The Harris campaign also said it will stick to the original plan for an ABC News debate. It said that "Donald Trump is running scared" hoping that Fox News will "bail him out" of the debate he had already agreed to with ABC News, according to the report. "He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on Sept. 10," the report quoted Michael Tyler, the Harris campaign communication director, as saying. "The Vice President will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime-time national audience," Tyler said, adding that the campaign is open to discussing further debates but only after the one both campaigns have already agreed to takes place. Last month, Harris challenged Trump to a debate, provoking him to say whatever he had "to say to her face". Harris would face Trump in the general elections on November 5. Tel Aviv, Aug 4 (AP) Israeli strikes killed 18 people in Gaza early Sunday, including four Palestinians in a tent camp inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. The state of Israel is in a multi-front war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting, and said the country was ready for any scenario in defence or attack. Jordan's foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as the United States and its Arab allies try to prevent a wider conflict. Already, Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. The stabbing attack in Tel Aviv killed a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralised. In Gaza, an Israeli strike hit a tent camp for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to retrieve bodies while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza as many others in the territory no longer function. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the Health Ministry. A further three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border without causing casualties or damage, the military said. An Israeli strike on Saturday at a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to the Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command center. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage. Israel's massive offensive in response has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hezbollah and Israel have continued to trade fire along the Lebanon border since the war began, with the severity growing in recent months. The militant group says it's aimed at relieving pressure on fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. A growing number of countries, including the US, are encouraging citizens to leave Lebanon. In the occupied West Bank, over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the war in Gaza began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three for their future state. (AP) GSP Kyiv, Aug 4 (AP) Ukraine has sunk a Russian submarine and hit a Russian airfield in the past 24 hours, in line with a surge of long-range attacks against Russian targets, officials said. Russia said Ukrainian drones also hit an apartment building, killing one person. The uptick in attacks since July comes as Ukraine mounts pressure on allies to allow it to use long-range missiles to strike targets in Russia. Western allies, in particular the US, have so far resisted, fearing escalation from Moscow. Ukraine struck a Russian Kilo-class submarine and an S-400 anti aircraft missile complex in the Moscow-occupied Crimean peninsula, according to a statement from the General Staff on Saturday. The air defense system was established to protect the Kerch Strait Bridge, an important logistics and transport hub supplying Russian forces. Units of the missile forces, as well as the Navy, damaged four launchers of the Triumph air defence system, while in the port of Sevastopol, the Rostov-on-Don - a submarine of Russia's Black Sea fleet - was attacked and sank, the statement said. The General Staff also confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the Morozovsk airfield in the Rostov region after launching a massive drone barrage on Russia. Hits were recorded in warehouses with ammunition, where guided aerial bombs were stored. The operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence and the Defence Ministry, the statement said. Meanwhile, Belgorod Gov Vyacheslav Gladkov said that a woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on an apartment building in the town of Shebekino early Sunday. Ukrainian drones also damaged several other buildings in the town, he said. Gladkov said eight civilians have been wounded in the region by Ukrainian shelling and dozens of drone strikes since the previous day. In the span of a month, Russia has experienced a surge in the tempo of Ukrainian drone barrages and long-range attacks, targeting Russian military infrastructure, including airfields and oil depots. Analysts say such an intensification is needed if Ukraine is to degrade Russian capabilities. In other developments: - Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said he has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations to investigate a photo that allegedly shows the body of a Ukrainian prisoner of war tortured and executed by Russian forces. He has also asked Ukrainian authorities to verify the identity of the deceased. The photo, circulating on social media, shows the body of a person without a head or limbs. The Associated Press was unable to verify it. This is not just a violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, this is the behaviour of monsters, Lubinets said in a statement on Telegram. We are aware of recent reports online and in the media. We take these reports extremely seriously. The way we work is to respond via relevant authorities directly and confidentially, Pat Griffiths, ICRC Spokesperson in Ukraine, told the Associated Press on Sunday when asked about Lubinet's request. Speaking generally, the law of armed conflict is clear. Prisoners of war must be treated humanely at all times, he added. (AP) SCY SCY Dubai, Aug 4 (AP) A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck a Liberian-flagged container ship travelling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said Sunday, the first assault by the group since Israeli airstrikes targeted them. The Houthis offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which have seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But the resumption comes after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, amid renewed concerns over the war breaking out into a regional conflict. The attack on Saturday happened some 225 km (140 miles) southeast of Aden in a stretch of the Gulf of Aden that has seen numerous Houthi attacks previously. It hit the container ship Groton just above its waterline, causing minor damage, said the Joint Maritime Information Centre, a multinational coalition overseen by the US Navy. An earlier missile attack missed the vessel, the JMIC said. All crew on board are safe, the centre said. The vessel was reported diverting to a port nearby. The Groton had left Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Groton's Greek managers did not respond to a request for comment. Brig Gen Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement Sunday afternoon. The rebels have targeted more than 70 vessels with missiles and drones in a campaign that has killed four sailors. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the time since. Other missiles and drones have been either intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or splashed down before reaching their targets. The Houthis maintain that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain as part of the rebels' campaign they say seeks to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the war including some bound for Iran. In the case of the Groton, JMIC said that the ship was targeted due to other vessels within its company structure making recent port calls in Israel. The Houthis also have launched drones and missiles toward Israel, including an attack July 19 that killed one person and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv. Israel responded the next day with airstrikes on the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida that hit fuel depots and electrical stations, killing and wounding a number of people, the rebels say. In the time since, there has not been a reported attack on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which links Asia and the Middle East onto Europe through the Suez Canal. Since November, Houthi attacks have disrupted the $1 trillion flow of goods passing through the region annually while also sparking the most-intense combat the US Navy has seen since World War II. The killing of Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked concerns of a new escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. Already, the US military says it will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and keep an aircraft carrier in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will enter the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman. Other ships are in the Mediterranean Sea with a Marine detachment if regional evacuations become necessary. Meanwhile Saturday, the US military's Central Command said its forces destroyed a Houthi missile and launcher in Yemen. Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, sparked the war. In the time since, Israel has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and 590 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say. (AP) SCY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Tel Aviv, Aug 4 (AP) Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting Sunday, as the United States and allies prepared to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario. Jordan's foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts, while the Pentagon has moved significant assets to the region. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC. In Israel, some prepared bomb shelters and recalled Iran's unprecedented direct military assault in April following a suspected Israeli strike that killed two Iranian generals. Israel said almost all the drones and ballistic and cruise missiles were intercepted. A stabbing attack on Sunday near Tel Aviv killed a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralized. Inside Gaza, Israel's military said it struck Hamas command centers at two schools in Gaza City. There was no immediate word on casualties. Earlier, Israeli strikes killed at least 18 people. One hit a tent camp for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to retrieve bodies while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza as many others in the territory no longer function. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the Health Ministry. A further three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border without causing casualties or damage, the military said. The military later told people in some parts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to evacuate. An Israeli strike on Saturday at a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to the Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command centre. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas' Oct 7 attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage. Israel's massive offensive in response has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. The militant group Hezbollah and Israel have continued to trade fire along the Lebanon border since the war began, with the severity growing in recent months. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency said an Israeli strike targeted a house in Beit Lef, and the Lebanese Health Ministry said two people were critically wounded. Hezbollah says it's aimed at relieving pressure on fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. A growing number of countries, including the US, are encouraging citizens to leave Lebanon after last week's killing of a senior commander. (AP) SCY SCY London, Aug 4 (AP) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned an attack Sunday on a hotel housing asylum seekers, describing it as far-right thuggery" as more violence broke out in several towns and cities across the country in the wake of a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and many more wounded. In a statement from 10 Downing Street on Sunday afternoon, the prime minister vowed that the authorities will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice." I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves," he said. "This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online. Starmer was speaking after another day of far-right violence, which was particularly acute in the north of England town of Rotherham where police struggled to hold back a mob of rioters who sought to break into a Holiday Inn Express hotel being used as accommodation for asylum-seekers. Before bringing the riot under some sort of control, police officers with shields had faced a barrage of missiles, including bits of wood, chairs and fire extinguishers. A small fire in a wheelie bin was also visible while windows in the hotel were smashed. Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham, Starmer said. Marauding gangs intent on law-breaking, or worse. Windows smashed. Fires set ablaze. Residents and staff in absolute fear. There is no justification none for taking this action. Far-right agitators have sought to take advantage of last week's stabbing attack by tapping into concerns about the scale of immigration in the U.K., in particular the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in small boats from France across the English Channel. Tensions were running high Sunday in the northeastern town of Middlesbrough, where some protesters broke free of a police guard. One group walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars. When asked by a resident why they were breaking windows, one man replied, Because we're English." Hundreds of others squared up to police with shields at the town's cenotaph, throwing bricks, cans and pots at officers. On Saturday, far-right activists faced off with anti-racism protesters across the UK, with violent scenes playing out in locations from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, to Liverpool in the northwest of England and Bristol in the west. Further arrests are likely as police scour CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage. Police have also warned that widespread security measures, with thousands of officers deployed, mean that other crimes may not be investigated fully. The violence began after false rumours spread online that the suspect in the dance class stabbing attack was a Muslim and an immigrant, fuelling anger among far-right supporters. Suspects under 18 are usually not named in the UK, but Judge Andrew Menary ordered Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, to be identified, in part to stop the spread of misinformation. Rudakubana has been charged with three counts of murder, and 10 counts of attempted murder. Police said many of the weekend actions were organised online by shadowy far-right groups, who mobilise support with phrases like enough is enough, save our kids and stop the boats. To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, I know how frightening this must be," he said. Other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I won't shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery. Rallying cries have come from a diffuse group of social media accounts, but a key player in amplifying them is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, a longtime far-right agitator who uses the name Tommy Robinson. He led the English Defense League, which Merseyside Police has linked to the violent protest in Southport on Tuesday, a day after the stabbing attack. The group first appeared around 2009, leading a series of protests against what it described as militant Islam that often devolved into violence. Yaxley-Lennon was banned from Twitter in 2018 but allowed back after it was bought by Elon Musk and rebranded as X. He has more than 800,000 followers. The group's membership and impact declined after a few years, and Yaxley-Lennon, 41, has faced myriad legal issues. He has been jailed for assault, contempt of court and mortgage fraud and currently faces an arrest warrant after leaving the UK last week before a scheduled hearing in contempt-of-court proceedings against him. Nigel Farage, who was elected to parliament in July for the first time as leader of Reform UK, has also been blamed by many for encouraging indirectly the anti-immigration sentiment that has been evident over the past few days. While condemning the violence, he has criticised the government for blaming it on a few far-right thugs and saying the far right is a reaction to fear...shared by tens of millions of people. (AP) SCY SCY Zeita (West Bank), Aug 4 (AP) Two Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed nine Palestinian militants on Saturday, Israel's army said, as violence flared again in the Israeli-occupied territory with tensions high over the war in Gaza and a potential regional escalation. Cease-fire discussions on Gaza continued, with an Israel delegation led by the Mossad chief briefly visiting Cairo, an Egyptian official said. The US has urged Israel to seize the chance for a cease-fire after the shock killing of Hamas' political leader in Iran, which Tehran blames on Israel. That killing and Israel's assassination of a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon have the region holding its breath for retaliation against Israel on either front, or both, after Iran and its proxies vowed to act. Hamas said its command had begun discussions on choosing a new leader. In the northern West Bank, the Israeli army said its forces first struck a vehicle in a rural area outside the city of Tulkarem early Saturday, killing the five occupants. The army said they were on their way to carry out an attack. Hamas identified all five as militants with the group, including a local commander. According to an Associated Press journalist and witnesses, the blast took place along a road connecting the Palestinian villages of Zeita and Qaffin. We came to the site and found a young man martyred here on the street and half of his face was missing," said Taiser Abdullah, a Zeita resident. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said four bodies were burned and charred beyond recognition". Later on Saturday, Israel's military said it killed four other Palestinian militants in the Tulkarem area shortly after they opened fire on Israeli troops. No further information was immediately available. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in Gaza in October, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Tulkarem is regularly raided by Israeli forces, and Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are active there. A strike in central Gaza early Sunday hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, killing four people, including a woman, and injuring others, health officials said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the injured and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The hospital in Deir al Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. Concerns about a full-fledged regional war are high after the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran early Wednesday and top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut the evening before. Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, vowed to retaliate against Israel, which said it killed Shukur but has not confirmed or denied its role in Haniyeh's death. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing and accused the United States of supporting the attack. The Pentagon said late Friday the US military will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region. The US Embassy in Lebanon encouraged citizens who wish to leave to "book any ticket available", noting that several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights. The British government called on its citizens in Lebanon to leave now. Jordan did the same. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize the chance for a cease-fire with Hamas, adding that Haniyeh's killing had not helped efforts to negotiate an end to the war. Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities. Saturday midday, an Israeli delegation led by Mossad chief David Barnea arrived in Cairo, an Egyptian official said. The delegation, which also included Ronan Bar, chief of Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet, was to meet with Abbas Kamel, head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, for talks on the Philadelphi corridor along the border with Egypt and the Rafah crossing point, the official said. The delegation left Cairo hours later and there was nothing new, said the Egyptian official, who has direct knowledge of the Gaza cease-fire negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to brief reporters. There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials. Netanyahu's office late Friday said he ordered the negotiation delegation to leave for Cairo on Saturday or Sunday. Egypt's foreign minister had calls with counterparts in Iran and Lebanon about the dangerous escalation in the region. As protesters in various countries marked 300 days of the war in Gaza and expressed support for Palestinians, the death toll inside the territory is nearing 40,000. At least 39,550 have been killed in the nearly 10 months since Hamas' brutal October 7 attack on Israel. That's according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Israel has accused Hamas of embedding in the civilian population and putting it at risk. In the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza City on Saturday, witnesses told the AP an Israeli strike targeting a school killed an unspecified number of people. Israel's military said it struck a Hamas command center. Most of Gaza's population of about 2.3 million is displaced, many people multiple times, as Israel's military returns to areas where it says Hamas militants have regrouped. Health services and sanitation have largely collapsed across the territory as hunger grows. Families of hostages taken on October 7 and others again held protests Saturday night in Israel seeking a deal to end the war. Most of the military targets were achieved, there is no reason to continue this war, said one protester, Naama Weinberg. (AP) PY PY Agartala, Aug 4 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday announced a package of Rs 239.10 crore for the development of the violence-hit Gandatwisa subdivision. About 145 families were rendered homeless in Gandatwisa after clashes broke out between two groups of people following the death of a college student on July 12. Accompanied by Chief Secretary JK Sinha and DGP Amitabh Ranjan, Saha visited the relief camps where the homeless families were lodged and interacted with them. He also visited the house of Parmeshwar Reang, the college student whose death triggered the clashes. "Ever since violence broke out in Gandatwisa, I have been monitoring the situation but the actual picture could not be assessed from Agartala. So, I came here to see the devastation caused by the violence," the chief minister said. Saha said the government has decided to provide an additional Rs 4 lakh to Reang's family, besides the Rs 6 lakh already given to them. "We can't get back the person who died but the government will try its level best to provide relief and solace to his family. We will continue to support the family in the future," he said. The CM said the homeless families were given financial assistance, and more benefits will be provided to them so that they can start their lives afresh. Two more permanent security camps will be set up in the area, he said. "The 51-km road from Ambassa to Gandatwisa will be developed at Rs 100.05 crore, while the Dasarambari supermarket and another market would be developed at Rs 2 crore," he said. "Besides, a new building will be constructed at Gandatwisa Sub-Divisional Hospital and facelift of the existing building will be done by spending Rs 19 crore," he added. Urging the people to ensure peace, the CM said the police were taking steps to restore normalcy. "We want peaceful coexistence among the people. Without peace, no one can move forward. The police will look into those who conspired to disturb peace," he said. New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday claimed that the National Testing Agency had netted a profit of Rs 448 crore in the last six years, alleging that the future of millions of youths was reduced to mere "revenue-raising exercise" by the Narendra Modi government. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X Minister of State in the Education Ministry Sukanta Majumdar's reply in the Rajya Sabha on July 31 to a question on the NTA. "The National Testing Agency (NTA) is at the very heart of the NEET scandal. It is a body of the Education Ministry whose only purpose is to function via outsourcing to private vendors," Ramesh said on X. "Not only do these vendors very often have dubious credentials but the NTA itself is headed by a person who presided over the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, which has seen mega-scams," Ramesh said. In an answer to the Rajya Sabha, the Union MoS for Education revealed that the NTA collected an estimated Rs 3,512.98 crore, while it spent Rs 3,064.77 crore on the conduct of examinations. "It therefore netted a profit of Rs 448 crore in the last six years," he pointed out. "This corpus, however, has not been used to build the agency's capabilities to conduct tests itself, or to strengthen regulatory and monitoring capabilities for its vendors," Ramesh said. "The future of millions of India's youths has ultimately become a mere revenue-raising exercise for the non-biological PM's Government," he added. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 4 (PTI) In a bid to ensure transparency regarding donations to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for landslide relief in Wayanad district, the Kerala government on Sunday set up a complaint redressal cell to address queries about the funds' utilisation. The cell will be set up on a temporary basis in the Finance Department, the government order said. The decision also comes in the wake of smear campaigns and criticisms from certain quarters against donations to the CMDRF. "The government is pleased to constitute a Complaint Redressal Cell in the Finance Department on a temporary basis, with the following officers for addressing the queries being received on CMDRF donation and related matters in connection with Wayanad Landslides 2024," the order said. Sriram V, Joint Secretary and Officer on Special Duty (Finance Resources) will be the Supervising Officer; Suresh Kumar O B, Joint Secretary, Finance Department will be the Cell-in-Charge; Anilraj K S, Under Secretary, Finance Department, Nodal Officer and Baiju T Section Officer, Finance (Funds) Department Assistant Nodal Officer, the order said, listing the members of the complaint redressal cell. "The Nodal Officer and Assistant Nodal Officer are entrusted with managing and handling the following official help line number +91-8330091573 and email cmdrf.cell@gmail.com to address queries on time. "The details of the mobile (number) and email shall be displayed in the website of the Finance Department and portals of CMDRF so as to enable the public to get their grievances or complaints related to CMDRF donations addressed in time," the order said. KPCC chief K Sudhakaran on Saturday said there was no need to give money to funds managed by the CPI(M)-led Left government. He was responding to senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala's announcement that he would donate his one month's salary as MLA to the CMDRF. Following in Chennithala's footsteps, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan on Sunday announced that all UDF MLAs will contribute their one month's salary to the CMDRF. Lucknow, Aug 4 (PTI) As many as 35 people have died in three accidents in Uttar Pradesh in less than two months, including seven people who were killed following a collision between a car and a double-decker bus in Etawah on Sunday. According to police sources, a double-decker bus collided with a car on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway at around 1:45 am on Sunday in the Usrahar area of Etawah. Seven people, including three in the car, died and 25 others were injured in the accident. This is the third major incident in the state in the last two months in which more than five people have died. On July 10, 18 passengers died when a speeding bus hit a milk container from behind on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway. More than 30 people also injured in this accident. Earlier, a major road accident took place in the Hardoi district on Wednesday early morning on June 12. In this incident, a truck loaded with sand overturned on a family sleeping outside the house in the Mallawan police station area. Eight members of the same family died while a girl was injured in the incident. In February this year, the Uttar Pradesh government had said that 23,652 people were killed in road accidents in the state in 2023 and had set the DMs the target to reduce them by 50 per cent this year. According to the then chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, 23,652 people died and 31,098 were injured in 44,534 cases of road accidents in Uttar Pradesh in 2023. Firefighters made progress Saturday against Californias largest wildfire of the year ahead of expected thunderstorms that could unleash fire-starting lightning and erratic winds and erode progress made over the past week. Dry, hot conditions posed similar threats across the fire-stricken West. Were not completely out of the woods yet, but were looking very, very good, CalFire official Mark Brunton said in a video update Saturday. This is moving at a very fast pace. Containment of the Park Fire, now Californias fourth-largest wildfire on record, is at 27% as of early Saturday. Brunton said the relatively milder weather the last few days allowed firefighters to build containment lines. But hotter weather, fuels and terrain will continue posing challenges for the estimated 6,500 firefighters battling the fire, which has spread over 626 square miles (1,621 square kilometers) since allegedly being started by arson in a park in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of the Sacramento Valley city of Chico. For comparison, the city of Los Angeles covers about 503 square miles (1,302 square kilometers). Suppression crews will also start removing damaged infrastructure in some areas Saturday to allow residents to return home. The fire originated at low elevations, where it quickly burned through thick grass and oaks, destroying at least 567 structures and damaging 51 so far. As it has climbed higher, the vegetation has changed to a greater concentration of trees and brush, Cal Fire said. The fires push northward has brought it toward the rugged lava rock landscape surrounding Lassen Volcanic National Park, which has been closed because of the threat. Theres a lot of really steep drainages in that area, CalFire spokesperson Devin Terrill said. It takes a lot more time to access those areas. After a brief respite, firefighters are now bracing for treacherous conditions of hot and dry weather, along with expected thunderstorms with potential thunder strikes and gusty winds. The collapse of thunderstorm clouds can blow wind in any and all directions, said Jonathan Pangburn, a fire behavior analyst with Cal Fire. Even if theres not lightning per se, it is very much a safety-watch-out environment for our firefighters out there, Pangburn said. The Park Fire is among almost 100 large fires burning across the western U.S. Evacuation orders were in effect for 28 of the fires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Three wildfires burned in Colorado on Friday near heavily populated areas north and south of Denver, with about 50 structures damaged or destroyed, thousands of people under evacuation orders and human remains found in a destroyed house earlier this week. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office is investigating a blaze threatening hundreds of homes near the Colorado city of Littleton as arson. Karlyn Tilley, a spokesperson for Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, said the investigation is ongoing and they are using a dog specially trained to sniff out sources and causes of fires. Tilley said just because they suspect the fire was human-caused doesnt mean it was intentional. Firefighters were making good progress on the fire despite the steep, rocky terrain and blistering heat, and no houses had been burned, officials said. The cause and origin of a fatal blaze west of the town of Lyons was being probed by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with specially trained fire investigators from the agency helping local authorities, agency spokesperson Crystal McCoy said. The area blackened by that fire remained relatively unchanged after it burned five houses. The largest of the Colorado fires, west of Loveland, grew to 14.9 square miles (38.5 square kilometers) after previously burning 49 homes and other structures. Its cause is under investigation. Scientists say extreme wildfires are becoming more common and destructive in the U.S. West and other parts of the world as climate change warms the planet and droughts become more severe. (AP) Democrats have unified with remarkable speed behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she has taken over the top of the partys ticket heading into the November presidential election. It may be another story when it comes to a running mate. As Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly have emerged as among the possible finalists, both have faced criticism from some organizations and activists who might otherwise be supportive of Democratic causes, potentially undermining the partys newfound unity barely two weeks after Harris entered the race. The vice presidents team says she is interviewing six possible choices over the weekend before an announcement expected Monday. The next day, she and her running mate will appear together at a rally in Philadelphia, then visit six more swing states. In addition to Shapiro and Kelly, Harris is said to be considering Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Some congressional Democrats have promoted Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut whose state has more than 370 miles of border with Mexico. They say his selection could help defuse attacks by the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, who argues that Biden administrations immigration policies are too relaxed. Shapiro has high-profile supporters, too, including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. She caused a stir by posting a video Friday depicting several Philadelphia-area officials and Democrats promoting Harris, but also playing up Shapiro as her running mate appearing to suggest that the mayor had inside knowledge about Harris decision. But a person with knowledge of the mayors thinking said the video was simply a case of Parker showing support for both Harris and the potential that Shapiro, Parkers friend, would be the vice presidential pick. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Both Kelly and Shapiro have also seen their detractors become more vocal as Harris closes in on a decision. While that may not ultimately sway Harris, it is an indication that the honeymoon period for the vice president, where the distinct wings of the Democratic Party coalesced behind her, may be ending in the less than two weeks since President Joe Biden abandoned his reelection bid and endorsed her. Some labor groups have criticized Kelly, saying he opposes proposed legislation they argue would boost union organizing. The senators office counters that while he did not co-sponsor the proposed legislation, he has said he would vote for it on the floor. Still, Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, said that despite backing Harris for president, his 370,000-member union is not supporting Kelly as a potential running mate. Fain also said the union does not favor Shapiro, who has previously proved willing to join with Republicans in calls to expand voucher programs that allow public tax dollars to flow to private schools. Fain did single out Beshear, Walz and Pritzker for praise. Shes probably got a thousand people telling her the same thing, you know, of what they think, Fain said in an interview. And so shes got to make the decision based off of what she feels is, you know, is best for her. The nonprofit Institute for Middle East Understanding has been publicly vocal, saying in a statement that Shapiro is not the right candidate for the job, and selecting him would be a step in the wrong direction. Shapiro, who says he plans to be at Harris rally Tuesday in Philadelphia, has aggressively confronted what he views as antisemitism cropping up from pro-Palestinian demonstrations and he has professed solidarity with Israel in its drive to eliminate Hamas as it Israel battles the militants in Gaza. Shapiro called out universities for not acting quickly to tackle antisemitism and he became a prominent critic of the University of Pennsylvanias president, Liz Magill. She resigned after testifying at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the schools conduct policy. Shapiro has also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while suggesting that any end to the Israel-Hamas war requires the removal of Hamas from power. The governor has been criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations for not condemning Israel for the killing of civilians in Gaza or for not calling for Israel to stop the fighting in the territory. Shapiro has countered that he has met with Muslim Americans and understands their pain. The progressive activist organization RootsAction.org opposes Shapiros views on Israel, school vouchers and the environment, among other issues. It says that in considering Shapiro, Harris has set off alarm bells among young people, racial justice organizers, Arab Americans, Muslims and others whose votes and campaign activism were crucial to defeating Trump four years ago. Meanwhile, The Philadelphia Inquirer resurfaced an opinion article Shapiro wrote in 1993 as a 20-year-old college student at the University of Rochester where he said peace will never come to the Middle East and that Palestinians were too battle-minded to coexist with Israel. Asked about it, Shapiro responded, I was 20 adding that he long has supported a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It is my hope that we can see a day where peace will reign in the Middle East, he said. Also opposing Shapiro are some environmental leaders and residents of the rural town of Dimock, Pennsylvania. They have drafted a letter to Harris urging her not to choose Shapiro and charging that the governor failed to keep his promises to clean up area groundwater contaminated by natural gas production via hydraulic fracturing. (AP) FILE - This Oct. 8, 2019, photo shows the Apple Pay app on an iPhone in New York. Many paycheck advance apps and services let users borrow a small amount of their expected earnings, usually in exchange for a small fee. These advances are offered through your employer as a workplace benefit or directly to you through an app. In both cases, the employee decides when to take a loan and commits to paying it back on their next payday. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File) Jenny Kane/Associated Press Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the ban applies to all uniformed service members around Colorado Springs. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is predicting that Democrats will keep control of the Senate in the November election and he feels exhilarated and gratified by the surge of enthusiasm with Vice President Kamala Harris atop the partys ticket. Schumer, who played a pivotal role in talking privately with President Joe Biden before the incumbents decision to end his reelection bid, appears more optimistic than Democrats have been in confronting a tough Senate map this election defending seats in states where Republican nominee Donald Trump is popular. We are so enthusiastic about the prospects of winning the presidency, keeping the Senate and winning the House, Schumer, D-N.Y., said in an interview with The Associated Press. He said the contrast with Republicans, especially in the aftermath of Trump questioning Harris racial identity and his running mate JD Vance criticizing women without children, has been glaring. The best thing Donald Trump did since he won the nomination was pick Vance for Democrats, Schumer said of the Ohio senator. What had been a dismal outlook for Senate Democrats has shifted dramatically in the short time since Harris took hold of the party, sending a surge of enthusiasm, donors and volunteers to the Senate races. Republicans believe the Harris honeymoon will soon end, bringing down the Democrats chances to hold the Senate with it. Republicans are working to portray the likely presidential nominee as a California liberal out of touch with voters. If you like San Francisco politics, youre going to love Kamala Harris, Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told the AP. Harris was San Franciscos district attorney and Californias attorney general before serving in the Senate. What has been clear in the nearly two weeks since Bidens exit shook up the presidential ticket is that the down-ballot races are recalibrating, adjusting to the new political reality barely three months before the election that will determine control of the presidency and Congress. The Senate map had favored Republicans this election cycle. Democrats, with a one-seat majority, have more seats to defend, particularly in Montana, Ohio and other parts of the country where Trump is popular. Democrats are almost certain to lose the West Virginia seat held by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin, who bowed out rather than face the popular Republican Jim Justice. Republicans would need to pick up just one more Democratic-held seat to regain control, presuming they can retain seats where GOP incumbents are favored in Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz faces Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, and in Florida where Sen. Rick Scott faces Democratic Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former congresswoman. Daines sees ample chances for Republicans to make gains in as many as 10 states where seats are held by Democrats and races are expected to be tight, particularly in Montana and Ohio, where Sens. Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown, respectively, are the most endangered Democrats. In Maryland, Republicans recruited former Gov. Larry Hogan for an open seat and he is facing Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, who is vying to become one of the few Black women to serve in the Senate. The Democrats have to pitch a perfect game. We have to win one of them, Daines said. I like our odds. Schumer believes Senate Democrats are holding their own as they run on the policies and legislation that Biden has pushed, including investments in infrastructure and manufacturing centers, and as they face Republican challengers tied to Trump and Vance. With Harris heading the ticket, Schumer sees the chance for Democrats to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm as people are knocking down the doors to volunteer for Senate campaigns. Schumer said he was not necessarily surprised by the energy surrounding Harris ascent, but acknowledged the turn of events happened so quickly. Schumer had visited Biden privately at the presidents beach home on a Saturday in mid-July after Democratic senators raised concerns in their own private meeting with the presidents team following his debate performance against Trump. Schumer said he felt obligated to talk with Biden directly and recounted that the two had a very good meeting and hugged at the end. He praised the work they had done together with Biden in the White House. A week later, on the following Sunday, Biden had exited the race. (AP) As reported by YWN when the Sefer Torah was stolen in Far Rockaway, NY, the NYPD has made an arrest and recovered the Torah! Detectives of the NYPDs Major Case Squad worked diligently on this complex case to bring the individual responsible, Saul Colon of Queens New York, into custody. NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor of the Community Affairs Bureau told Yeshiva World News that immediately after this crime occurred, Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart & Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny personally ensured that all appropriate investigative police resources were utilized to bring the offender into custody, which resulted in this arrest and recovery of the Torah. Chief Taylor also credits the dedicated volunteers of the Rockaway Nassau Shomrim Patrol, under the leadership of Sholem Klein and Shmueli Kassover, who assisted from the beginning. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) According to a senior Israeli official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is feeling more confident to take action against Iran following US President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election. The official, speaking to The Telegraph, revealed that Biden had previously cautioned Netanyahu against responding too harshly to Iranian attacks, seeking to restrain him while still in the race. And Iran knew this, which is why they exploited the situation to attack Israel, the official added. With Biden no longer seeking re-election, the official believes the US President will now act on his true agenda, which is to support Israel fully. This has led Netanyahu to feel more emboldened, knowing he has the full backing of the US. His true agenda is to support Israel fully. And he has done so for decades. Netanyahu knows this, which is why hes being more bold and feels confident that he can attack Israels enemies and still have the full support of the US, the official said. The official also described Bidens exit from the election as a big game changer in the region, as Iran had planned to exploit his campaign. However, another senior Israeli official countered that Biden is seeking a ceasefire, aiming to leave office on that note. The official described a recent phone call between Biden and Netanyahu as tense, echoing previous reports. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) On Wednesday, Magen David Adom (MDA) concluded a multi-system exercise aimed at preparing for a potential war in the north and blackout scenarios. The exercise, which lasted three days and ended today, required MDA teams to provide medical responses to casualties from various events in the northern and Sharon regions. As part of the exercise, MDAs reinforcement unit was mobilized, working alongside the regular MDA teams to treat casualties from the simulated security incidents. Additionally, during the exercise, MDA teams practiced a blackout scenario with a focus on using satellite communication tools. The exercises involved the use of special technological and logistical tools and dedicated vehicles. As part of the preparation process, an exercise was conducted in MDAs situation room with MDAs senior management team, and an additional exercise by MDAs Blood Services involved practicing emergency blood donations in a scenario with infrastructure shortages. MDA teams on the ground and at MDAs 101 emergency dispatch center managed simulated responses at various locations according to numerous scenarios, in coordination with the police, IDF, Home Front Command, Fire and Rescue, local emergency teams, and municipal authorities. One scenario involved a simulated rocket strike on a building in a northern kibbutz. MDA teams arrived at the scene with extensive resources including ambulances, intensive care units, motorcycles, a Unimog with off-road capabilities, an intensive care bus, and more. The first responders to the simulated event were the emergency team from Kibbutz Afek, trained as part of MDAs Emergency Teams Project, a joint project with MDA, Home Front Command, the Ministry of Health, and local government aimed at providing medical emergency responses within the community to save lives during emergency situations. The exercise was conducted in close cooperation with all relevant agencies and with the Israel Police Northern District through its units Northern District Bomb Disposal, Operations Division, Administrative Division, Regional Command Post, and the Regional Commander, Superintendent Chaim Sargrove, along with Zevulun Station Commander, Deputy Superintendent Nir Gamber, officers, detectives, and patrol officers from Zevulun Station, all of whom participated in the exercise. After the scene was cleared by police bomb disposal experts, MDA and Fire and Rescue teams arrived and provided medical care for a simulated mass casualty event involving 50 simulated casualties. MDA headquarters staff, including Carmel Regional Director Erez Geller and Asher Regional Director Eli Peretz, oversaw and monitored the exercise. Felix Lotan, Head of Emergency Preparedness at MDA, said: MDA teams have completed a very successful exercise spanning three intensive days. As with every exercise, the most crucial part is the preparation phase, which was demonstrated through the excellent work of the medical teams and regional management, alongside excellent cooperation from the Israel Police, Fire and Rescue, IDF, and emergency team members. MDA teams and the organizations management are now better prepared to provide medical responses to various security incidents, including dealing with blackout scenarios and using satellite tools. The insights gained from this multi-domain exercise will be incorporated into the organizational work plan to enhance the organizations readiness for escalation and disaster scenarios. MDA Director-General Eli Bin, who attended the exercise and reviewed the teams readiness, stated: Magen David Adom has just completed three days in which the reinforcement unit and the regular teams were mobilized to respond to various incidents. This exercise provided MDA personnel with real tools for handling and responding to scenarios in real-time. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with police forces, the Home Front Command, Fire and Rescue, and our emergency team partners in the Magen Project, with all MDA personnel contributing to three days of training for managing very complex events. In recent days, Magen David Adom utilized very special tools, including in the absence of infrastructure and computerized resources. Magen David Adom is especially focused these days on preparing for any potential scenario to ensure the medical security of Israels citizens. The newly confirmed famine at one of the sprawling camps for war-displaced people in Sudans Darfur region is growing uncontrolled as the countrys combatants block aid, and it threatens to grow bigger and deadlier than the worlds last major famine 13 years ago, U.S. officials warned on Friday. The U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.N. World Food Program and other independent and government humanitarian agencies were intensifying calls for a cease-fire and aid access across Sudan. Thats after international experts in the Famine Review Committee formally confirmed Thursday that the starvation in at least one of three giant makeshift camps, holding up to 600,000 people displaced by Sudans more than yearlong war, had grown into a full famine. Two U.S. officials briefed reporters on their analysis of the crisis on Friday following the famine finding, which is only the third in the 20-year history of the Famine Review Committee. The U.S. officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as the ground rules for their general briefing. The last major famine, in Somalia, was estimated to have killed a quarter of a million people in 2011, half of them children under 5 years old. The blocks that Sudans warring sides are putting on food and other aid for the civilians trapped in the Zamzam camp are realizing the worst fears of the humanitarian community, one of the U.S. officials said. War in the northern African country erupted in April 2023 when two rival generals, both with international backers, suddenly opened a deadly battle for control of Sudans capital, sidelining an existing civilian transitional government that Sudanese had hoped would bring stability to the country. On one side, the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, grew out of the Janjaweed militias notorious for their mass attacks, rape and forced displacement of civilians in Darfur in 2003. As most of the world paid attention to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the larger Middle East, the Sudanese war quickly grew into the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. The United Nations said last month that 10.7 million people were displaced because of the conflict. Unlike the earlier war, much of the country is dealing with acute hunger. Aid workers were last able to get humanitarian relief to the trapped civilians at the camps in Darfur in April. The RSF has the area under siege and is accused of attacking hospitals, camps and other civilian targets. World Food Program director Cindy McCain urged the international community in a statement after the famine declaration to work for a cease-fire. It is the only way we will reverse a humanitarian catastrophe that is destabilizing this entire region of Africa, she said. USAID Director Samantha Power stressed the famine was entirely man-made. Both sides, enabled by external patrons, are using starvation as a weapon of war, she said in a statement. The U.S. officials Friday pointed to Washington as the largest source of aid the little that gets through for Sudan. They countered questions about why the Biden administration was not using air drops or any of the other direct interventions by the U.S. military to get food to people in Darfur that they were in Gaza, saying the terrain in Sudan was different. The United States and Saudi Arabia have invited the two sides for cease-fire talks in Switzerland in August. The RSF leader said it planned to attend, while the military-controlled Sudanese government stated that any negotiation before implementing the Jeddah Declaration wouldnt be acceptable to the Sudanese people. The Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians passed last year meant to end the conflict, but neither side committed to its objectives. International experts use set criteria to confirm the existence of famines. Formal declarations of famines are usually made by the countries themselves or the United Nations, and politics often slows such declarations. (AP) Irans Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and accused the United States of supporting the attack which it blamed on Israel, state TV reported Saturday. The televised statement, which reiterated a call for retaliation, said a rocket with a seven-kilogram (about 15-pound) warhead was used to target the residence of Hamas political leader in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation. It didnt share details of the residences location. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the U.S., said the Guards statement. It added that the warmongering and terrorist Zionist regime will receive harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity. Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the killing of Haniyeh, but Israel earlier pledged to kill him and other Hamas leaders over the groups Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The assassination has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict and of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran if Tehran retaliates. President Joe Biden was asked Saturday night in Wilmington, Delaware whether he thought Iran would stand down. He responded: I hope so. I dont know. In April, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, which said it intercepted 99%. The barrage came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals, and it marked the first time Iran had launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. (AP) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential vice presidential nominee, is seeking to distance himself from a recently resurfaced college op-ed in which he discussed his experiences as a former volunteer in Israel and expressed controversial views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The op-ed, published in 1993 while Shapiro was a student at the University of Rochester, included statements critical of the newly signed Oslo Accords and expressed skepticism about the possibility of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In the article titled Peace Not Possible, Shapiro wrote, 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. The piece also included controversial remarks about Palestinians, stating, Palestinians will not coexist peacefully. 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. Shapiros spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, clarified the nature of Shapiros involvement with the IDF. While he was in high school, Josh Shapiro was required to do a service project, which he and several classmates completed through a program that took them to a kibbutz in Israel where he worked on a farm and at a fishery, Bonder explained. The program also included volunteering on service projects on an Israeli army base. At no time was he engaged in any military activities. The resurfacing of the op-ed comes just before Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Shapiro, who has faced criticism from far-left and anti-Israel activists, has been nicknamed Genocide Josh by them. These critics have been accused of antisemitism, especially as Shapiros recent views are not seen as more pro-Israel than those of other potential vice presidential candidates. In response to the controversy, Shapiro addressed the op-ed during a press conference, stating, I was 20. He emphasized his current stance, saying, 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. Earlier this year, Shapiro was critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him one of the worst leaders of all time and asserting that Netanyahu has led Israel in the wrong direction. In a separate statement to the Inquirer, Shapiros spokesperson highlighted the governors evolved views on the Middle East, noting that Shapiro has built close, meaningful, informative relationships with many Muslim-American, Arab-American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish community leaders all across Pennsylvania. The spokesperson added, 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. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Three US and Israeli officials said that the Iranian attack on Israel could begin as early as Monday, Axios reported. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla arrived in Israel on Shabbos. According to the report, his trip to the Middle East was already planned before the current escalation but he will now use his time in Israel to try to mobilize the same international coalition that came to Israels defense against the Iranian attack on April 12. The Biden administration fears that it will be more difficult to mobilize a regional coalition this time due to the anti-Israel sentiments in the area following the elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. A US official told Axios that Kurilla will visit several Gulf countries and Jordan, with the latter being a key stop. Jordan played a significant part in defending Israel against the previous Iranian attack by intercepting drones that entered their territory on the way to Israel and allowing the US and Israel to use their air space. Kurilla wants to ensure that Jordan will do the same if Iran attacks again. Meanwhile, in a rare trip to Iran, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi flew to Tehran on Sunday to discuss regional developments with his Iranian counterpart in the wake of Haniyehs elimination. The US is also preparing for an attack on Israel by sending more warships and fighter jets and bolstering its forces in the region. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The former Finance Ministrys Accountant General, economist Prof. Yaron Zelekha, addressed the issue of the constant left-wing incitement against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, which in recent months takes shape by blaming him for the lack of a hostage deal. Zelekha ran in the elections for the twenty-fifth Knesset as the head of the New Economic Party that he founded, but the party failed to pass the threshold to enter the Knesset. Reports in the Israeli left-wing media constantly blame Netanyahu [rather than Hamas] for sabotaging hostage deals and even accuse him of wanting the hostages to stay in Gaza for his political purposes. The incitement is so deep that when released hostage Noa Argamani accompanied the prime minister on his trip to the US to address Congress, an incitement campaign against her was launched, with a Haaretz journalist even writing that it would have been better for Argamani to have stayed in captivity! Zelekha stated on Sunday: There is a limit to incitement against Netanyahu regarding the hostage deal. I also oppose the deal if it means leaving the security zones in the Gaza Strip. The personal incitement against Netanyahu borders on bloodshed. The families of the hostages are allowed to say almost anything but the anonymous leakers, the political stakeholders and the media people in the anti-Netanyahu cult are crossing red lines! (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Iran has rejected efforts by the US and Arab countries to moderate its response to Israels elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the heart of Tehran. Iranian officials told Arab diplomats over the weekend that it doesnt care if its response sparks a war, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. In a rare trip to Iran, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi flew to Tehran on Sunday to meet with his Iranian counterpart and make a last-ditch effort to deter the regime from attacking Israel. Safadis visit is the first senior Jordanian official to make an official visit to Tehran in two decades. Israel is now in a multifront war against the Iranian axis of evil, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. We are ready for any scenarioeither defensive or offensive. I repeat to our enemies: We will respond and exact a heavy price for any act of aggression against us, from any arena. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Luke Niforatos is co-founder and executive vice president of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. Speak to any Yorkshireman or woman and they will be immensely proud of their birthright. But not all will be aware of the number of brilliant businesses in their county, or on Teesside and Tyneside let alone invest in any. As any proud Yorkshireman like Compo in TVs Last Of The Summer Wine could tell you, Where theres muck, theres brass and the region is bristling with business opportunity. Northern powerhouses: The Yorkshire and North East investment trust will be hunting profits in Last of the Summer Wine country Northern stars include Hull-based sausage-maker Cranswick, Tyneside-based baker Greggs and software giant Sage. To encourage locals to back their homegrown businesses, a City financier is setting up a fund aimed at private investors focusing solely on firms based in Yorkshire and the North East. Simon Hooper, former chief operating officer at Hosking Partners, is from the Midlands but his wife is from the Beverley area, near Hull. Hooper, 44, says spending time there with her made him realise it is the most wonderful county. He is raising 20 million to establish the Yorkshire and North East Investment Trust, which is likely to open to investors in the next 12 months and later join the London Stock Exchange. It is all very well owning Google or Amazon shares but theyre too far away from you, Hooper said. Apart from having an iPhone in your pocket you cant relate to them. When theyre down the road you can. People will take pride in owning local company shares. The trust will function as any other. It will start with a pot of money that will be used to invest in a range of businesses. Private investors as well as big institutions such as pension funds will then be able to buy shares in the trust. This gives them a small stake in local companies, but spreads the risk so they dont have to put lots of money into one particular stock, which could end badly if that companys share price nosedives. As well as shares, the trust may also buy bonds from local lenders such as Skipton Building Society. Hooper says he acted after watching two scandals in which ordinary people lost out. He worries many were put off dabbling in the stock market for life. The first event was the collapse in 2019 of the 3.7 billion Woodford Equity Income Fund, run by star stock picker Neil Woodford. About 300,000 people lost money when the fund was frozen and millions of pounds in compensation is still owed. The second was the rise and fall of a Yorkshire company, Sirius Minerals, which was taken over by Anglo American in early 2020 when it teetered on the brink of collapse. Sirius began developing a huge potash mine under the North York Moors national park and, at its peak, had more than 80,000 retail investors, many of them locals. Some lost their life savings when the firms share price nosedived and it was bought by Anglo at a bargain price. Hooper said: There are some brilliant businesses in Yorkshire and the North East. We have the ability to help them grow. He said having a strong private shareholder base can make firms less vulnerable to foreign takeovers, which have become commonplace, adding: It hurts when yet another London-listed company is taken over, and part of our remit is to try to avoid that as much as possible. BAE Systems is looking to buy more companies that design and make drones as geopolitical tensions worldwide lead to a boom in defence spending. Chief executive Charles Woodburn, pictured, said the UKs biggest military contractor was considering a range of possible takeover targets. BAE bought a British group in the sector called Malloy Aeronautics, whose drones can carry weapons and army supplies, earlier this year. There are other [firms] that were looking at, Woodburn said. High-flier: BAE is looking at more takeover targets as it considers expanding its drone business Unmanned drones can be used for surveillance, to deliver items and even shoot weapons. They have become a critical part of the war in Ukraine because they are much cheaper than fighter jets, more discreet, and can even be controlled from thousands of miles away. Woodburn added that the world is seeing a rapid evolution in drone warfare and demand is growing. His comments came as BAE reported a 13 per cent rise in turnover to 13.4 billion. The company, worth 39 billion, also upgraded its profit forecasts. BAE shares have risen 27 per cent over the past year. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as tensions in regions such as the South China Sea have led to a sharp increase in military spending worldwide. The Labour Government has launched a defence review, which will lay out the UKs long-term spending plans by summer 2025. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to raise spending from 2 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent, which would boost the UKs huge home-grown industry. BAE boss: Charles Woodburn The review is being led by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, a former Defence Secretary under Tony Blair and Nato Secretary General. But it has raised questions about funding for the future of the Global Combat Air Programme, known as Tempest, which is seeing the UK collaborate with Italy and Japan to design the next generation of fighter jets. The Mail on Sunday reported last month that the Government may seek to work with a European fighter jet programme on components and systems, which could lower costs. Woodburn said the company was also looking at potential opportunities to buy small British companies working in other areas such as space. Russia is one of a handful of countries believed to be involved in spying activities in Ireland, a senior Garda officer has said. Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, who is in charge of the unit responsible for state security, said there were some states involved in espionage with malign intent. He said they attempt to create mistrust in government as well as trying to steal secrets from the state and from industry, which undermines the reputation of Ireland. Mr McElgunn spoke to RTEs This Week programme. The Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Security Intelligence Service said: What we are particularly concerned about is a handful of states who are involved in spying activities on sovereign soil with malign intent. The intent to seek to influence, to create distrust in government, to support extremist groups within a state with that same end goal in mind. They will involve themselves in trying to steal secrets from the state, or steal secrets from industry within the state which undermines the reputation of a country. That activity is of concern, we closely monitor individuals who we believe to be involved in that activity. We work very closely internationally in that regard because a lot of these hostile state agents will move and we work with our colleagues to have an understanding of who might be in our state from time to time and to manage entry in and out of the state by people of that nature. Mr McElgunn said he was cautious in what he said because Ireland maintained diplomatic relations with the countries. But he added: However, if we look at the events in Salisbury in the United Kingdom, if we look at other events in the United Kingdom, if we look at events in Europe and we look at the Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine, I dont think too many will be surprised if I were to say that Russia were one of these states. Russia is one of the countries that we have an interest in, in the general space. Asked about the activities of China, Mr McElgunn said it had good relations with Ireland. He said: The EU views China as an economic competitor, as a systemic rival on the world stage. But, I would say China is a huge global superpower as well. Having said that we have good relations with China. Chinas world view is a little different from what it is in the western world and, as a consequence of that, elements of the Chinese Communist Partys foreign policy is of interest to many, if not the majority of western intelligence agencies. Tributes have been pouring in for a Clare Little Blue Hero who passed away following a brave cancer fight. Sofia Jukna from Ballycasey Crescent, Shannon, passed away peacefully in the Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by her loving family on July 31. The four-year-old was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour last year, a medulloblastoma grade IV. Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the brave little girl who went to pre-school in Gaelscoil Donncha Rua, in Shannon. In a tribute to her little Garda buddy, Garda Lorraine Quain and An Garda Siochana Clare wrote: Our hearts are saddened with An Garda Siochana Clare and Garda Lorraine Quain to hear the sad news on the passing of her Garda buddy, Honorary Garda Sofia Jukna (HG 491), who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving parents Vaida and Redis and her brother Ugnius. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam. Little Blue Hero laid to rest, she wore the uniform and gave her best, Little Blue Hero fought so brave every day, honour and courage every step of the way, Little Blue Hero smiled when you greet, now to take up duty on a heavenly beat, Little Blue Hero we will never forget and always remember the times we had met, Little Blue Hero under your care, watch upon us and your guiding light we will share. To Sofia's Family, I had such great fun with Sofia in Naoinra Dearcan bheagan. We had lots of happy times and good memories. I will always remember her and the fun times we shared. Lots of love, Zoe your friend, read a note in Sofias condolences book. Our hearts are saddened to hear that Sofia Jukna passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving parents Vaida and Redis and her brother Ugnius. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam/ May her gentle soul rest in peace. Sofia attended Naionain Dearcan Bheaga, Gaelscoil Donncha Rua. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents and family, muinteoir Clodagh, Katie, Amy and all the children that knew and loved Sofia during her time spent in the pre-school, paid Sofias school in tribute. The little girl will be deeply missed by her heartbroken family, parents Vaida and Redis, brother Ugnius, grandmother Dalyte, uncle Justas, aunts Antose, Neringa and Vidis, cousins, extended family and her loving friends. Sofias funeral took place on Saturday, August 3 in Shannon Crematorium. May she rest in peace. This latest note from the Jackson County Courthouse reports social media consequences for one suspect following alleged threats directed against members of the Chiefs. Here's the presser and more reporting . . . Man located at Arrowhead concert charged for making terroristic threat An Illinois man has been charged with a felony after he threatened on social media to shoot two individuals at a concert Friday night at Arrowhead in Kansas City, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today. SUSPECT faces a Class E felony of Making a Terroristic Threat in the 2nd Degree.* According to court records, Kansas City police detectives and intelligence analysts in the Kansas City Fusion Center working at GEHA field at Arrowhead on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, officers were monitoring threats at a planned concert when they observed on X (Twitter) a threat against two individuals, who were members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization, were present at the event. The defendant confirmed to police where he was located at Arrowhead. The concert was delayed for 40 minutes while the defendant was located. The defendant was charged earlier today and a $15,000 bond was set. #################### Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Man charged for making terroristic threats at Arrowhead concert An Illinois man has been charged with a felony after making threats of shooting two people at the Morgan Wallen concert at Arrowhead Stadium. Illinois man delays Morgan Wallen concert with threats to shoot Chiefs players An Illinois man is behind bars after he delayed the Morgan Wallen concert at Arrowhead Stadium by 40 minutes with threats to shoot two Kansas City Chiefs players. Man Arrested at Morgan Wallen Concert for 'Terrorist Threat' in Kansas City A man was arrested at Morgan Wallen concert for making a 'terrorist threat' against two Kansas City Chiefs; Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes attended. Developing . . . Right now we share a bit of our Sunday reading inspired by biz lady, humanitarian and model hottie angel Karlie as we check pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Today's Tribute After Tragedy Friends and family gather to remember Titus, 3, who died at the Independence Towers Friends and family gathered Friday to remember a 3-year-old boy who tragically fell from the Independence Towers earlier this week. Old-School Alert Police search for missing 65-year-old man from KC The Kansas City Police Department is searching for a missing 65-year-old man who was last seen near his home in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Aug. 1 Even More Election Deets Your last-minute guide to voting in Kansas and Missouri primary elections for 2024 Can you still vote early? What ID do you need? What times are polls open? We have all the details for the Kansas City area. Day After Again Nuclear disarmament seemed possible. The imagined destruction of a Kansas town helped get us there. * Kansas Reflector We find ourselves in a Midnight War, a struggle in the dark that for years we've been sleepwalking around, and time is running out. Show-Me Terms Of Service Missouri Republican's antigay slur-filled posts remain on Instagram despite violating Meta's policies The wannabe politician used slurs to describe LGBTQ+ people multiple times in videos on social media. Newsie Debate Update Judge who authorized Kansas newspaper raid escapes discipline with secret conflicting explanation * Kansas Reflector Laura Viar, the magistrate who authorized last year's police raid on the Marion County Record, escaped discipline from a state panel with contradictory claims. Good Deed Promo 'Keep it going. Keep it growing': Sandy's Restaurant breaks lunch delivery goal before summer's end At the start of summer, I shared Sandy's Restaurant's call for donations to help feed kids during the summer. GM Bobby Hines had a goal of 5,000 meals in 10 weeks. Angel Shares Memories Karlie Kloss Made A Rare Comment About Ex-BFF Taylor Swift After Their Rumored Feud Her comments come nearly a year after she shocked fans by attending the Eras Tour in LA. White House Angry At Allies Amid Worsening War Stop bulls***g me: Biden's fiery exchange with Netanyahu over hostage talks US President Joe Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "stop bullshitting me" during a call after Netanyahu promised progress on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas. Biden, concerned about potential delays for internal political reasons, also warned Netanyahu not to take him for granted. MAGA Argues Labor Leadership Trump calls union leader who endorsed Kamala Harris 'a stupid person' Ex-president says members of United Auto Workers, which endorsed Harris, will vote for him despite Shawn Fain Veep Demographics Debated 'You just repeated the slur:' Stephanopoulos presses Trump ally on Harris identity attack Trump is attempting to use Kamala Harris' biracial identity as a campaign weapon, and ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos isn't having it. Conservative Push Back Crisis 'Really A Phony Controversy': Byron Donalds Spars With George Stephanopoulos Over Kamala Harris' Racial Identity Republican Florida Rep. Byron Donalds sparred with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos on Sunday over Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity. MAGA Measures Crowd Size Donald Trump takes aim at Georgia State University for empty seats at rally The former president said GSU blocked "thousands of people" from the venue. The claim could not be immediately verified. Supreme Warning Gorsuch on Biden Supreme Court reform proposals: 'Be careful' Justice Neil Gorsuch had a plain message when asked about President Biden's new Supreme Court reform proposal: "Be careful." "You're not going to be surprised that I'm not going to get into wh... Iran From Middle-East War Finer: US 'preparing for every possibility' on potential Iran retaliation White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said the U.S. is "preparing for every possibility" regarding potential Iran retaliation. Eastern Europe Flying High Ukrainian pilots have started flying F-16s, says Zelenskiy President confirms long-awaited arrival of US-made fighter jets as Ukrainian pilots fly overhead Outrage Across Pond Far right riots erupt in U.K. in the wake of child murders LONDON - The United Kingdom woke up Sunday morning to city streets covered in debris and smoldering rubbish as a weekend of far-right, anti-immigration demonstrations - stoked by conspiracy theories, and spread on social media - erupted into violence in seven cities across the nation. El Papa Prays For Peace Pope Francis prays for peace and justice for those suffering from ongoing wars and humanitarian crises Pope Francis on Sunday urged prayers for those suffering in the world due to political conflict, violence, and natural disasters, highlighting humanitarian crises in Venezuela, the Middle East, and Myanmar. Home Team Bounces Back MJ Melendez plays hero in Royals 3-2 comeback victory over Tigers The Royals road finale reminds them that there is no place like home. Local Olympic Updates Medal tracker of KC area athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics The Kansas City metro area is well represented in the 2024 Paris Olympics with athletes representing an array of countries besides the United States. Old School Real Estate Pictured 1887 Never Looked So Good Photography Blog Forecast For Now . . . Hot days Sunday and Monday, but cooler air is on the way Sunday will have high temperatures around 94 degrees; starting Tuesday, temperatures will be noticeably cooler. Sunny Sunday by Joni Mitchell is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Colorado's biggest wildfire reached 54 percent containment Sunday after torching 9,668 acres west of Loveland and destroying 25 homes. With only 5 percent containment as of Saturday, the latest numbers show a marked improvement in firefighters' battle with the Alexander Mountain fire, which began last Monday. Since then, the number of firefighters tackling the blaze has been in the hundreds. On Saturday, the Alexander Mountain fire burned through 9,530 acres and reached 5 percent containment after a few days of no containment at all. On Sunday, the wildfire only grew 140 acres, compared to its estimated previous 2,000 acre-per-day burn rate. This occurred despite early concerns that sprouting thunderstorms may bring fire-changing winds late Friday and early Saturday, and dry temperatures that were over 95 degrees. Around 49 structures have been damaged or destroyed since Thursday, all south of Cedar Springs Reservoir, a mix of homes and outbuildings, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. That includes 25 homes lost, four homes damaged, and 20 outbuildings destroyed. The sheriff's office notified property owners of the damages on Saturday, the office said in a news release. Featured Local Savings Only minor injuries have been reported. Over 2,588 people voluntary or not have evacuated the area, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office said on Sunday that a credentialing system is being set up for returning residents in the neighborhoods off Storm Mountain Road. The sheriff's office's Joint Information Center for the Alexander Mountain fire can be contacted at (970) 980-2500. Authorities on Saturday noted that 508 fire personnel were on-site and that firefighters were particularly seeing progress on the east side of the fire in the Cedar Park area. It has not yet crossed Highway 34, which sheriff's officials said was a priority for crews. Just under 400 personnel were working the fire as of Friday evening, including five specialized hotshot teams. Hotshot teams are elite wildland firefighters who are called into the most challenging parts of a fire. Each team is made up of roughly 20 firefighters. Horsetooth Reservoir is now open and is no longer being used to scoop water, according to the sheriff's office. Carter Lake remains closed for aircraft use in firefighting efforts. Denver Gazette news partner 9News contributed to this report. We found a couple of quick guides to local primary talk with Mahoney's interview probably the most worthwhile on the Missouri side . . . The basics . . . "Advance voting is actually already underway, so this week we bring in a pair of experts whove been watching the campaigns carefully to get their insights." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Looking ahead to August Primary in Missouri, Kansas St. Louis NPR political reporter Jason Rosenbaum weighs in on key statewide Missouri races, Washburn professor Bob Beatty discusses Kansas races There hasn't been much to blog/report on the continued effort from Kansas to lure away the Kansas City Chiefs with promises of a new "tornado alley" stadium far away from the urban core. Whilst wheat field development shenanigans often grown into rampant speculation, we picked out this quote that reminds us that most of this deal will be conducted in private and the vast majority of "news" shared with the plebs is nothing more than carefully planned press release copy. Accordingly . . . Here's a roundup and more deets: Kansas's offer could finance up to 70% of construction on a new stadium, which would be paid off through the sales taxes collected in and around the stadium. The bill passed with supermajority support from both chambers before Gov. Laura Kelly signed it into law. "The new law directs Lieutenant Governor Toland as Secretary of Commerce to lead all negotiations with the Chiefs and/or Royals. Because all major economic development projects require discretion and confidentiality, the department will not disclose any details regarding the activity surrounding negotiations or future agreements," said Patrick Lowry, director of marketing and communications for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . CJ Online: Kansas OK'd incentives for Chiefs and Royals in June. What have they said since? Developing . . . Ukrainian border guards have destroyed a communications station of the Russian invaders on the southern front, using an FPV drone. The State Border Guard Service published a relevant video on its website, Ukrinform reports. Aerial reconnaissance units of the State Border Guard Service continue to detect and destroy Russian targets on the southern axis. "The successful use of an FPV drone granted the enemy's communications station the status 'destroyed'," the statement reads. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is starting his fourth African tour on August 4, during which he will visit Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service said this in a statement, Ukrinform reports. "During August 4-8, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will pay visits to Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius," the statement reads. The ministry said that Ukraine's foreign minister would visit all three countries for the first time in history. The minister's fourth African tour aims to continue building relations with African countries. In Lilongwe, Lusaka and Port Louis, Kuleba will hold talks with state leaders, foreign ministers, business executives and cultural workers. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the meetings will focus on the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and interests. One of the key topics will be the participation of African states in global efforts to restore a just peace for Ukraine and the world. The special emphasis of Kuleba's talks in Malawi will be the important role of Ukraine in ensuring food security: the exchange of experience and technologies in the field of agriculture and the humanitarian program Grain from Ukraine. In Zambia, Kuleba will discuss the development of bilateral relations, political dialogue and cooperation within international organizations. In Mauritius, one of the most successful economies in Africa, the special topic of the meetings will be the attraction of investments and the participation of Mauritian businesses in the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. Ukraine approved an Africa Strategy in January 2022. As part of the strategy, the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and parliamentary diplomacy significantly intensified contacts with African countries. The Ukrainian foreign minister made his first African tour in October 2022 (Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya) and the second in May 2023 (Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mozambique and Nigeria). Kuleba's third African tour took place in the summer of 2023, when he visited Equatorial Guinea and Liberia. The Quarry fire in Jefferson County continued to subside Sunday and hundreds of evacuated residents are returning home. "I'm feeling really good about where we are at," Mark Techmeyer, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, said during a news conference Sunday morning. The 472 acre fire reached 35 percent containment as of Sunday afternoon after reaching 20 percent containment on Saturday. The wildfire has remained that size for almost two days. The Deer Creek Mesa and Kuehster neighborhoods were reopened on Saturday to residents. That includes roughly 200 of 575 evacuated homes that were under mandatory evacuation, Techmeyer said. No structures have been damaged. To ensure safety on Sunday afternoon, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said CORE Electric would be shutting off power to some areas around the Quarry fire. The shut off area was from the intersection of Grizzly Drive and Deer Creek Canyon Road west to South Deer Creek Canyon Road and everything south of that area for 3 miles, the sheriff's office said. Techmeyer described reactions from returning residents as "cheers and tears." Each of them must get credentials at the evacuation center at Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave. Residents must show ID to receive their re-entry badge. Techmeyer said that residents must have a credentialed badge to enter the neighborhoods. The Quarry fire, which was human-caused and is being investigated as arson, has impacted the Deer Creek Canyon area. Featured Local Savings Techmeyer said that the investigation remains ongoing, and that the sheriff's office is "hitting it hard." "Whether it's accidental or it was intentional, it is an arson investigation," he said. The fire only saw a small growth of around 30 acres over Friday evening. Luckily, the spread went toward open land, not structures. The total still sits around 480 acres. Containment improved to around 10 percent Friday from 4 percent, but the sheriff's office warned locals that they may see more smoke than before on Saturday due to the work the nearly 185 firefighters are completing in the area. Authorities couldn't provide an updated acreage count on Sunday. "We still have the northwest area that no boots can go in, because it's so steep," Techmeyer said. Firefighters will continue fighting the Quarry fire Monday morning, the sheriff's spokesperson added. Helicopter airdrops continued on Sunday in Jefferson County. When asked how Sunday's heat would impact the fire's containment, Techmeyer said that despite it being a little warmer than Saturday, drier conditions on Sunday will cause difficulties. But the afternoon rain storms assisted the cause, Jefferson County Sheriff's recognized on social media platform X on Sunday. "Anything can happen," Techmeyer said on residents going back to their neighborhoods, emphasizing the county remains under Stage 2 no fire restrictions. "It's going to be busy," he said. "And that's why I want to really try and restrict any kind of traffic from those who do not live there." Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify some resident concerns about the proposed development. The fate of a Colorado Springs developer's vision to build hundreds of new homes within a parcel of a rural community near Fort Carson rests on a precious natural resource: water. The Equity Group proposes annexing roughly 105 acres of land west of Highway 115 and south of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, including a portion of the Rock Creek Mesa subdivision in unincorporated El Paso County, into Colorado Springs boundaries. The annexation is needed to provide water service for up to 400 attached and detached single-family homes planned for construction on about 51 acres of land south of the state park, said the company's owner Danny Mientka. Mientka originally expected Colorado Springs Utilities would provide water to the properties he owns in Rock Creek Mesa and at the intersection of Pine Oaks Road and Colorado 115 without annexing the land into the city. The municipal agency consented to serve the properties via an out-of-boundary service agreement if Mientka upsized the infrastructure to better serve some residents in Rock Creek Mesa, he said. Mientka formed the Rock Creek Metropolitan District and issued bonds to help pay for the utilities work, which includes extending service lines through Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Colorado Springs Utilities already serves a portion of the park with services, spokesman Alex Trefry said in a Friday email, but more infrastructure must be extended through the property to serve the annexation area if it is approved. El Paso County officials later rejected Mientka's development plans because the terms of the water service agreements with Utilities were only for periods of 25 years, he said. The county currently requires new developments to prove they have 300 years of groundwater sources. Now, Mientka is asking the city to annex the land to provide the water. Among other project benefits, the new development will provide needed housing for military personnel and civilians working at nearby installations like Fort Carson and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Mientka said. It will bring more water to the existing Rock Creek Mesa subdivision, which also boosts firefighting capabilities, he added. "We're very proud of the role we're playing in improving this part of our city," he said. The proposal also includes annexing about 54 acres of land adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trails, Open Space and Parks program (TOPS) property that is currently owned by Colorado Springs but outside of city limits. This land is proposed to be rezoned as parkland and would remain owned and maintained by the city, planners and developers said. Bringing this section of land into city boundaries is best practice and part of a broader goal to bring all TOPS property into Colorado Springs limits, said city spokesman Max D'Onofrio and Gabe Sevigny, the planning supervisor overseeing the Rock Creek Mesa proposal. The annexation of the parkland, too, will strengthen the point of contiguity that is required to bring in the other 51 acres slated for new homes, Mientka said. Some Rock Creek residents like Felicia Grillo remain opposed to the proposed density and the type of housing units Mientka plans to build, since 2018 when he first sought to establish the metropolitan district to provide water and wastewater services. As the late morning sun rose higher into the sky above her home that looks out into an area of prairie proposed to be developed, Grillo on a recent sweltering Wednesday waved to neighbors driving by along dirt roads and greeted others walking their dogs. Neighbors know each other and are tight knit, she said, with the rural character of the community being what they stand to lose if new development comes in. "You can see the community-type feel out here. That's what we want to keep," she said. Featured Local Savings The number of homes Mientka wants to build, including single-family attached units, is out of character with the existing neighborhood, she added. The subdivision also doesn't need water service from Colorado Springs Utilities, Grillo and fellow Rock Creek Mesa resident Edith Neumaier contend. Rock Creek Mesa Water District Business general manager Kathy Olson said the district serves roughly 600 to 700 people, while others living in its boundaries have opted out of receiving water service from the district. Those residents get their water from domestic wells or manually haul it from cisterns elsewhere. "Mientka says we don't have water, but many people don't want city amenities. That's part of why they live in the rural area," Grillo said. "We like to be self-sufficient," Neumaier added. Mientka said his proposal will bring in utilities infrastructure to improve the outdated open-air sanitary sewer plant that treats waste from the Cheyenne Mountain Estates mobile home park centered within the proposed annexation area. "That is important to people who have to deal with an open-air sanitary sewer plant, and for their health and the environment," he said. Noting the area lies within a designated wildland urban interface identified as being at greater risk for wildfire, Grillo said she too fears more homes in the area will make emergency evacuations more dangerous. Mientka said his work to extend utilities through Cheyenne Mountain State Park provides fire hydrants where none previously existed, providing the first line of defense against wildfires water. Grillo believes more development could negatively impact aviation flight routes and military training. The subdivision is near a helicopter landing zone and low-altitude flight training occurs in the area during the day and night. Sevigny, the city planning director, said the city has been in contact with Fort Carson and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station on the project. Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station said it had no concerns and the city has not received any comments yet from Fort Carson officials. Mientka's proposal has some similarities to the massive 3,200-acre Amara annexation the Colorado Springs City Council cast its first vote to approve last month. Amara developer La Plata Communities de-annexed its property from the city of Fountain because Fountain could not provide the water needed to serve Amara, but Colorado Springs can, La Plata representatives have said. Both annexation proposals highlight the importance of water in an arid climate where developers who don't have it cannot do business, making Colorado Springs' vast water resources attractive. Colorado Springs Utilities Chief System Planning & Projects Officer Lisa Barbato told the City Council in late July the agency can currently reliably provide 95,000 acre-feet of water a year to its customers. An acre-foot of water can serve about four families for a year in Colorado Springs. When Colorado Springs is fully built out, it will need 129,000 acre-feet of water a year to reliably serve residents, Barbato said last month. Utilities will need to develop 34,000 acre-feet of water, plus any additional water needed to support other annexations, to support its full buildout. Utilities has developed a plan that includes new reservoirs, water reuse and conservation to meet future needs. MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Azad Jammu Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has condemned India's revocation of Article 370 and 35-A as a "brazen violation" of UN Security Council resolutions, marking August 5 as the darkest day in Kashmir's history. In a video message, Chaudhry accused India of state terrorism and intensified brutality in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. He emphasized that Kashmiris refuse to be part of India and demand self-determination through a UN-recognized plebiscite. Chaudhry dismissed India's plans for a "fake election drama" in Occupied Kashmir, stressing that only a referendum can satisfy Kashmiris' aspirations. He rejected division of the state as a solution and pledged continued struggle for independence. The AJK President urged the international community to support oppressed Kashmiris and minorities in India, citing increased state-terrorism and persecution. He highlighted the recent murder of a Sikh leader in Canada by Indian agents as evidence of India's exposure before the world. APP/ahr/378 LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said in a statement on Sunday that August 5 was another black day for Kashmiri people. Issuing his statement on Kashmir Exploitation Day, he said that on this day, India had revoked the special status of Kashmir against their wishes and it infringed upon their rights. He said Pakistan had always stood by its Kashmiri brothers and it would continue to support their right to self-determination. Arora appealed to the international community to take notice of human rights violations in Kashmir and put pressure on India to grant Kashmiri people their rights. He added that the struggle for Kashmirs freedom will continue, and we will keep advocating for Kashmir at every forum. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that two honourable judges of the Supreme Court had raised important points in their dissenting note regarding reserved seats. Addressing a press conference here, he said that on the issue of reserved seat a party was provided relief which was not a petitioner. He said that two honourable judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, have issued detailed dissenting notes and it said that after the passage of 15 days a detailed verdict of the case had not come. He said, "Usually a detailed verdict comes within 15 days after a decision is announced." Attaullah Tarar said that some articles of the Constitution were related to reserved seats, adding that in the reserved seats case, a decision had been given not in line with these articles. He further said that it was also mentioned in the dissenting note of two honourable judges of the Supreme Court that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had not been a party to this case and to provide it a relief the court had to travel beyond the jurisdiction conferred by Articles 175 and 185 of the Constitution and would also have to suspend Article 51, 63, 106 of the Constitution. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was not a petitioner but their 81 members had been provided relief, he said and added that those who had come after being elected on reserved seats and taken oaths of their membership were removed. He said that it was a reality that if members of Sunni Ittehad Council would sit with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf then this would be violation of Article 62(1) (f). He said that the two honourable judges in their dissenting note said that it was a proved reality that Sunni Ittehad Council had not taken part in general elections as a political party while the chairman of Sunni Ittehad Council had also contested election in an independent capacity. A party which has no existence in the parliament how it could be given reserved seats, he questioned. Attaullah Tarar said that it was mentioned in the Constitution of Sunni Ittehad Council that no minority member could join it, so it could not get minority seats as well. The Information minister said that a due procedure was followed for electing members on reserved seats. He further said that PML-N and PPP had filed a review petition on the Supreme Court's reserved seats verdict but it had not been fixed for hearing till now. He said that two honourable judges of the Supreme Court had raised constitutional and legal points in their dissenting note and added that these points were a big question mark on the legal framework and needed to be answered. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr Asif Mahmood Jah has directed all advisors nationwide to address complaints of aggrieved taxpayers within 60 days of their filing. Speaking here on Sunday to an awareness session with various sectors of business community, he said the direction aims to ensure prompt and efficient handling of grievances, providing timely relief to taxpayers. The directive underscores the government's commitment to delivering justice at the doorstep of aggrieved taxpayers, enhancing trust and transparency in the tax administration system. By setting a strict 60-day deadline, he said it will expedite the process, preventing unnecessary delays that could burden taxpayers and undermine their confidence. This measure is part of broader efforts to streamline tax-related procedures, making the system more responsive and accessible. The emphasis on quick redress reflects a recognition of the challenges taxpayers face and a commitment to addressing their concerns with urgency and fairness. Dr Waqar Ch Arain Advisor to FTO speaking on the occasion said that FTO always attached great importance to business community who are backbone of national economy and contribute significantly towards development and prosperity. He added FTO secretariat is one call away and any aggrieved tax payers can contact nearest regional office and file genuine complaint which is processed instantly without loss of time. He said on the other hand FTO has already held categorically on several occasions that all payable taxes must be paid timely to help run the affairs of the state smoothly. Later FTO Dr Asif Mahmood Jah responded to volley of questions by the participants. Prominent among them were Mian Faiz Bukhsh,CEO IT Professionals, Dr Muhammad Nauman Faizi, Mohsin Ali Mughal Architect,Ahmad Waqar Ch ,Azmat Javed Rehmat,Muslim Khan Buneri and Hussain Aamir Jafri. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) The Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe, Ali Raza Syed, has denounced India's actions in Jammu and Kashmir as a "ploy to permanently occupy" the disputed region. Speaking at a protest camp in Brussels on Sunday, Syed marked the fifth anniversary of India's revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Syed described the move as an "illegal maneuver" aimed at suppressing the rights of Kashmiris to self-determination. He alleged that India's actions have led to demographic changes, human rights abuses, and the suppression of political aspirations. The protest camp, organized by the Kashmir Council Europe, drew attention to the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where thousands of Kashmiris are reportedly detained, and many have been killed or disappeared. Syed called on the international community to hold India accountable for its actions and to support the right of the Kashmiri people to decide their own future through a free and fair plebiscite. APP/ahr/378 PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced on Sunday that the MDCAT-2024 examination will be conducted across Pakistan, including Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan on September 22, 2024. This examination is necessary for admission into public and private medical and dental colleges. Students should register themselves on the official website of PM&DC from 5th August. In line with the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government and PM&DC, the paper-based exam will be simultaneously held in six regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Abbottabad, Swat, and Dir Lower. To discuss these directives and ensure meticulous planning and execution, a special meeting was chaired by Vice Chancellor KMU Prof Dr. Zia ul Haq. The meeting focused on the directives from PMDC and the Provincial Government, which emphasize the importance of thorough planning and efficient execution to uphold high standards of transparency in the MDCAT examination process. During the meeting, the Vice Chancellor briefed the participants on the necessary arrangements, logistics and timelines. He also sought their input and suggestions to ensure the successful and fair conduct of the MDCAT-2024 examination. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)'s National Emergencies Operation Center anticipated that the latest hydrometeorological conditions suggest that high to very high-level flash flooding is likely in Balochistan. The hill torrents of and local nullahs of Zhob, Kalat, Nasirabad and Sibbi divisions are likely to experience high to very high levels of flash flooding which may result in damage to infrastructure. Similarly, the hill torrents and local nullahs of D.G. Khan are likely to experience high to very high levels of flash flooding which may result in damage to infrastructure, a news release said. It added that all villages and towns or settlements near nullahs, especially along the floodplain, can be affected by increased flows. On the Northern side, the catchment areas of Kabul River and its tributaries have received significant rainfall, which will likely result in medium to high floods in Nowshera as well as in the tributaries of River Kabul. "Medium to high flows in Nowshera may inundate low-lying areas and may cause damage to the infrastructure. The GLOF event in Chitral will also increase flows in the Panjkora River and ultimately in the Kabul River," it said. The NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather. The population at risk is advised to avoid flood waters, find a safe location away from flood-prone areas and use alternative routes to avoid areas prone to flooding. The NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public. LODHRAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams raided at various districts including Lodhran and seized 125 litres adulterated milk, five kg confectionery items and five kg prohibited ingredients which were disposed off later. According to details, a fine of Rs 65,000 was imposed on three sweets and bakers at Piran Ghaib road,Adda 9 kassi and Makhdoom Rasheed for selling expired drinks, presence of expired ingredients, dead insects found in the freezer and presence of open color. Similarly, 25,000 fine was imposed to the grinding unit in Industrial Estate Mian Channu for the presence of expired spices and artificial sweeteners, Rs 28,000 to three milk shops in Shaheed Road Mian Channu, Ada 12 Mile and Jhang Road Kabirwala for lack of fat in non-milk products. Besides, two restaurants in main bazaar, colony Chowk Mailsi were fined Rs 27,000 for using china salt in food, using expired bread to prepare food items and poor sanitation. Rs 20,000 to a private hospital canteen for improper storage of food in freezers, lack of labeling on food items, failure to record oil changes in Lodhran. Additionally, Rs 23,000 fine was imposed for lack of fat in two milk carrying trucks in Okara, while the burger and shawarma point in Katchery bazaar was fined Rs 20,000 for dirt in the production area, storage of packing material in a contaminated place, stale food in the freezer. Besides, seven milk shops were fined Rs 30,500 for not improving the quality of milk during milk inspection in Pakpattan. 125 liters of adulterated milk in three milk trucks were destroyed over adulteration of water into it during temporary picket. (@ChaudhryMAli88) HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) As Hyderabad received the first torrential downpour of the ongoing monsoon season started on Saturday night, a widespread power breakdown followed the rain. The heavy downpour started around 10.20 PM, followed by the power outages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded up to 30 milli meter rain in the district by 10.30 AM on Sunday. The spokesman of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) Sadiq Kubar informed that by Sunday afternoon, some 166 feeders of 11 KV, out of the total of 624 in its jurisdiction, had tripped. "The causes were technical faults and safety reasons," he claimed. According to him, 55 feeders tripped in Nawabshah circle, 45 in Larr, 36 in Mirpurkhas and 30 in Hyderabad. He maintained that Chief Executive Officer of HESCO Roshan Otho was himself monitoring the situation, adding that all measures were being taken to restore the electric supply. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) An academician, multi-disciplinary scholar and peace activist Dr Sheikh Waleed Rasool has criticized Indian political parties for their handling of the situation in Kashmir, accusing them of bullying and deceiving the Kashmiri people. According to Kashmir Media Service, Dr Sheikh Waleed Rasool in a media interview in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, argued that the Indian government had sought to erode the property rights of Kashmiris and undermine their ability to self-govern. He exposed the true face of Indian political parties in occupied Kashmir, adding the Indian governments actions would not extinguish the Kashmiri peoples desire for freedom. He said Youm-e-Istehsal will be observed to express the Kashmiri peoples rejection of Indias illegal occupation and to protest the Indian governments decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This day serves as a reminder of the Kashmiris ongoing struggle for self-determination and their refusal to accept the Indian governments unilateral actions, which they deem a violation of their rights and a threat to their identity, he said. To a question, Dr Waleed Rasool strongly criticized the Modi governments policies in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the imposition of Hindu nationalist ideology (Hindutva). He also condemned the governments decision to change the Names of places, languages and curriculum of students, which he sees as an attempt to erase the cultural identity and heritage of the Kashmiri people. He said that even Hitler, notorious for his brutal suppression of minority groups, did not attempt to alter the cultural identity of the regions, as the Indian government is doing in Kashmir. He vehemently criticized the Indian governments policies towards minority communities, particularly Muslims, Christians and other marginalized groups. A man who is accused of attempting to kill his stepson at a farm in rural El Paso County in 2023 has been arrested by police, records show. Yoel Rodriguez, 47, is accused of stabbing his stepson with a wood chisel at their farm near Ellicott, west of Colorado Springs, after he had gotten drunk and a fight between him and the victim broke out in November 2023, according to the arrest affidavit. On Nov. 28, the victim told police that he and Rodriguez got into a fight after Rodriguez got drunk and upset then drove his truck into a propane tank at their farm in an attempt to have it explode. During the fight, the victim said he felt the chisel puncture him, and that he had to pull it out himself. The victim's uncle told police that the chisel was retrieved from a trailer that the family had been working on after Rodriguez crashed the truck. He added that he did not think Rodriguez intended to stab the victim but did so in the "heat of the moment." The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he had to undergo surgery. Featured Local Savings Rodriguez had fled to Florida a day after the incident. He was booked in the El Paso County jail on July 28. The detective states in the affidavit that Rodriguez took a "substantial step" toward attempting to kill the victim and requested an elevated bond because the suspect is a flight risk and also has a felony history in Kentucky for trafficking marijuana. Rodriguez is facing felony charges for attempted second-degree murder and assault in the first degree. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 1:30 p.m. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) On the occasion of Independence day, preparations are on peak as the roadside vendors are adding to the festive atmosphere by selling colourful flags and decoration that are enhancing the nation's passion for patriotism. According to a report aired by a private news channel, as August 14 nears, the vendors' stalls are becoming a hub of activity, with citizens flocking to buy their favorite items. "It is a time of great patriotism and pride, and we are happy to be a part of it," says Muhammad Ali. "I have been selling flags and decorations for 10 years, but this year's demand is higher than ever," says Muhammad Ali, a vendor in Islamabad. "People are eager to show their love for Pakistan, and I am happy to provide them with the means to do so, " said a motorist. Citizens are also enthusiastic about the vendors' offerings. "I buy flags and decorations every year, but this year I am looking for something special," says Maria Khan, a resident of Lahore. "I want to decorate my home and car with something that shows my pride for Pakistan," she added. Vendors are also offering customized items, such as personalized flags and banners, to cater to the growing demand, said a citizen of Rawalpindi. "We are getting a lot of requests for customized items, especially from families and friends who want to show their unity and patriotism," says Ahmed Hassan, a vendor in Karachi. The vendors' stalls are not only adding to the festive atmosphere but also providing a livelihood for many, said a motorist in G7 Islamabad. "Selling flags and decorations is my only source of income, and I am grateful for the opportunity to earn a living during this time," says Abdul Rehman, a vendor in Peshawar. "I love this time of year, the vendors' stalls are so colorful and festive, it really gets me in the mood for Independence Day." - Sarah Ahmed from Islamabad. "The vendors' stalls are a great addition to the festive atmosphere. It is a wonderful way to celebrate our independence." said a vendor. Selling flags and decorations is not just a business for us, it is a way to show our love for Pakistan. We are proud to be a part of this celebration." another vendor at G7. I love seeing the smiles on people's faces when they buy our products. It is a small contribution to the festive atmosphere, but it means a lot to us." another seller in Rawalpindi. BAHAWALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Arrangements have been finalized to observe Youm-e-Istehsal in Bahawalpur to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Official sources told on Sunday that all arrangements had been finalized to present different programs at Bahawalpur Arts Council on Monday, 5th August to mark the Day in order to express solidarity with people of Kashmir. Pictorial exhibition, tableau, mushaira and other programs will be held at Bahawalpur Arts Council in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal, they said. Information and Culture Department, Government of Punjab and Idara Nazria Pakistan are jointly organizing ceremonies at Bahawalpur Arts Council in this regard, they added. Vouziers, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) As France faces a 2035 deadline to phase out new combustion engine cars, workers in the industry worry their days might be numbered too. While there is plenty of optimism in certain regions of France, in particular in the north of the country where a "Battery Valley" is emerging, workers at parts suppliers elsewhere are pessimistic. With the sale of new cars with petrol and diesel engines allowed for only the next decade in Europe, the industry that employs 200,000 people in France faces a forced march to change. "The transition (to electric vehicles), it could have been done when Walor bought us but they didn't invest," said Severine Person, a quality control expert at the company's facility in the town of Vouziers in France's northeastern Ardennes region. Walor bought the facility in 2018. Its production of connecting rods for tractors and trucks is not threatened by the shift to EVs, but demand for transmission differential housings and engine manifolds is likely to see big changes. Walor was bought out last year by a German fund that specialises in turning around struggling firms and is looking to sell the site in Vouziers and another nearby. "Before, Citroen would distribute work to everyone in the Ardennes. They didn't go to the other side of the world to get parts," said Bruno Bodson, a shop steward with the CFDT trade union. Person and her colleagues are resigned to the factory's likely closure given its shrinking order book. But the mood is different in the north of the country where a number of battery "gigafactories" are being built, including that of the Automotive Cells Company (ACC) in Douvrin. The joint venture includes automakers Stellantis and Mercedes along with French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies. ACC built its massive battery plant on the site of a factory that makes engines for Stellantis, whose cars include storied French brands Citroen and Peugeot. Stellantis said the location was chosen to respond to a "social need" to retrain the factory's employees. Staff numbers have fallen from around 5,000 in the 1980s to 700 today. At the joint venture's battery training centre, Stellantis-Douvrin employees receive 12 weeks of training on how to oversee the highly-automated production lines in the battery factory. - Opportunity to offshore - According to Plateforme automobile (PFA), a trade association which unites the firms in the sector, by 2026 some 17,000 jobs should be created in the gigafactories making batteries and facilities to recycle them. While the intention is to recruit heavily from the sector, it is unclear if it will be enough to avoid many workers being left out in the cold. The latest study conducted by the French metalworking industry, in 2021, found that the transition to EVs put 65,000 jobs in the sector at risk by 2030. Bernard Jullien, an economist and researcher who is an expert on the French car industry, puts the job losses from shifting from petroleum-fuelled to electric engines in the auto parts sector at 40,000 over the horizon of 10 to 15 years. The impact could be reduced by the fact that many workers in the industry are nearing retirement. Ludovic Bouvier, a regional leader of the CGT metalworkers union, worries car manufacturers and their suppliers will follow the playbook of the steel industry. With the industry under fierce pressure to cut costs, "the announcement by Europe of the end of internal combustion engines became the opportunity for manufacturers to offshore their production," he said. Bouvier was mostly targeting Stellantis, which is producing its new Citroen mass-market electric hatchback in Slovakia. Renault is producing its R5 hatchback in France. A recent study by two climate groups found that the lower human labour needed to manufacture electric vehicles could favour making small cars in Europe. But for the economist Jullien it is more likely that the electrification of cars will be accompanied by more offshoring, taking overall employment in the French auto industry down to 100,000 or even less. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Abuja, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for the suspension of nationwide protests and an end to "bloodshed" on Sunday after security forces cracked down on rallies over economic hardship. Thousands of demonstrators began taking to the streets last week to protest government policies and the high cost of living. Rights group Amnesty International has accused security forces of killing at least 13 protesters, while police say seven people died and deny responsibility. In a televised address, Tinubu urged the demonstrators "to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue," his first public comments on the rallies since they started on Thursday. "I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and the frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens," he said. "But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart," he warned. "We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction." Tinubu also used the speech to defend his record and outline measures he said would benefit young Nigerians and the economy. Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Ukraine on Sunday announced the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from areas in the Donetsk region, where Russia has been claiming advances. Just hours earlier, Russia said its forces had seized a nearby village, after claiming a string of villages in recent weeks -- many just consisting of a few streets. "The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives," Donetsk governor Vadym Filashkin said, listing the towns and villages to be evacuated. Filashkin cited the town of Novogrodovka, which is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the village of Novoselivka Persha that Russia claimed to have captured on Sunday. The Donetsk governor said 744 children and their families had to be relocated to four regions of Ukraine. "I have instructed that only armoured vehicles be involved in the process of evacuating children, as the enemy is actively using first person view drones in these communities," Filashkin said. "We must make every effort to protect our children," he added. Filashkin has been urging civilians to flee the region over recent weeks because of an increase in deadly Russian bombardments. Now grinding through a third year of fighting, neither Kyiv nor Moscow has managed to swing the conflict decisively in their favour, even though Moscow's forces have gained ground in recent months. Russia claimed to have annexed the Donetsk region -- along with three others in eastern and southern Ukraine -- in 2022, despite not fully controlling any of them. bur-brw/bc Caracas, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) Venezuela's opposition leader emerged from hiding on Saturday, declaring "We have never been so strong," as President Nicolas Maduro slammed what he called attempts to "usurp the presidency" following last week's disputed election. Thousands gathered peacefully across Venezuela, including in the capital Caracas where Maria Corina Machado thrilled supporters with a surprise appearance in a truck bearing a banner reading "Venezuela has won!" Machado, who spent much of the week in hiding after Maduro threatened her with arrest following deadly post-election protests, had backed the candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia after she herself was banned from running. Supporters say he won 67 percent of the July 28 vote, and several Latin American countries and the United States have recognized him as president-elect. Others have called on Venezuela to release detailed vote tallies, including EU states France, Germany, Italy and Spain who on Saturday noted their "strong concern" over the results. Brazil, Colombia and Mexico -- which have maintained good relations with Maduro's government -- urged an "impartial verification" of the result. "We have never been so strong as today," Machado told the crowd, adding "the regime has never been weaker." "We are not going to leave the streets," she vowed, surrounded by security. Gonzalez Urrutia was not seen publicly Saturday. Backers cried out "Freedom!" as Machado's truck passed by. Adrian Pacheco, a 26-year-old shopkeeper, told AFP, "Seeing her gives me hope, despite the threats. She is a light for Venezuela." - 'Mother of all marches' - Venezuela's CNE election authority, loyal to Maduro, on Friday proclaimed him the winner with 52 percent of the vote to 43 percent for Gonzalez Urrutia, a result that defied pre-election polls. Thousands of Maduro supporters responded to his call for "the mother of all marches" Saturday afternoon, gathering in central Caracas to march to the presidential palace in the name of "national peace." "We will not accept" the opposition's claims of victory and moves to "usurp the presidency of the republic again," Maduro declared at the rally. After Venezuela's last election, in 2018, Maduro was proclaimed winner amid widespread accusations of fraud. Eventually the United States and dozens of other countries recognized the then-speaker of parliament, Juan Guaido, as Venezuela's acting president. But Guaido failed to remove Maduro from office as many had hoped he would, and the once wildly popular young politician has largely faded from public life. "We are at the beginning of a new era, the era of the consolidation of the revolution, the era of well-being," 69-year-old professor Ali Garcia said. Maduro, 61, has slammed the international criticism, describing allegations of vote fraud as a "trap" orchestrated by Washington to justify "a coup." The opposition has launched a website with copies of 84 percent of ballots cast, showing an easy win for Gonzalez Urrutia. The government claims these are forged. Maduro has led the oil-rich, cash-poor 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. Maduro has maintained power thanks to loyalty from the military leadership, electoral bodies, courts and other state institutions, as well as the backing of Russia, China and Cuba. - Security - Maduro on Saturday also said "military and police patrols" would continue throughout the country to "protect the people." The NGO Foro Penal reported 11 dead in protests Monday and Tuesday as angry Venezuelans took to the streets, and Machado said at least 20 people had been killed. Officials said one soldier died as well, with more than 1,200 arrests. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Friday with Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia, expressing "his concern for their safety and well-being" and congratulating Gonzalez Urrutia "for receiving the most votes," the State Department said. Venezuela emigres in cities across the Americas also rallied Saturday against Maduro and his claims of victory. "We don't want violence, we just want him to leave, we only want peace," 43-year-old Maudie Lopez, a crafts worker, told AFP in Colombia's capital Bogota, where hundreds joined in song and prayer. "I want to return to my country." Colombia is housing some three million of the seven million Venezuelans who have fled since Maduro came to power. Ukraine has sunk a Russian submarine and hit a Russian airfield in the past 24 hours, in line with a surge of long-range attacks against Russian targets, officials said. Russia said Ukrainian drones also hit an apartment building, killing one person. The uptick in attacks since July comes as Ukraine mounts pressure on allies to allow it to use long-range missiles to strike targets in Russia. Western allies, in particular the U.S., have so far resisted, fearing escalation from Moscow. Ukraine struck a Russian Kilo-class submarine and an S-400 anti aircraft missile complex in the Moscow-occupied Crimean peninsula, according to a statement from the General Staff on Saturday. The air defense system was established to protect the Kerch Strait Bridge, an important logistics and transport hub supplying Russian forces. Units of the missile forces, as well as the Navy, damaged four launchers of the Triumph air defense system, while in the port of Sevastopol, the "Rostov-on-Don" a submarine of Russia's Black Sea fleet was attacked and sank, the statement said. The General Staff also confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the Morozovsk airfield in the Rostov region after launching a massive drone barrage on Russia. Hits were recorded in warehouses with ammunition, where guided aerial bombs were stored. The operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence and the Defense Ministry, the statement said. Meanwhile, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said that a woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on an apartment building in the town of Shebekino early Sunday. Ukrainian drones also damaged several other buildings in the town, he said. Gladkov said eight civilians have been wounded in the region by Ukrainian shelling and dozens of drone strikes since the previous day. In the span of a month, Russia has experienced a surge in the tempo of Ukrainian drone barrages and long-range attacks, targeting Russian military infrastructure, including airfields and oil depots. Analysts say such an intensification is needed if Ukraine is to degrade Russian capabilities. In other developments: Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said he has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations to investigate a photo that allegedly shows the body of a Ukrainian prisoner of war tortured and executed by Russian forces. He has also asked Ukrainian authorities to verify the identity of the deceased. The photo, circulating on social media, shows the body of a person without a head or limbs. The Associated Press was unable to verify it. "This is not just a violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, this is the behavior of monsters," Lubinets said in a statement on Telegram. "We are aware of recent reports online and in the media. We take these reports extremely seriously. The way we work is to respond via relevant authorities directly and confidentially," Pat Griffiths, ICRC Spokesperson in Ukraine, told the Associated Press on Sunday when asked about Lubinet's request. "Speaking generally, the law of armed conflict is clear. Prisoners of war must be treated humanely at all times," he added. Abortion is restricted in Kenya, but in Kilifi County on the southern coast many women and girls with unplanned pregnancies say they have no choice but to undergo dangerous abortions without the intervention of a nurse or doctor. Local activists say the practice is contributing to high maternal mortality in the region. Halima Gongo reports. Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign is staffing up in battleground states over the next two weeks including in the 'Sun Belt' that increasingly looked out of reach for President Joe Biden, citing momentum for her White House bid as grassroots engagement and fundraising soar. "Our grassroots engagement is proving that Kamala Harris is strong in both the Sun Belt and the Blue Wall with multiple pathways to 270 (electoral votes)," wrote Dan Kanninen, the campaign's battleground states director in a memo on Saturday. The Sun Belt refers to states including Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, and the Blue Wall includes Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. U.S. President Joe Biden won all six of those states in 2020 by thin margins, but just weeks ago, his campaign said the Sun Belt and North Carolina looked increasingly out of reach. Harris energizes race Harris' takeover of the Democratic presidential campaign has injected new energy, money and enthusiasm into the race, which is translating into a shift in polls that show her pulling even with Republican former President Donald Trump or ahead in some battleground states. Since Biden endorsed Harris on July 21, 200,000 volunteers have joined the Harris campaign, while over 350,000 supporters attended their first phone bank, rally or other campaign event - an over 350% increase in event attendees, Kanninen said. Harris' campaign announced on Friday it raised $310 million in July, fueled by small-dollar donations. In the next two weeks, the campaign will add 150 more staff in the "Blue Wall," and will more than double its staff in Arizona and North Carolina, Kanninen said. Harris campaign operations on the ground are more extensive than Trump's, he said. "In Nevada, Team Harris has 13 offices, while Trump has just one," Kanninen wrote. "In Pennsylvania, we have 36 coordinated offices while Trump has just three. In Georgia, we have 24 offices while the Trump team didn't open their first until June." The Trump campaign did not immediately confirm the accuracy of those numbers, and it did not respond to a request for comment. This week Trump's campaign was set to launch a $10 million advertising blitz in six battleground states. A super PAC supporting Trump, MAGA Inc., kicked off a parallel ad blitz after it said it will spend $32 million in three states with new ads criticizing Harris. Some political experts have questioned Trump's lack of campaign infrastructure in recent days. "Those of us who are interested in voting are like, 'Why don't you need a ground game?'" political historian Heather Cox Richardson said in a Facebook livestream. "It really takes feet on the ground, knuckles on doors, meetings with people, everything to get money circulating. He is not trying to get enough votes." Search for running mate. continues Harris was expected to meet in person this weekend with the top contenders vying to join the ticket as the candidate for vice president, Reuters reported on Friday, citing sources. She will meet with leading contenders Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for interviews on Sunday, according to sources familiar with her plans. Other top names include U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Harris held a marginal one-percentage-point lead over Trump in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, closing the gap that opened in the final weeks of Biden's reelection bid. The three-day poll showed Harris supported by 43% of registered voters, with Trump supported by 42%, within the poll's 3.5 percentage point margin of error. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris interviewed three more possible Democratic vice presidential running mates on Sunday and could soon make a choice on who will be her running mate against Republican former President Donald Trump and his No. 2, Ohio Senator JD Vance, in the November election. Harris is meeting with Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly at the Naval Observatory in Washington, her vice presidential mansion. She met with another possible running mate Friday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and is also considering two other governors, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. Aides have described the in-person meetings as a chemistry test, a chance for Harris to gauge her personal rapport with possible running mates she already knows to one degree or another. Democratic strategist Donna Brazile told ABCs This Week show Sunday morning that Harris would choose her running mate later today. Brazile said Harris will be choosing from a group of talented people, some probably better than others. I know she will make a really good, historic choice. The Harris campaign has said she then plans to embark on a seven-state tour of political battleground states with her running mate, starting Tuesday in Philadelphia. It is the countrys sixth-biggest city and a key Democratic stronghold in Pennsylvania, a state both she and Trump are eyeing as crucial to their chances of winning a four-year term in the White House starting in January. Harris selection of a running mate has been unusually truncated because, until two weeks ago, she was running for reelection as vice president herself as second in command to President Joe Biden. But Biden, after a stumbling debate performance against Trump in late June and falling poll numbers, ended his campaign and quickly endorsed Harris. Democrats have quickly embraced Harris campaign and she will be the first Black woman and first of Indian descent to head a major U.S. political partys presidential ticket. Biden had been trailing Trump in national polls by about six percentage points before ending his campaign, but Harris has quickly pulled even or slightly ahead of Trump, depending on an array of polling. The election is on November 5, three months from Monday, and much remains unsettled, including whether Harris and Trump will debate. Trump and Biden had been set to face off a second time on September 10 on ABC News, again without a live audience, as was the case when Biden and Trump met on June 27. Now, Trump has backed out of that encounter, although Harris says she will show up at the network for the debate. Trump says hes instead agreed to debate September 4 in front of a live audience on Fox News, long a conservative platform that has given him wide and fawning coverage more to his liking. Harris has balked at changing the original debate plan Trump had agreed to with Biden. Trump is also facing legal challenges as the 2024 campaign nears the start next month of early voting in some of the countrys 50 states. The former president was convicted of 34 felony counts in late May of falsifying business records in 2016 to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to a porn star to silence her claim of a one-night tryst with Trump a decade earlier, an encounter he has denied. Trump has sought to upend the verdict, but if New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan rejects that quest, Trump is set to be sentenced on September 18. He could be placed on probation or sentenced to up to four years in prison. Meantime, the two candidates have engaged in vitriolic early sparring. I was a courtroom prosecutor. In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds, Harris said as she opened her campaign. Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So, hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type. Trump has routinely intentionally mispronounced her first name its correctly pronounced comma-la and called her a radical left freak, low IQ and dumb. Every year on August 3, Katie Ledecky is reminded of her first Olympic gold medal. She was just 15 years old, a reserved high schooler who had surprisingly made the U.S. swim team for the London Games. Then she went out and shocked the world, beating everyone in the 800-meter freestyle. Twelve years to the day, Ledecky did it again. Not a stunner, but one for the ages. Gold medal No. 9. Ledecky capped another stellar Olympics by becoming only the second swimmer to win an event at four straight Summer Games, holding off Ariarne Titmus, the "Terminator," to win the 800 free Saturday night. It was Ledecky's second gold medal in Paris and the ninth of her remarkable career, which marked another milestone. She became only the sixth Olympian to reach that figure, joining swimmer Mark Spitz, track star Carl Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi in a tie for second place. The only athlete to win more golds: swimmer Michael Phelps with 23. Ledecky was very aware of the significance of the date. "Every August 3rd, the video [of her first Olympic gold] gets posted somewhere and you kind of reminisce," she said. "So, when I saw it was August 3rd, I was like, 'Oh boy, I've got to get the job done.'" That she did, going faster than her winning time in Tokyo to finish in 8 minutes, 11.04 seconds. Titmus was right on her shoulder nearly the entire race, but Ledecky pulled away in the final 100. Titmus, who beat Ledecky in the 400 freestyle, settled for silver at 8:12.29. The bronze went to another American, Paige Madden at 8:13.00. Phelps had been the only swimmer to win the same event at four straight Olympics, taking gold in the 200 individual medley at Athens, Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro. Now he's got company. Titmus added some perspective to Ledecky's consistency over the last dozen years, noting where she was when the American won that first gold in London. "I was in grade six in primary school," Titmus said. "That's how remarkable she is." Their friendly rivalry has driven both to greater heights. They each won two golds and four medals at these games, which pushed Ledecky to 14 overall and left the 23-year-old Aussie with four golds and eight medals in her career. "To think that eight years later, I challenged her into her fourth consecutive in the 800 is pretty cool," Titmus said. "So I'm really proud of myself and I feel very honored and privileged to be her rival, and I hope I've made her a better athlete. She has certainly made me become the athlete I am. I felt so privileged to race alongside her." Dominant for a dozen years Ledecky has dominated the distance freestyle events over the last dozen years and isn't done yet. She's made it clear she plans to keep swimming at least through the 2028 Los Angeles Games. "It's not easy," Ledecky said. "I'll take it year by year, and we'll see if I can keep giving everything I've got for as long as I have left in me." Another gold for Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh stamped herself as one of the swimming stars of the Paris Olympics with her third individual gold medal, winning the 200 individual medley. The 17-year-old Canadian chased down American Alex Walsh and held off another U.S. swimmer, Kate Douglass, to finish in an Olympic record of 2:06.56. Douglass grabbed the silver in the star-studded final at 2:06.92, but the Americans lost the bronze when Walsh, the silver medalist in this event at Tokyo who recorded a time of 2:07.06, was disqualified because she did not finish the backstroke segment on her back. Kaylee McKeown, who touched fourth, was bumped up to the bronze at 2:08.08. It was a bitter blow for Walsh, whose younger sister, Gretchen, has won a gold medal and two silvers in Paris. McIntosh set several world records ahead of the Paris Olympics, and she backed up the enormous expectations by claiming a starring role at La Defense Arena along with Leon Marchand and Ledecky. McIntosh also won gold medals in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM, plus a silver in the 400 freestyle. She fell just 0.88 seconds the margin of her loss to Titmus shy of matching Marchand's four individual golds. "It's pretty surreal," said McIntosh, who became the first Canadian athlete to win three golds in a single Olympics. "I'm just so proud of myself and how I've been able to recover and manage events. US sets world record The United States made up for a disappointing showing in Tokyo by setting a world record in the 4x100 mixed medley relay. Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Gretchen Walsh and Torri Huske held off China for a winning time of 3:37.43, breaking the mark of 3:37.58 set by Britain when it won gold in the wild and woolly event's Olympic debut three years ago. With each team picking two men and two women, the U.S. and China both went with their male swimmers in the first two legs. Murphy put the U.S. in front on the backstroke, China's Qin Haiyang slipped past Nic Fink on the breaststroke, but Walsh put the Americans back in front on the butterfly before Huske held off Yang Junxuan to secure the gold. The Chinese team, which also included Xu Jiayu and Zhang Yufei, took silver in 3:37.55. The bronze went to Australia in 3:38.76. Marchand swam the breaststroke leg for France but couldn't add to his already impressive haul of four individual golds. The French finished fourth, more than two seconds behind the Aussies. When the British won gold in 2021, the Americans finished fifth. Britain was seventh this time. Hungarian claims butterfly gold Kristof Milak of Hungary won the men's 100 butterfly, chasing down three swimmers on the return lap. Milak was only fourth at the turn, but he rallied to touch in 49.90. Canada grabbed the silver and bronze, with Josh Liendo finishing in 49.99 and Ilya Kharun next at 50.45. Milak had failed to defend his Olympic title in the 200 butterfly, settling for a silver behind French star Marchand. Milak claimed silver in the 100 fly three years ago, but he didn't have to worry about the guy who beat him in that race. American Caeleb Dressel stunningly failed to qualify for the final, posting only the 13th-fastest time in the semifinals Friday. Kharun added another bronze to the one he garnered in the 200 butterfly. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered condolences to North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un over devastating floods that caused untold casualties and damaged thousands of homes, the Kremlin said on Saturday. The North, in turn, said Sunday that Putin had also offered "immediate humanitarian support" to aid its recovery efforts, to which Kim responded that he "could deeply feel the special emotion towards a genuine friend." Pyongyang said this week it had seen a record downpour on July 27 which killed an unspecified number of people, flooded dwellings and submerged swaths of farmland in the north near China. "I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to all those who lost their loved ones as a result of the storm," Putin said in a telegram to Kim. "You can always count on our help and support." "The message of sympathy from Moscow was conveyed to the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK" on Saturday, said the official KCNA, noting it was immediately reported to leader Kim. Kim thanked Putin for the outreach but said "already-established plans as state measures were taken at the present stage." Regarding the offer, Kim said, "if aid is necessary in the course, he would ask for it from the truest friends in Moscow," KCNA reported. Pyongyang said on Wednesday that officials who neglected their disaster prevention duties had caused unspecified casualties, without providing details on the location. It said on Saturday that there were no casualties at all in the Sinuiju area, the region Pyongyang claimed suffered the "greatest flood damage." North Korea and Russia have been allies since the North's founding after World War II and have drawn even closer since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Media in South Korea, which has offered urgent support to the victims, said this week the toll of dead and missing could be as high as 1,500. Kim lashed out at the reports, dismissing them as a "smear campaign to bring disgrace upon us and tarnish" the North's image. North Korea is accused of breaching arms control measures by supplying weapons to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact on the isolated and impoverished country due to its weak infrastructure, while deforestation has left it vulnerable to flooding. Israeli strikes early Sunday killed 18 people in Gaza, including four who were sheltering in a tent camp for displaced Palestinians inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing of two senior militants in separate strikes in Lebanon and Iran last week. Those killings brought threats of revenge from Iran and its allies and raised fears of an even more destructive regional war. A woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man were killed in the stabbing attack, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was "neutralized." The rescuers said the wounded were found in three different locations, each about 500 meters apart. Police initially said they were searching for other suspects but later ruled out the possibility of there having been more than one assailant. Israel has been bracing for retaliation after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in an attack in Iran's capital last week. Both were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. In Gaza, an Israeli strike earlier on Sunday hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza's Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the wounded and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, "indicating the presence of weaponry in the area." The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the ministry. Another three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government. An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel's military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command center. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians, but the military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children. Gaza's Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its tallies. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage in their surprise attack into southern Israel last October. Israel's massive offensive launched in Gaza has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hezbollah has regularly traded fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, in what the militant group says is aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. The continuous strikes and counterstrikes have grown in severity in recent months, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Tensions heightened Sunday in the Middle East, with the U.S. moving warships to the region to defend Israel if Iran attacks, while several Western governments urgently told their citizens to leave Lebanon as Hezbollah launched a barrage of strikes targeting Israel. France warned of a highly volatile situation following last weeks Israeli airstrike on a Beirut building that killed a Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shukur, and hours later Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in a killing that Iran blamed on Israel. The United States, France, Canada and Britain all told their citizens to leave Lebanon, and neighboring Jordan also did so. Several airlines suspended or curtailed service to the region. Jonathan Finer, the White House National Security Council deputy adviser, told CBS Face the Nation show, "Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel." We are preparing for every possibility, Finer told ABCs This Week show, while adding, We do not think a regional war is in anyones interest. After Haniyeh was assassinated last week in Tehran in a guesthouse he was staying in shortly after attending the inauguration of Irans new president, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a statement, We consider it our duty to take vengeance. He ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Haniyeh, according to a New York Times report citing three Iranian officials on background. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told Fox News Sunday, When the supreme leader says hes going to respond, we have to take that seriously. We have to make darn sure were ready. U.S. President Joe Biden, asked by reporters Saturday if he thought Iran would stand down, said, "I hope so. I don't know." The top U.S. diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, spoke Sunday with the G7 foreign ministers to discuss the urgent need to calm tensions in the Middle East. A State Department spokesperson said Blinken and his counterparts reiterated their commitment to Israels security and urged maximum restraint from all parties to keep the conflict from escalating. The Israeli military said Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militants fired 30 projectiles toward the northern part of Israel overnight Saturday into Sunday but that it had knocked down most of them. The two warring sides have traded near-daily fire since the Israeli-Hamas war started in Gaza nearly 10 months ago. Even as Israel is on high alert anticipating an attack from Tehran, medics and police said two people were killed Sunday in a stabbing attack in a Tel Aviv suburb. The assailant, a Palestinian from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was "neutralized" by police and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, fighting raged on in Gaza, as the Israeli war with U.S. designated terror group Hamas nears the 10-month mark with no end in sight. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its October 7 terror attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israels counteroffensive has killed at least 39,550 people in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Haniyeh, Hamas' political chief, was the group's lead negotiator in efforts to reach an agreement on an elusive cease-fire. His killing raised questions about the continued viability of efforts by Qatari, Egyptian and U.S. mediators to broker a truce and exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners jailed by Israel. On the ground in Gaza, the Palestinian Red Crescent said eight bodies had been recovered from a residential building in north Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp after an Israeli airstrike. Medics at central Gaza's Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital said at least five people were killed and 16 wounded in an Israeli drone strike on tents housing displaced Palestinians at the medical complex, with a separate attack on a house nearby in the same area killing three. The Israeli military said its air forces struck about 50 terror targets throughout Gaza in the past 24 hours. Haniyeh's killing "has brought the Middle East to its moment of greatest peril in years," the International Crisis Group think tank said in a report issued Saturday. "The risk of a spiraling conflagration is high," with the potential for a miscalculation that would trigger a war "without constraints ... likely greater now than it was in April," the last time Iran directly attacked Israel, to little effect. On April 13, Iran launched its first ever direct attack on Israeli soil, firing a barrage of drones and missiles most of which were intercepted after a strike killed Revolutionary Guards at Tehran's consulate in Damascus. The International Crisis Group said that securing "a long overdue cease-fire" in Gaza was "the best way of meaningfully reducing tensions in the region." Finer said on CNN, We want the parties back at the table negotiating a cease-fire. Theres no deal in place. There should be a deal in place. We need to turn the temperature down. Hamas officials, some analysts, and protesters in Israel have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war to safeguard his ruling hard-right coalition. On Sunday, Netanyahu told his Cabinet he was "making every effort" to return the hostages and was prepared "to go a long way" to do so. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. 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 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 skeptical, 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 still 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. Museum officials envision a total overhaul of the closed Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains halls akin to the five-year, $19 million renovation of its Northwest Coast Hall, completed in 2022 in close collaboration with tribes, Decatur added. "The ultimate aim is to make sure we're getting the stories right," he said. 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 recognized 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. The American Museum of Natural History, he noted, is one of New York's major tourism draws and also a mainstay for generations of area students learning about the region's tribes. He suggests museums use replicas made by Native peoples so that sensitive cultural items aren't physically on display. "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 artifacts that literally were stolen out of gravesites." 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. He said the tribes, in Oklahoma, will be seeking from the New York museum a sketchbook by the Cheyenne warrior Little Finger Nail that contains his drawings and illustrations from battle. The book, which is in storage and not on display, was plucked from his body after he and other tribe members were killed by U.S. soldiers in Nebraska in 1879. "These drawings weren't just made because they were beautiful," Yellowman said. "They were made to show the actual history of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people." Institutions elsewhere are taking other approaches. 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 artifacts from the Tlingit people in Alaska has been reopened after their leadership gave consent, according to Todd Mesek, the museum's spokesperson. But two other displays remain covered up, with one containing funerary objects from the ancient Southwest to be redone with a different topic and materials. And at Harvard, the Peabody Museum's North American Indian hall reopened in February after about 15% of its roughly 350 items were removed from displays, university spokesperson Nicole Rura said. Chuck Hoskin, chief of the Cherokee Nation, said he believes many institutions now understand they can no longer treat Indigenous items as "museum curiosities" from "peoples that no longer exist." The leader of the tribe in Oklahoma said he visited the Peabody this year after the university reached out about returning hair clippings collected in the early 1930s from hundreds of Indigenous children, including Cherokees, forced to assimilate in the notorious Indian boarding schools. "The fact that we're in a position to sit down with Harvard and have a really meaningful conversation, that's progress for the country," he said. As for Baker, he wants the Ohtas returned to its tribe. He said the ceremonial doll should never have been on display, especially arranged as it was among wooden bowls, spoons and other everyday items. "It has a spirit. It's a living being," Baker said. "So if you think about it being hung on a wall all these years in a static case, suffocating for lack of air, it's just horrific, really." Donald Trump picked a new fight Saturday with the Republican governor of the state of Georgia as he campaigned in the key swing state where he's looking to avenge his narrow 2020 loss a defeat he continues to blame on GOP officials for not giving into his false theories of election fraud. Trump railed at Gov. Brian Kemp on his social media site before his rally and said Kemp should be "fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party." He also criticized Kemp's wife, Marty, for saying she would write in her husband's name for president this fall instead of voting for the Republican nominee. At Saturday's rally, Trump assailed Kemp in a roughly 10-minute tirade, blaming him for his loss to Democratic President Joe Biden and for not stopping a local district attorney from prosecuting him and several associates for his efforts to overturn the results. "Hes a bad guy. Hes a disloyal guy," Trump said. On X, Kemp told Trump to "leave my family out of it" and urged him to stop "engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past." Georgia is likely to see another closely contested election as both campaigns push hard in the state, with Democrats riding a new wave of enthusiasm after Biden dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. To win this time, Trump will likely need the support both of Kemp's political operation and from moderate and conservative voters who aren't as committed to him as members of his base. Going to Atlanta put Trump in the states largest media market, including suburbs and exurbs that were traditional Republican strongholds but have become more competitive as theyve diversified and grown in population. Thousands of supporters packed the same arena for a Harris rally days earlier. Draic Coakley, a 23-year-old who works in the trucking industry and drove from Heflin, Alabama, just across the western Georgia border to attend his third Trump rally, said he believes Trump "sees people like me," while "Biden and Harris, well, are part of what I think of as the elite." "President Trump may be a billionaire, but its OK to be rich," Coakley said. "He gets us. He just gets us, and he gets the country." Biden beat Trump in the state by 11,779 votes in 2020. Trump pressured Georgias Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" enough votes to change the outcome and his allies tried to present slates of so-called "fake electors" that could replace the Democratic voters Biden won. Trump was later indicted in Georgia for his efforts to overturn the election, but the case remains on hold while courts decide whether the Fulton County district attorney can continue to prosecute it. Kemp certified the electors that Biden won four years ago and repeatedly rejected efforts by Trump allies to replace them. He's since proven to be the rare Republican nationally who could hold his ground against Trump without sacrificing his power or popularity. Kemp won the governors office narrowly in 2018 after garnering Trumps endorsement. But Trump backed a primary rival against Kemp in 2022 former Sen. David Perdue, who spoke at Saturdays rally. Kemp trounced Perdue on his way to defeating Democrat Stacey Abrams, a national star in her party, by 7.5 percentage points, a veritable blowout in a battleground state. Kemp will chair the Republican Governors Association for the 2026 election cycle, when he is leaving office. And hes widely known to be national Republicans top choice to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in that midterm cycle. Kemp has said he didnt vote for anyone in this years primary but will vote for the Republican ticket in November. Erick Erickson, a prominent conservative host in Georgia, said of Trump, "He cant help himself." "Donald Trump is really trying to build unity in Georgia by attacking the sitting Republican Governor whose ground game he will need to win and also that Governors wife," Erickson wrote on X. "And if he loses, itll be because of this stuff, not a stolen election." Both parties are focusing on Georgia, a Sun Belt battleground that just two weeks ago, Democrats had signaled they would sideline in favor of a heavier focus on the Midwestern "blue wall" states. Bidens decision to end his campaign and endorse Harris fueled Democratic hopes of an expanded electoral map. Trump's Republican allies have urged him to focus on issues where they see an advantage over Harris, notably the economy and immigration. Trump attacked the likely Democratic nominee on both issues also at times swinging from policy critiques to portraying Harris as "a dumb version of Bernie Sanders," the progressive independent senator from Vermont. Taking the stage first, Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, credited Trump with "exposing a massive coverup of the presidents mental incapacity" during the fateful June debate that ultimately led to Bidens exit from the 2024 campaign, before lighting into Harris as "a San Francisco liberal who is so far out of the mainstream." The Harris campaign called out Trump before the rally for what it predicted would be a speech in which he would "deny the 2020 election results." It also criticized Trump for his announcement earlier that he would not attend a September debate that he set up with Biden's campaign before the president dropped out. Trump says he wants to debate Harris on Fox News instead. The American-made F-16 is an iconic fighter jet that's been the front-line combat plane of choice for the NATO alliance and numerous air forces around the world for 50 years. Western countries have pledged F-16s to Kyiv, and some have arrived in Ukraine, officials in Washington and Ukraine confirmed to The Associated Press. The fighter jets are expected to start flying sorties in Ukrainian skies soon and will be a much-needed boost to the country's current fleet of Soviet-era jets that are laboring to counter Russia's invasion. United States President Joe Biden gave the go-ahead in August 2023 for used F-16s to be deployed to Ukraine, though the U.S. won't be providing any of its own planes. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have committed to providing Ukraine with more than 60 of them over coming months in what could be a slow trickle of deliveries. Though Russia's recent battlefield gains have been incremental, its steady forward movement is adding up as Ukraine gradually yields ground. The F-16s will enhance Ukraine's military strength, especially by upgrading its air defenses. But analysts say they won't turn the tide of the war on their own. Here's what to know: What can F-16s bring to the Ukrainian war effort? The F-16s will likely have three core missions, says Federico Borsari of the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington. They will seek to intercept Russian missiles and drones that have relentlessly bombarded Ukraine; suppress enemy air defense systems; and strike Russian troop positions and ammunition depots with air-to-ground missiles. "They will be able to affect some of the dynamics (of the war)," Borsari says. A lot of information about the F-16 deployment is classified, including what Western governments allow them to hit and what weapons they will send with the aircraft. The F-16s could carry United Kingdom-supplied Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles with a range of more than 250 kilometers, potentially striking targets inside Russia. They might also get long-range air-to-air missiles that would threaten Russian bombers and fighter jets. The plane's advanced radars will allow Ukrainian pilots to pinpoint targets further away than they can in their MiG-29s, Su-27s and Su-24s. Commanding the skies is an essential part of a war's ground campaign, as planes offer air cover to troops. But supporting Ukrainian troop movements on the front line with ground attacks may be too risky for the F-16s, given Russia's sophisticated air defense systems. At the very least, the fighter jets could have a psychological effect on Russian pilots, and offer a morale boost for Ukrainians toiling against the Kremlin's forces. What are the challenges for Ukraine? Marina Miron of the Defense Studies Department at King's College London ticks off a long list of challenges the F-16s will bring for Ukraine. The roughly nine-month training in the U.S. and Europe for Ukrainian pilots amounted to a crash course compared with the usual three-year course for Western pilots in what Miron calls "a very complex piece of machinery." That will mean limitations on their performance. The F-16s also require a large number of support personnel, such as skilled maintenance engineers, munitions loaders, intelligence analysts and emergency crews. Ukraine must also establish a network of radar stations, reinforced hangars, a supply of spare parts and refueling systems. Quality airfields are also a must as the F-16 air intake is close to the tarmac and runs the danger of sucking debris and dirt into the engine. "So many associated issues need to be sorted out," Miron says. Ukrainian pilots with no combat experience in F-16s may shy away from engaging in dogfights. How will Russia react? Russian President Vladimir Putin would savor the image that destroying F-16s from NATO countries would bring. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the F-16s will not be a "magic pill" that changes the course of the conflict. He added that Russian authorities have already offered rewards to servicemen who destroy F-16s. The Kremlin's forces will likely try to destroy the F-16s on the ground with long-range missiles. They have already been targeting Ukraine's limited number of suitable airfields. The Ukrainians will need to park the F-16s in hardened hangars, disperse them between various locations, station decoy model aircraft and be ready to take off quickly in the event of an air raid warning, analysts say. Ukraine has said it might keep some of the fighter jets at foreign bases to protect them from Russian strikes. That prompted a harsh response from Putin, who warned that any Western air base hosting the Ukrainian fighter jets would be a "legitimate target" for the Kremlin's forces. U.S. officials said the F-16s would be based in Ukraine. In the air, the Ukrainian F-16s will be up against Russia's formidable S-300 and S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile systems that can target multiple aircraft at a time. Russia's military also has what are estimated to be several hundred operational fighter jets, as well as sophisticated air surveillance radars. Russia's Su-35 fighter jet will be one of the biggest threats to the F-16, Borsari of CEPA says. It has a long-range radar that allows it to track and engage up to eight targets at a time across a wide area. Even so, the Russians are aware that they'll be up against a more formidable aircraft than they have met so far in the war and will likely adopt a more careful approach. How will Ukraine protect the F-16s? Although Russian forces will try to strike the F-16s at the airbases where they are kept, Ukraine has robust defenses to protect the fighter jets against such attacks, says Ukrainian aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi. Ukraine has robust capabilities "to protect its airfields with anti-aircraft defenses to deflect (Russian) attacks," Khrapchynskyi told The Associated Press. "During the entire time since Russia has invaded Ukraine, it has been actively trying to hit Ukrainian airfields, but they have been somewhat unsuccessful." Khrapchynskyi said the F-16s will significantly increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force to protect the country's air space from Russian attacks and increase the range that Ukraine can strike strategic targets in Russia. "With the acquisition of F-16 aircraft, we will be able to solve a number of problems that are currently hurting Ukraine. These include: Russia's massive missile attacks, its use of guided aerial bombs, and the deployment of S-300 installations in the border regions of Sumy and Kharkiv," says Khrapchynskyi. "We are talking about receiving F-16 aircraft, in my opinion, this will significantly help Ukraine to cope with the Russian aggression that is taking place now." Advocates for justice for Iraqs Yazidi community say much more needs to be done 10 years on to address the brutal genocide it experienced at the hands of Islamic State militants on August 3, 2014, and its aftermath. On August 3, 2014, Islamic State militants invaded Iraqs Sinjar province brutally attacking, killing, displacing, and enslaving hundreds of thousands of Yazidis in their ancient homeland in the countrys north. Ten years on, more than 6,000 women and children remain captives of the Islamic State with nearly 2,800 still missing. Many of the displaced still live in camps which Iraq says will close. Yazidi activists and religious freedom advocates say restorative justice is needed for the community to recover from the genocide and remain in Iraq. Speaking at Washingtons Wilson Center, they use the terms Islamic State and ISIS interchangeably. Watch related report by Kawa Omar: Yazidi lawyer Natia Navrouzov of the Yazda organization, which supports genocide victims, said much of the response to Islamic State has been military to take back territory, but restorative justice for the victims is also needed. What we really need from Iraq and KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government] with support from the international community is a proper transitional justice legal framework. All the components of transitional justice. So, criminal accountability, truth telling, reparations. And what is really missing is guarantees on non-repetition. People are asked to go back but nothing guarantees that another genocide wont happen in five, 10, two years, she said. Navrouzov called for an international court to try the militants from more than 80 countries which committed atrocities against the Yazidis. Iraq, meanwhile, says it will shut down a U.N. investigation team, UNITAD, documenting crimes by September 17. All we got in Iraq is terrorism trials, so ISIS members are just being prosecuted for terrorism, membership to a terrorism group. Survivors are not aware, not involved, often the perpetrators clearly mentioned that they enslaved Yazidis, and this is completely disregarded. We dont know if the evidence UNITAD collected will be accessible to continue at least these prosecutions by third states, like Germany and others. So thats very worrying. What is missing now is the component of trust, she said. Other activists point to Germanys prosecution of eight Islamic State members, including three for genocide, while the Netherlands and Sweden are believed to be preparing trials later this year for such crimes. Former U.S. representative for Virginia, Frank Wolf told the panel that another way to rebuild trust was by giving Yazidis, an underrepresented minority in Iraq, greater representation in leadership positions at the federal level in Baghdad. Nadine Maenza, president of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat told VOA that Yazidis and other religious minorities in Iraq need robust representation. There hasnt been an election in Sinjar since 2003. The people that live in Sinjar should be able to choose their own leaders. They should be a part of their own governance and security. Its in the best interest of the Iraqi government to have peace and security in Sinjar and this is how you get it, she said. Pari Ibrahim, who directs the Free Yezidi Foundation, added that it is key for the prevention of future genocide against our community to make sure that those who funded the Islamic State structure are held accountable. The Yazidis have endured 74 genocides throughout their history. Fines of up to 500 for breaking new rules. The Italian island of Capri, a popular tourist destination across the bay from Naples, has banned smoking on its beaches, with fines ranging from 25 to 500 for violations. The new ordinance, designed to protect "decorum, liveability and public health", includes a ban on throwing cigarette butts and other smoking related rubbish on the ground or in the waters of the island. As part of the ban, smokers visiting Capri's stunning beaches will however be allowed to indulge in their habit in specially-designated smoking areas. The move comes as the island also gets tough with dog owners who are obliged to keep their pets on a leash and, when out for a walk, to carry a pooper scooper or poop bags and a container of water to wash away any mess left behind by the animal. The island's police are also entitled to insist that dogs wear a muzzle in crowded areas, for public safety reasons, with fines of up to 500 for those who violate the rules. Cover photo: BBA Photography / Shutterstock.com. Bereavement The death sadly occurred on Sunday, July 28, of Mrs Lucy Webb, Johns College, The Folly, Waterford, and formerly of Bolton Street, Waterford. Predeceased by her loving son James, her soulmate Maggie (Margaret) (Webb), her parents Bob (Webb) and Mary (Roysten), her brother Tom (Webb) and sister Lil (Barnswell), she is survived by her loving children Annette, Henry, Derek, Maggie, Diana, Dexter, Denise, Pamela, her grandchildren Megan, Sean, Aaron, Angel, JJ, Sophie, Helen, Hannah, Sabrina, Darren, Jack, Maggie, Mollie, Lillie, Shane, Stephanie, April, Caoimhe, Liam, Bobby and Tommy, great-grandchildren Donnacha and Kayleigh, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Lucy will be sadly missed by all her relatives, extended family, neighbours, and friends. Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday, July 31, in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly at 10am followed by cremation on Thursday at 2pm. Condolences are extended to Lucy's family, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. Sacred Heart Church We welcome Ethan Whelan, Lochlainn Corey David Mylett and Isabelle McGrath into our Sacred Heart Church, Christian Community through Baptism. Please keep them, their parents and god-parents in your prayers. For Baptism enquiries or bookings please email: sacredheartparishinfo@gmail.com The Parish Office will close from Monday, July 22, and will re-open on Tuesday, August 6. Interim enquiries can be made through the Sacristy. Be Healed Retreat A 'Be Healed' Retreat will run from Friday, August 30, at 9am until 3.30pm on Sunday, September 1. It will take place at Glencomeragh House, Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary (E91H584), and will be led by Fr Patrick Cahill. There will be daily Mass, Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, themed talks, reflection time, prayer ministry, confessions and a Healing Service on Saturday night with anointing of the sick blessing. Full Board accommodation will be 270 and bookings can be made through www.holyfamilymission.ie or email directly info@holyfamilymission.ie Enquiries or booking can be made by phone through 052 613318 Relics of St. Bernadette A very special event will take place in the Diocese on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 17 and 18. The relics of St Bernadette will visit the Diocese and a programme of events will be held in the Cathedral of the most Holy Trinity over the two. days. More details to follow. Butler Community Centre Friendly Mascots Ireland, back by popular demand, will return for another magical family fun show on August 10, from 3pm to 5pm, at Butler Community Centre, St Johns Park. Step into a world of enchantment and meet your favourite TV characters such as: Mickey and Minnie, Peppa Pig, Spider man , Coco Melon, Chase, Olaf, Buzz and much more for a magical day filled with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on the chance to bring your dreams to life. Bookings is now open and will remain open until August 9 and the information line is also open Monday to Friday, from 11am to 11pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm. Dont miss out and to book email: friendlymascotsireland@gmail.com or phone 089 2459888. Charity Bingo Bingo in aid of the Parkinson's Association is held every Monday evening in the Butler Community Centre. Eyes down at 7.45pm and the cost of participating is 8 per book. All are welcome. Learn Spanish Learn Spanish at Butler Community Centre, St John's Park, Waterford every Tuesday. The classes will take place as follows: Adult Beginners from 1pm to 2.30pm; Children under 10 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; Children under 12 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm; Adults Beginners and Elementary from 5.30pm to 7pm. Play, enjoy and learn. With experienced and dedicated teachers, the comprehensive curriculum will be tailored to your exam needs. Interactive and engaging lessons to boost youre speaking and listening skills. Flexible schedules to fit your busy student life. Proven success with past students acing their exams, Join us on this exciting journey towards Spanish language excellence. Our Spanish language classes are here to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to secure your spot and set yourself up for success. Let's make those language dreams come true so why not give us a call on 089 4061606 or email Olalanguageswx@gmail.com Whist Club The Whist Club takes place at the Butler Centre, St. John's Park, on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. They would love to see all their old players and new players would be most welcome. The cost will be 5 per person. Warrior's Junior Foroige Warrior's Junior Foroige Club are looking for new members, boys and girls aged between 10 to 12 years of age. We meet in Butler Community Centre every Thursday night at 7pm to 8 pm. The Foroige Club is a place for young people to hang out, meet new friends, get involved in activities and have a voice. Limited places available. Parent Hub Are you a new mum or have you just had a baby? HSE Ireland have established a post-natal for both mum and baby. It's a space for you and your baby to come to access supports from a HSE midwives, paediatrician, lactation consultant, woman's health physio, Perinatal Mental Health midwife along with one of the most important things for a new mum, a connection to other new mothers who have also welcomed a new arrival and may be looking to connect with other mums for support. The sessions take place on Wednesdays from 9am to 11am. The sessions take place in the Brill Family Resource Centre, and feel free drop in anytime between 9am to 11am or you can text or call Grace beforehand on 087 1819413. Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre, Waterford and Tesco Ireland, have teamed up with Tesco Ireland for the Stronger Starts Programme during the summer months to help provide families in need with donations of non-perishable food. There will be a trolley placed in Tesco Tramore and Tesco Poleberry for all your kind donations which we will distribute to those in need. Thank you to everyone that has donated so far we really appreciate it. Keep an eye out for the trolley and if you can please feel free to add whatever you can. Creative Writing Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre, Waterford would love you to join us for our Creative Writing Programme which will be starting on Thursday, September 12, for 10 weeks. The sessions take place from 11am to 1pm. The programme will be free to attend and will be funded by WWETB Adult & Community Education, facilitated by writer and musician, Derek Flynn. For more information ring Elaine on 051 306728, and places are limited so ring to secure your place. The Shy Project The Volunteer Homework Club at the Shy Project, Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service, are seeking volunteers who will have one or two hours to commit weekly, to join their Homework Club. The club offers homework support for primary school boys on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. This is an opportunity to develop relationships with the younger generation in your community and make a positive impact on their lives. For further information please contact Rachel on 086 8589871 or Tracey on 086 1831555. Uisce Eireann wishes to remind all customers on the Ballyogarty Public Water Supply Scheme in County Waterford, that a Do Not Consume notice remains in place. This notice was issued on Monday, July 29, following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), to protect the health of customers following the detection of an exceedance of arsenic in the supply. The notice applies to all areas supplied by the Ballyogarty Public Water Supply including Ballyogarty, Graigueshoneen, Cooltubrid East and areas of Kilmacthomas including Union Road, Hillside Crescent, Hillside Close and Cruachan View. A map of the Ballyogarty Water Supply is available on www.water.ie A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann told Waterford News & Star that customers should note it's not a Boil Water Notice. "Boiling the water is not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume," said the spokesperson. "It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants." An alternative water supply, in the form of a bulk tanker, remains in place at Kilmacthomas GAA Club. The alternative supply is being replenished on a daily basis and customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure. Uisce Eireann drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this situation as soon as possible. Speaking about the work being done to rectify the problem, Uisce Eireann's, Maura Phelan, said: "Public health is Uisce Eireanns number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community. We would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible." "We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278," she said. Ms Phelan the highlighted that the water should not be used for day-to-day activities such as: drinking; drinks made with water; food preparation, washing or cooking of food; brushing of teeth and making ice. Children under 12 months old should not drink this water, in particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water and it should not be used for making infant formula for bottle-fed infants. "An alternative source of water should be used," said the Uisce Eireann spokesperson, in a statement to Waterford News & Star. "Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula," he said. "All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water," he added. "It is best not to use bottled water labelled as Natural Mineral Water, as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does." However, Natural Mineral Water can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. Customers are also asked to note that if bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for one minute), and cooled in the normal way and ready-to-use formula, that does not need added water, can also be used. The spokesperson said domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink and caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water. Ice cubes in fridges and freezers, along with filtered water in fridges, should also be discarded. The spokesperson said the water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils Uisce Eireann will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable. Updates are available on our Water Supply Updates section on www.water.ie, on X @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Kenneth Fox A teenager has been charged in court with having a 18-inch machete blade as well as cocaine, when stopped in a car by gardai, last Friday. Kevin Kiely, (19), with an address at Barnakyle, Patrickswell, Co Limerick, was granted bail before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday, August 3rd. Mr Kiely is charged that on August 2nd, he had an 18-inch Machete Blade which had a blade or was sharply pointed, at Cloughkeating, Patrickswell, Limerick, a public place, charge sheets stated. The alleged offence is contrary to section 9(1) & (7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 as amended by section 39 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Mr Kiely is further accused that, on the same date at the same location, he had in his possession a controlled drug, namely, cocaine, to the value 9,100 for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another. The charge of having cocaine for sale or supply to others, is contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Mr Kiely is further charged with simple possession of cocaine, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. According to charge sheets, Mr Kiely made no reply to the charges. Mr Kiely is alleged to have been driving a car which was stopped by gardai, and found with cocaine, 1,000 cash and a large machete, as part of local Garda investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs and related criminal activity in the Limerick area. The accused was arrested by Detective Garda Dean Landers, Roxboro Road Garda Station, Limerick, at 8.10pm, last Friday, and he was charged with three offences at 12:15am, Saturday, August 3rd. He made no reply to the charges, charge sheets stated. Prosecuting Garda Inspector, Gearoid Thompson, Bruff Garda Station, told the court that the State had consented to bail with strict conditions. The accuseds solicitor, Tom Kiely, Kiely McCarthy Solicitors, Limerick, no relation to the accused, said his client was not working and is in receipt of social welfare. Free legal aid was granted to the accused, who signed a bail bond agreeing to only reside at his home address at Barnakyle, Patrickswell; to provide his phone number to Gardai in order to be contactable by Gardai at all times, and to sign on daily at a garda station. The accused did not indicate a plea and spoke in court only to confirm he had signed his bail bond. Judge Fiona Brennan remanded Mr Kiely on bail to appear before Limerick District Court on September 13th for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the August 4 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories . Sarah Ferguson and her friend, the late, great journalist Liz Jackson, used to have a pact. It was called the never confrontingly ugly agreement, and it was struck between the two prize-winning journalists as a way of ensuring they were just-presentable-enough to appear on camera from a war zone, or a disaster zone, or hanging off the back of a donkey cart, or any other spot the foreign correspondents found themselves in. It was all right to look a bit rough and ready if you were bouncing around in the Pakistan floods, as Liz was, but the bar was never confrontingly ugly, Ferguson explains. Chortling, she immediately recounts an occasion where, in her estimation, she failed to clear the bar. It was March 2022, and Ferguson was reporting from the frontlines of Ukraine, under siege from Russia, from a train heading grimly towards Kyiv. I look like Im 130 years old, she says. But Im like, How can I mind this? I am not entitled to mind this! I am going into a war. I am surrounded by suffering. This anecdote is typical Sarah Ferguson. It is self-deprecating, but it is set somewhere far-flung and is directly related to one of her many diverse intellectual interests in this case, her twin fascinations with European history and war reporting. Ferguson, 58, is a person who moves towards the action. Thats why she has won five Walkley Awards, including the Gold Walkley, five Logies, two AACTA awards and a Queensland Premiers Literary Award, among others. This year she is up for the Logie for Best News or Public Affairs Presenter. Ferguson and I are having lunch at Next Door in Sydneys Double Bay. She is casual in a pink shirt and minimal jewellery. She laughs freely and often especially when she relays an anecdote from 2008 when legendary former Channel Nine CEO David Gyngell was trying to convince her to stay with the network (Nine is the publisher of this masthead). Advertisement He told Ferguson she could have a career like the former CBS correspondent Lara Logan. Gyngell said, You could be like her, flying into war zones. I mean, youre not plug-ugly! she recounts. She laughs and then begs, Please dont make that the headline. Because Gyngell was such a good guy, and I wasnt hurt. It wasnt unkind. Ferguson has come from the gym and has sore thigh muscles, so I suggest a restorative array of proteins and carbohydrates pork, veal and ricotta meatballs, fresh curd with marinated peppers and charred sourdough, ceviche of coronation trout, and tuna carpaccio. We drink sparkling water Ferguson is on air tonight. Loading It has been two years since she took over from Leigh Sales as host of the ABCs 7.30. Ferguson came to the role with great experience as both a veteran Four Corners reporter and maker of long-form series including The Killing Season and Code of Silence. She had already filled in when Sales went on maternity leave in 2014. It is intimidating interviewing a Gold Walkley winner. I should ask her what she would ask herself, if she were in my position. Instead, I ask her how she extracts something new or surprising from wily, media-savvy subjects. Its all in the preparation, Ferguson replies. I want new things, but I also want an experience, so Im always balancing the nature of the interview against the style of the interview. Its not just about asking the right questions, its about a certain theatre that attends live television. Advertisement Ferguson has received her share of brickbats from all quarters. In 2018, she was criticised for platforming the extreme-right provocateur and MAGA muse Steve Bannon when she interviewed him and posted a photograph of the two of them together. And in 2021, Fox News, owned by Murdoch-controlled Fox Corporation, complained to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) about Fergusons two-part Four Corners story, Fox and the Big Lie. More recently, the ABC Ombudsman backed her over an interview with an Israel Defence Forces spokesman that received 52 complaints from viewers. Ferguson disagrees with the idea that interviewing someone is platforming them but says she is more thoughtful about the extremes of debate in the post-Trump, post-truth media landscape. The nightmare scenario for me is the end of any shared zone, the idea that there should only be one source of information, she says. Recently freed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange tops her list of interview targets for 7.30 and she would also like to get Boris Johnson and Benjamin Netanyahu on the show. Her least favourite interviewee? Actor Ben Affleck is quite high up on the list she says. He was just rude, not interested, going through the motions. I have never met another journalist with the same ability to get to the heart of the matter fast, Ferguson says of her husband, Tony Jones. Credit: Nicholas Wilson Ferguson has been married to fellow award-winning journalist Tony Jones since 1992. They met when Ferguson was embarking on her career, working as a freelance producer in Paris. Jones was a foreign correspondent, and when they laid eyes on each other at Charles de Gaulle airport, it was a coup de foudre. The pair are competitive but also collegiate. Jones helps her prepare for interviews and sometimes even with contact negotiations. But, she says, there are things Tony thinks I should tell him and I dont. Advertisement Like what? About some of the people I speak to, she says, cryptically. She laughs about the year she was nominated for four Walkleys. She missed out on the first three, and the fourth time, the Walkley went to Tony Jones. She took a minute to herself, then she celebrated with him. I have never met another journalist with the same ability to get to the heart of the matter fast, she says of her husband. He sees through to the heart of topics with incredible alacrity. It would be very hard for me to do my job without him. The couple share three boys Jones son and Fergusons stepson, Felix, and the two boys they had together, Cosmo and Lucien. All are adults now, in their 20s and 30s. Felix is living and working in China, and the younger two have just moved back from Canberra, where they were studying, and are living together in Sydney. Having children is lovely and being a working mother is so hard that period of school and all the micro-anxieties that are there for a mother. SARAH FERGUSON Its so cute, I want to die! The reward of this period of time I could honestly just cry into our plates, she says of her sons. Having children is lovely and being a working mother is so hard that period of school and all the micro-anxieties that are there for a mother. So when they grow up and theyre doing their own washing and theyre okay, theyre good people, it is possible to love them even more. Advertisement Now they are empty nesters, Ferguson and Jones spend more time together at their holiday place on the NSW south coast. We muck around, we walk a bit, we cycle a bit. Its so beautiful. I ask about the menopause. She says her physical symptoms werent too bad but its more to do with sense of self, she says. That is so radically altered. Its a massive shift. Loading As time passes, the thing that haunts Ferguson is what she calls her scant knowledge. I wish Id understood when I was younger that what you need is knowledge. Now I think, I might never learn Russian! All the things I could have learnt! All the things I dont know! She also wants to travel more, a lot more to Petra, Jordan, Iran, and to the top of every single mountain there is. As for the future, Ferguson is unsure, but says I want to keep making films. I love making television, I love cameras, I love editing, I love music, I love structure. I love the joy of being in an edit suite with a scene thats working. Thats really wonderful. Mastering a new language might have to wait. Or perhaps not if anyone can do it all while also studying Russian, it is Sarah Ferguson. Intravenous infusion treatments spruiked as being able to cure hangovers or bolster immunity are surging in popularity, as doctors call for a crackdown on the unregulated market. Two dozen new infusion companies have registered with the Australian Business Register in the past five years. Mobile clinics have also emerged, with nurses travelling to homes to administer treatments in backyards or living rooms. Some companies provide corporate wellness packages for employees to undergo infusions at retreats or in their workspaces. Prices range from $200 for vitamin C to $700 for biohacking coenzyme drips, with providers offering to prepare a personalised cocktail of nutrients claiming to reduce stress, sharpen focus and improve energy levels. What has been proven is that Mr Paul arranged Mr Sarics funeral and then treated Mr Sarics fibro cottage at Gymea Bay as his (Mr Pauls) for the next nearly 50 years until his own death in 2018, the judge said. After Pauls death, the executor of his estate applied to the court for orders enabling him to sell the property on the basis that Paul, survived by his widow, had become the owner of the cottage by adverse possession, and it formed part of his estate. The judge found Paul did all the things a homeowner might: he split the cost of a fence with a neighbour, paid rates and electricity bills, insured the cottage, and rented it out from at least 1995. While there was no documentary evidence before 1995, Kunc said it was highly unlikely that Mr Paul would have ... delayed in taking possession of the cottage as his own in light of the substantial windfall or gift it represented. He found Paul took possession from January 1, 1969. The judge referred to the possibility that Mr Saric may have told Mr Paul that the latter could have the cottage, perhaps in return for care provided by Mr Paul. But there was no evidence to this effect. The court found that any right to possession of the cottage that may have existed in Mr Sarics heirs has been definitively extinguished from January 2009, when a 40-year limitation period expired. The cottage formed part of Pauls estate. The property was sold by the executor of Pauls estate in June for almost $1.5 million. Use it, or lose it Sydney barrister Patricia Lane, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney and property law expert, said that the rights to land are based loosely on a concept of, use it, or lose it. The economic value of land is such that the law essentially preserves the ability to buy and sell land by saying that if you do not exercise rights as owner and somebody else does, and that continues for long enough, that other person will actually wind up with something: the title to the land, Lane said. Lane said that you start with the proposition that the person whos in adverse possession is actually in possession, that is, doing acts that an owner would do, like, for example, fencing the property, keeping people out, [and renting it out] as occurred in this case. The owner would have a right to get an order for possession, Lane said, but the law also says you dont have forever to do that, and the normal position is that people have 12 years from the date on which they were dispossessed, or on which they could with reasonable diligence have discovered the fact they had been dispossessed. There is also a back-stop period of 30 years that applies even if the 12-year limitation period cannot start running for various reasons, such as if the owner were under a mental incapacity or, despite reasonable diligence, had never discovered someone had moved in, such as if the property was remote or inaccessible. The back-stop period extinguishes any claims by the original owner or their heirs after this date. In the Gymea Bay case, a limitation period of 20 years with a 40-year back-stop period applied. The shorter 12- and 30-year periods only became law in 1971, after Saric died. Kunc said the result of the 40-year back-stop period was that any cause of action to recover possession of the cottage by Mr Sarics legal personal representatives was completely extinguished from 1 January 2009. This marked 40 years from January 1, 1969, when Paul took possession of the property. SQUATTERS RIGHTS Among a string of adverse possession cases in Sydney in recent years was a dispute between neighbours over a Redfern dunny lane and a case about whether a mother became entitled to a house in Sydney under squatters rights and could leave it to her sons. Adverse possession requires a person to occupy another persons land continuously for at least 12 years. It must be without: (a) force, (b) secrecy, and (c) the landowners permission. A longer period of 20 years was required in the Gymea Bay case because older laws applied. A 40-year limitation period operated in any case to extinguish any other claims to the cottage. Fairly typical case Macquarie Law School Professor Cathy Sherry said that this was a fairly typical adverse possession case. It illustrated that people can lose track of land, and can lose track of relatives. Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. Housing demand in Perth continues to outpace supply with real estate pundits predicting the crisis gripping the city is set to worsen. This time a year ago, when Perth was already in the midst of a housing crisis, there were a touch over 2300 houses, 1503 units and 1403 vacant blocks for sale a total of 5257 properties. Australian house prices have experienced some of the biggest increases in the developed world since the pandemic. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos This week that figure has plummeted to 3285 comprising 1939 houses, 905 units and 441 vacant blocks. Strategic Property Group managing director Trent Fleskens said the housing crisis was as critical as any time in recorded history. Chapin, South Carolina: Donald Trump says he is pulling out of a scheduled September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on US broadcaster ABC and wants them to face off on Fox News, making it increasingly unlikely that the candidates will confront each other on stage before the November election. In a series of Truth Social posts late Friday, the Republican nominee and former president said his agreement to a September 10 debate on ABC has been terminated because he will no longer face Democratic President Joe Biden, who ended his campaign last month after a disastrous performance in their first debate. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the presidential debate hosted by CNN with President Joe Biden in June. Credit: AP Trump now says he will appear on Fox News on September 4 in Pennsylvania with rules that he called similar to his debate with Biden, but with a full audience instead of a mostly empty studio. Trump said that if Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, does not agree to the new network and date, he will do a major Town Hall with Fox News. Michael Tyler, a Harris spokesperson, said Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out. The world is teetering on the edge of war. Immigration flows are putting the very notion of a nation state under pressure. People throughout the developed world are struggling under the cost of living; some parts of some cities in America the Great feel like Third World countries. But the election is currently a battle of the sexes. While the election was about age, the Republicans werent mad about the hand theyd been dealt. Now that its about gender, theyre faced with a very special conundrum. Women dont like them. And it seems they dont like women much either. Then, from the time when a COVID-struck Biden announced his decision not to run for president again and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris, it became about gender, not policy. Such are the failings of the presidential system; policy runs a poor second to personality. From the moment Joe Bidens precipitous descent into senility became evident during the presidential debate against Donald Trump, until the time he was filmed laboriously mounting the stairs to Air Force One, the upcoming US election was about age, not policy. It seems that US men are from Mars and many Republican supporters X-owner Elon Musk foremost among them are striving to return thence. Women are from the Democratic Party. It took J.D. Vance, then running for the Senate, now for vice president, to say the quiet part out loud. In September 2021, he sent out fundraising emails referring to the radical childless leaders in this country. And just to be sure voters were in no doubt that he meant the womenfolk, he went on Tucker Carlson Tonight to specify that childless cat ladies are especially reprehensible. We are effectively run in this country, via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made, he told Carlson, And so they wanna make the rest of the country miserable, too. With those words, Vance both perfectly articulated how many Republicans feel and artlessly explained why the American right is haemorrhaging female support. The Republicans have a woman problem because they look at the declining marriage and birth rate in the US and decide that only one-half of the population should shoulder the blame. Trump with wife Melania, alongside J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance. Credit: AP Its no mystery why theyre concerned. Pew Research finds that married men are the most likely to vote Republican and that the less married people are, the further they lean to the left. Having children brings people a little closer to the right. Never-married women are the most likely to vote Democrat, with a whopping 72 per cent of this demographic leaning towards the Democratic Party. And a quarter of women under 40 years old have never been married. Add that to the 44 per cent of adults between 18 and 49 who say it is not too or not at all likely that they will have children someday, and you can see why the Republican Party is especially keen to get family formation back on track. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust at those flying the Irish Tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. The Taoiseach spoke with First Minister Michelle ONeill on Sunday after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. Protesters waving both the union flag and the Tricolour took part in the protest at the front of Belfast City Hall. Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke with Michelle ONeill on Sunday (Brian Lawless/PA) There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock in north Dublin, which has been the scene of recent anti-immigration protests. A statement from Mr Harriss office said he had agreed to stay in contact with Ms ONeill. It said: They discussed the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island. The Taoiseach spoke of Belfast as a city and society that has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace, and build respect and inclusivity. The Taoiseach also expressed disgust at those flying the Irish Tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents. There have been a series of anti-immigrant protests and incidents of related violence across Ireland in recent months. Michelle ONeill urged anyone with information about violence in Belfast to bring it to police (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill said: I briefed An Taoiseach on the totally unacceptable racist attacks on people and businesses in Belfast yesterday. We are agreed that co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination and intimidation anywhere in our society. I remain resolutely committed to a shared, modern and inclusive society. In order to ensure that devices aren't a distraction during the school day, each middle school and high school student will be assigned a personal pouch for their phone and smartwatch by the company Yondr. Paul Clearly, A is best. Mel says: The official salary for judges has always been too low to attract the best Candidates to the job A) says that the ban on receiving money for lectures and teaching engagements will not affect the situation and in that in fact, the raise in salary really does improve the situation. However, Pat's response is based on current members "Since very few judges [current judges] teach or give lectures..." This is not sufficient to explain how that ban will not hamper the recruitment of the best candidates as mentioned in Mel's argument. D) Pat does give evidence to support his argument. "Since very few judges teach or give lectures, the ban will have little or no negative effect" is his argument although it is a weak one as explained above A Hey Paul, here I go.here as well, the best answer, imo BEIJING, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message to To Lam, congratulating him on election as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee. In the congratulatory message, Xi said he was glad to learn that To Lam has been elected as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, and would like to extend warm congratulations to To Lam on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and in his own name. In recent years, the CPV has implemented the spirit of the resolution of the Party's 13th National Congress, vigorously promoted party building, and pushed for new achievements in the socialist construction and the country's cause of Doi Moi, Xi said. Xi expressed the belief that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee, the whole CPV and the people of Vietnam will successfully fulfill the goals and tasks set forth by the 13th National Congress of the CPV, steadily advance the preparation for the 14th National Congress of the CPV, and continue to march toward the goals set for the centenary of the CPV and the centenary of the country. Noting that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi said that during his state visit to Vietnam last December, the two sides jointly announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, opening up a new journey and a new chapter in the relations between the two parties as well as the two countries. Xi said he stands ready to work with To Lam to guide the substantial development in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, jointly carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate mutual political trust, deepen strategic communication, and promote practical cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind. Xi said he wishes To Lam new achievements in his noble post. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Ye Shan The National Hurricane Center warned of a "life-threatening situation" Sunday evening as Hurricane Debby gained strength over the Gulf of Mexico on a path toward Florida's coast. The center of the storm was about 100 miles west of Tampa, Florida with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, the hurricane center said in an update issued at 11 p.m. ET. Debby was forecast to barrel into the Big Bend coast from mainland Florida to the state's panhandle early Monday morning. Storm surges and high tides were predicted to cause up to 10 feet of flooding, and rainfall totals could reach 18 inches across parts of northern Florida by Friday. "This is a life-threatening situation," the hurricane center said. "Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions." Gov. Ron DeSantis urged "all Floridians to be cognizant of the fact that we are going to have a hurricane hit the state, probably a Category 1, but it could be a little bit more powerful than that," the Associated Press reported. "But we are absolutely going to see a lot of rainfall. We are going to see a lot of saturation. We are going to see flooding events. That is going to happen. There is also going to be power outages," DeSantis said during a Sunday morning briefing. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June. Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, killed 36 people around Houston, with nine deaths added to the toll last week, according to the Houston Chronicle. The storm also reportedly killed at least 11 others in the Caribbean before it crossed the Gulf of Mexico into Mexico and Texas. Around 100,000 people took part in a march through London Saturday in the 17th national protest Israels genocide in Gaza. Taking place amid the deepening threat of a US-led regional war against Iran and the whipping up of fascist mobs against Muslims in Britain, organisers the Stop the War Coalition (STWC), Palestine Solidarity Campaign and others such as the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) doubled down on their efforts to channel anti-genocide and anti-war sentiment into the dead end of appeals to the Labour Party to back a ceasefire, end arms sales to Israel and recognize Palestine. A section of the protesters listening to the rally in London, August 3, 2024 Using the occasion of the election of a Labour government, the main slogan of the march was, Tell Starmer: Stop arming Israel End the genocide No Middle East war. It assembled on Park Lane, near Hyde Park and passed by Trafalgar Square before stopping outside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers residence at 10 Downing Street. There was a significant police presence throughout, following threats of provocations from far-right thugs. Evidence presented that the strategy of pressuring Labour is working centered on reporting the governments promise to suspend some arms sales to Israel, restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and withdraw opposition to the International Criminal Courts arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The SWP lauded the promised suspension on Tuesday, saying, Its a sign that Labour can be pushed to concede to demands if people fight for them. By the time the rally was held. However, it was already clear that the promise was worthless. Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared that he wants to make a distinction between weapons used by Israel for the war in Gaza and those used defensively, citing the alleged Hezbollah attack on the Golan Heights last weekend. Any arms sales suspension would therefore be deferred until a review into whether there was a clear risk of a breach of international humanitarian law. The restoration of funding for UNRWA is equally meaningless, given that Israel has relentlessly bombed and destroyed its facilities in Gaza, including its headquarters. Lammy made clear the token character of his call for a ceasefire and similar poses of neutrality by visiting Israel and shaking hands Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant even as the Israel Defense Forces were busy slaughtering Palestinians. The only MP at the rally was Apsana Begum, a member of the rump Socialist Campaign Group, who two weeks ago was suspended from the Labour Party for six months for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, pending a review. Even in her new position as an independent MP, she could not bring herself to utter any word of criticism of Starmers Labour Partynot even in her own defencelimiting herself to useless appeals for a ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state. Apsana Begum speaking at the national rally Liz Wheatley, secretary of the Camden branch of the public sector UNISON trade union, said, Last time I stood on a platform here in Whitehall, as Rafah was being bombed, we had a Tory government. A government full of bigots. A government representing their friends in the City and their friends the arms dealers. She might have said, This time I am stood on a platform as Rafah is being bombed with the support of a government of bigots and friends of the City and arms dealers headed by Keir Starmer. Liz Wheatley Instead, she merely stated that The government may have changed but our demands havent. So, we demand of Keir Starmer an immediate permanent ceasefire now. Stop the sale of arms to Israel and recognise the Palestinian state. The president of the Public and Commercial Services union Martin Cavanagh condemned the genocide, as well as the fascists riots that have taken place in Britain during the past week but did not mention the Labour government at all. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbynelected as an independent in the general election after being expelled by Starmermade no appearance this time, instead sending a message in which he asked pathetically, How much more incentive do President Biden and Prime Minister Starmer need to halt arms supplies to Israel? To bolster their international credentials, the organisers gave a platform to Jerome Legavre, a French deputy from the France Unbowed/La France Insoumise (LFI) party of Jean-Luc Melenchon. Jerome Legavre (right) speaking at the rally He highlighted the line-up of NATO governments supporting the genocide: This is a true barbarity, orchestrated by Netanyahu, with the complicity and military aid of Biden in the United States, Macron in France, Scholz in Germany, Sunak and now Starmer in Great Britain. Without forgetting the responsibility of the governments of the Arab countries in the Middle East. He continued: A few days ago, just before the opening of the Olympic Games, Emmanuel Macron welcomed the President of Israel, the one who signed the bombs that shatter the children of Gaza. Macron continues to send weapons to Israel. He continues, like many others, his disgusting campaign of defamation and slander, by shamefully accusing us of antisemitism, to try to silence us. What Legavre failed to explain is that Macron has denied the LFI and its New Popular Front alliance with the Communist Party and Socialist Party the right to from a government as the largest party in the National Assembly and is running as a de facto dictator, while he conducts clandestine discussions with the fascist National Rally of Marine Le Pen. If even this outpouring of popular support does not move these pseudo-left outfits to organise anything more substantial than plaintive appeals to the ruling class, then nothing will. The rally ended with more proof that the pressure campaign is working, with Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal reporting the breaking news that Kings College became the first university in London that divested from Israel, that the Walton Forest Pension Fund announced that it will divest from all complicit companies and that Islington Council has announced that it is dropping its contract with Barclays Bank. Such actions will have zero effect in saving any lives in Gaza Ben Jamal speaking at the London rally In contrast to the empty appeals of the rallys organisers, the Socialist Equality Party circulated as a leaflet the WSWS perspective statement, Build the socialist opposition to Starmers right-wing government! The perspective explains that workers and young people must build a revolutionary movement that harnesses the broad opposition to the Gaza genocide as the starting point for a struggle against the Labour government and its programme of imperialist war. This is the only way to stop the genocide and prevent the descent of society deeper and deeper into barbarism. WSWS reporters spoke to some of those attending Saturdays national rally against the genocide in Gaza. Paul, a town planner, said, I'm here to speak against the wickedness that Israel is perpetrating and that our government is complicit with and continue to support Israel, saying it has the right to defend itself. It doesn't. It's stolen land, it continues to murder, kill, rape people and just the lies that they have told throughout the world that our government accepts. Tory, Labour, unfortunately it looks like they're all the same. Paul What is quite frightening was the [US] Senate, when they gave standing ovation to Netanyahu. Israel has really learned from Hitler and they've taken it up another few notches. Asked his thoughts on the war in Ukraine against Russia, Paul said, Ukraine is a very difficult thing. I don't like Putin, I don't know what he stands for, but Ukraine in terms of its society and what it's done itself is also fascist. Paul said of the new Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer, which has backed Israels genocide, Starmer cannot be trusted. That guy has said so many lies, he's made all these promises, turned against every single one of them. On the necessity for the anti-war movement to be based on a socialist, anti-capitalist programme, Paul said, I think what you're saying is right. If you look at the history of humankind, we've been here for hundreds of thousands of years. Capitalism has only been here for the last three, four hundred years. It may not happen to our generation, but I think we will see an overturning or a revolution. I think what we're seeing in the American imperialism, if you're right, that's coming to an end. Ahmed said, I'm here today marching for peace and for a free Palestine. People had to keep marching and keep calling for freedom, for an end to arms sales and for Palestine to be recognised as a state. Ahmed The Labour party have restored funding to UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]. That's a very small step in the right direction but it's nowhere near enough. The Labour party need to publish the legal advice on arms sales to Israel. They need to ban all arms sales to Israel because UK weapons are clearly being used to commit a genocide, to murder innocent civilians, men, women and children, and to annihilate the infrastructure in Gaza. They won't do it by themselves, not off their own back. The Labour party are just the Tories in different colour under Keir Starmer. It's only with enough pressure from the people of this country, marching week in, week out, calling for equality, calling for peace, calling for human rights for all. That's what will make a difference. Ash said, I'm here today as I've been the past almost a year because I have friends in Gaza, because I come from the occupied world, and because I understand the struggles. In British politics they keep expanding neocolonial dynamics in the occupied world and I'm here to protest a genocide based on colonial interests. Ash (right) Asked her thoughts on the Starmer government, she said, I think it makes no difference whether it's Labour or Tories because it's all about economics and markets and profit making. And also about the military complex interest that drain money from public budgets into the military complex interest. David, a student, said, All the people can do is march, all the people can do is keep making their voice heard, and try to pressure their government, regardless of party, in the right direction. David When a WSWS reporter pointed out that all the imperialist governments agreed with Israels genocide, David said, Yes, It's very much backed by the United States, it's backed by Britain. Germany refuses to make any sort of compromises for their own reasons, of course, to stop supplying weapons to Israel. Even though all of them are well aware of the kind of situation that's happened in Gaza and the West Bank for literally decades. [Assassinated Hamas leader] Ismail Haniyeh was actually a negotiator for peace with Israel. The History We're Taught Is Wildly Censored And Sanitized, So Here 23 Messed Up Things That Have Happened In World History That Everyone Should Be Aware Of Recently, Reddit user No_Camera29 asked, "What's a creepy fact you wish you never learned?" and people had a ton to say about world history that was wildly disturbing. Here are 23 facts you probably did not learn about in school. NOTE: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence and death. 1.The Nazi atrocities during WWII are well-documented, but few seem to know about Josef Mengele's experiments on twins. Reports suggest he performed tests on 732 pairs of twins at Auschwitz, mainly on the topic of inherited genes and attempting to prove that Jewish and Roma people were genetically weak. Survivors remember children having organs and limbs removed without anesthesia, other children getting murdered and then dissected, and still others getting injected with diseases. Suggested by uPatrickMcWhorter Hulton Archive / Getty Images One child remembers being brought into Mengele's lab: "I was looking at a whole wall of human eyes. A wall of blue eyes, brown eyes, green eyes. These eyes, they were staring at me like a collection of butterflies, and I fell down on the floor." Mengele also allegedly once threw a newborn infant into an oven because it was not a twin. After the war, Mengele escaped to South America. He was never caught and brought to justice. He lived until 1979. Mengele also experimented on people with dwarfism and other physical differences, along with Roma people. One victim remembers Mengele forcing a Roma woman and a person with dwarfism to have sex. Gali Tibbon / AFP via Getty Images 2.We cannot speak about WWII war crimes without mentioning Japan's Unit 731. They conducted atrocious experiments on (mostly Chinese) prisoners of war, many on the topic of how much the human body could withstand before death. Many of the leaders were granted immunity from the US in exchange for the results of their experiments. Among other things, we know how to treat frostbite due to Unit 731. Suggested by u/Daydream_Meanderer, u/yepitsdad, u/Jaded-Situation1814, and u/RiotousRagnarok However, as u/SunkenBurrito53 pointed out, it's worth noting that many of these experiments did not properly use the scientific method, and thus, the results were not reliable. Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 3.And then there's the horrors that occurred at Pitesti Prison in Romania after the war. Between 1949 and 1951, the Communist Party tortured, humiliated, and killed political prisoners, many of them young anti-communist students captured by the Soviets, in a "reeducation" experiment where victims had to "unmask" themselves and become supporters of the Community Party. The victims were forced to renounce all religious beliefs, eat feces, and torture each other, among other horrific tortures. The experiment was led and carried out by guards and other prisoners. Suggested by u/TheseStrategy5905 cnsas.ro (Consiliul National pentru Studierea Arhivelor Securitatii), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 4.Before you think testing on prisoners only happened abroad, you should read up on Holmesburg Prison in Pennsylvania. Dr. Albert M. Kligman performed dermatological experiments on prisoners for over two decades, exposing them to carcinogenic compounds, radioactive elements, diseases and infections such as herpes, and more. The prisoners were paid a small amount, but many did not understand what they were consenting to. These lasted until the mid-1970s. It's been reported that illegal medical testing still happens in American prisons today for example, in 2021, it was alleged that high doses of ivermectin were tested on four inmates in an Arkansas prison with COVID-19 without informing them. Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images 5.And then, of course, there was the Tuskegee Study (though this was not done with prisoners), where scientists studied syphilis in 600 Black men (201 were controls that did not have the disease). None of them were told they had syphilis or understood what they were being treated for, and none of them were given penicillin, which was a readily available and effective treatment for their disease post-1943. Researchers even convinced local physicians not to treat the men they studied them at the above Tuskegee Institute instead. ASSOCIATED PRESS The experiment lasted 40 years and continued until the 1970s it only ended because the Associated Press broke a story on it. Its last member died in 2004; overall, 128 had died either from syphilis or related complications, and the disease had been passed on to 40 spouses and 19 children. The government did not apologize until 1997. ASSOCIATED PRESS 6.The US also conducted STI experiments in Guatemala in the 1940s. The study was done on over 5,500 prisoners, sex workers (so that they would transmit the disease to others), soldiers, children (as young as one), and psychiatric patients. Over 1300 of them were purposefully infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, or chancroid, and only some received treatment. Pierce Archive LLC/Buyenlarge via Getty Images 7.In another unethical American experiment, the government set out to discover just how unsafe radiation was as they began developing the atomic bomb. They ran tests on terminally ill patients where they exposed them to different radioactive elements (like polonium, plutonium, and uranium) to see what would happen and how long it would stay in their blood. Patients were most likely not aware of what they were receiving and many were not actually terminally ill. Human experiments with radioactivity continued into the 1950s subjects ranged from children to jailed people to pregnant mothers, most of whom did not know what was being done to them. Albert Stevens was one patient who was not actually terminally ill he had been misdiagnosed with cancer when, in reality, he just had an ulcer. He later became known as the most radioactive person alive due to the amount of radiation in his body as a result of the experiments (6,400rem over the years, yet he lived until 79). He was never told he had been exposed to plutonium nor that he did not, in fact, have cancer. Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images 8.One more American test...during the Cold War, the CIA tested out if mind control was possible using drugs like LSD (and methods like electroshock and sleep deprivation) in a project called MK-ULTRA. Who were these tests done on? American prisoners, prisoners in foreign detention centers, those in psychiatric hospitals and schools, and unwitting CIA agents themselves. Some of the victims were pregnant mothers and children. Suggested by u/Flashy_Hearing4773 Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images We still don't know how many died or were permanently altered as a result of these experiments which did not prove the possibility of mind control, though mind erasing seemed to occur. One death we do know happened because of MK-ULTRA was that of CIA agent Frank Olson, who jumped out a window after being sent to a retreat where he was given LSD without his knowledge. The CIA covered up the true nature of his death for decades and when Olson's body was exhumed many years later, there was evidence he had actually been thrown out the window, leading many to believe the CIA killed him due to his knowledge. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive 9.Another victim of MK-ULTRA? Notorious Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger. As a young man in prison, he was given LSD over 50 times. After his release, he would go on to lead the Winter Hill Gang, whose violence wreaked havoc on Boston for decades. He was eventually convicted of 11 murders, among other charges. Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images 10.Let's move on from the US for a bit. You've probably heard of the musical Evita, and you may even know that it tells the story of Eva Peron, who was the second wife of the president of Argentina, Juan Peron. But I doubt you know the journey her body went through after she died of cancer first, Juan tried to build a giant monument to display her body. When he was forced into exile as a result of a coup, the new regime ordered Eva's body be buried, though they didn't want anyone to know where lest she become a revolutionary symbol. They stored her corpse in trucks, military locations, behind a cinema, etc...before it came into the possession of Major Arancibia, who reportedly engaged in necrophilia with the corpse and then shot his wife in the throat when he was discovered. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images The corpse then went to Colonel Carlos Eugenio de Moori Koenig, who allegedly also had feelings for her and had his officers pee on her when the corpse did not return his affections. Her body was finally returned to her husband Juan, who was now remarried, though a freak accident killed the transporters. The couple kept Eva's body on their dining room table. His wife Isabel would comb Eva's hair and sometimes lie beside her. Juan eventually became president again, with Isabel succeeding him after his death, and she had the corpse displayed. She was eventually buried in her family's mausoleum, though another freak accident during transport again killed all three men accompanying her body. She currently resides in her fortified tomb, which has a trapdoor and fake coffins to distract from Eva's real one. Suggested by u/_forum_mod, u/so-very-intelligent, and u/PuffinChaos Keystone/Hulton Archive / Getty Images 11.In a somewhat similar story, a man named Carl Tanzer, who worked at a Florida hospital, became infatuated with a young tuberculosis patient named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos in the 1930s. He believed Maria to be the dark-haired woman he'd dreamt about for years. After she died, he bought her a mausoleum and visited her constantly for two years before deciding to take her body home with him. He used wax, plaster, silk, and piano wire to refurbish her decaying body and lived with her for seven years. He allegedly also placed a tube in her vagina for intercourse. He was finally found out after he was seen dancing with the corpse through his window. Suggested by u/MeatShield12 Florida Keys History Center / Via Flickr: keyslibraries 12.This is more sad than creepy, but there's evidence that all of the crew members aboard the Challenger space shuttle survived the initial explosion and may even have been conscious until the passenger cabin hit the ocean. Robert Overmyer, NASA's lead investigator, stated: 'I not only flew with [Commander] Dick Scobee, we owned a plane together, and I know Scob did everything he could to save his crew. Scob fought for any and every edge to survive. He flew that ship without wings all the way down.'" Suggested by u/Zolome1977 and u/tommytraddles NASA/Space Frontiers / Getty Images 13.And the people of Pompeii weren't killed instantly most of them died in the 15 minutes following the explosion, suffocating from burning ash and gas. Some Pompei victims died not from suffocation but from the temperature of this gas, which boiled their blood until their skulls exploded. Suggested by u/Tired_Lambchop111 Marco Cantile/LightRocket via Getty Images 14.Women used to give birth upright. We give birth lying down now not because of any medical advantage but because in the 1600s, France's King Louis XIV popularized the practice. He preferred this position so he could see his children being born better. It's possible this was also a "fetish" or that there was a "perverted" reason. Suggested by u/bitchspicedlatte Hulton Archive / Getty Images 15.The "father of modern gynecology," J. Marion Sims, is best known for inventing many techniques used in modern gynecology. How'd he develop these techniques? Testing them, without anesthesia, on enslaved Black women. One woman, Anarcha, had 30 surgeries performed on her. The speculum and rectal examination positions used today are both named after him, and a statue of him in Central Park was only taken down in 2018. Suggested by u/writeyourwayout Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 16.In the early 1900s, many women were employed painting watches because of their smaller hands. The paint contained radium, which the women were assured was not dangerous. They were even instructed to lick the brushes like you might do now with thread to get them to a fine point. But soon, the women became ill and died horrifically, with their bones literally being eaten away from the inside out. u/Clean_Signature_6997 Daily Herald Archive/SSPL / Getty Images 17.Speaking of Radium, it used to be used quite commonly. It was used in makeup, toothpaste, hair creams, and food. H.W. Cherry/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images 18.Valery Khodemchuk's remains are still inside the reactor four building at Chernobyl. He was working in one of the engine rooms when the reactor exploded. His body has never been found. Vladimir Shashenok also died while attempting to rescue Khodemchuk. Sean Gallup / Getty Images 19.In 1999, a smaller-scale but still-deadly nuclear accident occurred in Japan when three workers were purifying uranium oxide. They put too much uranium in the tank, causing a nuclear chain reaction that released a deadly amount of radiation. Two of the workers, Hisashi Ouchi and Masato Shinohara, died as a result, but not until later. Ouchi, who received the largest blast of radiation, was kept alive for 83 days while he experienced the truly horrific effects of the radiation, which included his skin literally melting from his body. He had multiple heart attacks, but his family kept resuscitating him against his own wishes. Suggested by u/Buggsir and u/Meanderer_Me -/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images 20.The US has lost six nuclear weapons, and they've had 32 official "broken arrow" nuclear weapon accidents. And we don't have good numbers on how many Soviet nuclear weapons have been lost. Former secretary of the Russian Security Council, General Alexander Lebed, once claimed there might be over 100, though Russian officials denied this. Suggested by u/TalkNerdy2MeXD and u/F1eshWound Historical / Corbis via Getty Images 21.This one's more of a creepy coincidence than a disturbing fact, but it still freaks me out. While Michael Jackson was playing for 3,000 fans at Shrine Auditorium in LA in a filmed performance for a Pepsi ad, a pyrotechnics display was set off too early, setting Jackson's hair on fire. He was rushed to the hospital, having suffered second-degree burns. The creepy part? This happened almost exactly halfway through his life. He was 25 years, four months, and 29 days old. About twenty-five years, four months, and 29 days later, he'd be dead. Suggested by u/bdiddylv Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images 22.Speaking of Jackson the like "Annie, are you okay?" from "Smooth Criminal" was said to be inspired by the CPR dummy, which actually has a name: Resusci Anne. The dummy's face is based on a 16-year-old woman's corpse that was pulled from the Seine in Paris in the 1880s. The pathologist who performed the autopsy made a plaster mask of her face, which became famous as "L'Inconnue de la Seine" (the unknown woman of the Seine) in France. When the first CPR dummy was created, one of its inventors was inspired by a L'Inconnue de la Seine mask after seeing it in a friend's home. Oh, and ever wonder why the CPR dummy was originally a woman? Most doctors were male, and the inventors thought they'd prefer to press their lips to a fake woman's lips rather than a fake man's lips. Suggested by u/Moon_Jewel90 Justin Sullivan / Getty Images 23.And finally, one last wildly disturbing fact...slavery is still widespread today. In fact, one in every 200 people is enslaved over 40 million people. This is over three times as many people as were enslaved during the entirety of the transatlantic slave trade. Modern slavery (which is most common in Africa and Asia but occurs in every single country) often includes forced labor, forced marriage, and sex trafficking. The slavery industry makes around $150 billion a year. Suggested by u/No-Personality-4591 Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images What are some messed-up and disturbing historical facts that keep you up at night? Let us know in the comments below or via this anonymous form. Doug Emhoffs ex-wife responds after he admits to having affair during their marriage Doug Emhoffs ex-wife responds after he admits to having affair during their marriage Kerstin Emhoff, ex-wife of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, has defended him after he admitted to having an affair during their marriage. Emhoff, who is now married to Vice President Kamala Harris, responded on Saturday to claims that he had an extra-marital affair, first reported by the Daily Mail. During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side, he said in statement to CNN. He was married to film producer Kerstin from 1992 to 2008 and the pair have two children, Ella and Cole, who are now young adults. The Mail reported that the couple split after Kerstin discovered the affair. She did not respond to that allegation in her statement. Doug and I decided to end our marriage for a variety of reasons, many years ago, she told the Washington Post. He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have built together. Harris and Emhoff kiss before Harris spoke at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22. Emhoff is now under scrutiny after he acknowledged an affair during his first marriage (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The affair allegedly happened over 15 years ago with a former teacher at a private school where both Emhoff children attended and who also worked as a nanny for the family, the Daily Mail first reported. A source told the outlet that she became pregnant by Emhoff but did not keep the child. The Independent is not naming the woman but has contacted her for comment on the claims. The tryst ended years before Emhoff and Harris began dating, CNN reported, and Emhoff had told the vice president about the affair long before they got married. The affair had come to light during the vice presidential vetting process in 2020, the outlet added. The revelation comes weeks before the Democratic National Convention and one day after Harris secured enough delegate votes to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination. This isnt the first time Kerstin Emhoff has come out in support of her ex-husband and Harris. After a clip resurfaced of Trumps running mate JD Vance calling Harris a childless cat lady, Kerstin came to the vice presidents defense. She told CNN: These are baseless attacks. For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it. Whether you love them or love to hate them, reality TV stars have certainly made their impact on pop culture over the last two decades. Many of the stars of these shows, from The Apprentice and Big Brother to The Real Housewives, have carved out their own celebrity as well as some degree of notoriety. Here are a few of the most notorious Black reality TV stars that have kept the drama going for years. Tiffany New York Pollard Image: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images (Getty Images) Where else do we start except with Tiffany New York Pollard? First appearing in VH1's hit series Flavor of Love, Pollard became one of the biggest villains in reality TV history, terrorizing her fellow contestants as they vied for the love of Flavor Flav. Her addition was so impactful, that VH1 brought her back for more on the shows second season, before getting giving Pollard her own various shows including I Love New York, New York Goes to Work and New York Goes To Hollywood. Recently, she appeared on E!s House of Villains, embracing her villain title with pride as she battled against some of the biggest villains in the genre, including our next pick below. Omarosa Manigault Newman Image: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Long before working for former President Donald Trumps administration, Omarosa was first introduced to the world on a wider stage when appearing in season 1 of The Apprentice. From her first appearance, she became one of reality TVs first true villains, as PEOPLE Magazine points out. She would go on to ruffle feathers on other shows, including The Surreal Life, Celebrity Apprentice, two editions of Celebrity Big Brother, and more, becoming a true fixture in American reality TV. Even her daytime appearance on Bethenny Frankels long-canceled daytime series, Bethenny, stands as one of her most infamous moments. Her inclusion in House of Villains, including an iconic spat with Pollard, only proved her staying power and impact all these years later. Kenya Moore Image: Daniel Torok/Patrick McMullan (Getty Images) One of the greatest to ever do it, you have to give it up to Kenya Moore. One of the most polarizing staples of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Moore joined alongside Porsha Williams in 2012, which would go on to be one of the most infamous feuds across Housewives cities. With her beauty, hilarious antics and inclination to tell it like it is, Moore certainly has left her mark on the genre, appearing on Celebrity Apprentice, Dancing With the Stars and more throughout the years. While recent sudden departure from RHOA leaves us wondering what the future may hold for Moore and The Real Housewives, one thing is for sure: her reality TV legacy is undeniable and Gone With the Wind Fabulous. Tamar Braxton Image: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET (Getty Images) Dont get it twisted: Braxton is musical royalty and a Grammy Award-nominated artist in her own right. But, her turn on reality TV has been a trailblazing one, leading to some iconic moments on the series with her family on Braxton Family Values and Celebrity Big Brother. Braxton even appeared on her own looking for love reality series on Peacock, Queens Court, alongside Evelyn Lozada and Nivea. Providing plenty of drama (her infamous feud with Kandi Burruss was a Celebrity Big Brother highlight), Braxton is musical royalty, yes. But reality royalty as well. As The Braxtons gear up for their big return to reality TV, were thankful and looking forward to the return of Tamar to our screens. NeNe Leakes Image: Paras Griffin/Getty Images (Getty Images) We cant list impactful Black reality stars without the one, the only, NeNe Leakes. Queen of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Leakes has birthed countless memes and unforgettable scenes as the self-proclaimed tastiest peach in Atlanta. Theres a reason why she is constantly quoted and referenced, not only from her time on Housewives but her other reality endeavors including The Celebrity Apprentice, College Hill, Dancing With the Stars and beyond. Leakes is the blueprint, with her cutting wit, hilarious quips and willingness to get her hands dirty shaping her into an irreplaceable talent. Whether or not she has played the role of the villain depends would depend on who you ask, but Leakes is undeniable in her impact and contributions to the culture. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 100-foot underground waterfall? Check out these 3 caves and caverns in upstate NY Soaring temperatures have dominated Rochester and other parts of New York this summer. But about three hours away, in a space lined with limestone, massive boulders and colorful lights, the depths of Howe Caverns sit at a cool 52 degrees. Caves and caverns across the U.S. offer people a way to escape the summer heat while still enjoying nature. Here are three options to explore during your summer travels across Upstate New York. Howe Caverns Tours of Howe Caverns start with a 156-foot descent into an enclosed cave. Once there, you'll start down an illuminated walkway through limestone corridors with rock formations believed to date back millions of years. The standard tour includes a 1.25-mile walk and a quarter-mile boat ride, in total lasting about 90 minutes. Howe Caverns lets you explore life underground, starting with a 156-foot descent and taking you along illuminated walkway through limestone corridors with rock formations believed to date back millions of years. Howe Caverns also offers specialty tours and activities, including a 2 1/2-half hour adventure tour that explores previously restricted caverns, an evening lantern tour and cave yoga. Reservations are required for your visit and pricing can be found on the Howe Caverns website. Jackets and sturdy footwear are recommended! Note: The caves are not wheelchair-accessible. Where is Howe Caverns? 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY about a three-hour drive from Rochester. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park A day at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park is spent mostly above ground, but a trail about three-quarters of a mile long has several caves and grottoes ripe for exploring. Tours of the area are self-guided and run past several streams and waterfalls. The park features the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S., according to their website. Reservations are encouraged, as tickets often run out in summer months. Walk in spots are available on a limited basis. Note: The trail is not wheelchair-accessible and involves climbing up and down several uneven steps. Where is Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park? 535 Stone Bridge Road, Pottersville, NY about a four-hour drive from Rochester. Secret Caverns A 100-foot underground waterfall sets Secret Caverns apart: The natural spectacle is rare nationally and the only underground waterfall known in any New York cavern. The cave is smaller than other sites, but includes an hourlong tour that starts with 103 steps to the bottom of a passageway lined with fossils of prehistoric sea life. No reservations are required and tours start at the top of every hour. Cash only, with no ATM on site. Jackets and sturdy footwear are recommended! Note: The caves are not wheelchair-accessible. Where is Secret Caverns? 671 Caverns Road, Howes Cave, NY about a three-hour drive from Rochester. Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on police accountability, government surveillance and how individuals are impacted by violence. Follow her on Twitter @kaylacanne and @bykaylacanne on Instagram. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Caves, caverns to explore in Upstate NY: See an underground waterfall 5 famous authors who were born or raised in Arkansas 5 famous authors who were born or raised in Arkansas FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) From gripping historical accounts to western classics and legal thrillers, Arkansas has been the starting point for many well-known authors. Here are five famous authors who were either born or raised in The Natural State. 1. Maya Angelou Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an internationally renowned bestselling author, poet, actor, performer and activist for African American and womens rights. Angelou first became known for her autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), which recounted her childhood, including the ten years she spent with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Did you know the Ozarks are not actual mountains? American poet and author Maya Angelou gestures while speaking in a chair during an interview at her home on April 8, 1978. (Photo by Jack Sotomayor/New York Times Co./Getty Images) In 1935, Maya Angelou and her brother were sent to Stamps after she was sexually molested by her mothers boyfriend in St. Louis. Believing her voice caused the mans death after he was convicted and found dead, Angelou became mute for years. She later moved to San Francisco, dropped out of high school, worked briefly as a cable car conductor, earned an arts scholarship, and gave birth to her son, Guy, in 1944. From 1954 to 1955, Angelou toured with Porgy and Bess, then moved to New York City to study dance and release an album. In the early 1960s, she lived in Cairo and Ghana, where she met Malcolm X and worked in media and academia. Upon returning to the U.S., Angelou continued her civil rights work and authored influential works, including the screenplay for Georgia, Georgia and poetry nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and read her poem On the Pulse of Morning at President Bill Clintons inauguration in 1993. Angelou remained a prominent figure until her death on May 28, 2014. 2. John Grisham John Grisham, born on February 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a bestselling author known for legal thrillers and the semi-autobiographical novel A Painted House. Do you say cheese dip or queso? John Grisham, American writer, Milan, Italy, May 2007. (Photo by Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images) Grishams early life was spent moving between Arkansas and Mississippi, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. He and his siblings spent summers at their grandparents farm in Black Oak, and his grandfather owned Skidmore Piano Store in Blytheville. Many of his relatives still live in northeast Arkansas. Grisham studied accounting at Mississippi State University and law at the University of Mississippi, eventually practicing law and serving in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He began his writing career in the early 1990s, achieving widespread success with his debut novel, A Time to Kill (1989), which was initially a commercial failure but later gained popularity. His breakthrough came with The Firm (1991), which was a bestseller and adapted into a successful film. Grishams writing often revolves around legal and courtroom drama, reflecting his background as a lawyer. Over the years, he has written numerous bestsellers, including The Pelican Brief (1992), The Client (1993) and The Runaway Jury (1996). Through the years, Grisham has stayed true to his roots. His 2001 novel A Painted House, based on his youth on a cotton farm, was adapted into a Hallmark TV movie filmed in Lepanto, Arkansas. The movies premiere raised $170,000 for the Heritage Studies PhD program at Arkansas State University, and Grisham received the Arkansiana Award for his contribution to Arkansas heritage, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Beat the heat (and get off the beaten path) at these NWA outdoor swimming spots 3. Charles Portis Charles McColl Portis is best known for his western novel True Grit. Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on December 28, 1933, Portis grew up in southern Arkansas and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas, Portis worked as a reporter before turning to fiction writing full-time in 1964. In 2019, the Arkansas General Assembly launched the True Grit Trail to showcase locations in western Arkansas featured in Portiss iconic novel. His 1968 True Grit was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post. The novel, acclaimed for its storytelling, is narrated by Mattie Ross, a determined fourteen-year-old girl from Yell County. After her father is murdered by Tom Chaney in Fort Smith, Mattie enlists Deputy Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help her track down Chaney and seek revenge. While True Grit achieved widespread acclaim, seeing film adaptations in 1969 and 2010, Portis wrote several other novels including Norwood, The Dog of the South, Masters of Atlantis, and Gringos. Brain power: Swiss startup powers computers with mini human brains He received the Oxford Americans Lifetime Achievement in Southern Literature award in 2010 and the Porter Prize in 2014. Portis passed away on February 17, 2020, and is buried in Hamburg Cemetery, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. 4. Dee Brown Dorris Alexander Dee Brown revolutionized perceptions of American westward expansion with his 1970 book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. The 1971 cover of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, a history of the American West by Native American author Dee Brown. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images) Born in 1908 in Louisiana, Brown moved to Arkansas with his family after his fathers death, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. He graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College and later worked as a librarian while writing personal works on the side. In the late 1960s, Dee Brown wrote Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, a book that presents a detailed account of the experiences of Native American tribes in the United States during the 19th century. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee has sold five million copies globally, and covers the forced relocations, treaties and conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. government, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. After retiring, Brown spent 27 years in Little Rock, writing several notable works, including the bestselling novel Creek Marys Blood (1980) and Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow (1977). His final novel, Way To Bright Star (1998), was published when he was ninety. Brown is the only contributor from Arkansas included in The New York Public Librarys 1996 Books of the Century. Brown passed away on December 12, 2002, in Little Rock, where a library branch is named in his honor. Which state has the most Olympic gold medals? 5. Jo McDougall COURTESY: The Encyclopedia of Arkansas via Jo McDougall. Jo Garot McDougall, born December 15, 1935, in DeWitt, Arkansas, is a poet known for her depictions of small-town life in the Arkansas Delta. McDougall has published six poetry collections, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Her awards include fellowships from the Arkansas Arts Council and the MacDowell Colony, the Porter Prize in 2000, and various honors from literary organizations. McDougalls work appears in numerous journals and anthologies, and she was inducted into the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2018, she was appointed Poet Laureate of Arkansas and held the position until 2022. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Editor's note: Events are subject to change, and contacting your church ahead of time is recommended. Churches may send updates to worship services, events or schedules via email to kwood@lubbockonline.com. Please note that this is a partial compilation of local religious congregrations, and listings are sorted below by newest information. Newest updates: Amarillo United Methodist Church 3001 Bell St. Currently gathers for Sunday morning worship at 9 a.m. on the site of St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3001 Bell St. We are an intentionally inclusive congregation. Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors ... for all. The newly-appointed interim pastor, the Rev. Lynn Brack, will begin his ministry this Sunday, Aug. 4, with a homily entitled The True Bread of Heaven, with scripture text from John 6:24-35. Fellowship time is from 10 to 10:30 a.m. with free coffee and donuts followed by Church School for adults, youth, and children. All are invited to join with us as together we offer our worship to the Living Lord. Contact us: 806-670-4142; email amarilloumcgroup@gmail.com; website www.Amarilloumc.org; follow us on Facebook Amarillo United Methodist Church. First Church of Christ Scientist Amarillo 2701 Julian Blvd. Are you seeking a place for spiritual growth and inspiration? The First Church of Christ, Scientist Amarillo welcomes all to our Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for children and teens meets at the same time. This week's subject is LOVE, featuring the uplifting passage: "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. " (Zephaniah 3:17). Join us for our weekly testimonial meetings on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for more inspiration and fellowship. See our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/First-Church-of-Christ-Scientist-Amarillo-104483494978237 or our website at https://www.cschurchamarillo.com/ for more details. First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo 1100 S. Harrison St. The summer worship schedule continues: as of July 14, there will be two Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m in the Fellowship Center. Identical services will rotate through three music styles, including traditional, gospel and contemporary. The 8:30 a.m. service is livestreamed. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. for children, youth and adults. For more information, call the church office at 806-373-4242 or visit our website at firstpres.com. Check website for changes in worship times. Previous listings: Accelerate Church, 4400 S Crockett, and Accelerate North Campus, 1300 E Central. Amarillo First Nazarene Church, 5201 Soncy Road; 806-374-2242, https://onenaz.org/ . Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 4109 Cornell St. Fellowship at Sunday at 11 a.m. Our services are in-person and also live-streamed on our YouTube and Facebook pages. For more information about AUUF, see our website at uuamarillo.org. Amazing Grace Amarillo (Lutheran Church - WELS) - Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. at 8700 Clinton Glenn Dr. Amarillo, TX 79119. We've moved! We also offer children's Bible school at 9:15 a.m. along with our teen/adult Bible study on Sundays. You can stream our services at AmazingGraceAmarillo.com and join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Message our pastor at pastorhans@amazinggraceamarillo.com . Anna Street Church of Christ 2310 Anna St., across from Olsen Park Elementary. Sunday: 9:45 a.m. classes; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship. Wednesday: 6:45 p.m. Song Practice; 7:35 p.m. Evening Teaching. Visit http://www.annastreetchurch.org/ for more information. Arden Road Baptist Church Sunday School, children's ministries and nurseries. Service times: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Sunday school, 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Amarillo worship/communion service is at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. The service is also available on the churchs website on Sunday evenings at https://www.beautifulsavioramarillo.org.videos. Bell Avenue Church of Christ Amarillo 1600 Bell St. For more information, please contact the Bell Avenue Church of Christ at 806-355-2351 or visit our website, www.bellavenue.org . Bible Believers Baptist Church, 12,200 W Rockwell Rd. Services at 10 a.m.; Bible Study at 11 a.m. Preaching and Worship at 7 p.m. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., prayer meeting and Bible Study. On Friday at 7 p.m., Youth Night. Services streamed on our website biblebelieversbaptist.com . Call 806-499-3231 for more information. Central Church of ChristJoin us on Sundays for class at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. Youll find us in person at 1401 S. Madison St. and online at www.amarillocentral.org. Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church Morning and evening worship services. Christian Heritage Church - 900 S Nelson St. Service times are Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more, email info@chcamarillo.com . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2101 N. Coulter St. The Colonies Church of Christ 4500 Wesley Road, Amarillo, TX 79119. Please join us Sundays for Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m. Any questions, call 806-355-7303. For more information visit our website at: thecolonies.org Coulter Road Baptist Church 4108 S. Coulter St. Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship is streamed on our website, www.coulterbc.com. Contact info: 806-352-5278. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1400 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo, TX 79109. We invite visitors to join us each Sunday morning. Sunday School begins at 9 a.m., and our worship service begins at 10 a.m. We gather to give praise to the only true and living God, revealed to us as One God in Three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our goal is to rejoice before the Lord as we begin a new week with prayer, singing and hearing the Word read and proclaimed. With the help of God, we support one another in prayer and come together in times of joy and suffering. We challenge one another to live as children of God in our daily lives and reach out to the world beyond our doors. We believe the Christian life is the most rewarding, demanding, and fulfilling life possible. During worship, we have devices that assist in one hearing the service. Please join us! We are home to two other congregations - Cross Timbers and Grace Communion International. We also house "The Word at Work" - a mission to Belize. You can call us at 806-376-5244. "The Cross" in Groom, Texas Information: Cross Ministry Jason Eugea, 806-248-9006. First Baptist Church Gathering at 12th and Tyler. Sunday morning worship service times are 8:30 and 11 a.m., with Bible study for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Sunday evening worship meets at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. First Christian Church 3001 Wolflin Ave. Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship service at 10 a.m. FCC Facebook page: facebook.com/FirstChristianAmarillo , FCC YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCkyDAlGKrx82S5qCbiBlS_g Grace Church Grace Church was founded by Pastor Bill Gehm, his wife, and a small group of believers in 1985, and has grown over the past few decades into a much larger and diverse group of believers in Christ. We are Making Disciples verse by verse at the corner of Plains and Western (4111 Plains Blvd.) in an old grocery store, on the radio at 88.7FM with the Radio by Grace network, and online at GraceAmarillo.com. Service times are 9 & 11am on Sundays and 7pm on Wednesdays. Grace Communion International (GCI Amarillo), 1400 Wolflin (Covenant Presbyterian) Please join us in 2024! Saturdays 2:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Fellowship Group gathering for worship music, prayer, Bible story, Bible study, and seasonal messages. Multi-generational meeting. New participants of all ages welcome. Refreshments following and potluck on the 1st Saturdays. For information and schedule confirmation, call 806-473-8753 or 806-340-4704. Hillside Christian Churches www.hillsideonline.com. Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church, 1801 N. Hughes St. For more info, please call 806 373 2576. Life.Church Amarillo Located on the northwest corner of I-27 and Hollywood Road; services held at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Life.Church is made up of people from different backgrounds linked together by a common mission: leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. For more, see www.life.church/amarillo. The Loft Church 4400 S. Georgia. Services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Messiahs House 6901 Bell St. Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, visit their website at https://mh.church . North Beacon Church of the Nazarene, 1601 N. Nelson St., 806-367-8544 Olsen Park Church of Christ invites you to visit our worship services and Bible studies at 4700 Andrews Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106, Sunday: 9 a.m. (short service), 9:30 a.m. (Bible class), 10:30 a.m. (worship); Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class). For more information, go to www.olsenpark.com and Olsen Park Church of Christ on Facebook, or call 806-352-2809. Paramount Baptist Church 3801 S. Western St. in Amarillo. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. with worship at 10:15 a.m. We also have a Spanish speaking service at 10:15 a.m. Visit www.paramount.org for more information. Pathpoint Fellowship Church, 6215 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, 79110, 806-463-7284. Pleasant Valley Methodist Church 316 Valley Ave. Everyone is welcome at our Sunday worship service. Visit with us in person at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is at 9 a.m. From Bible class Wednesday at 5 p.m. to food cupboard, AISD ministry and outreach to the impoverished, there is a place for you. If youd like more information, go to Pleasant Valley Methodist Church (Amarillo) on Facebook, or call (806) 383-3342. Mail us: info@yourpvumc.org . Polk Street Methodist Church Please worship with us in person at 8:30 and 10:55 a.m. in our historic sanctuary at 1401 S. Polk St., or worship online with us at 10:55 a.m. at www.polkstreet.org or on our Facebook page. From Bible studies and small groups to exercise classes and outreach to the impoverished, there is a place for you. If you would like more information, please visit www.polkstreet.org and either email us or complete a contact form. Power Church 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (bilingual) Sunday service. Also Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Pray the City is a 501 (c)3 organization consisting of Christ followers from many denominations that meets monthly to pray scripturally over issues in Amarillo. Redeemer Presbyterian Church 7603 77th Ave. Sunday school at 9:30 am, followed by worship service at 10:30 and evening worship service at 5 p.m. We offer live streaming on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHc6sCADFHQ6xD91jMxktfQ. Please visit our website at http://redeemeramarillo.com/ for more information. St. Luke Presbyterian Church 3001 Bell St. The phone number of the church office is 806-355-6253, or visit the churchs website at stlukeamarillo.com for a link to the bulletin and live streaming videos. Sandell Drive In Theater, Clarendon Sunday service at 10 a.m. Add in a beautiful Sunday drive out to Clarendon and experience church. Second Baptist Church 419 N. Buchanan St. Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for worship followed by Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. For more information please visit sbcama.org or call the church at 806-373-1737. Also, our sermons are broadcast on KAMR channel 4 every Sunday morning at 8 a.m. South Georgia Baptist Church 5209 S. Georgia St. You're invited to join us each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for small group Bible study and at 10:30 a.m. for our morning worship service. Our 10:30 a.m. service streams live at sgbc.co/watch. Visit sgbc.co for more information. Southwest Church of Christ Come see us Sunday for Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and for Worship at 10:30 a.m. A list of current classes can be found on our website: www.southwest.org. Trinity Fellowship Family Worship and Prophetic Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Visit TFC.org/Sundays. Church online at 9 and 11 a.m. on all viewing platforms. Triumphant Truth Church, 1701 S Manhattan St. Valleyview Church of the Nazarene, 7601 S. Western St., 806-358-8829, https://www.facebook.com/vvnazarene/ , http://www.vvnaz.org/ Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S Washington St. Real people. Real grace. Real growth. Sunday services at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Phone: (806) 352-1442. Visit their website, wacconline.org for more information. Westminster Presbyterian Church Sundays at 10:30 a.m.; available to watch from the churchs website at wpcama.com, click on Sermons. Church is located at 2525 Wimberly Road. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo faith calendar for Aug. 4, 2024 TOPEKA (KSNT) A new boutique at the West Ridge Mall had their Grand Opening Saturday, August 3. Boss Babes Boutique offers everything from womens apparel, accessories, Chiefs gear and more. Boss Babes owner spoke with 27 News on why she wanted to open at the West Ridge Mall. Just kinda getting the mall back open going into a new generation of the mall, Cassandra Martinez said. I always came with my mom so just be part of the rebirth of the mall. Refreshments were also available for the grand opening. You can find the boutique in between Petland and the foot court on the second floor. 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. Boy, 9, Loses Prosthetic Leg on Vacation. Hours After Asking for Help, Family Raises Enough for New One (Exclusive) "It happened so quickly," a grateful Monica Swindall tells PEOPLE Monica Swindall Jayce, 9, who lost his prosthetic leg during a recent family trip to the beach A Texas grandmother says she's grateful for the overwhelming response to an online fundraiser she started after her grandson lost his prosthetic leg in the Gulf of Mexico. When Monica Swindall and her family set out for Galveston from their hometown of Waco on Sunday, July 28, the goal was a fun, family vacation, she tells PEOPLE. But when her 9-year-old grandson Jayce, who has special needs, lost his leg in his excitement to get in the water, the family was devastated. Related: Man Finds 10-Year-Old Boy's Missing Locket Containing Mom's Ashes: 'Failure Was Not an Option' Wanting to help, Swindall posted about what happened on a local group on Facebook in hopes that somebody would be able to find it. But with the new school year fast approaching, the Swindall family quickly realized Jayce would need a new prosthetic leg and fast. So, she created a GoFundMe on Wednesday, July 31. In a message on the fundraising site, Monica said she contacted North Texas-based Stability Prosthetics, who did what they could to help the family. "They are only charging us $7,000 for a new one and I know it should be a lot more," she wrote. (According to The Washington Post, prosthetic limbs typically cost between $5,000 to over $50,000.) Related: 14-Month-Old Boy Rescued After Falling into Underground Pipe Then Has Emotional Reunion with Mom Swindall went on to say that for Jayce's parents, who are currently expecting a new baby, the prosthetic, while necessary, was even more difficult to pay for. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Fortunately, just hours after posting the family's story, the fundraiser exceeded its $7,000 goal to get Jayce a new prosthesis. "It happened so quickly, within five hours," Swindall tells PEOPLE about the online support. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Now, Jayce is ready to stand poised for the new school year. "Everybody was so amazing," Monica says. "I hated seeing my grandson without his leg, and I hated seeing my son upset that it was gone. But we got through it. It's going to be good. I'll just say God is good." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. There's undeniably a place for intricately crafted cocktails or quirky natural wine explained by a sommelier. Sometimes though, an unfussy beer is what best hits the spot. Whether it's at your go-to neighborhood bar or over dinner, there's a dependable nature to a cold pint. However, what's not uniform about the beverage is its price. Perhaps you checked out a new bar across town, or even more noticeably, changed up cities -- the tab can be unexpectedly steep. So, on a global scale, what are the spots with the most affordable beer-drinking prices? Turns out, there are quite a few, with a range of cities across continents in close contention. Options like Freetown, Sierra Leone; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; or Hanoi, Vietnam regularly top such lists, with average prices of under 85 cents a pint. The majority of cities that offer supremely low beer prices are located in Africa or Asia. So look around, and you'll find a large range of beautiful spots to sip on a cold and cheap pint. And if the palate isn't to your liking, you can always use mixers to make cheap beer taste better. Read more: 13 Types Of Beer Glasses And When To Use Them Many Cities Worldwide Sell Pints For Under $1 toasting beer in Vietnam - Kittimages/Getty Images It's difficult to crown a single, definite city for the most affordable beer -- many urban centers lie in a similar range, and prices can shift from year to year. Freetown, Sierra Leone tops a list published on Time Out in 2022, and comes second in a 2023 Mirror article on the same topic. However, in an updated 2024 study conducted by Finder, the West African capital is eclipsed by a handful of other African cities. This list now ranks Maseru, Lesotho as the destination with the cheapest beer, averaging 81 cents per pint. In fact, most entries are sub-Saharan African cities, although Vientiane, Laos has seen a steady decrease in beer prices, with pints now at 86 cents. Indeed, Southeast Asia is a continent that offers many well-priced options; Vietnamese cities are also among the most affordable beer destinations. A 2022 report by Statista noted Hanoi, Vietnam as one of the cheapest beer cities worldwide, averaging 77 cents for half a liter. And in that aforementioned Finder study, Ho Chi Minh City is also listed as one of the best-priced options. Especially in the north of the country, travelers will love sampling Bia Hoi, freshly-brewed street beers that retail for as low as 20 cents. And a final region to consider is Central Asia, where beer-drinking has grown more fashionable in alignment with influential neighbors China and Russia. Tashkent, Uzbekistan was cited in the previously mentioned Mirror article as the cheapest beer city in 2023, and Almaty, Kazakhstan also makes appearances on several lists. Most Of The World's Beer Comes From Large Companies Beer in Czech Republic - PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek/Shutterstock While there's undeniable intrigue in traveling the world and sampling new beers, the truth is that most options may be disappointingly similar. According to Statista, some 88% of global beer production is carried out by 40 brewing groups. Giants Anheuser Busch InBev and Heineken account for well over a third of worldwide production -- meaning their offerings are what's often on tap. So don't worry, you won't need to know how a Kolsch beer is different from a pilsner to order abroad-- the majority are brewed in the macro lager style. Nevertheless, this doesn't encompass all cities, bars, and beers; after all, this is considering the whole world. For example, beer enthusiasts should place special emphasis on Prague. While not the most affordable worldwide, it's among the top ten cheapest beer cities in Europe, with an average cost a bit over $2 a pint. And not only does the nation drink the most beer per capita, but the offerings are especially delicious. After all, the pilsner style was invented in the Czech Republic, and you can still find uber-fresh Pilsner Urquell here ubiquitously. It's here -- and in other cities with brewing traditions -- that you'll be able venture out to a neighborhood bar, find a high quality brew, and enjoy several rounds stress-free. Read the original article on Chowhound. PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) It was an action-packed day of events at the Mercer County Fair. The Mercer County Fair is back with a variety of fun events for the whole family The little cowboys and cowgirls got it all started early with their youth rodeo. Meanwhile, there was a musical chair contest, but for dogs. One fairgoer, Rachel told 59News that this contest means a lot to her and the furbaby she adopted. Right now, theres an overflow in our shelters, so, you know, a lot of times those dogs arent purebred dogs. So, even if you dont have a dog, thats like that then thats okay. You can come out with your mutt just like this one, said Rachel. Randy, the adopted pooch, ended up winning a ribbon for best tail wag. There was plenty to go around for everyone. Food vendors were set up, the exhibit was fully judged and on display, many of the farm animals also had their heyday. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses, Spiderman, and more at The Mercer County Fair The Mercer County Fair Queen, Arabella Crookshank, and Teen Queen, Lanie Taylor, explained why its important for them to keep fair traditions alive. It really boosts West Virginia tourism and it is really important for this community and this state to hold things like this and its really a community bonding thing, said Queen Crookshank. I think it brings your community closer together and it also, like, shows people what your county has that other counties might not have, said Teen Queen Taylor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pensacola top stories: Pensacola Bar named one of the best in U.S. Here's a roundup of our top stories from the past week. With a subscription to the Pensacola News Journal, you will receive full access to the work done by our journalists and photographers as they head out every day to help inform and explain the important issues affecting your community. Pensacola area bar named one of best in U.S. Everything to know before you go A Flora Bama Jama cocktail at the Flora-Bama on the border of Perdido Key, Florida, and Orange Beach, Alabama on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Flora-Bama, the iconic Perdido Key honky-tonk where legendary musicians and beach bums alike party in harmony on the Florida-Alabama state line, made national news this week as one of the 27 bars included on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. The list was created by USA TODAY Network food writers across the country and includes everything from humble dives to high-end cocktail bars. Keep reading: Pensacola area bar named one of best in U.S. Everything to know before you go Pensacola area bars: 6 of the most unique, from a secret tiki bar to a '70s inspired arcade Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola on Monday, July 29, 2024. USA TODAY released its first-ever 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list on Monday, tracking down some of the best beach bars, dives and swanky cocktail lounges across the country. Perdido Keys famous Flora-Bama scored a spot on the list. But if youve lived in Pensacola long enough, you know there are plenty more weird and wonderful bars to explore. From a retro arcade bar to a secret tiki bar on the sand, weve compiled six of the most memorable bars in the Pensacola area to add to your local bucket list. Cheers! Keep reading: Pensacola area bars: 6 of the most unique, from a secret tiki bar to a 70s inspired arcade Everything you need to know about parking in downtown Pensacola in 2024 Pensacola has made several changes to parking rules over the last few years, and the most recent was imposing paid parking on Palafox Street. As of Aug. 1, free parking after 7 p.m. is a thing of the past just like paying with a coin-fed parking meter. Here's what you need to know if you plan to park in downtown Pensacola in 2024. Keep reading: Everything you need to know about parking in downtown Pensacola in 2024 Eglin Air Force colonel fired days before handing off command duties An Air Force colonel was fired from his post at Eglin Air Force Base just days before he was scheduled to depart via a July 18 change-of-command ceremony, Air Force officials confirmed. Col. Jeremiah Hammill was relieved of his duties as commander of the 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group on July 15 due to a [loss of] confidence in [his] ability to lead, an Air Force Materiel Command spokesperson told Military Times in an email. Hammills actions, which service officials did not detail, raised concerns about good order and discipline within [the unit], the spokesperson said. At this time, we are not going to comment further on the circumstances leading to this decision. Keep reading: Eglin Air Force colonel fired days before handing off command duties The ashes of University Mall are rekindling as the area resurges in its third act University Town Plaza or University Mall as it is often remembered used to be the prominent shopping and social hub for area residents. Built in 1974 on North Davis Highway, it boasted three retail anchors, an inside movie theater and an architectural charm found often in U.S. malls built during the mid-20th century. Its charm, alongside its functionality, left a memorable mark in the minds of some longtime residents who remember University Mall during its most popular era. It reigned supreme for about two decades before a number of issues some literally hit the area and Cordova Malls development made it a more appealing option for shoppers, eventually relegating University Mall to the open-air strip mall that it is today. Keep reading: The ashes of University Mall are rekindling as the area resurges in its third act This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola top stories: Pensacola Bar named one of the best in U.S. South Carolina ranks among the highest states when it comes to the percentage of homeowners living in community associations, better known as HOAs. In 2020, 80% of all new homes being built in South Carolina were in communities that required an HOA to help govern them, according to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national organization that tracks HOA trends. In addition, CAI reported that approximately 26% of South Carolina residents live in communities governed by HOAs or similar associations. The prevalence of HOAs in South Carolina reflects the state's growing trend toward planned developments and master-planned communities. More: What are HOAs? Should you live in one? What to know about the rules. Those facts may surprise most people, but HOA-led communities often feature amenities such as parks, recreational facilities, and landscaping maintained by these organizations, which contribute to their appeal among homeowners seeking a sense of community and well-maintained surroundings. And while a good chunk of our population bristles at the mention of an HOA, these organizations really are valuable. I heard you guffaw as you read that, but keep reading. One of the primary benefits of HOAs in South Carolina (and the Upstate in particular) is their role in maintaining property values. Although many people often overlook them, HOAs ensure that common areas such as parks, pools, and landscaping, are well-maintained, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the community. By enforcing architectural guidelines and landscaping standards, HOA rules and community leadership prevent unsightly modifications or neglectful practices that could diminish property values. HOAs also promote a sense of community and belonging among residents. Greenville is renowned for its hospitality and tight-knit communities, but as more and more people move here, they may not be seeing that Southern charm. HOAs can serve as facilitators of neighborly interaction and camaraderie. Through social events, community newsletters, and shared amenities, HOAs encourage residents to engage with one another and forge meaningful connections. Additionally, HOAs play a vital role in ensuring safety and security within neighborhoods across our area. By working collaboratively with local law enforcement and implementing proactive security measures, HOAs create safer environments where residents can feel secure in their homes and communities. Moreover, HOAs facilitate effective governance and decision-making processes within our state neighborhoods. With diverse demographics and varying homeowner preferences, HOAs provide a framework for governance and consensus-building. This ensures that the interests of all residents are represented and that community decisions are made transparently and democratically. So why do people have such angst over HOAs? Critics are quick to get on their online soapboxes and make complaints. No one likes someone who seems to be trying to control every aspect of their life, but would you rather have an HOA that sometimes to send you an email over your grass being too high, or having every third car in your neighborhood up on cement blocks? While HOA guidelines may dictate certain aesthetic standards or usage restrictions, they are typically designed to maintain the overall integrity and quality of the community. Thats not to say that some HOA boards do not abuse their powers. Many boards have fallen into the trap of being overly strict on rules enforcement, which can spiral into a sense of overall distrust from community residents. There have been several cases where boards have applied unreasonable fines or treated some owners differently than others when enforcing certain rules. Additionally, some board members simply do not have the training required to run what amounts to a small business. While these incidents are just a fraction of the total number of HOAs within the state, the majority of the stories in the media focus on the bad rather than the good. As South Carolina continues to thrive and evolve, HOAs will remain indispensable guardians of the state's vibrant communities. Eric Kohorn is vice president of association management at NHE, Inc. with responsibility for leading the Association Management Business Unit. Learn more at nhe-inc.com. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: HOAs are 'small businesses;' here's why S.C. communities need them I know I have mentioned it before, but I am a big fan of fall forage management. We are entering what I feel is the best time to plant new stands and implement management to ensure the productivity of those you already have. Alfalfa is a versatile crop that gives you several options when considering a new planting. The two critical factors for getting a new planting off and running are having adequate soil fertility and controlling the weeds. Fortunately, we typically have much less weed pressure in the late summer to early fall. Soil pH can be a struggle, as you would have had to address it the previous year if adjustments are required. Selecting an alfalfa variety is a little like breeding cows. There is some give and take between maximizing yield potential and selecting a variety that will persist in our environment. Selecting a variety with appropriate winter hardiness and fall dormancy ratings is the starting point when sorting through potential candidates. New buds are formed each fall and are where new spring growth is initiated. Winter hardiness is the rating used to measure how well these buds survive the winter. Fall dormancy is determined by measuring how tall alfalfa will grow from early fall to the first killing frost. John Yost Varieties that remain short are considered very dormant and have a rating of 1 where those that have the highest fall yield are considered less dormant (very non-dormant, rating 11). For Ohio, it is recommended that you consider a winter hardiness score of 2 and a fall dormancy of 3 to 4. As you increase winter hardiness and fall dormancy, you do give up some late season yield potential but increase stand persistence. More: First the wheat, but now what. Here are field planting options for the dog days of summer Pick alfalfa varieties that offer high tolerance to potato leafhopper Once you have settled on your hardiness and dormancy rating, you will need to pick the varieties that offer production traits that match your management. We highly recommend varieties that offer superior tolerance to potato leafhopper. This trait can now be combined with varieties that offer disease resistance and tolerance to glyphosate. Several of our neighboring states offer alfalfa variety trial data to help you compare varieties you may be considering. When considering a fall alfalfa seeding, it is important to have pH and soil nutrients at the recommended levels. This will facilitate rapid stand establishment, so that the plants are prepared for the coming winter. The Tri-State Fertilizer Guide recommends that soil test levels for Phosphorus be between 30 to 50 parts per million (ppm) and 120 to 170 ppm for Potassium. The ideal soil pH is 6.8. If your soils are below a 6.5 you may need to consider making your lime application and delaying planting until next spring. In the fall, there will be less weed pressure and a nurse crop is generally not recommended as compared to the spring. Weeds that emerge with the crop are the most damaging. Your goal for the first 60 days after planting should be to be weed free. If you will be no-till seeding, it is important to control existing vegetation prior to planting, especially perennial weeds. You can determine which herbicides to use, based on your existing weed populations, by consulting the 2024 Ohio, Indiana, Illinois Weed Control Guide. Seeding rates can range from 10 to 20 pounds per acre depending on planting method and soil type. If no-till seeding, you should be in the 15 to 20 pound range, and when seeding into a prepared seedbed you can reduce seeding rates to 10 to 15 pounds per acre. Your planting depth should be to inch. When no-till seeding make sure that your no-till coulter depth is not deeper than your seed placement depth. Complete planting before first expected frost It is unlikely you will have an opportunity to harvest your fall seeding prior to winter dormancy. The recommendation is to complete planting eight weeks before the first expected frost. In established stands, the last cutting should be made no later than six weeks prior to the first frost. For most of Northern Ohio, the first potential frost date is Oct. 6. Once the plants have entered winter dormancy they have stopped photosynthesis, and it is possible to take a post dormancy harvest. This isnt recommended for newly seeded stands. As I have said several times, it is important to ensure there has been sufficient growth to help the plant overwinter and initiate growth next spring. Sufficient top growth will help protect the crown from heaving. The added benefit of the top growth is supporting any snow load, which can insulate the crown when temperatures drop below 25 degrees. Finally, I want to encourage you to bookmark Sept. 4 for a livestock sustainability field night. We will discuss pasture management, remote sensing for estimating forage growth and water/feed use efficiency. I am still working out details and hope to have the program finalized. As always, if you have any livestock or forage management questions, feel free to contact me at the OSU Extension office Wayne County at 330-264-8722 or email me at yost.77@osu.edu. John Yost is an Extension Educator IV, Agriculture and Natural Resources, at OSU Extension-Wayne County. This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Consider alfalfa: Fall forage management is critical to fall planting A Google listing for the Pennsylvania Avenue railroad bridge shows the site has been given a new name. LANSING Concerned Lansing culturalists have updated Google to rename the Pennsylvania Avenue railroad bridge in honor of its "truck eating" habits. A Google search for "Penny the Truck and Camper Eating Bridge" quickly brings up a listing for the Canadian National Railway bridge, complete with a photo of a semi-truck stuck underneath its 12-foot deck. The bridge, just north of the Red Cedar River, has become renown for shearing off the tops of trailers and RVs that dare to slip underneath its lower-than-typical span. Recently, teeth were added to the bridge, giving it a sinister look for those driving under it. This past week, in addition to grabbing several recent tractor-trailers, the concrete span claimed a large RV that had to be towed from underneath. The Google listing calls the span a "cultural landmark in Lansing, Michigan." A Google listing for the Pennsylvania Avenue railroad bridge shows the site has been given a new name. The bridge, built in 1928, received a 4.9-star rating. One review called it "Best truck/trailer eatter I've every seen" while another said, "My truck made it through unscathed. Not even a small bite mark. Sorely disappointed. Wrote a strongly worded letter to the city planner. Wont visit again." The listing includes a website that takes readers to a site that includes a photo, suggests people work on being as "staunch" as the bridge and includes a somewhat suspect number of "trucks eaten" to "trucks given." STUPID, the Society for Totally Useless Pranks and Immature Dumbassery, identifies itself as a nonprofit on Facebook and explained its reasons for adding the monstrous toothy, touches to the bridge it calls Big Penny. Lansing we are STUPID, and we love to make you smile! a Facebook post said. There are at least three signs ahead of the railroad bridge in each direction, warning in yellow about the "12 ft 0 in" clearance. And there's a digital sign with flashing warning lights that will turn on if an over-height truck approaches. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing Pennsylvania Avenue bridge gets new name on Google FOR VETS, a not-for-profit organization, will host Vettes on the River in LeClaire to raise money for Quad City Vietnam veterans organizations. The event will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the LeClaire levee. According to a press release, Corvettes will be in attendance by 10 a.m. A flag raising ceremony by Vietnam Veterans will take place at 10:30am to salute all veterans and active military. Over 250 Corvettes from across the county are expected to attend this event for a fun car show highlighting Corvettes old and new right along the Mighty Mississippi. If you own a Corvette, this is a great event to show fellow Corvette enthusiasts your pride & joy. There will be a LeClaire Mayors choice award, trophies for each C generation along with farthest driven and a Club award for the club with the most in attendance. To pre-register your Corvette, click here by August 15. Corvettes may also be registered at the time of the event. Schedule on August 24: 8:00 am Gates Open for Corvette parking 8:00 am Breakfast at the Levee Pavilion Big Dave & Hollys 8:00 am-10:30 am Registration 9:00 am Raffle Drawings, Silent Auction and 50/50 starts. 10:30 am Lunch at the Levee Pavilion Big Dave & Hollys, south end of Levee 10:15 am Call to Assemble 10:30 am Color Guard Ceremony 11:00 am First Riverboat Twilight Cruise; others at 1:30pm and 4pm 3:00 pm Awards Presentation 50/50 Drawing, raffle items, silent auction C Class Veterans Choice Awards LeClaire Mayors Choice Award Donation Presentation to Vietnam Veterans Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Survey says Kansas is the second-worst state for hiking. Here's why it's wrong. Kansas is the second-worst U.S. state in which to hike, says a recent study by the cannabis distributor GB The Green Brand. But the researchers who conducted that study might change their minds if they actually came to the Sunflower State and hiked amid the unique tallgrass prairies of its Flint Hills, said Jonathan Prosser. Kansas is prettier and not nearly as flat as people from elsewhere tend to think, Topeka hiking enthusiasts Prosser, 34, and Hunter Munns, 60, told The Capital-Journal. Kansas excels in particular at providing "a feeling of being in nature and surrounded by the beauty of it," Munns said. Shawnee County district trail managers Scott Terry, left, and Tom Hammer walk last year down the blue trail at Dornwood Nature Trails that overlook Deer Creek in Topeka. A recent study by a cannabis distributor concluded Kansas is the second-worst state in which to hike. Which states did the best? The study by GB The Green Brand ranked all 50 states in terms of being the best place to hike. It evaluated five metrics. Those were scenic beauty, as ranked by Thrillist.com; total number of hiking trails; total trail length in miles; precipitation, with drier climates being best; and trails with the steepest climbs. How the top 10 states placed as follows: No. 1: Colorado. No. 2: California. No. 3: Wyoming. No. 4: Washington. No. 5: Utah. No. 6: Oregon. No. 7: Arizona. No. 8: Alaska. No. 9: Montana. No. 10: Maine. Which states did the worst? No. 50: Mississippi. No. 49: Kansas. No. 48: Indiana. No. 47: Louisiana. No. 46: Iowa. No. 45: Delaware. No. 44: Illinois. No. 43: Ohio. No. 42: Alabama. No. 41: Nebraska. Kansas' worst finishes in individual categories came in the areas of natural beauty, where it finished 49th, ahead of only Iowa; having the steepest trails, where it tied for last with 12 other states; and in number of hiking trails, in which it tied for next-to-last with Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi, ahead of only Delaware. Kansas' best outcome came in the category of precipitation, where it finished in the upper half. Topekan: List's creators 'haven't actually been here to hike' Munns, who has hiked in about a dozen states and serves as administrator of the Topeka Trail Runners Facebook page, said he thinks Kansas is a great place to hike. But after looking at the factors the study took into account, Munns said he can understand why Kansas would end up near the bottom of a list created by "people who haven't actually been here to hike." Munns acknowledged the Sunflower State lacks some of the geographical advantages enjoyed by states such as its next-door neighbor, Colorado, which offers stunning, high-altitude views and mountain lakes with crystal-clear water. Topekan likes that Kansas offers 'a lot of rugged trails' Prosser has hiked in about 10 states. Late last month, he completed Colorado's 200-mile Summit 200 race across some of the highest peaks in the nation. "I like rugged trails, and I feel we actually have a lot of rugged trails, if you look for them," Prosser said of Kansas. "I kind of look for the more challenging ones." Prosser said he also likes scenic trails and has found Kansas to be a beautiful place in which to hike. The Konza Prairie Biological Station in the Flint Hills of Kansas offers hikers an area to gain elevation across a vast stretch of land. One other thing Kansas has: Groups of hikers who welcome new members Prosser expressed particular praise for trails in the state's Flint Hills and for the 24.5-mile-long Switchgrass Bike Trail in Wilson State Park in Russell County in north-central Kansas. A couple other excellent options for hikers involve enjoying the Elk River Trail at Elk City in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas, and the Lawrence River Trails, which run along the Kansas River in the Lawrence area, Munns said. One great thing about hiking in Kansas, Munns said, is the presence of numerous communities of hiking enthusiasts such as Lawrence Trail Walkers and Topeka's Dirty Girl Adventures Club who have strong online presences and are quick to welcome new members. "You don't have to look hard to find people to run or hike with," he said. Tim Hrenchir, who wrote this article, went on multiple-day group hikes decades ago in Tennessee, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming and California. He can be reached at 785-213-5934 or threnchir@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Cannabis distributor's study: Kansas is second-worst state for hiking 1-party rule by Democrats and GOP dominates all corners of Ohio, hurts our democracy Wherever you live in Ohio there's a good chance the vast majority of local elected officials belong to one political party. In rural Ohio, Republicans normally hold nearly all political jobs in local government and every seat in the Ohio Statehouse, with gerrymandering helping the party also keep a stranglehold on legislative seats. In our state's major cities, the same is true for Democrats who control city halls and county governments and local Statehouse seats. Despite our growing diversity, Americans continue to largely segregate themselves into red and blue counties and communities, leaving those on the other side of the local political spectrum without any meaningful voice or a real chance at winning an election. Related article: What you can expect from our 2024 election and political coverage We've become a polarized state of localized one-party rule hindered by narrower debates with fewer ideas. Elected leaders don't need to consider a wide range of alternative views to keep their jobs. It's why you see culture war issues dominate state politics and most Columbus and Franklin County leaders strongly aligned on issues like Zone In and LinkUS. That's bad for our democracy. Uncontested Ohio races dominate 2024 election One outcome of this problem is visible in the brief list of contested Statehouse and countywide races slated to appear on November ballots. Even fewer of those contests will be competitive. In Franklin County, only six of 12 Ohio House races feature both a Democrat and a Republican, with the current gerrymandered districts discouraging challengers who don't see a path to victory. Third party or independent candidates are rare. It's even worse for county elections, where only Democrat Shayla Favor faces a Republican conspiracy theorist in her effort to become prosecutor. It's so bad Republicans pulled their endorsement of their candidate. It's shocking they can't find one worthy attorney to seek this powerful and important role, although why would a smart person waste resources if they can't win? And Democrats appear poised to seize the one county office they don't hold Franklin County engineer after the Republicans' recent appointee decided to not seek election. Every other county office two county commissioner seats, sheriff, recorder, clerk of courts, coroner and nine judicial races are uncontested. It's just as bad for Democrats in Republican areas outside Columbus. In the six counties surrounding Franklin County, there are only five contested countywide races with none in Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison or Union. There are three such races in Licking and two in Delaware. Primaries should never decide elections. Incumbents should always be forced to defend their records. How did we get this way? Social media algorithms are constantly narrowing the pools of people we interact with online while feeding us streams of misinformation too many people believe. Liberals and conservatives can effectively avoid alternative opinions and whip themselves into a frenzy of distrust and even hate for the other side. At times, it feels like we're living in two alternate universes, especially with partisan cable television networks fueling the political fires for ratings. Combine that with research that confirms we're self-segregating in our communities, although politics may not be the main factor. It seems liberals prefer cities with diversity, public transit and a good arts scene. Conservatives prefer small towns and rural areas with churches. Still, the trend is so strong that some people are actually moving across state lines, especially from liberal California to conservative Texas. It's all incredibly unhealthy for everyone. Does this sad reality explain why state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester, bizarrely suggested a civil war might be necessary if Donald Trump does not win the presidency again in November, eliciting cheers from a crowd of JD Vance supporters? What a truly disturbing thought for anyone to share, let alone an elected official at a political rally. Ohio state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester speaks before Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, takes the stage at Middletown High School Monday, July 22, 2024. Lang said if Republicans don't win the 2024 election it could lead to a civil war to "save the country." Are there solutions? At the state level, Ohioans will have an opportunity Nov. 5 to vote on Issue 1, a proposal to remove state politicians from drawing boundaries for seats in the US House and both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly. The "Citizens Not Politicians" plan would effectively end gerrymandering, although we expect a spirited debate on that point. Restoring political balance in district elections would be a healthy first step, although Republicans would still likely control all statewide elected offices while Democrats would still dominate major cities. Nor will the issue change how Ohioans choose where they live, if they are fortunate enough to have a choice. "A mountain of research and a world of common sense tell us that place matters," The Brookings Institute reported in 2020. "There are so many essentials to the American dream that are geographically constrained, and the only way to ensure that Americans of all races and incomes have a fair opportunity is to build a world where good neighborhoods are not scarce, expensive, and exclusive, and where all households can put down roots and keep them. "The attributes of communities of opportunitygood schools, proximate jobs, retail amenities, and parksare tied to place. We need more good places for more people." More: Ohio election law violates rights of voters with disabilities, federal judge says One can argue Brookings' vision describes a utopia that's impossible to totally achieve in a free country where wealth disparities will always exist. But it's clear we need to begin heading more in that direction before we splinter even further. Don't we want all corners of Ohio to be more prosperous no matter who lives there? It's time to focus more on what's good for the many rather than just those who share your views. This editorial was written by Dispatch Executive Editor Michael Shearer on behalf of the editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch. Editorials are fact-based assessments of issues of importance to the communities we serve. These are not the opinions of our reporting staff members, who strive for neutrality in their reporting. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Editorial: Why Ohio voters won't find many choices on 2024 election ballots Aerial view of the Governors Island with Brooklyn New York in the background. Inset: sings that say A former weapons arsenal on Governors Island is getting a $10 million facelift that will bring new dining options and a large event space to the island that sits in the heart of New York Harbor, according to media reports. In addition to reimagining Taco Vista, a casual Mexican fare that has been on the 172-acre island since 2018, the historic Building 140 will house Priscillas, a year-round cafe with light fare and crafted cocktails, and the Riverline, an indoor-outdoor full-service restaurant, according to amNY. There will be a commissary kitchen servicing all three eateries and event space offering scenic waterfront views for weddings and corporate events, all operated by the Mexican eatery. A former weapons arsenal on Governors Island is getting a $10 million renovation. Tierney stock.adobe.com The project which includes about $1 million in city funds is slated to open in fall 2025. It will be one of the first adaptive reuse projects on the island with 100% electric operations, The Trust for Governors Island officials told amNY. Restorative work on the 10,000-square-foot administrative building, erected by the US Army in 1875, will include flood resiliency, and replacing and repairing bricks and windows, New York Business Journal reported. This marks the latest effort to make the island an accessible, year-round destination for [its] nearly one million visitors, Clare Newman, the trusts president and CEO, said previously. The city will contribute about 10% of the $10 million renovation of a former weapons arsenal on Governors Island. Michael stock.adobe.com The island was opened to the public year-round in 2021. In May, The Post reported that the islands massive Italian day spa QC NY was expanding with a new building, a restaurant and various wellness offerings set to open in July. FDNY firefighters respond to a 2 alarm fire that started at Essex Card Shop on Avenue A in New York City in January 10, 2022. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Fourteen people were injured, including 11 FDNY firefighters, in a massive New York City blaze that engulfed 7 homes in Queens, officials said Sunday. Dozens of residents remain displaced following the late afternoon fire Saturday. More than 200 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics responded to the fire, which fire crews were able to bring under control in about two hours, officials said. The fire started just after 4pm Saturday at a two-story residence at 88-21 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Queens Village. It quickly spread to 7 buildings and jumped immediately to a five alarm fire, according to FDNY officials. "This was a very fierce fire, and it spread to seven buildings and into the rear and garage area," FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer told local media. A spokesperson with the Red Cross said dozens of people were displaced and that the organization had registered seven households - consisting of 22 adults and 10 children - for emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and financial assistance. No official cause of the blaze has been released, but officials reported that propane tanks had exploded in the back of the initial site of the fire, accelerating the blaze, FDNY officials said. The official cause remains under investigation. In addition to the burned remains of the houses, there were several cars charred down to the bare metal in the alleyway behind the residences. TURNERS FALLS, Mass. (WWLP) The 11th annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival was held in Turners Falls this weekend, and residents were able to celebrate Native American art, music, and more at the festival. Last chance to visit the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire in Cummington Pocumtuck Homelands honors the rich indigenous history in Turners Falls and aims to tell the stories left behind by the diverse population of Native Americans who settled along the Connecticut River. When you come to an event like this you get to hear directly from us, which allows for a more intimate understanding of who we are as indigenous people, said this years festival emcee, Justin Beatty. I think its useful for all of us because it helps bridge the gaps, it helps us see each other as humans and equals and understand a little more about what it means to exist in this country and as human beings. The Pocumtuck, Nipmuc, and Abenaki tribes occupied the land that is now Turners Falls. This weekends festival honored these peoples continued presence and resilience in the community and served as a reminder to appreciate those who walked the land before. 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) A total of 14 people were arrested during two related disturbances during parties in Downtown Elmira and the Southside early on Sunday morning. According to the Elmira Police Department, officers were called to the 200 block of West Water Street shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 4 for a reported disturbance during a local bars party with more than 300 guests. After police arrived, multiple fights broke out in the middle of West Water Street. As the officers attempted to stop the fights, large crowds surrounded them. Police say that the disturbance then became more unruly and more fights broke out on the same block while the officers were surrounded. The officers called for backup from the surrounding area and dealt with the crowd for more than an hour until the fights broke up and the crowd started to disperse. Police: Elmira man arrested, threw Molotov cocktail near child Nine people were arrested on charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and second-degree harassment. Some of the people the officers attempted to arrest fled into the large crowd and werent caught. Officers used pepper spray during the disturbance and most of the Elmira Police Officers had to decontaminate from the spray after the incident. The Chemung County Sheriffs Office, the Elmira Heights Police Department, the Horseheads Police Department, Erway Ambulance, the Elmira Fire Department, and New York State Troopers from Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga counties assisted with the disturbance. Elmira man sentenced up to 5 years in prison on theft charges The incident continued later on in the night at about 3:30 a.m. when the Elmira Police Department got multiple calls about loud noise on the 400 block of West Hudson Street. Police say that the people involved in this disturbance were the same people who were part of the West Water Street incident. After the crowds had dissipated on West Water Street, some of the individuals had gone to a residence on West Hudson Street for an afterparty. Police say that as they were attempting to clear West Hudson Street people became unruly and disruptive. Officers arrested five people on charges that included disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. The Chemung County Sheriffs Office, the Elmira Heights Police Department, the Horseheads Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the Elmira Fire Department, and Erway Ambulance assisted the Elmira Police Department again during the second incident. Anyone who has information about either disturbance is asked to call the Elmira Police Department at 607-735-8600 or 607-271-HALT to remain anonymous. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. 14-year-old in critical condition after being shot in Laurinburg residence, police say LAURINBURG, N.C. (WBTW) A 14-year-old is in critical condition at Scotland Memorial Hospital after being shot on Saturday afternoon, Laurinburg police said. It happened in the 500 block of Turnpike Road just before 3:30 p.m. Authorities said the shooting was an isolated incident inside a residence with no threat to the public. No further information was immediately provided. * * * 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. 2 Georgia National Guard members have died in Iraq in separate incidents Two Georgia National Guard soldiers have been killed in separate incidents in Iraq. The Guard said Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, of Douglasville was killed in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based in Lawrenceville. That unit began a mission at an undisclosed location in the Middle East in April. Spc. Owen James Elliott, 23, of Twin City died in Baghdad. Elliott was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, based in Savannah. TRENDING STORIES: That unit began a Middle East deployment in December, the Georgia National Guard has said, focusing on air defense artillery. The Army said its investigating each death. Theres no evidence of foul play, officials said. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott, said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and 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. The Georgia National Guard declined further comment Saturday. The Associated Press contributed to this article. IN OTHER NEWS: Two people have been killed in a stabbing attack in the Israeli city of Holon, near Tel Aviv, medical officials have said. The two killed were a 66-year-old woman and an approximately 80-year-old man, medical officials said. Two others were injured. Police said the attacker was a West Bank resident and was neutralized at the scene. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. One of the injured, a 26-year-old man, told CNN affiliate Channel 11 (Kan News) that he was walking his dog when a man ran at him and stabbed him in the shoulder. Yaakov Levertov said that he was able to run away from the man to a bus terminal parking lot. It was only when talking to emergency services after this that he realized he was not the only victim. Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said at a cabinet meeting Sunday that this morning there was a murderous terrorist attack in Holon. I send my condolences to the families of the murdered and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. Netanyahu praised the police officers who eliminated the terrorist, adding we will reckon with everyone who cooperated with him. Israels Minister for State Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the site of the attack and repeated a call for Israelis to arm themselves. I share in the grief of the families and wish a full recovery to the wounded. Our war is not only against Iran, but here in the streets. This is exactly why we armed the people of Israel. More than 150,000 licenses for weapons in the last eight months, he said, urging people to carry a weapon, it saves lives. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Israelis to arm themselves following the attack. - Mahmoud Illean/AP Palestinian militant groups celebrated the attack in Holon, with the Popular Resistance Committees, an umbrella organization of armed groups, and the Al-Qassam Brigades posting messages of support on their social media channels. Hamas said in a statement that it mourns the perpetrator of the attacks, who it described as a martyred hero. Hamas views this act as a natural response to ongoing Israeli occupation crimes against the Palestinian people, including brutal acts in Gaza, escalating violations in the West Bank, and the assassination of movement leader Ismail Haniyeh, it said. The assassination of Haniyeh, Hamas political leader, earlier this week further heightened tensions at an already volatile time, raising fears that Israels conflict with Hamas and its allies could develop into a multi-front, fully-fledged war in the Middle East. Attacks on Israeli civilians are not uncommon, though they usually take place in areas such as Jerusalem and the West Bank, where large populations of both Israelis and Palestinians live. Last July, eight people were injured after a car driver rammed into pedestrians near a Tel Aviv shopping center and then got out of the vehicle to stab civilians. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHICAGO Two teens injured in a drive-by shooting on the citys South Side on Saturday afternoon have died. According to Chicago police, the gunfire erupted just after 6 p.m. in the 4800 block of South Winchester Avenue, in the Back of the Yards. Man critically injured in Far South Side Shooting Officers say the two victims, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, were standing near a home in the area when a vehicle approached and someone inside opened fire. The 15-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen and the 17-year-old was hit in the arm and the armpit. Both teens were taken to the hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and authorities say no arrests have been made. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380, or dial 911. Those with information can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO Three people were injured at a Wrightwood McDonalds on Sunday morning after being attacked with a hatchet-like object, according to Chicago police. While the suspect took off after the initial incident, officers were called back to the area just after 1 p.m. by people who identified a male hanging around the 79th Street and Western Avenue bus terminal as the person allegedly responsible. WGN-TV cameras were rolling as police arrived and took the person into custody for questioning. A handful of people surrounded him, refusing to let the person leave until officers could arrive. Caught on Camera: Suspects rip away security shutters, steal from South Side store Police said they were called to the fast-food restaurant near the 7800 block of South Western Avenue at around 8:30 a.m. after a male allegedly demanded free food from a cashier, and when the cashier refused, he showed a hatchet-like object and started to strike the victims. According to police, an 18-year-old man and two 45-year-old women inside the McDonalds were transported to area hospitals after the attack. The 18-year-old and one of the two women were reportedly said to be in good condition upon transport, while the other woman was seriously injured. All three victims were employees. McDonalds reopened the drive-thru Sunday afternoon for business, but the inside of the restaurant remained closed. Its really shocking, Jessica Kuykindall said. Just to hear something so harsh happened its really unreal. West Loop residents on edge after brazen burglary leave many without packages That sentiment was shared by many customers who came to the fast-food spot Sunday and learned of what happened. People are just going into McDonalds and something like that happens, you know, it could happen anywhere, Kuykindall said. Anything can happen so you have to be aware of your surroundings. Its just devastating. First of all, who comes out with hatchets? I said I would keep the family in my prayers because I was just telling you I lost my son, so somebody getting hurt in the McDonalds, a place where youre supposed to feel safe going to, that weve been going to all our lives pretty much, is unnerving, Dinah Felton said. Felton, who lost her only son more than 20 years ago in a shooting, said she is proud of the people who spoke up after and called police. We should tell. A lot of people try to keep it a secret because theyre afraid that maybe people saw him or may come back and retaliate, so if I see something, Im telling you, Felton said. Family, friends remember off-duty Cook County Sheriffs deputy killed off-duty in armed robbery attempt; person of interest in custody Kuykindall said this is also a reminder of the issue of food insecurity that many people still face. I work for UIC and we try to get the knowledge out there about food pantries and things like that and eating healthier in the community, so thats kind of devastating, Kuykindall said. The restaurants owner and operator Vincent Hale issued a statement following the attack. We are deeply upset by the violent attack that took place in our restaurant yesterday morning, harming three of our own team members. Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees and customers. We offer our full support to them as they recover, as well as to the police during their investigation, Hale said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Four gang members have been sentenced to spend time behind bars for a string of car break-ins in Canton in 2019. All four of the men are members of the Nine Trey Gangsters Bloods, which is a subgroup of the Bloods criminal street gang. According to Susan K. Treadway, District Attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, at around 4:15 a.m. on Jan. 24, 2019, Canton police responded to reports of cars being broken into on Oconee Way. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said that after a resident saw two men breaking into his car, he tried to stop them, and one of them shot at him. Officers later found a bullet hole in the witnesss garage, bullet holes in a neighbors home and vehicle, and shell casings on the street. The men entered a total of 19 vehicles that day, all of which were unlocked at the time. The men who fired the shots were identified as Damonte Dekeys Brown, 24, of Kennesaw, and Kadarius Keyonte Odims, 23, of Powder Springs. Two other men, Shaquavion Adkins (aka Red Eye), 28, of Athens, and Trentavious Watkins (aka Epik/Big Homie Epik), 25, of Athens,were also charged for their part in the crime. Treadway said those two men hold leadership roles in the Nine Trey Gangsters Bloods and required Odims to pay his dues to the criminal street gang. The co-defendants worked together as an enterprise for the purpose of illegally obtaining money and property. Money generated through organized criminal activity is typically used to pay gang membership dues or to further the interests of the gang, Assistant District Attorney Kelly Chavis, of the Gang/Organized Crime Unit, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the State said. The indictment for Brown and Odims included 75 charges: two counts of violating the RICO Act, 47 counts of violating the Street Gang Act, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, 19 counts of entering autos, two counts of first-degree criminal damage to property, financial transaction card theft, unlawful for person employed by or associated with criminal street gang, and theft by taking. In text message conversations prior to the crimes, both Watkins and Adkins reached out to Odims to make sure his dues were paid, Chavis said. Odims came to Cherokee County for the specific purpose of committing crimes to pay his dues to the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods. The four men entered guilty pleas at different hearings over the past two years. Brown and Odims admitted to all 75 charges and both entered a non-negotiated guilty plea. Brown was sentenced to 50 years, with the first 12 years to be served in prison. Odims was sentenced to 30 years, with the first 20 years to be served in prison. TRENDING STORIES: Adkins and Watkins pleaded guilty to one count of violation of the Street Gang Act. Both were sentenced to 10 years, with the first year to be served in confinement. All four men were banned from Cherokee County and ordered to have no contact with the victims, co-defendants, or any known gang members, especially those associated with the Bloods and subgroup Nine Trey Gangster Bloods. When gang members enter our community to commit crimes against our residents, they learn quickly that Cherokee County doesnt tolerate gang activity. Our law enforcement agencies work together to investigate these crimes, and the District Attorneys Office is equipped with a specially trained unit to aggressively prosecute them, Treadaway said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: CHICAGO Four men were shot and one was killed overnight when a verbal altercation escalated into a shooting outside Lawrences Fish & Shrimp on the citys South Side, according to a preliminary investigation by Chicago police. Police say a group of men were standing outside the Lawrences location in the 2100 block of South Canal Street, on the Chicago River in Armour Square, around 3 a.m. Sunday the restaurant is open 24/7 when they began arguing with another group of men. 2 teens killed in South Side drive-by shooting The altercation turned physical, police say, then shots were fired. A 39-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, and a 27-year-old man took himself to an area hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Authorities have not released the identity of the man pronounced dead. Additionally, police say, a 34-year-old man was taken to an area hospital in fair condition with gunshot wounds to the leg, and a 21-year-old man took himself to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the left calf and is listed in good condition. A heavy police presence remained at Lawrences early Sunday morning, crime-scene tape surrounding the restaurant and the entire parking lot. Evidence techs found shell casings scattered across the parking lot, and the crime scene had expanded to include part of the property next door. Police pull body from Chicago river along West Adams Street A man who identified himself as a friend of the man who was killed told WGN he was at the restaurant getting something to eat with his teenage children when they witnessed the entire incident. Police have not said if they have anyone in custody, saying only that Area One detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding 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 WGN-TV. CHICAGO Chicago police are investigating after five men were shot on the citys South Side Sunday morning. Police said the shooting happened just after 5 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Calumet Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood. 4 shot, 1 killed in overnight shooting following argument outside South Side restaurant, CPD says A 25-year-old man was shot in the lower extremities; a 24-year-old man was shot in the back; a 32-year-old man was shot in the arm; a 26-year-old man was shot in the chin, and another 26-year-old man was shot in the thumb, according to police. Authorities said all victims took themselves to The University of Chicago Hospital and are listed in good condition. CPD said the victims are not coopering with officers. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines No other information was released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Sunday marks five years since the Oregon District mass shooting took the lives of nine people. For the fifth anniversary, the 8-4 Memorial was unveiled in the Oregon District, located in the area of 530 East Fifth Street. The public artwork pairs nine standing pieces and a ground mosaic in several colors. Continue to keep fighting: Oregon District shooting survivor reflects on five years After nearly four years of planning and work, and nearly 5,000 volunteer contributors to the project, the memorial was officially unveiled during a ceremony on Sunday afternoon. A team of local artists created the piece, including: Terry Welker, FAIA: architect/sculptor, team leader; Sierra Leone, poet, educator, community builder; Jes McMillan, artist, community builder, The Mosaic Institute; and James Pate, artist, designer, community builder. The memorial consists of 9 seed-shaped standing metal sculptures, with a mosaic made up of hundreds of stones and a large bench where people can sit and reflect. Those behind the memorial call it a place for all, and a dedicated area for the public to heal. This was put on display Sunday as a large crowd gathered at East Fifth Street. This is about your memory and how you move forward, said architect and sculptor of the piece Terry Welker. We have joined together and unified in this giant effort toward healing, said Jes McMillan. We made it. We crossed the finish line and we couldnt have done it without Dayton. The feeling is visceral, and its surreal. We did the very best that we could to honor, to serve and to celebrate the lives of our victims, said poet Sierra Leone. The memorial is open to the public, serving as a space to reflect, pay respects or appreciate the art. To learn more about the design process, visit 8-4memorial.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. It happened so fast, says driver accused in suspected DUI crash that killed 9-year-old in North Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The driver accused of a suspected DUI crash in North Las Vegas that killed a 9-year-old girl told police she thought the light was green and said it happened so fast, documents said. Shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, NLVPD responded to the intersection of Ann Road and Simmons Street after reports of a crash involving two vehicles. When police arrived, they found a Chevrolet Corvette with major damage to the passenger side and a Jeep SUV lying on its drivers side with moderate front damage, according to an arrest report. Booking photo of Christina Sorensen provided by the North Las Vegas Police Department The driver of the Jeep told police they were driving north on Simmons when the Corvette made a left turn in front of them, causing the collision. The driver of the Jeep told police their light was green, the report stated. The crash occurred when the Jeep was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the side of the Corvette, causing the Jeep to roll onto its side, police said. The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries. Another witness who drove next to the Jeep also told police the light was green when the Corvette turned in front of them. The 9-year-old passenger of the Corvette, Sophia Sandoval, of Porterville, California, was found unresponsive and police said several bystanders attempted to perform lifesaving measures on her. Sandoval was taken to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased, police said. Police spoke to the driver of the Corvette, identified as Christina Sorenson, 61, who said that when she turned left, the other car approached and ran into her, the report said. When asked if the light was red or green, she told police she thought it was green, it happened so fast, according to the report. Police said her demeanor at the scene appeared to be emotionless. Officers said they noticed her eyes were not equally tracking and were choppy when following the officers. Sorenson would also sway left and right, losing her balance, while attempting a field sobriety test. A breath test revealed no breath-alcohol content, though police suspected she was driving under the influence of narcotics. Sorenson consented to a blood draw at the scene, which was taken to a lab. Sorenson was booked into the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center where she faces charges of DUI resulting in death, reckless driving resulting in death, and child endangerment resulting in death. Her next court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 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 KLAS. Able to mull justifications in Cowboys tailgate death, retrial jury settles on manslaughter Jammed trash cans dotted the edge of an AT&T Stadium parking lot in Arlington as the daylong drunken jubilance of a tailgate faded and a Dallas Cowboys game ended. Grills, televisions and tents were being packed away in the dark. In one telling, warm beer splattered onto a man from a container flung by another and spurred an argument that erupted into coils of combatants who piled on the ground. As Cowboys fans confronted a loss to the New England Patriots in October 2015, the brawl grew at the end of the parking lot, in grass near a retaining wall. Men, some without shirts, swung. Girlfriends and wives tried to break up the burgeoning melee. The scrum moved toward Richard Sells, a 43-year-old retail loss prevention employee, who also had been tailgating. He was shot once in the neck. The projectile, with a hollow nose, expanded as it broke his ribs and settled in his back. The round tracked within his body front to back, up to down and left to right. Sells died at a hospital. The shooter, Marvin Rodriguez, offered two central arguments. He unintentionally squeezed his pistols trigger when Sells reared or jerked back as Rodriguez lifted Sells off of Candido Rodriguez, the shooters brother, and the killing was justified by self-defense and his defense of Candido Rodriguez. A jury in August 2017 convicted Marvin Rodriguez of murder, the offense on which he was indicted, and assessed his punishment at 20 years in prison. The Second Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. On petition for discretionary review, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals held that the trial court had erred by denying Rodriguezs request for jury instructions on the justification defenses of self-defense and defense of a third person. The Second Court of Appeals reversed Rodriguezs conviction and remanded his case to the trial court for a new trial. Nine years after killing, a retrial is underway in the 396th District Court in Tarrant County. Its jury appears to have been persuaded by the defense argument that the killing was reckless, not intentional or knowing, as the Tarrant County District Attorneys Office argued. The jury on Friday afternoon found Marvin Rodriguez guilty of manslaughter. Candido Rodriguez, a brother of Marvin Rodriguez, looks at Assistant Criminal District Attorney Peter Gieseking while on the witness stand during his brothers murder retrial in 396th District Court at Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. The homicide occurred while Rodriguez and his family were tailgating outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington after a Cowboys game in 2015. The jury rejected the defense justification arguments. The lesser included offense of manslaughter was also included in instructions to the first jury. An innocent man was slain in front of his pregnant [fiancee], Assistant Criminal District Attorney Matt Rivers told the jury in his closing argument. Rivers is prosecuting the case with Assistant Criminal District Attorney Peter Gieseking. Did you intend to kill Richard Sells? defense attorney Pam Fernandez asked in the first question of her client as he testified on Thursday. No maam, the defendant testified. Fernandez represents the defendant with defense attorney Abe Factor. Before he shot Sells, Marvin Rodriguez testified that he held the handgun to Lester Peters, a tailgater from Lufkin. Sellss fiancee, Angelica Secundino, testified that she and Sells were watching the fight from a distance when it moved to the couple. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Peter Gieseking displays a piece of evidence to the jury during the murder retrial of Marvin Rodriguez in 396th District Court at Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. The homicide occurred while Rodriguez and his family were tailgating outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington after a Cowboys game in 2015. The jury will at 8:30 a.m. Monday continue to hear evidence in the retrials punishment phase. Judge George Gallagher is presiding. Absolute worst-case scenario: Officials say man was not wearing life jacket after finding body in American River (FOX40.COM) A man died on Saturday afternoon after Metro Fire crews found his body in the American River following a day of recreation at the Clay Banks, Metro Fire officials said. Just before noon on Saturday, Metro Fire crews were sent to a water rescue at the area mentioned above as several people were recreating when one of them, a man in his 30s, went underwater and never resurfaced. Officials added around 4:30 p.m. that the dive team was able to locate the mans body. They were not wearing life jackets, unfortunately, and one of them went under, Metro Fire Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn said. Several individuals did reach out and try to effect a rescue, but they were exhausted and had to retreat to shoreThis is an absolute worst-case scenario for this individual and a tragic event. NWS uses recent rise in temperatures to remind Northern California residents of water safety He continued, Its something we say over and over and over again, please wear your life jackets. Wilbourn added that the water conditions on Saturday were fairly stable but there are hazards along the river that may not be visible from the top that can easily lead to someone being swept out or submerged in the water, further reiterating the need for life jackets when recreating in any Sacramento waterways. Two things that can really keep you safe along the American River: Rent a raft, dont bring your pool toys, and wear a life jacket, life jackets can save lives, he said. Metro Fire said the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office and the Sacramento County Park Rangers assisted them in their search for the man, who was found several hundred yards downstream after several hours of search efforts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Senators on both sides of the aisle left the Capitol frustrated as they began an August recess following seven months of work that saw political messaging wars crowd out legislative results. Aside from a major foreign aid package in April, most big-ticket legislative items stalled, leaving lawmakers with little to brag about ahead of Novembers elections. Abysmal, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said about the chambers work so far. Its far from unusual for legislation to take a back seat to messaging in a presidential election year, but it nonetheless provoked complaints with each party blaming the other. Yes, I wish we could have done more, he added. On top of the consistent flow of judicial and When youve got MAGA Republicans in control of the House, obviously it makes it harder to get things done because they dont want to move forward in a bipartisan way, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who lauded the passage of the foreign aid bill and most of the Senates appropriations work, though he conceded the latter item is a low bar. The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced 11 of the 12 bills, but none has received floor votes. On top of the consistent flow of judicial and executive branch nominees, the Senate was also able to clear the decks on multiple must-pass packages, including government funding and reauthorizations of the Federal Aviation Administration and the nations warrantless surveillance program. The Senate last week also passed a pair of bills aimed at boosting child safety and regulating tech companies, but action on those only happened after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) held months of what Republicans have derided as show votes. Most of those were part of the partys messaging on reproductive rights. Schumer also didnt put rail safety legislation on the floor much to the chagrin of Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who is embroiled in one of the top reelection battles in November. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the new GOP vice presidential nominee, is the lead GOP sponsor of the proposal, which is being opposed by corners of GOP leadership. Senate Republicans also charged that Schumer held one final one on Thursday before members bolted for recess on the Houses bill that expanded the child tax credit. Senate GOP members have overwhelmingly opposed the effort, arguing that the Democratic leader was not trying to get a legislative result by putting it on the floor. Schumer laid the blame at the feet of his Republican colleagues. Today, Senate Republicans boldly told the American people we refuse to help you in 2024, and we want to be frank, Republicans voted no because of partisanship, not policy, he said after the vote failed. Election-year troubles also doomed the most ambitious legislative effort by lawmakers this year the bipartisan border bill cobbled together by Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), which was killed almost as soon as it was released by conservatives. Former President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) led the charge to sink the package, arguing it didnt go nearly far enough to satisfy their palette, with Republicans also unwilling to give President Biden a political win on an issue that remains a sore spot for Democrats. The chambers schedule is also prompting frustration on the GOP side, especially over the past two years since Republicans won back the House, over what they say is a light workload and Schumers decision to start some weeks of Senate work with a magic Monday. During those weeks, votes in the chamber are usually held Tuesday evening, with members leaving for the weekend on Thursday afternoon. In both 2023 and 2024 ahead of August recess, nine weeks started with a session on Tuesday compared to only one such week in 2022. Why not go home? Cramer said. When were here, its not like were working either. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two of the Russian dissidents who were freed from prison and arrived in Germany as part of last week's major East-West prisoner swap say they are already thinking about returning to Russia, but vow to continue political activism even from abroad. The swap saw eight Russians, including a convicted murderer, returned home from Western countries in exchange for 16 prisoners freed from Russian and Belarusian jails, many of them Russian dissidents alongside Americans like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. As people who were actually deported, who were kicked out of the country, we all have a great desire to return, dissident Andrei Pivovarov told Reuters in an interview in Bonn on Saturday. "I definitely want to be in Russia. I am a Russian politician and that is very important to me," Pivovarov said. "It is clear that they (the Russian authorities) will not allow us to return, although we want to." Ilya Yashin, an opposition activist imprisoned in 2022 for criticising President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, also expressed his desire to return home. Russian dissident Ilya Yashin attends a press conference after being freed in a multi-country prisoner swap in Bonn, Germany, August 2, 2024. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler "I am truly pained by my expulsion from Russia, despite all the gratitude I feel towards those who wished me well and saved me," Yashin told Reuters. "But I sincerely say that my place is in Russia ... I have dedicated my life to my country." Yashin said he was happy to see his family and friends for the first time in a long while. But on the other hand, he said it was "a hard pill to swallow". "Its very difficult for me emotionally because I understand that I was set free at the price of setting free an assassin, a person who actually committed a bloody crime," Yashin said. This referred to Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted of the 2019 murder of a former Chechen militant in Berlin, who was among those freed. "I said it a number of times that I did not want to be part of any exchange lists," Yashin said. "The Kremlin representatives gladly included my name because for them my exchange essentially means expulsion," he added. He said he planned to continue with what he called the anti-war education of Russians, and helping Russian political prisoners. Pivovarov also said he wanted to continue with his opposition activities from outside of Russia. "Coordinating anything from inside is impossible," Pivovarov said. "Im not planning to step aside," he added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two Russian dissidents released in East-West swap want to return home The Ukrainian Air Force has destroyed over 8,000 Russian air targets since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk reported on Aug. 4. "In two and a half years, the Air Force has destroyed over 8,000 enemy air targets: hundreds of airplanes and helicopters, thousands of cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian pilots have carried out over 20,000 combat sorties, most of them involving the use of aviation weapons," Oleshchuk wrote on Telegram. According to the Aug. 4 report from the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Russia has lost 363 airplanes, 326 helicopters, and 13,103 drones since the start of the full-scale war. In his statement, Oleshchuk also congratulated Ukrainian soldiers on the national Air Force Day, marked on the first Sunday of August in Ukraine. "During the full-scale invasion, for their personal courage and dedication demonstrated in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, 4,475 Air Force servicemen have been awarded state honors. Of them, 47 have been named Heroes of Ukraine, with 25, unfortunately, posthumously," he wrote. "The battle for the sky continues. Around the clock, the enemy attacks us with bombs and missiles, conducts aerial reconnaissance, and strikes every night with attack drones," Oleshchuk wrote. Read also: Russias Su-57 hype vs. reality "The Air Force, shoulder to shoulder with the air defense of all the Defense Forces of Ukraine, repels the attacks. As much as possible, they destroy the enemy's air attack means, strike the enemy from the air, and hold the defense on the ground." Later in the day, President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram that "Ukraine will always be grateful to everyone who faithfully serves our nation every day and protects the lives of our people from Russian terror." "Today, we especially thank all of the defenders of our sky, the Ukrainian warriors of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for every downed Russian target, for their efficiency and precision," he wrote. Read also: Ukraine received 6 F-16s from Netherlands, The Times reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Albanians vote for new mayor of ethnic Greek town in a case that has sparked tensions with Athens FILE - Fredis Beleris listens to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during their meeting at Maximos Mansion in Athens, Monday, July 15, 2024. Albanians in the southwestern town of Himara are to vote Sunday for a new mayor after their previous choice, Fredis Beleris, a member of the country's ethnic Greek minority, was stripped of his title, convicted and imprisoned on vote-buying charges in what he and neighboring Greece have claimed was a politically motivated case. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File) QEPARO, Albania (AP) Albanians in the southwestern town of Himara voted for a new mayor Sunday after their previous choice, a member of the country's ethnic Greek minority, was stripped of his title, convicted and imprisoned on vote-buying charges. He and neighboring Greece have claimed his conviction was politically motivated. The case against Fredis Beleris has strained relations between Tirana and Athens, with Greece threatening to hold up Albanias bid to join the European Union. The current election's two candidates are members of the local ethnic Greek community. After the voting ended at 1700 GMT on Sunday, the preliminary turnout tally showed that 37.61% or more than 3% than last year of the nearly 23,000 registered voters cast their ballots, according to the Central Election Commission, or CEC, the countrys governing election body, adding the voting was held without any issues. Local media reported some minor technical issues in some polling stations as well as the election documentation, management and voters identity cards. Some news outlets reported at least four buses arrived from neighboring Greece filled with locally registered voters. Both rival candidates have invested in bringing Albanian immigrants back to cast their votes, a normal move in every election in the tiny Balkan country. The voting was held at the culmination of the tourist season with thousands of tourists in areas where the voting took place. Few were aware of the voting that was taking place. Himara is populated with ethnic Greeks on what has been dubbed the Albanian Riviera, a coastal region with burgeoning tourist development that has been rife with property disputes. The issue of property and its potential exploitation as part of Albanias tourism boom has been at the center of both candidates campaigns. In the aftermath of the fall of Albanias communist regime in the early 1990s, property that had previously been seized by the state was distributed among residents. But this often led to disputes over ownership claims. The issue is further complicated in Himara, an area seen as potentially lucrative for future property development, by allegations of ethnic bias in land distribution. The two contenders in the mayoral race governing Socialist Party candidate Vangjel Tavo and Petraq Gjikuria from the Together We Win coalition have called on voters to choose the best person for the job. Gjikurias 10-party coalition includes the main oppositions center-right Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the left-wing Freedom Party of former President Ilir Meta. Tavo has said he will complete a process begun by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama a few months ago to provide Himara residents with property ownership certificates, while Gjikuria has pledged to better defend residents property rights. The Socialists currently dominate the Town Halls assembly. Besides the property issue, the new mayor will also have to deal with road infrastructure and the water supply. He'll also have to figure how best to keep young people from leaving the country. Meanwhile, Beleris, who lost his mayoral position for allegedly offering 40,000 Albanian leks (360 euros; $390) to buy eight votes and is serving a two-year prison sentence, has been rooting for Gjikuria and calling on people to vote for him. On Sunday, CEC head Ilirjan Celibashi said some 6,000 voters were unable to take part in the election due to expired identity cards. During the previous election, the commission allowed people with out-of-date IDs to vote upon the request of some political parties and consequently a decision from the government. This year no such request was filed, according to Celibashi. Flamur Noka of the main opposition Democratic Party said he considered the voting a farce and an electoral crime. Former interior minister Taulant Balla said that despite his call on July 22 for a speedy two-day issuing of IDs, there was no response from Himara voters, especially those living in neighboring Greece. Beleris, a dual Albanian-Greek national, has called on voters with expired IDs to resist. He wrote on Facebook: Dont leave the polling stations! Dont get afraid! Vote! Vote! Vote! He won last years election with a 19-vote lead, backed by parties opposing the prime minister's governing Socialists. But he never took office, being detained until his conviction in March. An appeals court in June upheld his conviction and Albanian authorities stripped him of his title of mayor. Beleris, 51, has claimed the case against him is politically motivated as an attempt by Rama to retain control of Himara and its potentially lucrative property potential. Albanian officials strongly reject those claims, citing the independence of the judiciary. In June, he was elected to the European Parliament with Greeces governing conservative party, and was given a five-day leave from prison to attend the parliaments opening session in Strasbourg. Results were expected on Monday morning, according to the CEC. ___ Follow Llazar Semini on X: https://x.com/lsemini Alison Caplan, director of Kent State Universitys May 4 Visitors Center Kent State Universitys May 4 Visitors Center, a living museum open to the public free of charge, has a message about free speech that is as relevant today as it was 54 years ago, when the shootings occurred, according to Alison Caplan, the centers director. Going into her second year at the center, Caplan is busy getting the word out and inviting the public to visit and learn. Our story is about real people, she said. Jeffrey Miller is not just the body of a person memorialized in the John Filo photograph of May 4, 1970. He was a young man who came to Kent State to get an education, who became involved in politics during the national trauma of the Vietnam War and was shot and killed during a protest over the expansion of that war. According to Caplan, the protests of today, many of which are occurring on campuses throughout the nation, are bringing the same issues of free speech the fore. The passions surrounding the war in Gaza and Black Lives Matter are challenging us in the same way that the war in Vietnam did on May 4, 1970, she said. Caplan wants to reach out, not only to students on the KSU campus, but to educators and citizens beyond. Her first year on the job, she said, she focused on creating hands-on activities for new students on the campus. She is hoping to find grant money to fund busing of teachers and students to the Visitors Center. She credits Laura Davis, a retired Kent State faculty member who, along with the late Carole Barbato, led the effort that brought the May 4Visitors Center into being, for securing National Endowment for the Humanities money to fund middle and high school teacher training around May 4. I hope to continue her example, Caplan said. She said she is thankful that Kent State President Todd Diacon is supportive and has helped her narrate videos and give tours. He is a historian who understands the relevance of the May 4th shootings, she said. Diacon, she said, does a good job of framing the discussions involving free speech and their importance in todays overheated political climate. She also credits Mark Seeman, a retired professor of archeology and anthropology, who did the leg work for obtaining National Historic status for the May 4 site. Kent State University Librarys Special Collections division is doing a good job of curating donated objects from May 4 that keep coming in, she said. Caplan calls attention to the recent renewal under the KSU Libraries of the signage that provides an easy self-guided walking tour of the grounds where the May 4 event played out. The signage renewal, done in porcelain, replaced the original signs that were paid for by volunteer donors. Caplan said the signage creates a sense of sacred ground that invites visitors to learn and reflect. She said Sara Koopman of Kent States Peace and Conflict Studies Center and Jennifer Mapes of the Geography Department have undertaken a mapping project that enriches the experience of the self-guided walking tour. You can walk there, some days amid wild deer, experience nature and in the quiet reflect, she said. She wants to add signage to Daffodil Hill, the Brynsley Terrell-inspired memorial to the soldiers who died in Vietnam. There are more than 58,000 flowers, one for each soldier. Not everyone who visits Daffodil Hill understands it and some visitors want to pick the flowers, she said. Good signage can rectify that. Caplan credits the KSU chapter of the ROTC for keeping Daffodil Hills flowers flourishing. Every year, she said, students in ROTC volunteer to plant daffodil bulbs on the hill. The increase in gun violence and mass shootings can overshadow the May 4 shootings that killed four students. Caplan said she heard Neil Young, of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, remark during a performance that unfortunately, four used to mean a lot. Caplan has a strong background in the educational mission of museums. In her 13 years at the Akron Art Museum, she expanded awareness and appreciation. One of her initiatives, Inside Out, involved displaying reproductions from the museums collections in the greater Akron community. She also championed Art Library, a lending library of original artworks. During her years at the National First Ladies Library in Canton, she created a portfolio of educational programs that speak to first ladies causes and accomplishments. The May 4 Center, she said, is a place where I want to be. It feels good. I want to expand the learning mission to schools and institutions and people throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. David E. Dix is a former publisher of The Record-Courier. David E. Dix This article originally appeared on The Repository: May 4 Visitors Center's Alison Caplan spreads word of Kent State's relevance Americans Getting Whacked by Too Many Laws Says Justice Who Made It Possible for States to Ban Abortion Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch opined that too many laws and regulations in America can impinge on fundamental liberties. Its a rich statement coming from a man who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, thus allowing states to put women or their doctors in jail for endangering or aborting a fetus. Too little law and were not safe, and our liberties arent protected, Gorsuch told The Associated Press in an interview about his forthcoming book, Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law. But too much law and you actually impair those same things. In the wake of the end of Roe, fourteen states have criminalized abortion, and another 14 states and territories have become hostile to abortion, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, meaning lawmakers are moving toward an abortion ban. In Louisiana, lawmakers have made even possessing abortion pills without a valid prescription illegal, so those found with mifepristone and misoprostol who cant present a prescription could face large fines and jail time. Earlier this year, a caucus representing House Republicans endorsed a national abortion ban something Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance have previously supported. But apparently those arent the kinds of laws Gorsuch meant when he said: There were just so many cases that came to me in which I saw ordinary Americans, just everyday, regular people trying to go about their lives, not trying to hurt anybody or do anything wrong and just getting whacked, unexpectedly, by some legal rule they didnt know about. Gorsuch also spoke on Fox News about the proposed Supreme Court reforms put forth by the Biden Administration. I just say: Be careful, Gorsuch warned. He added that an independent judiciary means that when youre unpopular, you can get a fair hearing. WATCH: Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch responds to President Biden's proposed reforms. pic.twitter.com/AwDRHlKTjH Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) August 4, 2024 President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris proposed court reform following stories of Justice Clarence Thomas undisclosed gifts and vacations funded by right-wing, Nazi-obsessed billionaire Harlan Crow as well as the courts ruling that Donald Trump and other former presidents have immunity against prosecution for official acts committed while in office a decision that shocked even the Trump team. Biden and Harris called for Congress to impose 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices and for a binding code of ethics that require 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. Gorsuch declined to comment on the proposed reforms specifically, citing a desire to stay out of campaign issues during an election cycle. Im not going to get into what is now a political issue during a presidential election year, he said. I dont think that would be helpful. Last month, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan publicly supported the idea of an enforceable ethics code. Its a hard thing to do to figure out who exactly should be doing this and what kinds of sanctions would be appropriate for violations of the rules, but I feel as though we, however hard it is, that we could and should try to figure out some mechanism for doing this, Kagan said. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci predicted that Donald Trump would end up debating Vice President Kamala Harris and issued a warning for the former president if he did otherwise. It would be a disaster for him if he doesnt debate the vice president, Scaramucci told CNN host Jessica Dean on Saturday. The Republican presidential nominee announced late Friday that he wouldnt commit to an ABC News-moderated debate on Sept. 10 that he set with President Joe Biden prior to Biden dropping his reelection bid last month. Trump, who previously declared that hed debate Biden anytime, anywhere, anyplace, has pushed for the next debate to take place on Fox News since Harris took over the Democratic ticket, backing a proposal for the conservative network to moderate a Sept. 4 debate. Scaramucci, who famously had a 10-day stint as Trumps White House communications director, said Trump backing away from the ABC News plan is par for the course. I think its very typical of him, but hes 100% going to debate Vice President Harris, Scaramucci said before predicting that such an event would probably not be moderated by Fox News or ABC News. This is him posturing, this is him trying to get attention, he continued. Its hard for him, but he has struggled over the last three weeks to win the attention cycle, he certainly hasnt gotten it relative to the Harris campaign, and so hes trying to do that right now. Scaramucci added that the former president understands he eventually needs to debate Harris prior to the election. Listen, he knows if he doesnt debate her, he has six weeks of getting pounded by her and her vice presidential candidate on the fact that he didnt debate her, he said, noting that theres been attention on Trump having a difficult time with women. What a disaster it would be for him and his people if she can say very simply and very concisely, He was just afraid to debate me because Im more put together, Im more cognitively aware or [I have] more verbal acuity than him, Scaramucci continued. What a disaster it would be for him, he knows that. Related... 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Army CID seeks public help in locating Schofield woman; $10K reward offered SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (KHON2) The United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Pacific Field Office at Schofield Barracks is seeking public assistance in locating Mischa Mabeline Kaalohilani Johnson. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for credible information leading to her recovery. Johnson was reported missing on August 1, after last being seen at her home on the evening of July 31. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news She is described as a 52, approximately 170 lbs., six months pregnant woman of Filipino descent. She has a distinctive large dragon tattoo on her back. The clothing and footwear she was wearing at the time of her disappearance are unknown. If you have any information, contact the Army CID Pacific Field Office at (808) 208-0059. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Submit-a-Tip online form 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 KHON2. NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) Norwalk Police made an arrest Friday in an ongoing investigation to stop smoke shops from selling cannabis without a license. In collaboration with the Connecticut Consumer Protection Drug Control Division, Police issued a search and seizure warrant for ZaZa Smoke Shop at 360 Connecticut Ave. This was the second search and seizure warrant for the ZaZa Smoke Shop. It was reported to police that the shop was selling cannabis products that were laced with fentanyl. The search yielded several hundred products beyond the legal limit of 0.3% THC as well as 3.5 lbs of cannabis flower and THC gummies well above the legal limit. Many of the products found in the search did test positive for fentanyl. Ali Mahmood Ahmed Abdullah Ghaleb, a 21-year-old from New York, was arrested and given a $15,000 bond. Ghaleb is due to appear in court on the 16th of August. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. CANCELED: Ashanti Alert issued for 41-year-old woman kidnapped out of Gastonia GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The N.C. Center for Missing Persons has canceled an Ashanti Alert for a woman out of Gastonia. The Gastonia Police Department were looking for a 41-year-old woman who was kidnapped from the intersection of W. Harvie Avenue and Clay Street. An Ashanti Alert was issued for Meranda Berlon Reed around 7 p.m. Saturday. Reed is described as a black female with black hair and brown eyes. She is 54, roughly 300 lbs and was last seen wearing a navy shirt, black leggings and possibly flip-flops. Police named Jarvis Johnson, 36 as a possible suspect. Johnson is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes. He is 511 and roughly 260 lbs. Police say he was a 5 oclock shadow and is bald or balding. He was last seen wearing a t-shirt, red shorts and flip-flops. Although the Ashanti Alert was cancelled, police havent said where she was found or what condition she was 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 Queen City News. AVON, Conn. (WTNH) A young woman that went missing after falling off of a ridge in Avon was located early Sunday morning, authorities report. Avon Police received a call at 11:50 p.m. Saturday night from a man who was unable to locate his friend after getting lost on a trail near Brian Lane. The caller reported that he and a female friend had gotten disoriented trying to find their way back when the woman fell from a rocky ledge. The man told police that he was unable to locate the woman after she fell. Avon Police and Fire Departments both engaged in the search as well as West Hartfords K9 Officer. Through their combined efforts of the agencies the young woman was successfully located. She had sustained several severe, but non-life-threatening, injuries. The Fire Department and Police provided medical attention at the scene and then transported the woman to a local hospital for further treatment. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fall was an accident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic strategist David Axelrod warned that much of the enthusiasm among Democrats about Vice President Harriss campaign is just irrational exuberance, as the race remains neck and neck. Harriss campaign has come out to a quick start, breaking fundraising records and significantly cutting into former President Trumps previous lead in polls since she replaced President Biden at the top of the ticket. She has a lot of momentum, but if you do look at the polling, this is still a really tight race, he said. This is going to be a hard fight for either side. Its based on the numbers were seeing right now. Look, I mean, theres a lot of irrational exuberance on the Democratic side of the aisle right now, because there was despair for some period of time about what November was gonna look like, he continued. Now people feel like theres a chance. Despite that optimism, Axelrod said, the balance remains in Trumps favor. Its absolutely Trumps race to lose right now. He is ahead, he said. And he is ahead in most of the battleground states. Theyre close, they can be won by either candidate. Axelrod was among the top Democrats urging Biden to leave the 2024 campaign but hasnt joined the fervor for Harris alongside other party members. He warned last week that Trump remains a pretty substantial favorite over the vice president. The vice president became the official Democratic nominee in a virtual roll-call vote last week and is set to announce her own vice presidential pick before a Tuesday campaign event. Polling remains tight in the race, with Trump holding a slim 1.1 point lead over Harris in The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of national polls. In battleground states, polling shows both candidates within the margin of error. The most recent The Hill/Decision Desk HQ prediction model gives Trump a 56 percent chance of winning 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The third night of street racing takeovers began early Sunday evening as police said they thwarted attempts in two different Southeast Portland locations and arrested one teen. Over the course of Friday and Saturday nights, the police street racing mission resulted in 97 traffic stops, at least 18 arrests and at least 14 cars towed, according to PPB. Those stats dont include the 17-year-old arrested Sunday for recklessly driving a 1998 Ford Mustang and driving on a suspended license without insurance and without a license plate. Authorities said takeovers were tried around NE 102nd and Glisan, then in Troutdale and Clackamas County but none were successful. On Saturday night, 11 participants were arrested after trying to flee in their vehicles, a suspect launched a firework at officers and the driver of a black Chevy Batmobile was cited. Motorcyclist arrested after fleeing from police in PPB street takeover mission PPB and partner agencies will continue to run this mission through Sunday night. This past Thursday, law enforcement held a press conference to alert the public about the planned street racing takeovers and their plans to intercept the drivers, many of whom were coming from out of state. 2 dead, 1 hospitalized after police chase ends in Northeast Portland crash Saturday night, police said they made a variety of stops and arrests beginning around 7 p.m. Among them: The second night of a planned PPB street takeover mission happened Aug. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB) The second night of a planned PPB street takeover mission happened Aug. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB) The driver of a Batmobile was one of the individuals cited during the second night of a PPB street takeover mission on Aug. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB) The second night of a planned PPB street takeover mission happened Aug. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB) The second night of a planned PPB street takeover mission happened Aug. 4, 2024. (Courtesy: PPB) This red 1998 Mustang was towed during a street racing mission in Portland, August 4, 2024 (PPB) Officers stopped a red Dodge Charger near Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and Washington Street, discovering the driver had multiple arrest warrants. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Saveel Sheikh, had multiple arrest warrants and fled from the traffic stop. He was later caught and arrested, and will face charges of attempting to elude police, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, and multiple arrest warrants for DUII. The Batmobile was stopped around 2700 North Marine Drive. The driver was cited for a traffic violation. After midnight, drivers tried to take over the intersection at SE 10th and Ash Street. The driver of a Crown Victoria seen skidding in circles tried to hide the car in a parking lot, but officer spotted 19-year-old Lopaka Smith and arrested him on 100 charges, including unlawful possession of a gun. Two more intersections were the scene of attempted takeovers, NE 82nd and Fremont, and NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Columbia Boulevard. Thats the spot were a teen allegedly launched the mortar at officers, but was arrested after he tried to run. On Monday morning, police said that the nights events were quieter however they still issued 23 citations, towed 7 vehicles and made 4 arrests. Reaction PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen said, We do not want people to engage in this dangerous activity if you insist on doing it theres a really good chance you can not only face legal consequences, if certain circumstances apply we can take their cars for good. Theyre not going to get it back. Man with hatchet threatens Portland arcade patrons Synaca Hall, who lives nearby, told KOIN 6 News it woke her up and kept her awake all morning. We looked, stepped out on the porch and I see a lot of action, she recalled. A lot of people walking, a lot of crowds. We heard a lot of screeching, a lot of police sirens. Hall added these types of street racing incidents are nothing new in her neighborhood. The amount of years weve been here, we adapted to it. We adjusted to it, she said. Some change needs to happen for sure, because its a nuisance. I didnt get to bed probably until maybe four this morning. Garrett Hill, who lives in the area around Powell Boulevard, said, Theres been a lot of crashes out here and people will race up and down Powell day and night. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BBC Whistleblowers have came forward to raise concerns about Huw Edwards' behaviour - Dan Kitwood/Getty The BBC board of directors is demanding answers over the internal handling of the Huw Edwards scandal. The former presenter, 62, was first arrested in November last year and at the time a number of senior staff, including Tim Davie, the director general, were made aware. Former interim chairman, Dame Elan Closs Stephens, also knew about the arrest but later said she did not know about the terrible details. Dame Elan Closs Stephens said she knew about the arrest but not the 'terrible details' - Aaron Chown/PA The board of the BBC has now demanded answers from Mr Davie about the arrest and internal disciplining of Edwards. A source close to the board told The Sunday Times: The board met this week and has commissioned two detailed briefing papers from the executive, one on the arrest and one on the disciplining process. The chair and board are taking a very keen interest and will consider these briefings when assessing any further steps. In July last year, before Edwards was first arrested, he was suspended after The Sun reported that an unnamed BBC personality had been accused of paying a 17-year-old, and receiving explicit photos from them. The paper reported that they had published the story after the persons worried parents contacted the newspaper. A number of prominent TV personalities, including other BBC presenters, were falsely accused on social media. Edwardss wife, the TV producer Vicky Flind, later revealed that he was the presenter in question, and said he had been admitted to hospital over mental health concerns. Staff at the BBC, including Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire, began looking into other internal claims against Edwards and reported that he had messaged three young employees in a way that made them uncomfortable. BBC managers spoke to the Newsnight journalists investigating Edwards to make them aware that some staff felt uncomfortable about the questioning. Other whistleblowers who came forward to raise concerns about the stars behaviour have claimed that nothing was done with their evidence, with one feeling that their concerns had been swept under the carpet. One told the BBC they had raised concerns about Edwards being pushy in trying to arrange a meeting and inviting them to share a hotel suite while covering Prince Philips funeral. Insiders have claimed that concerns about talent or more senior BBC figures are routinely frustrated, giving the impression that some staff are worth more than others. One told The Telegraph this week that small fry employees didnt matter compared to the high-profile big fry. They added: The BBC has a long history of not taking ordinary staff seriously when they put their hands up and say something inappropriate or just plain wrong has happened. The BBC said on Friday night that when Edwards resigned in April, five months after his arrest, he was subject to a confidential disciplinary process. Tim Davie has defended not sacking Edwards in November - Max Mumby/Indigo In an interview last week with the BBC, Mr Davie defended not sacking Edwards in November. The police came to us and gave us information that they had arrested Mr Edwards, but they wanted to be assured of total confidence, he said. We considered it extremely carefully. When someone is arrested, theres no charges. Also, [there] were very significant duty of care considerations. It was right for us to say, Look, well let the police do their business and when charges happen we will act. In a statement to BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, Dame Elan confirmed she was aware of the arrest in her capacity as interim chairman of the BBC, but was not aware of the terrible details which have come to light this week. 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. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) The Craven Arts Council announced the completion of a new mural called New Bern Strong Saturday. The mural is dedicated to the way that New Berns community was impacted by and bounced back after Hurricane Florence. More than 300 people have volunteered to help work on this mural since April. New Bern strong was sort of coined in that time. Its sort of like everyone was coming to help each other, clearing out houses, tearing out the drywall, helping people get all the stuff out before the mold started and things got bad, Executive Director of Craven Arts Council and Gallery Jon Burger said. So, it kind of represents how we all came together during that time of struggle and helped each other out as a community. For more information, click the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. A 57-year-old Bessemer man died Thursday afternoon after a single-vehicle crash in Tuscaloosa County. Wayne A. Chastine was killed around 2:21 p.m. when his 2016 Toyota Corolla left the road, struck a tree and overturned, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Chastine was pronounced dead at the of the crash on Alabama Highway 216, about five miles east of Brookwood. Troopers said Chastine was not wearing a seat belt. A passenger in Chastine's vehicle, 64-year-old Charles D. Woods of Tuscaloosa, was injured and taken to DCH Regional Medical Center. No further information was disclosed. Troopers with ALEA's Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa County crash kills Bessemer man on Alabama Highway 216 Biden parole program migrants with already-approved travel should be able to fly to U.S. Nationals of Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela who have been authorized to come to the United States under a Biden administration humanitarian parole process should not be affected by an ongoing review of the program unless they had their travel authorizations revoked. On Saturday, travelers in some destinations were prevented from boarding flights through the federal program, which allows people from the four countries to live and work in the United States for two years. The development came a day after the Department of Homeland and Security announced it would halt approving travel for new applicants amid concerns of fraud in sponsorship applications. Two sources at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince said airlines were acting on instruction from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A spokesperson from American Airlines, when asked about the stranded passengers, directed questions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Homeland Security agency in charge of approving travel for beneficiaries and then granting them parole once they reach a U.S. airport. American continues to comply with the Administrations Advance Travel Authorization Program, supporting customers entering the United States as part of this program, Frankie McLister said in an email. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways did not respond to requests for comment. After Haitians could not travel Saturday, relatives reached out to the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a San Diego- based immigrant advocacy group. Founder Guerline Jozef spent her Saturday trying to get CBP to send in new directives to allow travel for those with authorization. At least 70 people between the airports in Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince were pulled aside on Saturday and told they could not travel to Miami. We are very concerned that misinformation and lack of clear directives from the authorities will continue to create panic, said Jozef. On Sunday, a Homeland Security spokesperson acknowledged to the Miami Herald in a statement that some beneficiaries have been notified that the status of their Advance Travel Authorization, or ATA, had been denied as part of its ongoing review of the program. Individuals must have a valid ATA to travel to the United States under these processes, the spokesperson said. DHS is working to resume ATA application processing with additional safeguards, as soon as possible. Customs and Border Protection also confirmed to Haiti-based Sunrise Airways on Sunday that parolees who had a valid advance travel authorization would be allowed to travel as long as they were admissible into the United States. The Biden administration launched the humanitarian parole program for nationals of Venezuela in October 2022 before expanding it to people from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Its part of a package of policies that President Joe Biden has rolled out to curb irregular immigration to the southern border and Floridas shores. READ MORE: Fraud concerns halt parole program for Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians and Nicaraguans To come to the United States through the program, a U.S.-based sponsor must first submit an application on behalf of a beneficiary and commit to financially supporting them. Those supporters must be U.S. citizens, long-term permanent residents, or hold some form of legal status such as asylum. They must also pass background and safety checks and show that they have the means to maintain the potential beneficiary. A program participant must also pass vetting and arrange their own travel to an American airport. Once they arrive, a Customs and Border official will then decide whether to grant them parole to enter the country or not. Nearly half-a-million individuals had been admitted into the U.S. through this process until the end of June, according to Homeland Security statistics. That includes 194,027 Haitians, over 104,130 Cubans, 110,541 Venezuelans and approximately 86,101 Nicaraguans. On Friday, a DHS spokesperson confirmed to the Herald that the agency had momentarily halted advanced travel authorizations for new beneficiaries out of an abundance of caution so it could review sponsorship applications. The agency has not so far identified concerns with the vetting and screening of beneficiaries, which it undertakes through a separate process. Sources familiar with the situation told the Herald that the agency was in the process of manually screening tens of thousands of applications. 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 a spokesperson at the time. US says military moves in Middle East aimed at de-escalating tensions Site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip Site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. is deploying additional military might in the Middle East as a defensive measure with a goal of de-escalating tensions in the region, a White House official said on Sunday. Regional tensions have increased following the assassination on Wednesday of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Tehran a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Both groups are backed by Iran. There are mounting fears that Israel's war against Palestinian militants in Gaza, which began last October after attacks on the Jewish state, could escalate into a wider Middle East conflict. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for Haniyeh's killing in the Iranian capital, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. U.S. President Joe Biden will convene his national security team in the situation room on Monday to discuss developments in the Middle East, the White House said, adding that he would speak with Jordan's King Abdullah as well. U.S. news service Axios reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his counterpart from G7 countries that Iran and Hezbollah could start attacking Israel as early as Monday, citing three sources briefed on the call. But Blinken, according to Axios, said it was unclear how Iran and Hezbollah would attack and did not know the exact timing. When asked about the report, the State Department referred to a readout of the call, where it said the ministers discussed "the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East." The Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region. "The overall goal is to turn the temperature down in the region, deter and defend against those attacks, and avoid regional conflict," Jonathan Finer, the White House's deputy national security adviser, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" program. The U.S. and Israel are preparing for every possibility, Finer added. There was a "very close call" of regional conflagration in April, Finer said, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles after what it called an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Syrian capital. The U.S. wants to be prepared should that situation rise again, Finer added. In a call with his Israeli counterpart, the Pentagon said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the United States' support for Israel's security and "right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah (Hezbollah), Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups." Blinken spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday and emphasized "the importance of all parties taking steps to calm regional tensions, avoid further escalation, and advance stability," the State Department said. 'PRUDENT PLANNING' Biden on Saturday expressed hope that Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge Haniyeh's killing. The U.S. on Wednesday urged its citizens who wish to leave Lebanon to start making plans immediately. "This is no prediction about future events. It is prudent planning for them and for our government," Finer said on CBS. The British government advised its nationals to leave Lebanon. Canada told its citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, saying the regional conflict endangers security. Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures in the Gaza war - with nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza's health ministry - and it fueled concern of a wider Middle East conflict. Hamas said it has begun a "broad consultation process" to choose a new leader to replace Haniyeh, who was the face of the group's international diplomacy. The U.S. and international partners including France, Britain, Italy and Egypt continued diplomatic contacts seeking to prevent further regional escalation. Jordan's foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, will travel to Iran on Sunday in a rare visit to discuss regional developments with his Iranian counterpart, Iranian state media reported. Violence continued on Sunday in the Palestinian territories. At least 25 Palestinians were killed and several others injured on Sunday in an Israeli strike targeting two schools that were sheltering displaced people near Gaza City, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said. Another strike hit a tent inside a hospital compound in central Gaza, killing at least five people, Gaza health officials said, after another round of talks ended without result. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Idrees Ali in Washington; Stephanie Kelly in Delaware, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Editing by Will Dunham, Paul Simao, Diane Craft and Michael Perry) Food recalls can be unnerving to shoppers especially when one is issued at your favorite store. Fans of BJ's Wholesale Club know the feeling all too well. BJ's is one of the biggest warehouse club stores on the East Coast, offering its members (all 7 million or so of them), savings on bulk-packaged products. When a food item that's sold in bulk gets hit with a recall, it can easily cause large-scale levels of waste and pose a serious public health threat to consumers. Like many grocery stores, BJ's has contended with a lot of food recalls. The ones on this list were some of the biggest in the chain's history. BJ's works with various food manufacturing companies to keep its shelves stocked, meaning that if something goes amiss at even one distribution site, it can trigger a food recall at one or more BJ's locations. Recalls are either issued voluntarily by the companies that sell the product or mandated by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Common reasons for a food recall are contamination by pathogens or mislabeled packaging. Food recalls are never a good look for a manufacturing plant or the store selling the goods, but the reality is that they do happen and addressing them can save lives. BJ's has mostly handled food recalls responsibly, but there has been some controversy in the past. These are some of the biggest food recalls to ever hit BJ's aisles. Read more: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Shopping At Costco Wellsley Farms Assorted Mini Quiche Closeup of mini quiches with spinach - Elena Veselova/Shutterstock Trouble hit BJ's frozen food section in late December 2023 when Fillo Factory Inc. issued a recall on mini quiches it sells under the BJ's brand name of Wellsley Farms. Fillo Factory, a manufacturer based in Northvale, New Jersey, cooperated with the FDA to voluntarily recall Wellsley Farms Assorted Mini Quiches due to a possible foreign material being present in the product. The foreign contaminant in question was aluminum. BJ's issued a public recall notice for the quiches on January 19, 2024. The notice specified that the aluminum-tainted hors d'oeuvres were sold in stores between December 19, 2023 and December 28,2023 (the fact that this happened during peak holiday season was surely lost on no one) and was narrowed down to distribution centers in Connecticut and Florida. Although the FDA noted that Wellsley Farms Assorted Mini Quiches were distributed to retail stores in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and South Carolina, BJ's recall notice states that only stores in Rocky Hill, Connecticut and Orlando, Florida were affected. Refunds were honored until July 19, 2024. When the recall broke in January, the public was warned not to consume the product, as the recall's status was ongoing. Approximately 3,412 retail units were affected. The FDA terminated the recall on April 3, 2024 and Wellesley Farms Assorted Mini Quiches are currently sold in BJ's stores (though you're always welcome to just make your own mini quiches at home). Sugar Free Assorted Cookies Stacks of sugar cookies - Litavyi Bohdan/Shutterstock In 1997, BJ's Wholesale Club became an independently-owned company, but this milestone was temporarily dampened by a recall on the store's Sugar Free Assorted Cookies. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in the popularity of sugar-free desserts (though you may want to re-think buying sugar-free desserts now), but when the label on BJ's trendy sugar-free cookies failed to disclose that the product potentially contained peanuts, oat, and soy-based ingredients, a recall was initiated. BJ's Sugar Free Assorted Cookies were made by Century Cookies, a division of Boca Foods based in Harrison, New Jersey. The cookies were sold in two-pound boxes and distributed to BJ's locations throughout the East Coast region. The recall affected all boxes of BJ's Sugar Free Assorted Cookies sold between May 1, 1997 and July 10, 1997 about 9,500 boxes in total. The FDA gave BJ's sugar free cookie recall a Class I designation, the most serious recall level reserved for situations where there is a reasonable likelihood that use or exposure of the product could cause serious health conditions or even death. People with severe peanut allergies can indeed die from eating foods that contain just traces of peanuts. What's more, food recalls related to undeclared allergens were on the rise in the late '90s. In 1999, the FDA recorded that 36% of its annual food recalls were due to undeclared allergens, with candy and bakery items accounting for more than half of those cases. Ground Beef In 1999 Ground beef in styrofoam - Kaanates/Getty Images When bacterial pathogens are detected in processed foods, a product recall is one of the most effective ways to keep consumers from getting sick. Unfortunately, food recalls aren't always issued in time, and illnesses are reported. That's exactly what BJ's dealt with in the summer of 1999, when its frozen beef patties and ground beef were recalled. The beef recall came about after a boy in Monroe County, New York became ill from eating hamburger meat purchased from BJ's Wholesale Club. The meat was found to be contaminated with E. coli O157 one of the deadliest forms of food poisoning, especially when contracted by children, the elderly, or anyone who's immunocompromised. BJ's procured the meat from New Hampshire meat distributor Jac Pac Foods. The contaminated meat was produced on April 2, 1999 and the frozen patties were sold in 5- and 10-pound boxes. In response, Jac Pac Foods voluntarily recalled 250,000 pounds of frozen patties and ground beef. The UPC codes on the beef patty boxes as well as product manufacturing date codes were released nationwide and in Puerto Rico, while consumers were urged to check their freezers for beef products with those codes in order to return them to the store. Ground Beef In 2002 Bird's eye view of raw hamburger pattie - BW Folsom/Shutterstock In May 2002, a disturbing rise in E. coli cases began cropping up in New York state. The health department from one of the affected counties notified the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). The NYSDAM's investigation pointed toward 90% lean ground beef purchased from BJ's Wholesale Club. Test samples provided by the families of two young girls who fell ill confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H7; however, a recall for the meat wasn't issued right away. The NYSDAM and USDA stated that the meat had been extensively handled after purchase, compromising the validity of the samples and making it unclear whether or not it was a facility-based issue.. Then, an unopened package of ground beef was tested and E. coli O157:H7 was found. BJ's launched a discrete recall on July 16, 2002, mailing letters to customers who had bought the tainted beef at the West Nyack, New York location between May 8 and May 13, 2002. Meanwhile, one of the food-poisoned girls developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) from the bacteria and spent over a month in the hospital. A three-year-old boy was also hospitalized with HUS after eating ground beef purchased from a Paramus, New Jersey BJ's in May 2002. This sparked a reevaluation of the scope of BJ's E. coli outbreak. The hospitalized children recovered, but both suffered organ damage and ongoing medical complications from the E. coli infection. Their families filed lawsuits against BJ's, which paid out millions in settlements. Lyons Magnus Beverages Premier Protein vanilla shake with fresh fruits - PremierProtien / X BJ's shoppers who had grown accustomed to buying Glucerna and Premier Protein shakes by the case were in for a rude awakening in July 2022 when BJ's posted a product recall that affected these brands and others. The protein shakes were sold under different banners, but both were manufactured by Lyons Magnus LLC. The company voluntarily issued the recall due to a possible contamination by Cronobacter sakazakii. Unfortunately, protein shakes weren't the only BJ's inventory that potentially carried this pathogen. Varied flavors of Lyons Ready Care, Lyons Barista Style, Pirq, Aloha, Intelligentsia, Kate farms, Oatly, MRE, Stumptown, and Imperial dairy and plant-based nutritional drinks were also named in the recall, which affected all BJ's Wholesale Club locations. Things only escalated from there. In August 2022, the FDA expanded the Lyons Magnus recall due to suspicion that Clostridium botulinum -- which can bring on botulism -- was also be present in the company's supply. In the wake of the recall, the FDA inspected a Lyons Magnus processing facility in Wisconsin and uncovered major food safety violations, including failure to seal its products according to federal regulations. Approximately 35 million Lyons Magnus-produced units were recalled, with about 19 million having already been purchased by unknowing customers. Ground Beef Again In 2009 And 2010 Ground beef coming out of meat grinder - Annick Vanderschelden Photography/Getty Images BJ's representatives likely hoped that its multi-million dollar legal settlement over the sale of E.coli-tainted beef in 2002 would fade from shoppers' minds. But by the late 2000s, the chain's ground beef woes were starting to seem like a recurring problem. In October 2009, Fairbanks Farms out of Ashville, New York recalled approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products due to the likelihood of E. coli contamination. BJ's was one of several grocery retailers that sold the tainted meat. When food-borne illness cases began clustering in Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, it signaled the need for a USDA-helmed investigation. The findings led Fairbanks Farms to roll out a recall for ground beef produced between September 14 and September 16, 2009, affecting eight states and numerous grocery stores that had placed potentially deadly ground beef on shelves. Fairbanks Farms' voluntary recall didn't come in time. Two deaths linked to E. coli O157:H7 were reported one in New York and one in New Hampshire. Less than a year later, in September 2010, BJ's was forced to reckon with yet another potential E. coli outbreak, this time for its 90% lean frozen ground beef. The beef came from Cargill Meat Solutions, the Pennsylvania company behind some of the nation's biggest recalls in history. Cargill recalled 8,5000 pounds of beef that. The 2010 ground beef recall affected nine BJ's stores in Massachusetts as well as locations in seven other states. Citterio Mortadella And BJ's Brand Deli Meat Crustless sandwiches and mortadella on circular cutting board - Citterio_USA / X Trouble arose in 2016 when BJ's realized that Citterio Mortadella containing pistachios was being sold at some of its stores. Yet those pistachios a common tree nut allergen were not a listed ingredient on the mortadella packaging used at BJ's delicatessen. The company issued a voluntary recall due to the undisclosed allergen, narrowing the potentially impacted stores to Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. What's worse, BJ's locations selling the pistachio-laced mortadella were slicing all deli meat on the same slicer and creating a haven for cross-contamination. This caused BJ's to not only recall the Citterio Mortadella, but all the other deli meat from affected stores as well. BJ's worked closely with the FDA to issue the recall, which impacted deli meats sold in select states from January 20, 2016 to February 3, 2016. The link between pistachios and mortadella is no fleeting factory meeting. In some regions of Italy, mortadella studded with sliced pistachios is the recipe of choice. Citterio, an Italian-founded deli company dating back to 1870, sells versions of mortadella with and without pistachios. Quaker Granola Products Box of Quaker chewy chocolate chip granola bars - Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock Quaker Oats, a once seemingly indestructible force of the packaged food business (and an entrant in our ranking of popular granolas), has found itself in hot water and not the kind you make oatmeal with. In December 2023, BJ's notified customers that the Quaker Oats Company had recalled select granola bars and cereals due to possible Salmonella contamination. BJ's notice indicated that Chewy Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip Chewy Dipps granola bars, and Quaker Natural Granola were affected by the recall. The notice specified that the potential contamination may have affected the recalled products sold in all BJ's locations between January 1, 2023 and December 15, 2023 almost a full year's worth. All remaining units in BJ's possession were promptly destroyed and customers were instructed to contact Quaker Consumer Relations for reimbursement. In January 2024, Quaker expanded its recall to include more than 60 products, all due to the Salmonella threat. The affected products were sold at various grocery stores in all 50 states and three territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands). In April 2024. Quaker reported financial losses of five percent and annual revenue dipped to $3.1 billion. That same month, a Quaker Oats plant in Illinois that was shuttered at the start of the recall and had been in business for 65 years, closed for good. Perdue Chicken Sausage Links Three chicken sausages on white background - WATTPoultry / X We expect sausage meat to undergo grinding and mixing at the processing plant, but Perdue tossed in some unwanted extras in the spring of 2017. Consumer complaints arose after bits of blue plastic were found inside Perdue Harvestland Organic Italian Chicken Sausage, which was sold at northeast locations of BJ's Wholesale Club. Perdue Farms stated that the blue plastic came from a pair of safety goggles that somehow found their way into the mixture before the sausages were stuffed. Perdue, a giant in meat manufacturing, recalled all sausage products that were processed on the line containing the errant safety goggles, adding up to over 1,400 24-ounce units equivalent to roughly 2,148 pounds. No one was hurt by the factory error, but it's safe to say that BJ's shoppers didn't look at Perdue sausage quite the same way again. Perdue continues to produce Italian chicken sausage, but BJ's no longer appears to keep Perdue's version in stock. Perdue Chicken Bag of Perdue chicken breast tenders - The Image Party/Shutterstock Did someone drop their safety goggles in the meat vat again? In recent years, Perdue has issued more than one recall on account of a disturbing but increasingly familiar reason: plastic from macerated safety goggles showing up in its meat products. BJ's has endured the fallout a couple of times. When a customer report surfaced in August 2022 over an unwitting discovery of small pieces of clear plastic and blue dye in Perdue brand gluten-free chicken breast tenders, acute action was needed. In an abundance of caution, Perdue quickly ceased production of the gluten-free chicken breast tenders. Closer analysis of the issue zeroed in on Perdue's 42-ounce bags of frozen, breaded chicken breast tenders produced on July 12, 2022 and subsequently sold at BJ's Wholesale Club locations nationwide. Since Perdue was quick to stop selling the problematic tenders, the USDA put out a public health alert rather than a full-scale recall. BJ's on the other hand, didn't want to play it safe. The grocery chain acknowledged that it sold the questionable product from July 18 to August 18, 2022, a timeframe that happened to shortly follow the Perdue factory incident. On August 19, 2022, BJ's sent out a Food Safety Action letter to club members who purchased the item, in an effort to promote transparency (not the clear plastic kind) about what went down on Perdue's chicken tender production line. No injuries were reported due to the oversight. Wellsley Farms Frozen Shrimp Frozen tail-on shrimp on white plate - Feifei Cui-paoluzzo/Getty Images There's never a good time to issue a food recall, but the summer of 2020 made BJ's frozen shrimp recall feel extra precarious. Kader Exports, a food manufacturing company based in India, voluntarily recalled its frozen, cooked shrimp after FDA testing of the product came back positive for Salmonella. Kader Exports sells pre-cooked shrimp to numerous grocery store chains, which then sell the product under a variety of brand names. The frozen shrimp brands that were affected by the recall were Aqua Star Reserve, Censea, Fresh Market, Kirkland, Unistar Tops, and BJ's house brand, Wellsley Farms. The Class II recall was initiated in July 2020 and terminated in December 2021. No illnesses were reported. The FDA reported that a total of 406,080 pounds of Kader Exports shrimp were recalled as a result of the Salmonella threat, which had likely been caused by cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. This would not be the last of the FDA's issues with Kader Exports shrimp. On two separate occasions in 2024, Kader Exports shrimp was banned from entering the U.S. after illegal antibiotics were found in the product, including ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and the fungicide leucomalachite green. Bella Rosa Parmesan Cheese Plastic tubs of Bella Rosa Parmesan Cheese - bellarosacheese / Instagram The convenience of pre-grated parmesan cheese is undeniable, especially when it can so easily elevate many a recipe. But, years ago, Bella Rosa's version put BJ's shoppers at serious risk. In July 2015, Arthur Schuman Inc., of Fairfield, New Jersey, recalled its grated parmesan because egg lysozyme an enzyme derived from chicken egg whites often used as a food preservative was present in the product but not disclosed on the label. The mislabeling of Bella Rosa cheese prompted the FDA to issue a Class I recall in 13 states, as the undeclared allergen posed a significant health threat to consumers with an egg allergy or egg sensitivity. At the time, Bella Rosa grated parmesan was sold in 1.25-pound clear plastic tubs and was a BJ's exclusive. Although the recall wasn't nationwide, it was massive 30,200 pounds of grated parmesan were mislabeled by Arthur Schuman Inc. The presence of egg lysozyme in Bella Rosa grated parmesan was uncovered during a routine quality assurance audit. Luckily, no illnesses were reported as a result of the mislabeling and Bella Rosa and BJ's have since parted ways. BJ's grated parmesan duties are now divided between its house brand Wellsley Farms and Kraft. Read the original article on Mashed. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a 12-year-old boy injured Saturday evening. Officer Truman Fitzgerald with the BPD said at around 6:25 p.m., police were dispatched to a person shot call in the 4900 block of Avenue Q. Officers arrived in the area and found the gunshot victim at a residence in the 1600 block of 49th Street Ensley. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel transported the boy to Childrens of Alabama. The boy was diagnosed with a not life-threatening injury. 2 west Alabama men sentenced for sexually abusing children Fitzgerald said the preliminary investigation shows the victim was inside a residence when the homeowner and a man the homeowner knew were in a verbal argument that led to shots being exchanged. The boy was the only person the shooting injured. Those with information on the case are urged to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When you first meet Rizpah Bellard of Fresno, you cant help but notice her crisp white Stetson straw hat, her fancy western belt buckle and perfectly pressed jeans. Shes a cowgirl, and one of the few, if not the only, female Black cattle ranchers in California. At 30-years-old, Bellard is president of Nova Farming, a cattle company she runs with her father, pioneering Black farmer Cleveland Bellard. Their cattle, a cross between Angus and Wagyu beef cows, are kept in Kern County, marketed to schools and institutions. They already have a contract to supply ground beef to four schools that make up the Beardsley School District in Bakersfield. When not tending cattle, Bellard visits elementary schools in Fresno with her menagerie of livestock animals, two goats, a pig, and a miniature horse. She uses the animals as a way to educate students about farming. This is my way to teach kids about their food, where it comes from and why agriculture is important to everyone, she said. Rizpah Bellard, owner of Nova Farming, brings hay out to her pony Titan in a pen on the property of an independent living home she operates in west Fresno on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Rizpah uses a few of her farm animals to teach kids in Fresno Unified about agriculture. The livestock animals are kept on the property of one of Bellards other projects. She runs an independent living home on the outskirts of central Fresno. She was honored by the Independent Living Association of California last year for operating an exemplary home. It may seem like being a cattle rancher, operator of an independent living home, and a substitute teacher all conflict. But, in her words, it all flows. Cowgirl Magazine recognized Bellard this year in its 30 under 30 awards for her leadership and contributions to agriculture. Bellard, whose warm smile puts strangers at ease, said all of her life experiences and education have prepared her for the entrepreneurial path shes now on. As a child, Bellard spent some time in the small community of Guinda in Yolo County. It was rural, largely white and had a population of about 150. There was some racism there, but we didnt experience it as much because our dad shielded us from it, she said. But now as an adult, I mean, Im just doing what I do and theres some push back. I think its because Im new to the town, and I am black and a woman, there is a little bit of skepticism about what I have to offer. In Fresno County, Bellard is one of a handful of Black farmers. According to the United States Department of Agriculture 2022 census there were 9 Black farmers in Fresno County, down from 20 in 2017. Farming advocates applaud the work of Rizpah Bellard for sowing the seeds for the next generation. There is a real sense of wanting to reclaim the narrative in the Black community that agriculture equates to sharecropping and that its something you need to escape from, said Evan Wiig, director of membership and communications for the Community Alliance for Family Farmers. The reframing of that narrative is that there is power in food sovereignty, there is autonomy and the ability to feed yourself and the community. And that is empowering. Rizpah Bellard, owner of Nova Farming, stands near livestock pens located on the property of an independent living home she operates in west Fresno on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. She may be the only young Black woman cattle rancher in the state of California. Bellard graduated from Cornell Universitys College of Agriculture and Life Sciences after earning a Bachelor of Science in 2015. She later earned a Master of Arts from The University of Denvers Josef Korbel School of International Studies in International Studies with a concentration in Human Trafficking and Forced Labor and a Certificate of Global Health. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholar in 2020. After working in the Bay Area for several years, the pandemic hit and Bellard returned home. She decided to blaze her own trail in agriculture, in part, because of her familys background in farming. She moved to Fresno in 2021. Her father, Cleveland Bellard graduated from Fresno State in the early 80s and was the only Black student majoring in animal husbandry, a fact that didnt go unnoticed. I had one professor who asked me why was I even in the program, Cleveland Bellard said. You should be a police officer or a teacher, he told me. The young Bellard, who was 18 at the time, got advice from an older sister who was also attending Fresno State. She told me, Cleveland, no matter what is going on, you stick with it. And from that point on, I didnt give up, he said. Cleveland went on to become a sought after cattle breeder for some of the industrys most influential farmers, including Bill Jones of Coalinga, a former California assemblyman and secretary of state. The elder Bellard has also worked extensively in Africa, helping farmers develop better breeds of cattle. Rizpah Bellard has also taken several trips with her father to Africa and plans to do more. In her southwest Fresno neighborhood, Bellard is known alternatively as the cattle rancher and Miss Bellard the teacher. To supplement her income, Bellard is also a substitute teacher for Fresno Unified. She is so well liked by the neighborhood kids that they asked her if she could help them during the summer. A lot of them didnt go to summer school because their parents didnt sign them up, or they just didnt know about it. And so they just asked if I could help them read or help them get ahead, she said. So I started out with just my neighbors, then it was their cousins who live in their grandmas house. And then they started telling the neighbors across the street and the kid who lives down the block. And now I am up to 13. Thomas the pig waits for his feed while standing in a pen on the property of an independent living home Rizpah Bellard operates in west Fresno on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Rizpah uses a few of her farm animals to teach kids in Fresno Unified about agriculture. Rizpah Bellard, owner of Nova Farming, brings hay out to her pony Titan in a pen on the property of an independent living home she operates in west Fresno on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Congressional Democrats are at risk of shedding a critical voting bloc in swing states: Black and Hispanic voters who say their concerns about improving public education and increasing access to schools beyond their zip codes are falling on deaf ears. While a slight majority of Black and Hispanic voters say they still trust Democrats more than Republicans on the issue of education, more than two-thirds say they do not think Democrats are focused enough on improving K-12 schools, according to a new poll. The shot across the bow comes as Democrats seek to maintain their slim Senate majority and nab four seats to take control of the House in November. Polls have shown more or less a dead heat in the race for the House for months though calculations in both chambers are somewhat scrambled in the wake of President Joe Biden stepping aside to anoint Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Black and Hispanic voters view and experience education differently, particularly parents, and the data shows that they strongly believe that public schools are failing children of their race, says Cornell Belcher, president of Democratic polling firm Brilliant Corners. Improving K-12 schools is a top issue concern they want their elected officials focused on and they overwhelmingly believe that Democrats are not focused enough on the issue of education. Related The Nations Second-Largest Teachers Union Endorses Kamala Harris for President Brilliant Corners performed the survey between June 4 and June 17 on behalf of Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, and polled more than 800 Black and Hispanic likely voters in seven swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Its quite frustrating as someone who lives in the city of Atlanta and who does vote that you often dont see our elected officials have even been paying attention to education until something tragic happens, says Keisha Spells, who has spent nearly two decades working with families as a community engagement specialist in the public school system, and whose own four children attended Atlantas public schools. In 17 years, I have seen families in complete frustration, she says. Ive watched failing schools remain open and fail more kids. You have to ask yourself: Are we failing generations now, as the grandmother, mother and now the child, all are unsuccessfully reading at [a] third grade [level]? They know that this isnt right and that their kids need something more, but they dont know how to advocate for it. For decades, voters overwhelmingly trusted Democrats over Republicans on the issue of education. But that trust has eroded in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when K-12 schools across the country shuttered, some for more than an entire academic year. The impact of those closures disproportionately fell on Black and Hispanic students and students from low-income families, and their academic recovery has been painfully slow as a result. The new poll shows that a quarter of all respondents say they trust neither party on education issues or dont know who to trust. Over a third, 36%, of Black voters who also identify as public school parents trust neither party, and roughly a quarter of Hispanic voters trust Republicans more than Democrats. Democratic leaders have an opportunity here to better position themselves in these important battleground states with this key base constituency by addressing their concerns about how the school system is serving their communities and elevating education as a national issue and priority, Belcher says. Related Project 2025 Would Cut Ed. Dept., Fulfill GOP K-12 Wish List Under Trump As it relates to specific education policy issues, 91% of the surveys respondents say parents deserve the right to choose the public school that best meets their childs individual needs, and 68% agree that children in their neighborhood would be able to get a better education if they could attend a different school outside their current zip code. Nearly the same percentage, 67%, agree that most children who graduate from their assigned public school arent yet ready for college or the workforce. The vast majority of those polled also say they support increasing funding for public schools, including public charter schools, increasing teacher pay, hiring more diverse teachers and school leaders and including more Black and Latino history in curricula. We really wanted to hear from Black and Latino swing voters because this is an opportunity for lawmakers to hear what their constituents want and need, says Jay Artis-Wright, the executive director of Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, which advocates for equitable access to quality public school options for Black and Brown communities. Here are the lived experiences of swing voters and here is an opportunity for lawmakers to know exactly how they feel, she says. The clear message is that education is a priority for us and the data is showing that not only do we want education, we prioritize public education. Notably, Republicans in many of the same swing states where Black and Hispanic voters were polled Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have capitalized on parental frustrations over public schools in the wake of the pandemic. Several Republicans are calling for more choices by passing legislation that establishes or significantly expands private school choice programs, including education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships and voucher programs. The poll shows that while Black and Hispanic swing state voters generally support private school choice programs, their support is contingent upon ensuring that funding for these programs isnt shifted from public school budgets and that the schools dont discriminate based on values or beliefs of students and staff. Theyre much more enthusiastic about increasing funding for public schools and creating more public school choices, including charter schools. Republicans have been a little bit more out ahead on the issue, but our Black and Latino voters favor Democrats and trust Democrats more on education, Artis-Wright says. And at the same time, feel like they could be doing more. We dont want to do the us versus them narrative, she says about public schools versus private schools. But the reality is that they want more options. And thats a huge issue coming out of the pandemic because we cant just focus on this monolithic traditional public school. We cannot do this anymore and everyone is yelling about it. The poll is hardly the first to pick up on the increasing frustration among Black and Hispanic voters on the issue of K-12 education, including as it relates to calls for more funding and more choices. Similar sentiment has rippled through polling commissioned by the National Parents Union, a parent-led advocacy organization. Parents have been really clear about wanting something different, says Keri Rodrigues, founding president of the National Parents Union. Upwards of 90% of people say parents deserve the right to choose the public option that best meets their childs individual needs. You see it in this poll, you see it in our poll. We couldnt be clearer about this. Education for us is the pathway to economic mobility, she says about Black and Hispanic parents. We dont see schools actually keeping pace with that and that is why youre seeing a lot of movement among parents seeking alternatives and having this consistent outcry of wanting something different. BOURBON, Mo. In Missouri, there is a city called Bourbon that traces its roots back to the 1800s when settlers would travel through, selling their wares at the local general store situated along a railroad. The towns start is closely linked to the Missouri Pacific railroad tracks that run through the area. A long time ago there was a store called Turner Store, said Randy Bremer, owner of the Bremer Hardware & Lumber company. The Irish immigrant workers came through here when they built the railroad. In the evenings, they would go to Turner Store and drink bourbon. Bremer explained that the phrase Lets go to Bourbon originated from these gatherings. He mentioned that the towns original name was supposed to be Saint Cloud. Target to open its largest St. Louis store in University City Bourbon is located on Route 66 in northern Crawford County, about an hour from St. Louis. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of approximately 1,632. A notable feature of the town is its water tower, bearing the towns name. The original tower, constructed in 1931, is still operational. According to Mary Heywood, alderwoman of Bourbon, Missouri, the Bourbon History book explains that a water system was installed in the 1930s. The first residents raised the water tower using horses on land that was donated, which eventually became part of Route 66. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News In addition to its historical charm, the town has an economic development initiative called the Barrel Tour. This tour identifies the village and store locations where barrels of whiskey were once kept, marked by a barrel of whiskey placed outside each store. But is there bourbon in the water tower? Well, sure. What else would be in there? Bremer said jokingly. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Boy dies after being shot in Phoenix, another arrested Phoenix police said officers arrested a boy early Sunday morning after responding to a scene where another boy had been shot at least once. Officers responded to the area of 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road at about 2:45 a.m., where they found the two boys. Phoenix fire officials declared the boy who had been shot deceased on location. Additional information was not immediately available as of Sunday morning. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Boy shot, another arrested in Phoenix early Sunday morning BP is to help staff escape abusive relationships by offering free accommodation and legal advice. The oil giant has introduced the new policies amid concerns that those who work from home may lack a safe space to get away from their partner. UK-based staff have been told that BP will pay for emergency temporary accommodation up to the value of 1,500 for those who need to escape an abusive partner, as well as an hour with a lawyer. BP is also offering 10 days extra paid leave for appointments related to court applications or meetings with lawyers. The new policy comes amid a focus on staff relationships following the exit of former boss Bernard Looney, who left last year after it emerged he had failed to fully disclose previous relationships with colleagues. There is no suggestion that Mr Looney was involved in any abusive relationships. BP is re-evaluating its policies on workplace romances in the wake of revelations about former boss Bernard Looney's relationships with staff - F. Carter Smith/Bloomberg However, the crisis has triggered a reevaluation of BPs policies on staff romances and its broader HR strategy as senior management seek to prevent similar issues brewing. As part of a strengthening of rules, managers were told in June that they have until September to declare any intimate relationships with employees that occurred in the last three years, regardless of whether they feel they represent a conflict of interest. Previously, staff only had to disclose relationships that posed a conflict. BP has been advised on its new anti-abuse policies by the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), an organisation it has been involved in for at least a year. In a new policy document seen by The Telegraph, BP said staff in abusive relationships can be targeted by phone or email during the working day while those who work from home may lack a safe space away from the perpetrator. Employees may also be subjected by perpetrators to economic abuse, controlling working hours, or demanding that salary is paid into a specific bank account, it said. The company said that domestic abuse can lead to unplanned absences and worse productivity. Susan Bright, who runs EIDA, said: One in five people in our country experience domestic abuse and, for many, work may be their only safe space. A supportive employer can change and save lives. More than 2m people experience domestic abuse each year across England and Wales. Around 25pc of women and almost 15pc of men are likely to be affected in their lifetimes, according to the UKs Office of National Statistics. BP is not the first company to offer support to victims. City law firm Hogan Lovells similarly offers emergency short-term accommodation to staff trying to leave an abusive relationship, for example. Other companies that work with EIDA include Amazon, Google, National Grid and Vodafone. 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. Three circles of different sizes, with a lit up bigger circle behind the middle one In a feat of modern-day alchemy, scientists have used a beam of vaporized titanium to create one of the heaviest elements on Earth and they think this new method could pave the way to even heftier horizons. This is the first time the new technique in which a hunk of the rare isotope titanium-50 is heated to almost 1650 C (3000 F) to release ions that are beamed at another element has successfully produced a superheavy element, livermorium. Livermorium was first synthesized back in 2000, and it's not the heaviest element humans have created (that would be oganesson, atomic number 118). So what's the big deal if a couple atoms of livermorium recently popped into existence at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory those keeping track of the periodic table might ask? Livermorium is 'so Y2K', and has only 116 protons. But fusing a titanium beam with plutonium to create livermorium is just a test run for much bigger (or rather, heavier) things. The scientists hope to create an element that will be the heaviest ever produced: unbinilium, with 120 protons. Researchers fused isotopes of titanium and plutonium to make element 116. (Jenny Nuss/Berkeley Lab) "This reaction had never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove it was possible before embarking on our attempt to make 120," says nuclear chemist Jacklyn Gates of Berkeley Lab, who led the research. Calcium-48, with its 20 protons, has been the go-to beam, because its 'magic number' of protons and neutrons makes it more stable, helping it fuse with its target. Titanium-50 is not 'magic', but it has the 22 protons needed to reach those heavier atomic weights, without being so heavy that it simply falls apart. "It was an important first step to try to make something a little bit easier than a new element to see how going from a calcium beam to a titanium beam changes the rate at which we produce these elements," physicist Jennifer Pore from Berkeley Lab explains. "Creating element 116 with titanium validates that this method of production works and we can now plan our hunt for element 120." It took the team 22 days of operations at Berkeley Lab's 88-inch cyclotron, which accelerates the heavy ions of titanium into a beam powerful enough to fuse with its target. After all that, it yielded just two measly atoms of livermorium. Researchers want to fuse isotopes of titanium and californium to make element 120. (Jenny Nuss/Berkeley Lab) Creating unbinilium with this method, by aiming the beam at californium-249, will be much faster than previous routes could offer, but it's still going to be a slog. "We think it will take about 10 times longer to make 120 than 116," says Berkeley Lab nuclear physicist Reiner Kruecken. This marks a return to the superheavy element race for the US Department of Energy's Berkeley Lab, a leader in elemental discovery during the 20th century. Scientists around the world have been on a race to produce unbinilium since at least 2006, when a Russian team at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research made a first attempt. Scientists at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Germany made several attempts between 2007 and 2012, but no dice. Now, with researchers from the US, China, and Russia throwing their hats in the ring, one has to wonder what exactly the future applications might be. "It's really important that the US is back in this race, because superheavy elements are very important scientifically," nuclear physicist Witold Nazarewicz, who was not involved in the research, told Robert Service at Science. Element 120 is near the theoretical 'island of stability', a paradise for superheavy elements where half lives are luxuriously long, thanks to their 'magic numbers' of protons and neutrons. These long-lived, stable superheavy elements are expected to offer scientists the chance to study the extremes of atomic behavior, test nuclear physics models, and chart the limits of atomic nuclei. This paper has been submitted to Physical Review Letters, and is available as a preprint at arXiv. Related News Brenna Bird tells Iowans to turn out for Trump even if he isn't campaigning in the state ADEL, Ia. Former President Donald Trump is counting on Iowa as a red state in the upcoming election, even if he isn't campaigning here, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird told attendees at her Barn Bash in Adel on Saturday. Homemade pies were auctioned off with a photo of Trump holding his fist in the air after the assassination attempt in July. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helped promote some of the auction items, most of which sold for hundreds of dollars. "Do everything you can to turn people out for President Trump this fall," Bird said. "Don't take it for granted even though he's so popular here in Iowa. Make sure everybody goes and votes that's so important." Her message resembled a similar rally in Adel back in October when she endorsed the former president, making her the only Iowa statewide official to back Trump before the 2024 caucuses. Only this time, the former president wasn't in attendance. But Bird reassured her supporters that Trump shouldn't be campaigning in Iowa. Instead, he should be in battleground states, she said. "I have told him 'Do not worry about Iowa.' Spend your time in swing states. Because here in Iowa, we will take care of turning out Iowans for President Trump," Bird said followed by cheers from the crowd. Voters have asked when Trump will be back in Iowa, Bird told members of the media after the fundraising event. She admitted Iowa is no longer a swing state. "Right now it's important for President Trump to spend time in the swing states and very much welcome back if he ever wants to come back to Iowa. But I think it will while until we see him," Bird said. Crowd cheers as Brenna Bird calls for keeping politics out of prosecutions Bird's unprecedented endorsement has taken her out of Iowa and into the limelight of the national party. The Republican attorney general was a speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. She also traveled to New York during Trump's hush money trial. Bird spoke to the national media about how the trial was a "scam," followed by Trump being convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records. She affirmed this position Saturday night. "We can not have any politics in prosecution," Bird said. "Politics has no place in criminal prosecution whatsoever." The country must return to a time where politics are separate from criminal investigations, which is why she went to New York, Bird said followed by cheers from the crowd. "When I see what is happening in certain places, where prosecutions are politically motivated, it makes me sick in the pit of my stomach," Bird said. "Because I know that will destroy our country." More: Who is Brenna Bird? What to know about the Iowa Republican speaking at the RNC 'I can go to court,' Brenna Bird says of her ability to stop Democrats While Bird isn't on the ballot for another two years, she also told the crowd conservatives must continue to defend her position and other Republican colleagues in the legislature who are targeted by Democrats. Iowa has joined other states in suing to stop policies proposed by the Biden Administration such as student loan forgiveness and Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students. More: What has Iowa AG Brenna Bird sued the feds over in her first year? Quite a lot "At a time when Congress, because it's divided, they can't stop some of the things that Biden Administration is doing, but an attorney general can," Bird said. "I can go to court." Kamala Harris will be 'just a continuation' of Joe Biden's 'failed' border policies, Brenna Bird says Border control was another focus for Bird. She claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris has failed to secure the border. "Every state is a border state," Bird said. "... With a new president, that is going to stop." Chad Briles, who came from Des Moines to attend the event, said immigration is the biggest issue that resonates with him because he is concerned for his children's future "She [Bird] has really addressed immigration, which is important," Briles said. "I have young kids, so really getting somebody that has our same values and really shaping Iowa for the future of my kids is important." When asked about her opinions of Harris as the potential Democratic nominee, Bird said Harris will be no different than Biden when it comes to managing the border. "We need President Trump in November," Bird told reporters after the event. "And I think Harris is just a continuation of those same failed policies." Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Brenna Bird tells Donald Trump to focus on swing states, not Iowa A recent uptick in COVID-19 activity in North Carolina, particularly involving wastewater samples, has prompted two Triad-based infectious diseases experts to provide an update as the start of the 2024-25 school year nears. COVID-19 exposure in wastewater samples for the week ending July 24 were at levels last experienced in mid-February, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services dashboard last updated Wednesday. Wastewater samples are one of the three key metrics tracked by DHHS since the statewide COVID-19 public health crisis was declared over in May 2023. The other metrics are emergency department visits and hospital admissions. COVID-19 represented 3.2% of emergency department visit cases, the highest level since 3.7% in early March. The peak over the past 12 months was 5.9% in late December. There were 500 COVID-19 related hospital admissions. Those admissions have climbed the past 10 weeks and are at the highest level since 503 in mid-March. We are seeing more cases of COVID illnesses in the Triad, most of which are relatively mild, and nothing like what is being seen on the West Coast, said Dr. Christopher Ohl with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Ohl said many of the latest cases are likely related to people traveling on vacation or attending public activities. Ohl said some areas of the Triad still are seeing increases in the wastewater samples, while others have peaked in mid-July. Ohl said Baptist-affiliated emergency departments are dealing with additional cases, but by no means are they overwhelmed with it. Some of the people are testing positive for COVID while being seen for other health reasons, such as upper respiratory symptoms. People with mild cases of COVID-19 are being asked not to go to emergency departments for the sake of being tested. Rather, Ohl advises testing at home or at an urgent care. If people are having problems breathing or otherwise severely ill, an emergency department is where they need to be, Ohl said. Ohl projects the COVID-19 exposure will not be widespread because most individuals have gained some level of immunity through either having a case(s) or be being vaccinated multiple times. On the positive side, as these latest subvariants become more contagious, they seem to be losing some of their oomph to cause more severe disease, Ohl said. Ohl cautioned that even mild cases of COVID still remain a concern for those over the ages of 65 or for people who are immunocompromised. For those individuals, Ohl recommends getting another booster now. He said the next new booster should be available in September. It is becoming targeted to the latest COVID-19 subvariants similar to how the flu vaccine is designed. As far as projections for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season that begins on Oct. 1, Ohl said its likely that COVID-19, flu and RSVP cases will begin to rise in mid-to-late December. Dr. David Priest, with Novant Health Inc., said its hospitals are experiencing an increase in cases in ambulatory sites and hospitals. As in previous years, there is a smaller summer wave of infections, which is also evident from the rising levels of COVID in state wastewater, Priest said. Although we are far from the peak levels of the pandemic, COVID-19 still poses a risk, particularly for older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 should consult their physician to determine if antiviral treatments are right for them. Triad infectious diseases officials stress that vaccines and heightened hygiene remain the best tool against the three circulating respiratory viruses. Experts still arent concerned about a tripledemic of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the latest subvariants of COVID-19 and the flu. David Montefiori, director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, said it is prudent to get the latest COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine in the next few weeks. We know it takes a good few weeks to develop full antibody-related immunity, Montefiori said. So getting patients the chance through October and into November of getting vaccinated, like we do with flu season, would be advantageous for the arrival of those waves in the winter. A Starmer government cannot be trusted. He called the democratic referendum result in 2016 catastrophic and subsequently pressed for a second vote. Now, on Tuesday, the European Scrutiny Committee, which I chaired for 14 years and sat on for 39 years, was abolished in a government motion one line long without a formal statement or explanation. And on the last day before the summer recess. This Standing Order has been in existence since 1973, when we first joined the European Community, and is the embodiment of parliamentary scrutiny and sovereignty, creating a vigilant and competent select committee to monitor, investigate and report with Members from all sides of the House to keep track of matters of vital national interest with regard to the EU and the impact of legislative proposals from Brussels and the Council of Ministers. The committee has been chaired by Members of the Labour and Conservative parties alternately since 1973. Even Stella Creasey, a respected Labour backbencher, made clear her concern, I think its understandable that people are asking, where is this conversation going to happen? And Id like to be part of that conversation, highlighting scrutiny and democratic accountability. The essence of Parliament is scrutiny and accountability and this has been ravaged by the abolition of this committee. UK voters, who have just regained their self-government under the 2016 referendum endorsed by the Brexit general election of 2019, followed by the passage of legislation by the Conservative government guaranteeing the sovereignty of Parliament, will suffer. All this has now been put on the line with no adequate means of examining the manner in which the UK will be adversely affected by EU-based legislative measures. The Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, made the ludicrous excuse that because we have left the EU The principal job of the committee is no longer required. This is nonsense, and she knows it. For example, it was the European Scrutiny Committee, even within the past two years or so, which: in the absence of an initiative of the Defence Committee, examined the implications of the EUs Permanent Structured Cooperation (Pesco) and its associated issues of defence procurement; continuously engaged with, investigated and analysed the severe constitutional problems faced by Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework; the current Gibraltar negotiations, including the dangers to the UKs and Natos defences; the issue of immigration, much of which remains in EU-derived law that currently adversely affects our competitiveness, business, trade and the City of London, and needs to be revoked or repealed as laid down by the Retained EU Law Act itself so as to achieve the levels of growth and productivity that the Government claims to seek. All these inquiries and reports by the committee were based on evidence taken from witnesses across every spectrum, for and against, on every one of these subjects. The abolition of the committee is a deliberate plan to prevent the British people from knowing what is going on in the discussions and policy-making of this government in relation to UK-EU relations, creating a deliberate covert operation. Decisions will be taken through No 10, the Foreign Office and every government department under the baleful aegis of Nick Thomas-Symonds, now minister for the constitution and European Union relations. The word reset has now been substituted by the word rescind, with ominous consequences for our democracy. Sovereignty is democracy, and scrutiny is fundamental to the preservation of both. The European Scrutiny Committee certainly did not curry favour with the recent Conservative government or at any time during my chairmanship since 2010, and we subjected, quite rightly, secretaries of state to detailed scrutiny on a vast range of matters which can only be appreciated by looking at the range of inquiries which we conducted without fear or favour in the national interest. David Lammy (now Foreign Secretary) and Stephen Kinnock were officially members of the committee but, as the records show, simply would not turn up. The nature of the EU-UK relationship and its competencies are not confined just to dry, boring technicalities, but to the very substance of what affects the daily lives of all our citizens, covering every government department and tens of thousands of EU laws which have been passed since 1973 through the Council of Ministers, warranting in-depth examination by a committee advised by Speakers Counsel and specialists in every sphere. Our democracy in this entire field is now swallowed up into the entrails of anti-Brexiteers in addition to Remainers in the Government Legal Service, who must have sung the Ode to Joy when the committee was despatched by a process which cannot be dignified by the word democracy in any meaningful sense. This will have disastrous consequences, through lack of investigation, analysis or knowhow which the European Scrutiny Committee provided during its 50 years of existence a priceless asset to our constitutional order, despatched with sleight of hand without explanation or any sense of accountability. In the light of this assault on your parliamentary sovereignty, which is the double helix of our national DNA, democracy and accountability and through this single blow of the axe, it is worth noting the words of 17th-century politician John Harrington that Treason doth never prosper, whats the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it Treason. 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. Will Beckett, co-founder and chief executive of Hawksmoor says Britain is not even close 'to self-sustaining on food' - Rii Schroer British farmers no longer believe there is honour and profit in agriculture, the boss of one of Britains most celebrated steakhouses has warned. Will Beckett, co-founder of Hawksmoor, said the UK faces a massive problem because too many farmers are dropping out of the industry. Mr Beckett said: I think its right to say that Britain has a farming problem. If there is no honour and profit in farming by the way, thats not true if farmers feel [they] cant make money, or its not worth it, its not enjoyable, weve got a massive problem. His comments come after years of discontent among farmers, who have been forced to contend with post-Brexit Labour shortages, EU red tape and soaring fertiliser and energy costs after the invasion of Ukraine. There have also been accusations that major supermarket chains have squeezed profit margins in the industry to unsustainable levels. The National Farmers Unions and other industry groups wrote to all party leaders ahead of last months election urging them to come up with a plan for food security, warning: It would be foolhardy to assume that our food system will always withstand shocks. Mr Beckett said: Were not close to self-sustaining on food. We import a huge amount. I think its still a government priority to increase our self-sufficiency in food for that to happen, farming has to work. And there are clearly areas of farming where that is not true. Hawksmoor runs 13 restaurants across the UK, Dublin, New York, and Chicago, and all of the steak sold in the UK is sourced from Britain. It is consistently ranked among the worlds best steakhouses. Every steak served in Hawksmoor restaurants has been sourced from British farmers - Toby Keane/kitchencommunications.com Mr Beckett added: There are a lot of farmers, like many of ours, who are just trying to find different routes to market because they know they will get paid a proper price for their produce. He added that a recent vogue for going vegan was largely just hype and noise, adding that some of the practices involved could be damaging for agriculture. Mr Beckett said: It engenders or encourages a monocrop attitude to land husbandry that I dont think is particularly healthy. [Farmers] dont just think about cows, theyll put money into building reservoirs that attract insects so that more birds come. If youre doing soybean monocrops, guess what? The lands not great, the wildlife and insect life just disappears, and soil health goes down. Hawksmoor is currently considering a potential sale that would see it fetch a price as high as 100m, according to reports. A document sent to potential investors, seen by The Telegraph, said its yearly turnover now tops 100m. The chain is currently majority-owned by the private equity house Graphite. Mr Beckett the son of prominent wine journalist Fiona Beckett and his business partner Huw Gott founded the chain in 2006. Both founders are set to retain their shareholding and continue leading the company if Hawksmoor changes hands, it has been reported. Hawksmoor is one of a handful of restaurants credited with driving a revival of the traditional steakhouse in Britain over recent decades. 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. Royal Navy ships and RAF helicopters on standby in Middle East over fears of war Tensions have increased following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, and Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from Hezbollah - Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images Royal Navy ships and RAF helicopters were on standby in the Middle East on Sunday night over fears of a regional war. The HMS Duncan, a Type-45 destroyer, and RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship, were in the eastern Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence said. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said military personnel had been deployed to embassies, while families of staff at the embassy in Beirut were withdrawn for their safety. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, reiterated his advice to all British nationals in Lebanon to leave now while they can. In the first major foreign policy test for Labour, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said: Our Armed Forces will always step up to support British citizens around the world and reinforce regional stability with their professionalism and bravery. Saudi Arabia joined France, Canada and Jordan in calling on their citizens to leave Lebanon. In a highly volatile security context French nationals were urgently asked to avoid travelling to Lebanon, and those already in the country should leave as soon as possible, the foreign ministry in Paris said. France also urged its nationals living in Iran to temporarily leave. Benjamin Netanyahu talks with security chiefs Israel is bracing for a major attack in retaliation for a double assassination in Beirut and Tehran over the past week. World leaders have been urging both sides to step back or risk triggering a full-scale regional war. But Israel warned it would go on the attack if struck by Iran or its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, said: We are ready to move quickly to attack or to respond. We will exact a price, as we have been doing in recent days from the enemy. If it dares to attack us, it will pay a heavy price. He was backed by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, who told his security cabinet: I reiterate and tell our enemies, We will respond and we will exact a heavy price for any act of aggression against us, from whatever quarter. The US said it was sending an aircraft carrier and warplanes to the region for every possibility. The FCDO said the UK had sent additional consular officials, Border Force and UK military personnel to the region, but did not provide further details. Tensions have increased following the assassination on Wednesday of Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader in Tehran, one day after an Israeli strike in the Lebanese capital Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from Lebanese terror group Hezbollah. Both groups are backed by Iran. Israel and the US are braced for an attack similar to that seen in April when Iran launched its first direct assault on Israel, with hundreds of drones, missiles and rockets. Israel retaliated at the time with a single missile strike on an air defence unit in Iran and the tit-for-tat exchanges ended after that. Observers have questioned whether both sides are prepared to de-escalate this time around. On Saturday night more than 30 projectiles were fired at Israel by Hezbollah without penetrating the Iron Dome air defence umbrella. Meanwhile, five rockets were launched by Hamas in Gaza on Sunday to southern Israel with one falling into Hof Ashkelon. Israel's Iron Dome defence system blocked projectiles fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon - Leo Correa/AP Two people were killed and another two seriously injured when a man from the West Bank went on a stabbing rampage in the city of Holon, central Israel, on Sunday, heightening tensions further. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, Jon Finer, the White House deputy national security adviser, said on Sunday. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, met the Jordanian king on Sunday. In a statement they called on all the parties to end the cycle of reprisals, exercise the utmost restraint and responsibility to guarantee the security of the populations. At least 100,000 Israeli citizens are also believed to be stranded abroad, leading Israels ministry of transport to launch emergency maritime fleets to bring them home. More than 18 airlines have cancelled flights, including British Airways. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Buffalo police officer Adrian Neal was acquitted earlier this week in a use of force case from 2022 due to a lack of evidence, as reported Sunday morning by The Buffalo News. Defense attorney Rodney Personius, of Personius Melber LLP, confirmed the report in an email to WIVB. This is a textbook example of the crucial importance of body worn camera footage, which exposed the fantasized allegations of the arrestee, Personius said. Properly presented, this footage demonstrated the correctness of Officer Neals actions throughout the encounter. The jury is to be commended for its courageous verdict after deliberating for less than 90 minutes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a prominent ally of Donald Trump, on Sunday dismissed the recent controversy over the former president's comments on Vice President Kamala Harris' race. Donalds engaged in a testy interview with "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos over comments Trump made at the National Association of Black Journalists conference last week in which he falsely said that Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican descent, only recently began to identify as Black. "She is biracial. She has a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, she's always identified as both. Why are you questioning that?" Stephanopoulos asked Donalds on Sunday. "Well, George, first of all, this is something that's actually a conversation throughout social media right now. There were a lot of people who are trying to figure this out. But again, that's a side issue, not the main issue," Donalds said, pivoting to Harris' record in President Joe Biden's administration. Trump doubles down on false racial attacks on Harris, Republican senators squirm when confronted about it The back-and-forth went on for several minutes, with Stephanopoulos pressing Donalds on why Republicans were having the conversation about Harris' race in the first place. "Why do you insist on questioning her racial identity?" Stephanopoulos asked. "He talked about it on stage yesterday in Atlanta for what, two minutes? He spent more than 35, 40 minutes going after her record talking about how radical of a senator that she was," Donalds said. "He talked about the job that she did as vice president of the United States." Donalds also defended Trump for saying he'd pardon rioters who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. The former president raised eyebrows when he said at last week's conference that he'd pardon those who assaulted police officers if they were found "innocent" -- prompting ABC News' Rachel Scott to point out that many had, in fact, been convicted. Donalds grappled with Stephanopoulos over the wording of Trump's answer but insisted that the former president would not pardon people who attacked law enforcement officers. Trump falsely questions Harris' race in NABJ interview, says VP pick 'does not have any impact' "Of course, if somebody was beating up a police officer at Jan. 6, he's [Trump] not going to do that. But if you had people who were just walking through the Capitol, which did occur on January 6, because the security protocols had changed because of that riot at the Capitol, then what he would do is not allow them to be held in jail with these massively increased charges," Donalds said. "My question is on those rioters who assaulted officers, would you pardon those people," Stephanopoulos responded. "They are not innocent. They are convicted. He said he would pardon them." "George, what I'm telling you is he's gonna go back and look at these cases because it is without a doubt, and look, Jan. 6 is a very painful memory in our country. But it is without a doubt that the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia was super-charging these people because of political viewpoints," Donalds said. Donalds claimed that Trump has been treated differently than Biden or other Democrats by the Department of Justice, leading Stephanopoulos to point out that Hunter Biden, the president's son, was also charged by the DOJ. Byron Donalds: Trump's comments on Harris' race 'a side issue' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A person holds a fan advertising Project 2025 at the Iowa State Fair in 2023, when the 900-plus-page agenda was published. It features the work of at least 140 former Trump administration officials, including six Cabinet secretaries. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press) This summer more and more voters have gotten to know the gist of Project 2025, the policy opus intended to guide a second Trump administration, and they thoroughly dislike it. Which explains the projects purported demise in recent days at the Trump campaigns hands, just as Democrats have jump-started the presidential contest behind Kamala Harris candidacy. The ruthlessness with which Donald Trump and his chief campaign lieutenants supposedly severed any ties to the agenda-setting endeavor gave me flashbacks to Trumps presidency, when hed abruptly announce a policy switch or Cabinet members firing with a tweet. Just like that, someone or something that once had Trumps favor was dispatched with the press of two thumbs on a smartphones buttons. I know nothing about Project 2025, Trump wrote in a misnamed truth on his social media site last month. 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. He reiterated that message several times throughout July, blaming Radical Left Democrats for pure disinformation about his ties to the effort. Read more: Calmes: Finally, a limit to Donald Trump's Teflon superpower J.D. Vance As usual, that was all lies, but when the right-wing coalition behind the blueprint, including scores of former Trump advisors, continued to promote it, Trumps enforcers finally brought out the shiv a no-holds-barred statement on Tuesday from senior campaign consigliere Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita: President Trumps campaign has been very clear for over a year that Project 2025 had nothing to do with the campaign, did not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the President in any way. Reports of Project 2025s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign it will not end well for you. (Emphasis mine.) That same day the once-respected, now MAGA-fied Heritage Foundation, the power behind Project 2025, announced that director Paul Dans was out of his job and that the 2-year-old undertaking would throttle back. The Washington Post reported that some contributing authors, who once saw their involvement as a ticket to a job in Trump 2.0, were asking to have their names scratched from the final product. Theirs isnt an idle fear: LaCivita had threatened an employment ban if Project 2025 collaborators continued to equate their work with Trumps agenda. Read more: Opinion: Trump proved himself unfit to be commander in chief So thats the end of that? Be skeptical. Be very skeptical. For one thing, Trump embraced the effort at its start. In a speech at a Heritage conference in 2022, he said it would detail plans for exactly what our movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America. CNNs review of the contributors found at least 140 former Trump administration officials, including six Cabinet secretaries. So, sure, Trump can badmouth the Heritage project now that its become a bogeyman. But should he win, hell surely make use of Project 2025s policy prescriptions and its database of 20,000 vetted MAGAts to form a government and execute his stated agenda. Which gets to the second reason Project 2025 should be considered alive and well: Much of it is Trumps agenda, just with flesh on the policy bones. Read more: Opinion: Would Trump stop free and fair elections? Hitler and Mussolini's paths could be a clue Most of the best known and least popular parts of the projects 900-plus pages, the ones that media accounts and Democrats have spotlighted Can you believe they put that thing in writing? Harris mockingly asks rally crowds lately are in fact ideas that Trump himself calls for. Among them: Abolish the Department of Education. Gut the civil service system and return to a spoils system rewarding MAGA loyalists with federal jobs. Tear down the ethics wall thats blocked White House interference in Justice Department prosecutions and FBI investigations since Watergate so that Trump can deep-six the criminal cases against him and order up new ones against his enemies. And more: Mount immigration raids nationwide, with the militarys help, and deport millions living and working here without authorization. Repeal climate change mitigation programs and other environmental regulations. End affirmative action. Undo President Bidens student loan relief program. Read more: Tired of text spam from political fundraisers? Here's what to do Trump has talked about them all. Where he and Project 2025 mainly diverge is on abortion. Like the rest of us, the former president has seen the decisive power of abortion rights voters in every election since his Supreme Court appointees enabled the reversal of Roe in 2022. Hes desperate to duck talk about further federal abortion restrictions and insists hed leave the issue to the states. Project 2025, however, proposes a number of federal limits on abortion and contraception, and a ban on shipping the pills that account for nearly two-thirds of abortions. Lets say Trump, as president, does leave abortion issues to the states. As weve seen already, his antiabortion appointees to the federal courts almost certainly wouldnt hesitate to rule in ways that affect us all. And that still leaves all those other policy areas where Project 2025 reflects his policy wish list. Get familiar with Project 2025, if youre not. Trumps advisors can welcome the reports of its demise, as they say. But the truth is, reports of its death are greatly exaggerated. The only way to put a stake through the thing is to make sure Trump isnt returned to the White House. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. This report was supported by the Pulitzer Center. As Canada deals with the same wildfire problems plaguing the western U.S. fires of increasing intensity burning larger areas as the climate and forests change Canadian governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on more and better firefighting equipment, increased personnel, fire-tracking satellites and improving community readiness. But some experts believe part of the solution to reducing catastrophic megafires involves practices that go back thousands of years, to the land's first inhabitants: fighting fire with fire. The indigenous people of Canada for centuries intentionally set fires on the landscape for a variety of cultural needs. "They burned for medicinal plants, for food plants, to produce firewood, to produce teepee poles, other technological uses warmth, cooking, everything else. It was how you survived on this landscape," said Robert Gray, a wildland fire ecologist who runs his own company, RW Gray Consulting based in Chilliwack, British Columbia. New growth is seen in a forest as it starts to come back to life following a prescribed burn which helps burn off fuel like twigs, logs and dried pine needles to help prevent wildfires in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada on Friday, May 31, 2024. The fires set long ago by tribal members would be ignited in the early days of spring, just after snow melt; or in the late fall or winter, when they were easier to contain. Through generations of practice, the oral traditions of cultural burning were passed down among First Nations people. Firekeepers knew what plants, bushes and trees to burn, when, for particular benefits. The lower-intensity fires used up accumulated dried, dead trees, branches and leaves on the forest floor and better spaced and diversified the forest and its mix with wetlands and grasslands. "The result of all that burning was you didn't have 30,000- or 100,000-hectare fires," Gray said. Banned for more than a century by European settlers, cultural burning is now making a tentative comeback in Canada, spurred by an urgency to find solutions to megafires costing into the billions of dollars that are coming with increasing frequency a problem punctuated by Canada's record-shattering wildfire season last year. Nearly 58,000 square miles of the nation burned an area about the size of Illinois in more than 6,500 wildfires coast-to-coast from April to October, according to revised numbers from the Canadian Forest Service. Wildfire firefighters do controlled burns in Alberta during Canada's record wildfire season in the summer of 2023. That more than doubled Canada's previous wildfire record and was more than seven times the nation's historical average. The smoke from those fires caused unhealthy air quality in U.S. cities in the Northeast, Midwest and Plains throughout the spring and summer of 2023. Canadian provinces and Parks Canada are also increasingly looking to prescribed burning, the non-native practice of strategic fires to reduce wildfire risk, though it is still used far less in Canada than in the United States, despite Canada having more forestland. Indigenous communities know how to use fire to reduce risk Cultural burning goes back many thousands of years, to almost all continents of Earth, said Joe Gilchrist, a member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, part of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation in British Columbia. Gilchrist is a traditional firekeeper and chairman of the Salish Fire Keepers Society, a group of indigenous and nonindigenous members working to restore cultural burning as a more widely used practice to keep forests healthier and wildfires more in control. In what is now British Columbia, First Nations people long ago burned every four years for berry patches or birthing places for wildlife, Gilchrist said. Some forests were burned every seven to 15 years. "So there was a mosaic of different age groups, different field types, tree types," he said. "It wasn't just one monoculture of trees across the landscape, which it is now. Everything now is dry and dying and diseased. And these huge fires now have all the fuel they need and are pretty much unstoppable." The evidence of cultural burning over centuries has been recorded by the forest itself. Jill Harvey is a fire ecologist and assistant professor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, who specializes in the study of tree rings. The rings show the annual growth pattern of trees and stresses such as fire. At one research site in north-central British Columbia, tree-ring research shows a pattern of fires going back 400 years at sites known to have been inhabited by indigenous people. At a second site, the fire record goes back nearly 800 years, she said. "The wildfire histories that we are developing are really human-driven wildfire histories, at least in some areas," she said. Harvey is an enthusiastic supporter of the restoration of cultural burning. "The indigenous communities have an intimate and intricate knowledge of how fire can be used to reduce risk, and this knowledge needs to be brought to the forefront of wildfire management and planning in British Columbia and elsewhere throughout Canada and throughout the world," she said. When European settlement came to Canada, intentional wildland burning became a crime. In British Columbia, the Bush Fire Act of 1874 made indigenous cultural burning practices punishable by fines or even imprisonment. The loss of cultural burning as a component of forest ecology was compounded by more than a century of working to put out wildfires to protect communities and business interests. With natural patterns of forest-burning lost, tree stands thickened, wetlands and grasslands became overgrown, and forest floors became loaded with dead, dry fuels. And climate change has contributed to years of drought in central and western Canada, less snow to melt over winters, earlier springs and more intense weather events. "It's only been more recently, in the last decade really, that cultural burning has become more acceptable and decriminalized by the government," said Kiah Allen, knowledge and research lead for the Cultural and Prescribed Fire Program for BC Wildfire Service, the province's wildland firefighting agency. Kiah Allen, a cultural and prescribed fire research and capacity lead for the BC Wildfire Service stands inside a forest that recently went thorough a prescribed burn in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada on May, 30, 2024. What changed? Terrible, destructive, costly wildfire after terrible, destructive, costly wildfire. "Absolutely, the fire seasons that we've seen in 2017, 2018, '21, and now '23 have catapulted the use of cultural and prescribed fire into the limelight, and its social acceptance throughout the province for our general public, but also for the legislature, for Parliament," Allen said. Allen and her team's job, she said, is to identify and remove red tape preventing First Nations people from using cultural burning, "for them to be sovereign." Strong connection to land enables art of cultural burning Gilchrist explained the cultural burning cycle. "In late fall and into winter, you can prune the trees, put it into piles and when the snow is on the ground then you can burn those piles," he said. "You start to bring the forest back to the way it was." Spring burning comes just after the snows melt, when "it just starts to warm up and then the grass gets crunchy," Gilchrist said. "It's a low-intensity burn, and it's really easy to control. You use existing breaks like deer trails, cow trails, horse trails and roadways, existing rivers and lakes and things like that, that kind of curl the fire in. Joe Gilchrist, a member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation, conducts a cultural burn on Skeetchestn tribal land in British Columbia, Canada in this April 2024 photo. Indigenous people of North America used fire on the landscape for a variety of societal goals for centuries, and Gilchrist hopes to restore the practice to wider use now to combat catastrophic, large wildfires. "Some days you just burn for one day, and there is very little smoke. You mind the wind so that smoke doesnt go into a community or roadway and if it does, you are able to put it out and wait for another day." When, where and what is burned is the art to cultural burning, the practices passed down in oral traditions over generations, Gilchrist said. "That's where people make the decisions on whether it's going to mule deer or winter range for moose or elk or whether you're going to pick herbs in a meadow, or in a riparian area or wetlands different kinds of things and their different burn cycles," he said. "And when you have as strong a connection to the land as your ancestors did, you have a good sense of where you want to do the different things." Gilchrist said Salish Fire Keepers conducted five cultural burns this past spring on territorial lands within First Nations territories, over about 250 hectares about a square mile of land. "We are hoping to continue doing bigger and more burns in the future," he said. "And, hopefully, it becomes legal to burn off the reserve. We could make the forest so much better." Not all fire is bad; Canada moves toward prescribed burns Prescribed burning the planned, strategic use of fire in the forest to lessen wildfire danger to communities or other interests is a far more utilized practice in the United States than in Canada. A report on the nationwide use of prescribed burning in the U.S. from the National Association of State Foresters and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils showed 9.4 million acres treated in 2020, the second-highest number reported in survey history. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, meanwhile, reported just under 327,000 acres of prescribed burning in Canada in 2023. "Within our area, historical practices have been focused on timber management," said Kenny Forbes, a wildfire prevention officer with BC Wildfire Service. Kenny Forbes, a wildfire rehab specialist, sits on a charred log inside a forest in Kimberly, British Columbia, Canada on Friday, May 31, 2024. He and others concerned about wildfires took part in a prescribed burn to help burn off fuel like twigs, logs and dried pine needles to help prevent wildfires here. Colonial governments, Gilchrist said, "made a decision that fires were bad kind of a Smokey the Bear attitude. Get every fire under control within a day." That's changing. "As part of wildfire prevention and fire management, we have to do controlled burns at the right time of year to burn out that type of (accumulated forest) fuel. And that work has already started," said Harjit Sajjan, Canada's minister of emergency preparedness. A sign about wildfire prevention is seen over a roadway in Cranbrook, British Columbia, on Friday, May 31, 2024. Sajjan cited work he has seen accomplished in the Yukon, where fire managers studied wind patterns, determined the most likely path of a catastrophic wildfire to population centers and created a fire break in the surrounding forest to mitigate potential impacts on the province's capital city of Whitehorse. "Different provinces and territories are at different levels" of putting prescribed burning and forest fuels reduction into practice, Sajjan said. How a prescribed burn saved a critical airport Prescribed burning has true believers in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Officials there credit it with saving their airport. Gray has worked with the community over the past two years to do tree thinning and prescribed fire to the area surrounding the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook on the west side of airport property two years ago, and on the south and east sides in April 2023. The work last year was done in conjunction with 1,200 hectares about 3,000 acres of prescribed and cultural burning at the nearby Aq'am First Nation community. That work was tested by the St. Mary's River wildfire less than three months later, in July 2023. Started by downed power lines and boosted by strong winds, the fire grew to nearly 10,000 acres, destroying homes in the Aq'am community and prompting evacuations. But in the treated areas of Aq'am and around the airport, the fire was held back. "That (tree thinning and prescribed burning) proved to be really critical," said Michelle Shortridge, an Aq'am First Nations member and director of operations for the community at the time of the wildfire. Michelle Shortridge of the Aq'am First Nations community stands at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, stands in an area that was part of a prescribed burn at the airport to help rid the forest area of fuel that would feed a potential fire from dried leaves to twigs and dried pine needles in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada on Thursday, May 30, 2024. "That prescribed fire protected the critical assets at the Canadian Rockies International Airport as well as allowed for crews to focus their efforts elsewhere, including on the protection of homes and lives when the wildfire blew through our community." Airport manager Tristen Chernove showed photos he took with his phone one of the early nights of the wildfire, as a wall of flames headed toward the airport's fence line. "It was a pretty out-of-control fire for a period of time," he said. "It was very close by, heading this way, and when it butted up against the prescribed burn from the spring of that year, it diminished to the point where we were fine to keep the air tanker base" the airplanes dropping water and fire suppressants on the blaze "operating from this airport." Scott Driver, the director of Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, stands in an area that was part of a prescribed burn at the airport to help rid the forest area of fuel that would feed a potential fire from dried leaves to twigs and dried pine needles in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Cranbrook Fire Chief Scott Driver, a member of the department for more than 20 years, said he remembered early in his career addressing almost nothing except structure fires in the city. Now firefighting requires an additional set of skills. "The wildfire risk to communities is moving out of the backcountry and into the front country," he said. "Now it's a whole other job that's added to our portfolio in terms of wildfire suppression and response capabilities having to understand what wildfire is and how it's different than structural fire. It's a very different job but now we have to do both at the same time." Fear is a motivator Less than 20 miles to the northwest of Cranbrook, in Kimberley, British Columbia, the community of about 8,400 residents is working to protect itself from wildfires by conducting tree thinning, fuels reduction and prescribed burning in areas that wind patterns, and wildfire history, show could bring a large wildfire to the city center. Fire mitigation practices have been conducted since the early 2000s, and weren't well received at first by residents, Mayor Don McCormick said. "People love the area we live in; they love the trees," he said. "And the thought of taking any of this down and doing things like prescribed burns was just not part of the psyche." A 2018 wildfire that threatened the community and had residents on evacuation standby for three weeks helped change that, he said. "That completely changed the support in the community for the work that we're doing," McCormick said. "There's nothing like fear that causes people to step back and say, OK, what's really important to us? " Alberta wildfire fighters at work fighting wildfires in Alberta, Canada during the heavy wildfire season in the summer of 2023. The community gets its water supply from nearby mountain streams water so clear and pure, the city needs no filtration plant, McCormick said. A wildfire reaching those water sources could be devastating, he said. "There is no Plan B; if that watershed goes down, we are in big trouble," he said. In strategically mapped portions of forests near town, hand and mechanical tree clearing and branch pruning were conducted over the past few years, with a prescribed burn this spring. At another nearby location, piles of branches and vegetation are left in place on the forest floor, waiting for late fall or winter, when conditions will be better to burn them in place. The goal is to open up the thickened tree stand and remove some so-called ladder fuels small trees and bushes that can take a wildfire off the forest floor and elevate it to the treetops, where wind-whipped crown fires can spark a megafire. Tree and vegetation types, topography, weather, community goals a complex mix of factors goes into a prescribed burn that require careful consideration and planning, Gray said. Officials from the city of Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada show off areas of a vast forest where they have an ongoing fuel management project in use to reduce the risk of wildfires in the area on Friday, May 31, 2024. Slipups happen, and they can cause significant loss of public support. A prescribed burn in Banff National Park in Alberta in May 2023 went out of control when winds unexpectedly shifted and increased, temporarily causing alerts in the nearby city of Banff. A 1,000-acre prescribed burn by the U.S. Forest Service near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in May 2000 got out of control and sparked the 47,000-acre Cerro Grande Fire, spreading into the city, destroying 280 homes and causing damage topping $1 billion, including to facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory, a nuclear facility. "While I firmly believe in good fire, there is no such thing as good smoke," said Michael Flannigan, a professor specializing in wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University. "Also, there are liability concerns with any prescribed fires. ... I don't see things changing much in the near term." But McCormick, the mayor in Kimberley, said his residents now get it. "It's counterintuitive to light fires to prevent fires," he said. "And so people fear prescribed burns. "If there's one thing that the St. Mary's fire proved last year, it's that prescribed burns work, and we have a whole lot more support in the community right now as a result of that. Because if that prescribed burn had not happened a couple of years ago, we would have lost our airport. And that's a fact." The problem isn't going away, said Driver, the Cranbrook fire chief. "We are in decades of this now, and more is coming," he said. "We are going to have to deal with this every summer for a long time. And with that recognition, I think there is more willingness to accept what needs to be done on the prevention side of things, because that's where our investments are going to make the most impact." Detroit Free Press reporter Keith Matheny and photographer Eric Seals are the Pulitzer Center's 2024 Richard C. Longworth Media Fellows. Contact Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Indigenous 'cultural burning' prevented wildfires in Canada's past ALLIANCE W. John Gross isn't known to be a man of few words. But for the briefest of moments on Saturday, the 86-year-old former FBI agent and longtime historian stood silently at an Alliance Area Senior Center lectern. He said he was shocked when he was named the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Grand Parade marshal during the festival's Community Luncheon. The Grand Parade begins at 11 a.m. Aug. 10. The 2024 Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Community Luncheon was held Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in the Alliance Area Senior Center in Alliance. "I'm speechless," he said alongside his wife, Georgene. Gross was one of three retired or active lawmen honored at the luncheon. The others were Alliance Police Lt. Michael Yarian and retired chief Scott Griffith, who now is an auxiliary officer with the department. Gross: 'I'm not a politician. I didn't run for office.' Born in Massillon, Gross is a former Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper and FBI agent, serving under J. Edgar Hoover. He also was a pilot, and, along with his wife, has been a dedicated servant of the Alliance community for decades. He also is credited with securing the Navy A-7 Corsair jet that aims skyward from the front lawn of Alliance High School. He also helped create the Sept. 11, 2001, memorial at Silver Park and the skate park at Memorial Park. The busy fellow also gives history tours at Alliance City Cemetery. W. John Gross, 86, of Alliance, a former lawman and longtime city historian, was named the 2024 Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Grand Parade marshal during the festival's Community Luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. "I'm not a politician. I didn't run for office," said Gross, who served three years as the city's Safety-Service director. "I just wanted to be part of the community." Further explaining, Gross said his passion for local history started while he was serving with the FBI. He said he couldn't directly be involved in the communities where he was assigned. A former boss told him to visit the cemeteries in the towns as a starting point to learning about the history of the communities. He was told to "go to a local cemetery, go to the one closest to downtown and work your way to the farthest cemetery." "You look at the tombstones and then look around the community and you'll see the same names on buildings. Then you look up the people, and you'll find out what the community is all about," Gross said. He added: "That just made me want to commit ... to the history of this community." Georgene Gross said Saturday's honor was "extremely special." Yarian: 'I didn't see it coming.' Neither did Griffith. Yarian, a Marlington High graduate, has been in a law enforcement for almost three decades. He has served in Alliance for 25 years. On Saturday, he received the 2024 Favazzo/Jeswald Founders Award named for the festival's late founders Ben Favazzo Sr. and Patrick Jeswald. Both died in 1996. "I didn't see it coming. I am very grateful," Yarian said. Equally surprised was Yarian's former boss, Griffith, who retired in 2023. Alliance Mayor Andy Grove named Griffith the city's Citizen of the Year on Saturday. "Now I see why my son told me to wear anything but shorts," Griffith said with a laugh. "This is an outstanding community." Relatives of Levi Lamborn make historic visit The event's keynote speaker, Mike Lamborn, great-great nephew of Levi Lamborn, shared a detailed history of his family, dating to early life in Pennsylvania. Mike Lamborn, his wife, Terry, and cousins are visiting Alliance for the first time. They're the first Lamborn relatives to attend the annual Alliance festival. Levi Lamborn is a major part of the city's history. Born in Pennsylvania, Lamborn moved to Alliance to set up his medical practice. A politician, physician and horticulturist, he is credited for growing some of the first carnations in the United States. Missy Miller, organizer of the 2024 Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Community Luncheon, and Mike Lamborn, a relative of Levi Lamborn, talk during the event Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. His scarlet carnation, called the Lamborn Red carnation, later became Ohio's state flower. Mike Lamborn, who owns Lamborn Winery in Napa Valley, also discussed his family's business, saying that they produce about 2,000 cases of wine a year, and use only grapes grown on their own land. Lamborn and his family will be spending the week in the Alliance area, and will visit various landmarks and places that will help increase his knowledge of Levi Lamborn's influence. Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Carnation Festival honors John Gross, welcomes Levi Lamborn relative to Alliance Democratic strategist James Carville said Vice President Harris should accept a Fox News invitation to debate former President Trump next month. Carville said the former president is scared to debate a girl on Saturdays episode of Politicon. He suggested that Harris accept an invitation to debate Trump on Sept. 18 in New York City because that is the day of his sentencing in the Manhattan hush money case. I hope somebody in the vice president campaign is listening. I think we should accept the Fox debate, and I think the debate should take place on the night of Sept. 18th in New York City, and I think we should be gracious to former President Trump, he said. So, tell Fox youll be glad. Youll show up in Manhattan. They got a studio there. Ive been it before, and well have the debate on Fox on the night of Sept. 18th. Thats what we should do, he added moments later. Mediaite first highlighted Carvilles comments. Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday that he accepted a Sept. 4 Fox News debate against Harris and that he will not be attending the ABC News debate that he and President Biden previously agreed to for Sept. 10. I have agreed with FoxNews to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th, Trump posted Friday night on Truth Social. The Debate was previously scheduled against Sleepy Joe Biden on ABC, but has been terminated in that Biden will no longer be a participant, and I am in litigation against ABC Network and George Slopadopoulos, thereby creating a conflict of interest. Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement that the former president is looking to Fox News to bail him out and called on Trump to debate on Sept. 10. He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on Sept 10. The Vice President will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime time national audience, Tyler said. Were happy to discuss further debates after the one both campaigns have already agreed to. Mr. Anytime, anywhere, anyplace should have no problem with that unless hes too scared to show up on the 10th, he added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Shannon Peace, left, expresses her political support with her T-shirt while standing next to her friend Beverly Suzuki at CatCon at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Aug. 3, 2024. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 9:29 p.m. Aug. 6, 2024: Photo captions in an earlier version of this article said a T-shirt was selling at the CatCon Homocats booth. The shirt was at the Felinious booth. The annual gathering of cat owners at the Pasadena Convention Center, known as CatCon, was underway late Saturday morning. Inside the centers large ballroom and exhibit space, thousands of attendees dressed in costumes or wore cat ears, furry tails and shirts with hiss-terical puns as they strolled and gawked at hundreds of exhibition stands selling cat-related merchandise and products. But amid the sea of feline aficionados, 43-year-old Shannon Peace stood out for a different reason her shirt. Printed on the front, it read: Childless Cat Ladies for Kamala. I had a different shirt picked out for today; it had several cats and it said: Ew, people, she said, chuckling. But then he made those comments. T-shirts referring to Sen. JD Vance's comments on "childless cat ladies" were being sold at the Felinious booth. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Peace was referring to Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who made headlines last week when a video clip of a 2021 interview with then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson resurfaced in which Vance likened Democratic leaders to childless cat ladies. "We are effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too, he said. Its just a basic fact you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children. Harris has two stepchildren and Buttigieg was in the process of adopting twins at the time. But the clip, along with others in which Vance described people without children as sociopathic, psychotic and "deranged, went viral on social media and sparked widespread backlash, including from celebrities such as comedian Chelsea Handler and actor Jennifer Aniston . All I can say is Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day, Aniston posted on her Instagram story. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too. Queen Olivia III, from New Zealand, is ready for a close-up at CatCon. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Vance later addressed his remarks on "The Megyn Kelly Show" and said they were a sarcastic comment toward the Democratic Party. Its not a criticism of people who dont have children. This is about criticizing the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child, he said. But for Peace, the senators remarks felt like an attack on her. You're talking about me, this is who I am: I'm child-free by choice, I have cats by choice. Its like he pointed a finger at me, and I didn't appreciate it, she said. Im someone who never misses a chance to vote, and I do have a stake in the future of this country, so I was very offended by it. At the convention, she said many people were complimenting her on the shirt. The feedback that I'm getting is not so much about him, which I love, nobody is saying his name, nobody cares about him, it's this idea that we need to stop marginalizing people, she said. I think people are over it and to act like anybody has less stakes in this country or is a lesser person because of the choices they made is repugnant to most of us. Cat conventions are anything but political. That much was noticeable at Saturdays event, where guest speakers and panelists never brought up Vance or his remarks. Instead, they focused on informing the public about research studies and improving the health of cats. Dug Rusinek, 39, owner of Felinious, wears one of the T-shirts that his company created and that was being sold at the Felinious booth at CatCon. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Elsewhere at the convention, families, couples and single men and women stood in line to adopt kittens. More than 100 would be adopted by the end of the day. Some people stood in line to take photos with cat celebrities or members of the Australian Firefighters Calendar. Among them was Virginia Sambrano, 72, of Lawndale, who was attending the convention for the first time with her daughter. She said she was interested in meeting the firemen after seeing them on the TV. She said she took a photo with them and purchased their calendar. Im a Gemini, so Im sure Ill enjoy June, she said, laughing. Asked if Mr. June had signed her calendar, Sambrano paused. Oh, I need to go back. Susan Michals, founder and organizer of the convention, said the two-day event now in its ninth year serves as a gathering place for people to celebrate cat culture together while also receiving information on the latest trends and products. But CatCon, which attendees have described as the Comic-Con for cat people, is also trying to debunk the cat lady myth. Frankly, cat lady used negatively is sexist, Michals said. It implies the opposite of a fulfilled woman, but this isnt the 1900s anymore. As for Vance, Michals said his remarks were simply divisive. I dont really think about him, but he obviously thinks a lot about cat people. Janay Masters, 32, poses with people in cat costumes. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) It was a few minutes past 11 a.m. when Melissa Bell, 36, arrived at the Felinious clothing booth. Bell said that since hearing the remarks made by Vance, she had been hoping someone had designed a T-shirt taking a dig at the senator. Dangling on a hanger at the booth that morning, Bell said she spotted a black shirt that read, Childless cat lady ready to force my misery on conservatives. She immediately purchased it. Dug Rusinek, 39, owner of Felinious, a clothing brand based in Florida, said the idea for the shirt originated from an Instagram post he made shortly after hearing the senators remarks. He said people were telling him to create a T-shirt out of it, so he did. Were just guys in a cat ladies world, he said. Were just out here to support the ladies. Rusinek said he didnt agree with Vances remarks. I dont understand people who have issues with pets, or cat ladies, he added. Women shouldnt be birthing machines. He said people who dont have children can still care about the world and questioned why global warming wasnt more concerning to conservatives if they cared about families and children. Nearby, Bell took a photo holding her new shirt. It was the first time she and her roommate had attended the convention. They had learned about it on social media. Cynthia Bettis, left, and Mary Salazar, both from Riverside, dress like cat trees at the Mad Catter's Tea Room display. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) So far were having a good time, she said. I love that so many people love cats this much. Bell said she and her roommate planned to look at various knickknacks and make a stop by the adoption center. She said that she recently lost her two cats Boogers and Shy Guy and that both were more than 10 years old when they died. They lived a long, happy life, she said. Bell said that until now shes always had a cat, adding that she felt pretty certain a kitten would be adopted by the end of the day. Im pushing for the cat, she said, chuckling. [My roommate] doesnt know it but were buying a cat today. By the end of the day, she would successfully adopt a kitten, naming it Homer. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LINCOLN (Nebraska Examiner) 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. Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb introduces second gentleman Doug Emhoff at the opening of the Nebraska Democratic Partys new Omaha office. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said that former President Trump is retreating to his greatest hits by attacking Vice President Harris on her race. Christie said on ABCs This Week that Trump falsely questioning Harriss racial identity at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference last week was an impulse move, not a strategic one. He said as the presidential race gets tighter, Trump may revert to more personal attacks on his opponents. This is what happens, George, and this is how you can tell that this race is changing, because what happens is, when Donald Trumps ahead and he feels like hes comfortably ahead, he is willing to go with conventional, smart political advice, he said on This Week with George Stephanopoulos. As soon as he thinks its getting close, he goes back to the greatest hits. You saw this at the convention when he didnt think he was getting the reaction he wanted from the beginning of the speech, he went back to the greatest hits. You saw it at the NABJ, and you saw it last night in Atlanta, he added. During a heated appearance during the NABJ conference last week, Trump questioned the identity of Harris to suggest that she previously only spoke about her Indian heritage, not her Black heritage. She is both Black and of Indian descent. So 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 after being asked whether he thought Harris was only on the Democratic ticket because she 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, he continued. So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? The White House said the former president came full circle by attacking Harris over her race and heritage following the comments last week. Harris has also faced attacks from the right, linking her to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Trump continued to attack Harris during a campaign rally in Atlanta on Saturday, calling her a horror show at one point. I just want to say who she is. Shes a horror show, he said. Shell destroy our country. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Damian Hoskins foresees expanding Elementz's service footprint by partnering with new schools and working with more kids over the next year. The expansion will require adding additional contracted teachers. They currently have 15, and Hoskins expects to add 3-5 more. Elementz, a nonprofit and hip-hop cultural arts center, is making moves to widen its impact and push forward its mission. Currently located in a 1,100-square-foot facility in the University of Cincinnatis Digital Futures building, Elementz is preparing to move into a new space at 3344 Central Parkway this summer. The new space is about 5,000 square feet, according to the nonprofits Executive Director Damian Hoskins. Elementz is underpinned by the five elements of hip-hop: DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, graffiti and self-knowledge, Hoskins said. Bringing young people together by teaching them these art forms has been central to the organizations purpose since its inception in 2002. The organization was formed in response to the death of Timothy Thomas, who was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer in 2001. The incident stirred days of civil unrest. A group of community activists banded together to give young Black people an outlet for self-expression and a connection to their culture, Hoskins said. Young kids were always projecting the sense of fear, and so Elementz was a response to that, so that there can be a safe space that was created and cultivated and curated for the young people, Hoskins said. So, they leveraged hip-hop culture to be sort of catalytic in bringing those young people together. Damien Hoskins, executive director of Elementz, helped realign the nonprofit's mission to focus more on preparing kids for careers in the arts. When Hoskins took over as executive director in 2021, he wanted to pivot Elementzs trajectory to focus more on career readiness. His vision for Elementz was to make it an organization that not just passed hip-hop culture on to future generations, but one that equips students with the tools and resources needed for a career in the arts. They dubbed this model the Creative Futures Initiative. We began to develop programming that added on top of those four basic programs that included things like lighting engineering, sound engineering, fashion design, speaker design, videography, photography, the executive director said. The move into the Central Parkway marks their entrance into a forever home and is an ideal place to continue this expansion, Hoskins said. Nestled between Clifton, CUF and Camp Washington, the new building is centrally located and sits along a bus route, which Hoskins says will improve its accessibility to students. The increased space in the new location will allow Elementz to hold more on-site programming and to invite audiences and community partners to see the work they do, Hoskins said. Currently, Elementz primarily travels to schools and other community centers to hold classes. Hoskins expects Elementz to be moved into the new facility around late July and for programming to start around the same time as the school year starts in the fall. De'Ariss Hope, the nonprofit's creative content creator, thinks the new space will heighten creativity and foster a stronger community. "There's a plethora of talent within these schools, and being able to witness, you know, I'm like 'wow.' You can't help but to be inspired by it," Hope said. "That's also one of the reasons I'm so excited to move into the new center, is so we can have a hub for the community." Elementz is moving their headquarters from the University of Cincinnati Digital Futures building to a space in Terri Studios on Central Parkway. Terri Campbell, a commercial photographer with a focus on food advertising, is an example of what a career in the arts can look like, which Hoskins called "serendipitous." Elementz currently serves about 2,400 kids and partners with 16 schools, according to its website. Hoskins hopes to boost that number to about 3,000 kids over the next year, he said. Part of making that happen is expanding across the river into Northern Kentucky, a project they're calling Elementz South. The timeline for that expansion is still a work in progress. Elementz already partners with Covington Independent Schools to bring programming to its students, but Hoskins would like to provide Kentucky students with a space close to home to engage with the arts, he said. Upcoming documentary looks at Elementz's past While Elementz is making efforts to step into its future, it's also revisiting its past and the moments that shaped it. Hope, with the help of many others involved with the organization, has been directing a feature-length documentary about Elementz's founding and history. De'Ariss Hope, creative content creator at Elementz, got involved with Elementz in his senior year of high school when they hosted a slam poetry competition at Walnut Hills High School. He studied filmmaking in college at Taylor University and came back to work for the nonprofit after graduating in 2023. The film, titled "Or Does It Explode," is set to premier Aug. 30 at a fundraising event. It's a fashion-forward event with a "black tie" and "cool sneakers" dress code, according to the Elementz website. The film is a commentary on hip-hop culture that explores its true nature, dispels the notion that hip-hop is strictly a music genre and examines the state of hip-hop in Cincinnati, Hope said. Hope describes hip-hop as a "tool of construction or destruction." He wants the film to show people that Elementz wields the influence of hip-hop to do good. "It's a matter of how are we going to use it, and I just think that Elementz is definitely pointed toward the healing trajectory," Hope said. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hip-hop nonprofit Elementz is expanding reach into NKY and moving 'We will get through this': City, county officials warn residents to prepare for Debby City of Tallahassee and Leon County officials implored residents to prepare for the possibility of both damaging winds and flooding rain as Debby makes an anticipated landfall in the Big Bend on Monday as a Category 1 hurricane. During a Sunday morning news conference at the Public Safety Complex, Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters said that while the areas more recent hurricanes like last years Idalia were wind-focused events, Debby also threatens to bring torrential rainfall. I dont want this to be lost on anyone in the community we expect in addition to the high winds, heavy rainfall across our county, Peters said. We may see 6 to 8 inches of rain widespread, but we could see higher amounts, getting close to 12 (inches) or even more isolated rainfall. This is the live press conference on Tropical Storm Debby and related preparedness operations held on August 4 at 9:30am. https://t.co/Jm2kFlwHui City of Tallahassee (@CityofTLH) August 4, 2024 The National Weather Service in Tallahassee warned that the eastern Florida Big Bend and South Central Georgia could see 6-12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 18 inches. Peters said Debby is forecast to make landfall in the eastern Big Bend with wind speeds of 85 mph. Leon County Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters speaks at a press conference at the Leon County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. Mayor John Dailey said mutual-aid workers were arriving later in the day from Louisiana and Alabama to help with power restoration and that other crews were ready to respond from across Florida. Downed trees are expected, Dailey said. Power outages are expected. Localized flooding is expected. Please prepare your household, knowing that there could be a time when first responders cannot reach you. Dailey said front-line crews from the electric, water, sewer and natural gas utilities to firefighters and police train year round for tropical events and that your city is prepared. We know how to respond, he said. We will respond accordingly. The hurricane arrives less than three months after a tornado outbreak that brought widespread destruction to Tallahassee, which was referenced several times in the news conference. On May 10, a freak storm system that spawned three different tornadoes damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, laid waste to much of the electric grid and killed two people. That followed another storm system in April that brought widespread flooding to town. Let us be safe, let us be prayerful, and lets wish for the best for our community, said County Commission Chair Carolyn Cummings, who declared a state of emergency on Saturday. Leon County Commissioner Carolyn Cummings speaks at a press conference at the Leon County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. The countys Emergency Operations Center, which had been partially activated, went to full activation on Sunday morning. Cummings said the county was prepared and focused on the storm and urged residents to do the same. School Superintendent Rocky Hanna said the district is opening six shelters and that others would go online if needed. The shelters are located at Chiles, Lincoln, Rickards and SAIL high schools, Fairview Middle School and Fort Braden School. We know that a number of residents are dealing with property loss and damage as a result of those tornadoes, Hanna said. So please take advantage of those shelter locations. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil speaks at a press conference at the Leon County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil urged people to stay off the streets once the storm passes to avoid interfering with electric-repair and road-clearing crews. He cautioned that restoration efforts could last through Monday and into Tuesday. We will get through this storm, McNeil said. We always do. Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee, Leon County officials warn residents to prepare for Debby On Sunday, Coast Guard captains of the ports (COTP) implemented port conditions for northern Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and all associated terminals and facilities due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Debby. Forecasts indicate that sustained tropical-storm-force winds may reach these areas within the next 24 to 48 hours. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Key Directives: All ocean-going commercial vessels and barges over 500 gross tons should plan to depart from the ports. Vessels intending to stay must immediately contact the COTP and submit a written safe mooring plan. Vessels unable to leave 24 hours before the storms arrival are advised to seek alternative destinations. Pleasure craft owners should find a safe harbor. Port facilities should review heavy weather plans and take necessary precautions. Approximately eight hours before the expected arrival of gale-force winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and remain closed until the severe weather passes. Vessels evacuating via the St. Johns River or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway should depart early to avoid bridge closures. Safety Warnings: Stay off the water: The Coast Guards search and rescue capabilities diminish as storm conditions worsen. Evacuate as necessary: Follow mandatory evacuation orders promptly. Emergency responders may not be able to rescue those in danger during the storm. Secure belongings: Move large boats to inland marinas, pull trailerable boats from the water, and secure all marine equipment to prevent them from breaking free. Avoid beaches: Increased wave heights and strong currents precede a storm. Swimmers should stay away from beaches until it is declared safe by local authorities. Be prepared: Residents should have a family plan, a disaster supply kit, and a secure location for pets. Additional preparedness information is available on the National Hurricane Centers website. Stay informed: Monitor the storms progress through local media and VHF radio channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also broadcast on VHF radio. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] For updated port condition changes, visit the Coast Guards Homeport website. Follow the Coast Guard on Twitter for breaking news and find additional information on Facebook and Instagram. Contact Information: PADET Jacksonville Office: 904-714-7606 After Hours: 786-393-4138 [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 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. During college, many young people meet friends theyll have for the rest of their lives. They play sports together. Theyre in bands. They take similar classes for their majors. But a university has to stay open long enough for students to create those bonds. In less than two years, two colleges shut their doors on Victoria Hebert. Thankfully, the rising junior has a small circle of friends whove also been caught up in sudden closures at the same pair of New York campuses. After Wells College said it would cease operations this year, the group of young women plans to transfer to a third school hopefully their last in Michigan in the fall. These girls are amazing, said Victorias mom, Mia Mazza. Between the pandemic and hopscotching campuses, they havent had a normal school year since their freshman year of high school. When the mother and daughter learned in April that Victoria would have to find a third new college, they were completely caught off guard. So were the students and faculty members at the University of the Arts, a private college in Philadelphia that abruptly announced in May that it would shutter in June, not long after Wells said it was dissolving. Two University of the Arts students told USA TODAY they first learned about the news not from the school, but from a news story in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Victoria Hebert transferred to Wells College in New York state last year. The private school has since closed. In a class action lawsuit against the school, students said college administrators violated consumer protection law and failed to notify regulators that the institution was financially unstable. (The university and a lawyer for the school did not respond to USA TODAYs emailed requests for comment.) Such litigation typically accompanies unexpected college closures. Colleges fold all the time. But metrics show they have been dissolving at a faster pace in recent decades, especially after the 2008 financial crisis. There are indications the trend may accelerate: Over the first half of this year, roughly one higher education institution per week announced it would close or merge, per one estimate. A crisis in college financial aid this year which will have downstream effects on enrollment, especially at smaller schools could make things worse. In the past few years, the Biden administration has taken an aggressive approach to college oversight, picking up on work Trump administration officials paused or undid. Though Biden has made student loan forgiveness a hallmark of his agenda, the president has also been adamant about fixing the root causes of massive student debt. A key piece of that puzzle is preventing colleges from closing with little or no warning. That task is challenging, regardless of whos in the White House because the federal governments metrics for identifying at-risk private colleges have long been flawed. The most recent flutter of high-profile closures underscores how necessary federal intervention may be to protect the lives of students and faculty from getting derailed in the coming years. Tragic stories from students like Hebert are bringing new urgency to efforts to improve the governments warning signs that a campus is flailing. Its hard to see a world where colleges stop closing, said Robert Kelchen, a higher education professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a renowned policy expert. So the challenge becomes: When do people know that their college is at risk? Were not going through this again Hebert's frustrating college journey started about two Christmases ago, when her mom received an email from the president of Cazenovia College, a small private school in New York state with a legacy stretching back nearly 200 years. I regret to inform you that after much deliberation, the Cazenovia College Board of Trustees has determined that due to financial concerns, the College will not be enrolling students for the 2023-2024 academic year, the president wrote to parents in early December 2022. Victoria Hebert originally attended Cazenovia College in Madison County, New York. Though theyd read some troubling news stories about the school defaulting on a multimillion-dollar municipal bond, they didnt expect things to escalate so quickly. On the bright side, Victoria still had a semester to make a game plan. She transferred to Wells College, a similar school about 90 minutes away. Her mom, Mia, said she sat down with the president of the school in January 2023, and he assured her that the schools finances were in good shape. (The school did not respond to a request for comment about the closure or the meeting.) Mia was frank: Were not going through this again, she said. But after her daughter had been at the new school for about a year, an eerily familiar message landed in their inboxes. I am devastated to have to write that our beloved Wells College is closing its doors, said an April 29 email from the schools president. Victoria was getting ready to go to her 8 a.m. Spanish class when she found out. It was the Monday before the last week of the term. Her class was quickly canceled. So Victoria met up with her two friends, the ones who had also transferred with her from Cazenovia. We all got together and just yelled, she said. Her mom called in tears. University of the Arts stuns students with sudden closure About a month later and a few hundred miles away from Wells, Isabel Rose Catalan was sitting in bed reading when she got similar news. She was having a great little summer evening in Philadelphia after an excursion to a museum with her grandmother, when her phone lit up with text messages. The Philadelphia Inquirer was reporting her school, the University of the Arts, was closing. As with the startling announcement at Wells, students and faculty at Catalans college were shocked. Catalan had just a year left before she was set to complete her creative writing degree. Who transfers for their senior year? she asked herself. She had chosen UArts in part because it was close to home. Her mom died suddenly just before the pandemic, when she was a junior in high school. The colleges location made it possible for her to stay in a place that was familiar at a time when the world felt disorienting. In the past four years, I feel like Ive had a lot taken away from me, she said. Isabel Rose Catalan will transfer to Drexel University after the University of the Arts shuttered in June. Catalan transferred to Drexel University, another private university in Philadelphia, and is set to start in the fall. She still doesn't know for sure what her financial aid package will look like. The closures at Wells and UArts didnt just surprise folks on campus they also seemed to startle college watchdogs. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education an accreditor responsible for ensuring that colleges in its purview are operating above board yanked both schools accreditation statuses around the time of their respective closures. Nicole Biever, the chief of staff at Middle States, said in an interview the organization is committed to transparency and is always reflecting on its procedures. But accreditors expect colleges to provide them with accurate and honest information, she said, especially when theyre on shaky ground. Institutions close; it happens, she said. We expect that institutions will plan for that closure. A resource-constrained agency For decades, the U.S. Department of Education has assigned private colleges a financial responsibility composite score. As the name implies, the rating is an assessment of whether a nonprofit or for-profit college or university is balancing its budget appropriately, as a condition of participating in federal financial aid programs. Though its not the only measurement the agency uses to eyeball schools finances, its a significant part of the equation. But critics, including experts and independent groups, have said much of the math underlying the score is outdated. And using it to determine whether a school is about to close isnt very predictive, especially because the measurement is based on years-old tax data. Even the federal government has acknowledged that schools are aware of ways to manipulate it. The latest publicly available composite score for the University of the Arts on the Education Departments standard webpage used to store them is from the fiscal year ending in June 2020. At the time, the agency gave the school a passing grade. Wells most recent publicly available score on the same webpage, from the fiscal year ending in June 2019, also deemed it financially responsible. Since the score was established in the 1990s, it hasnt changed significantly, said Justin Monk, who oversees student and institutional aid policy at the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities. That has long been a problem, he said. For a variety of reasons, the score itself isnt really good at doing what its purported to do, Monk said. Theres been a longstanding need, I mean decadeslong need, to make some substantive changes to it. Yet overhauling the scoring system for colleges would be a massive undertaking, according to Blake Harden, a former Education Department official who served under President Barack Obama. Hiring a big firm to go in and evaluate a lot of data is going to be expensive, he said. And the department has been resource-constrained. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, are pushing to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the budget of the office that oversees college financial aid. At a time when the GOP opposes funding the federal Education Department even at its current levels, taking on another massive project would require tons of money. Comprehensively improving the safeguards that are supposed to protect students like Hebert and Catalan from having their college experiences turned upside down would be no easy task. New oversight rules in the early stages In July, the Education Department enacted a slate of fresh regulations meant to address some of the limitations of the composite score for colleges. Under the revised rules, schools that try to game their rankings will be punished. Theyll also be disciplined if other warning signs crop up. Those triggering events include accreditation problems, worrisome changes to financial aid or abruptly shutting down programs that enroll lots of students. College closures and institutional financial instability create significant costs for students and taxpayers, the agency said in a news release about the new rules. The department has had a lot on its to-do list lately. Amid massive reforms to student loan programs, officials screwed up the rollout of upgrades to the college financial aid process creating a mess that has consumed time and energy, lowered morale in one of the agencys most important offices and caused families of college students nationwide to lose faith in the government. In recent months, Kelchen, the education professor in Tennessee, has noticed that the Education Department is also months late in releasing another longstanding list of schools on shaky financial footing. The agency typically publishes a record of colleges on a type of oversight called heightened cash monitoring every few months. Department spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry about why that index has been delayed. Kelchen said other, more pressing priorities may be getting in the way. I think its an issue of bandwidth, he said. Contributing: USA TODAY data and graphics reporter Carlie Procell Zachary Schermele covers education and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colleges keep closing. Who's supposed to be warn students? Columbus police are investigating a fatal shooting Saturday on the city's Southeast Side as the father of the victim seeks help paying for his son's funeral. A Columbus father is asking for financial help to bury his son, who was fatally shot Saturday on Columbus' Southeast Side. Columbus police said they responded to reports of a shooting around 6:50 p.m. in the 2600 block of Noe Bixby Road, near a Sunoco gas station at the intersection of Noe Bixby and Refugee roads. Officers found a man later identified as 28-year-old Michael Simmons suffering from gunshot wounds. Simmons was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:22 p.m. No further details were released by city homicide detectives about Simmons or the shooting. Simmons' father, Michael Simmons, has created a GoFundMe to help the family with burial expenses. According to the campaign, Simmons left behind 7 children and a fiance. Just three months prior, Simmons' 25-year-old sister had also been killed, his father said. "I'm asking for help to support the Simmons family, and I hope everyone has it in their hearts to help lay him to rest. This handsome, kind and beautiful soul will greatly be missed by many," his father wrote. More: Early data shows significant decline in homicides, non-fatal shootings in Columbus Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the Columbus police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). jweiker@dispatch.com @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 1 dead in Columbus shooting Saturday on Southeast Side Vending machines that sell ammunition will soon be available out west, beginning with Colorado, according to the company that distributes them. The Dallas-based American Rounds company installes its first new ammo vending machine at a Colordao grocery store in Buena Visa, southwest of Denver, last week, and is preparing to expand to other states out West, including California, reported KABC-7 in Los Angeles. Rounds introduced its vending machines earlier last month at eight stores, with a number in Texas, Alabama and Oklahoma. The company has contracts for machines at about 200 locations in 40 states, a spokesperson told KKCO in Grand Junction, Colorado. The machines use identification scanners and facial recognition software to confirm the purchaser's age, and are "quick and easy" to use, the company boasted. Managers claim their age-verification technology offers greater security than online sales or retail stores, which may not always verify age and are susceptible to shoplifting. Federal law requires buyers to be 18 for shotgun and rifle ammunition, and 21 for handgun ammunition. The American Rounds require a minimum age of 21 for all ammunition purchases, according to the company. The ammo vending machines require people to scan their driver's license to confirm they are at least 21 and that the license is valid. They then uses facial recognition to verify the buyer's identity, according to ABC 7. Gun control advocates are raising concerns about the easy purchase of bullets via vending machines that could trigger even shootings in the US. American Rounds CEO Grant Magers countered in an interview with KKCO: "There has been some misconception that we're just going to place these everywhere that a vending machine-style product would go. That's not the case at all." But the machines will be easy to use, he bragged. "The whole experience takes a minute and a half once you are familiar with the machine," Magers said. Lincoln and three other Nebraska cities will host a conference aimed at Latino small-business owners in the coming weeks. The third annual Latino Small Business Conference is coming to Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln in August and to Gering in October. The Spanish-language conference aims to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among Latino business owners. In line with this years theme, All About Business, speakers will share innovative strategies and tools to help strengthen businesses, and attendees can network with other entrepreneurs. The conference addresses the unique challenges and opportunities Nebraskas Latino entrepreneurs face, while providing insight and applications for sustained success. Session topics range from marketing to social media trends to loan applications. The Latino Small Business Conference has become a landmark of the Latino business community, Sandra Barrera, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator coordinating the conference, said in a news release. Often, entrepreneurship is solitary. At this conference, we get to see that theres an entire community of like-minded entrepreneurs getting together and collaborating. We can all draw strength, ideas and success from each other. Keynote speakers, industry experts and successful Latino entrepreneurs will share their experiences and offer advice on how to start and grow businesses. The conference also will include discussions and networking opportunities. Between sessions, attendees can visit an exhibitor hall and explore products and services from local businesses and organizations that cater to entrepreneurs. The conference is organized through the Latino Small Business Program, which provides business development guidance to immigrant entrepreneurs interested in creating their own businesses in Nebraska. The conference kicks off in Grand Island on Aug. 10 at the Hall County Extension Office, 3180 U.S. 34 Omaha will be the next stop on Aug. 17, with the conference being held at the Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center, 2825 Y St. Lincoln's version of the conference will be at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St., on Aug. 24 On Oct. 15, the final version of the conference will be held in Gering at Hotel 21 and Co., 2605 10th St., Suite 3. All four conference sessions run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration is open on the Hall County Nebraska Extension website. For more information about the Latino Small Business Program, visit the Rural Prosperity Nebraska website. Cities with the most minority business owners Cities With the Most Minority Business Owners Fewer than 19_ of US employer firms are minority owned Coastal states report the highest ratios of minority business owners Small _ midsize metros with the most minority business owners 15. San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX 14. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 13. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 12. Richmond, VA 11. St. Louis, MO-IL 10. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 9. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA 8. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 7. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL 6. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 5. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 4. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX 3. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA It was kickball for a good cause as the Young Erie Professionals (YEP) held a kickball tournament at Harborcreek Community Park. This is a yearly fundraiser that YEP organizes to benefit different charities. Prep work for the 22nd Presque Isle Triathlon underway The organization chose the American Heart Association for its 100th anniversary this year. One participant said their organization is designed to attract and retain young talent to the Erie area. We actually had one girl who started her own business after she attended one of our events so that was pretty cool to see the outcome of that. Were just trying to show everything that Erie has to offer and also there is a great network of people that is available, said Anna Campbell-Sowden, YEP. Dan Rice Days kick-off brings warm weather and big crowds to Girard Our very own JET 24/FOX 66 reporter Matthew Mathias was on one of the six teams that participated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A summer festival kicked off in Waterford this weekend, showcasing a vibrant flower field for people to pick flowers and take them home. Port Farms in Waterford started its fourth annual Sweet Summer Days Festival Saturday, bringing colorful flowers, live music and sweet foods to visitors. Full ahead! Sailors from all around compete at Erie Open Regatta With admission, visitors are given a mason jar to pick sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos at the farms three-acre flower field. The farms event manager said Sweet Summer Days is a laid-back family activity to do in the summer. Crafts in the Country sees great turnout at second event You can just slow down and enjoy nature. Its nice. I know a lot of people who dont always have that opportunity to be able to be out in nature and pick flowers like this. You know, youre used to going to Walmart or the grocery store and grabbing a bouquet of flowers which is great, but its a different experience when you get to come here, said Jade Hanas, the event manager for Port Farms. Sweet summer days will continue until September 8 before Port Farms fall harvest season starts on September 14. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Congress failed to pass legislation before leaving town to address a roughly $3 billion budget shortfall for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as officials warn millions of veterans benefits are at risk in the coming weeks. Some senators had been hopeful of expediting legislation to patch the shortfall before leaving this week for a monthlong recess as a Sept. 20 deadline looms. But that effort fell short amid increased scrutiny over what some Republicans have alleged is mismanagement at the agency. We have been told for a long time that we have sufficient funds Were only learning this now, Sen. Jerry Moran (Kan.), a top Republican on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said this week, adding the discovery of the shortfall came after both chambers had already begun advancing full-year funding legislation for military construction and the VA. Im unconvinced that the Department of Veterans Affairs was incapable of knowing a problem at that point in time, and the [Office of Management and Budget] has never said anything, he said. The agency has cited the PACT Act, a landmark law that passed with bipartisan support in 2022, as the key driver behind the budget shortfall, pointing to increases in enrollment in VA health care, appointments and applications benefits. The White House said in the spring that veterans and survivors had submitted more than 4 million claims since August 2022, including north of 1.6 million PACT Act-specific claims applications. These important results for veterans and survivors exceeded even the most aggressive projections and expectations, an agency spokesperson said in a statement. As a result, the VA said its calling on Congress to provide about $3 billion in mandatory benefits funds for fiscal 2024, as well as roughly $12 billion in fiscal 2025 for medical care. What happened with PACT Act [is] its been way more popular and people knew it was going to be, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said Wednesday. He joined Moran and other senators in introducing legislation this week to address the shortfall. All of us knew, Brown said. Its really taken off, and its expensive because its taking care of complicated medical situations. The bill seeks to address the more immediate shortfall threat. It calls for upward of $2.8 billion in additional funding for the VA, appropriating about $2.3 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions, as well as roughly $597 million for readjustment benefits. The bill also calls for the Government Accountability Office to review the circumstances surrounding and causes of the shortfall and possible remedies the Department may take in the future to improve annual budget submissions and prevent shortfalls, among other measures. Veterans compensation and pension benefit payments, as well as their readjustment benefits, could be delayed if Congress doesnt provide additional funding by Sept. 20. But some senators are also demanding more information from the VA before passing legislation. When we spend billions of dollars, we should ask, you know, are controls in place that its being spent wisely. Where was it spent? Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told The Hill earlier this week while pushing against an effort to fast-track a bipartisan bill to patch the smaller shortfall. We gave them record amounts of dollars. Whys it gone? So, somebody made bad decisionmaking or bad management, he said, before adding that all that needs to be discussed and worked through, and thats why I would never let it go through without a discussion. A group of Republicans penned a letter to Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, earlier this week, calling for a prompt hearing into the matter. The Republicans said VA Secretary Denis McDonough needs to immediately testify in-person before the Committee to answer the nearly $15 billion question before a supplemental is considered. The answers and accountability owed to our veterans cannot wait until the Senate returns on September 9, just days before the VA says that benefits payments will be disrupted, the letter said. As such, we urge you to immediately schedule a hearing so we can conduct proper oversight and get to the bottom of this concerning report. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), who heads the House Veterans Affairs Committee, also penned a letter to the secretary last month, describing the overall $15 billion shortfall as the largest budget shortfall the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has experienced under any administration, while also taking the chance to blame the Biden-Harris administration. The letter additionally called on the secretary to answer a list of questions pressing the VA over the matter, to which the agency confirmed to The Hill on Friday that it addressed. The Hill has reached out to the agency and Bosts office for a copy of the response. We have responded directly to Chairman Bosts letter, briefed his staff, and addressed his questions, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address this need, a VA spokesperson said in a statement. VA is working closely with Congress and the Office of Management and Budget to address these needs in a way that prevents any adverse impacts on Veterans and allows us to continue to deliver care and benefits to Veterans at record rates, the statement added 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 The Hill. Doctors from the Alabama Fertility Clinic take photos of the votes as Alabama lawmakers consider an IVF bill in March in Montgomery, Alabama. 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. (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, 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. A lab tech uses equipment employed for in vitro fertilization in this undated photo. (Getty Images) 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. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST This report was first published by Stateline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Its 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) This weekend marks five years since the Oregon District mass shooting changed the community forever. A memorial is set to be unveiled Sunday afternoon, but for some of the victims families, this doesnt mean closure. For Dion Green, the memorial brings a series of varied emotions, and a continued resolve to combat violence. You know, Im happy to see that theyre being honored, said Green. Im upset that Im here honoring my father and eight other lives. And Im angry on why it happened but its still happening. Green is just one of dozens of impacted relatives and friends who lost a loved one on Aug. 4, 2019. The event motivated Green to create the Fudge Foundation soon after, to help individuals impacted by mass shootings and other forms of trauma. On Sunday, after a year in the making, a new memorial commemorating the nine people killed that night and the immeasurable impact on the community will be unveiled. A ground mosaic and nine standing pieces will sit just next to 530 East Fifth Street in the Oregon District. The memorial is definitely a beautiful tribute to the families and the community, said Green. Though for the past two years, Green and five other families have been trying to make a change through a lawsuit that was the first of its kind. In 2022, they filed against Kyungchang Inc., a South Korean-based company who manufactured the magazine used in the shooting. It is hard to sue these companies. It is hard to be successful, said Ben Cooper, one of the lawyers involved in the case. The lawsuit is still in progress, but Green says the fight is not over. Im just going to continue to keep fighting in the way I know how to fight. And staying true to myself and to the people that I serve around me, said Green. The 8-4 Memorial will be officially unveiled on Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. To learn more about the memorial, 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 WDTN.com. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said Sunday that he believes his state will vote for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in more than a decade this November. Cooper, once considered a top vice presidential option for Vice President Harriss campaign, said in an MSNBC The Weekend interview that Harris is a candidate that can take the state. I got that 2008 feel, he said. We won North Carolina for Barack Obama; I have that same feeling now. Were gonna really get to work here. The 2008 election was the last time North Carolina voted for a Democrat after voting for former President Carter in 1976. Former President Trump won the state over President Biden by 1.3 points in 2020. Recent polls have shown Harris as competitive with Trump in the state, though still trailing by single digits. We have people moving into North Carolina from the technology sector, from the life sciences sector, from the aerospace sector, Cooper said. The data shows that we can flip North Carolina for the Democrats. And were really excited about that opportunity. And its pretty clear that the Harris campaign believes that, too, because of all of the swing states where shes going next week. Nationally, Trump leads Harris by a slim 1.1 point margin, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of polls. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) defended his decision on Sunday to withdraw from consideration to be Vice President Harriss running mate. Yes, I did let the Harris campaign know early in the process that this was just not the right time for me or my state, Cooper said Sunday on MSNBCs The Weekend. MSNBC hosts Michael Steele and Symone Sanders-Townsend noted that part of Coopers decision to take himself out of the running for vice president was because it would potentially give North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) a chance to seize power in the state. They played clips of Robinsons past controversial statements, including one clip in which he said gay and transgender people were filth and another clip saying abortion is about killing the child because you arent responsible enough to keep your skirt down. Cooper said that under North Carolinas provisions, the lieutenant governor becomes the governor every time the sitting governor leaves the state. He said that was part of the reason he removed himself from consideration. And when you think about it, it really doesnt make sense if Im testifying in Congress in Washington, or Im recruiting business in another state or another country, or Im at an in-laws funeral out of state. It doesnt make any sense that the lieutenant governor would take over, but when I was in Japan on a trip, the lieutenant governor held a press conference and signed a proclamation honoring the state of Israel, I guess to make up for his antisemitic comments and for denying the Holocaust, he said. But we believed that it was quite possible that if I were on the ticket as vice president, he could be doing something every week, and he may or may not be successful in doing it. But he would certainly cause distraction that would be magnified times 10 because of whats happening at the presidential level. So that was certainly part of the reason why I did that, he added. He also said that Harris has a wealth of candidates from which to choose. Were going to welcome them to Raleigh, or maybe Chapel Hill, but well welcome them to North Carolina on Thursday of next week with a big rally kickoff winning North Carolina. I got that 2008 feel. We won North Carolina for Barack Obama; I have that same feeling now. Were gonna really get to work here, he added. Harris is expected to announce her pick for vice president in the coming days. Numerous Democrats are reportedly on the shortlist to be her running mate, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Could worlds smallest mountain range get new name? What Sutter Buttes could be called Uniquely is a Sacramento Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Sacramento area so special. A request to change the name of the Sutter Buttes has led to an outburst of opinions from the public on whether a colonizers racist past should define the cluster of volcanic hills colloquially called the worlds smallest mountain range. In March, a petition was filed to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to change the name of the Sutter Buttes to the Sacred Buttes. Rachel Rein, who served as a director on the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust board at the time, submitted the proposal to remove a name considered offensive and to acknowledge the sacred history of the buttes to various Tribes, according to her petition. The proposal, which many Sutter County residents only learned of in late July, prompted both outrage and praise from the area, comprising nearly 100,000 people. When is it going to end? When are we going to stop erasing the past? We benefit from the good, and we learn from the bad, lifelong Yuba-Sutter resident Connie Coughlin said. Hopefully we as a community can stop this. The history of the Sutter Buttes The circular complex of lava domes has gone by at least 23 different names throughout human history, according to the Board on Geographic Names. The federal board is in charge of maintaining uniform geographic name usage throughout the federal government, as described on the agencys website. The route to changing the name of a well-known landmark can be a years-long process. Any person can propose a new name or modify an existing name for natural features, bodies of water or unincorporated communities if there is a compelling reason and evidence of support for the change, according to the boards website. The Sutter Buttes are not technically a mountain range, but the leftovers of volcanic action that occurred more than a million years ago. The remnants of the dormant volcano created a ring that covers about 75 square miles. The highest of the three peaks rests 2,100 feet above sea level. Before Europeans arrived in the area, the Buttes were a refuge for Native Americans escaping the frequently flooded valley floor following severe winter storms and spring snow run-off. During this period, the Maidu and Wintun people referred to the volcanic hills as Esto Yamani and Onolai-tol, both which roughly translate to Middle Mountain. The Maidu also called them Histum Yani, or Spirit Mountain. No indigenous peoples ever fully resided in the Buttes because the environment was considered deeply sacred. The Maidu believed that after they passed away, their spirits rested in the buttes before departing for the afterlife. The Sutter Buttes is now mostly private land owned by a handful of farming families. In 2003, California State Parks acquired 1,785 acres on the north side of the Sutter Buttes, but more than 10 years later, the park still has no official name or public access point to enter. Residents and visitors alike must book guided hikes to access the buttes. The volcanic rings most recent name revision occurred in 1949, when the Marysville Buttes were renamed the Sutter Buttes. That time around, county residents fought for three decades to obtain the new name. The Sutter Buttes loom in the background while two tundra swans swim in a flooded rice field in 2014. The volcanic rings most recent name revision occurred in 1949 when it was called the Marysville Buttes. Name change debate The federal board is currently seeking input from local leaders, residents and federally recognized tribes to determine whether there is enough support for the new name. At a July 23 meeting, the Sutter County Board of Supervisors discussed how to proceed after recently becoming aware of the proposal. They urged the public that Sutter County staff and officials had nothing to do with the name change petition. Mike Hubbartt, board president of the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, also declared the conservation organization had not been cognizant of the proposal beforehand and was neutral to the idea, even though a previous board member had submitted the petition to the federal agency. The meeting was packed with community members stressed by the sudden possibility that a landmark they gazed upon every day could soon be renamed. Nearly a dozen residents submitted emails or voiced their thoughts during public comment. Jerrie Libby, a Sutter Buttes landowner and cattle ranch co-owner, has lived in the area since 1955 and planned to eventually have her ashes spread on the buttes. She was staunchly opposed to the land being renamed the Sacred Buttes. It is a sacred place, but its also sacred to those who walk on it currently, she said. Its the Sutter Buttes. It needs to stay the Sutter Buttes. Some feared changing the name would have an unintended ripple effect. According to County Administrator Steve Smith, there are around 350 businesses in Sutter County that use Sutter in their names, though the names board does not hold any power over private places or incorporated areas. Local Native Americans commended the proposal for correcting a racist past that elevated a man who contributed to atrocities against Indigenous populations. It is an opportunity to honor the resilience and strength of Native American communities and to restore the sacredness of this landscape by disassociating it from a figure whose legacy is incompatible with values of respect, dignity, and justice, Emma Blackthorne, a local resident and member of the Bad River Tribe in Wisconsin, said in an email. Who was John Sutter? John Sutter was a Swiss immigrant who is credited with building Sutters Fort and founding New Helvetia, an early settlement built near the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers near where the city of Sacramento now stands. Sutter made local tribespeople work for him, and if they refused, he sent troops to attack and sometimes kill them. He built a ranch, known as Hock Farm, near a Nisenan village along the Feather River in present-day Sutter County, so he could easily find workers and force them into indentured servitude. Historical accounts at the Sutter County Museum stated that to keep indigenous peoples from escaping, they were locked into their sleeping quarters overnight. Both Nisenan histories and white observers tell of workers being forced to eat out of troughs like livestock. If they disobeyed or refused to work for him, they were whipped, jailed, or killed. In her proposal to change the Sutter Buttes to the Sacred Buttes, Rachel Rein cited Sutters actions against indigenous peoples as a significant reason for revising the name. It feels especially harmful for a landmass that is sacred to multiple Native American tribes to retain the name of someone who is infamous for his horrific treatment of Native Americans, she wrote in the petition. Rein did not respond to multiple requests for an interview, but stated in the proposal that she chose the name Sacred Buttes because it recognizes indigenous history and the spiritual significance of the land. There have been a flurry of previous efforts to banish Sutters name from nearby sites. In 2020, a John Sutter statue outside Sutter Health Medical Center was removed after protesters called for the monument to be torn down. Last year, Sacramento Unified School District changed Sutter Middle School to Miwok Middle School, and Sutter Hall at California State University, Chico was renamed Estom Jamani after research was conducted into the buildings namesake. What happens next? In response to the renaming proposal, the Sutter County Board of Supervisors now has the power to act in several ways: supervisors can take no action, they can draft a position of opposition, support or neutrality for the proposal, or they can seek input from residents before determining how to respond to the names boards request for feedback. Two supervisors hinted that they were likely to keep the Sutter Buttes name if it came down to a vote. There was some very bad things that happened, but when I think of the Sutter Buttes, I think of what Im wearing right here, my community, Sutter High School ... it means so much more, Supervisor Mike Ziegenmeyer said. Supervisors decided to hear out any residents before arriving at a conclusion. The board also directed the county administrator to alert nearby counties within eyesight of the Sutter Buttes about the possible renaming so their opinions could be gathered as well. Each county supervisor planned to hold a town hall in their district in the weeks ahead. Ali Meders-Knight, a member of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, said she would attend so that indigenous voices remain a part of the conversation. Theres going to be resistance. Its been resistance the last 180 years, but were breaking it down like water breaks down rock, she said. Were going to make it happen because it needs to be done. Other community members thought a compromise could be reached. Ty Shaeffer has spent more than a decade leading hikes in the Buttes and incorporating Native American history into his walks. His family settled on the land in 1860. There are two stories here. Theres a story of a farmerand then theres the Indigenous story, the people whove lived here and lived within their environment, Shaeffer said. Maybe there could be a historical landmark that acknowledges indigenous peoples in the Sutter Buttes, but the name could remain the same, he said. Tundra swans take flight in a flooded rice field with a view of the Sutter Buttes in the background off Kimball Lane in Marysville in November 2012. CANTON Laura Schoeppner became a social worker to help people. "Children was where my heart lied," she said. "[In this job] we're able to serve and protect the most vulnerable population in the county." But the job also comes with its challenges. Schoeppner, who recently moved into a temporary supervising role, said there are many stresses on the system. County commissioners recently voted to continue providing a counseling service for the Stark County Division of Children Services to help the agency's staff deal with job stress. The board approved the cost, up to $25,000, last month. Shortages of community resources and long waiting lists for things like housing and mental health services can make it difficult to help families in crisis. "It's frustrating when you know that the service should be there and could be extremely helpful, it's just not available," Schoeppner said. Additionally, the Division of Children Services continues to struggle with employee retention and hiring. They are short-staffed as a result. Tricia Mayle, deputy director of the Division of Children Services, said the impact of difficult cases is part of the reason why. "It's not the easiest job," she said. "It takes a toll on people emotionally." The staff counselor can "help process with staff, talk through things, give them feedback or tips on what they are experiencing," Mayle said. "Whatever their needs are." The counseling program is through Helix Counseling in Louisville. Counselor Paxton Hodous comes into the office about four hours once a week for drop-in appointments with staff. "People can just stop in and see her, or they can schedule with her ahead of time," Mayle said. "It's not an extra thing that you have to do outside the work schedule. The convenience of it has been really well received." Schoeppner has not personally utilized the staff counseling, but she said it is extremely important to have support and someone to talk through cases. She relies on her family at home for support. "With a demanding job, and if life is crazy at home, sometimes we don't have the time to be able to do that in our free time," she said. "Having it available here at work, it makes a huge difference." Schoeppner said she knows several employees that have taken advantage of the program. Stark Children Services started in-office counseling last year Children Services was awarded a retention grant from the Public Children Services Association of Ohio to start the program last year. The grant was offered by the association to help improve employee retention and hiring for children services agencies in Ohio. A total of $15 million was distributed to Ohio counties for various programs. Scott Britton, assistant director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, said the grant money helped support staff around the state. "We see a lot of secondary traumatic stress in our caseworkers," he said. "Counties were able to use that money flexibly to provide a number of benefits to their frontline staff." Britton said some counties used the money for retention incentives such as employee bonuses and sign-on incentives, while others used it for security measures or work-culture initiatives. He said the Stark County counseling program is one way to support staff and have better outcomes for families. "Counseling supports are crucial," Britton said. "We know that when workers feel supported and when they feel safe, they're more likely to stay. Every time a worker leaves their case, a child's chances of attaining permanency for reunification decreases, so we know it has a direct impact on outcomes for children and families." Employee retention remains a problem in Ohio The counseling program has been successful in providing staff support, but the agency still struggles with retention and hiring. There are 167 employees currently working in the Stark County Children Services Division. The agency has openings for six social workers and one administrative assistant. Mayle said they would ideally need 186 staff to best handle the current caseload. "It's not by any means unique to us or our agency; it is across the board," Mayle said. "We are still experiencing a staff shortage and the work has certainly not slowed down at all." In 2023, 31 Ohio counties experienced children services employee turnover between 20% and 40% and 16 counties experienced turnover between 40% and 100%. Five counties experienced turnover of 100% or more, meaning they brought in workers, those workers turned over and more were brought in as a result, Britton said. He said there are a number of reasons why employee retention is low. "The No. 1 reason for frontline staff leaving is stress and workload," he said. "Close behind that is low pay. Even though we require caseworkers to have a bachelor's degree and they receive significant training on the job and we send them out to stressful situations, they are still underpaid sometimes relative to other county workers." He said employee turnover is still a concern but has returned to pre-pandemic levels across the state. In 2019, turnover across the state reached a high of 45%, last year it recovered to 26%. "I think the workforce grant and the initiatives that were supported by that were certainly a big part of how those numbers started coming down," Britton said. Mayle said the agency hopes to continue trying new programs and initiatives to help give support. "We continue to look for opportunities like that to support our staff," she said. "We try to listen to what they're telling us their needs are." Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@gannett.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County Children Services counseling program renewed A 12-county swath of old Florida from Lakeland to Naples is part of a new land conservation effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to protect vast watersheds, endangered species, and agricultural operations. The National Wildlife Refuge System recently announced establishment of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area, which will be the countrys newest refuge. Julie Morris The proposed conservation area stretches across 4 million acres in southwest and south central Florida west of Lake Okeechobee. In order to preserve this area, the lands can be purchased outright for recreational purposes, or purchased as conservation easements from willing landowners who may continue to farm the land. The new Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area is the result of decades of work by multiple state and federal agencies and the broader conservation and agricultural community. The Florida Conservation Group (FCG) partnered with the FWS National Wildlife Refuge System, the University of Floridas Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association to provide the scientific foundation to establish the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area. FCG also worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to lead extensive stakeholder outreach efforts. A pair of Crested Caracara's perch off of Corkscrew Road recently. The region stands out for its tremendous biological diversity and water resources, as well as the number of agricultural landowners who are willing to help save it. The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area is home to over 70 federally or state-listed threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, Florida scrub jay, Audubons crested caracara, Everglades snail kite and sand skink. The ecologically diverse region includes wet prairie and freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, dry prairie and pine flatwoods, scrub/shrub ecosystems, working agricultural lands, and pastures. A snail kite lands on foliagel along a drainage ditch along Corkscrew Road near the new Verdana Village development in Estero on Aug. 15, 2022. The mid-sized raptor is endangered and is usually seen in the Everglades and on Lake Okeechobee. Local colonies have been populating Harns Marsh and other Lee Count area including this one. At least five birds were seen in this area off of Corkscrew. Apple snails are their main diet. They prey on exotic apple snails as well. Bordering the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the proposed refuge includes the watersheds of the Peace River, Myakka River, Fisheating Creek and Caloosahatchee River. The Peace River and Myakka River watersheds are essential for the health of Charlotte Harbor, an Estuary of National Significance and hub of Southwest Floridas nature-based tourism and economic activity. Being situated in the heart of Floridas unique prairie ranching landscape means that landowners representing hundreds of thousands of acres in the region have volunteered to sell their development rights in order to conserve the land. The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area will allow the FWS to work with landowners to secure conservation easements over ecologically sensitive lands, protecting those lands in perpetuity while allowing continued agricultural operations. Land can also be purchased outright to allow for public recreational uses. Landowners can also partner with the states Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which allows the state and federal governments to maximize the conservation footprint and leverage state and federal dollars. This partnership and conservation area will allow farmers and ranchers in Florida to be stewards of the land and provide food for the nation. The time is now to protect vast landscapes like the Everglades to Gulf area due to continued population growth pressures. Now that federal funding is also available and can complement state funding, we are extremely fortunate. Florida has continued its long-time financial commitment to conservation, and we hope Congress supports the effort with robust funding in turn. Congress has the opportunity to pass a full-year funding bill rather than a short-term funding extension, which slows and stops conservation initiatives. Florida stakeholders farmers, ranchers, conservation groups, and recreation groups have worked together to support the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area. Our representatives in Congress should provide stable, long-term annual funding to the FWS so it can wisely steward taxpayer funding to conserve important land and maintain a thriving agricultural and recreation economy now, while we can. A bipartisan Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus has formed and is pushing for stable, long-term wildlife refuge funding. Ask your Florida congressman to join in support of this effort to help ensure the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area becomes a refuge. Julie Morris is executive director of the Florida Conservation Group. Florida Conservation Group engages in conservation science, planning, outreach, and land protection. The organization assists landowners with conservation easement and incentive programs to ensure that Floridas highest-priority lands are identified and protected. Landowners in this region are encouraged to connect with FCG to learn how to conserve their land. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Country's newest refuge on our doorstep For the second time in 18 years city officials made arrangements Wednesday for giant generators to be trucked in on semis to power Lincolns wellfields. And just like the first time in 2017 they didnt need them. Steve Owen, Lincoln water system manager, credits Omaha Public Power District which supplies power to Lincolns 44 wells near Ashland. Both OPPD and Lincoln Electric System are able to react quickly after events like Wednesdays thunderstorm which packed 80-mile-per-hour straight-line winds, he said. Wednesdays storm also caused outages at three of Lincolns pump stations, but LES restored power quickly. Much credit goes to our electrical providers, he said. Our power is extremely reliable. (The roughly 2,500 Lincoln customers who were still without power Friday morning ugh might want to roll their eyes at that, but power companies prioritize public utilities such as water for good reason.) Still, things do happen, and Wednesday when the storm caused significant damage to OPPDs distribution system that powers Lincolns wellfields Lincoln Transportation & Utilities officials decided to request generators. The city contracts with a company that can get generators, though theyre not your Home Depot variety. These, Owen said, are huge and require special transfer switches. The contractor located generators in Des Moines and Kansas City and was arranging to have them come to Ashland when OPPD got a portion of the power restored around midnight. They canceled the generators, and by 4:30 p.m. Thursday power was fully restored. The first time LTU used the generators was in 2017, after tornadoes in Bellevue caused major damage to OPPDs distribution systems. That time, they got the generators on site, hooked them up and started them just minutes before OPPD restored power. So they unhooked the generators and sent them on their way. In 2019, when major flooding damaged the wellfields, there was no way to get generators to the wells because the roads were flooded, Owen said. From a helicopter, officials were able to pinpoint what tower had been damaged and worked with Sarpy County to rebuild a road so crews could get to the tower and fix it. Thats just an example of how these agencies come together when things get tricky, he said. Lincoln decided to make arrangements for generators including installing transfer switches in 2006, when ice storms did serious damage to power companies in south-central Nebraska. Lincolns wells werent affected, Owen said, but officials watched how difficult the ice storms made it to restore power and decided theyd best be prepared. Speaking of disasters Two weeks before Mother Nature decided to whip up 80 mph winds to blow through Lincoln, the city was caught up in another disaster, this one a technology snafu of mammoth proportions that affected roughly 8.5 million Microsoft computer systems. While the citys IT staff figured out how to get systems up and running again after the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike distributed a faulty update, City Attorney Yohance Christie was entangled in what arguably was the worst of it. He was flying on Delta Airlines which canceled thousands of flights and left and estimated half a million travelers stranded in airports. Or he was trying to, anyway. Christie was supposed to leave on the Friday it happened on a direct flight to Atlanta, but his flight was delayed and he didn't get there until about 3 a.m. Saturday, and found the airport already full of stranded travelers. He was supposed to leave Sunday evening and headed to the airport, but left when the flight was delayed, and ultimately canceled. The airport was still full of stranded travelers who couldn't rent a car or find a hotel. They cheered whenever an announcer on the loudspeaker said a plane was boarding. It was bad, he said. Christie was lucky: He had family in town, so he went back to a relative's home, where he tried getting through to Delta personnel. He was on hold for five hours. I just left it on speaker, he said. Id go to sleep and wake up when I thought it was a person. But it was never a person. Eventually he gave up and on Monday he got on a travel booking app with a virtual chat and eventually got a flight Tuesday to Kansas City. In Kansas City, he rented a car and drove home. Ive had a lot of bad flight experiences, he said. And Ive never seen anything like that. He had been trying to get home for the City Council meeting, which he regularly attends. At the July 22 meeting his contract was up for renewal. The council renewed it, despite his absence. A special groundbreaking No thunderstorm or strong winds, downed trees or power outages were going to stop Liz Shea-McCoy from celebrating this milestone. It was a big one for the small group of determined folks who decided, in the spring of 2021, that the Pershing Mural should not be demolished along with the downtown auditorium and set out to make sure it wasnt. In four months, the group, led by Shea-McCoy, raised $850,000, enough to have the mural painstakingly removed and stored. Then the small group set out to find a place to reinstall it (no easy task). In November 2022, the Wyuka Board of Trustees voted to reinstall the mural on the cemetery grounds as part of a larger vision to turn a portion of the grounds into a playground and picnic area. Its installation is part of an ongoing renovation of the pond. That led to Thursday, when Nebraska's First Lady Suzanne Pillen joined Shea-McCoy and others for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the installation of the iconic mural. Shea-McCoy even painted a shovel gold for the occasion, because the past three years have been a labor of love. Im calling it a Nebraska love story, she said. We love what we have here in Nebraska. We have a pride in what we have here. The 110-ton mural will become one of the largest free-standing mosaic murals in the world. The 763,000 tiles that graced the front of Pershing for 65 years depict 38 figures engaged in an array of sporting, theater, dance and circus events. "This Mural represents a significant piece of Nebraska's cultural heritage," Pillen said. "Its preservation and installation in Wyuka Park will provide an opportunity for people to appreciate the arts, history and culture of our great state." The work for the small group that started all this isnt over. Theyve raised $2.3 million but are still $1.7 million short of their $4.1 million goal, funds needed to restore the tiles, build a freestanding wall for the mural, an adjacent amphitheater and cover future maintenance costs. Tile restoration will continue, installation work will begin and Shea-McCoy is not worried about reaching the goal. "This mural is not just a piece of art; it's a testament to our state's rich history and the power of community collaboration. Donate online at Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation or send checks with Pershing Mural Project in the memo line to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, 1201 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. Photos, video: Overnight storm causes damage in Lincoln CPD: Missing man last seen in Lakeview may be in need of medical attention CHICAGO Police are asking the public for help in the search for a man who officers say may be in need of medical attention. According to Chicago police, 72-year-old Jesus Villalpando, was last seen at around 9 a.m. on Friday morning in the 3900 block of North Fremont Street in Lakeview. Police said Villalpando is known to frequent Montrose Harbor and previously lived in the 3400 block of North Kedzie Avenue, in Avondale. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Officers say the missing man, who stands 5-foot-6 and weighs around 170 pounds, has grey and white hair and brown eyes. Villalpando was last seen wearing a dark green shirt and grey sweatpants. 72-year-old Jesus Villalpando, was last seen at around 9 a.m. on Friday morning in the 3900 block of North Fremont Street in Lakeview, according to Chicago police A photo provided by police shows Villalpando wearing a pair of black-framed glasses, but it is unclear if he was wearing them at the time of his disappearance. Officers say the missing man may be in need of medical attention, but did not provide details on why. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Authorities notified the public about Villalpandos disappearance in a news release on Saturday morning. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 72-year-old Jesus Villalpando is asked to contact the CPD Area Three SVU at 312-744-8266 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. We got a clear vision a couple of weeks ago what a worst-case cybersecurity failure could look like someday. The recent CrowdStrike failure hit the national transportation system and government offices. It crippled Delta Airlines. Thats now projected to cost the company $500 million. Thousands of flights across the country wound up canceled or delayed because of it. It impacted the DMV offices in Illinois as well as some state government systems in Iowa. Host Jim Niedelman brings back Michelle Crawford and Elesha Gayman to discuss. I think this definitely demonstrates the need for regulation in the industry, Gayman said. This totally illustrated the pitfalls of [technology], Crawford said. To hear more from the panel, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Thousands of students take part in a protest to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide anti-quota protests. Anti-discrimination student movement calls for resignation of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Joy Saha/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened a nationwide curfew after nearly 100 people, including 14 police officers, were reportedly killed in a wave of violence on Sunday. The clashes came a day after protesters called for nationwide "civil disobedience" to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. "The curfew will remain effective until further direction from 6 pm (1200 GMT) at all cities, divisional and district headquarters, municipal areas, industrial zones and towns across Bangladesh," an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said. The government first imposed a curfew on July 19, as student-led protests against government job quotas turned deadly. A government crackdown quelled the violence and the curfew had been relaxed in recent days. But the eruption of unrest at the weekend led to the new curfew order on Sunday, as well as the declaration of a three-day public holiday from Monday. The Daily Star newspaper reported at least 90 people were killed in clashes across the country among anti-government protesters, police and supporters of Hasina's Awami League party. Another newspaper, the Prothom Alo, put the death toll at 99. The figures could not be independently verified by dpa. The dailies reported that numerous others were injured. At least 13 police officers were killed when protesters attacked a police station in northern Sirajganj district on Sunday. Dhaka's police headquarter said in a press statement that a "terrorist attack" was carried out on the Enayetpur Police Station, leaving 13 officers dead in that confrontation. In the eastern Narsingdhi district near Dhaka, six senior members of the ruling Awami League party were beaten to death in a clash near the Madhavadhi Municipal Building, said police officer Shahidul Islam Shohag. Four people were killed during the clashes in various neighbourhoods in the capital Dhaka, police officer Bachhu Mia said while at the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital. A local leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) student wing in the south-western district of Magura was shot dead during a clash with police, local BNP leader Mizanur Rahman said. He said more than 30 people were injured in the fighting in Magura, located nearly 200 kilometres south-west of Dhaka. After days of relative calm, the violence flared anew after Saturday's call to civil disobedience by student leaders. The government had given in to the students' demands to reform an unpopular job quota system, after the protests in mid-July left more than 200 people dead. Student protesters have accused law enforcement of using indiscriminate violence against them and are now demanding accountability. The protesters are asking the government to ensure justice for the victims of police atrocities, a lifting of the curfew and the reopening of educational institutions. But on Saturday they went further, demanding the government's resignation and launching the civil disobedience call. Protest organizers told people not to pay taxes and utility bills and to keep offices, factories and public transport shuttered. In response to the call, thousands of stick-wielding protesters took to the streets in Dhaka and other parts of the country. An estimated 5,000 protesters gathered at central Shahbagh crossing near Dhaka University, where they clashed with supporters of the ruling party in the morning, a witness said. The protesters attacked a nearby hospital, set fire to vehicles parked at the hospital and to the office of a local city councillor. Most businesses and public offices were shut and few vehicles were about on the first day of the civil disobedience. Police in riot gear and troops from the paramilitary Border Guard were seen deployed at many strategic points. Meanwhile, the authorities asked telecom operators to suspend social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, the daily Prothom Alo reported. On Sunday afternoon, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement announced fresh nationwide actions for Monday. Nahid Islam, one of the movement's coordinators, in a press statement said that the rallies by workers to be held in Dhaka on Monday will be followed by a "Long March to Dhaka" by protesters from different parts of the country. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ali Arafat accused the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and recently banned rightwing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Party for engaging the students in "terrorist activities." "Law will take its own course if anyone is engaged in terrorism," he said, adding that the people in general do not support the acts of sabotage. Anti-Discrimination Student Movement take part in a rally at Central Shaheed Minar to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide anti-quota protests. Habibur Rahman/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Anti-Discrimination Student Movement take part in a rally at Central Shaheed Minar to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide anti-quota protests. Habibur Rahman/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa CVG flights experience delays, cancelations as Hurricane Debby hits Florida. What to know Flights are being canceled around the country Sunday, including at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, as Tropical Storm Debby moves toward Florida. Update 7:30 a.m. Monday: Flight delays and cancellations continue Monday at CVG, as Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida. As of 7:30 a.m, Monday, 12 flights are canceled and 16 delayed, according to the Cincinnati airport website. Most delayed and canceled flights will impact those traveling to the La Guardia and John F. Kennedy airports in New York; Orlando, Key West, Punta Gorda and St. Petersburg airports in Florida; Savannah airport in Georgia and more. Some major impacted airlines include United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, American Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Previous reporting: Flight cancelations are underway Sunday as Tropical Storm Debby moves toward the Florida coast. State and federal officials are preparing ahead of Debby's impending landfall on Florida's western coast. The storm has slowly been making its way through the Gulf of Mexico since late last week. As a result, flights are being canceled across the country, including at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, better known as CVG. CVG flight cancelations amid Tropical Storm Debby More than 2,000 flights are delayed or canceled nationwide Sunday, according to Flight Aware, a flight tracking site. There are 10 flights canceled and 61 delayed Sunday at CVG as of 2:15 p.m. Most delayed flights will impact those traveling to the Dallas-Forth Worth airport in Texas; Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale airports in Florida; Myrtle Beach in South Carolina; and Boston. Some major impacted airlines include United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Southwest, Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines. You can check your flight's status on CVG's website before heading to the airport. Monday flights are all scheduled as of Sunday afternoon. As a result of the weather, these airlines are issuing waivers that allow impacted customers to change their flights without penalty, USA TODAY reports: Federal Department of Transportation rules say passengers are entitled to refunds if their flights are canceled. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hurricane Debby flight cancelations: What to know (Bloomberg) -- Cypruss president accepted an invitation to a UN-brokered meeting that will attempt to restart talks on unification of the divided island, although its unclear if Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will agree to attend. Most Read from Bloomberg A Aug. 13 meeting in New York has been proposed with the aim of kick-starting discussions on the decades-old Cyprus problem, Nikos Christodoulides said in a speech late Saturday, according to a transcript sent from his office. Christodoulides added that he hopes holding the meeting will lead to positive results that cannot be other than the resumption of talks. Theres no guarantee, though, that Tatar will accept the invitation from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. There is no common ground for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue, the Turkish-Cypriot presidency cited Tatar as saying in a statement carried by Turkeys state-run Anadolu agency. There is no need to meet in a tripartite or any other format. European Union member Cyprus less than half the size of New Jersey was effectively partitioned in 1963 when fighting erupted between its two main ethnic groups: Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking Cypriots. It was fully divided in 1974 after Turkey captured the northern third of the island with the aim of protecting minority Turkish Cypriots. That followed an Athens-backed coup by supporters of union of the whole island with Greece, then ruled by a military junta. The island has been divided ever since. Numerous UN-led efforts over the decades to reunify the eastern Mediterranean nation on the basis of a bi-zonal federation have failed. The most recent effort came in 2021, when officials from Turkey, Greece and the UK guarantor powers under an agreement that ended British colonial rule in Cyprus joined top Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot politicians in Geneva for three days of talks. The enduring Cyprus problem has strained relations between NATO members Greece and Turkey, and a solution would pave the way to fix other long-standing issues as well. It could help with Turkeys own bid to join the EU, aid in solving maritime border disputes between Turkey, Cyprus and Greece, and provide an alternative route to pump natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean into Europe via a pipeline through Cyprus to Turkey. This months meeting also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the broader region. Cyprus, Greece and the UK continue to support a solution based on a bi-zonal federation, while Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration favor the creation of two separate states. The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus, which is internationally recognized, officially has sovereignty over the entire island but is only able to govern in the south. Turkey doesnt recognize the ROC. --With assistance from Sotiris Nikas and Inci Ozbek. (Updates with Turkish news agency statement in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Dark Hollow Road in Upper Bucks to close through October. How to get around it Dark Hollow Road will close next week starting Monday for road repairs in Tinicum and Bedminster, impacting travel. The closure begins Aug. 5 and will continue through early October, impacting a 6-mile stretch of the road between Route 413 (Durham Road) and Route 32 (River Road), according to a PennDOT news release. Local access will be maintained, the release said. Trapped driver saved in Lake Nockamixon: Kayakers save woman trapped in car in Lake Nockamixon PennDOT advises drivers to detour using Route 413 (Durham Road), Point Pleasant Pike, and Route 32 (River Road). Motorists should allow extra time when traveling near the work areas because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent. For a complete list of construction projects impacting state-owned highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, visit the District 6 Traffic Bulletin. Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Prepare for 2-month long closure of Dark Hollow Road starting Monday WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it has identified the man killed in a shooting in Southeast early Saturday morning. According to MPD, at around 6:45 a.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of Butler St., Southeast, for the report of gunshot sounds. When officers arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of an apartment complex. He died at the scene. 4 injured, 3 dead in four separate overnight shootings in DC On Saturday evening, police identified the man killed as 38-year-old Davon Mangum, of Southeast. Police said anyone with information should contact the department at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. In 2012, a different Debby drenched Florida. Like the Tropical Storm Debby of today, the storm had a statewide impact. While the impact of modern day Debby isn't yet clear, the 2012 Debby "destroyed homes and businesses, washed away roads and flooded neighborhoods in Florida before the once-large tropical storm drifted out to sea, leaving behind a sopping mess," according to the Associated Press at the time. "At least three people were killed in the storm," the AP wrote the day after landfall. "More than 100 homes and businesses were flooded" and officials warned the waters would not recede until a week later in some places. The wind field history of the 2012 version of Tropical Storm Debby. All told, the storm caused $42 million in damages and was blamed for eight deaths, including six drownings and one death in a Lake Placid tornado, according to the Tallahassee Democrat archives. From June 24 to June 27, 2012, the storm meandered over the northern Gulf and northeast Florida and left hundreds of thousands without power. But mostly it was a rainmaker that caused rivers to surge over their banks. In Wakulla County, more than 400 homes were left with severe damage from the tannin waters, while in Suwannee County, portions of Interstate 10 and Highway 90 remained underwater for several days while more than 120 roads were washed out and left impassable in the county. That storm brought 28 inches of rain to Wakulla County, causing the Sopchoppy River to swell beyond measurable levels, leaving houses submerged to their roofs and standing water across the region for months. Storm decimated turtle nests and spawned a mosquito scourge 2012 Tropical Storm Debby brought more than 25 inches of rain to some parts of Florida. The day before Tropical Storm Debby started her days-long deluge less than halfway into the sea turtle nesting season, Franklin County already had recorded an all-time season record of 35 nests. But by the time the skies cleared, almost all were gone completely washed away by three days of heavy surf. "As far as survival is concerned, I think it is a total loss," said Bill Wargo, then head of the Alligator Point Turtle Patrol, at the time. A week after the storm clouds from Tropical Storm Debby departed, they were replaced by another kind of dark cloud in Wakulla County mosquitoes. "Oh my God, they are absolutely horrendous," then Sheriff's Office spokesman Keith Blackmar said at the time. During his usual lunchtime walk, Blackmar said he stopped for just a minute to send his wife a quick text message and was immediately swarmed. He cut his walk short. "They are bad," he said. "They are all over the place." Debbys over the years: Is it Tropical Storm Debby or Debbie? A look at the previous Debby/Debbie/Debra storms Debby by the numbers Wakulla County impact 317 individuals registered for assistance $343,401 disbursed for housing assistance $56,408 disbursed for other-needs assistance 413 structures affected Individual Assistance 6,306 registered $4,889,002.69 disbursed from an approved $9,360,903.80 Public assistance (35 counties eligible) - $87,208,600 estimated costs statewide, including: Franklin, $2.68 million Gulf, $6.34 million Jefferson, $6.79 million Leon, $351,000 Liberty, $466,000 Madison, $626,000 Suwannee, $9.47 million Taylor, $117,000 Union, $881,000 Wakulla, $3.57 million State of Florida projected costs, $14,234,417 June 2012: Mike Crouch unloads a keyboard from a boat during Tuesday's Sopchoppy flooding. Though most of the rains from Tropical Storm Debby had passed, on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, residents of Sopchoppy were facing overflowing waters from the Sopchoppy River. Some homes were flooded and boats were the only means of transportation on the swollen rivers. Deaths Confirmed fatalities: 8 (1 Columbia; 1 Highlands; 1 Lake; 1 Madison; 1 Pasco; 2 Pinellas; 1 Polk) Rescues 17 water rescues and 67 people rescued in Franklin and Wakulla counties 75 rescued in Pasco County 145 rescued in Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia and Baker counties River flood crests Two rivers reached record-breaking crests Sopchoppy, 36.8 St. Marys, 24.4 feet. Rainfall Wakulla County, 28-plus inches Suwannee County, 15-plus inches Aid provided American Red Cross served 22,425 meals and 90,610 snacks. The Salvation Army served 11,716 meals and 5,731 snacks To date 22,501 comfort kits and 7,974 clean-up kits have been provided (Red Cross and Salvation Army). The Florida Association of Food Banks has provided 104,029 food boxes and 1,640 units of mosquito repellant to survivors throughout this event. SBA Applications 3,802 Small Business Association applications issued. 150 received and one approved. Volunteers 1,618 volunteers worked 11,312 hours, service valued at an estimated $211,082. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 2012 Tropical Storm Debby deluged Florida, left deaths and destruction Debby expected to rapidly intensify in Gulf. Historic rainfall possible on East Coast Tropical Storm Debby is becoming stronger and better organized in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and will likely undergo rapid intensification this weekend before making landfall in Florida as a hurricane, according to the National Weather Service in Miami. Debby has winds of 60 mph at 7 a.m. Saturday and was moving north-northwest at 13 mph. The above-average temperatures in the eastern Gulf, paired with low wind shear, will give Debby the opportunity to strengthen significantly before landfall. The U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunters are flying into Debby Saturday for more information. The storm is expected to eventually make a north-northeasterly turn and make landfall Monday afternoon in Floridas Big Bend region, NWS hurricane forecaster John Cangialosi said at 5 a.m. Saturday. There is a high confidence from all guidance models for this forecast landfall scenario. What is more unsure, however, is what happens after Debby moves over Florida and over the southeastern U.S., including Georgia and South Carolina. Cangialosi said Debby will weaken to a tropical storm and slow down significantly after landfall. Steering currents are also expected to weaken. There is a lot of model disagreement on whether or not the center of Debby stays inland or moves off the coast of the southeast U.S. by the middle of the week, he said, adding that a building ridge should turn Debby back inland over southeast Georgia and the South Carolina coast by the middle of the next. Tropical Storm #Debby Advisory 8A: Debby Expected to Strengthen Rapidly Before Landfall in the Florida Big Bend Region. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 4, 2024 Historic rainfall possible in Georgia, South Carolina Debbys slowing down and staying over land for days could potentially result in a significant flooding event in the U.S. southeast, Cangialosi said. Up to 16 inches of rain is possible in the Big Bend region, and up to 20 inches could dump on Savannah and the South Carolina lowcountry, including the Charleston area, according to the NHC forecast. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of severe and widespread flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected, the NHC said Saturday. Tropical Storm #Debby Advisory 8A: Debby Expected to Strengthen Rapidly Before Landfall in the Florida Big Bend Region. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 4, 2024 Florida, Georgia, SC should brace for Debby A hurricane warning is in effect in Floridas Big Bend region, and the area could see significant storm surge of 6 to 10 feet, rain and flash flooding and the hurricane makes landfall. River flooding is also possible. Tropical storm conditions are expected further south down Floridas west coast, including in Tampa Bay and the Florida Keys. Flash, urban and river flooding is also expected in southern Georgia and in South Carolina, where Debby will be a dayslong rain event. Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, is not expected to impact Louisiana. Keep up with the latest tropics updates at hurricanes.gov. Deceased woman pulled from Savannah River as local police investigate cause of death The Savannah Police Department continues to investigate the death of a woman who was found dead in the Savannah River. The Savannah Police Department pulled the body of a deceased woman out of the Savannah River Saturday morning, according to SPD Public Information Officer Nick Zoller. The investigation is ongoing and "foul play is not suspected", according to Zoller. This is a developing story. Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Police pulled the body of a woman out of the Savannah River DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) Central Texas school districts are getting ready to open their classrooms once again as the summer comes to an end. In Del Valle ISD school starts on Aug. 7, and the district held its back to school bash on Saturday. The district handed out backpacks and helped answer questions from parents as students participated in games. DVISD also held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility. Del Valle ISD held its back to school bash, as well as held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Lauren Ryan/KXAN News) Del Valle ISD held its back to school bash, as well as held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Lauren Ryan/KXAN News) Del Valle ISD held its back to school bash, as well as held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Lauren Ryan/KXAN News) Del Valle ISD held its back to school bash, as well as held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Lauren Ryan/KXAN News) Del Valle ISD held its back to school bash, as well as held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) facility on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Lauren Ryan/KXAN News) The program allows students to earn a high school diploma, Level 1 certificate, and an associate degree in applied science while still in high school. The program offers advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. DVISD budget While DVISD is gearing up for the school year they will be doing so facing a $2.8 million budget deficit. More Central Texas school districts approve pay raises for teachers, staff Like many school districts in Central Texas DVISD is facing a budget because of a lack of state funding. Absolutely the state needs to give back more to public education, said DVISD Board President Shaira Ramzanali. We did know that was something that was going to happen. It was presented as a balanced budget, but we chose to go a little into deficit because we know how much we want to value our staff. The district approved a 3% salary increase in May. The raises move the districts starting teacher salary to $59,600 per year, But that created a deficit and without funding from the state it was the only option. We are mandated to do things, but we are not given the funding, so we have to decide how to move forward, Ramzanali said. She she hopes to see more school funding for districts during the next legislative session. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Delivery on its way: NASA teams with Northrop Grumman and SpaceX on launch from Cape SpaceX managed to fly out ahead of Tropical Storm Debby sending a Cygnus spacecraft on a delivery for NASA. With only a forecasted 10 percent chance of favorable conditions, the Falcon 9 rocket got the weather it needed and lifted off on time. Blasting off at 11:02 a.m. from Launch Complex 40, the rocket sent a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station. Eight and a half minutes later, the Falcon 9 first stage booster announced its return to Cape Canaveral Landing Zone 1 with a sonic boom. Onboard this Cygnus cargo spacecraft is food, supplies, science experiments, and even STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) demonstrations for astronauts to record for students on Earth. A variety of fresh food, such as squash, apples, carrots, oranges, radishes, and blueberries, were packed onboard, according to Bill Spetch, Operations Integration Manager for the International Space Station. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Station, FL, Sunday morning, August 4, 2024. Launch of the rocket, carrying supplies for the International Space Station, was postponed Saturday due to Tropical Storm Debbie. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK On Tuesday morning, the spacecraft will arrive at the International Space Station, where NASA astronauts Matt Dominick and Jeanette Epps will capture it with the onboard robotic arm. The Cygnus will not be reused. After arriving Tuesday morning, it will stay docked onboard the space station until January when it will be detached and burn up in Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX liftoff of Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Encased in SpaceX payload fairings, the Cygnus spacecraft lifted off as many eyed weather conditions. Gusty winds and cloud cover lingered over the Cape as impacts from Tropical Strom Debby out in the Gulf were anticipated to move into the area. This launch marked the second time SpaceX provided launch services for a Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply mission for NASA. The first mission was in January of this year. When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida During a prelaunch press briefing, Ryan Tintner, vice president of civil space systems at Northrop Grumman, told media this Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of astronaut Francis Richard "Dick" Scobee. Scobee was the commander of the Space Shuttle Challenger during its tragic final mission. Northrop Grumman and NASA partnerships are not new. Also launching its Cygnus from Wallops Island, Virginia, Northrop Grumman has been supporting NASA commercial resupply missions for over a decade. Northrop Grumman Cygnus post-launch issue After Sunday's launch, the Cygnus spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 second stage. However, the Cygnus did not preform its first burn which boosts the spacecraft in altitude. According to NASA, the spacecraft's engine does not appear to be the issue. The spacecraft is currently in a safe orbit, and Northrop Grumman engineers plan to work around the issue, getting the Cygnus to the space station on schedule. If all continues to go as planned, capture of the Cygnus by astronauts Dominick and Epps is scheduled for 3:10 a.m. on Tuesday. #Cygnus' solar array deployment is complete. After launch, the spacecraft missed its first targeted altitude burn. We continue to target Tuesday, Aug. 6, to arrive at the @Space_Station and are evaluating any schedule impacts. Follow our blog for updates: https://t.co/vTFTmoGryr NASA (@NASA) August 4, 2024 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 Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Here are the Democrats who might be Kamala Harris's VP pick and their LGBTQ+ records Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 election rally speech crowd atlanta Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris has become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after President Biden's historic announcement a couple of weeks ago. As of last week, she already had the delegates to win the nomination, which will be cemented at the party's convention later this month in Chicago. Related: How pro-LGBTQ+ is Kamala Harris? The following names have been floated in the media as possible contenders to join Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket. Here they are, along with their LGBTQ+ rights records. Andy Beshear Kentucky incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear delivers victory speech presidential race 2024 vice president picks LGBTQ records list photo gallery Stephen Cohen/Getty Images Beshear , 46, is the second-term governor of Kentucky. He was reelected last November with almost 53 percent of the vote. For a Democrat in a red state, thats almost a landslide. And its that status that makes Beshear a leading contender for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination. That, and during his first term he had successes including producing budget surpluses and lowering unemployment in the state, and expanding health care for nearly 100,000 state residents. His LGBTQ+ record is mostly positive . Last year, he was applauded for vetoing an anti-trans bill; however, the Republican led state legislature overrode the veto . He has supported a bill banning conversion therapy and has spoken out against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, However, in a campaign ad last year, Beshear said, Ive never supported gender-reassignment surgery for kids and those procedures dont happen here in Kentucky. In fact, genital surgeries are hardly ever performed on minors anywhere. Beshear and his wife, Britainy, have two children, Will and Lila. Sherrod Brown Chairman Sherrod Brown Senate Banking Committee hearing presidential race 2024 vice president picks LGBTQ records list photo gallery Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, 72, is up for reelection this yea r, and if he wins, which he is expected to, he will enter his thirdterm in the Senate, having first been elected in 2006. He is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. In an exclusive interview with The Advocate last year, Brown talked about his longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community, which includes voting against the Defense of Marriage Act as a House member in 1996. And each year Brown and some of his Senate colleagues reintroduce legislation to expand federal civil rights laws the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. For the last six years, Ive sponsored the bill that designates June as LGBTQ Pride Month, and Ill do it again this year, so my commitment to the LGBTQ community hasnt wavered, he told The Advocate in January of 2023. Its so important that we keep fighting for individual rights. Not just for LGBTQ folks, but also for other marginalized communities, he added. Brown is married to author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz, They have three grown daughters and a son, and eight grandchildren. Pete Buttigieg US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg testifies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee vice president picks LGBTQ records list photo gallery Samuel Corum/Getty Images For our community, Buttigieg , 42, needs no introduction. He is the 19th U.S.Transportation secretary and the first out gay person confirmed by the Senate to serve in a presidents Cabinet. He was instrumental in helping to pass one of President Bidens most consequential pieces of legislation, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in November of 2021. Buttigieg has been the point person on delivering the infrastructure checks to cities and states around the country, earning him goodwill and name recognition. For those unfamiliar, Buttigieg became famous as the out gay mayor of South Bend , in the dark red state of Indiana. Previously , Buttigieg was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy reserve for eight years. He graduated from Harvard and the University of Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar. Buttigieg ran for president in 2020 and made history as the first LGBTQ+ person to win a caucus or primary when he notched a caucus win in Iowa. He and his husband , Chasten , have become perhaps the most prominent queer married couple in the United States, They went public in August of 2021 about their process to adopt children and the next month announced the birth of their twin children, Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg Gavin Newsom Governor Gavin Newsom spin room following CNN Presidential Debate vice president picks LGBTQ records list photo gallery Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Newsom , 57, is perhaps the most recognized name being bandied about. He is arguably one of the most prolific LGBTQ+ political allies in the country. Last year, he signed nine pro-LGBTQ+ bills into law. He also appointed the states first Black and queer U.S. senator, Laphonza Butler in October of 2023 to fill the seat of the late Sen.Dianne Feinstein. Newsom was first elected California governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He also survived a recall vote in 2021. Previously, he was the states lieutenant governor, and before that mayor of San Francisco. In 2004, as mayor, he famously ordered the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples during the Winter of Love as couples married in February and March. The marriages were stopped by a court order. And Newsoms bold decision was later struck down by the California Supreme Court, who also revoked the licenses. Newsom and his wife, Jennifer, have four young children. Josh Shapiro Governor Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro Celebration of Freedom Ceremony vice president picks LGBTQ records list photo gallery Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images Josh Shapiro , 51, was elected as Pennsylvanias 48th governor in November of 2022. He's appeared as a frontrunner in recent days, but controversy over a sexual harassment claim against one of his former aides may dim his chances. Shapiro was elected the states attorney general in 2016 and made national news when he led a grand jury investigation into the Catholic Churchs child sexual abuse scandal. His investigation uncovered thousands of victims and allegations against 301 priests. This spurred similar inquiries in states across the country. Shapiro has long supported the LGBTQ+ community , including allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that conforms with their gender identity and supporting transgender people serving in the military. He called for an end to the Food and Drug Administration's ban on blood donations by gay and bisexual men. He also has come out against conversion therapy . Shapiro and his wife, Lori, have four children. Mark Kelly Mark Kelly Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images Arizona Senator Mark Kelly was first elected in 2020 in a special election to fill the seat after the death of former Republican Senator John McCain. Before entering politics, Kelly was a NASA astronaut and a U.S. Navy captain, having completed four space missions and serving as a commander on the last two. His career in space exploration, alongside his brother Scott Kelly, also a NASA astronaut. Kelly was a strong supporter of both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. Kelly is an LGBTQ+ ally who voted in favor of the Equality Act, which seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Kelly is married to Gabrielle Giffords, a former U.S. Congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt in 2011. The couple have been advocates for gun control, an issue close to their hearts. Kelly has two daughters from a previous marriage, Claudia and Claire. J.B. Pritzker J.B. Pritzker Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images J.B. Pritzker, the current Governor of Illinois, has had a diverse career, spanning business, philanthropy, and politics. Before entering public service, he founded 1871, a renowned non-profit small business incubator in Chicago, which helped establish the city as a major technology startup hub. Pritzker was sworn in as Illinois' 43rd governor in January 2019 and has since implemented a significant and progressive policy agenda. This includes "Rebuild Illinois," the largest infrastructure investment in state history. Pritzker has signed state laws that ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, raised the state minimum wage to $15 and measures that protect reproductive rights. Pritzker has been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, promoting legislation that advances equal rights and inclusion, including for trans youth. Pritzker is married to Mary Kathryn (MK) Pritzker, and they have two children, Teddi and Don. DENVER (KDVR) A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Sunday as triple-digit heat moves into the Denver weather forecast and puts the Mile High City on track for a new record high temperature. Cat found covered in red slurry rescued after days in Quarry Fire The hottest part of the day will be noon to 6 p.m., during that period it will be important to take precautions like staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning and dressing in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Weather tonight: Warm, dry Saturday night will stay warm and dry. Low temperatures will drop to the mid-60s, which is about 5 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. Public warned about fire retardant impacts: What to know Super Scooper aircraft deployed to Colorado wildfires Weather tomorrow: Record heat Sunday will start off sunny and hot. Heat advisories are set to go into effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as high temperatures climb into the triple digits. This heat would set a new record high in Denver. The current record is 98 degrees hit first in 1979, then tied in 1981 and 2022. By the afternoon, there is a slight chance for scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. Looking ahead: Hot start to the workweek, increasing chance for rain Monday will start with sunshine. Then, as high temperatures climb to the mid-90s, clouds will increase ahead of a few showers and storms. Tuesday will be similar with morning sunshine followed by a high in the mid-90s and a few showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The chance for rain increases starting Wednesday. High temperatures will reach the 90s again Wednesday ahead of a cold front that will bring a more widespread chance for rain and much cooler temperatures in the 80s Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Deputies in San Bernardino County allegedly opened fire on an armed man at a Sprouts Farmers Market on Saturday night. According to preliminary information, the purported deputy-involved shooting occurred at 9:34 p.m. at the Sprouts located on Carnelian Street near 19th Street in Rancho Cucamonga. The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remain unclear, but video from the scene obtained by KTLA shows one of the grocery stores front doors shattered. A person was seen being loaded into an ambulance; however, it is not clear if that person was the purportedly armed man, a responding deputy or a civilian. KTLA has reached out to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for more information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair will host nine candidates for Congress and the presidency starting Friday and continuing daily through Tuesday, Aug. 13. One presidential candidate is schedule to appear on the first Saturday afternoon of the fair: Libertarian Chase Oliver. At least one candidate for each of Iowas four congressional districts also is scheduled to speak. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was also scheduled to appear that day but had to cancel after "increase security concerns," his campaign said. Each candidate who appears at the Soapbox gets the stage, a microphone and 20 minutes to address fairgoers. The candidates can speak on whatever topic they want, using all their allotted time or not. They can take questions from the audience or not. In short, the 20 minutes is theirs to use as they see fit. A timekeeper will signal when their time is over, and a Register staffer will step up to take the mike. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox stage Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. The Soapbox is set up right off the Grand Concourse, in the front lawn of the Horner Service Center. Candidates running low-budget campaigns sometimes speak to a handful of people who happen to be walking by and stop to listen. Higher-profile candidates attract hundreds of supporters and curious onlookers. Bernie Sanders, running in his first presidential campaign in 2015, drew what I consider by eyeball estimate to be the biggest Soapbox crowd ever when a few thousand people stretched across the Grand Concourse to hear his populist pitch. The Register contracts with a sound technician who adjusts the volume to ensure a speaker can be heard no matter the crowd size. This year, the Register invited all presidential, vice presidential and Iowa congressional candidates expected to qualify for the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election. Im always disappointed when a few candidates each fair opt to skip the Soapbox. In this years congressional races, Democratic candidates running in each of the four districts are scheduled to appear, as are the three Libertarians nominated by their party. One Republican is scheduled to speak: Zach Nunn, an incumbent representing the 3rd District, which includes Des Moines and much of south central and southwest Iowa. It's an unfortunate reality these days that many high-level candidates largely channel their appearances toward campaign- or party-organized events expected to draw sympathetic crowds. While its understandable that candidates prioritize solidifying support within their party, leaning too hard into that pattern reduces opportunities to reach independent voters and open-minded members of other parties and reinforces the tribalism of todays politics. I thank each of the candidates who have scheduled appearances. Well accommodate late-comers if they change their minds. Most candidates who speak at the Soapbox accept the Registers invitation to appear at a side tent afterward to take questions from Register, state and national journalists. Before and after their Soapbox speeches, many also tour the fairgrounds, do radio interviews at stations fairground booths, take a turn flipping chops at the Iowa Pork Tent and otherwise mingle and talk with fairgoers. Whatever your personal politics, I hope youll come see and hear from the candidates on the Soapbox as they discuss their life stories, what motivates their beliefs and their visions for Iowa and the nation. The Register will write stories on each speech and post on-demand videos. Other state and national media outlets also will provide coverage. The schedule is subject to change. Bookmark DesMoinesRegister.com/Soapbox to find the latest schedule and coverage all fair long. You can also follow updates with our free Iowa Politics Newsletter. Sign up at DesMoinesRegister.com/PoliticsNewsletter. 2024 Des Moines Register Political Soapbox schedule Friday, Aug. 9 4:30 p.m.: Republican Zach Nunn, incumbent, 3rd Congressional District Saturday, Aug. 10 Noon: Libertarian Nicholas Gluba, 1st Congressional District 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Christina Bohannan, 1st Congressional District 4:30 p.m.: Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, U.S. presidency Sunday, Aug. 11 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Ryan Melton, 4th Congressional District 2:15 p.m.: Libertarian Marco Battaglia, 3rd Congressional District 3 p.m.: Libertarian Charles Aldrich, 4th Congressional District Monday, Aug. 12 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Lanon Baccam, 3rd Congressional District Tuesday, Aug. 13 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Sarah Corkery, 2nd Congressional District Editor's note: A previously published version of this story listed independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a speaker. He subsequently dropped out over security concerns. Carol Hunter is the Registers executive editor. She wants to hear your questions, story ideas or concerns at 515-284-8545, chunter@registermedia.com, or on Twitter: @carolhunter. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Come see 9 congressional, presidential candidates at Iowa State Fair Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials early Sunday warned of "catastrophic rain" likely deluging a wide swath of north Florida as Tropical Storm Debby barreled toward land, almost certain to trigger widespread power outages. DeSantis, who spoke from the state's Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, said the storm is expected to arrive as a Category 1 hurricane by landfall. "It's possible that you could have serious intensification between now and landfall," he said. "It could get up to 85, 90, 95 mile an hour sustained winds. That is absolutely possible, particularly in parts of the state like here in Tallahassee, (and) there's going to be a lot of trees that are going to fall down." Forecasters say the storm is expected to become a hurricane Sunday night; Debby's landfall Monday morning or afternoon will be Florida's first strike of 2024 in a hurricane season that forecasters say could become one of the worst on record. Later on Sunday morning, President Biden approved a Florida emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Debby, approving "federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support." Also, Debby comes as much of Tallahassee is still recovering from the May 10 storms and tornadoes that ripped the area, toppling thousands of trees, shredding homes and other structures, and saturating the ground. "We recognize when you're talking about an area like Tallahassee, there's a lot of trees," DeSantis said. "People like the trees, but with hurricanes, that's a lot of opportunity to have debris flying around (and) that makes it more likely that you're going to have power interruptions." DeSantis said winds could gust up to 85-90 mph and rainfall could be in the 15-20 inch range. Referring to last year's Hurricane Idalia, DeSantis said "this storm is on a similar track. It may be a tick to the west of that. It very well may have greater impacts here in the Tallahassee region than Hurricane Idalia did." As many as 17,000 line workers from inside and out of state are preparing to come to the area or are already staging, the governor added. State emergency officials have been "working with the utility companies throughout Florida (on) restoring power ... I just urge all local governments, all utility companies to utilize these resources once the storm passes." Debby "is potentially going to meander across that north Florida, south Georgia border at a very slow pace and so that means there's going to be a lot of water. You already have some of the rivers and the tributaries that are already high. You're going to end up with possibilities of flooding not just in the next two days but for many days afterwards," DeSantis said. Florida Emergency Management chief Kevin Guthrie, who appeared with DeSantis, said Debby will be "a wind and a rain event, but the winds are going to subside pretty quickly once it makes landfall. Then we're going to be into a catastrophic rain situation where we ... will receive 15, maybe as high as 20 inches of rain." But Guthrie also insisted the state is as ready as it can be, saying "the men and women of the state emergency response team are the best of the best" and that they "have been diligently working since last week." Guthrie said a new weapon in the war on water will be flood barriers being set up around electrical substations and wastewater facilities, described as orange tubes filled with water and stacked around vulnerable facilities. He didn't say where they're being deployed, but said "we wanted to set the standard for the United States on how to respond to a flood event." DeSantis also drew a contrast between recent storm response and that of 2016's Hurricane Hermine that blew through Tallahassee and the Big Bend, leaving homes and businesses without electricity for weeks. "Our view from the state is when these storms happen, of course you want to protect life and limb and property, and if people are in need of rescue, of course that's the number one (priority), but then get the power back on," he said. "And that's why we've mobilized all these resources. We've been doing this on all the different storms," the governor added. "They did not do that in Hermine, of course. ... We need to have a sense of urgency on this. If you have all these people that are just waiting and waiting for weeks on end for power, that makes it harder to do everything else you need to do." This post contains previously reported information. News Director Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis, others: Tropical Storm Debby will bring 'catastrophic rain' Will they debate or won't they? It may now be a question of when, not if for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photos: Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images; Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) Hours after the Democratic National Committee announced an ad campaign saying GOP nominee Donald Trump was afraid to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, the former president said in a social media post that he wants to debate Sept. 4 in Pennsylvania on Fox News, with a live audience. The FoxNews Debate will be held in the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at a site in an area to be determined. The Moderators of the Debate will be Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, Trump wrote in a post to his Truth Social network. But the Harris campaign said Saturday that Trump had already agreed to a debate on Sept. 10. Donald Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out, Michael Tyler, Harris campaign communications director said in a statement emailed to the Capital-Star. He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on Sept 10. The Vice President will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime time national audience. Were happy to discuss further debates after the one both campaigns have already agreed to. Mr. Anytime, anywhere, anyplace should have no problem with that unless hes too scared to show up on the 10th. Trump and President Joe Biden, who ended his reelection campaign last month, in May had agreed to two debates: one on June 27 on CNN, and another on Sept. 10, that was to be broadcast on ABC News. Trump had pushed for debates for months, saying he would debate Biden anytime, anywhere, anyplace. Biden had a shaky performance during the June 27 debate, eventually leading to him bowing out of the campaign and endorsing Harris. But during a July 23 call with reporters when Trump said he would be willing to do more than one debate with Harris, he said he was not sure he wanted to take part in the Sept. 10 debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris. Trump claimed that the Sept. 10 debate has been terminated in that Biden will no longer be a participant, and gave another reason in the post to his Truth Social platform late Friday: He said he is in litigation against ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos, thereby creating a conflict of interest. That lawsuit, filed in March claims that Stephanopoulos defamed Trump by saying during a March 10 segment of his This Week show that Trump had been found liable for raping the writer E. Jean Carroll. A jury in May found Trump liable for sexual abuse of Carroll stemming from a 1996 incident, which Trump has denied. Trump called the Sept. 4 date convenient and appropriate in that it is just prior to the September 6th start of Early Voting in the 2024 Presidential Election, in another social post Friday. Fox News had proposed to both campaigns last week that the network host a presidential debate on Sept. 17 in Pennsylvania, with Baier and MacCallum as moderators, but with the specific location to be determined. The DNC on Friday launched a new ad campaign to be displayed on major newspaper websites in battleground states where Trump is campaigning, starting with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that say the former president is afraid to debate Harris. 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. Harris, who clinched the Democratic nomination for president Friday following a roll call vote with delegates, will campaign with her still-unnamed running mate in swing states next week, with the first stop in Philadelphia, in a rally at Temple Universitys Liacouras Center. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is on the short list of candidates to be Harris vice president. Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and X. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX What does Missouris nuisance law mean for St. Louis? ST. LOUIS A Missouri law aims to fight blight and help people affected by nuisance properties in the City of St. Louis. Missouri Statute 82.1025 allows property owners within 1,200 feet of a nuisance property or a neighborhood organization representing affected property owners in the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City to take legal action. The statute allows applicable property owners and organizations to sue offending nuisance property owners for damages, including losses in their property value due to blight. Target to open its largest St. Louis store in University City The Marina Villa Neighborhood Association, representing south St. Louis residents, filed a lawsuit in June to address a nuisance property along Salena Street. The lawsuit claims that the St. Louis Department of Public Safety structurally condemned the property after several code violations, including cracked walls, damaged windows, interior debris and inoperable water service. The lawsuit seeks to have a receiver take temporary possession of the property and decrease nuisance conditions. According to St. Louis Magazine, neighborhood advocacy programs within St. Louis filed around 50 lawsuits a year similar to the one filed by the Marina Villa Neighborhood Association. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The statute allows for these lawsuits if the plaintiff has provided a written notice of nuisance conditions for at least 60 days without action to the property. According to the Missouri statute the notice must be sent through certified mail to the tenant or occupant of the nuisance property or the property owner last associated with the address. The notice must include: Description of the nuisance Date the nuisance was discovered Property address and location of the nuisance Description of relief sought If the notice is undeliverable via mail, the affected property owner or organization must have proof that a copy of the notice was posted on the property and a sworn affidavit of the notice being delivered. In the case a plaintiff wins, a judge may force an offender to clean up the property, compensate eligible parties or lose the property to a receiver. According to the statue, eligible parties looking to file a lawsuit over nuisance properties do not necessarily need proof of damages, just proof that a nuisance property and a notice of such property exist. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Does Whatcom Co. really produce the most red raspberries in the U.S.? We checked. In our Reality Check stories, Bellingham Herald journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? newsroom@bellinghamherald.com. Whatcom County is known for its beautiful landscapes, diversity and restaurant scene, but also for its agriculture. Last month, Lynden held its annual raspberry festival, celebrating our local farmers and berry fields that bring a sweet taste to our county. If youve been in Whatcom County for a while, youve probably heard that it produces the most raspberries in the United States, but is this actually true? We checked for you. Raspberry statistics and production also vary by the type of raspberry. Washington produces a variety of raspberries, such as red, purple, gold and black. Washington state raspberry production Washington state produces 60% of the United States red raspberry supply, and 95% of the nations processed red raspberries, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Raspberries thrive in an environment of a cool, marine climate, the departments website states. In 2023, Washington state produced 33,550 tons of raspberries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Of the 14,800 acres of raspberries harvested in the United States in 2023, 9,500 acres were in Washington state, according to the USDA. As raspberries grow well in marine environments, Oregon and California also produce a large amount of the berries each year. As of May 31, 2024, there were 24,437 pounds of red raspberries in cold storage in the Pacific region, compared to 27,118 pounds total in United States, according to the USDA. The first historical evidence of raspberries in Washington was near Olympia in 1833, according to Washington Grown, an agriculture informational website. The United States produced 70.8 tons of raspberries in 2022, following Serbia, Poland, Mexico and China with productions of up to 183.3 tons, according to the International Raspberry Organization. Whatcom County raspberry production In 2023, Whatcom County produced 58,614,626 pounds of red raspberries, 99.3% of the states crop, according to the Washington Red Raspberry Commission. The other 0.7% of raspberries were grown in Puget Sound and Southwest Washington, according to the commission. The county also raises the largest per capita crop of red raspberries in the world, according to Whatcom Family Farmers, with approximately 100 growers harvesting over 8,500 acres in the county. But the countys raspberry crops have fluctuated in past years. Whatcom County only produced 44,571,574 pounds of red raspberries in 2021, a drastic decrease compared to 63,674,250 pounds in 2020, according to the commission. Results of climate change like drought, wildfires and heat waves create hazardous working conditions, and in 2021, almost 40 percent of Whatcom Countys raspberry crop was destroyed in a record-breaking heat wave, according to Washington Growns website. Whatcom County is the epicenter of raspberry growing in Washington, producing 99 percent of all raspberries grown in the state. The countys amazing berry harvest is a testament to the rich agricultural history and the hardworking growers that make it all possible, the website states. Whatcom County has almost 100,000 acres of productive farmland and ranks as the sixth highest county in agricultural production, according to the Whatcom Conservation District. Whatcom County also produces a high amount of blueberries and strawberries, according to the district. Washington is the largest producer of both organic and conventional blueberries with about 50% of national production occurring in Washington state. Washington is the largest producer of processed red raspberries and the fifth largest producer of strawberries. The Bellingham Herald reached out to the Washington Red Raspberry Commission and some local raspberry farms but received no response. Dont skip the cringey parts of US history. Make it a mandatory class in high school | Opinion Americas past MAGA efforts to whitewash American history so white children wont feel bad are completely wrong. There should be a mandatory course for all high school students on American atrocities covering slavery/Jim Crow and our treatment of the Indigenous , Chinese, Japanese and other immigrant peoples. These parts of our history should make us all feel guilt and sadness. If it doesnt, what does that say about us as people? If we are ignorant of history we are doomed to repeat it. Willard Osburn, Cornelius My GOP dilemma Regarding A conservative blog revealed Mark Robinsons troubles, (Aug. 1 Opinion): When he ran for lieutenant governor, I made a small contribution to Mark Robinsons campaign. The more he talked, however, the more I worried about him, so I ended up not putting my mouth my vote where my money was. That was a first. Having learned more about Robinson since then, the more Im likely to vote for the other guy this time around too, even though I object to his political thinking. Its distasteful, at best, but I dont want Democrats to be able to point to a Gov. Robinson as a typical Republican standard-bearer. Im tempted to apply the same reasoning to Donald Trump (though I havent sent him a penny), but it would take too great a toll on my system. Phil Clutts, Harrisburg Kudos to Cooper Regarding NC Gov. Roy Cooper takes himself out of the running for Harris VP, NYT reports, (July 29) and related articles: A million thanks to Gov. Roy Cooper for withdrawing his name as a possible vice presidential candidate and not leaving us in Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons hands. Oh, how excited Robinson would have been to play governor while Cooper was away campaigning. With the way Robinson has lived his personal life, I can only imagine what he could do to North Carolina in a short time. Kudos to Cooper for sparing the great State of North Carolina. Elizabeth Schwirck, Matthews Hiring police Regarding Sonya Massey Shooting Update: Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death, (July 26) and related articles: The murder of Sonya Massey shines a bright light on a major law enforcement problem. The real question that should be asked though is how in Gods name did Sean Grayson have a badge? I realize our country has a major shortage of law enforcement officers and I know that calls to outright defund the police do not help this predicament. But there must be common sense laws that would make certain applicants unqualified for a position as a police officer or sheriffs deputy. Ive been a teacher in this state for 27 years and I can assure you that if I had been discharged from the military for misconduct and had two convictions for Driving Under the Influence, I would never have been hired. Benjamin J. Harris, Charlotte A livable world One candidate for president has the overwhelming support of virtually every environmental group for her climate positions. Another presidential candidate called climate change a Chinese hoax and rolled back more than 100 climate regulations. My neighbor favors the Chinese hoax point of view. Im voting for food and a more livable world. You? Greg Twait, Charlotte JD Vance, women Donald Trumps vice presidential running mate is toxic to women and our democracy. JD Vance believes women who are not mothers are somehow less than women who are mothers. He even had the audacity to say it publicly. Essentially, Vance is saying that if youre a woman who doesnt have children your voice in the democratic process counts for less. Now we know who Vance is. Men and women, let your voices be heard enthusiastically at the polls. Vehemently decline Vances bid to be vice president. Hes woefully unqualified to be second-in-command of our great nation. Women deserve better. America deserves better. Sham Ostapko, Huntersville DEI Diversity, equity and inclusion are not bad words. They are American words, American ideals. Cheryl Milam, Concord At a Georgia rally on Saturday, Donald Trump congratulated Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for the historic prisoner exchange arranged by President Joe Biden that freed 16 people wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich. Trump also disparaged the deal as inferior to deals he made, exaggerating the number of prisoners freed while he was president, and lying both about about how they were freed and about the terms of Bidens deal. By the way, Id like to congratulate Vladimir Putin for having made yet another great deal, Trump said. Did you see the deal we made? Now look, we want to get people in. We got 59 hostages I never paid anything. They released some of the greatest killers anywhere in the world, Trump continued. Some of the most evil killers they got. And we got our people back, but boy, we made some horrible, horrible deals. And its nice to say we got them back, but does that set a bad precedent? Trumps claim about the number of prisoners he freed has fluctuated somewhat hes previous claimed to have freed 58 prisoners. While there were prisoners held in other countries that were freed during the Trump administration, the number isnt known for certain but appears to be less than that number. In addition, Trumps claim that he never paid anything is apparently true in terms of money, but the implication Biden did pay money for his historic deal is a lie. No money was paid for the released prisoners according to all reporting on that deal. Meanwhile, in one 2020 deal Trumps administration made with Iran to free two U.S. prisoners, more than 200 Houthi militants held in Oman were freed and permitted to return to Yemen. As for Bidens deal, Americans freed in the hostage exchange included both Gershkovich, who was arrested in March of last year on espionage charges, and Paul Whelan, a former Marine imprisoned since 2018 who was also accused and convicted of espionage. U.S. officials have said the espionage claims against both men are false. They were each sentenced to 16 years in prison. Two other journalists were released in the prisoner swap: Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The release included 16 prisoners freed from Russia, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens being held as political prisoners. President Joe Biden thanked Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey for helping with the multi-country prisoner swap. He did not praise Putin in his remarks. Trump pivoted from praising Putin and criticizing the hostage deal to attacking his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has the most ultra-left-wing agenda of any presidential candidate ever in history, Trump claimed. She is considered more left-wing then Crazy Bernie Sanders. She is worse than Bernie. The Republican presidential nominee went on to attack Harris intelligence. She graduated from Howard University, earned a law degree and served as Californias attorney general and a senator before taking office as Bidens vice president. She happens to be really a low IQ individual, Trump said in his attack. She has a very low IQ. We dont need a low IQ. President Xi of China said, oh good, we have another one, a low-IQ individual,' Trump said, taking a sideswipe at Biden. They love dealing with low IQ people, and they got them here. I tell you, we got them all. She is terrible. I think she is worse than him, Trump added, continuing on with attacks on both Harris and Biden. By the way, they really took it away from the guy, right? I dont feel sorry for him, because hes a bad guy. Making a half-joke about Bidens perceived mental decline, Trump added, They did a coup, he just doesnt know it. The post Donald Trump Congratulates Vladimir Putin for Prisoner Exchange Biden Arranged That Freed Evan Gershkovich | Video appeared first on TheWrap. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump tore into Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday, claiming the fellow Republican was hurting his reelection campaign in the Peach State. Trump also criticized Kemp for not helping his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Hes a bad guy. Hes a disloyal guy and hes a very average governor, Trump said at a campaign rally in Atlanta in one of several comments aimed at Kemp, along with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, another Republican who resisted Trump's efforts to overturn his loss to President Biden in the state. Little Brian Kemp, Trump called the governor. Trumps attacks reignited tensions between him and Georgia Republicans. The former president lost the state narrowly in 2020 and heavily pressured Kemp and Raffensperger to reverse his defeat. Trump was indicted last year by an Atlanta grand jury for his attempt to overturn the election. In my opinion, they want us to lose, Trump said of Kemp and Raffensperger. Trumps attacks on Kemp and Raffensperger are notable given Georgia is one of a handful of battleground states that will determine the winner of the upcoming presidential election and Kemp is popular in the Peach State. Former US President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump points to the crowd as he leaves after speaking during a campaign rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 3, 2024. Kemp hit back at Trump earlier on Saturday, responding to a post the former president made on Truth Social which also went after the governors wife, Marty Kemp. My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats - not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past, Kemp said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. During his rally, Trump claimed Kemp was to blame for crime in Georgia, saying Atlanta is like a killing field, under his leadership. Georgia has gone to hell, Trump said. Kemp did not vote for Trump in this years GOP primaries, telling CNN in June he instead casted a blank ballot because at that point, it didnt really matter. Ultimately though, Kemp said he will vote for the GOP ticket. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump renews feud with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp: 'Disloyal guy' Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) attacked the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday for its treatment of people convicted of crimes in connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, defending former President Trumps promise to pardon them. Donalds claimed in an ABC This Week interview with George Stephanopoulos that Trumps pardon commitment isnt a blanket pardon but a more measured review of cases. What we do understand is that the Department of Justice under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, they did massively push up charges on people who protested at the Capitol and some who rioted at the Capitol on Jan. 6, he said. So, what hes talking about is doing a case-by-case review. Trump has repeatedly said he will pardon those convicted of Jan. 6 crimes. In an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention last week, Trump said the pardon would include those who assaulted police officers, which Donalds denied. George, what Im telling you is hes going to go back and look at these cases because it is without a doubt and look, Jan. 6 is a very painful memory in our country, Donalds said. But it is without a doubt that the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia was supercharging these people because of political viewpoints. Stephanopoulos repeated Trumps quote multiple times, emphasizing that he included those who assaulted police in his promise to pardon, though Donalds again denied it. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) similarly defended Trump on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. I believe President Trump will take a look at it and hell do what he feels like is best. I have my complete faith in President Trump that he pays attention to every little detail, and he will do whats right for the American people, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. More than 700 children from four communities in Donetsk Oblast will be evacuated away from the front line, Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Aug. 4 as heavy battles continue in the direction of Pokrovsk. Filashkin made the announcement after holding a meeting on the local security situation, particularly in the front-line villages of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka in Pokrovsk Raion. Hrodivka and Novohrodivka are now situated around 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the front line. At the beginning of 2024, the villages were located around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the front. "We have to evacuate 744 children and their families from four communities to safer regions of Ukraine," Filashkin said. The mandatory evacuation order was issued for children with their parents or legal guardians as Russian forces are targeting "these communities with aerial bombs every day," Filashkin said. Evacuating children will be carried out with armored cars "because the enemy is actively using FPV drones on the territory of these communities," Filashkin added. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 30 that Russia began concentrating its efforts in the east, "throwing everything they have" in the direction of Pokrovsk, after the renewed offensive on Kharkiv failed. According to the local authorities, around 60,000 people, including 4,000 children, remain in Pokrovsk, which is currently around 20 kilometers from the front line. Around 500 people are evacuated on average every month and 4,000 children have already been evacuated from Pokrovsk. Read also: As their parents refuse to evacuate, these Ukrainian children grow up on the front line (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. More than 30 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on a pair of schools in Gaza on Sunday, as tensions rise in the Middle East amid fear of a wider regional war between Israel and Iran. The Israeli military struck the Hassan Salama and Nasser schools in Gaza City, where thousands of displaced Gazans were staying, killing at least 30 and leaving another 16 missing, according to Gazan authorities. The military said, Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, surveillance, and additional intelligence, though a witness told The Washington Post that the attack killed multiple women and children. The strike came the same day as a West Bank Palestinian man stabbed two Israelis to death and injured two others in a terror attack in a Tel Aviv suburb. Tensions in the region are on edge after Israel killed a pair of Hamas leaders, including its most senior leader, in strikes on Tehran and Beirut last week. The Iranian government has vowed revenge, while its ally militant group Hezbollah is also increasing its skirmish attacks on the Israeli border. Israeli lawmakers have openly called for war in Lebanon against Hezbollah, while the U.S. has also urged Americans to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, wary of future conflict. Deputy national security adviser Jonathan Finer said in a CBS Face the Nation interview on Sunday that the U.S. is working to lower tensions between Israel and Hezbollah after months of skirmishes. What were trying to do is prepare for any eventuality, he said. Obviously, weve been quite clear that we will work with our ally Israel to defend itself against key threats that it faces, and we are in a moment that appears to be a heightened threat. The U.S. also ordered a carrier group and additional fighter aircraft to the eastern Mediterranean on Friday in deterrence of any Hezbollah or Iranian attack on Israel. Finer said the move is entirely focused on defending Israel against potential threats it may face, and out of our desire to both deter those threats, defend against them, and ultimately deescalate the situation and avoid it sliding into a regional war. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) A 22-year-old man has been charged for his connection to a Saturday night crash that left two women dead and another person injured on Gallatin Pike. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the deadly crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Gallatin Pike and Cude Lane on Saturday, Aug. 3. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Giovanni Bolstad (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Officials said a preliminary investigation indicates that 22-year-old Giovanni Bolstad was traveling in a Jeep Cherokee on Cude Lane out of Rivergate Mall when he ran a red flashing light and crashed into a Ford Focus on Gallatin Pike. Two women in the Focus identified as 24-year-old Natalie White of Illinois, and 25-year-old Holly Wagner of Missouri were killed in the crash, police said. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old driver of the Focus sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to TriStar Skyline Medical Center. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Candace Williams-Fakes lives near the crash site and said her heart went out to the victims, as she also has daughters around their age. Just being heartbroken because Im a mother, my youngest is 22, so seeing that the girls were 24 and 25 just really, it gave me chills, Williams-Fakes said. Williams-Fakes said Saturdays crash was just the latest in a number of traffic concerns she has. Shed like to see police bump up patrols along Gallatin Pike. We see them going anywhere from a good 70 to 100 miles an hour down this road, down Cude Lane, and its horrible because at the other end of the street, we have a curve before theres more street and a stop sign, so if youre going so fast, its just, someones going to lose control at some point in time, she said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Authorities reported Bolstad who has a previous DUI conviction from 2023 ran away from the scene after the crash, but later returned and was taken to TriStar Skyline Medical Center to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Bolstad was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular assault and driving on a revoked license. He is being held in Metro Jail on a $332,500 bond, according to booking records. My voice is so small, but itd be something Id really want them to push harder at, to push for more laws and more bills, anything that could help with that at all. Repeat offender shouldnt be something that were using so much, so often, Williams-Fakes added. No additional information was immediately released about Saturdays deadly incident. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A 23-year-old man convicted of drive-by shooting and first-degree assault for bringing a gunman to and from an Eastside Tacoma home where a man was shot in the head in a spray of gunfire was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison. Jeremy James Orla Vanzant-Volpe was convicted in a jury trial in the March 25, 2023 injury shooting of Treyvon Clark. According to prosecutors, the shooter, Alexander Semaj Isaiah Carson, directed Vanzant-Volpe to follow Clark after spotting him at a smoke shop on Portland Avenue. Outside Clarks residence on South Bell Street, Carson stuck his hand out the window of the Kia Sportage that Vanzant-Volpe was driving and used a handgun modified for automatic fire to shoot 19 bullets at Clark while he walked to his front door, according to court records. Clark, then 22, was struck in the forehead. On Friday, Pierce County Superior Court Judge Susan B. Adams sentenced Vanzant-Volpe to 12 years, 9 months in prison for his role in the shooting. Police zeroed in on Vanzant-Volpe as the driver using a video that captured the shooting and images from a surveillance camera that showed its license plate, according to charging documents. Vanzant-Volpe was arrested three days after the shooting when police stopped the Kia in Des Moines. Carson was arrested July 3, 2023 following a police pursuit that led onto Interstate 5. Carson allegedly reached speeds of 130 mph before he crashed while trying to take an exit in King County. At trial, Carson, 23, was convicted of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, drive-by shooting, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle. Vanzant-Volpe, who testified at trial, was acquitted of attempted murder but was convicted of drive-by shooting and assault. Clark spent 17 days on life support, his mother said at Carsons sentencing hearing June 14, when the gunman was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Clark survived the shooting, but his arm was paralyzed, and he suffered a brain infection. Prosecutors said the incident had an enormous impact on the victims mobility and his ability to care for himself and his young son. This near-death experience and the enormous impact of the crime on the victims life justifies a high-end sentence, deputy prosecuting attorney Sunni Ko wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Treyvon Clark, 23, was paralyzed when he was shot in the head March 25, 2023 in a gang-related shooting in Eastside Tacoma. On Friday, June 14, 2024, the man convicted of shooting him was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Ko recommended that Superior Court Judge Susan B. Adams sentence Vanzant-Volpe to 15 years in prison, five years of which stemmed from a firearm sentencing enhancement. She argued in court filings that the defense had not shown that Vanzant-Volpes youth had hurt his ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions. She said the defendants own statements to investigators contradicted defense claims that he was afraid of Carson, and despite growing up with supportive family members, he chose to befriend Carson and chose Carsons lifestyle. At Carsons sentencing hearing, Ko told the court the shooting was retaliation for a robbery the week before at a rap studio that involved two different sets of gangs. But testimony about Carsons gang ties was excluded from trial. Vanzant-Volpe has no prior criminal history. He was born in Federal Way, grew up in Pierce County and graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 2019. According to a psychological evaluation included in the defenses sentencing memorandum, he was never associated with gangs, but Vanzant-Volpe reported that he knew Carson was involved with them. I never cared about that, Vanzant-Volpe reportedly told a psychologist. I dont judge people and just tell them not to put me in your situation. His attorney from the Department of Assigned Counsel, Sarah Tofflemire, requested an eight-year prison sentence, arguing that it was justified by Vanzant-Volpes age, lack of successful familial support and general immaturity at the time of the offense. A private investigator who prepared a report on Vanzant-Volpes background concluded that there were no indications in his personal history that he would become involved in criminal activity, but that he lacked self-regulation and foresight. He reportedly told the investigator he had no awareness of Carsons intentions. I didnt want any of this to happen, Vanzant-Volpe said, according to the investigator. I should have just taken him home instead of anywhere else. I should have done more to stop it. Prosecutors maintained that Vanzant-Volpe knew what could or would happen the minute Carson recognized Clark at the smoke shop and handed him a balaclava to put over his face. Ko wrote that the defendant could have stopped the car, demanded Carson get out or get out himself. Instead, he drove Carson to the victims home, and after the shooting, he scraped stickers off his car that would connect the vehicle to the crime. When it came time to assist Carson in carrying out his crime, Defendant did not hesitate, Ko wrote. Later when he was caught, he lied to police and did everything he could to not name his buddy in crime. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A 36-year-old man has died after a east Columbus shooting late Saturday evening. Authorities responded to the 800 block of Murray Avenue at 11:29 p.m. on Saturday on report of a shooting, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Officers found Dajuan Rios, 36, suffering from a gunshot wound in the propertys front yard and transported him to a hospital in critical condition. This embedded content is not available in your region. Rios was pronounced dead at 3:21 a.m. on Sunday. Columbus police said the incident is still under investigation, and are asking anyone with information to call 614-645-4730. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukrainian forces report that Russia is engaging foreign volunteers, in particular Egyptian citizens, in combat operations on the Kharkiv front. Source: Kharkiv Tactical Group of Ukrainian forces Quote: "The enemy has intensified aerial reconnaissance in [the town of] Vovchansk using UAVs and is moving their personnel. The transfer of [command over] certain enemy positions from the assault units of the 4th Volunteer Assault Brigade to the units of the 153rd Tank Regiment of the 47th Tank Division in the northern part of the town has been observed. The enemy is engaging foreign volunteers, in particular, Egyptian citizens, in combat operations." Details: The Russians moved their personnel near the village of Hlyboke in Kharkiv Oblast and evacuated the bodies of their troops near the Russian village of Lozovaya Rudka in Belgorod Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! As memorials for the victims of the Aug. 3, 2019, white supremacist attack began Saturday morning, the Border Network for Human Rights was once again calling attention to the root causes of the attack. The group held its annual El Paso Firme event at Edgemere Walk Park Saturday morning. A wooden podium was surrounded by 23 crosses painted with the names of the 23 victims of the 2019 attack, each adorned with a flower wreath wrapped in a banner with slogans like "End white supremacy" and "No mas racismo" and "We will never forget." For BNHR Executive Director Fernando Garcia, the aftershocks of the attack on the Walmart near Cielo Vista Mall are still being felt and, in many cases, are being worsened as politicians continue to wave the same hateful banners as the man who orchestrated the attack. "We are in a constant healing process," Garcia said. "This was not a circumstantial attack. This was not a mental health issue, as many people have tried to present it ... what is clear to us is that two evil systems came together to create the conditions for that attack." Those "systems," he said, are the continued use of white supremacist and anti-immigrant rhetoric at the highest levels of government, especially from former President Donald Trump, and ready access to firearms in the United States. Jeri Halberg touches a cross with the name of her relative, Angelina Englisbee, who was one of the victims of the Aug. 3 Walmart mass shooting, during a memorial to mark the fifth anniversary of the shooting organized by the Border Network of Human Rights in El Paso, Texas on Aug. 3, 2024. "We didn't know back then, but now we know that these evil narratives not only hurt people, they kill people," he said. "That's what happened in El Paso." 'It feels like it was just the other day' Among the speakers memorial event were Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship Pastor Michael Grady and his daughter, Michelle, who was wounded during the shooting and spent more than a month in the hospital recovering. "In some ways, it feels like it was a long time ago but, in a lot of ways, it feels like it was just the other day," she said. "It's been a long road ... everyday is a journey." "It's been hard trying to get my life back to what it was before," Grady added. "There's no amount of love, support or money that will bring anyone back or change anything from that day, but the support that has been felt by me from the community is very appreciated ... " Pastor Michael Grady, prays next to his daughter, Michelle Grady during a memorial held for the victims on the fifth anniversary of the Aug. 3 Walmart shooting at Edgemere Park in El Paso, Texas on Aug. 3, 2024. Michelle is a survivor of the massacre. Michael Grady turned his attention toward the fight against the type of hate, racism and xenophobia that made the shooting possible in the first place. "Everything we thought about humanity changed," he said. "We were targeted for our community. We were targeted because of the color of our skin, but we were mostly targeted because of the hatred that spewed from the mouth of the former president. And those words continue to spew from the mouths of those in leadership." More: El Paso Walmart shooting: A timeline of tragedy He told the crowd that hatred begins in the heart. "We must begin to speak truth to power and not hide behind medical diagnoses," Grady continued. "We're not born divided, we're not born divisive, we're not born with hatred. We hope today ... that our civil, social and human rights leaders will continue to fight the fight of faith, continue to speak truth to power, continue to build a community of solidarity." 'A community for all' A bevy of local leaders gave comments, including East-Central city Rep. Cassandra Hernandez, a candidate for mayor, and El Paso County Commissioner David Stout. For her part, Hernandez took aim at the promises made by Gov. Greg Abbott in the wake of the shooting, promises she said he not only didn't deliver on but in fact "did the exact opposite." Stout focused on the continuing perseverance of El Paso and its people over the years following the shooting. Volunteers with the Border Network of Human Rights carry crosses with the names of the victims of the Aug. 3 shooting during a memorial on the fifth anniversary of the massacre. "We are here primarily to honor the victims and we're here to stand up for El Paso and we're here to say we reject hate," Stout said, alternating between English and Spanish. "El Paso's not perfect, no community is, but for many years the vast majority of us have stood strong in the principle that this is a community for all." 'Justicia - justice' As the speakers finished their comments, volunteers hoisted the 23 crosses and led the crowd down the street, past Ponder Park, which acted as a reunification area for survivors of the attack five years ago, to the nearby Walmart beside Cielo Vista Mall. Once there, a bell rang and each of the victims' names were read aloud followed by a chant of "justicia" from the crowd. Doves are released during a memorial held on the fifth anniversary of the Aug. 3 Walmart mass shooting. The memorial was organized by the Border Network of Human Rights in El Paso, Texas on Aug. 3, 2024. Once the last name was called, 23 white doves were released they sputtered as they left their cage and darted past the flowers nearby. Then, they took to the sky and disappeared above El Paso. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso fights racism, white supremacy during Walmart mass shooting ceremony El Paso woman killed in car crash into back of stopped semitruck on I-10 freeway An El Paso driver was killed early Sunday in a three-vehicle collision when her car crashed into a rear of a trailer stopped in the emergency lane of Interstate 10 in the far East Side, police said. El Paso police said that speed, alcohol and an unsafe lane change are suspected of being factors in the freeway crash, which remains under investigation. Crime: Socorro man arrested on murder charge in fatal shooting on Valle Verde Road Sandy Almanza, 49, was driving a silver 2022 Honda Accord westbound on I-10 when the crash occurred at 1:20 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, near Don Haskins Drive, between Loop 375 and Zaragoza Road, police said. A police news release stated that the Almanza was heading west at the same time as a white 2020 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Jorge Alexis Gamboa, 25, of El Paso. Both cars attempted to move into the same lane and collided, causing both of them to spin out of control. The Accord then crashed into the back of a semitruck stopped on the right emergency lane of I-10 West. Almanza died at the scene. Traffic deaths 2024: Driver, 90, killed by his runaway SUV in Montwood neighborhood in far East El Paso The truck driver was identified by police as Mustapha Saddiqi, 43, of Forney, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. There have been 38 traffic-related deaths in El Paso this year compared with 47 at this time last year, according to Police Department numbers. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso woman killed in I-10 car accident into back of semitruck Gov. Josh Shapiro signs Pennsylvania's 2024-25 budget July 11, 2024, with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) and Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) among those in attendance. The three Democrats were among those whose school districts saw increased funding. (Commonwealth Media Service photo) The centerpiece of this years state budget is a historic $1.1 billion increase in funding to Pennsylvanias K-12 schools, with a large chunk of that going to ensuring the states poorest schools are more adequately funded. The new spending is largely in response to a Commonwealth Court ruling that found Pennsylvanias school funding system to be unconstitutionally inequitable. But buried in the bill that lays out how to spend those funds are directions to send around $14 million to 11 specific school districts. Thats in addition to what theyre awarded through the new formula that determines state funding for underfunded Pennsylvania school districts. Each of the 11 school districts that received increased funds is represented exclusively by Democrats in the state House, including multiple members of the caucus leadership. Only three of the school districts are represented by Republicans in the Senate. Beth Rementer, a spokesperson for House Democrats, said the 11 school districts were chosen because they were particularly impacted by a change to the new school funding formula insisted on by Republicans during budget negotiations. The Republican-favored funding formula meant hundreds of schools would receive less state money than in the version backed by Democrats. Republicans ultimately won that fight, and agreed to add additional funding for 11 school districts Democrats say they felt were most short-changed. But an analysis by the Capital-Star found that, while the 11 school districts were more impacted than most by the proposed changes to the funding formula, other school districts represented by House Republicans were affected just as much, if not more, by that same policy decision. Yet they did not receive additional funds. If it was necessary to put additional funds toward those 11 school districts, that raises questions about how effective the new funding formula for Pennsylvanias public schools actually is and whether it will ensure the required fairness across all 500 of the commonwealths districts. If you really think that its important to make adjustments for people who are hurt, you should make them for all of the people who were hurt, said Michael Churchill, an attorney with the Public Interest Law Center that represented some of Pennsylvanias school districts in the Commonwealth Court case. They chose to fix it for those 11. But without fixing it for the rest. Thats not terribly sustainable. Three of the school districts that sued the state, represented by Churchill, were among the ones singled out for increased funds. None of the 11 school districts that got an increase in funding received more than they would have in the Democrat-backed version of the funding formula, according to a Capital-Star analysis. Several Democrats have blamed Republicans for refusing to back what they saw as a more equitable funding formula, and then failing to secure additional funds for the school districts most hurt by that. I wanna see every community and every kid and every school district get what they deserve, and thats a high quality education, said Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin), who represents Steelton-Highspire School District, which received additional funds. If other communities felt they were not given what they feel they were owed, I would ask: What conversations did they have with their representative and what did their representative do to advocate for them. But some Republicans have accused House Democrats of picking favorites among the states school districts. Its very difficult to keep politics out of funding formulas of any kind, because it is ultimately elected officials who are voting on them, said House Education Committee Minority chair Jesse Topper (R-Bedford). Its what makes sense by the numbers, but also, what gets you the votes. And school-funding advocates, who have spent decades pushing for a more equitable school funding formula, say the carve-outs are a sign that, despite the historic new investment and major steps forward, the legislative process is plagued by the same problems that, in part, contributed to educational inequities in the first place. This is the kind of system weve complained about in the past, said Paul Socolar, the communications person for the Education Law Center. Instead of figuring out a system thats fair across the board, you do some earmarks. The funding for the 11 school districts was negotiated and agreed upon by leaders of the House Democratic party and Senate Republican party, as well as Gov. Josh Shapiros office. The final budget agreement was the result of a thoughtful, considered negotiation with all leaders in both parties one that builds on our progress to give every Pennsylvania student the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed, said Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro. The new formula based on Census data is transparent, justifiable, and accountable and will work to benefit schools across our entire commonwealth, said Kate Flessner, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana), who led negotiations for his caucus. The 11 additional, one-time adjustments were for districts prioritized by House Democrats. The increased support as part of this years budget is a sincere effort to address the Commonwealth Court ruling. Buried in a code bill The additional funding for the 11 school districts is outlined in the final pages of the 100 page bill that directs state education funding. That includes the new formula that will determine the distribution of just over $500 million to underfunded school districts, in addition to the basic education funding formula None of the 11 school districts is identified by name, but by a set of characteristics so narrow they could only describe one school district. For example, the bill will send around $1 million to a school district in a class 2-A county that had an average daily membership of between 5,590 and 5,595 students in the 2021-2022 academic year. That description could only fit the William Penn School District in Delaware County, part of which is in the state House district of Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia). In total, the 11 school districts would receive around $14 million in the coming year, or $128 million over nine years if future legislatures agree to continue the funding. Three of the 11 school districts are represented in the state House by members of the Democratic caucus leadership, including McClinton, Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) and Caucus Secretary Tina Davis (D-Bucks). Norristown Area School district, represented by Bradford, will receive almost $2 million. Bristol Township School District, represented by Davis, is set to get about $1.6 million. A fourth school district, Woodland Hills School District, will receive $444,000. Its represented by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). A spokesperson for Costa did not respond to questions from the Capital-Star Only three of the 11 schools are represented by Republicans in the state Senate. Two of the three Republican Senators who had school districts they represent receive additional funds are committee chairs with staff who were more involved in negotiations over the budget and education funding plan than other rank and file members of their caucus. Appropriations chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) and Education chair Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) represent the Lancaster and Wilkes-Barre school districts, respectively. A spokesperson for Argall referred questions to the Senate Majority leader. A spokesperson for Martin said, additional funding for these 11 districts was identified as a top priority for House Democrats based on their calculations. Flessner, the spokesperson for Majority Leader Pittman, said in an email that a goal for their caucus was transparency. Even in the case of the 11 districts which House Democrats singled out, the language was clearly outlined in the school code in a transparent manner, Flessner wrote. A divide over data After Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvanias poorest school districts were unconstitutionally underfunded, the legislature was effectively given a mandate to come up with a solution. The outcome is a funding formula for K-12 public schools that will result in $4.5 billion being invested explicitly into Pennsylvanias poorest school districts over the next nine years. But negotiations between Shapiros office, House Democrats and Senate Republicans almost derailed because of a disagreement over what data to use to measure student poverty in a given school district. Local poverty levels are a key factor in the new funding formula. Generally, school districts with higher levels have a higher funding target. House Democrats wanted to use data on student poverty reported by the school districts themselves. Republicans wanted to use data collected in an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Democrats and school funding advocates say the Census Bureau data can be inaccurate, and that school districts have much more knowledge about the families theyre reporting on. But Republicans raised concerns about a system that would have school districts controlling the data that would effectively determine a portion of their funding. Ultimately, Republicans won that battle. But using the Census Bureau data resulted in hundreds of schools losing potential funds because of smaller reported poverty levels. It also resulted in the state aiming to spend $700 million less on poor school districts over nine years compared to what Democrats had hoped. The bottom line is this all comes from this misguided notion that school districts are making up their poverty data, said Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, a senior attorney with the Public Interest Law Center. All that stuff that school districts are counting are going in and calling kids poor when theyre not its just crazy. The Pennsylvania Department of Education told the Capital-Star that school districts use numerous data points, like local enrollment in assistance programs such as Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It can be further informed by direct surveys. (It) sounds really brutal and cruel, but we weren't going to go to bat for their districts if they weren't going to go to bat for their districts. State Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), who effectively authored the Democrat-backed funding formula using school district-collected data, said he suggested multiple compromises. One idea was to average the two datasets. Another was to use the census data for the first two years of distributing funds, then switch to the school district-reported data after lawmakers could shore up the reporting standards. But Republicans, he said, wouldnt budge. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) even acknowledged their inability to ensure self-reported data was accurate, Flessner told the Capital-Star. Pennsylvania taxpayers are investing massive amounts in public education and the process of driving those dollars to school districts should be as clear as possible for our Caucus there was no debate on this matter. So Democratic negotiators selected 11 school districts represented by members of their party that were particularly affected by the push to use census bureau data. Republican negotiators agreed. We funded our districts because they didnt have a problem with cutting their districts, said Sturla, who said he was not personally involved in that part of the negotiations. [It] sounds really brutal and cruel, but we werent going to go to bat for their districts if they werent going to go to bat for their districts. The Lancaster School District, which Sturla represents, saw one of the largest decreases in adequacy funding when comparing the Republican and Democrat-supported plans. Without the increased funds, the data switch would have resulted in a roughly 80% drop in adequacy funding, and one of the largest per-student drops in funding of any district. It also saw the largest funding increase of the 11 districts, at almost $2.7 million. But other districts represented by House Republicans were impacted just as hard, or harder, by the data switch, and saw no additional funds. Take Uniontown Area School District in Fayette County. It lost around 84% of its potential adequacy funding, but received no special carve-out. Its represented exclusively by Republicans in the legislature. Shade-Central City School District in Somerset County lost all of its adequacy funding in the data switch. Though its a small school district and the total amount it lost out on is relatively small, it lost more potential dollars per student than any district. Its also represented exclusively by Republicans. Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-Somerset), who represents Shade-Central City School District, said in an email that he opposed the picking of favorites by the Democratic majority. Metzgar also said that he preferred the use of Census Bureau data over the unreliable Department of Education data preferred by Democrats, even if Shade-Central City school district would have received less funds. The new formula added that much needed stability so that districts could better budget year to year, he wrote. Lawmakers say they didnt ask for funds Sturla said that he never asked negotiators for increased funds for Lancaster alone. He says he pushed for a funding formula without carve-outs that would have increased funding to all school districts affected by using the Census Bureau poverty data. I hate doing formulas that you have to do that kind of stuff with, because then everybody goes, oh, well why did they get special treatment, Sturla said. The funding formula he helped author as the chair of the Basic Education Funding Commission had no such carve-outs and used the Department of Education data collected by school districts. It passed the Democrat-controlled House, but wasnt taken up in the Republican-led Senate. Democratic staff involved in negotiations also said they did not consult with members of their caucus who represented the school districts ahead of time. Rep. Regina Young, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Delaware counties, represents two school districts that were selected to receive additional funds, but said she wasnt aware they were on the list of 11 districts until just before the final vote. Young also said that she had previously brought concerns about how the data switch would affect those districts to caucus leaders in both parties. She wondered if thats why they were chosen. I think its one of those situations where the squeaky wheel gets the oil, Young said. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Ellis Park hosted Horses and Hope Saturday, celebrating and honoring those who have been impacted by breast cancer. People in the Tri-State got to visit with Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman who says its an honor to meet cancer survivors who offered encouragement during her own battle with breast cancer. Coleman says this emotion is something you only experience once youve gone through it yourself, reflecting on how support from fellow survivors helped along the way. Its funny to me because theyll say you know were so thankful that youre here and you give us hope and Im like no, you gave me hope. You inspired me during a very dark time and so this is my way to give back to them and so I feel more I feel that its more of an honor for me to hug them and be here for them than anything else right now, said Colemen. The event welcomes and celebrates all breast cancer survivors hoping to show that women are not alone in this fight. One survivor says shes celebrating 40 years in remission, thankful for events like these that bring survivors together. You kind of have to find your own strength. I think after so many years it kind of develops. You just have to hang in there and do everything you can to prevent an occurrence or a reoccurrence, said Coleman. Horses and Hope aims to be a day for the community to show up and honor those who are fighting a cancer journey. To learn more, watch the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Second gentleman Doug Emhoff on Saturday acknowledged that his first marriage was rocky and admitted to having an extramarital affair. During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions, Emhoff said, per a statement first obtained by CNN. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side. His comments followed reporting from The Daily Mail about the affair. A source close to the matter told The Associated Press that the people that vetted Vice President Harris prior to her being selected as President Bidens running mate four years ago were aware of the affair. Harris had also known about it before her wedding to Emhoff a little over a decade ago, the source said. His ex-wife, Kerstin, shared in a statement Saturday that they ended the marriage for a variety of reasons. Still, she added, He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have built together. Emhoffs acknowledgment comes as Harris has risen to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden stepped down from the race and endorsed her last month. She has faced a slew of attacks about her family situation and racial identity, particularly from former President Trumps running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). Vance, in clips that have resurfaced online, criticized those on the Democratic side including Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) for being without children. He, however, said in a separate speech that he was not targeting those who couldnt have kids for biological or medical reasons. How does it make any sense that weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it? Vance said in 2021, referring to Harris and others as childless cat ladies, and adding that the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children. The comments have again sparked backlash among Democrats, and the Ohio senator doubled down on the rhetoric as sarcastic and turned again to attacking Democrats as anti-family. Trump has also defended his vice-presidential pick. Harris, however, has two stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff, by way of the second gentleman. The Hill has reached out to Harriss campaign for comment. The Associated Press contributed reporting. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Since our Stark County commissioners have voted to block most large-scale solar and wind energy projects from coming here, one has to ask what happened to the party that controls the county and our state. I remember when support for business and economic development were core values of the Republican Party. Evidently, something has changed drastically when local leaders and their voters turn down new proposed projects offering to bring jobs and energy to our region. The population of Stark County is around 370,000, the same as it was in 1970. Numerous studies have also shown we are getting older and poorer. Why have our elected county officials and business leaders failed to address this situation? Craig S. Covey This region needs to stop clinging to its status as a Rust Belt community and follow the lead of successful and growing areas around us. Pittsburgh, Columbus and Cincinnati have all come back from hard times through innovation, new ideas, technologies, business models and industries. Even Detroit and Cleveland are coming back with growing downtowns that include new residents, housing, public transportation, sporting events and nightlife. Stark County and Northeast Ohio should be putting out the welcome mat and encouraging new business and industry to come here. This, in turn, would keep our young people from leaving and attract new residents. Successful communities should not be turning away innovative companies from locating in our region. Recently, we had new companies express their desire to bring clean energy and industry investments to Stark County. Most of the world has embraced the need for new, clean energy sources and technologies. Yet the response from our political and business leaders has been negative, if not hostile. Lawn signs in some townships popped up saying "No Solar Farms." Meanwhile, despite the pollution, climate damage and huge corruption scandals, our state leaders continue to embrace coal and oil, even allowing drilling in our parks and wildlife refuges. Stark County and Ohio are great places to live and raise families, with friendly people, pleasant seasons and a decent cost of living. We could return to growth and prosperity if only our state and county politicians and community leaders finally could embrace the future. Craig Covey is a former community organizer, mayor, county commissioner and public health educator. Now retired, he is a resident of Stark County involved with local political issues, philanthropy and gardening.. This article originally appeared on The Repository: New energy projects, such as solar farms, could help Stark County English learners are rising in Nashville schools. Discover the stories behind the data Multilingual learners are one of the fastest growing populations at Metro Nashville Public Schools. The population has steadily grown over the last decade and now makes up nearly a third of the district. Multilingual learners, also known as English learners, accounted for roughly 24,000 out of the district's 82,000 students in the 2023-24 school year. That boom has been in tandem with a steady increase in Hispanic and Latino students over the last decade. If trends continue, those students will become the largest ethnic group within MNPS a place long held by Black students. For students like Sherlyn Serrano, learning English was an often difficult journey. Struggling to adapt to a new country at age 12, she gravitated to fellow Spanish speakers at her Nashville middle school. When she did try to speak English, she'd get bullied by other kids. With time, and encouragement from teachers and friends, she grew more confident not only in her English, but her heritage. "They can make fun of my accent, but it's where I'm from, it's my motherland," she said. "I'm not going to feel ashamed of my accent." Sherlyn Serrano, a 2024 graduate of Glencliff High School, poses for a photo at Casa Azafran in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Serrano learned English during her time at Metro Nashville Public Schools. She is heading to Cumberland University in the fall. Serrano, now 18, graduated from Glencliff High School in May and plans to head to college this fall. While Spanish has been the dominant language among multilingual learners, there are a total of about 135 languages represented at MNPS, according to Molly Hegwood. She has led the district's Office of English Learners since 2019. Her staff offers support for 20 languages, and translation services for other languages are just a phone call away. The office has ramped up its efforts in recent years, adding more staff and locations to support a growing and increasingly diverse group of families and students. "We're focused on ensuring that every student is known, regardless of their background or family circumstances, and has the opportunity to succeed academically, linguistically and socially in our schools," Hegwood said. A deeper look at multilingual learners Want to learn more? The Tennessean set out to examine the increase in multilingual learners from a variety of angles. Here are two additional stories that capture those perspectives. How has MNPS adjusted to a quickly growing, increasingly diverse population of multilingual learners? Educators, a student and others weighed in on how they're navigating it all. How do you teach a student English? We caught up with a teacher who offered insight into the process. A quick look at the numbers So just how much have the district's demographics changed in recent years and how do English learners factor into it all? Here's a look at enrollment data from the 2014-15 school year through 2023-24. First, the shifting numbers for ethnic groups within MNPS over the last decade: MNPS categorizes students who are actively learning English and those within their first four years of transitioning out of English-learner status as students with "limited English proficiency." The number of students in that group has grown by about 74% over the last decade. Reach children's reporter Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or follow her on Twitter @RachelAnnWegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville schools: The stories behind a boom in English learners An erosion threatened home in Eastham may have played a role in the Watergate scandal, one of the biggest political messes in U.S. history. The home, which sits on a bluff above Coast Guard Beach, is known as the "Bartlett House," and is owned by the National Park Service. According to the Cape Cod National Seashore, the house is about 13 feet from the edge of the cliff and has been deemed uninhabitable. But back in the day, the house sometimes functioned as a retreat for government bigwigs. And its Watergate connection is detailed in an amazing 2020 article by Jack Clarke in the Cape Codder newspaper, which features this powerhouse paragraph: "A half century ago next summer, inside a small rustic cottage nestled among the Cape Cod sand dunes of Coast Guard Beach, the Watergate scandal was hatched. It kicked-off with a Labor Day weekend phone call from the unobtrusive beach house and ended with the first and only resignation of a sitting American president." This erosion threatened home above Coast Guard Beach in Eastham may have played a role in the Watergate scandal. Before Clarke's splendid career in environmental policy, including serving as Mass Audubons Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, he had a seasonal job with the Seashore. Young Jack emptied the trash at the Bartlett House back in the 1970s, when the home was used as a vacation spot for White House VIPs. Clarke wrote that he "had the occasion to meet many of its occupants including John Ehrlichman, then White House counsel and Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs." Ehrlichman was a big player in the Nixon administration. Clarke's insider knowledge would eventually result in a jaw-dropping reveal, published in the Cape Codder in 1974. First, let's recall what Watergate was all about. The big event was a burglary at the offices of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate office complex in Washington in 1972. The investigation into the break-in "led to the highest levels of the Nixon administration and ultimately to the President himself. President Nixon resigned from office under threat of impeachment on August 9, 1974," according to the U.S. National Archives. But the Eastham home appears to have a connection to an event that might be seen as an appetizer to the Watergate break-in. This misadventure was centered around a Department of Defense analyst named Daniel Ellsberg, who shared government documents about the Vietnam War with The New York Times. The information came to be known as the "Pentagon Papers," and "reported that the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson administrations had misled the public about America's involvement in Vietnam," according to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. In 1971, according to the Nixon Museum, the president ordered several men, known as "plumbers," to break into the offices of Ellsberg's psychiatrist, Dr. Lewis Fielding in hopes of finding damaging information about Ellsberg. According to the Nixon Library, there is consensus that "the Fielding break-in was the precursor to Watergate, which ultimately led to the end of Nixon's presidency." That's where the bombshell story by legendary Cape journalists John A. Ullman and Greg O'Brien, comes in. Published in the Cape Codder on July 4, 1974, the headline read "Ehrlichman Launched Plumber Caper from VIP House On Eastham Dunes." The Bartlett House in Eastham is owned by the National Park Service and has been deemed uninhabitable due to erosion. It once hosted government VIPs. The exceptional reporting was buoyed by the fact that Clarke knew that visitors to the Bartlett House had to register at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. This information placed Ehrlichman at the house in summer 1971. According to the Cape Codder story, written while Ehrlichman was on trial, testimony showed that while he was in Eastham, "Ehrlichman was actually giving orders to the White House 'Plumbers' to go ahead with the Ellsberg caper." It sure seems like a memorable Cape Cod vacation! And perhaps the Bartlett House deserves a temporary plaque until it is moved or torn down. It could say something like "a whole boatload of trouble may have started right here." Eric Williams writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X: @capecast. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Erosion on Cape Cod: Threatened home has ties to Watergate scandal Last month, the Florida Department of Education released district and school grades, and Im proud to report that Escambia County Public Schools maintained a B grade, despite rising state standards. Along with the new higher scale scores adopted last year for reaching proficiency on each exam, the state raised the percentage cut score for each grade of the school grading system for districts and for some schools. Elementary schools retained the scale used since 2015, while all other levels saw the score ranges increased by two to three points. That meant that Escambia County Public Schools needed to surpass our 2022 score by at least three points to maintain an overall B' grade. How did Escambia County schools perform? Ninety percent of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years performances. Ninety percent is an impressive accomplishment and a real testament to the commitment and hard work by our students, teachers and administrators. Overall, 13 schools earned an A grade, 12 schools earned a B grade, 25 schools earned a C grade, and one school earned a D grade, surpassing Escambia County Public Schools 2019s pre-COVID data. No ECPS schools received a F grade. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all of our parents and guardians, employees, community members, and our fully supportive and engaged school board. It takes all of us, united, to achieve our goals. We know that we have more work to do and intend to keep our eyes forward and continue to improve. What Escambia County schools are raising the bar? Before we look too far ahead, we want to take this moment to recognize the standards and achievements being set by a number of our schools. At the elementary school level, Cordova Park has earned an A grade since 2002, as has Brown Barge at the middle school level. At the high school level, West Florida High School has earned an A grade since 2005. Bellview Elementary, Holm Elementary, and McArthur Elementary each jumped from a C grade to an A grade. Montclair Elementary, Warrington Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary and Global Learning Academy each raised their school grades from Fs to Cs. Dig deeper: Escambia County school grades are in. See how your school scored. Individually, an impressive 90% of Molino Park Elementarys students showed learning gains in math. Similarly, 91% of N.B. Cooks third graders were proficient in English Language Arts. Escambia County Public Schools middle school acceleration rate was the fourth-highest in the state of Florida. The middle school acceleration rate measures proficiency on high school level courses taken by middle school students, such as Algebra and Biology, as well as high school level industry certifications earned by middle school students. Whats next? We're excited about the new school year and all the possibilities and potential we see for our students. Were proud of our employees who make a committed effort each day to the success of every studentin school and in life. Together, were ready to push higher and reach farther. For us, this is especially important at the middle school level, where five of our eight schools earned C grades. Workman was just a few points short of a B grade and were working hard to increase all their grades to As and Bs. If you would like more information on Florida School Accountability, it can be found at the website for the Florida Department of Education at fldoe.org. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County Public Schools see tremendous progress. What's next? Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a small copy of the constitution at a press conference in the Miraflores presidential palace three days after his controversial re-election. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa Seven European countries, including Germany and France, are calling on Venezuela to publish election documents following last week's presidential polls, marred by serious fraud allegations. "We express our great concern regarding the situation in Venezuela after last Sunday's presidential elections," says a joint statement published on Saturday by the governments of Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. "We call on Venezuelan authorities to release promptly all the tally sheets in order to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process," the statement adds. "This verification is essential for recognizing the will of the Venezuelan people." After the election on July 28, Venezuela's electoral authority declared authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the election. However, it has not yet published the itemized results of the individual voting districts. Since the elections, protests have taken place in Venezuela against what is perceived as a manipulated election. Supporters of the socialist government have also taken to the streets to bolster Maduro in his power struggle with the opposition. The United States and half a dozen Latin American countries have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the true winner. The European Union, the Organization of American States, and numerous countries in the region have at least expressed significant doubts about the official election result. The Bronxs former undersheriff was relegated to a cubicle and stripped of his duties for sounding the alarm that the pot raids under Mayor Eric Adams initial crackdown were illegal, a lawsuit says. Derek Skuzenski had a sterling 10-year career with the New York City Sheriffs Office that all came crashing down after Anthony Miranda took over as city sheriff in May 2022, according to a Brooklyn federal lawsuit filed last week. Miranda immediately began discriminating against Skuzenski who skyrocketed into his role at just 32 because of his age and his leadership role as a vice president in a sheriffs union, court papers claim. Derek Skuzenski says he was forced to quit his position as the undersheriff of The Bronx after his boss retaliated against him for whistleblowing. Dennis A. Clark The plaintiff eventually ended up in the agencys version of no mans land after revealing the illegality of the Adams administrations initial pot-shop crackdown, his lawsuit says. I was working as a police officer for a reason I loved it, I wanted to help people, Skuzenski recently told The Post. Being moved to a room where I had a two-hour commute in each direction to serve no function is completely demoralizing. Skuzenski who has a PhD and is slated to start law school in two weeks was retaliated against after he started warning Miranda that the raids of illegal cannabis vendors were unconstitutional because they were being conducted under the guise of tobacco inspections and the officers also showed up armed without search warrants, said the court papers and the plaintiff. None of the businesses the office raided actually sold tobacco, the lawsuit says. The agents actions violated search-and-seizure protections under both the Fourth and 14th amendments of the US Constitution, the suit says. To date, the city has helped close 1,009 unregulated pot outlets across the state and seized $63 million in illegal weed as it tries to halt the wild proliferation of rogue shops after New York legalized marijuana. Skuzenski (right) filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn federal court last week with the help of lawyer Paul Liggieri (left). Dennis A. Clark Skuzenskis suit also says that as shops were being shuttered, the sheriffs office was seizing enormous amounts of the drug and struggling to find places to store the substance, which sickened an overwhelming number of deputies and staff. Many workers were experiencing significant health issues as a result of handling and storing seized marijuana, and in fact E. coli, salmonella and lead were found in some of the drugs that were seized, the suit says. In just under three months alone, from November 2022 through January 20, 2023, the office confiscated a whopping600 pounds of marijuana, the suit says. New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda had it out forSkuzenski, then sidelined him when he complained, a lawsuit claims. Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office The amount of marijuana seized was so vast, that defendant Miranda ordered deputy sheriffs to store the marijuana in unsafe conditions without any regard for the safety of his employees, the papers allege. Skuzenski claimed, They were storing marijuana wherever they could. They had cargo containers filled with marijuana, we had offices and closets filled with marijuana, vehicles filled with marijuana. The city under Mayor Adams initiative has been cracking down on hundreds of illegal pot stores. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office They were literally storing it anywhere they could think of, he said. This was all done without any training or procedures on how to confiscate, handle and store the contraband bud, Skuzenski and the filing allege. Skuzenski said that after he questioned the legality of the raids and raised the health issues, he was demoted. Recreational pot became legal in New York in 2021 and caused a boom of illegal vendors. Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office That included being stripped of his guns, badge and all duties to the point he wasnt even allowed to access work email or enter any facility other than the building where he was reassigned, the suit and Skuzenski says. Then May 2, 2023, after he attended a funeral at a church for the mother of a deputy sheriff, Skuzenski was met with a SWAT team and frisked by a superior who eventually slapped him with disciplinary charges for a previously unsubstantiated 2021 city Department of Investigation investigation, the filing claims. The charges were tied to a probe from November 2020 through January 2021 against Skuzenski and some colleagues accused of misconduct while seizing contraband/evidence during an enforcement operation, the lawsuit says, noting the case was eventually dropped. Skuzenskis lawyer, Paul Liggieri, told The Post, Magically, right after my client, through his union, complains [about the pot-shop crackdown and health issues] this DOI referral and complaint comes back up from years ago. The SWAT team drove to the plaintiffs home and illegally seized his personal weapons and other belongings such as his diploma, family photos and kitchen appliances that he had at the office, claiming it was part of its probe, the suit says. Skuzenski was suspended for a month over the debacle, only to get reassigned in June 2023 to a position in Manhattan two hours away from his home in Nassau County, LI for a no-work job in a cubicle where he was barred from earning any overtime pay, the suit and Skuzenski claim. In his new role, Skuzenski wasnt allowed into any other department facilities, and when he entered the Manhattan building where he was assigned, he had to go through the security line with civilians since he was stripped of his work badge, he said. He also couldnt help or speak with any of his staff because he didnt have access to his work email or other work communications, he said. Skuzenski said his breaking point came after months and months of that without any real end in sight, and it was progressively getting worse. It came to a point where it wasnt worth it to do it anymore, he told The Post. They won. They got their pound of flesh. He eventually quit his job in October 2023 after roughly five months of showing up for his no-work job, but he continued to be paid through July 27 for vacation time he never used, he said. Skuzenski started a new position in May 2024 as the commissioner of public safety for the town of North Hempstead on Long Island. Skusenski said he worked in the Sheriffs office for 10 years before he started being forced out. Paul Martinka They chose to punish him, Liggieri said of city officials and his client. They did everything they could to silence him, and thats not going to stop him. Liggieri said he hopes the lawsuit will help make his client whole again after his alleged mistreatment. The city Department of Finance which oversees the sheriffs office said the claims in the suit are from before the citys Operation Padlock to Protect, which are our current operations suggesting changes have been made. We will review the complaint, the office added. There are now 103 legal cannabis stores open throughout the Empire State. The surge in unlicensed shops of which there are an estimated 2,900 in the Big Apple came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in 2021. Extreme heat makes way for heavy rain in NYC as tropical storm aims for Florida People sit in the shade amid high and humid temperatures near City Hall, looking hot and exhausted, drinking water in the shade, at left; at top right, kids splash in water from fire hydrant in street in Washington Heights; at bottom right, eye of tropical storm moving across florida from AccuWeather Its hot and heavy in New York City as hazy, sticky conditions simmer amid another heat wave. It felt like 100 degrees in the Big Apple on Saturday as a heat advisory in effect since mid-week came to an end, making way for heavy thunderstorms to roll in. Flood watches are in effect for the five boroughs until midnight and storms are expected to start late Saturday, bringing with them flash flood threats and damaging winds of up to 70 mph just short of hurricane strength. Even quarter-sized hail is a possibility, according to meteorologists. A child splashed in the water from a fire hydrant in Washington Heights during one of the citys recent heat waves on July 16, 2024. Getty Images The region will get a slight break from the heat Sunday, but not from the storms, which are forecast for later in the day. I hate to say itll be a break from the heat, because itll only be by about 5 degrees, and then were right back to it on Monday, said Fox Weather meteorologist Jordan Overton. Monday is expected to be mostly dry but dangerously hot, AccuWeather predicts, with dehydration and heatstroke threats. Temps are expected to reach at least 91 degrees, with the real feel again soaring to 99 or 100 degrees. People sought shade and relief from the heat Thursday near City Hall amid the intense heat and humidity that blanketed the Big Apple this week. Getty Images The citys heat emergency plan is in place through Monday, according to emergency management officials, and cooling centers will be open through then, Mayor Adams posted on X. The entire city is also under air quality alerts, as well as rip current warnings in Brooklyn and southern Queens. Later in the week, the northeast may see remnants of the tropical depression moving toward Florida, which is likely to make landfall Monday as a Category 1 hurricane. Rainfall totals could exceed 12 to 18 inches along the Southeast U.S. coast next week, according to AccuWeather. AccuWeather The storm, which is coming from Cuba through the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to track northeastward, then slow down along the Southeast coast early next week, according to meteorologists. AccuWeather We may see some of that moisture move along the coast depending on where the storm tracks, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Scott Homan told The Post. The system is forecast to pick up steam over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico this weekend after lashing Puerto Rico and Cuba. The slow-moving, soon-to-be Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring heavy rainfall across Florida and into Georgia, coastal South Carolina and eventually North Carolina, Homan said. The Florida peninsula is also at risk for tornados through Sunday night. AccuWeather It will bring 2- to 4-foot storm surges, 74 to 95 mph wind gusts and 5 to 10 inches of rain to the Big Bend region of Florida, experts predict. The state was under a state of emergency as of Thursday. Tornados are also a possibility, Homan warned. Flash flood risks are likely on Monday spanning from Jacksonville, Florida, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ukraines F-16s are now officially in the country and flying combat operations. President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke in front of a pair of donated F-16AMs to mark the historic development for the Ukrainian Air Force and his country overall. We are also seeing our first glimpse of some of the stores the jets are equipped with. We first reported on the arrival of F-16s in Western Ukraine earlier this week. In his speech, Zelensky thanked Ukraines allies especially Denmark, The Netherlands, and the United States that helped make this moment possible after years of negotiations and diplomatic and logistical hurdles. You can watch the video released by the Ukrainian government of Zelenskys remarks below: Ukrainian F-16s is finally here, no more guessing, no more photoshops, It's real pic.twitter.com/nrXaS1hF7W Fighterman_FFRC (@Fighterman_FFRC) August 4, 2024 The road to receiving F-16s was indeed a long and winding one. From shortly after Russias all-out invasion began and Ukraine showed it could hold much of it at bay, including retaining control of its skies over much of the country the need for a Western 4th generation fighter and the employment of Western munitions and tactics was clear. The War Zone was among the first to make the case to begin training pilots and maintainers and the transition process away from Soviet-era jets to Western fighters. The fact that this day has finally come is no doubt monumental for Ukraine, but, as we have stressed heavily in the past, it will be some time likely a number of years before the F-16s expansive capabilities can be fully unlocked. It takes years for an F-16 pilot to mature into a fully capable mission leader, and the flow of new pilots will need to remain solid during this time, which has already become a major issue. The army of support personnel it will take to operate these jets somewhat independently will also take time to grow and foster. There is no shortcut here, this is just the way it is experience is the key to fulfilling the F-16s full potential. As such, the F-16s were never a silver bullet. What they are is a revolutionary upgrade in Ukraines air combat capabilities that will increasingly bring more potent weapons and tactics to the forefront of the conflict and for Ukraines general defense. A Ukrainian F-16 shown equipped with 4 AIM-9s and a Terma self-protection pod. (Ukrainian MOD screencap) That doesnt mean the F-16s are useless in the meantime. Thats hardly the case. As they expand their mission breadth, they can provide vital air defense across the territory Ukraine holds, hunting down drones and cruise missiles that threaten critical infrastructure and military capabilities located at every point within Ukraines borders. The fact that the F-16AMs were equipped with AIM-9Ms and AIM-120 AMRAAMs in the videos today underscores their initial air defense role. While they lack the capability provided by active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars that equip the most new-production modern fighters and are being back-fitted to many older F-16s, the jets can still be very valuable in this role. Even Ukraines MiG-29s served this purpose with a radar and avionics suite far inferior to what the F-16AMs have with their upgraded AN/APG-66 radars. You can read all about Ukrainian MiG-29s being used to counter drones in this past feature of ours. The F-16s can also work to bring new standoff attack munitions into the fighter. Ukraines new fighters use NATO standard bus architecture that already accepts most air-launched weapons available in NATOs inventory. Ukraines JDAM-ERs, GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, and ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoys (MALD) are already integrated with the F-16, for instance. More types of weapons, such as Frances Hammer, can be added with relative ease compared to rigging them to work with Soviet-era aircraft. This means we should see new weapons appear, especially those that can reach deep into Russian-held territory. You can read all about the munitions options that exist and are likely to equip Ukraines F-16s in our deep dive on this subject here. As seen in the screen capture below, the Ukrainian pilots in the video are also wearing Joint Helmet Mounting Cueing Systems (JHMCS). While expected, this not only provides high off-boresight targeting of the AIM-9X, should the jets end up carrying that missile, but it also provides a major increase in situational awareness for pilots. Just the use of AIM-9 and AIM-120 in the air-to-air realm they are already in service with the country on the ground means that Ukraine has access to large NATO stocks for air-to-air missiles, instead of depending solely on a dwindling stockpile of Soviet-designed types. (Ukrainian MOD screencap) Finally, and as TWZ expected, the F-16s now in Ukrainian hands are equipped with the Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Plus (PIDS+) systems, which may include the advanced Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus (ECIPS+) types, both of which are made by Terma in Denmark. These pylons are bolt-on self-defense systems that include missile approach warning sensors (MAWS) that provide near-spherical coverage for spotting incoming missile threats, as well as additional expendables (flares and chaff) dispensers. They can also provide radar warning and homing receiver capabilities, giving crews high-situational awareness of radar-based threats. The ECIPS+ doesnt have the dispensers but does have North Grummans capable electronic warfare suite. These systems can integrate together with the F-16s internal self-protection suite and it can leverage more advanced electronic warfare capabilities synergistically. A chart showing Termas various pylon offerings and their respective features.Terma From our previous story on the system: Each PIDS+ pylon can only accept a maximum of two flare and chaff dispensers. They also feature variants of the AN/AAR-60 Missile Warning System, which has three separate warning sensors on each pylon. The ECIPS pylons carry the three AN/AAR-60 sensors, but do not have the flare and chaff dispensers. Instead, they also have an AN/ALQ-162(V)6 high-band radio frequency countermeasures system from Northrop Grumman installed. Typically, a Viper would carry one PIDS+ and one ECIPS+ to provide a mix of countermeasures capabilities. An aircraft with one of each would be carrying a complete array of six AN/AAR-60 warning sensors, an AN/ALQ-162(V)6 jammer, and three dispensers for expandable flares or chaff cartridges, just in those pylons. Both types of pylons are also designed work with the AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System, another Terma product, found on various types of F-16 Vipers. The Danish company also offers systems to provide alerts to incoming threats. This includes options for visual alerts through a fixed display in the cockpit or the feed in the helmet-mounted Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), as well as various types of audio warnings, including through the Danish companys own 3D in-cockpit surround-sound system. Rear shot of Ukraines F-16s with the Terma self-protection pylon, live AIM-9L/M, and a captive carry (inert) AIM-120B AMRAAM. (Ukraine MOD screen cap) Altogether these enhanced pylons can greatly improve the situational awareness and survivability of the jets carrying it. They are so capable that the U.S. is obtaining similar pods for its F-16s. Danish and Dutch F-16s are equipped with this system, so it makes sense that they are now ported over to Ukraine. Based on the airborne intercept light on the left side of the cockpit, the jet shown with the Terma self-defense pod in the video is an ex-Danish example. Overall, this is a critical upgrade that is very well suited for F-16s operating anywhere near the highly complex air defense overlay Russia has deployed that reaches far across the front lines. Will be interesting to see what electronic warfare self protection pods Ukraines vipers will show up with. Dutch AN/ALQ-131s were upgraded not too long ago. This will inform tactics and applications for these jets. Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) July 11, 2024 Ukrainian F-16AM Serials UA 80-3596 UA 80-3599 Both ex-Danish jets pic.twitter.com/jhZepBBO1I Fighterman_FFRC (@Fighterman_FFRC) August 4, 2024 So there you have it. Nearly two and a half years after Russia began its blitz, Ukraine has now officially joined the F-16 club. The way forward will not be easy. Building up a skilled cadre of pilots and maintainers will be a major hurdle. But maybe above all else, keeping the F-16s intact while on the ground could be a real challenge as they are now Russias top targets. You can read more about some of the tactics that could be used to help in this regard in our recent report here. Still, challenges aside, the arrival of F-16s wearing Ukrainian colors equates to a whole new level of weapons capability for the battle-weary Ukrainian Air Force. Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com (Photo/Cherokee Nation Housing) Guest Opinion. Housing has been one of the highest priorities of my administration. It is time to admit that our efforts have not been enough. Cherokee Nation is in a housing crisis, and we need to face it together. When Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and I took office in 2019 we faced an already daunting challenge on housing: federal resources to help those most in need were lacking and Cherokee Nations home construction program, though incredibly impactful, was falling short. 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. So, we worked with the Council of the Cherokee Nation to enact the historic $30 million Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act of 2019 (HJSCA). For the first time, we injected substantial funding from our Cherokee Nation Businesses profits into housing rehabilitation to assist our most vulnerable citizens, low-income elders and those with disabilities. We committed $22.5 million for that cause, and an additional $7.5 million to upgrade local community centers. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. As the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic fallout of the crisis, gripped our nation, we did not just double down on our effort; we quadrupled down. In 2022, the Council approved our renewal of HJSCA at $120 million, dedicating a full $60 million of that funding to build new homes. This effort was atop other housing initiatives, including upgrading and expanding low-income rental units, temporarily expanding emergency rental assistance, special services for fluent Cherokee speakers and a host of other measures. Now we see the fruits of that investment. HJSCA, the largest housing investment in Cherokee history, has led to hundreds of new homes in some phase of construction, both new housing additions and individual lots, as well as hundreds of housing rehab projects. HJSCA says that we refuse to be reliant on only federal housing dollars to address the Cherokee peoples needs. HJSCA says we must commit our own resources and develop our own policy to addressing the issue. By any measure, HJSCA has been a success. But, we ought to admit it that it has not gone far enough, and we ought to do something about it. Too many families are still struggling for safe, affordable housing. Economic pressures and a lack of enough decent housing leads to crippling monthly rent payments. Too many of our precious elders are living in homes that you would not want your grandparents living in. Too many of our citizens are close to homelessness or cannot invest in their future because they struggle to pay rent. As Chief, I am proud to say that weve made historic strides in improving housing conditions, and we committed more funding for that cause under the Hoskin / Warner administration than any other five-year period in Cherokee history. But, I would not be serving you well if I did not admit that more action is needed. Deputy Chief Warner and I have called on the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation to conduct our first comprehensive housing needs study. Under the leadership of my senior adviser and Executive Director of Housing Programs Todd Enlow, the study will be revealing and, I predict, it will be jarring. The study will analyze demographic data, current housing inventory, and pathways to housing that make the most sense for our citizens. Our review will consider other quality-of-life factors impacting community life, such as broadband connectivity. The study will help us prioritize the right mix of new home construction, mortgage assistance, rental unit construction and rental assistance. We should all brace for what I predict the study will show: hundreds of millions of dollars in immediate need for shoring up a huge deficit in affordable housing. This will come as no surprise. The country, the region and the state of Oklahoma are all to some degree in a housing crisis. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States saw a 25% increase in homelessness between 2021 and 2022 and, even as the pandemic receded, another 12% increase between 2022 and 2023. According to Moodys Analytics, the United States has a housing deficit of 1.5 million units. Closer to home, the Oklahoma Policy Institute reports that Oklahoma is short 77,000 rental units. The city of Tulsa recently analyzed the housing need and identified a shortage of nearly 13,000 housing units. Against this backdrop and based on what Cherokee Nation citizens share with me daily, I know that the housing situation across our reservation is troubling. But the housing crisis does not need to endlessly plague us. After all, we are Cherokee. We look, with courage, at our challenges. We lean in, together, with solutions. Other governments and the private sector must do their part, but we were never a people content with letting others solve our problems; Cherokees were meant to lead. After the housing study is released, the Deputy Chief and I will propose a new housing policy, building on the success of HJSCA. It will take, I predict, a historic commitment of our funds not relying on inadequate federal dollars to fill enormous gaps in rental housing, new home construction, infrastructure, and the building trades workforce. In the final analysis we must decide if Cherokee Nation has a role in solving the housing crisis and, if we decide it should, we must be open and honest about what it will take to meet the challenge. Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. COLUMBUS AARP announced that Fairfield County Health Department has received a 2024 Community Challenge grant part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Two bike audits will identify needed improvements along a path linking a high school and a community park in Fairfield County. The county will share the results with city officials to guide future planning. AARP Ohio is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Ohioans of all ages, especially those 50 and older, said Zach McCune, manager of Outreach and Advocacy for AARP Ohio. We are proud to collaborate with this years grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities. The AARP Community Challenge in Fairfield County will be engaging senior centers to recruit volunteers to complete bike path audits. These bike/walking paths are a critical piece of infrastructure to keep the aging community active, and this project will allow them the opportunity to have their voice heard on the safety and accessibility of the bike paths. The need this project will solve, in Fairfield County, is older adults wanting to be engaged and feel like their voice and efforts are heard in the community, said Baylie Blevins, director of Health Promotion & Planning. This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters. With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. The grant program is part of AARPs nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP has invested $568,878 through 43 grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities across Ohio. View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARPs livable communities work at aarp.org/livable. This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fairfield County Health Department to conduct bike audits with AARP grant Far-right riots continue to sweep the UK following fatal stabbings at a children's dance class Far-right riots continue to sweep the UK following fatal stabbings at a children's dance class More than 140 people have been arrested in the UK since Saturday night following widespread riots. Protests erupted after the fatal stabbings of three young girls in northwest England earlier this week. Police say "disinformation" is driving much of the violence. More than 140 people have been arrested in the UK since Saturday night as rioting and violence swept the nation. Police officers battled anti-immigration rioters as they set cars on fire, hurled bottles, yelled anti-immigration chants, and clashed with anti-racism protesters. On Sunday, rioters also attacked a hotel in South Yorkshire that has been used to house asylum seekers, the BBC reported. A protester in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images The protests erupted in the wake of the fatal stabbings of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northwest England, on Monday. The demonstrations have been organized and fuelled by far-right-wing groups, who have used social media to spread anti-immigrant misinformation. It comes after false claims spread about the background of the suspect in the Southport killings, Axel Rudakubana. Baseless rumors swirled online that Rudakubana was Muslim, leading to attacks on a number of mosques. Others falsely claimed he was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a boat. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff, Wales, to Rwandan parents. The family was heavily involved with their local church, the Mirror reported, citing an unnamed source. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned this weekend's attacks as "far-right thuggery." "Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law," he added. Cities such as London, Manchester, Belfast, and Bristol have been affected by the disorder. Read the original article on Business Insider Father helping his daughter move out from abusive relationship shot by her ex-boyfriend Atlanta police say a man shot his ex-girlfriends father while he was trying to move his daughters stuff out of her apartment. It happened shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday along West Lake Drive. Police said the victim was helping his daughter move out of a home she shared with an abusive boyfriend. TRENDING STORIES: The father had come back to get the remainder of his daughters stuff when David Willkinson confronted the father and shot him multiple times. Officers said Willkinson was still at the home when they got there and he was taken into custody. Charges against Willkinson are currently pending. IN OTHER NEWS: (PIKES PEAK REGION, Colo.) The Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers released its Featured Fugitives of the week on Friday, August 2, and asks for the communitys help in locating these individuals. Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Francisco Manuel Galvan-Valenzuela is a 20-year-old white man described as 58 tall and 140 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. He is allegedly wanted for Burglary, Assault, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Driving Under the Influence, Prohibited Use of a Weapon, Failure to Provide Insurance, Fictitious Plate, and Failure to Provide a Drivers License. Thomas Michael Anthony Green is a 24-year-old white man who is 58 tall and 140 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes. According to Crime Stoppers, he is wanted for Aggravated Retaliation against a Witness/Victim, Intimidation of a Witness/Victim, Stalking, Protection Order Violation, Motor Vehicle Theft, Burglary, and Assault. Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Nolan Clarence McHenry is a 53-year-old black man who is 510 tall and 145 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. McHenry is allegedly wanted for Murder, Discharge of an Illegal Firearm, Prohibited Use of a Weapon, Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under Restraint, Failure to Provide Insurance, Careless Driving, and Obstructing a Police Officer. Daniel Thomas Medina is a 52-year-old white man described as being 59 tall and 180 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Crime Stoppers reports that he is wanted for Murder and Assault. Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Ryan Todd Orr is a 38-year-old white man who is 59 tall and 180 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. He is allegedly wanted for Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child, Fraud by Check, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Driving Under Restraint. Alex Michael Severin is a 23-year-old white man who is 62 tall and 160 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. According to Crime Stoppers, he is wanted for Felony Menacing, Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender, Prohibited Use of a Weapon, and Driving Under Restraint. Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Jaryl Quade Sigman is a 38-year-old white man described as 60 tall and 160 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. He is allegedly wanted for Strangulation and Assault. Kyron Justice Tuetken is a 20-year-old white man who is 60 tall and 180 lbs. with blonde hair and hazel eyes. He is allegedly wanted for Sexual Assault on a Child Pattern of Abuse. Featured Fugitives from Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers According to Crime Stoppers, the warrants were verified on Friday, August 2. If anyone has information on the above people or any serious crime, call Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867) in Colorado Springs, or (719)542-STOP (7867) in Pueblo. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in cash for information provided to Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RACINE Eliyas Zaied, known formerly as Elia Olson, pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting his then 14-year-old girlfriend in the head four times in January 2023. Zaied, who also was 14 at the time of the shooting, was originally charged with attempted homicide in the first degree with the use of a dangerous weapon, as well as possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. He pleaded guilty to the attempted homicide charge and the possession charge was dismissed. According to Wisconsin law, children as young as 10 are required to be charged as an adult if charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide or attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Zaieds sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19. According to previous Journal Times reporting, the girl told police that she and Zaied went to an abandoned railroad track on Jan. 8, 2023, and that when she attempted to break up with him, Zaied shot her. Fiery crash shut down Will Rogers Turnpike for hours Saturday morning OTTAWA COUNTY Will Rogers Turnpike traffic in Ottawa County returned to regular operation by mid-morning, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported. A fiery semi rollover near mile marker 303 around 6 a.m. had both lanes closed for almost three hours. OHP has not released any information on the drivers condition or the cause of the crash. We will continue to update this developing story as more information becomes available. Photograph provided by Gary Crow Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Palestinians react to fire from an Israeli strike that hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital. The strike killed several people, Palestinian health officials confirmed. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa The Israeli army said it is continuing its attacks on the Palestinian militant Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, with soldiers operating in both the central part of the coastal strip and the city of Rafah in the south. An unspecified number of armed opponents had been killed and weapons depots destroyed, the army said. Since Saturday, the air force had conducted around 50 attacks on what it called terrorist targets. There was no more precise or independent information available from the embattled area. The reports cannot be independently verified. Almost ten months after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the ground offensive in Gaza that soon followed, militants are still sporadically firing rockets at Israel. Five projectiles had been fired at Ashkelon but did not cause any damage, the army said. The trigger for the Gaza war was the unprecedented massacre in which more than 1,200 people were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7 last year in Israel. Due to the high number of civilian casualties, Israel has come under international criticism. According to figures from Gaza's Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, more than 39,000 people have been killed and more than 90,000 injured in the coastal strip since the start of the war on October 7. Palestinians react to fire from an Israeli strike that hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital. The strike killed several people, Palestinian health officials confirmed. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa The Israeli army said it is continuing its attacks on the Palestinian militant Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, with soldiers operating in both the central part of the coastal strip and the city of Rafah in the south. An unspecified number of armed opponents had been killed and weapons depots destroyed, the army said. Since Saturday, the air force had conducted around 50 attacks on what it called terrorist targets. There was no more precise or independent information available from the embattled area. Almost 10 months after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the ground offensive in Gaza that soon followed, militants are still sporadically firing rockets at Israel. Five projectiles had been fired at Ashkelon but did not cause any damage, the army said. The trigger for the Gaza war was the unprecedented massacre in which more than 1,200 people were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7 last year in Israel. Due to the high number of civilian casualties, Israel has come under international criticism. According to figures from Gaza's Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, more than 39,000 people have been killed and more than 90,000 injured in the coastal strip since the start of the war on October 7. Two dead, two injured in Israel knife attack A Palestinian from the West Bank has killed two people with a knife and injured two others in Israel, the Magen David Adom rescue service said on Sunday. A woman died at the scene of the attack on an open street in the Israeli city of Holon in the greater Tel Aviv area. A second victim, a man in his 70s, succumbed to his serious injuries soon afterwards in hospital, the Times of Israel newspaper reported. The attacker was shot dead, according to police. Police forces searched the city for possible accomplices. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said at the scene that Israel was not only at war with Iran but "also here on the streets", according to the Times of Israel. He spoke in favour of distributing weapons to Israeli civilians. The attacker, a 34-year-old man from the town of Salfit in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was staying illegally in Israel, the newspaper reported, citing the police. The Israeli border fence to the West Bank has gaps through which people can enter Israel without being checked. Violence between militant Palestinians and the Israeli army, as well as violent Jewish settlers, has increased significantly since Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has further heightened tensions. On Saturday alone, nine suspected militant Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tulkarem in the north of the West Bank. Since the beginning of the Gaza war, 578 Palestinians have died in clashes with the army and attacks on Israelis, according to the Health Ministry in the West Bank. Netanyahu comments on deadlocked ceasefire negotiations Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected reports that he had torpedoed the talks with Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages by making new demands. "The complete opposite is true. The simple truth is, that as of now Hamas has not agreed to the most basic conditions of the outline," Netanuahu said at the start of a Cabinet meeting on Sunday. "While we have not added even a single demand to the outline, it is Hamas which has demanded to add dozens of changes," he said. A high-level Israeli negotiations departed for Cairo on Saturday to continue the indirect negotiations with Hamas. The talks are being meidated by the Qatar, Egypt and the United States. (FOX40.COM) Most people hope to never be in a position where someone close to them goes missing. But if they should ever find themselves not knowing where a child or loved one is, there are some important things to know about the missing person reporting process. Video Above: What should you do if someone you love goes missing? In California, a missing person is considered someone with unknown whereabouts to the reporting party, according to state law. A missing person can be a runaway child, an adult who hasnt been seen or heard from, or someone who has been taken involuntarily and may be in need of assistance. Missing people also include children who are illegally taken, held or hidden by a parent or non-parent family member. Are California shoppers legally required to stop for receipt checkers at store exits? California has the highest number of missing people in the United States, according to the California Department of Justice. From 2023-2024, over 3,000 people remain missing, adding to the nearly 20,000 total active cases. Rumor has it that before a child or adult can be reported missing, there is a waiting period. But California law says something different. There is NO waiting period for reporting a person missing, the DOJ said on its website. All California police and sheriffs departments must accept any report, including a report by telephone, of a missing person, including runaways, without delay and will give priority to the handling of the report. In California, there are no specific requirements to file a missing person report, however, in the case of an emergency or missing children officials advise the public to call 911. We encourage the community to call as soon as possible so we can get the ball rolling, Sacramento Police Department officer Anthony Gamble told FOX40.com. We know theres theres things out there that say theres a time limit, but thats not accurate. Gamble said missing-person cases vary, but Sacramento police do what they can to investigate and get the word out. We look at factors such as the person being at risk or foul play, Gamble said. When someone is missing, a report writer could contact the reporting party or we would send out an officer or community service officer. From there, the information goes into a database, MUPS, for missing and unidentified persons. What are the different emergency alerts in California? Gamble said some risk factors such as age, circumstances, and health conditions allow them to partner with the California Highway Patrol to issue an Amber Alert or post the report on social media to reach the community far and wide. When filing a police report, officials say it is useful to have a current photo and description, the missing persons age, height, type of car they drive, where they were last seen, and who they were with. Tattoo and birthmark information can also help. For missing children, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that one in six missing children is recovered as a direct result of someone recognizing their photo and notifying authorities. News coverage of missing people While the news may sometimes report on missing people based on the word of a family member or close acquaintance, it is common practice for media outlets to wait for an official report from law enforcement before reporting. To significantly increase the chances of getting media coverage, a person should file a missing-person report with local law enforcement. The report adds credibility to a missing persons case and can help journalists track updates on the person. Most news organizations welcome all tips. If a missing person report has been filed and it has not been picked up automatically by a local newspaper or broadcast television, contact the organization directly via email or phone with the missing person report and any other information that may be helpful in bringing awareness to the missing child or loved one. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALEXANDRIA, Pa. (WTAJ) Alexandria Fire Company is alerting drivers and residents of an influx of traffic for the funeral of Assistant Chief Robert Bob Ingram Sr. Residents are urged to use caution around Main Street on Sunday and Monday as they expect a large amount of traffic coming through for Ingrams viewing at Hope Methodist Church (510 Main Street) Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for his funeral services Monday at 11 a.m. Ingram was 56 years old and Assistant Chief 1 with the Alexandria Fire Company. The fire company took to their Facebook page on July 28 to announce the unexpected passing. It is with the heaviest of hearts for us to make this post. Robert Bob Ingram, Assistant Chief 1, has unexpectedly passed. Bob was a well known face in our community, a staple to our fire company, a father, a neighbor, a friend, and our brother. We are asking for our community to pray for his family, friends, and especially his sons as they get through this difficult time. Rest easy Bob, watch over us. We got it from here, brother. -Alexandria Fire Company- They added that memorial contributions can be sent to Cutright Funeral Homes PC, Post Office Box 594, Huntingdon, Pa. 16652-0594. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israel struck two schools and a tent camp in a wave of attacks in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 44 people in total, according to local authorities. The first of the strikes was on the tent camp inside a hospital courtyard in central Gaza. Footage showed men rushing to the scene at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital to help the wounded and retrieve bodies as a blaze tore through tents. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, where thousands have taken shelter after fleeing their homes elsewhere in the war-ravaged territory. Later strikes targeted two schools, with footage showing bodies scattered inside the yard of one of them as residents rushed to carry casualties, including children, and loaded them into ambulance vehicles that took them to at least two nearby hospitals. Gazas civil emergency service said dozens were wounded in addition to the fatalities in the schools of Hassan Salama and Al-Nasser, which housed displaced Palestinian families. The Israeli military said it struck militants inside a Hamas command embedded within the schools. A separate strike on Sunday flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. Israels bombardment and ground offensive inside Gaza has killed at least 39,550 people, according to the territorys authorities, which do not differentiate between civilians and militants in tallies. The attack inside the courtyard of Gaza's Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital killed at least five people - Abdullah Al-Attar/Reuters The weekends attacks on Gaza come as the region teeters closer to a wider war following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamass political chief, in Tehran and the killing of a senior commander of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut last week. Israel has neither denied nor claimed responsibility for Haniyehs death, which has thrown into doubt ongoing ceasefire negotiations and sparked promises for revenge from Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has accused Hamas of trying to add changes to the outline of a ceasefire proposal that Joe Biden, the US president, laid out in May, while Hamas has blamed Mr Netanyahu, saying he does not want to stop the war. Overnight, Lebanons Hezbollah claimed to have launched dozens of rockets at Israel. Israels military said that its Iron Dome system had intercepted most of the 30 projectiles and that no one was hurt. 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. Several flights were delayed or canceled at John Glenn International Airport on Sunday, including some by Southwest, shown here in a Dispatch file photo. Some East Coast flights were canceled or delayed Monday at John Glenn Columbus International Airport as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida. While multiple flights were canceled Sunday, only one East Coast flight was canceled Monday: An American Airlines flight to Boston. An Air Canada flight to Toronto and an American Airlines flight to Phoenix were also canceled, but those flights would not pass through Debby's path. Flights with significant delays include Spirit flights to Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale. A handful of other flights were delayed Monday, but were not headed to storm-affected areas. Several flights into John Glenn were also canceled or significantly delayed including some flights from Baltimore, Tampa and Boston. According to FlightAware.com, 6 outgoing flights were canceled and 16 were delayed Monday morning at John Glenn airport. Nationally, about 1,232 U.S. flights were canceled as of 8 a.m., with the most cancelations found on flights headed to Orlando, Charlotte and New York. Rainfall projections from Tropical Storm Debby. Columbus air travelers are advised to stay updated with their flight status and allow more time. "Our biggest piece of advice is to check with your airline about flight status and download their app for the latest information," said airport spokesperson Breann Gonzalez Almos. "In addition, with delays, lines may be longer than usual so please allow extra time at the airport." Tropical Storm Debby was strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday and was expected to hit the Florida Panhandle Monday afternoon before heading into Georgia and the Carolinas later in the week. jweiker@dispatch.com @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flights out of Columbus delayed as Tropical Storm Debby nears Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for South Carolina on Sunday as the state braces for potentially torrential rain associated with Tropical Storm Debby. The storm was strengthening Sunday off the coast of Florida, and officials with the National Weather Service and the state Emergency Management Division have warned of potentially excessive flooding in parts of South Carolina in the next week. Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state, McMaster said in a statement. With a potentially significant rainfall event forecast for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans today in case it is necessary to take quick action. A release from the governors office said the storm is expected to slow down and begin impacting South Carolina early this week, with heavy rainfall resulting in life-threatening flash, urban, and river flooding. The National Weather Service said in a briefing early Sunday that tropical moisture from Debby, with a stalled front across South Carolina, could bring possible flash flooding to the Palmetto State starting Monday. The NWS said that major flooding is possible Tuesday in large swaths of the state, particularly south of Interstate 20, where there is a risk of excessive rainfall. Large parts of the Midlands have the potential for major flooding rain Tuesday and Tuesday night, a graph from the weather service showed. Meanwhile, a pocket of the Lowcountry, including Charleston, is under the threat of extreme flooding rain Tuesday and Tuesday night. The city of Charleston said in a Saturday news release it is prepping for rare and dangerous levels of flooding, adding that Debby is expected to produce very significant and rare flooding impacts across the city. The Charleston release noted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as particular days of concern in terms of weather. In a post shared to social media site X on Sunday afternoon, the SC Emergency Management Division said that potentially historic rainfall amounts will bring widespread life-threatening flooding to parts of SC as a result of the storm, with the possibility of as much as 30 inches of rain along the states southern coast Monday through Friday. The NWS briefing noted that the five-day rain totals from Sunday through Thursday in South Carolina are expected to lead to widespread flash flooding as soils are saturated across much of the forecast area. In the Lowcountrys Dorchester County, officials warned residents in a Sunday news release to avoid driving or walking in floodwaters that could come this week. Dorchester County began sandbag distribution at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Sandy Pines Convenience Site at 374 Sandy Pines Lane in Dorchester, and at the Dorchester County Health and Human Services Center at 1452 Boone Hill Road in Summerville. Sandbag distribution also was going on Sunday morning on the Isle of Palms, near Charleston. Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for South Carolina on Sunday as the state braces for potentially torrential rain associated with Tropical Storm Debby. The storm was strengthening Sunday off the coast of Florida, and officials with the National Weather Service and the state Emergency Management Division have warned of potentially excessive flooding in parts of South Carolina in the next week. Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state, McMaster said in a statement. With a potentially significant rainfall event forecast for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans todayin case it is necessary to take quick action. A release from the governors office said the storm is expected to slow down and begin impacting South Carolina early this week, with heavy rainfall resulting in life-threatening flash, urban, and river flooding. The National Weather Service said in a briefing early Sunday that tropical moisture from Debby, with a stalled front across South Carolina, could bring possible flash flooding to the Palmetto State starting Monday. The NWS said that major flooding is possible Tuesday in large swaths of the state, particularly south of Interstate 20, where there is a risk of excessive rainfall. Large parts of the Midlands have the potential for major flooding rain Tuesday and Tuesday night, a graph from the weather service showed. Meanwhile, a pocket of the Lowcountry, including Charleston, is under the threat of extreme flooding rain Tuesday and Tuesday night. The city of Charleston said in a Saturday news release it is prepping for rare and dangerous levels of flooding, adding that Debby is expected to produce very significant and rare flooding impacts across the city. The Charleston release noted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as particular days of concern in terms of weather. In a post shared to social media site X on Sunday afternoon, the SC Emergency Management Division said that potentially historic rainfall amounts will bring widespread life-threatening flooding to parts of SC as a result of the storm, with the possibility of as much as 30 inches of rain along the states southern coast Monday through Friday. The NWS briefing noted that the five-day rain totals from Sunday through Thursday in South Carolina are expected to lead to widespread flash flooding as soils are saturated across much of the forecast area. In the Lowcountrys Dorchester County, officials warned residents in a Sunday news release to avoid driving or walking in floodwaters that could come this week. Dorchester County began sandbag distribution at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Sandy Pines Convenience Site at 374 Sandy Pines Lane in Dorchester, and at the Dorchester County Health and Human Services Center at 1452 Boone Hill Road in Summerville. Sandbag distribution also was going on Sunday morning on the Isle of Palms, near Charleston. RACINE For the 33rd consecutive year, Racine Neighborhood Watch will coordinate National Night Out festivities across the city, bringing neighbors and law enforcement together in a proactive push toward crime prevention. National Night Out is a tradition that epitomizes energy and commitment in creating and sustaining safe and friendly places to live, Chief of Police Alex Ramirez said in a statement. According to its website, National Night Out is a 41-year-old community-building campaign that takes place in all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. Most festivities occur on the first Tuesday in August. Racine is one of 137 Wisconsin municipalities planning to celebrate Aug. 6. According to the RNW, almost 40 events are planned for locations across the city and about 4,000 people are expected to participate. The kick-off event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Mount Pleasants Lakeside Community Oriented Policing House. According to Lt. David Nagl, the Racine Fire Department will attend the kick-off event and on-duty crews will attend scheduled events and offer tips about fire safety. Other events are planned for neighborhood corners, multi-block gatherings, churches, community centers and COP Houses. Each event is as unique as the neighborhood thats hosting it, RNW executive director Susan Feehrer-Laack said. Everybody does whats in the best interest of their neighbors. The Dr. John Bryant Community Center is one of many sites hosting a National Night Out event. Jaimie Kirkwood, a recreation program coordinator at the center, said attendees can expect a free cookout-style meal, bouncy houses, games for kids, face painting, a DJ, and police officers ready and willing to engage with the public. Its a safe place for those within the community, Kirkwood said. The center expects a crowd of 200-300. Other sites hosting events include: Mount Pleasants Lakeside COP House, 2237 Mead St. (4-8 p.m.) Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Ave. (4-7 p.m.) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1134 Martin Luther King Drive (4-7 p.m.) Dr. John Bryant Community Center, 601 Caron Butler Drive (4-7 p.m.) Mount Pleasant Campus Park, 8811 Campus Drive (4-8 p.m.) Harvest Missionary Ministries, 1143 College Ave. (4:30-6:30 p.m.) First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eighth and Villa streets (5-7 p.m.) Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3700 Washington Ave. (5-7 p.m.) Humble Park Community Center, 2200 Blaine Ave. (5-7 p.m.) Tyler-Domer Community Center, 2301 12th Street (5-7 p.m.) Florida braces for Debby, expected to land in North Florida as a hurricane on Monday Gov. Ron DeSantis briefs the press on Tropical Storm Debbie the morning of Aug. 4, 2024, in the state's Emergency Operations Center. With him from left are emergency director Kevin Guthrie, Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, and Maj, Gen. John Haas of the Florida National Guard. (Screenshot/DeSantis Facebook) Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents Sunday to complete preparations for the arrival of Tropical Storm Debby, which has been forecast to hit the Big Bend area Monday morning with hurricane-force winds. We are gonna face impacts in this state, he said during a 7:30 a.m. briefing from the Florida Emergency Operations Center on Tallahassees south side. You still have time to finalize your preparations, so I would urge all Floridians to do so. I would urge all Floridians to be cognizant of the fact that we are going to have a hurricane hit the state probably a Category One but it could be a little bit more powerful than that. But we are absolutely gonna see a lot of rainfall. We are gonna see a lot of saturation. We are gonna see flooding events. Like, that is going to happen. Theres also going to be power outages. That will happen. And weve mobilized a lot of resources to get the power back on and help local communities do that, the governor said. Category One storms pack sustained winds of between 74 and 95 miles per hour. That means, according to the National Hurricane Center: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Category Two means winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour. DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 counties. Forecast As of 8 a.m. Sunday, Debby was centered 205 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key and moving toward the north-northwest at 13 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. A hurricane warning was in effect along the coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River and a storm surge warning from the Pasco/Hernando county line northward to Indian Pass in Gulf County. Hurricane and storm surge watches were also in place in nearby areas. While Debby moves across the very warm waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico and remains in a relatively low wind shear environment, the storm will have an opportunity to strengthen rapidly before reaching the coast, the NHC said. After Debby makes landfall in Florida, the system is expected to slow down and turn northeastward across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia on Monday and Tuesday as the steering currents weaken significantly, the forecast continued. Forecasters expect up to 12 to 18 inches of rain in North Florida. Guthrie said that as many as 17,000 electric line workers have been positioned to restore power expected to be lost during the storm, especially in cities like Tallahassee with extensive tree canopies. The state has already been in contact with power providers in the region, including Tallahassees municipal utility. We have talked to every single one of those in the Big Bend area, representatives of those individual companies. They are ready to go. They are in place, Guthrie said. Water barriers Sections of Tallahassee suffered extended power outages after being hit by tornadoes in May. Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category Three storm to the east of the capital city on Aug. 30, 2023. Category Five Hurricane Michael devastated broad swaths of the Panhandle on Oct. 10, 2018. Hurricane Ian, Category Four, did the same in Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, and caused extensive flooding through peninsular Florida. Ahead of Debby, the state is positioning water barriers around critical infrastructure, including power substations. These barriers are water-inflatable tubes that can be built up to heights of eight feet around facilities in need of protection against flooding. With the ground in the area already saturated by heavy rainfall, flooding is guaranteed, officials said. The further west that track moves, likely the more room its gonna have to intensify. So, its not out of the question that you could end up with a Category Two storm. Its possible it may not be the most likely, but its certainly possible, so you should just prepare for that, DeSantis said. Once it does make landfall, it is going to be meandering for quite a bit over the next couple days and its going just to drop a lot of water on the state, and thats gonna have impacts, there are gonna be hazards as a result of that, the governor continued. The Florida National Guard has deployed as many as 3,000 servicemembers and the Florida State Guard 70 members. Also on hand are watercraft to assist in rescues and other forms of response, the governors office said. Officials warned motorists not to attempt to drive through flooded roadways. This story has been updated to correct the name of Tropical Storm Debby. A lifeguard tower being secured in preparation of a potential storm at Clearwater Beach on Saturday, in Florida. A lifeguard tower being secured in preparation of a potential storm at Clearwater Beach on Saturday, in Florida. Photograph: Jefferee Woo/AP A tropical storm with near hurricane strength winds and life threatening storm surges is expected to crash into Floridas Big Bend area on the northern Gulf coast shoreline by Monday morning, the National Hurricane Center said. As of 5pm ET on Saturday, the storm, named Debby, had maximum sustained wind speeds of 40mph and was moving off the coast of Havana, Cuba, and towards Florida. The National Hurricane Center has designated Debby with an advisory 6. By Sunday evening it is predicted to still be over Gulf waters and is expected to make landfall early Monday morning, said Michael Brennan, the director of National Hurricane Center, at a media briefing on Saturday. Related: One Florida sheriffs deputy killed and two wounded in ambush inside a house Time to make your preparations in case of evacuations is now, Brennan said. Prepare for possible hurricane conditions late Sunday night into Monday morning. It could dump 15 inches of rain and bring life threatening storm surges of 3-to-5 ft above ground level along the coasts, Brennan said, before the storm cuts across central Florida and aims up to Savannah, Georgia, and then toward Charleston, South Carolina. Powerful ocean surges are forecast for Bonita Beach northward to Tampa Bay. Those surges could send powerful sea waves further inland than normal, damaging structures and threatening anyone in their path. Parts of three Gulf coast Florida counties, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus, have issued mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders on Saturday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for extreme southern Florida and stretching as far north as the Fort Myers area, which was crushed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The state governor, Ron DeSantis has put most of the states cities and counties under emergency orders ahead of the expected landfall. Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households, DeSantiss office said on Friday. The Florida National Guard has approximately 3,000 service members ready for response efforts, his office added. Moreover, Florida state guard has activated 70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations, nine shallow water vessels and two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment, as well as seven search and rescue crews prepared to be deployed from Camp Blanding. The states corrections department has also designed evacuation plans in place to, should the need arise, relocate inmates from smaller satellite facilities into larger parent facilities, and is evaluating major institutions that may be at risk of flash flooding. Meanwhile, the states education department announced that Jefferson county school district will be closed on Monday, along with Florida A&M University, as well as Florida Gateway College and North Florida College. As of Saturday afternoon, at least 50 state parks have been closed, including any associated with overnight accommodations, according to Florida State Parks. Multiple counties including Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla, as well as cities including Tallahassee have announced sandbag sites for residents, USA Today reports. In Alabama, the city of Vestavia announced that six members of its fire departments swift water rescue team will leave Saturday for Tallahassee in response to the incoming storm, according to local outlets. The crew is expected to be deployed for up to ten days and will assist with search and rescue operations. Vestavia Hills fire department always stands ready to help those in need, said the Vestavia Hills fire chief Marvin Green, who added, We are proud to have the available assets both highly-trained personnel and specialized equipment to quickly assist in an impactful way and work to keep everyone as safe as possible. US forecasters expect a large number of Atlantic hurricanes to form in the 2024 season, which began 1 June, with four to seven major hurricanes forming out of 25 named storms. That is more than the record-breaking 2005 season that spawned hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Only one hurricane, Beryl, has formed in the Atlantic so far this year. The earliest category 5 storm on record, it ravaged the Caribbean and Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula before rolling up the Gulf coast of Texas as a category 1 storm, with winds up to 95mph (152.8 km/h). The storm is expected to follow a similar track as the deadly 2022 Hurricane Ian, which killed at least 103 people in Florida and did billions of dollars in damage as it made its way along the Gulf coast. Florida sits in the eye of the hurricane, but dont tell that to DeSantis Two sisters watch flooded Whiteoak Bayou waters flow next to downtown Houston on July 8, 2024. Houston residents began a familiar clean up process after the storm ravaged the Gulf Coast city. (Photo by Annie Mulligan/The Texas Tribune At the beginning of every hurricane season, people who live in the path of these killer storms have to brace themselves for the relentless rain, fierce winds, and often-resulting devastation. In Florida, however, homeowners are being buffeted by an insurance crisis. As hurricanes, the resultant flooding and other natural disasters have clobbered Florida, affordable housing insurance has become a thing of the past. According to a Guardian story, seven insurance companies left Florida in 2022 and 2023 because of the risks presented by trying to insure homeowners in a state that lies in the path of hurricanes powered by a burgeoning climate crisis. (The state reported in May that the situation may be stabilizing, with 10 insurers seeking no premium increases and eight proposing lower rates.) Hurricane Beryl which grew into a Category 5 storm with 165-mile-per-hour winds gashed islands in the Caribbean in June, flattening homes and businesses, tearing out trees by their roots, and leaving seven people dead in Grenada and St. Vincent. Luckily for Florida, Beryl next took aim at Houston. A report by the Perryman Group, including a review of more than 500 industries, indicates that then-Category 1 storm with 80 mile-per-hour winds dropped eight inches of rainfall across Houston and its environs, causing significant damage, including flooding, downed trees, power outages, downed traffic lights and signs, and extensive structural damage. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in Texas, but the wreckage to Houstons electric grid left millions of people in the dark. The economic damage could run to as much as $4.6 billion, including wreckage to Houstons electrical grid and extended blackouts. Supercharging evaporation Climate scientists and other experts warn that hurricanes as powerful or more so than Beryl will to be more frequent because of greenhouse gas emissions heating up the atmosphere and ocean, supercharging evaporation and heat transfer in a warmer atmosphere that already holds more moisture, as the Arizona Daily Sun reports. Consequently, the number of Category 3 and 4 hurricanes will increase. Add to this reality the fact that Florida is uniquely vulnerable to sea level rise, with some 1,350 miles of coastlines, flat topography, and porous geology, and that the states 35 coastal counties are home to some 76% of the population, Inside Climate News reports. That same publication reports on one study finding that Floridas sea level rise accelerated from a rate of 3.1 millimeters a year since the mid-20th Century to 5.9 millimeters a year since 1993 and 8.2 millimeters a year since 2003. In other words, the seas rise is four or five times faster than it was over the last several thousand years, one expert said. So, what does the head brainiac, Gov. Ron DeSantis, do? He follows the lead of his fellow nitwits on the extremist wing of whats left of the Republican Party and buries his head in the sand. If we just pretend climate change doesnt exist, it will just go away, right? Phoenix environmental columnist Craig Pittman reasons that while DeSantis dithers, Florida burns from heatwaves and wildfires or is overwhelmed by killer hurricanes. When he signed the bill that deletes most of the mentions of climate change from state law, DeSantis boasted in a post on X, Were restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots. Fossil fuel lobby Instead of being curators and caretakers of the environment, DeSantis and his greedy, reckless companions are doing the bidding of the fossil fuel lobby. And the Floridians whose interests the governor is supposed to serve are left to deal with staggeringly high insurance rates, searing heat, rising seas, and storms. As Bradley Marshall of Earthjustice, the nonprofit environmental law firm, told the Phoenix in May: Out in the real world, citizens are dealing with devastating impacts as our climate heats up and gets more volatile. Heat is killing our reefs, our creatures, and even our citizens. State leaders should be doing all they can to protect and prepare us. DeSantis also signed into law a pernicious bill that prohibits local governments from leaning on businesses to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. He has rejected millions of dollars in federal funds that would help the state devise a climate action plan. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that by 2045, about $26 billion in residential real estate will face chronic flooding, particularly in Miami, the Florida Keys, and the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. DeSantis and state officials have made some craven, less-than-honest moves pretending to counter the climate crisis and in so doing have abrogated their responsibility to the people of Florida. Floridians are paying the price. Stalemate According to the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp., at the end of 2022 average annual property insurance premiums had spiraled to more than $4,200 in Florida three times the national average. The agency was set up in 2002 as an insurer of last resort for those who couldnt find coverage in the private market. Prospective clients qualify for insurance from Citizens if the lowest quote they get from a private insurer is more than 20% greater than the Citizens quote. Its average policy is far below the private market about $3,700, the statewide average. In June, Citizens proposed rate increases of an average of 13.5% for homeowners and 14.2% for condo owners. Climate experts acknowledge that Florida dodged a bullet when Hurricane Bertha slammed Houston, but it is clear its only a matter of time before the state is again in the bullseye. Even now, a system in the western Atlantic is forecast to threaten Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Once Floridians cant beg, borrow, or snatch mortgages and insurance for their water-logged homes, the Keys and other parts of South Florida will no longer be livable because they will be covered with water. We see that Republicans arent interested in working on solutions, Democrats are too weak and disorganized, and the public is constrained by a political apparatus that frustrates them from forcing needed changes. Meanwhile, any number of powerful, deadly hurricanes are on the horizon and the waters will continue to rise. As we go into the meat of the hurricane season, Floridians will have little real protection. Those in need of affordable insurance have to push, pressure, and prod DeSantis and the Legislature to properly handle this crisis. But I wouldnt hold my breath. Footage shows striking outcome of 24-hour forest restoration project: 'One of the most amazing legacies you could leave' Two years after Beau Miles planted one tree per minute for an entire day, he made a follow-up film to document the arduous and rewarding adventure. The Australian filmmaker is known for his unique style and has undertaken similar projects, some in conservation-adjacent fields. For instance, he traversed the 23 kilometers (around 14 miles) of the continent's "sickest urban river" and built a "junk cabin" during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. "A Tree a Minute" documented his planting of 25 types of trees over 2.5 acres of land owned by a friend. Miles did it to see how his homeland, a "deforested farmed zone exploited for its impressive topsoil," would respond to a little TLC. "It was the hardest 24 hours I'ver ever had," he says. "And it was also one of the most meaningful, testing out the potentials of a single day. I've trusted the trees to get on with living since putting them in, but I also promised I'd be back." Miles' return was triumphant. He took in the landscape and exulted in the success of the effort, saying 70%-75% of the trees had survived. "Wow. This is brilliant," he says. "And here [I am], standing here without a hat on in the middle of the blazing sun because I'm shaded by this tree. "I'm super proud of this because things like this are so easy not to do." More and more people, however, are doing them. The world is warming, dangerously so, and Australia, among perhaps every country on Earth, is suffering. The Land Down Under is experiencing more extreme droughts, fire seasons, and floods, among other consequences of humans' use of dirty energy sources such as gas, coal, and oil. Such global changes have inspired conservationists and regular citizens alike to take action, whether by planting 1,440 trees in a day, reintroducing key species to native lands, donating thousands of acres to a preserve, or saving a coral reef. Mother Nature has shown that a human helping hand is all she needs to bounce back in a big way. Miles demonstrated what his hard work accomplished throughout his follow-up film, but his satisfaction stood out when he took a seat under one living member of his forest. "I'm leaning against a tree I planted," he says. "Bloody brilliant. Feels good, too nice and firm." He marveled at the spectacle of the whole thing, naming butterflies, birds, and insects as beneficiaries. He added that some of the trees would live hundreds of years. "This is one of the most amazing legacies you could leave," one YouTube commenter said. "Your little girl was one year old (ish) when you planted these trees. Imagine when she is 70 and can look over the amazing forest that will grow, and say, 'My dad did that.'" Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as heightened tensions in the region spark fears of a widening Middle East conflict. The warnings come after the US said it was sending additional warships to the region and as Washingtons embassy in Lebanon called on citizens to book any ticket available to them. Britains Foreign Secretary David Lammy said his message for British citizens was, leave now. The region is on high alert after Iran vowed revenge on Israel, which it blames for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the capital Tehran earlier this week. Haniyehs death came just hours after an Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital Beirut killed Hezbollahs most senior military commander, Fuad Shukr. In the latest flurry of diplomatic activity, Irans state news agency (IRNA) reported that the Foreign Minister of Jordan was making a rare visit to the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday, to meet and exchange views with Iranian officials regarding bilateral, regional and international issues. The developments have raised concerns that Israels war in Gaza, which is now well into its ninth month, could spill over into a full-blown Middle Eastern conflict. It is thought that Lebanon-based Hezbollah could play a prominent part in any such retaliation. The militant group has been involved in daily exchanges of fire with Israel; overnight on Saturday Hezbollah fired 30 projectiles, most of which were intercepted by Israel. On Monday, Hezbollah claimed to have launched a drone attack that hit a military target in northern Israel, calling it retaliation for the recent assassinations and a show of support for Gaza. Israel launched multiple interceptors at suspicious aerial targets that crossed from Lebanon into Upper Galilee, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Two IDF personnel were injured after one target was downed and firefighters were extinguishing a blaze in the area. In a separate statement, the IDF claimed to have struck multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight, including a weapons storage facility. It also said it had identified and shot down a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon Monday morning, and had observed a hostile explosive UAV that crossed from Lebanon and fell in the area of Malkia. No damage or injuries were reported from the incidents. Many countries already had travel warnings in place but have issued fresh advice in the wake of the latest developments. Smoke billows at the Israeli-Lebanon border from the site of a rocket fired from the Lebanese side, towards the Israeli village of Metullah on Saturday. - AFP/Getty Images France told its citizens to make arrangements to leave Lebanon as soon as possible in a statement from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign affairs on Sunday. Jordan issued a similar warning to its citizens. The country was involved in shooting down Iranian drones when Iran launched unprecedented retaliatory strikes in April for a suspected Israeli attack on a diplomatic complex. Turkey meanwhile updated its travel advisory for Lebanon, urging those who do not need to stay in the country to leave while commercial flights remain active. Our citizens should avoid traveling to Lebanon unless it is essential; Our citizens in Lebanon are advised to be cautious, not to go to Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon, Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel provinces unless necessary, and those who do not need to stay in Lebanon are advised to leave Lebanon, if possible, while commercial flights are still continuing, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli posted to X on Sunday. Airlines including Air France, Lufthansa and Kuwaiti Airlines have already canceled flights to and from Lebanon while others diverted planes away from the country. Preparing for every possibility In a further sign of the region bracing for an Iranian retaliation, the US on Saturday sent a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron and additional warships to the Middle East. It marked perhaps the largest movement of US forces to the region since the early days of the Gaza war, when the Pentagon sent two carrier strike groups toward the Middle East in a very public warning to regional militant groups not to expand the fighting. White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said Sunday that the US and Israel are preparing for every possibility after the Pentagon sent the additional military assets. We and our ally Israel are preparing for every possibility. And thats the vein in which the announcements made by the Pentagon took place. All of those posture adjustments are to prepare for a potential response against Israel from Iran or any other adversary, Finer told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union. And on Sunday, US State Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers from G7 nations to discuss the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East, according to a State Department spokesperson. The spokesperson said Blinken and the foreign ministers discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire that would secure hostage releases and the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They also reiterated their commitment to Israels security and urged maximum restraint from all parties to keep the conflict from escalating. Israelis have been stocking up on supplies, while a file from the Jerusalem municipality advised residents to clean and prepare their bomb shelters, warning they must be able to reach shelters in 90 seconds. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Dmytro Sirman, a resident of Chernivtsi and lawmaker of the municipal council in multiple convocations, was killed in action while defending Ukraine. Source: Chernivtsi Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "A great patriot, a lawmaker on the Chernivtsi municipal council for multiple convocations, and a popular figure. He took up arms to defend Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale war." Details: His son Oleh stated on social media that the soldier was killed on 3 August. Dmytro Sirman lost his life near Synkivka on the Kupiansk front, according to MP Serhii Rudyk, whose aide he was. He was supposed to celebrate his 60th birthday in October. Since 2020, he has served as deputy of Chernivtsi mayor, overseeing the activities of executive bodies. Support UP or become our patron! Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who served under the Trump administration, raised concerns Sunday over President Bidens ability to finish his term. If hes not well enough to run, how can he be well enough to stay in there as president? Ross said Sunday in an interview on The Cats Roundtable with host John Catsimatidis. His question comes after Biden announced late last month that he would be stepping aside from the presidential race against former President Trump and later endorsed Vice President Harris to run in his place. His decision came after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats for him to drop out of the race following a rough debate performance that sparked worries over his age, mental fitness and ability to recapture the White House in the fall. In the weeks since, Harris has garnered key endorsements, officially became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president and raked in large fundraising hauls. Asked by Catsimatidis about who he believes is in control in the Oval Office if it isnt Biden, Ross answered, Clearly it must be the staff people. You saw and remember the press conferences, he continued. President Biden would occasionally say, Oh, my staff wont let me talk about that, My staff doesnt like me saying this or that. So, clearly, the staff has been uniquely in control of a lot of activities, even before he announced he was not going to run, the former Trump official added. The White House and Biden have pushed back on questions around his health. The administration released a letter last month from the presidents physician attempting to clarify why a neurologist with a specialty in Parkinsons disease had gone to the White House multiple times. Seeing patients at the White House is something that Dr. [Kevin] Cannard has been doing for a dozen years, Dr. Kevin OConnor wrote in the letter, talking about the neurologist. Dr. Cannard was chosen for this responsibility not because he is a movement disorder specialist, but because he is a highly trained and highly regarded neurologist here at Walter Reed and across the Military Health System, with a very wide expertise which makes him flexible to see a variety of patients and problems, he added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Horizon Air Industries and Alaska Airlines are facing a class action lawsuit led by a former employee over wage and hour complaints issues that previously won workers more than $31 million in court from the airlines parent company. The lawsuit, filed to Sacramento Superior Court on Tuesday, is brought by a man who worked as a ground service agent for Horizon, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, from 2020 to 2022. The former worker alleged the companies failed to pay employees for time worked, violated meal and break requirements and provided inaccurate wage statements, according to court documents. Horizon and Alaska required employees to complete work tasks off-the-clock and delayed, interrupted, or cut short their meal periods to continue working, the lawsuit said. The plaintiff also alleged that there was no legally-compliant rest policy in writing or practice that was made known to employees, in violation of state law mandating that employers give a 10-minute rest period every four work hours. The filing states that the plaintiff is seeking to represent all current and former non-exempt employees that worked for Horizon and Alaska in California within the past four years. He requested a trial by jury. The plaintiff did not respond to a request for comment. Alaska Air Group also did not respond to a request for comment. Alaska Air Group has been embroiled in a legal battle over a similar wage-and-hour case in the past. A lawsuit filed more than a decade ago against Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, another sister airline owned by Alaska Air Group, eventually forced the company to pay California flight attendants over $77 million in damages and penalties in 2019. A federal judge reduced the award sum to $31 million in 2023. The case shared some of the same complaints as the current one, accusing the airlines of failing to pay them for all hours worked, pay overtime premiums and provide complete wage statements. Then-Gov. Matt Bevin, speaking to a National Rifle Association event in Louisville in 2016, was an ardent advocate for adoption and critic of the adoption system. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) As Kentucky governor, Matt Bevin said his overriding goal was to reform what he said was the states broken machine of an adoption and foster care system. This is the driving reason why I made the decision to run, because it needs to be fixed, Bevin said in a 2017 interview on KET. In that same interview, Bevin and his wife, Glenna, said their adoption of four children from Ethiopia grew from their faith-driven desire to provide homes for children in need. Then-Gov. Matt Bevin and his now estranged wife Glenna Bevin talked about their experiences with adoption on KET in (Screenshot) It is our desire to make Kentucky a model for the nation and the world, said Matt Bevin, a conservative Christian and Republican who served as governor from 2015 through 2019. But now, one of those adopted children, a 17-year-old boy, is at the center of international attention after he and seven other boys were removed from the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica in February, where authorities found horrific conditions, according to a lengthy article published July 13 in the Sunday Times of London. In a case that has attracted the attention of hotel heiress Paris Hilton, an impassioned advocate for youths held in substandard treatment facilities around the world, Bevins adopted son is among those who endured unspeakable conditions, according to the Times story. The Times story said the boys placed there, some from the United States, reported beatings, cruel punishments, lack of food and filthy, unsanitary conditions. They also reported lack of communication with families who had placed them there, going for months with no contact. Academy rules forbade telephone contact until a boy had advanced to a level that earned telephone privileges, the Sunday Times story said. Matt Bevin did not respond to an email request for comment nor did his lawyer. Glenna Bevin did not immediately respond to a request for comment through her lawyer, Mark Dobbins. The Bevins, the parents of five biological and four adopted children, are in the midst of a contentious divorce after Glenna Bevin in May 2023 filed a petition to dissolve the marriage of 27 years she said was irretrievably broken, The perfect location Located on an idyllic beachfront in Jamaica, the academy on its website promises a safe and structured environment for youth with a past history of behavioral or emotional problems. The perfect location for healing, it said. But the Times story reported a much darker picture of violence, abuse and isolation with one youth proclaiming Id rather die than go back. The academy did not respond to the Lanterns request for comment through the website. The toll-free number it lists is out of service. The Times said Jamaican authorities have not been able to locate the academys former director but reports that four staffers have been arrested and charged with child cruelty and assault. The Times story said a boy it called Noah, a pseudonym, is the adoptive son of Matt and Glenna Bevin and he was placed in the school last year. The Times story, which used pseudonyms for other boys, reports that while some parents traveled to Jamaica to collect their children after the authorities intervened and closed it, no one immediately showed up for Noah or two other boys, also adopted. When the reporter asked Noah why Matt Bevin had adopted him, the teen replied, public image, the Times story said. The Times does not say how it confirmed Noahs identity or who placed him at the academy. Matt Bevin frequently mentioned the adoption of the four children from Ethiopia during his 2015 run for governor and after he was elected as a reason for reforming the states adoption system. An evangelical Christian, he also called on fellow members of Kentuckys faith community to adopt and appointed a Baptist pastor as his adoption czar, reporting directly to him. Bevin, after a controversial four years as governor, was defeated for a second term in 2019 by Democrat Andy Beshear. Wards of the state After a court hearing in Jamaica in April, the three remaining teens, including Noah, were made wards of the Jamaican state, the Times story said. Its not clear where the Bevins son is now. A staff member of the Paris Hilton foundation, 11:11 Media, which intervened in the Jamaica court proceedings on behalf of the youths and was able to arrange a custody arrangement for one, told the Lantern last week that Bevins son is no longer in Jamaica but didnt provide further information. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, which initially was involved in the removal of youths from the academy, did not respond to a request for comment. The Bevins are in the midst of a contentious divorce sought by Glenna Bevin in May 2023. In April 2024, Glenna Bevin obtained a court order barring Matt Bevin from her home after she claimed he kept entering her house without permission, refusing to leave. The couple have been separated for about two years, according to the divorce records. Matt Bevins wealth, developed from a career in finance, was estimated in excess of $13 million when he ran for governor in 2015. He and Glenna Bevin live in separate houses in Anchorage, an affluent enclave east of Louisville. The divorce filing indicates they have nine children, two of them minors. Glenna Bevin is seeking joint custody of the two youngest, with her as primary residential parent. Shipped them off Hilton traveled to Jamaica in April for a court hearing to show support for the eight boys removed from the academy. She said it is part of her work through her foundation to draw attention to what Hilton said is a growing industry of abusive residential programs for so-called troubled children and teens. Hilton said she is a survivor of such programs after she was placed in several in the United States starting at age 16 where she was treated violently, sexually abused, forcibly medicated and isolated. She testified before a Congressional committee in June in support of federal legislation to provide resources meant to keep children out of institutions, citing her trip to Jamaica as an example of what can go wrong when parents send their children to such places with little information and limited or no contact. Youths at the Jamaica academy were abused, beaten, waterboarded and held in solitary confinement, Hilton said in her testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee. Some were from adoptive families, she said. Their parents had adopted them when they were young, promised them a better life, and then shipped them off to an international facility to be warehoused there until they turned 18, she said. Her appearance at the Jamaica court hearing created a sensation when her motorcade pulled up at the courthouse, according to the Sunday Times story. It made the story front-page news in Jamaica. Every head turns as a blue-light police motorcade pulls into the car-park, the story said. A vision of blonde perfection emerges from a car, wearing the serious expression of a woman who means business. The boys get out of their bus, stunned, and one by one Hilton hugs them. She listens as they tell their stories about what they suffered at (the academy) before they are filed into the courtroom. No one showed up on behalf of three of the eight boys including Bevins son, the story said. Afterwards, the three are sent away with Jamaican child protection officials who try to reassure them. The boys stare at their feet, broken and lost, the Times story said. The broken machine In his campaign for governor, Bevin early on attacked the states adoption and foster care system, calling the agency within the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services, a convoluted, backward, broken machine. Bevins chief complaint, one he cited often during his campaign and after he was elected governor, was that he and his wife were rejected as potential adoptive parents by cabinet social service officials because they already had five biological children at home. The decision came, he said, after the Bevins sought state approval as adoptive parents in hopes of adopting a young girl in foster care their children had met on a local playground. After the Bevins went through extensive work including background checks, home inspections and parenting classes at their own expense, they were rejected, Matt Bevin said, It was ultimately determined by someone with a clipboard and a notebook that having a sixth child in a family would not afford her with enough attention, Bevin told a reporter in 2015 while he was running for governor. I could not believe it. So the Bevins decided on an international adoption, the couple told KET host Renee Shaw in the 2017 interview after he was elected governor. Initially, the Bevins had arranged to adopt a single child from Ethiopia but then changed their plans after learning of three siblings from that country also in need of a home. The adoption of all four children took place in 2012. Suddenly we had nine children, Bevin said. The four adopted children had no difficulty assimilating into the Bevins householdeven though they were a different race and spoke a different language, the couple said in the KET interview. It really wasnt a big adjustment, said Glenna Bevin, who as Kentuckys first lady took on improving adoption and foster care as her primary cause. Kids are amazing, Matt Bevin said. It really has been a very, very seamless transition. At some point after Bevin lost his bid for a second term as governor in 2019, his teenage adopted son was sent away to a school in Florida, the Times story said. Last year, it said, the youth was moved to the facility in Jamaica. Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway registers as lobbyist for Ukrainian billionaire with past ties to Trump Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway registers as lobbyist for Ukrainian billionaire with past ties to Trump Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway has registered as a foreign agent representing Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk's foundation, new foreign lobbying disclosure reports show. In 2015, the Ukrainian steel magnate donated $150,000 to former President Donald Trump's charitable organization to book the then-presidential candidate to speak at a conference in Kyiv. The donation was later reportedly investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller's team in connection with their probe into Trump's and his campaign's alleged role in Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, according to The New York Times. Mueller's final report did not specifically address this donation. PHOTO: Ukrainian businessman Victor Pinchuk attends the 'Ukraine. Year 2024' forum on Feb. 25, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Serhiy Morgunov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images, FILE) Conway is representing the U.K. office of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, which the disclosure filings describe as a "registered, private, nonpartisan, philanthropic company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom primarily focused on advancing artistic, scientific, charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes in Ukraine or related to Ukraine." According to the disclosure, Conway has been hired to influence American "political leaders," "lawmakers, experts and opinion makers" on a variety of issues related to Ukraine, including "making best efforts to convince" them to "attend the annual Yalta European Strategy meeting in Kiev on September 13 - 14," the disclosure filing states. MORE: Trump Foundation Took Donations From Controversial Ukrainian Clinton Donor Yalta European Strategy's annual gathering, also known as YES, is the same conference that Trump virtually attended in 2015 allegedly in exchange for Pinchuk's donation. Conway's role as an agent for Pinchuk's foundation also includes engaging U.S. political leaders and experts to "explain the importance of Ukraine to the rules-based order and the protection of democratic principles," and contributing to "raising awareness among US decision makers of Ukrainians' fight for freedom and the Russian illegal war of aggression," according to the disclosure filing. She is also tasked with assisting with organizing meetings between U.S. political leaders and Ukrainian soldiers and veterans, and to keep Pinchuk informed of the process and achievements, per the disclosure filing. Conway is set to be paid $50,000 a month for her services throughout the contract, which runs from July 25 through Nov. 14, 2024, with an option to extend it, according to their service agreement. ABC News has reached out to Conway. PHOTO: Former Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) MORE: Kellyanne Conway meets with Manhattan prosecutors investigating Trump The $150,000 donation to Trump's foundation was one of many foreign payments Trump and his associates had received in the years leading up to the 2016 election that had been scrutinized by the special counsel's team, according to the New York Times. In 2018, the Trump Organization turned over documents related to the $150,000 donation from Pinchuk, after investigators subpoenaed the Trump family business for an array of records about business with foreign nationals. In 2019, Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen testified before the House Oversight Committee that the $150,000 donation was in lieu of Trump's speaking engagement at the conference. Trump ended up making a 20-minute virtual appearance at the YES gathering in Kyiv in September 2015, where the then-presidential candidate praised Pinchuk, saying, "Victor is a very, very special man. A special entrepreneur." During his virtual remarks at the 2015 YES gathering, Trump also attacked then-President Barack Obama for not doing enough to support Ukraine, saying, "Part of the problem we have with the Ukraine is that [Vladimir] Putin does not respect our president whatsoever. Putin does not respect our president." Pinchuk's contribution to Trump's charity group was disclosed in 2016 as a part of the charity group's annual tax record. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation offices told ABC News at the time that the contribution was made to bolster its efforts to persuade Western governments to help protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the face of Russian incursions. "The sole reason the Victor Pinchuk Foundation has reached out to President-elect Trump -- as well as other world leaders -- has been to promote strengthened and enduring ties between Ukraine and the West," a spokeswoman for the Pinchuk foundation said in an emailed response to questions in November 2016. "Mr Pinchuk had met Mr Trump some years ago in New York, this is how the invitation for Mr Trump to speak at the YES meeting came about," the spokeswoman said at the time. Pinchuk has also been a prolific donor to the Clinton Foundation, giving tens of millions of dollars to the group over the years, as well as reportedly lending his private plane to the Clintons. Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway registers as lobbyist for Ukrainian billionaire with past ties to Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Our family motto for this year is ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! The culmination of the 2023-24 school year is nothing but a testament to God's faithfulness and the perseverance of a family. On May 18, 2024, three out of the four Colemans graduated on the same day in three different cities, preceded by one Coleman who graduated on Dec. 16, 2023. With four degrees in one family, our family has had a remarkable graduation year. Some might have read these first few sentences and said immediately, School is too expensive, or, Im too old to go back to school. Before you give up and admit defeat, give me a moment to share our narrative and hopefully encourage you to keep dreaming. Travel back with me to 2018. Our elder son, Chandler, graduated from high school in 2018 and decided to attend the University of Central Oklahoma. He lived on campus his first year, then ventured out to get his own apartment nearby. He worked several jobs while enrolled in school to pay for his apartment. Through federal grants and payment installments, we were able to pay for his schooling. My husband and I are both educators and teach at the University of Oklahoma in the Clara Luper Department of African and African American Studies, simultaneously have a church ministry, and serve in the community. For some reason, it appears that we just like to stay busy. In 2019, although I am a podiatrist, trained to take care of soles, I felt a shift and was called to ministry to minister to souls. It was important for me to not only talk about the gospel, but I needed to expand my knowledge and education, so I chose Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. Thankfully, the school offered a great tuition assistance program. For one Oklahoma family, it has been a remarkable graduation year. Similarly, my husband, the Rev. A. Byron Coleman III, who has been the senior pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church in Oklahoma City for 26 years, was approached in 2021 to go back to school to earn a Doctor of Ministry. He openly admitted he was uncertain about his academic writing abilities, as it was a significant departure from the normal weekly sermon preparation, so he paused for a moment. However, he was informed that the seminary partnered with a local NYC church, which would pay his tuition. Another financial blessing for the Coleman family. Our younger son, Courtland, who graduated from high school in 2022, as the world was reemerging from the pandemic, decided to stay close to home and chose to commute to Oklahoma City Community College. Much of his education was covered by federal grants, as well. Four people in school at one time could be financially daunting, but God always provided. Admittedly, there were times each of us wanted to give up, but we all persevered. None of us gave up! Throughout the 2023-24 school year, we all continued reading books, drafting papers and studying diligently. As we met with our advisers, we realized we would be graduating about the same time. On Dec. 16, 2023, Chandler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in professional media/communications from the University of Central Oklahoma. Three months later, Byron defended his dissertation, The Influence of the Black Church in Establishing Initiatives and Collaborations Aimed at Enhancing the Scholastic Achievement of Black Students. On May 18, 2024, the remaining three Colemans graduated on the same day but in three different cities. Byron earned a Doctor of Ministry in social justice from New York Theological Seminary in New York City. Courtland received an Associate of Arts in diversified studies from Oklahoma City Community College and will continue his education (still actively applying for scholarships) at Morehouse College in August. I graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary with a Master of Theological Studies. Since we were in different cities, we could not attend one anothers graduation ceremonies, except for Chandler, who accompanied Byron and even hooded him during his ceremony. On June 2, back in Oklahoma City, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, we dedicated part of the worship service to honor our members who had graduated from every educational level: from pre-K to grad school. It was a tremendous privilege to share this special day as a family. Dressed in our academic regalia, we recognized the uniqueness of our narrative. Our church members, family and friends had an opportunity to witness firsthand that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. More: How can Oklahoma retain its college grads? Here's what readers say about 'brain drain' So, why did I share this story with you? First, I felt it necessary to share our narrative to encourage others to never give up. Do not allow your financial situation to dictate your forward progression. We did not have tons of money to pay for four students at once, so we applied for grants and scholarships and chose schools that could meet our needs. Secondly, during the pandemic, it was difficult at times to stay focused on education while being distracted by the uncertainty around us. However, we had a great support team in one another and the people who were close to us. Thirdly, my husband and I could have been content because we had already attained a certain level of education, but we wanted to model for our sons that being a lifelong learner is commendable and sometimes necessary if you feel called to do more for your family and community. Let this story be a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of a strong support system and the importance of lifelong learning. No matter the challenges you face, remember that with determination, resourcefulness and support, you can achieve your goals. Never give up, and always strive to do more for yourself and those around you. With four degrees, in one family, during one school year ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Sharri L. Coleman is an educator and teaches at the University of Oklahoma in the Clara Luper Department of African and African American Studies. She graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary in May with a Master of Theological Studies. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma family's four people in college at once could be daunting France has joined the list of countries urging its citizens living in Lebanon to leave the country as fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East grow. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked its citizens to arrange travel urgently due to a highly volatile security situation. Paris is following in the footsteps of the US and the UK, whose foreign ministries both called on their nationals to leave on Saturday. The UK urged its nationals in Lebanon to leave now on available flights, and warned that that the situation could deteriorate rapidly. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy posted on X that the UK had withdrawn the families of officials working in the British embassy in Beirut. Sweden also recommended that its nationals evacuate, after announcing the closure of its embassy in Beirut. Several airline companies have halted flights to and from Lebanon, including Air France and the German airline Lufthansa. Concerns about an escalation in regional tensions have increased following the assassination of top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut on Tuesday evening, which Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed a forceful response to. The strike, on Beirut's crowded urban neighbourhood of Haret Hreik, wounded 74 civilians. Talal Hatoum, a local official with the Shiite Amal Movement, Hezbollahs key political ally in Lebanon, said Tuesday's attack marked a shift in the rules of engagement in the conflict due to the number of civilian casualties. The last time Israel targeted Beirut was in January, when an airstrike killed a top Hamas official, Saleh Arouri. That strike was the first time Israel had hit Beirut since the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006. Many of them had not expected that Israel would hit Beirut, which has raised fears that it might elicit a strike by Hezbollah on a major population centre in Israel. In the aftermath of the unfathomable killing of three little girls in Southport last Monday, Britain has been confronted with an outbreak of disgraceful thuggery and disorder. As misinformation about the suspects identity spread rapidly online, far-Right mobs targeted mosques and other Muslim places of worship, which has led some Left-wing Labour MPs to urge Sir Keir Starmer to take a stronger stance on Islamophobia. Anti-Muslim hatred has no place in a country which prides itself on religious tolerance and freedom of belief. The authorities must maintain their efforts to tackle bigotry in all its ugly forms, and those responsible for the current wave of violence and intimidation ought to feel the full force of the law. But opposition backbenchers are right to warn that any new legislation to broaden the definition of Islamophobia could come at an unacceptable cost. The term entered the political lexicon in 1997 and was popularised by the Runnymede Trust in a study launched by Jack Straw, then home secretary. Although the paper focused on perceived anti-Islam prejudice, in the years since, pressure has mounted for the definition to be updated. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims in 2018 called for Islamophobia to be made synonymous with anti-Muslim racism, a proposal which received Labours support the following year. But this would allow anything critical of Islam to be seized on by the Left as racism, even though Islam is a religion. The APPG also argued for appropriate limits to free speech and tests to ascertain whether contentious speech is reasonable criticism. But who would adjudicate these tests and decide whether criticism was reasonable? The danger is that outrage on social media would force government or police to take action with dubious justification. The Government must be careful not to stifle freedom of expression or create a blasphemy law, applicable only to one faith, by the backdoor. No one should be subjected to threats or discrimination on account of their race or religious beliefs, but there is an existing body of law which protects against such behaviour. Sir Keirs attention ought to be focused on ensuring this legislation is properly enforced, rather than attempting to control and police a far wider range of activity which has nothing to do with the sort of violent behaviour we have witnessed in the past week. 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 Frontier Airlines pilot was arrested in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, forcing the airline to cancel a flight. Houston Police Department officers arrested Seymour Walker, 45, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to police. Walker was wanted on an assault-family violence warrant filed by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety. The activity occurred prior to the start of boarding for Flight 3195 scheduled from IAH to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), the airline told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The incident that led to the arrest was not related to Frontier or the pilots performance of his job duties. A replacement crew member was not immediately available and therefore the flight was canceled. The arrest stemmed from an alleged April 6 assault, when Walkers wife told police he punched her in the stomach after the couple began arguing while watching their sons basketball game. During the argument, (she) became frustrated and cursed at Seymour which then led to Seymour becoming angry and punching Tamisha in the stomach, an arrest affidavit said. Walker left the area when his wife called the police. She alleged he had assaulted and choked her in the past as well. Frontier gave affected customers the option to get a refund, credit or be rebooked on its next available flight later that night. Passengers were also provided a $100 flight voucher, and overnight hotel accommodations as needed, the airline added. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Frontier pilot arrested at Houston airport before boarding A Frontier Airlines pilot was arrested and escorted out of a plane in Houston just moments before the flights scheduled departure Thursday afternoon, airline officials said Saturday. Frontier Airlines can confirm that on Aug. 1, 2024, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH) a crew member was taken into custody by local law enforcement, a company spokesperson told the Daily News. The arrest occurred just before passengers of Flight 3195, which was scheduled to depart IAH on its way to Dallas Forth Worth International, began boarding the aircraft. The Houston Airport System, which manages the citys three airports, also confirmed the incident, saying Houston police conducted an arrest warrant on a Frontier Airlines aircraft on Thursday at approximately 4 p.m. A video shared on social media appears to show a pilot with his hands behind his back walking down the jetway stairs accompanied by three police officers. The incident led to the cancellation of the flight since a replacement crew member was not immediately available, the spokesperson told The News. The pilot was later identified by Houston police as 45-year-old Seymour Walker, local TV station KHOU reported. He was wanted on an assault-family violence warrant filed by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety, authorities said. Information on what led to the warrant was not provided. Full ahead! Sailors from all around compete at Erie Open Regatta Mild winds made for perfect sailing weather Sunday, as a local yacht club held a competition for boaters across the country. The Erie Yacht Club hosted the Erie Open Regatta this weekend, sending expert and novice sailors on the water for a sailboat race on Presque Isle Bay. Crafts in the Country sees great turnout at second event The race takes hours to complete, with competitors racing in either the one-person sunfish sailboat or a two-person windmill boat. An event organizer said people come from as far as Colorado and Nebraska to compete in the Lake Erie sailboat race, creating a competitive environment on the water. Eries Blues and Jazz Festival makes its return after a short hiatus Quite a few of the sailors out there are nationally ranked, and the great thing is that we also have relative novices competing against them, and the way that you get better is to compete against people who are better than you. So, its a wonderful opportunity to learn, said Sharon Dale, Erie Yacht Club Racing Fleet chairman. Dale says the erie yacht club offers sailing lessons for juniors and adults interested in learning how to navigate a boat. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic Senate candidate and Rep. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) is attempting to shore up Republican and independent voters through a new coalition in the swing state. Gallegos campaign on Sunday announced the launch of Republicans and Independents for Ruben, a coalition of 40 Republican and Independent leaders backing the Democrat for the Senate. I am running for the U.S. Senate to represent all Arizonans, regardless of where they live or what political party they align themselves with. We may not agree on everything, but we can find common ground on one essential goal: building a better Arizona, Gallego wrote in a statement Sunday. The list of endorsements includes current and former elected Republican officials, business owners, and community leaders, including several former aides to the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake came under fire earlier this year for previous insults against McCain, who survived years as a prisoner of war. McCains former state director, Paul Hickman, compared Ruben to his late boss in the endorsement released Sunday. Like my former boss, Ruben has spent decades serving his country and state, Hickman said. And in the Senate, I trust that Ruben will work with those of different backgrounds to make compromises, not spectacles, and continue to always put Arizona first. The announcement comes days after Gallego won the Democratic primary in the Arizona Senate race after running uncontested to replace retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I). Lake also won her primary last Tuesday after facing a challenger in Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. She ran for governor in 2022 and narrowly lost to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), though she has repeatedly refuted the election loss. While Lake clinched the GOP nomination, Lamb still received a notable chunk of the partys primary voters, prompting questions over whether the sheriffs supporters will ultimately choose her in November. Lake has sought to shore up support from skeptics and moderate Republicans she pushed away the last cycle, though this effort has met with limited success. Some previously skeptical of her appear to still be unconvinced about her run. Gallego, meanwhile, has attempted to eschew his progressive bona fides, including having his membership expire with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. While more registered voters in Arizona are Republicans, several Democrats like Hobbs and President Biden have seen growing support and clinched narrow victories in the state. An aggregate of Arizona Senate polls from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill shows Gallego leading Lake 47 percent support to 43 percent. Caroline Vakil contributed reporting. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Geneva man accused of issuing bad check for over $9,600 worth of equipment ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Geneva man has been arrested and accused of issuing a bad check worth over $9,600 to another business. According to Wayne County Sheriffs Office, Lee Houghton, age 39, was provided a service for Troms restaurant on Pearl Street in Lyons. The service installed multiple items and equipment for the restaurant amounting to $9,633.09. Houghton gave a check to Main General Food Supply in Henrietta to pay for the equipment, and when a deposit was attempted, it was declined due to insufficient funds. WCSO says Main General Food Supply allegedly had tried to contact Houghton, and later filed a 10-day protest. Houghton was then located at Troms and arrested for Issuing a Bad Check. Houghton was transported to Wayne County Jail for prints and photos and released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in Lyons Town Court at a later date. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Georgia was fading from the presidential battleground map. But Kamala Harris has put the state back in play. For months, Joe Biden lagged behind Donald Trump in polling among Georgia voters. But Democratic enthusiasm in the state has grown with Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee. The VP's strength with young voters and minorities has moved the race in Georgia back to a toss-up. Last week, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump held rallies at the same Georgia State University venue in downtown Atlanta just days apart. Harris' event on Tuesday burst at the seams with jubilant Democrats thrilled over her new role as the face of the party and its presumptive 2024 presidential nominee. Meanwhile, Trump's Saturday rally, which attracted the MAGA faithful, tried to blunt Harris' ascension in a race that the former president less than a month ago thought would be against the more politically vulnerable President Joe Biden. The new landscape comes at a critical time for both campaigns in Georgia, the onetime Republican presidential stronghold that has since taken on a shade of purple after backing Biden in 2020 and electing Democrats to the Senate in both 2021 and 2022. While many Republicans were beginning to consider Georgia for the taking because of Biden's sagging numbers, Harris has given Democrats a jolt of energy in the state. And now, neither side can take this Southern battleground for granted. Harris has strength with young voters and minorities Biden in 2020 swept nearly every swing state, boosted by his electoral advantage with young voters and minorities. In Georgia, Biden's strong support among these groups, especially with Black voters, helped him win the state by less than 1 percentage point that year. But more recently, Biden struggled to rally that base. He was often mired in the low to mid-40s in most Georgia polls. A big part of that slippage was because Trump was winning over an atypical number of Black voters for a GOP presidential candidate, and a chunk of young voters were opting for third-party candidates like the independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But Harris has reversed that trend, giving her momentum that had eluded Biden in Georgia this year. A recent Emerson College/The Hill survey found Trump had a 2-point lead (48% to 46%) over Harris in the Peach State. And the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll taken in Georgia found Harris and Trump tied at 47% support among registered voters. Harris can expand her suburban support Trump's allies had long prepared for a rematch with Biden, using a playbook centered on sweeping GOP voters and winning over independents and undecided voters on the economy. It could have been particularly effective in Atlanta's suburbs, especially in outer suburban communities where Republicans dominate in nonfederal statewide races. But Harris' ascent has thrown those plans into disarray. Even though Harris is a key part of the Biden administration, she has a chance to reintroduce herself to an electorate that didn't want a 2020 rematch. Her focus on issues like upholding the Constitution and protecting reproductive rights puts her squarely where a lot of suburban residents are ideologically. Trump weighed down suburban Republican support across the country in 2016, and in 2018 and 2020 his brand of Republicanism continued to push many suburbs including those in the Atlanta area further from their GOP leanings. Former President Donald Trump has continued to air grievances about the 2020 election results. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Trump underperformed in many inner suburban Atlanta communities during the March GOP presidential primary, with former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley earning thousands of votes even after she had left the race. A sizable number of these anti-Trump GOP voters could eventually migrate to Harris and give her added support in a region where she'll also need to perform strongly with Democrats to overcome Trump's rural strength. Trump still hasn't let 2020 go Elections are about the future. And if Trump holds on to 2020 instead of uniting Georgia Republicans, Harris will likely benefit. During Trump's rally on Saturday, he once again lashed out at Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, leaning into the bitterness of the 2020 election that tore apart the GOP. Trump has long argued, without evidence, that he was the true victor in Georgia that year. But neither Kemp nor Raffensperger would aid Trump in overturning the state's presidential results, and most Republicans have sought to move beyond the ex-president's grievances. But not Trump. "He's a bad guy, he's a disloyal guy, and he's a very average governor," Trump told rally attendees of Kemp on Saturday. "In my opinion, they want us to lose," the former president said of Kemp and Raffensperger. After Trump in a Truth Social post mentioned Kemp's wife, Marty, by saying he didn't want the Georgia first lady's endorsement, the governor told the ex-president on X to "leave my family out of it." In 2022, Trump tried to dispatch Kemp and Raffensperger in GOP primaries to no avail, as they defeated their MAGA-aligned challengers. This year, a divided Republican Party headed into November would seriously imperil the party's chances at flipping the state, especially as the Harris campaign pours time and resources into Georgia. If Trump can't even appear in Georgia alongside the state's popular sitting GOP governor, it could affect organizing and turnout as Kemp's get-out-the-vote operation was critical in his reelection victory against Stacey Abrams, a Democrat, in 2022. Read the original article on Business Insider Georgia man, Ghana native sentenced for spree of armed robberies at banks and stores A Georgia man and a co-defendant from Africa have been sentenced to prison for committing a string of armed robberies in the Atlanta area. Kujo Duako, 35, of Ghana was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Sammetrius Brooks, 33, of Atlanta, had been sentenced previously to 11 years and nine months behind bars, also with three years of supervised release after completing his prison term. According to Ryan Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, the two were involved in a crime spree on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, 2018, beginning with the botched robbery of a CVS store in the city of South Fulton. During the robbery, Duako pointed a semi-automatic handgun at an employee and ordered her to walk to the cash register. Rather than comply, the clerk fled to the rear of the store and set off a fire alarm, thwarting the robbery. Later that day, Duako robbed a Dollar General store in South Fulton, stealing both cash and personal property from an employee on duty. On the following day, Brooks joined as Duakos getaway driver, and the two robbed five businesses in South Fulton, Riverdale, College Park, and Fairburn, including a restaurant and bank. Less than two hours after the bank robbery, law enforcement officers recovered more than $9,000 in cash in Duakos possession as well as several cellphones stolen from a Sprint store. Duako and Brooks terrorized innocent victims and jeopardized their lives during this violent crime spree, Buchanan said Thursday. The mens arrest and prosecution are an example of the excellent coordination that the FBI and our districts local law enforcement partners routinely leverage to remove dangerous criminals from our communities. The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and gun violence. In this instance, the Justice Department worked with the FBI, Clayton County Police Department, Clayton County Sheriffs Office, South Fulton Police Department, and Riverdale Police Department. The German government is weighing regulatory changes to make it easier for Ukrainian medical students to continue their training and become doctors in the country, the Health Ministry said on Sunday in response to inquiries. The ministry also made clear, however, that each of Germany's 16 federal states are already free to issue professional licenses to Ukrainian doctors who have completed their medical training. That was in response to demands from state officials and a new report by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, which found that more than 1,400 Ukrainian doctors who fled to Germany after the full-scale Russian invasion of their country are still waiting for a license to practise in Germany. According to reporting by Welt am Sonntag based on data from most German states, at least 1,674 Ukrainian doctors who fled the country have applied for a licence to practise in Germany since February 2022. Only 187 applications have been approved so far, the newspaper found, while 1,402 are still being processed. Waiting times for licenses aren't just long for Ukrainians. The report also found that it typically takes between 15 months and three years for doctors from other countries outside the European Union to be granted a licence to practise medicine. Susanne Johna, chairwoman of the Marburger Bund medical association, pointed out to the newspaper that doctors from abroad are increasingly opting to work in other EU countries instead of Germany. "Bureaucratic hurdles and understaffed state authorities are mainly to blame for this misery," said Johna. The health minister for the state of Lower Saxony, Andreas Philippi, on the other hand, put the blame on German Health Ministry. Philippi said he's appealing to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach to standarize and digitize the application process so it can be sped up significantly. State leaders made a similar recommendation at the beginning of July. Lauterbach rejected the criticism in a post on X. "Unfortunately, many states are both training too few Germans and admitting too few foreigners," he wrote. However, Lauterbach said the issue would be part of a slate of healthcare reforms he's pushing in the autumn which also include the recognition of foreign nursing staff. The German government is weighing regulatory changes to make it easier for Ukrainian medical students to continue their training and become doctors in the country, the Health Ministry said on Sunday in response to inquiries. The ministry also made clear, however, that each of Germany's 16 federal states are already free to issue professional licenses to Ukrainian doctors who have completed their medical training. That was in response to demands from state officials and a new report by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, which found that more than 1,400 Ukrainian doctors who fled to Germany after the full-scale Russian invasion of their country are still waiting for a license to practise in Germany. According to reporting by Welt am Sonntag based on data from most German states, at least 1,674 Ukrainian doctors who fled the country have applied for a licence to practise in Germany since February 2022. Only 187 applications have been approved so far, the newspaper found, while 1,402 are still being processed. Waiting times for licenses aren't just long for Ukrainians. The report also found that it typically takes between 15 months and three years for doctors from other countries outside the European Union to be granted a licence to practise medicine. Susanne Johna, chairwoman of the Marburger Bund medical association, pointed out to the newspaper that doctors from abroad are increasingly opting to work in other EU countries instead of Germany. "Bureaucratic hurdles and understaffed state authorities are mainly to blame for this misery," said Johna. Martin Sellner, Austrian right-wing activist, speaks at a rally of the Identitarian Movement. Police in Germany shut down a reading by far-right extremist author Martin Sellner in Neulingen in the western state of Baden-Wurttemberg late on 03 July, and issued him with a restrainig order to prevent criminal offences, according to a statement. Sebastian Willnow/dpa Police in Germany shut down a reading by far-right extremist author Martin Sellner in Neulingen in the western state of Baden-Wurttemberg late on Saturday, and issued him with a restrainig order to prevent criminal offences, according to a statement. Sellner wrote on his Telegram channel that the police had "busted" his reading and issued him with a ban for the entire town. The police said that since the event was announced, there had been "continuous and close communication with the respective authorities and the cities as well as districts" in its zone of responsibility. In consultation with the municipality of Neulingen, north-west of Stuttgart, a temporary ban on remaining in the area was handed over in the evening immediately after the start of the private event. Sellner then left the venue and complied with the order, police the statement said. Some other participants stayed put. Sellner, who headed the far-right Identitarian movement in Austria, has been touring Germany to read from his book "Remigration." Far-right extremists use the term 'remigration' to refer to the departure of large numbers of people of foreign origin from Germany, including by force. German politicians are demanding an EU-wide response after Hungary simplified entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens in July, German news outlet Bild reported on Aug. 3. German MEP Manfred Weber, the head of the center-right European People's Party (EPP) Group in the European Parliament, told Bild that "there must be consequences" to Hungary's decision. "Anyone who allows Russians into the EU without checking them is massively endangering Europe's security," Weber said. "Putin's spies and murderers have already caused a lot of damage in the EU and Germany. Further damage must now be prevented." Weber sent a letter at the end of July to European Council President Charles Michel, warning that Budapest' move created "grave loopholes for espionage activities." Hungary simplified its entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens in July, when it quietly included citizens from these countries in the National Card program, allowing them to work in Hungary for up to two years. Read also: Murderer freed in prisoner swap is FSB agent, Kremlin confirms There is no special vetting process at the European level for National Card holders, which is available to those interested in working or conducting business in Hungary. "It is unacceptable that an EU country allows Russians into the country virtually unchecked," Michael Stubgen, a former German MP and current State Minister for Brandenburg, told Bild. Stricter checks should be introduced at Hungary's borders with other EU countries as "European treaties allow border controls for exceptional situations," Stubgen said. Hungary borders the EU countries of Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Austria, and Slovenia, as well as Serbia and Ukraine. Hungary's National Card offers several advantages, including family unification, eligibility for permanent residency after at least three years, and the ability to change status without returning to the home country. After holding the National Card for three years, non-Hungarian nationals can qualify for permanent residency. Budapest has been long considered the most Kremlin-friendly country within the EU, repeatedly obstructing sanctions against Russia and military aid to Kyiv. 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. The News The Philippines and Germany agreed a new defense deal Sunday as Manila seeks to bolster its diplomatic support to counter Beijings vast maritime claims in the South China Sea. The agreement focuses on mutual understanding regarding capabilities, training [and] exchange of information, said the Philippines defense minister, suggesting Germany could supply military equipment to the Philippines in the future. Berlin is strongly opposed [against] any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims in the region, Germanys defense minister said. China and the Philippines have sparred for months over South China Sea territory, and the two countries recently signed a tentative agreement to end hostilities. But Beijing has continued to express frustration toward Manila, prompting the Philippine government to look to Europe and the US for support. Know More The German-Philippine defense pact comes as China gets ready to appoint a new ambassador to Germany. Whomever Beijing chooses will have to immediately deal with Berlins accusations that Beijing coordinated a cyber espionage attack against a federal cartography agency in 2021. A former Republican National Committee chairman blasted the news media Sunday for broadcasting ex-President Donald Trump's verbal "crap." Michael Steele, now an MSNBC co-host, went on a televised rant over remarks Trump made Saturday in Atlanta, where he called rival candidate Vice President Kamala Harris a "horror show" who would "destroy our country." "Can't we just use his words against him?" Steele asked during a discussion on his morning show "The Weekend." Steele, a former Maryland lieutenant governor who ran the RNC from 2009 to 2011, then read aloud Trump's broadside against Harris but changed the pronouns to make Trump the target. "I just don't understand why we allow so much of what he says to seep into our culture and our politics as normal," Steele fumed. "That's not a normal quote from a human being running for president who cannot string a competent, coherent sentence together talking about someone else who is his political opponent," he added. Steele also lamented how "we in the press, in the media and others, look at this as this sort of a dogfight this 'Who's ahead, who's behind?' rat race as opposed to what this actually says about how we have fallen as a country to allow that crap every day on our air." During Trump's rally, the former president said that Republicans "have to work hard to define" Harris before reversing course and saying, "I don't want to even define her," the Hill reported. "I just want to say who she is. She's a horror show," Trump said. "She'll destroy our country." Trump's attack came a day after his campaign sent an email in which Trump vowed to "unleash hell" against Harris at the rally, according to the Hill. The event at the Georgia State Convocation Center where Trump claimed some seats were empty because "thousands" of his supporters were kept outside took place four days after Harris held her own rally there and told the packed house, "The momentum in this race is shifting." And there are signs Donald Trump is feeling it," she said. MANILA, Philippines (AP) Germany and the Philippines agreed Sunday to rapidly finalize a defense pact that would allow joint military training and possible sale of German weapons to address security threats, including Chinas growing aggression in the South China Sea, which Manilas defense chief said was the sole cause of tensions and conflicts in the disputed waters. China has long claimed much of the entire seaway, a key global trade and security route, and vowed to defend its territorial interests at all costs. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the proposed Arrangement on Defense Cooperation that he and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed in talks in the capital, Manila, could be concluded as early as this year given current security concerns. Both underscored the need for countries to press diplomatic efforts under the U.N. Charter to attain just and lasting peace from Ukraine to Asias flashpoints. Without mentioning China by name, both defense chiefs expressed in a joint statement their strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion. They also reaffirmed their staunch commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight and other peaceful uses of the seas consistent with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea." The Philippines and its longtime treaty ally, the United States, and other Western countries have frequently accused China of undermining those international principles with Beijings increasingly hostile actions, including the use of powerful water cannons, military-grade laser and blocking and other dangerous maneuvers against Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' administration has moved to expand security alliances with friendly Asian and Western governments. Beijing has accused Washington of instigating trouble and threatening the stability of the region by boosting the deployment of U.S. forces, warships and jets and working with countries like the Philippines to try to contain Chinas rise. The proposed defense deal would allow joint training, possible weapons sale, security information sharing and closer collaboration between the German and Philippine armed forces, the defense chiefs said. Responding to a question in a news conference with Pistorius, Teodoro said: There is only one cause of conflict in the South China Sea. ... It is Chinas illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most, if not all, of the South China Sea as their internal waters." "That is the sole cause of tensions, he added. "The Philippines is not provoking China. We do not seek war, yet we are mandated not only by our constitution but as an obligation to our countrymen to protect whatever areas whether be jurisdiction or rights that rightfully belong to the exclusive benefit of Filipinos, Teodoro said. Pistorius underscored Germanys support for a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea on historic grounds. The decision was based on the U.N. Convention of the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. "This ruling remains valid without any exemptions, Pistorius said. We need to do more than stand up for UNCLOS. We need to contribute to de-escalation. This is only possible if we keep all channels of communication open including those with China. After an alarmingly violent June 17 confrontation in the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea between Chinese forces, who were armed with knives, axe, and improvised spears, and Filipino navy personnel, China and the Philippines reached a temporary agreement last month to prevent further clashes that could spark a major armed conflict in the hotly disputed atoll. A week after the deal was forged, Philippine government personnel transported food and other supplies to Manilas territorial ship outpost at the shoal, which has been closely guarded by the Chinese coast guard and navy ships, and no confrontations were reported. The longstanding territorial conflicts between the neighboring Asian countries, which also involve Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, have continued, however, along with a scathing war of words. ___ Associated Press video journalist Joeal Calupitan contributed to this report. Germany and the Philippines on Sunday said they are working on a defence cooperation agreement, to be signed later this year, that would expand training between their armed forces and armaments cooperation. The Philippines has been pushing to boost its external defences amid escalating tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea, and has been signing defence cooperation deals with other countries. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who was visiting Manila, pledged to conclude the military policy agreement by the end of the year, and maybe as soon as October. Cooperation could occur in air defence, coastal defence "and possibly the procurement of transport aircraft," Pistorius said after meeting Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. Both said that human rights were also a topic of discussion. Germany wants to increase its involvement in Asia. To this end, the Cabinet adopted guidelines on Germany's policy in the Indo-Pacific region in 2020. Military cooperation is a key element. To kick off his trip, Pistorius visited the German navy, which is participating in the world's largest naval manoeuvre, Rimpac, with two ships off Hawaii. Air force soldiers took part in an exercise in Japan for the first time. In the middle of the month, German soldiers and combat aircraft will be in India for training, in another first. In contrast, defence cooperation with the new partners in the Indo-Pacific region is progressing more slowly. A new arms export control law is in the pipeline, but is still a long way off. Enhancing bilateral relations In a joint statement, Pistorius and Teodoro said they "strongly opposed any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion," amid security challenges in both Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. "Recognizing the wide array of opportunities for enhancing bilateral defense relations in light of security challenges that both countries face, the ministers committed to conclude a broader arrangement on defence cooperation," the ministers said. "To this end, the ministers are committed to establish long-term relations between the armed forces and specifically to expand training cooperation and bilateral exchanges," the statement added. "The ministers, moreover, intend to explore opportunities to further expand the bilateral armaments cooperation and to engage in joint projects." While stressing that the enhanced cooperation was not directed at a specific country amid the Philippines' dispute with China over the South China Sea, Pistorius told a press conference: "All countries must be able to enjoy freedom of navigation, regardless of the economic strength or geographic size. This is what we stand up for together with our partners." Teodoro said the enhanced cooperation would help the Philippines protect its sovereignty and the rights of its people, such as fishermen who are being deprived of their livelihood amid China's aggressive action in the South China Sea - including in areas that are part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. "There is only one cause of conflict in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea - it is China's illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most if not all of the South China Sea as their internal waters," Teodoro said. "The Philippines is not provoking China. We do not seek war," he added. China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has taken increasingly aggressive actions in the area in recent years. It has ignored a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that it has no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to the area, which is believed to be rich in natural resources. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (L) speaks during a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro (Not Pictured). Soeren Stache/dpa German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (2nd L) meets with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro (2nd R). Soeren Stache/dpa Friedrich Merz, Federal Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), speaks at the election campaign kick-off of the CDU Saxony and Thuringia. Jan Woitas/dpa Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz wants Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take on more responsibility in migration and economic policy. "In view of the growing despair among the population about the future of our country, leadership is needed now. Germany cannot afford another year of stagnation," Merz wrote in his regular newsletter, MerzMail. Merz, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), is widely expected to challenge Scholz, who is deeply unpopular, for the post of chancellor in the next general elections in the autumn of 2025. Merz contended that recent disputes within Scholz's three-party coalition over the government's 2025 budget show that the coalition can't even agree on what instruments to use to shape policy. "There are a number of things that don't cost any money, but which could very quickly change the mood in the country for the better - if at least there were still agreement on some issues within" the coalition government, Merz wrote. Specifically, Merz mentioned increased border controls to combat smuggling, the introduction of a standardized payment card for asylum seekers, faster recognition of professional qualifications for immigrants including Ukrainian refugees, and a reform of welfare and long-term unemployment benefits. Scholz's government must also agree on what economic policy it wants for Germany, the opposition leader contended. "Answering these questions is a matter for the boss," he wrote. The Republican National Convention which concluded on July 18, was among the most unifying and notable in the history of modern American politics. Beginning only days after a near assassination, when President Trump iconically rose in defiance of an assassins bullet, many delegates noted a palpable air of anticipation. That anticipation exploded into flames of excitement, especially among the Ohio delegation, upon the announcement and nomination of U.S. Sen. JD Vance for vice president. Vance is a change in course from the typical GOP VP picks of recent years. The model of quiet back-seat VPs has been a strict adherence in recent years for the GOP, with few exceptions; save 2008 VP candidate Sarah Palin. Many pundits speculated the same with names like Scott & Rubio. However, Senator Vance represents an evolution in the Republican Party, and that is a good thing for voters in Southern Ohio and in states across America, especially in Appalachia, the Midwest, and industrial/postindustrial cities from coast to coast. The first millennial nominee for vice president by a major political party and born into a non-privileged background, as described in his best-selling novel and featured in a full-length Netflix original, is not-unlike many from across communities like Ross County. Vance is new face and fashion for the Republican Party. Articulate and intelligent, a Marine veteran, a successful businessman, and educated in both public & prestigious private institutions many have speculated about his future but could not predict his meteoric rise. Vance naturally assumes his role and serves as the torch bearer for the new GOP. There has likely been no clearer example of that assumption in modern American politics, than Vances masterful articulation of the GOPs platform on RNC night 3. A platform that rests on the backbone of many mainstream conservative principles, but also authentically recognizes current challenges and falls in favor of everyday Americans over Washington elites. The Republican platform today speaks as much, or more, to the living rooms and kitchens of America as it does to the boardrooms of American investment. He delivered an inspirational message appealing to Americans' love of home, family, and faith in God. The convention culminated with the return of President Trump, who now visibly projects a different demeanor than the Trump of 2016 or 2020 offering the perspective of a man who has faced personal challenges from politically motivated impeachments, indictments, and most recently an assassins bullet. Republicans at the RNC and Americans watching from their homes across the nation have been energized by the profound demonstration of strength and courage by President Trump on July 13. A renewed platform articulated by Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance offers hope, especially to middle- and low-income Americans who have suffered the brunt of disastrous economic policies; and border control policies that have opened the floodgates of dangerous drugs pillaging communities like Ross County. Voters have witnessed the Biden/Harris destabilizing foreign policy resulting in global conflict that threatens war, while hearing from them that the most existential threats we face today are their political opponents and climate change. Americans can observe and are responding to the contrast between the contemporary Republican and Democratic Parties. While Republicans offer new vision and stability for America, the Democratic Party reels to preserve its power this November. Despite nearly a decade of droning threat to democracy, the powerful leaders of the Democratic Party have now abandoned their symbolled stalwart, whose unconventional resignation took place via social media. Though elected by primary voters, despite his obvious cognitive decline, resigned his campaign to coronate a nominee whose relevant experience and acuity for the job has been questioned by even their own. The Democratic Party has no further claim as the party and ticket of working families. Freedom, democracy, hard work, and stability have now unquestionably found their lone champion in the Republican Party. The Trump/Vance ticket will win in the homes of Ross County voters and across the countless communities like it. The 2024 election will solidify a generational change in American politics wherein the GOP is squarely operated and owned by average people, whose values and interests have been so often betrayed in Washington by both parties. This shift, in true American fashion, is delivered by a real estate investor and reality TV celebrity accompanied by a Hillbilly skeptic turned champion the heartland has hope this election. David Glass is the Chairman of the Ross County Republican Party and a member of the Republican State Central Committee (OH-17) representing southern Ohio. He is a candidate for Ross County Commissioner. This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Glass: GOP energized by Vance & RNC with unity Good Samaritan assists Coast Guard in rescuing man who fell overboard with no life jacket near Channel Islands The United States Coast Guard was assisted by a good Samaritan in rescuing a man who fell overboard with no life jacket six miles off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. According to a press release issued by the Coast Guard, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach command center received a distress call from a 49-foot boat around 3:45 p.m. Saturday. The watchstanders subsequently diverted a 45-foot medium response boat (RB-M) from the Channel Islands Coast Guard Station and deployed auxiliary air support. In addition, the crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from San Diego also launched in support. It was humiliating: Woman said she was removed from L.A. flight over medical condition Despite the massive response from Coast Guard officials, it was a good Samaritan that located the man first, USCG said. At approximately 4:33 p.m., a good Samaritan vessel located and recovered the man, the Coast Guards release stated. [Officials with] Towboat U.S. met with the vessel, confirmed the identity of the man, and Channel Islands Station RB-M boat crews embarked the man and transferred him back to the 49-foot vessel. The rescue by the good Samaritan whose boat is aptly named Perception highlights the importance of life jackets, officials said. LAPD releases photos of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor murder suspects This incident highlights the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times when underway, especially in rough seas, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Logan Venero, a boatswains mate assigned to USCGs Channel Islands Station. In the unfortunate event of a man overboard, it is important to remain calm, mark the position on the GPS and throw a life ring or other flotation aid towards the person in the water. It is also important to remain where the person fell off and drift with the prevailing winds and currents, Venero added. The 66-year-old man who was rescued did not report any medical concerns, 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 KTLA. ROCHESTER Matt Mowry said on Sunday morning that his son, Cacidy Mowry, is home, safe and sleeping in his own bed. Cacidy Mowry, 15, has been found safe and returned home to Rochester. On Sunday, Mowry said his son was found on a street in Connecticut by a good Samaritan who at one time had been a runaway. "The person convinced Cacidy to go home with him, then convinced him to go home," said Mowry. "This person drove him home to Rochester. The police knocked on our door at about 4 a.m., with Cacidy." On the Rochester police Facebook page, it says "15-year-old Cacidy Mowry has been located and unharmed. Thank you for all the tips we received and for those that cooperated with the investigation, as well as all the other agencies, organizations and businesses that assisted Rochester Police, for your help in finding him and making sure he made it home safe." Mowry said he also wants to thank everyone involved, all the people who offered help and well wishes. He said he knows they have a long road ahead, but they are thrilled he is safe, and they will work together as a family to get through this. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Missing teen from Rochester, NH returned home safely; family thankful Justice Neil Gorsuch is pushing back against President Joe Bidens recent proposals to restructure the Supreme Court. I just say: Be careful, Gorsuch warned in an interview that aired on Fox News Sunday. Less than a week after Biden announced he was reversing course and supporting 18-year term limits for justices and legislation to create a binding ethics code for the high court, the first of President Donald Trumps three Supreme Court appointees encouraged Americans to think long and hard before taking steps that might undermine the independence of the judicial system. The independent judiciary What does it mean to you as an American? Gorsuch asked about Bidens new plan during an interview linked to a new book Gorsuch is releasing this week. It means that when you're unpopular, you can get a fair hearing. If you're in the majority, you don't need judges and juries, to hear you, to protect your rights, if youre popular, Gorsuch continued. It's there for the moments when the spotlights on you when the government's coming after you. And don't you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Gorsuch did not comment directly on the specifics of Bidens plan and was not asked during the aired portion of the interview about some of the events that the president cited as triggering his about-face on structural changes to the high court. They include the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning the federal constitutional right to abortion, the ruling last month granting presidents some degree of immunity from prosecution for official acts and the ethics controversies that have enveloped Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. In the Fox interview, Gorsuch prefaced his tribute to judicial independence with a caveat insisting that he was not injecting himself into the presidential campaign or weighing in on an issue now the subject of political debate. I'm not going to get into what is now a political issue during a presidential election year, he said. I don't think that would be helpful. In an interview with New York Times columnist David French published Sunday, Gorsuch also demurred when asked directly about the notion of an ethics code that would be enforced by someone other than the justices themselves. Justice Elena Kagan, appearing at a judicial conference in California last month, said she supports the idea of some kind of enforcement mechanism and views its absence as a flaw in the courts current ethics policy. However, Gorsuch suggested it wouldnt be appropriate for him to address his colleagues suggestion because Biden had since weighed in publicly on the issue and the subject was now being intensely discussed by the political branches. Gorsuch did offer one quip to the Times when asked about the notion of limiting justices to 18-year terms: I look forward to a few years of fly fishing. Gorsuch is expected to continue his book tour this week with a series of other interviews, including an appearance at the Reagan Library in California. CORRECTION: Due to an incorrect caption from the Associated Press, a previous version of a photo caption misidentified the Supreme Court justice pictured alongside Neil Gorsuch. It is Elena Kagan. Gov. Henry McMaster declares State of Emergency for South Carolina COLUMBIA, S.C. (WJBF) On Sunday, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-16, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Debby. Governor McMaster is asking South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. For more information read below: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issues State of Emergency urging all Georgians to prepare for potential impacts from major storm Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Georgia's leaders are getting ready for some very dangerous weather coming soon. Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency over Tropical Depression 4 on Saturday, which strengthened and was relabeled "Tropical Storm Debby." The order says all resources will be made available to assist in preparation, response, and recovery activities throughout the affected areas. The National Weather Service issued an update at about 5 p.m. Saturday saying there is a moderate risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the Eastern Gulf Coast and Southeast on Sunday and Monday. It will bring hazardous rainfall, strong winds, and life-threatening storm surge inundation to portions of Florida on Sunday evening into Monday. It's expected to move into southern Georgia by Monday afternoon Trump rally: Georgia leaders turned out to support Trump at Atlanta rally. Here's who we saw The latest forecasts are calling for showers and possibly thunderstorms every day over the next week in most parts of Georgia. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. It's expected to get stronger as Debby crosses the Gulf of Mexico, and the system is likely to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida Gulf coast. This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for further updates. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia under state of emergency for Tropical Storm Debby COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2024-16, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Debby. The executive order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan, enabling all state agencies to coordinate resources efficiently. City of Charleston discusses storm preparations ahead of potential Tropical Storm Debby impacts Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state, said Governor McMaster. With significant rainfall forecasted for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans todayin case it is necessary to take quick action. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Tropical Storm Debby will intensify before making landfall as a hurricane in Florida on Monday. The storm is expected to slow down and impact South Carolina early this week, bringing heavy rainfall that could cause life-threatening flash, urban, and river flooding. Strong winds and storm surges are also anticipated. South Carolina residents and visitors in vulnerable areas are urged to review their emergency plans and consider necessary actions should the storm threaten their safety. It is essential to monitor local news and updates from the National Hurricane Center, especially for those in low-lying coastal regions. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) offers several resources for hurricane preparedness, including an interactive tool available at hurricane.sc. This tool provides quick references and essential information to help individuals and families prepare for hurricanes. Storm Team 2 Hurricane Ready Guide Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told former President Trump on Sunday to lay off attacks against Vice President Harris about her race and heritage after Trump questioned her race in attacks that mimicked birtherism conspiracies. Trump said in an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday that Harris happened to turn Black, implying that she has lied about her race for political advantage. The remarks were denounced as racist by people on both sides of the aisle. Graham said in a Fox News Sunday interview with Jacqui Heinrich that Trump should instead focus on policy, not identity. So heres what I would say to President Trump. The problem I have with Kamala Harris is not her heritage; it is her judgment, he said. Every day were talking about her heritage and not her terrible, dangerous liberal record throughout her entire political life is a good day for her and a bad day for us. So I would encourage President Trump to prosecute the case against Kamala Harriss bad judgment. Trump also shared a copy of Harriss birth certificate on Truth Social, appearing to mimic his attacks on former President Obamas heritage and racist birtherism conspiracies. The Harris campaign strongly denounced the attacks, and political analysts have predicted that the comments could hurt Trumps appeal among Black voters. The hostility Donald Trump showed on stage today is the same hostility he has shown throughout his life, throughout his term in office, and throughout his campaign for president as he seeks to regain power and inflict his harmful Project 2025 agenda on the American people, Harris campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler said in a statement last week. Top Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have encouraged members of the party to tone down attacks on Harriss race after multiple members called her a DEI hire, comments that were denounced as racist. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The area of stars sampled by new Gaia mission data. Our sun is located in the middle of the contours, while the red region surrounding it covers the stars for which there are reliable age estimates. | Credit: Background image by NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC/Caltech) Ancient stars located surprisingly near to our sun formed less than a billion years after the Big Bang suggesting part of the Milky Way is much older than previously thought, a study has found. Most stars, including the sun , are located in a thin disk rotating around the center of the galaxy. Researchers thought this disk formed around 8 to 10 billion years ago, but with the help of machine learning, they've found some of its stars are more than 13 billion years old. Researchers dated these ancient stars by studying data collected by the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft and posted their findings to the pre-print arXiv server earlier this year. The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) in Germany announced the discovery on Wednesday, July 31. The universe is around 13.8 billion years old, so the presence of 13 billion-year-old stars in our galaxy's thin disk means that the disk must have formed in the first billion years following the birth of the universe pushing back our galaxy's star formation timeline in a huge way. "These ancient stars in the disc suggest that the formation of the Milky Way's thin disc began much earlier than previously believed, by about 4-5 billion years," study lead author Samir Nepal , a doctoral candidate studying the Milky Way at AIP, said in a statement . Related: Runaway 'failed star' races through the cosmos at 1.2 million mph This map highlights the different ages of stars surrounding our sun, marked orange. The blue stars are young and the red stars are ancient. Scientists are piecing together the history of the Milky Way with Gaia data to create maps that document the age, chemical composition and movement of its stars, according to the statement. The Milky Way contains more than 100 billion stars, so there's a lot to map. For the new study, researchers looked at more than 800,000 stars in the solar neighborhood, which runs about 3,200 light-years around the sun; for comparison, the entire Milky Way is about 100,000 light-years wide. The team used machine learning to combine different data, giving measurements for variables like the age and metal content of the stars. This data revealed that the majority of these stars were older than 10 billion years old, and some were more than 13 billion years old. RELATED STORIES The universe might be younger than we thought, galaxies' motion suggests A moon of Uranus could have a hidden ocean, James Webb Space Telescope finds The 1st week of August is a stargazer's delight. Here's why. The stars' metal content is also surprising. Ancient stars are usually very metal-poor because they formed when the universe was mostly hydrogen and helium. However, some of the ancient stars in the study were metal-rich, with twice the amount of metals compared to our younger, 4.6-billion-year-old sun. These results indicate there was a rapid metal enrichment in the early stages of our galaxy, according to the statement. "This study also highlights that our galaxy had an intense star formation at early epochs leading to very fast metal enrichment in the inner regions and the formation of the disc," Nepal said. Gaia has uncovered many secrets about our galaxy's history, including previously unknown mergers with other galaxies, and remnants of the Milky Way's earliest building blocks . The spacecraft briefly stopped returning usable data after a small meteoroid impact earlier this year, but is now back in working order and predicted to continue its mission until the end of 2025. Get that gun out of my face: Man allegedly points gun at boyfriend during an argument MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was arrested on Saturday morning after police say he strangled and pointed a gun at his boyfriend during an argument. At 5:10 a.m., officers responded to an armed party call in the 700 block of S. Prescott St. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a victim who told them that he was assaulted by his boyfriend, suspect Tracy Hardin. The two had been out drinking before going to Beale Street and then took an Uber home. During the ride, the victim said that Harden became agitated and accused the victim of cheating on him. Once they arrived at Hardins mothers home, Hardin refused to let the victim go inside and told him to leave. Late night shootout ensues in parking lot of lounge Hardin allegedly started to grab and push the victim, then placed both hands around the victims neck from behind and started to strangle him. The victim said that he was having a hard time breathing, but did not lose consciousness. He said he was able to break away after Hardins mother came outside and told the two to leave each other alone. The two went inside the residence, where the arguing continued. The victim said Hardin started grabbing and pushing him again. The victim said that Hardin allegedly pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him. Hardin said that he didnt want to kill the victim because he does love him. Hardins mother came into the room when she heard the victim yell, Get that gun out of my face. She took the gun and left the room. Grandmother mourns man killed in fatal MPD crash Hardin allegedly threw a glass mug at the victim, but it didnt strike him. He then tried to prevent the victim from leaving the room by putting his hands around his neck again. That time, the victim said that Hardin did not try to strangle him. The victim was able to free himself and he called the police. Hardin called the police as well. Officers saw redness and bruising on both sides of the victims neck and a large scratch on his upper right chest/neck area. Hardin was taken into custody and is being held on $5,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. HAMMOND, La. (WGNO) A Hammond man was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 1, after an investigation led to a drug bust. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office reported that detectives searched 30-year-old Jordan Recattos apartment after months of investigation. Man stabbed during argument on Bourbon Street: NOPD During the search, TPSO detectives said they found evidence of a highly-developed production and sales operation, including 30 ounces of marijuana, five ounces of psilocybin (mushrooms), two grams of cocaine, Ecstasy, Molly, Xanax, Tramadol pills, dozens of THC cartridges, pens, edibles and several doses of LSD. (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) Jordan Recatto (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) Recatto was arrested and faces the following charges: Four counts of distribution of schedule I drugs Four counts of possession of schedule I drugs Three counts of possession of schedule II drugs Three counts of possession of schedule IV drugs Operation of a clandestine lab Drug paraphernalia Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What happens if theres a tie in 2024? Be ready for a contingent election A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign, he did it in the most complicated way. Get your head around this: Kennedy will take himself off the ballot in certain key states, but he is encouraging supporters to vote for him in safe red and blue states so that he can feature in a contingent election if former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris tie. In the battleground states, Kennedy said hes supporting Trump. Could Kennedy actually feature in a contingent election? Short answer: No. He could not take part unless he won electoral votes, something that does not seem to be mathematically possible. Perhaps hes envisioning an elector going rogue and supporting him in defiance of voters, but Kennedy did not share details of his thinking. For the facts about contingent elections, read on. With two presidential candidates fighting over a mere 538 Electoral College votes, a tie scenario is more than possible. Its actually kind of surprising there has only been one tied election so far, in 1800, between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. That tie was the result of a failure of coordination by Democratic-Republicans, but it led to the nations first contingent election, decided in the House of Representatives. Could a tie actually happen this year? Yes. While a tie is not a likely outcome, it is something to be ready for. Here is one plausible scenario for the 2024 election: If Harris wins Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada and a single electoral vote in Nebraska, all of which Joe Biden won in 2020, but she loses Pennsylvania and Georgia, theres a tie, 269-269. The website 270 to Win also has more tied-election scenarios. Unlike every other state, Maine and Nebraska award two electors to the statewide winner and one to the winner of each congressional district. Those individual, competitive electoral votes in Maine and Nebraska become hugely consequential in potential tie scenarios. Make your own 269-269 scenario with CNNs interactive election map. What happens if theres a tie? If theres a 269-269 tie, or if a third party or independent candidate wins electoral votes and keeps a candidate from reaching an Electoral College majority of 270, the next step is the same. Its called a contingent election. According to the 12th Amendment, enacted in the wake of that divisive 1800 election, if no candidate gets a majority of the Electoral College votes, the new Congress, which would have just been sworn in on January 3, chooses the president. The Senate would choose the vice president. When would a contingent election occur? According to an analysis by the Congressional Research Service, a contingent election would occur on January 6, immediately after members of Congress met to count electoral votes and determined that no candidate had a majority. There is a lot of information from that CRS report in this story. While it dates back to 2017, its still a valuable resource. How would the process work? The nation would clearly be divided. Lawmakers could be torn between supporting their preferred candidate and the one their states voters preferred. In a contingent election, the House selects the president and the Senate selects the vice president. House members can only choose from among the top three finishers in the Electoral College for president, and senators can choose from among the top two finishers for vice president. Kennedy would presumably need to win electoral votes win a state or a congressional district in Nebraska or Maine in order to be an option in a contingent election. Theres no chance of that happening at the moment. Rather than voting as individuals, each state delegation in the House would get one vote, although how the state delegations select their preferred candidate is not spelled out. A simple majority, 26 state delegation votes, would appoint the new president. If state delegations in the House did not select a president by Inauguration Day, January 20, the new vice president selected by the Senate would become temporary president. It is possible the Senate could select a vice president when the House is deadlocked, because in the Senate each senator would get one vote. If the Senate had not selected a vice president by January 20, the presidential succession plan in the 20th Amendment temporarily takes effect. First in line after the vice president is the speaker of the House, currently Mike Johnson, although it could be a different Republican or a Democrat if Democrats win a majority in the House this November. Does either side have an advantage? If the Electoral College already benefits smaller and more rural states, the contingent election process in which each state, regardless of population, has an equal vote gives them a huge advantage. California and Texas get the same say as Delaware and Wyoming in a contingent election. Plus, Washington, DC, which gets three votes in the Electoral College, would be cut out of the contingent election. Theres nothing to require state delegations to honor the winner of their states vote. And in closely divided states, the results in single seats, perhaps determined by gerrymandered congressional maps, could swing a delegations vote. Heading into the 2024 election, Republican lawmakers held a majority in 26 states, compared with Democrats, who held the majority in 22, with ties in Minnesota and North Carolina. Republicans in North Carolina have changed the states congressional map, however, and it is likely to have a majority-Republican congressional delegation in January. Republicans are likely to maintain their advantage next year, especially if voters are so split that they deliver a national tie at the top of the ticket. In Arizona, for instance, who is to say that a potential majority of Republican members of Congress would vote for the Democratic candidate, even if Harris pulled out a narrow win there? Would Alaskas Democratic member of Congress, assuming she wins reelection, vote for the Democrat for president even though her state is likely to go for Trump in November? Why does this bizarre tie-break system exist? Its actually meant to be an improvement. The way the Electoral College was first assembled, electors voted for two candidates. Whoever got the most votes was president and whoever got the second-most votes was vice president. By the time political parties were forming Federalists and Democratic-Republicans in 1800 electors needed to coordinate to cast more votes for their presidential pick than their vice presidential pick. In the 1800 election, a rematch of 1796, Jeffersons Democratic-Republicans beat incumbent President and Federalist John Adams. But the Democratic-Republicans were poorly coordinated or bad at counting and foolishly cast equal numbers of votes for their presidential pick, Jefferson, and his running mate, Burr. Out of pique, when the early version of the contingent election rolled around, the Federalists, who still controlled the House at that time, backed Burr. Despite the intervention of Alexander Hamilton, a noted Federalist, it took 36 rounds of voting to finally elect Jefferson. By 1804, the 12th Amendment was being ratified. Has a contingent election happened in the years since the tied election of 1800? Yes. In 1824, multiple candidates got votes in the Electoral College but none of them received a majority, triggering a contingent election. Amazingly, from todays perspective, all of the candidates who got Electoral College votes that year were from the same Democratic-Republican political party, although they were split into regional sects. Andrew Jackson won 40% of the popular vote and got the most votes in the Electoral College with 99 of the 131 needed for victory. But the House ultimately picked his top rival, John Quincy Adams, whose father lost that 1800 election. Jackson would have his revenge with a victory four years later, and John Quincy Adams would round out his career as the only former president to be elected to Congress, the body that made him president. Another contingent election occurred with the 1836 race, but just for vice president. Virginias electors did not like Robert M. Johnson, the running mate of election winner Martin Van Buren, and withheld their votes for him in the Electoral College. The Senate later elevated Johnson to the vice presidency in a contingent election. What about the disputed election of 1876? In 1876, when there was a contested outcome, the contingent election system was bypassed. That year, at the height of Reconstruction, the issue was not that no person got a majority in the Electoral College, but rather that three Southern states Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina sent multiple slates of electoral votes to Washington, DC, after the state elections were disputed. And in Oregon, there was a dispute over one elector. Congress created a special bipartisan commission, with one more Republican than Democrats, to determine which candidate should get the 20 disputed electoral votes. They ultimately gave the votes to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes even though Democrat Samuel Tilden got more popular votes. Hayes then largely ended Reconstruction, perhaps as part of a secret deal that gave him the White House. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tatiana Usmanova burst into tears when Andrey Pivovarov, her husband, called her and said he had been included in the Russian prisoner exchange. Ms Usmanova was at her home in Moscow, where she has lived throughout her husbands last three years serving in a Russian penal colony. When she heard the news, she immediately booked flights to Turkey and then to Germany, chasing after her husband as he was transported to freedom. Mr Pivovarov, 42, is the head of the Russian opposition group Open Russia, outlawed since 2021. He was detained in 2021 for leading the pro-democracy group, and in 2022, was sentenced to four years in prison. But on Friday, he was one of Russias high-profile prisoners involved in the largest exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Twenty-four prisoners were involved in the exchange, with 16 freed from Vladimir Putins prisons in an extraordinary swap with Joe Biden and European allies. Andrey Pivovarov sits alongside Vladimir Kara-Murza, another political prisoner, at a press conference in Bonn following the exchange - KADIR ILBOGA/ANADOLU/ GETTY IMAGES Through glances at one another in court hearings and meetings for a few short moments, Mr Pivovarov and Ms Usmanova kept their relationship alive, and last summer, they were married in prison. She was allowed to spend three days living in the penal colony he was sent to in May of this year. I had to fit it in between my cleaning [job], Mr Pivovarov told The Telegraph in one of the first interviews given by a former prisoner involved in the exchange. During my cleaning, I took a mop. They took me to the wedding, I came back, and there was still time for cleaning. Friday was the first time Mr Pivovarov had seen his wife since May. Nearly a week before his release, Ms Usmanova was told that her husband was missing from his prison, she was afraid that her husband may have been killed and that she might never see him again. The prisoner swap was shrouded in secrecy even the inmates were left in the dark. On Wednesday, Mr Pivovarov was awoken by the head of the penal colony and told he was leaving. After eating breakfast and collecting his personal belongings in a box, he asked: Where are we going? He was in Gorelovo, near St Petersburg, and said: I thought we were going to Petersburg, to the pretrial detention centre. As he was rounded up, he saw one name written on a piece of paper held by an FSB agent: Alexandra Skochilenko, the Russian artist and political prisoner who was also part of the exchange. That was when I realised that something good was coming, because Sasha and I cant be tried in the same case, he said. Alexsandra Skochilenko, a Russian artist and musician, was also released with Andrey Pivovarov - ANTON VAGANOV/REUTERS Mr Pivovarov was put on a bus travelling to St Petersburg and spent the night in a jail cell. On Thursday morning, he was taken to Moscow. There, Mr Pivovarov saw some of his first glimpses of Russia since the summer of 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began. There was a propaganda advertisement with the letter Z, the sign attributed to the Russian military, and the agents who drove Mr Pivovarov began to recount stories of their time as soldiers in Ukraines eastern Donbas region, the epicentre of the war. We are all fighters here. We are from Donbas, the agents told Mr Pivovarov as they bragged about their military achievements. During his transportation, Mr Pivovarov briefly saw Paul Wheelan, the former US marine who was also part of the exchange. Then, the prisoners were taken to an airbase in Moscow, and Mr Pivovarov was assigned an FSB agent to travel by plane with. Over the next few hours, Mr Pivovarov travelled from Russia to Turkey and then to Germany. Upon leaving Russia, he said he felt such a certain sadness. Because I understood that I would not see Russia so soon. But I am sure that I will see it again. As he was taken to Ankara, Turkey, Mr Pivovarov learned that he was part of the prisoner exchange. At the airbase in the Turkish capital, Mr Pivovarov said that he and the rest of the political prisoners caught glimpses of the Russians that the West had exchanged from the windows of a bus, one of which was Vadim Krasikov, a convicted murderer, and another was perceived spy Pablo Gonzalez. We didnt fully understand [ the exchange] yet, we understood that it was Krasikov, well, but we didnt understand what it was, he added. When Mr Pivovarov was told he was part of the prisoner exchange, he called Ms Usmanova and let her know he was free. When he called me, it was in the middle of the day. He called me, and he said that everything was fine. Im in Turkey, and were flying to Germany. We will be there in a few hours. Only then I understood that it was really happening. I was crying when I saw his name on the lists of political prisoners who are supposed to be released. You see this list, but its not official list. And you dont see his photo. You dont see the video with him. Its just not the rumour, but someone thinks so, she added. I want people to understand that hes a real fighter. I want people to know that Russia is not Putin. Russia is the brave people, like my husband, who are fighting for the freedom of Russian people, who are against the war and who are looking for the truth, she added. Tatiana Usmanova embraces Andrey Pivovarov - VASILY KRESTYANINOV On Friday at the conference, finally together and free again, the couple exchanged kisses. Mr Pivovarov said that when he saw Ms Usmanova, he was filled with delight. This is happiness, he said. Because we met on dates when they were given, it was great, but, of course, it was not enough. Well, we have a lot of plans ahead, which includes holding a proper wedding ceremony, a redo that can separate memories of their union from the reminder of Mr Pivovarovs unjust prison sentence. I think that we will organise some other event, a correct task because we are building something more pleasant. These are good events. That we can change reality, said Mr Pivovarov. Speaking on his freedom, Mr Pivovarov said: On the one hand, I was stunned. On the other hand, I was devastated. In Russia, you perceive it as a release. But here you understand that youve simply found yourself at point zero, meaning that he has to start his life over again in a foreign country far from his life in Russia. Maybe even minus. So now you have to solve some everyday issues. And you understand that this is a new situation in which you all, many people, have been living for two years. This is news to me. 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. Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris react to her speaking during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School on July 23, 2024 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Harris made her first campaign appearance as the partys presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) Vice President Kamala Harris campaign is launching a coalition to organize independents and moderate Republicans and tapping a former state Supreme Court Justice to lead the effort in North Carolina. Bob Orr, who served on the North Carolina Supreme Court for nearly a decade and was a candidate for governor in 2008, will lead the campaigns Republicans for Harris organization in the state. The coalition plans to host events, knock doors, phone bank, write letters to the editor and build a network specifically designed to reach independent and moderate Republican voters across North Carolina, other battleground states and nationally. As we approach the final days of this election, there has never been a more important time for Republicans, former Republicans and unaffiliated voters who lean Republican, to come together and put country over party by working to elect Kamala Harris and stopping Donald Trump, Orr said in a statement. He said the urgency of the election requires action from all of us, regardless of party affiliation, to work together to save our democracy. Bob Orr Orr served as an associate justice on the high court from 1995 to 2004. He ran for the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2008, losing a primary to former Gov. Pat McCrory. More recently, he has been involved in North Carolinas redistricting process, filing a suit against GOP-drawn maps that was later dismissed. In 2016, when Orr called Donald Trump a danger to the country, his credentials as a Republican presidential delegate were withheld. He officially left the party in 2021, and is now registered as an independent. Harris campaign, as it builds on a surge of fundraising and support, argues that Trumps campaign and modern agenda has iced out scores of Republicans who no longer back him. Austin Weatherford, the campaigns director of Republican outreach, said the VPs team was working overtime to earn the support of my fellow Republicans who care about defending democracy and restoring decency. The Harris campaign understands the power of showing up, making your case, and earning the support of a voter, Weatherford said. That is the backbone of our program: showing up and taking the time every single day to earn the vote of Republicans who believe in putting country over party, and know that every American deserves a President who will protect their freedoms and a commander -in -chief who will put the best interests of the American people above their own. The new coalition is not the campaigns first overture to Republicans disenchanted with Trump. Earlier this year, it launched digital advertising targeting supporters of Nikki Haley, who unsuccessfully challenged the former president in the primary. (The campaign has pointed to Haleys 23% support in North Carolinas primary, which occurred after she dropped out of the race, as evidence of voters frustrations with Trump.) And in North Carolina events, the campaign has prominently featured voters like Scott Peoples, a businessman, longtime GOP voter and Army veteran. The Harris for President campaign said Sunday it has named more co-chairs in its effort to compete for disenchanted Republican and persuadable independent voters in Florida. The three include Republicans Greg Wilson, who served in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, and commentator Rich Logis. The third is former state Sen. Paula Dockery, a Republican while in the state Legislature but who left the party and registered as a Democrat in 2016. The move coincides with the launch of Republicans for Harris, an effort to appeal to Republicans unhappy with former President Trump as the party's 2024 presidential nominee. It follows a particularly flinty Saturday night in which Trump widened a chasm with GOP leaders in neighboring Georgia, a state where Republican voter dissension cost Trump and the party dearly in the 2020 election. During a rally at Georgia State University's campus in Atlanta, Trump tore into Republican Gov. Brian Kemp calling him a "bad guy," a "disloyal guy" and "a very average governor." The state's former lieutenant governor, Republican Geoff Duncan, a vocal Trump critic, then issued a blistering statement on social media. If you were able to see through Donald Trumps incoherence and vindictiveness tonight, you saw a Donald Trump who does not care about uniting this country or speaking to the voters who will decide this election," Duncan wrote. "Millions of Americans are fed up with his grievance-filled campaign focused only on himself. Tonight we heard a particularly unhinged, angry version of the same Donald Trump that Georgia rejected in 2020." In Florida, Harris to make pitch to 'moderate' GOP voters Florida, by contrast, has presented a far more united GOP front since Gov. Ron DeSantis ended his bid for the presidential nomination in January. But Austin Weatherford, who leads GOP voter outreach efforts for the vice president's campaign, said the broadening of the Florida leadership team reflects the ongoing goal to seek out independent and "moderate" Republican voters. "The Harris campaign understands the power of showing up, making your case, and earning the support of a voter," Weatherford said in a statement. "That is the backbone of our program: showing up and taking the time every single day to earn the vote of Republicans who believe in putting country over party, and know that every American deserves a President who will protect their freedoms and a commander-in-chief who will put the best interests of the American people above their own." Logis, who formerly backed Trump, said in the statement that he now sees the GOP nominee and former president as a polarizing political figure who has "eroded the very fabric of our democracy." Kamala Harris supporters and volunteers, among them Democratic Party State Senator Tina Polsky and US Congress woman Lois Frankel gathered Sunday July 28, 2024 in Delray Beach. Dozens of volunteers crammed into the party facilities to serve as call bank volunteers. "We have never seen these many volunteers turn out," said a party official addressing the crowd. The Harris campaign, and before that, the Biden-Harris team, has eyed Florida Republicans unhappy with Trump's candidacy and nomination. In the March presidential preference primary, for example, Nikki Haley received almost 14% of the vote, just over 155,000 ballots. Political strategists and analysts have debated whether those recalcitrant GOP voters would realign themselves with Trump come November. At last month's GOP convention, the party presented a united front, with Haley endorsing Trump in a primetime speech and exhorting those who voted for her to cast ballots for the Republican ticket. 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: Harris team eyes winning over 'never Trump' Florida Republican voters Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement on who will be her vice presidential pick is imminent. Members of The Advocate took some time to make their educated guesses on who it might be. Harris reportedly spent the weekend interviewing potential picks, and her campaign said that she and her pick will begin campaigning on Tuesday. So who do we think it could be? Keep reading to find out. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. John Casey: Im going to start by saying something publicly that weve been saying privately for the last few weeks, so Im about to spill the tea to our readerswhat a wild and crazy news cycle July proved to be. We could hardly keep up! Well, Im sure thats not news to anyone, so perhaps well offer some surprises as we look into our crystal balls, tarot cards, and astrology signs to predict who now confirmed Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris will choose as her running mate. Harris has been VP for the last four years, so she is intimately familiar with the job, and as such makes the perfect judge as to who should succeed her if she wins the presidency. The only thing I can predict with 100 percent certainty is that it will not be someone like JD Vance. My God, what a catastrophe! If you havent read why hes the worst thing since Sarah Palin, I penned a few words about it in a recent column. The Democrats are lucky to have such a deep bench of terrific talent, so the decision for Harris is a tough one - in a good way. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Witmer (she took herself out, but shes part of the bench as is North Carolina Gov Roy Cooper), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear, and Minnesota Gov Tim Walz are all accomplished and admirable. Given all those talented politicians and leaders, its impossible to really be able to predict who will be selected since they would all be great partners to Harris. That said, Im going with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro if for no other reason than the fact that I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and so I know that picking a Pennsylvanian is always the right thing to do. Personal feelings aside, Shapiro is the smartest one in the bunch. Hes closer to Harris than the others still in the running. He is wildly popular in Pennsylvania. Hes done great things for the state, which will help Harris win the state, as well as give a boost to down-ballot candidates. And just as a aside, the last time Pennsylvania had a president or vice president on top of the ticket was James Buchanan who was our 15th president. It is about time Pennsylvania gets the recognition it deserves! Shapiro is a former state attorney general like Harris, so he will be able to prosecute the case against Trump and Vance and as such should do well debating the incoherent Vance. And just as an aside, hes good-looking much better-looking than Vance which will drive Trump crazy. Finally, he married his high school sweetheart, and they have four children, so hes definitely not a childless cat lady. Christopher Wiggins: A friend on Facebook called me the groups political prophet earlier, so take that for whatever its worth. While it would of course be an exceptional step forward for the country and for LGBTQ+ representation if Harris selected Buttigieg to be her running mate, I think its unlikely that the dream ticket that much of the LGBTQ+ community is trying to manifest will come to fruition. Theres an argument to be made for why not given that currently the choice is between Trumpism and autocracy and the opposite of that, regardless of who the Democratic ticket comprises. Maybe more people would vote to save the U.S. from dictatorship than those who wouldnt vote for a gay man on the ticket. I completely understand why people would say, then why not? Buttigieg is one of the best communicators in politics. He has what it takes to be at the highest levels of government in the U.S. I think that he would make an exceptional secretary of state if hes not the nominee; allowing him more time to win over America as a whole, so that one day he can be Mr. President. Just like Buttigieg would disarm Vances military service, since he also served, I think that Kellys long career as a Navy combat pilot and subsequent role as an astronaut earn him tons of respect as far as service to his country. His wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot in the head during an assassination attempt, so he has credibility when it comes to the gun debate. Hes clearly good under pressure, which is paramount as a vice president. But, I too think its going to be Shapiro. Mostly, I think that some of the clues around his schedule and Harriss campaign schedule hint in that direction. From what I understand, Shapiro has canceled a few fundraising events in the Hamptons that he had on the schedule for this weekend, according to The New York Times. Also, Tuesdays big campaign rally to introduce Harriss running mate to a crowd is in Pennsylvania. Hes an accomplished former attorney general; he has proven that he can win Pennsylvanians votes, and hes a great communicator have you seen his social media game? JC: Well, my choice of Shapiro being validated by my esteemed colleague Christopher, gives me hope. Now lets see if anyone has a different opinion. Ryan Adamczeski: Whoever Harris VP pick is, its going to be a white man. Im not the first to say it and while I think its ridiculous I dont believe voters would go for two women, or two people of color (Shapiro, who is Jewish like Harris husband, is also out for this reason, as is Buttigieg for his sexuality). I think the Democratic Party will seek out a white man (maybe older and more moderate) to ease the minds of less progressive voters, as they did when Obama picked Biden as his VP. That leaves us with Cooper, who took himself out, and Beshear. Now think about it this way: if that prediction comes true, that person will actually be a DEI hire. Despite conservatives saying Harris was picked for her race and gender, a white male VP candidate would quite literally be picked for his race and gender. Which, by the way, isnt what DEI really is in practice. Though I do wonder if well hear Trump complain about Democrats taking Black jobs'' again after its announced. Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride. Harris holds last interviews with VP contenders hours before she makes final decision Kamala Harris is holding last interviews on Sunday to test the chemistry with her final vice president contenders as she gears up to announce her 2024 running mate in the next 48 hours. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro will meet with Harris at her Washington DC residence,The New York Times reported. Harriss final meetings are intended to test the chemistry with the prospective veeps before heading out on the campaign trail. They all hail from states considered to be battlegrounds this November, giving them an edge in the selection process. Walz, Kelly and Shapiro have been highly visible across cable news in the past few weeks, defending Harriss record and taking on the traditional VP role of attack dog. Walz in particular has had success by labeling Republican rival Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance as weird in reaction to Vances old comments - describing Democratic politicians as childess cat ladies and arguing that Americans with children should have more influence at the ballot box - resurfacing. A handful of other Democrats were also thought to be on Harriss VP shortlist including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Vice President Kamala Harris steps off Air Force Two after arriving in Maryland on August 1. This weekend she is making her final decision on a running mate. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Harris is set to make her VP announcement on Tuesday in Philadelphia as she embarks on a cross-country tour with her new running mate to other swing states, Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania is a must-win for Democrats in November. Recent polling shows Harris is trailing Trump in the state. Philadelphias mayor, Cherelle Parker, sparked chaos this weekend after she released a video urging Americans to support Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for vice president, sparking speculation that Kamala Harris pick for running mate had been leaked. However, The Independent has learned that Mayor Parker was simply expressing her support for a longtime ally and friend as a potential selection by Harris for the Democratic ticket. Harris has seen a wave of support since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her last month. In two weeks, Harriss campaign blew past Trumps fundraising and brought home $310m in July, a stunning total coupled with a wave of thousands of volunteers signing up in battleground states. On Friday, Harris officially clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, making history as the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major political party. 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. Her ascension to the top of the ticket will be celebrated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at her Presidential Campaign headquarters in Wilmington FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at her Presidential Campaign headquarters in Wilmington By Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Vice President Kamala Harris will interview three top candidates - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro - at her Washington, D.C., residence on Sunday ahead of a final decision on her running mate. Harris is expected to announce her choice as early as Monday, ahead of her first public appearance with the vice presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Reuters was first to report. The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement featuring the duo, officials familiar with the arrangements told Reuters. Harris met with her vetting team on Saturday, including former attorney general Eric Holder, whose law firm Covington & Burling LLP scrutinized the finances and background of potential running mates. Holder and his office made in-depth presentations on each of the finalists, according to sources familiar with the process. She met Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday and is also meeting candidates virtually, the sources said. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker are the other candidates in contention for the job. The candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning whether they were picked, 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 includes all white men with a 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. Shapiro, one of the top contenders, has faced sharp criticism from the left, especially progressive groups and pro-Palestinian activists, over his support for Israel and his handling of college protests sparked by the war in Gaza. "There must be a policy correction on Gaza and there must be a pro-working class policy agenda, including a Black agenda," said Nina Turner, co-chair of Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign and a fellow at The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, a progressive research group. "Picking Governor Shapiro as a running mate risks closing that door." His handling of a sexual harassment complaint against a longtime top aide has also been questioned, and labor groups including the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, that recently endorsed Harris for president, have criticized him for calls to expand voucher programs that allow public tax dollars to flow to private schools. Some labor groups have also criticized Kelly for not supporting proposed legislation they argue would boost union organizing. Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, said that despite backing Harris for president, his 370,000-member union is not supporting Kelly or Shapiro as a potential running mate. Walz has become a favorite of progressives and youth groups who enjoy his attacks on Trump. At 60, Walz is just a year older than Harris, but critics say he looks much older, which could be a liability to a campaign that is rebounding from Biden's departure over concerns about his age. Walz responded to this criticism on X, saying he looks the way he does because he was a high school teacher and "supervised the lunchroom for 20 years. You do not leave that job with a full head of hair. Trust me." (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Heather Timmons, Daniel Wallis and Mark Porter) Harris needs Latino votes to win the election and she's betting big on Arizona Hispanics in Arizona and across the nation are mobilizing with energy matchable only by Kamala Harris herself. Take it from 94-year-old Dolores Huerta, whos not letting age or anything else get in the way of her crisscrossing America to speak forcibly and with clarity about why voting for Harris matters. You know what my children and grandchildren told me? They told me, mom, were supporting Kamala and were sending her money, said Huerta, the labor rights activist who inspired the farmworker movements Si, Se Puede rallying cry. The excitement is palpable. You can feel it at rallies like the one Huerta recently led in Phoenix. You can see it on TikTok and Instagram, where Hispanics have jumped enthusiastically onto the Kamala Harris bandwagon. Their support caught Trumps campaign off guard and clearly touched a nerve, since he still appears to be at a loss over how to fend off that wave. Kamala Harris quickly capitalized on Latino support Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, rallies a crowd to vote against Donald Trump and Project 2025 at the Southwest Carpenters Training Center in Phoenix, July 25, 2024. Few saw this enthusiasm coming, but the Harris campaign is running with it. The Democratic vice president has already visited Arizona a key swing state that could help determine the presidential election six times since taking office. Within days of getting the unofficial nod to replace Biden on the presidential ticket, Harris invited top Latino leaders to a barbecue at the VP residence. Attendees included Hector Sanchez Barba of Mi Familia Vota and Janet Murguia of UnidosUS. These groups are on the ground everywhere but especially in swing states like Arizona, where 855,000 Latinos are expected to cast a ballot in November, according to the NALEO Educational Fund. Their combined playbook is clear: Reach young, Latino, Black and women voters with targeted messaging. Harris campaign is betting big on Arizona The goal is to paint a picture for the American public and the choices before them, as well as the vision Harris has for a better future. Were not just helping families get by but helping them get ahead, protecting our fundamental freedoms, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who heads Harris campaign, told me. Though Trump has been carving out support from Hispanics, especially men, new polling shows Harris also has captured their attention, as well as women and independent voters that Trump has struggled to attract. But she isnt leaving anything to chance, which is smart. Harris should pick: Kelly as her VP In late July, the Harris campaign announced it had opened 12 offices across Arizona with 80 full time staffers and plans to double those efforts. The paid staffers are making phone calls, knocking on doors and urging people to engage with friends and neighbors on key issues. Unlike Trump, Harris speaks with hope What do Latinos care about? It isnt just immigration, the issue Trump is using to rile his MAGA base. Its also good paying jobs, access to health care, education and reproductive freedom. The Harris campaign points out that there are 6.7 million Latinas in the country, with 43% of them aged 15-49 and living in states that have banned or are likely to ban abortion. In Arizona, more than 80% of Hispanic women aged 18 to 44 expressed support for a state ballot initiative that would add abortion rights to the Arizona Constitution, according to KFF, a nonprofit organization focusing on health care research. Harris message of freedom and hope is in sharp contrast to Donald Trumps attacks on immigrants as poisoning the blood of America. He has promised to build mass detention centers and round up all undocumented immigrants how hell detain and deport more than 12 million people is another story. Still, Trump isnt one to be underestimated. Hispanics arent monolithic, and he can still appeal to socially conservative Latinos who see him as a tough guy defying norms or laws. (Never mind that Trump is a convicted felon. How voters can ignore or be attracted to that is beyond me, but some are.) Her challenge: To motivate supporters to vote Harris has been swift and aggressive in targeting Latino, Black, women and young voters, and that is impressive something I havent seen with previous Democratic presidential candidates. Her campaign is focused, organized and devoting resources to reach voters. And theyre doing it in English and Spanish with the same rigor. I dont see that with Trumps camp not yet, anyway. In the end, its all about who can inspire people to get off the couch and fight for their lives, fight for their country. Trump aims to do that with anger and a vision that would plunge America into darkness, a country divided between white supremacists and everyone else. Harris so far has managed to generate the kind of enthusiasm that only comes with genuine hope that things can get better. Her challenge is to carry that excitement among Latinos to others, and all the way to the ballot box. Elvia Diaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, (formerly Twitter), @elviadiaz1. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Harris, unlike Trump, brings energy, hope to Latino voters in AZ Vice President Harriss campaign launched Republicans for Harris with more than 25 GOP endorsements, including former secretaries Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood, as well as former GOP governors and lawmakers. The campaign announced Sunday that Trump-era White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, ex-national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, also endorsed Harris. Hagel, a Republican senator from Nebraska and Defense secretary, and LaHood, a GOP congressman from Illinois and Transportation secretary, both served under former President Obama. Additionally, former Reps. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) and Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.) put their support behind Harris in November, along with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who had endorsed President Biden when he was still at the top of the ticket. The vice president replaced Biden after the incumbent stepped aside last month following a disastrous debate performance and multiple calls from Democrats to drop out of the race. I encourage other Trump administration officials who saw the tyrant we worked for in office to speak out and stand with Kamala Harris this November to keep integrity in the White House and ensure democracy for our country, Grisham said in a statement. Troye added, The stakes are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedoms and the Constitution. Republicans for Harris will focus on activating GOP voices to speak to their friends and family about the importance of voting for the Vice President, according to the campaign, which described the group as a campaign within a campaign. The group will have kickoff events Monday in battleground states Arizona, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Other endorsements came from former GOP Govs. Bill Weld (Mass.), Christine Todd Whitman (N.J.) and Jim Edgar (Ill.), the campaign announced Sunday. It also highlighted that former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) endorsed Harris after backing Biden. Donald Trumps MAGA extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values and will vote against him again in November, Austin Weatherford, Harriss national director for Republican outreach, said in a statement. He added, Donald Trump said he doesnt want these voters, but Vice President Harris and our campaign are working overtime to earn the support of my fellow Republicans who care about defending democracy and restoring decency all of which would be torn away in a second Trump presidency. Others who backed Harris include former GOP Reps. Alan Steelman (Texas), Claudine Schneider (R.I.), David Emery (Maine), David Trott (Mich.), Jack Quinn (N.Y.), Jim Greenwood (Pa.), John LeBoutillier (N.Y.), Tom Coleman (Mo.), Rod Chandler (Wash.), Peter Smith (Vt.) and Wayne Gilchrest (Md.). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Sunday shows were eager to read the tea leaves, no matter how sparse, as Vice President Kamala Harris races toward selecting her running mate this week. But they didnt get much help from their scheduled guests, none of whom were Democrats connected to the likely choices. Harris has roughly just 48 hours to go until taking the stage with her pick at a rally in Philadelphia before embarking on a rapid-fire tour of six other swing states: Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia. Several top contenders have met in recent days with Harris vetting team, which is being spearheaded by former Attorney General Eric Holder and has had roughly two weeks to comb through candidates old campaign ads, recent media appearances, years of financial records, family histories and questionnaires submitted to Harris team. Three finalists Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were to meet Harris at the Naval Observatory on Sunday in face-to-face sitdowns that will likely serve as their final test. The candidates, along with others who have been floated as possible picks such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, were notably absent from the airwaves on Sunday, as were most leading Democrats. The figures and lawmakers who did appear offered their two cents as outsiders to the shielded process and pundits took a stab at theorizing Harris pick. My favorite is Andy Beshear from Kentucky. The man stood with us on the picket line. Hes been there for workers throughout every bit of our walk, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain told CBS Face the Nation. I just believe he brings a huge dynamic, and I believe a Harris-Beshear ticket would be unbeatable. Fain also offered his praise for Walz, describing him as an awesome guy for labor. When asked about Shapiro and Kelly, however, he said he saw the Democrats' respective records on school vouchers and the PRO Act as an issue. Shapiro and Kelly, both moderates from key battlegrounds, have risen as favorites among those who see a priority in securing their states electoral votes. Walz has begun building a national profile for himself by making his rounds on TV and appealing to Democrats across the spectrum all while the candidates have faced public scrutiny. Last week, Kelly said he would support the PRO Act, a pro-union legislation co-sponsored by most Senate Democrats, after organized labor circles raised concerns over his initial lack of support amid vice presidential speculation. Even with the backing of several Philadelphia unions, Shapiros record on private school vouchers has been unpopular among some teachers unions in his own state. And, his comments on Israel have angered some on the partys left flank. Meanwhile, some have criticized Walz as too progressive and see his state as less competitive and therefore not as valuable to the ticket. On ABCs This Week, Donna Brazile, a political strategist who served twice as acting Chair of the Democratic National Committee, revealed she had a couple of favorites but declined to provide any specific endorsement. Former Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, however, went all in on Shapiro. He said he believed Harris should select someone who is more moderate than her and has governing experience at the ground level. It should be Josh Shapiro. I dont think this is a hard choice. Hes a very talented politician. Hes extraordinarily popular, 65 percent job approval in a state she needs to win, Christie said, adding, If she picks Shapiro on Tuesday, Donald Trump created Josh Shapiro. Christie, who opposed Trump in the 2024 primaries, cited the fact that in the Pennsylvania governor race in 2022, Trump endorsed state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who he described as the weakest Republican candidate in that field. This allowed Shapiro to get a leg up on Mastriano and seize the opportunity for a coalition-building election, Christie said. Shapiro won by 15 percentage points. CNN Senior Data Reporter Harry Enten said the numbers are also tilting in Shapiros favor, although he clarified that vice presidential nominees historically have a minimal effect on voters. He pointed to one measurable, yet small, effect: home state advantage. Wouldnt it be nice if youre a Democrat that adds half a point or a point to your margin in a state that Joe Biden won last time around by 1.2 points? Thats the math that Harris is dealing with right now, Enten said on Inside Politics. Of course, well see if shes doing the same math I am or shes just in a completely different equation. Geoff Duncan, the former Republican lieutenant governor of Georgia, said in a panel on CNNs State of the Union that Harris has de-risked her finalist list and removed all potential liability: Theres no chance of her doing a JD Vance selection. Speaking about his party, he highlighted that Republicans would be most threatened to see Shapiro as a near guarantee of Pennsylvania for the Democrats. But commentator Shermichael Singleton pushed back on Shapiro as the best pick, expressing concerns that Muslim voters in Michigan and younger progressives would be critical of his previous statements about Palestinians and Israel. POLITICO reported Saturday that one of Shapiros Democratic rivals in his state, Sen. John Fetterman, is concerned about Harris picking the Pennsylvania governor and his advisers have relayed those worries to Harris. Fettermans advisers told the vice presidents team that Shapiro is too focused on his personal ambitions, people familiar with the conversations said. Harris is expected to make her choice as soon as Monday and in the meantime, the rumor mill will continue to run rampant. Democrats hunger for clues spiraled earlier this week when several contenders switched up their weekend schedules last minute, with Shapiro backing out of a fundraising swing through the Hamptons, Buttigieg cutting short a trip to Indiana and Beshear canceling a scheduled visit to a distillery in Kentucky. A Harris campaign aide previously cautioned against reading too much into the first city of Harris vice presidential tour in Shapiros home state. Beyond defeating Trump, Harris is reported to be prioritizing selecting someone she sees as a strong governing partner. Jared Mitovich and Irie Sentner contributed to this report. Takia Davis cools off with daughter Lareina Ramos, 1, at the Sylmar Recreation Center last month. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times) Residents of Los Angeles County's inland and valley areas are advised to use caution and stay out of the sun during the first heat wave of August, which is expected to peak Tuesday and could bring sweltering temperatures of up to 110 degrees. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in effect across Los Angeles County until 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Excessive heat warnings, which are more severe than heat advisories, are in effect for Antelope Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley. Heat advisories were issued for the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and San Gabriel Mountains during the same period. In the Antelope Valley, temperatures could reach up to 110 degrees. The heat and dry, windy conditions also bring an elevated risk of wildfires, officials said. There are no heat warnings in effect for coastal areas, downtown Los Angeles or the Santa Monica Mountains. Angelenos who live in areas most vulnerable to the heat should stay in air conditioning when possible, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and drink plenty of fluids, said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The city will open five cooling centers in South L.A., the San Fernando Valley and the Eastside to offer residents a break from the heat. They will operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday and welcome pets. Hikers in the Santa Monica Mountains should still use caution if theyre going out during the heat wave, Sirard said. Use common sense when hiking out there, he said. Bring plenty of water and be cognizant that heat can be deadly. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The best way foreign countries can support opposition activists in Russia is by helping Ukraine win the war, Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin said during a livestream on Aug. 4, days after his release in a historic prisoner exchange. Yashin was one of 24 detainees swapped by Russia and Western nations on Aug. 1, the largest such exchange in almost 15 years. The activist had spoken out against Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was jailed in 2022 for "discrediting" the Russian military. "The criminal war of aggression against Ukraine should be stopped immediately," Yashin said during the video livestream. "Russia must withdraw absolutely all troops from the territory of Ukraine." Yashin said that Western countries can best support Russian opposition movements by continuing to work to free political prisoners and providing aid to Ukraine. "The main task of the Western world today, as it semes to me, is to save Ukraine from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," he said. In response to an official who asked Yashin what Western countries can do to help activists in Russia, Yashin reiterated this point. "If you want to help the Russian opposition and Russian society and Russia as a whole, save Ukraine from Putin," he said. Yashin's rhetoric positions Putin as Ukraine's primary enemy. A former politician who served in the Moscow City Council from 2017-2021, Yashin identifies as a Russian patriot and argues that is antiwar stance is not in conflict with his patriotism. "Yes, indeed, it is possible to be against Putin and the war but at the same time be a Russian patriot," he said, insisting that the "natural" patriotic position is to demand Russia's withdrawal form Ukrainian territory. Following the prisoner swap, Yashin characterized his release as an "illegal expulsion" from Russia and said his goal was to return home and work toward a "free and happy Russia." Yashin said on Aug. 4 that he understood why some Ukrainians might be frustrated with his statements and that it was their right to be angry with him, but that he is a friend to Ukraine and advocates for peace. "The war with Ukraine is criminal and illegal it brings grief and death to the Ukrainian people while simultaneously causing colossal damage to the interests of my country," he said. Read also: Russias descent into totalitarianism: How it happened Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After Her 15-Year-Old Son Died Trying a Viral Choking Challenge, This Mom Is Fighting for a Safer Internet (Exclusive) Joann Bogard's son Mason died in 2019 after attempting a choking challenge he saw online. Now, she wants laws to change and supports a new bid to buy TikTok Courtesy Joann Bogard Mason Bogard and his mom, Joann, in May 2018, a year before he died. When her son Mason first asked for a smartphone in middle school, Joann Bogard was determined to keep him safe when he was using it online. I put on the watchdog apps, we had the conversations, Bogard, 58, tells PEOPLE. I thought I had everything in place. But he was a teenage boy, and he was curious. An outdoorsy kid, he wasnt really into social media, Bogard recalls. Except for YouTube, where Mason liked to watch how-to videos on tying fishing lures. At one point, however, he showed his mom a video of a funny viral challenge. We had a conversation right then: Buddy, some of these challenges can be dangerous. Courtesy Joann Bogard Mason Bogard in 2008 Just two weeks after that talk, on May 1, 2019, Mason, then a 15-year-old freshman, hugged his dad good night, told his mom he loved her and went upstairs in their Evansville, Indiana, home. After hearing a strange noise, his dad checked on him. He found Mason unconscious, no heart-beat, with a belt around his neck, Bogard says. Looking at his phone later, they learned Mason had filmed himself trying a choking challenge that hed seen on YouTube. But there was no search for the phrase in his history, says Bogard. An algorithm fed it to him unsolicited. He died three days later. Bogard is one of a growing number of parents who say social media is to blame for harming their kids, physically and mentally. It can happen to any child, says Bogard, who also has two other grown children. Trying to navigate your childrens online world has become impossible. I did everything in my power, and it wasnt enough. Our story is every parents nightmare." Related: How Smartphones Are Hurting Our Kids Mental Health: Theres Massive Evidence of Harm (Exclusive) A recent poll found that 50% of parents say their childrens mental health has suffered as a result of social media. In June the U.S. Surgeon General called for warning labels on social media platforms, saying theyre an important contributor to the youth mental health crisis. Parents are seeing the differences in their children, and they want to fix it, Bogard says, adding that parents need a fair fight in raising our kids safely." Jemal Countess/Getty Joann Bogard on Jan. 31, 2024, speaking at a rally in Washington D.C. Bogard was among a group of parents who gathered for a Congressional hearing in January to confront tech CEOs like Facebook's Mark Zuckerburg. Several parents who, like Bogard, blame social media companies for the deaths of their children, held up photos of the kids they had lost during the hearing. He saw a sea of pictures of children who passed, Bogard said of Zuckerberg. Parents are seeing some progress. Bogard successfully lobbied her state to help pass an Internet safety bill, Masons Education Act, in March. And she was on Capitol Hill talking to lawmakers before the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act on July 30. (The legislation now moves to the House for a vote.) Now she's joined with several other parents who also say social media harmed their children in supporting a push by billionaire Frank McCourt and his initiative called Project LIberty to reinvent the Internet with more privacy protections and to buy TikTok. Related: Why This Billionaire Says His Bid to Buy TikTok Will Make Social Media Safer For Kids (Exclusive) Project Liberty Joan Bogard (left) with Frank McCourt (second from left) and other parents who blame social media for the deaths of their children. It would be a new Internet, where people decide the safety features they want," Bogard says. "You could say, My kid cant see this and nobody could see your kid online. If she had that control five years ago, she says, I have no doubt my son would still be here." For more on Bogard's story, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on stands now. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Hey Muskingum County: Heres what you need to know to start your week ZANESVILLE Attorneys Robert G. McClelland and Travis M. Jones of Graham Law have been certified as lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The certification is awarded to trial lawyers who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements for clients. Fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys achieve this recognition. Jones started with Graham Law in 2014 and McClelland joined in 2007. ZANESVILLE Maysville Local School District has announced it will provided free breakfast and lunches to all students this coming school year by qualifying for the Community Eligibility Provision. ZANESVILLE Auditions for the Greek tragedy "Medea" by Euripides is at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5 at the Zanesville Community Theatre. Director is Haley Shaw. There are parts for two children, three to four men and four to eight women. Show will be Oct. 4 to 6 and 11 to 13. The play centers on Medea, who is seeking revenge on her husband Jason for abandoning her to marry the Princess of Corinth to advance his political ambitions. ZANESVILLE The Village of South Zanesville will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 in council chambers, 24 E. Main St. The personnel committee will meet prior at 6 p.m. ZANESVILLE The Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet in regular session at 5 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Rural Services Building. NEW CONCORD East Muskingum Local School Board of Education will meet at 4 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Muskie Room of John Glenn High School. ZANESVILLE Mid-East Career and Technology Centers Board of Education will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Zanesville Campus. The records commission will meet prior at 6:20 p.m. NEW CONCORD Muskingum University will launching a master's degree in business administration program for fall. The MBA program provides learners with the needed knowledge and skills to thrive in the world of work. Recent graduates or experienced professionals who go through the program will come out prepared for the next step in their career. The program is designed to be high-tech and high touch. Curriculum will help one develop the essential business skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment and vital people skills needed to lead people and organizations to accomplish goals. As part of the program, students will develop professional networking skills and be paired with mentors who are current professionals. The program can be completed in one year through fully online courses in an asynchronous format taught by highly qualified instructors from across MU. ZANESVILLE Genesis Healthcare System have recently added two new doctors. Dr. Tejas Patel has joined Genesis Heart and Vascular Group, specializing in general cardiology. He completed his general cardiology fellowship and internal medicine residency at the Canton Medical Education Foundation in Canton and earned a doctor of medicine from the Saba University School of Medicine in Saba, Dutch Caribbean. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, Heart Rhythm Society and American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Aaron Bowers joined the Genesis OB/GYN Group, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He completed his bachelor of science at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He earned a doctor of medicine at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. ZANESVILLE An open house birthday party for Denzil Taylor, turning 100, will be 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Zanesville VFW Post 1058, 1318 Putnam Ave. Taylor is a Word War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, had shows on WHIZ radio and television, recorded songs, performed in a band and owned a local record shop. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: What you need to know to start your week Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets from Lebanon, as fears of full-scale war with Israel continue to mount. The Iran-backed group said it was acting in response to Israels attacks on Kfarkela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon which, it said, had injured civilians there. Some 50 rockets were reportedly fired from southern Lebanon towards upper Galilee, according to Israeli media. The crisis in the Middle East has intensified following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander. Recent video footage revealed Israels Iron Dome defence system being activated. Night sky fills with light as Israel's Iron Dome intercepts an attack from Hezbollah - LEO CORREA/AP PHOTO The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed most of approximately 30 projectiles fired on Saturday night had been intercepted. No one was injured. Israel said it fired back at missile launch positions in Lebanon. It said: Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel overnight, approximately 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array. Shortly after, the IAF struck the Hezbollah launcher from which the projectiles were launched and additional terrorist infrastructure in the area of Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. , -30 . . , . >> pic.twitter.com/WO2cpNjRkW (@idfonline) August 4, 2024 Hezbollah confirmed the strike in a statement: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honourable resistance, and in response to the Israeli enemys attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe homes, especially the attacks that targeted the villages of Kafrkila and Deir Siryan and injured civilians, the Islamic Resistance included the new settlement of Beit Hillel in its fire schedule and bombarded it for the first time with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Officials in Washington and Israel expect Iran and its proxies could attack Israel with force as early as Monday, according to the US Axios news site, but they did not speculate on whether Iran and Hezbollah would coordinate their actions. Michael Kurilla, the US general in charge of American forces in the Middle East, arrived in the region on a planned trip on Saturday, expected to try to mobilise the same international and regional coalition that defended Israel against an attack from Iran on April 13, a US official said. Israel's Iron Dome intercepted the majority of the rockets according to the IDF - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The escalating tensions have prompted Britain, the US and Australia to tell their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. Travellers are being advised to avoid Israel and several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain halted until at least Tuesday, their parent company said on Saturday. Turkish Airlines on Saturday cancelled its night-time flights to Tehran for the second night running, AFP correspondents reported. 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. What the historic prisoner swap might mean for the future It was an intricate prisoner swap months in the making so long that, back before his death in February, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny figured into the elaborate scheme. It came to fruition late Thursday night, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a rare happy ending that few saw coming. The emotional homecoming was the result of intricate, secret negotiations which the White House called a "feat of diplomacy." In all, 16 political prisoners were released from detention in Russia and Belarus, in exchange for eight Russians held in five other countries. Among the Americans who were "unjustly imprisoned" in Russia and returning home were Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine veteran, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was already advocating for other detainees in Russia: "Basically everybody I sat with is a political prisoner," he said Thursday. "And nobody knows them publicly." Former prisoners released by Russia, U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva (left), U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan (center), and U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich smile after landing at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field, Texas, on August 2, 2024. / Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images As many as seven wrongfully-detained Americans were left behind, among them teacher Marc Fogel, sentenced to 14 years for carrying medical marijuana. But the family of Alsu Kurmasheva, a reporter with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, got to embrace her on U.S. soil. Biden, Harris welcome home Americans released in Russia prisoner swap Biden hails prisoner swap freeing Americans from Russia: "Their brutal ordeal is over" John Sullivan, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a CBS News contributor, said, "It was important to celebrate the return of our fellow Americans. But also having been involved in these matters for as long as I have been, I know the serious side of this, and the fact that Russia will continue to do this." Asked if this prisoner exchange gives up something greater, Sullivan replied, "Absolutely. It just reinforces the value of the Russian government detaining wrongfully Americans in Russia to use for trades like this." President Joe Biden hailed the multinational cooperation. Germany may have made the biggest sacrifice, freeing Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin working for the Russian state. He was given a hero's welcome by the Russian president. "Putin can say, with some accuracy, 'We take care of our own. If I send you to Berlin to murder someone, I won't leave you stuck there. I'll get you home,'" said Sullivan. As diplomats worked in secret, it was often up to family, friends and colleagues to keep the names and stories of those being held very much in the public eye. Paul Whelan's family pushed for his freedom for more than five years. "Yeah, I'm glad I'm home!" Whelan laughed upon his return. "I'm never going back there again!" The Wall Street Journal kept Evan Gershkovich's story in the headlines, as "Sunday Morning" reported earlier this year. And we traveled to Prague in January to find the outpouring of support to free Alsu Kurmasheva, led by her husband, Pavel Butorin. "I need to keep it together I don't want emotion to get involved," he said. Early Thursday, they were among the families summoned to the White House for that surprise announcement. Kurmasheva and her fellow freed Americans are now decompressing at a San Antonio military hospital. Doane asked former Ambassador Sullivan, "How do you stop someone like Putin from making a business out of this capturing, throwing in jail Americans to get what he wants down the road?" "Well, it's extremely difficult," he replied. "My concern now is that other countries are gonna see what the Russians have been able to do. So, this is becoming not just a Russian problem; it's a global problem." For more info: "Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West" by John J. Sullivan (Little, Brown & Co.), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available August 6 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org Story produced by Michelle Kessel. Editor: George Pozderec. Nancy Pelosi on Harris, Trump, and "The Art of Power" Presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris receives majority of delegates in roll call Crews battle large wildfires across western U.S. Hold the 'blue wall,' or light up the Sun Belt? Harris eyes path through U.S. battlegrounds Kamala Harris, in Houston last week, has enough funding to campaign heavily in all seven swing states for the 270 electoral votes needed to win. (LM Otero / Associated Press) Vice President Kamala Harris' late entry into the presidential race against former President Trump reset the political playing field in important ways, giving Democrats a promising boost in polling and a huge infusion of cash and volunteers. But it didn't change everything. In a nation of more than 330 million people, the 2024 election just like the 2016 and 2020 elections before it will almost certainly be decided by a relatively small number of voters in a handful of battleground states, political experts said. When Hillary Clinton lost to Trump in 2016, it was by fewer than 80,000 votes across Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania combined. When President Biden beat Trump in 2020, it was by fewer than 50,000 votes across Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia. Now, Harris is in a high-speed race to start executing her own path to victory through the nation's battlegrounds, which include Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin three of the "blue wall" of states that lean Democratic and Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona, in the nation's Sun Belt. This week, she is expected to pick her running mate possibly from one of those states and begin holding major rallies in places such as Philadelphia, Detroit, Raleigh, N.C., and Savannah, Ga. Amid the high-stakes number-crunching that campaigns always do to determine their best path to victory, the Harris campaign is citing polls showing her closing the gap with Trump in nearly every battleground, and seeming more bullish than Biden's campaign ever did. On the question of whether Harris might focus on the blue wall or the Sun Belt, her campaign's answer has been both. Harris speaks at a Black sorority gathering in Houston last week. One expert believes her campaign will also invest in voter turnout in the South to put Donald Trump on the defensive even in red states. (LM Otero / Associated Press) In a call with reporters last week, the campaign's battleground states director, Dan Kanninen, said the flood of support for Harris across the country included 360,000 new volunteers and $200 million in donations during the first week of her candidacy two-thirds of which was from new donors. On Friday, the Harris campaign said that it had $377 million in cash on hand compared with $327 million for Trump and that it would be spending hard and fast to ramp up the fight. Read more: With $310 million, Harris raised more than twice as much as Trump in July Kanninen said the campaign is rapidly expanding an already large network of Biden-Harris field offices and volunteers across the battleground states. He said that there were 600 staffers "on the ground in the blue wall," and that 150 more would be added by mid-August. Aides also planned to double the size of the campaign's teams in Arizona and North Carolina, and were opening new field offices in Georgia. Volunteers were fanning out to knock on doors, and being trained on how best to spur pro-Harris conversations online. "We're making these investments across the entire map because the data is clear: We have multiple pathways to 270 electoral votes," Kanninen said. "The vice president is strong in both the blue wall and in the Sun Belt, and we are running hard in both." The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment on its strategy for battleground states. In the American electoral system, voters cast ballots to elect the president, but the candidate who receives the most votes nationally is not necessarily the winner. Clinton, for example, received about 2.9 million more votes than Trump, and still lost. That's because the candidate who wins the most individual votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes, in what's known as the electoral college. The number of electoral votes per state is determined by population, with the most populous states such as California receiving the most. In order to win an election today, a presidential candidate must secure 270 electoral votes, and different presidents have gotten there through different pathways. Barack Obama famously pulled together a broad coalition of voters, flipping nine previously red states to blue in 2008. Clinton was confident going into the 2016 election, riding polls that appeared strongly in her favor, only to have her campaign's swing-state strategy she never campaigned in Wisconsin ridiculed by some political analysts after her stunning defeat. In 2020, Biden managed to undo some of the damage to the Democratic Party, taking back several key battleground states while flipping Arizona and Georgia but by closer margins and via a narrower path to victory than Obama's in 2008 and 2012. Political experts, pollsters and other veterans of presidential races said that given Harris' resources, it makes sense for the campaign to cast a wide net and fight in as many swing states as possible. But they have different takes on how she might get to 270 or fall short. Robert Alexander, a professor of political science at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and author of "Representation and the Electoral College," has long studied presidential paths to victory on the electoral map. "Harris' entry has changed the complexion of states up for grabs, I would say, from where Biden was and it's made it more amenable for Democrats. Certain states seemed to be slipping away [under Biden], and some of the early polling would say that they are now back in grasp for a Harris-led ticket," Alexander said. "That's a pretty significant shift in a pretty quick time period." He said that Pennsylvania with 19 electoral votes, which Clinton lost and Biden won is a "pretty key state in all of this right now," and that there will no doubt be "money dumped" into campaigning there. But he also expects Harris, buoyed by new energy and enthusiasm, to invest in driving up turnout in the South, in part to force Trump who had been preparing to "run up the scoreboard" on Biden back into a defensive posture. Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said both Harris and Trump appear focused, correctly, on the seven states that were decided by 3 percentage points or less in the last election: Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin in the blue wall; Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona in the Sun Belt; and Nevada. In 2020, Biden won six out of the seven, while Trump took North Carolina and all of them are up for grabs in 2024, Kondik said. Before Biden dropped out, Kondik had been watching the president's numbers falling fast in the blue wall swing states, and considered the decline a deadly sign for the Biden campaign. "If he lost in any of them, he wasn't going to win," Kondik said. He said the same probably holds true for Harris, but that may change if her numbers keep going up in North Carolina and Georgia. "The jury's out on that," he said. This colorful endorsement of Harris went up recently in Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. The crucial swing state helped Trump win the presidency in 2016 and lose it in 2020. (Kayla Wolf / Associated Press) Cornell Belcher, a pollster who worked for both Obama campaigns, said Harris may not be able to restore Obama's broad coalition. But it "makes all the sense in the world" for her to follow Obama's strategy of "pressing for expansion" on the electoral map, he said "going more places and making Republicans play defense more." Harris has to "secure the blue wall, hard stop," Belcher said, and will definitely be paying attention to and spending time in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. But given her brimming campaign coffers, he said, she also has the "opportunity to go on the offensive" in other vulnerable places. Read more: Simone Biles' memo to Trump: 'I love my black job.' No one is replacing gymnast at Olympics North Carolina, which Obama had flipped blue, more recently elected a Democratic governor in Roy Cooper, and may see diminished Republican turnout given GOP primary voters' selection of far-right candidates in down-ballot races, Belcher said. "It's absolutely an opportunity if you have the resources," he said of the Harris campaign. "And again, they have the resources." Georgia, he said, is also in play, with a "well-educated, upwardly mobile population and a growing segment of minority voters" who flipped both of the state's U.S. Senate seats blue in the last election. "For Democrats to not tap in to these changing dynamics within these states," Belcher said, "would be malpractice." Harris doesn't have a lot of time, but Belcher and others said it's unclear how relevant that is. This race has been moving at lightning speed, the trajectory of polling in several states turned on a dime in the last couple of weeks, and Harris' favorability ratings shot up in record time after Biden endorsed her. "We're in uncharted waters," Belcher said. "There are no road maps for all of this." Alexander, of Bowling Green, said he still believes that Harris has a "tougher path" to winning than Trump due to the nature of the electoral college system and he worries 2024 could be another "misfire election," with Trump winning the electoral college despite Harris winning the popular vote. "In a different time," Alexander said, "it would be seen as a constitutional crisis." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Leendert Mulder and Otto Doesburg sold newspapers. Mulder was born in Zeeland, the Netherlands, in 1845. He married Janke Mulder of Friesland. In 1867, Mulder and his partner, Marinus Hoogesteger, purchased John Roosts Republican-leaning, Dutch-language newspaper, De Grondwet (The Constitution). They did it the difficult way: in exchange for their labor. As Roosts employees, Mulder and Hoogesteger agreed to type and print the names of the people on Ottawa Countys delinquent tax lists. Then, when the county paid Roost, Mulder and Hoogesteger would get the paper. (They produced the paper weekly; it took four days to set up a four-page paper, and two days to print it.) Once they received the title to the De Grondwet, Mulder and Hoogesteger decided to focus more on political issues than religious ones. In 1879, at the age of 45, Hoogesteger died, and Mulder became the sole owner. Fortunately for Mulder, that year, Holland Common Council appointed him the official city printer. This occurred thanks to Republican Mayor Isaac Cappon, who broke the tie between Mulder and Otto Doesburg. In 1855, Hermanus Doesburg and his sons Otto, Jacob and Gerrit launched both English and Dutch-language versions of De Hollander. In 1857, Hermanus renamed the English version the Ottawa Register, promising to provide Democratic doctrine to readers. Henry Post, pioneer merchant, industrialist, and business partner of Albertus Van Raalte, was the editor. The paper died in 1861 when the Doesburg brothers joined the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. Although it had been a small circulation paper, it may have contributed to Holland Township citizens choosing Stephen Douglas (Democrat) over Abraham Lincoln (Republican) in 1860. Steve VanderVeen In 1865, the Doesburg brothers sold the paper to Jan Binnekant. Two years later Binnekant sold it to Hermanus Slag and William Benjaminse, the son-in-law of Zeelands founder Jannes van de Luster. Slag later purchased Benjaminses interest. When he died in 1868, Benjaminse and a consortium of investors, including Manly Howard and John Coatsworth, bought the paper from his widow. In 1872, Gerrit Doesburg founded the Holland City News. In 1876, Otto Doesburg took over and made the City News left-leaning, declaring it was for the anti-Dutch people of Holland who preferred a newspaper unbiased by the church, priests, or (the Republican) party. In 1881, Doesburg opined the water near Hollands channel should have a more glamorous name. He suggested Macatawa Bay, and the name stuck. Still, lack of profits drove Doesburg to sell the City News to William Rogers in 1882, who then attempted to make the paper apolitical. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Meanwhile, De Grondwet grew stronger. Even though Mulder had vowed political issues would have more importance than religious ones, circulation of the De Grondwet jumped from 300 to 3,000 in 1882 as Dutch Reformed readers across the United States wanted to keep abreast of the secession happening within Pillar Church over the issue of freemasonry. The anti-freemason members won the day, and the building. Teunis Keppel was one of their leaders, Arend Visscher, was their attorney. In 1885, Mulder invited the community to organize an agricultural fair. More than 50 local business leaders, farmers, and fruit growers then created the South Ottawa and West Allegan Agricultural Fair. After physician Oscar Yates Hermanus Boone, Ben Van Raalte, Arend Visscher and other first movers launched the first fair, Mulder wrote that he was grateful it had replaced downtown market days, which he claimed drinking and gambling had tarnished. Yet, in 1887, Mulder came out against prohibition and against the opinions of Anna Post and Marietta Van Olinda of the Womens Christian Temperance Union. In 1888, Mulder purchased the Holland City News from Willam H. Rogers, also making that publication right-leaning. Mulder died in 1891. By that time, he was a stockholder in the Walsh-De Roo Milling Company, First State Bank, and the Holland and Chicago Transportation Company. Steve VanderVeen lives in Holland. You can find his contact information and read more about Holland's entrepreneurial business history at start-upacademeinc.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland History: The area's first left and right-leaning newspapers Summer is a torment for the unhoused Homelessness is a nightmare in any season, but summers heat brings unique torment. My car, once a refuge, turned into an unbearable oven, even in the shade. The relentless heat made breathing a struggle, and nights offered no relief. Hygiene was a rare luxury; finding a place to wash was almost impossible, making job hunting mortifying. The emotional toll was immense, amplifying every fear and worry, compounded by the pain of being separated from family. Yet, moments of kindness provided glimmers of hope. Organizations like CATCH were lifesavers, moving me from my hot car into a cool apartment. Countless others still endure these conditions. We must advocate for housing solutions to restore dignity and hope, ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Cassidy Rae Landry, Eagle Simplistic immigration analysis I am bothered by the news article comparing the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the US border during Trumps presidency to Bidens presidency. The writer claims Trump did a better job because fewer illegal immigrants were caught. Looking at sheer numbers is unscientific. The border was closed during part of Trumps presidency, so less people were coming to the US. It would be more factual to show percentage differences. One could also argue the opposite of what the article is claiming. If there have been more arrests under Biden, perhaps he has done a better job at catching illegal immigrants than Trump did. Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian Idaho kids go without food because of Legislature The state of Idaho recently opted out of $14.6 million in federal funding to feed low-income children lunch during the summer, having similarly turned down federal money in the past, including for childcare in 2023 ($36 million), rental assistance in 2022 ($22 million) and pre-schools in 2021 ($6 million); all programs that needed additional funding. Why? The most common answer from the Legislature is that its socialism and not needed, a view captured recently in the following quote from one of the senators: I believe the message we need to be sending is that we all need to work for what we get. As of 2022, Idaho received $1.69 back from the federal government for every dollar paid in taxes (one of the highest subsidy ratios in the country). Idaho uses this subsidy from other states to fund substantial portions of at least 34 program/department allocations. Some questions to ask our legislators: What portion of the extra federal funding falls under the states definition of socialism, and why were the four mentioned in particular? Regardless of partisan beliefs, what possible justification is there for refusing federal funding for critical Idaho citizen needs that the state is not meeting? Tim Carlson, Boise Idahos leaders are standing up for criminals Im not surprised by Gov. Littles and the Idaho congressional delegations doubling down of their support for Donald Trump following his conviction on 34 felony counts by a Manhattan jury. Disappointed and saddened, to be sure, but not surprised. The odds of finding a Republican with an ounce of political courage these days are about as slim as the proverbial needle in a haystack. I do have a couple of questions for our governor, though: Does your implicit criticism of the constitutional guarantee of a trial by jury apply across the board or only when the defendant is someone you are obligated to suck up to? And if the former, when will you be pardoning Chad Daybell? Douglas Siddoway, Ashton Trump is an unparalleled sinner Many among us believe thou shalt not lie, commit adultery, worship golden idols, etc., yet they support Trump. They are conflicted trying to serve two divergent masters. Idahoans are no longer free to practice their religious beliefs as to abortion/medical care. Idahoans must now comply with the religious beliefs of some in our Legislature regarding medical treatments. If Americans re-elect Trump, Trumps Christian Nationalist supporters may compel us all, including Christians, non-believers, Jews, Muslims, etc., to abide by their religious beliefs. A Christian Nationalist activist, an ardent Trump supporter, told me years before Trump became a politician: Only Christians have any rights here. Non-Christians have no right to be in America. But 32% of Americans are not Christians. As Trump sinks deeper into his delusions, his false claims of victimhood and of being our savior, and as he gathers support from evangelicals and Christian Nationalists, our democracy becomes more in peril. We can vote in an authoritarian wannabe dictator president, but we cannot vote out a dictator president. Tom Newton, Caldwell Support old-growth forests The Biden administration is giving us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to conserve millions of acres of old-growth forest that benefits everyone. The National Old Growth Amendment might just protect the last remaining old-growth forests throughout the National Forest system. If done well, it would protect clean water that supplies our towns and cities, nourishes our crops, and provides habitat for fish and wildlife. And it would protect the best secure wildlife habitat, places where deer, elk and numerous other species thrive. This is why we have an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy opportunities to enjoy that wildlife. Join me and urge the U.S. Forest Service to enact the NOGA. Its the right thing to do for future generations. Jennifer James, Boise Hoosier Democrats long for a Pete Buttigieg VP, but recognize they might not get it Theres a new energy afoot among Indiana Democratic party faithfuls, and its entirely due to Vice President Kamala Harris whirlwind presidential bid with the added bonus of a Hoosier in the running for her No. 2. So much so, that those gathered in French Lick over the weekend for the annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association convention didnt seem overly concerned with who Harris might choose as her running mate in a matter of hours or days, even if its not their sentimental favorite, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Her impending decision is merely a subject of excited speculation; delegates there appeared to be along for the ride, regardless. From USA Today: Who's up? Who's down? Harris' VP options in limbo ahead of imminent decision Theres not one person on her list I wouldnt like, said Vanderburgh County Democratic Chair Cheryl Schultz, who will be voting on Harris pick as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention later this month. Buttigieg is on the vice-president-hopeful shortlist, as are Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Schultz believes Buttigieg has the best shot, because of his existing relationship with Harris as transportation secretary, and because hes proven adept at defending the party line on various platforms, including conservative outlets like Fox News. Buttigieg held a fundraiser for Harris Saturday in New Hampshire; Beshear and Walz also have fundraisers scheduled Monday. Harris is expected to make her decision by Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg answers questions from reporters Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Ivy Tech Community College in Kokomo, Indiana. Other Hoosier Democrats say that Buttigieg, much as they would love to see him prevail, may not be the most strategic choice for the ticket. My heart wants Pete, said Veronica Pejril, a delegate from Putnam County. My brain tells me its probably going to be Shapiro. They say this due to the electoral math: Shapiro, from a swing state like Pennsylvania, would deliver votes that 8th Congressional District party chair Dave Crooks compares to gold at Fort Knox. It nearly pains Crooks to admit it hes such a Buttigieg fan that he was one of about 18,000 Hoosiers who still voted for him for president in 2020, even though Buttigieg had dropped out of the race. It might help, too, to choose someone not so closely affiliated with the Biden administration an outsider, said Vigo County Democratic Chair Joseph Etling. Derek Camp, a delegate and the Allen County party chair, said he thinks Buttigieg and Walz each have a good chance Walz because of his folksy disposition. Hes your favorite Midwest grandpa whos just fun to hang out with, Camp said. Of greater import to convention attendees is the shot in the arm Harris campaign has injected down-ballot. In the week after her campaign launch, Camp said he fielded calls from about 30 precinct directors in his district asking for door-knocking lists. Among the statehouse races that the Indiana House Democratic Caucus tracks, field director Seth Rawlings said there was a roughly 30% increase in the amount of doors they knocked on and an average 20% increase in donations to their candidates. Rawlings, a 23-year-old Muncie resident, signed up to be a delegate the day of President Joe Bidens infamously poor debate performance that changed the tune among Democrats. Tensions were high when it was unclear whether Democrats might have a contested convention. When I first signed up for this, I thought we were marching toward battle, Rawlings said. Now it feels like its going to be more of a party. The mood Saturday, especially at a dinner event where former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan gave a keynote address, was ebullient far more spirited than the defeatist mood many Indiana Democrats have grown used to in a state where theyve been out of power at the Statehouse for more than a decade. Former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio gives the keynote address at a dinner reception during the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association convention Saturday, Aug. 4 in French Lick, Indiana. Ryan spent some of his time revving up the audience over a different vice-presidential pick: JD Vance, Republican nominee Donald Trumps running mate and the Ohio senator who won the seat over Ryan in 2022. He decried Vances support for a national abortion ban, and said Trumps selection of him is a doubling down on Project 2025, a playbook of conservative policies that the Heritage Foundation crafted in the event Trump is elected. Were not going to allow them to hijack the political debate in this country, Ryan said. Its time to move on. Its time to heal. In an interview with IndyStar afterward, Ryan said he didnt have strong feelings about who Harris should pick to run by her side. I almost dont even care, he said. Its like, just pick and lets go. Thats not far from the sentiment among Indiana party loyalists, like Schultz of Vanderburgh County. Vanderburgh County Democratic Party Chair Cheryl Schultz, left, and Veronica Pejril, a candidate for state Senate from Putnam County, are both delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month. Kayla Dwyer/IndyStar Were just going to be happy with whatever, she said. I think there are no bad choices. Therell be cheering all around, Pejril added. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Veepstakes: Indiana Democrats love Buttigieg, but 'there are no bad choices' Hotel union donated over $700K to NYC pols backing bill that could drive up lodging costs A powerful union has funneled more than $700,000 in campaign donations to city lawmakers backing controversial legislation that critics say would drive up hotel rates and wreck the Big Apples hospitality industry, records show. Since 2021, the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council has donated $711,428 to boost political campaigns for 15 of the 28 City Council members whove signed onto the bill sponsored by Manhattan Democrat Julie Menin. The measure includes a stipulation requiring hotels to directly employ most of its workers, including housekeeping and front-desk staff. The move would likely drum up wage costs, critics said. Manhattan Democrat Julie Menin sponsored a bill that critics say would drive up hotel rates and wreck the Big Apples hospitality industry, records show. Getty Images However, following outcry from critics, Menin amended the legislation Friday to include a carve-out ensuring hotel restaurants, bars, and nightclubs arent affected. Nearly all of the money $689,078 was paid through the unions political action committee, Hotel Workers for Stronger Communities, and went towards political mailers, phone calls and other campaign aid, records show. It included $185,901 last year to help Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) prevail in a highly contested race over former GOP Councilman Ari Kagan, and another $113,675 in 2021 to help Brooklyn Democrat Crystal Hudson get elected. The remaining $22,350 was paid directly through the union to the 15 council members. This is worse than just pay to play its seek and destroy, said an exasperated hotel owner who requested anonymity to avoid angering the union. They give these people tens of thousands of dollars in contributions, and now the unions calling in their chits, but what good is it if they hurt the entire industry in the process? Donations included $185,901 last year to help Councilman Justin Brannan (pictured) (D-Brooklyn) prevail against former GOP Councilman Ari Kagan. Getty Images Councilwoman Crystal Hudson received $113,675 in donations in 2021. Getty Images for Brooklyn Paramount The union and its PAC also dished out another $47,000 in campaign funds to state Attorney General Letitia James and $102,000 to the citys district attorneys, all of whom have publicly endorsed the bill. Although the Council has enough votes to pass the bill, it lacks the 34 necessary to override a mayoral veto. Mayor Eric Adams has yet to give an opinion on the bill, but the union was a big supporter of his 2021 mayoral campaign giving nearly $1.1 million through its PAC for TV and digital ads, records show. The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council declined comment. Housing-first strategy sure to undergo dramatic change if Project 2025 plans enacted | Opinion Project 2025 and the unhoused One of the nations most widely embraced strategies to combat homelessness getting people housed first and then addressing other needs, could be impacted by Project 2025. Project 2025 has been characterized as a Christian nationalist plan that has the potential to erode the separation of church and state. Like administrations before it, the Biden White House has employed this housing-first approach to help people get off the streets, but Project 2025 could roll back the model supported by many housing advocates. The housing-first approach was created in the 1990s to address veterans who lacked housing. While Republicans have attacked housing-first plans, the Biden administration has advanced them. Bidens budget for the 2025 fiscal year calls for expanding HUD rent vouchers. Critics claim that HUD programs discourage the formation of traditional families, and keep people trapped in poverty. Homelessness is a multifaceted issue and is a growing problem among the elderly and disabled. If the next administration adopted the HUD reset outlined in Project 2025, it could place federal funding at risk for programs that combat homelessness. Now that cities are empowered to criminalize people sleeping outside, Project 2025 could risk placing more Americans in harsh circumstances. Meta Griffin, Spartanburg Help is a 988 call away Note: The writer is CEO of Three Rivers Behavioral Health, which partners with the local 988 network as a resource for those needing help. We can all help prevent suicide. July marked two years since our nation launched 988, the easy-to-remember nationwide mental health crisis hotline. Since being launched, 988 has receive more than 8 million calls from poeple in distress seeking support. This number is confidential, effective and available to everyone via phone, text or chat. Spread the word that help is available. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 988 callers connect quickly with trained crisis counselors; Less than 2 percent of 988 calls require response from emergency services though many callers report that their call prevented them from taking their own life; Numerous studies of 988 indicate that the majority of callers were significantly more likely to feel more hopeful after speaking with a crisis counselor; About a third of 988 calls are about mental health concerns other than suicide. If someone you know is struggling emotionally, you can help them get the care they need by calling 988. Shannon Marcus, Columbia U.S. against persecution July 20 marked the 25th anniversary since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Jiang Zemin decided to eradicate Falun Dafa/Gong. In June, the U.S. House unanimously passed the Falun Gong Protection Act. Falun Dafa/Gong continues non-violent resistance and is practiced around the world, now in more than 100 countries. Falun Dafa/Gong is a spiritual practice that includes moral teachings centered on the principles of truth, compassion, forbearance and five meditative exercises. The Chinese authorities estimated there were between 70 and 100 million Falun Dafa/Gong practitioners in China. Falun Gong practitioners once comprised about one third to one half of labor camp detainees in China. Many were beaten and tortured, some never to be seen again. Even today, many practitioners are still imprisoned for their beliefs and continue to die in custody. Allegations of organ harvesting have also been attached to the treatment of those detained. We sincerely appreciate every kind-hearted persons support and hope the end to this discrimination is coming soon. For additional information, click here. Akiko Tsutsui, Greer SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A recent human trafficking sting at San Diego Comic-Con led to 14 arrests and the recovery of 10 potential victims. Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large scale events such as Comic-Con to exploit their victims for profit, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release. These arrests send a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We are grateful to all our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable. With our own large convention FanX next month, ABC4.com met with a local organization that works to raise awareness on trafficking about what signs to look out for. 14 arrested in human trafficking sting at San Diego Comic-Con There are an estimated 27.6 million human trafficking victims worldwide at any given time, and Utah is not exempt. In 2023, the Utah Attorney Generals office opened 69 sex and human trafficking-related investigations, according to state data. During that year, there were 24 human trafficking-related prosecutions, 12 of them involving child victims. Following the SDCC human trafficking sting, ABC4.com reached out to the Salt Lake City Police Department about their preparation around large events, to which they sent the following statement: The safety and well-being of our community will always be a top priority. Our police department works closely with event organizers and other public safety partners to help ensure large-scale events are safe and secure for everyone. Generally, during large-scale events, there is an extra presence of officers in and around event venues. If community members see any suspicious or criminal activity, we encourage them to flag down an officer, call our non-emergency line at 801-799-3000 or dial 9-1-1 for an in-progress emergency. SLCPD What to know about human trafficking Jake Neeley, the executive director of the Malouf Foundation, said trafficking happens everywhere, but especially in large cities where there are bigger populations. As large events usually take place in these cities, it can increase the likelihood of trafficking while they are happening, but he said that doesnt mean every large event will be a magnet for it. However, its simply happening in large cities all the time, and so its important for us to understand as a community, as citizens, especially in larger communities, that we need to be on the lookout and looking for the signs of trafficking, regardless of whats going on around us, regardless of large events coming around, he said. Its also important to note, Neeley said, that trafficking typically happens at the hands of a perpetrator the victim already knows. Whether youre planning on going to a big event, or just going about daily life, Neeley said its important to know the signs to watch out for anything that may be reportable to authorities. When an increase of population through an event comes, there are signs to look out for, but again, these signs are applicable no matter whats going on, he said. Seven rescued from sinking boat on Utah Lake These include signs of physical abuse and malnourishment in addition, he said to watch for someone who may be inappropriately dressed for their age or weather, something that looks just a bit off for the particular circumstances youre in, or someone exhibiting controlling behavior toward another person. Neeley also said the individual themselves may be avoiding eye contact or social interaction, or giving responses that seem rehearsed or forced. Neeley said large events may have the capacity or likelihood of seeing more of those things at once. But, no matter where you are, he said its important to look out for one another, and if something feels off, make a report to law enforcement. Weve been involved with helping communities and organizations understand the science of human trafficking for a number of years and what Ive seen through it all is that by just learning simple things that we can do or see or watch for, it helps increase the confidence we have in making an impact in our own lives or community, he said. To further learn about what to look for and how to respond, Neeley said the Malouf Foundation has a program called On Watch to help recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to support survivors. To keep yourself safe, he said its important to learn how to carry yourself, which you can learn through another Malouf program called Smart Defense that teaches emotional resilience and self-defense. How we carry ourselves and the way with which we approach other individuals, the way we move together, really has an impact and sends a message. Having confidence, and moving forward together really helps send the message that were not somebody to mess withAnd of course, staying together and decreasing the anxiety of whats going on, he said. Neeley said the foundation honors the work done by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as the work that is done by organizations in Utah. There are many organizations in law enforcement and others who are conducting work thats important for us in communities, and we appreciate and honor them, he said. Also, the individuals who experience this type of exploitation and abuse, nobody should go through that, no one deserves to go through that, its not their fault. We hope and put resource into their healing journey and the experience they have in exiting and moving forward in life, that they can thrive. Weve been fortunate to see that process take place where individuals have been able to exit, have been able to get and connect with therapy and job training, and create a new life where they are thriving and doing amazing things. If you or anyone you know is in danger, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888. Learn more by visiting the Human Trafficking Awareness Toolkit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. It was humiliating: Woman said she was removed from L.A. flight over medical condition A woman said she was humiliated after trying to board a flight from Los Angeles but was prevented from doing so due to a rare skin condition. Brianna Solari, a nurse from Sacramento, had flown to L.A. to undergo a specialized surgery for tumors caused by a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. The condition causes non-cancerous tumors to grow all over the skin and nervous system. Im aware of how I look with all of these scabs on me, Solari said of her appearance. I know its unpleasant. I suffer from a genetic illness and I got surgery to improve my appearance and self-esteem. On her return flight home on Aug. 1, Solari headed to the Hollywood Burbank Airport and made sure to cover up with a facemask and headband. She had a ticket for a Southwest Airlines flight. As Solari boarded the plane and sat down, she was suddenly approached by an airline crewmember who asked her to leave. Brianna Solari has a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis which causes tumors to grow all over the skin and nervous system. (KTLA) Brianna Solari is seen in a personal photo. Brianna Solari is seen in a personal photo. The Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank California. (KTLA) A Southwest Airlines jetliner waits on a runway for departure from Denver International Airport Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) Brianna Solari is seen in a personal photo. View of the Hollywood Burbank Airport, formally the Bob Hope Airport on September 16, 2020 in Burbank, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) He said there were some concerns about whether or not I had any kind of communicable disease, Solari said. He mentioned chickenpox specifically. She was taken back to the boarding gate where she explained about her rare medical condition. Essentially, I lack a protein which is a tumor suppressor and that causes tumors to grow under and on the skin, along nerves, she said. Solari told airline employees she had just received surgery and her condition was not contagious. She offered to show the discharge paperwork from the hospital. However, Solari said she was denied. He said, No, we cant see that, and then he got on the telephone with somebody I dont know, she recalled. She was told she wouldnt be allowed to reboard until she was examined by emergency medical services at the airport. They were on the phone with the physician who oversees EMS services that contract with the airport, Solari said. When she asked to speak with that doctor, she was also denied. Solari called her own doctors office and asked them to email a letter of medical clearance which she eventually received. Arsonist burns down Southern California familys home, killing beloved cat I had to give my phone to the employees and they read the [clearance] letter to the [airport] physician, she recalled. Then they said, Oh well, okay, she can go. After the frustrating ordeal, Solari said she waited five hours to be placed on another flight. It was embarrassing, she said. It was humiliating. Its absolutely shameful what they did. This is no way to treat somebody. According to federal regulations, passengers with a medical condition cannot be denied air travel unless their condition can be determined to pose a direct threat. Southwest Airlines released a statement on the incident saying: We are disheartened to learn of the Customers experience flying with us and extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. Even though our Team ultimately received clearance for the Customer to travel, we werent able to do so in time for the flights departure. We rebooked her on a later flight, offered a travel voucher for a future flight along with a meal voucher, and were following up with her directly to discuss the situation. Solari hopes her story will serve as a learning lesson for better treatment of passengers with medical conditions. Following the humiliating ordeal, she said she would never fly with Southwest Airlines again. Believe it when people say, I had surgery, Solari said. I shouldnt have to discuss this with airline employees who are not medical professionals. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tropical Storm Debby has entered the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, hitting start on a countdown to an expected Monday landfall in Floridas Big Bend or eastern Panhandle. While there is some clarity today on Debby more likely than not reaching North Florida as a hurricane, how long the storms heavy rains will linger over Florida, eastern Georgia, and the coastal Carolinas remains up in the air. As of the 5 p.m. Saturday NHC advisory, Debby is located about 100 miles southwest of Key West, with sustained winds up to 40 mph. The storm is now moving northwest at about 15 mph, following a path that has bent more northwestward today as Debby connects with an eastern U.S. dip in the jet stream. Where is Tropical Storm Debby tracking? Carrabelle to Cedar Key landfall seems likely With Debbys circulation consolidating farther southwest than yesterdays NHC forecasts suggested, the most likely path of the center has also shifted west, away from Floridas Nature Coast and towards the eastern Panhandle over the last 24 hours. Though Debby formed farther west, water vapor imagery shows the upper-level trough pushing hard into the Deep South today, which will turn the storm north on Sunday, then north-northeast by early Monday. With that key steering feature developing as expected, I do not foresee further big shifts west in Debbys track from what the NHC is predicting this evening. On this path, Debby will likely cross the coast between Carrabelle and Cedar Key by Monday afternoon. Tropical Storm Debby probable path as of 5 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024 Hurricane Warnings are now in effect for much of Apalachee Bay, with Tropical Storm Warnings for the rest of Floridas Gulf Coast west to Cape San Blas. As the forecast track has evolved to give Debby more time over water, the forecast intensity at landfall has edged higher as well. This afternoon, deep convection has gathered closer to Debbys center of circulation, with more organized outer bands spreading intermittent heavy rainfall over the Florida peninsula. This consolidation signals a strengthening storm, and continued steady intensification is likely through early Monday as Debby moves beneath a very favorable outflow environment in the eastern Gulf. However, Debbys circulation is large and sprawling, and the storm may ingest some drier air at the mid-levels of the atmosphere starting late Sunday. This should keep the rate of strengthening in check, and makes rapid intensification during the approach to North Florida less likely. A THREAT BREAKDOWN ON DEBBY The NHC is now predicting that Debby will reach Category 1 intensity by landfall, which seems like a reasonable balance of the positive and less supportive environmental and structural factors in play. A breakdown of Hurricane Warnings, Tropical Storm Warnings and Tropical Storm Watches. So, with first landfall around 36 hours out, lets take a quick look at how the four main types of weather impacts of a hurricane (wind, surge, tornadoes, and flooding rainfall) are likely to unfold in Debby. These forecasts are primarily focused on North Florida, as the primary impacts in Southern and Central Florida will be passing bands of heavy rainfall over the next 24-48 hours, with some gusty winds embedded but nothing too concerning. Outside of the Panhandle and Big Bend (and north), this isn't your storm. Ill be refining these impact ideas further by region in tomorrows forecast, but this is the state of play as of Saturday evening. Ill be refining these ideas further by region in tomorrows forecast, but this is the state of play as of Saturday evening. Wind: 65 to 85 mph gusts will down powerlines, trees already weakened by Hurricane Idalia With Debby flexing to Category 1 intensity prior to landfall, wind impacts in northern Florida will be locally significant in the areas that receive the hurricanes eyewall, and less severe but still damaging outside of that area. Its too early to say exactly where the eyewall will come ashore, but right now eastern Apalachee Bay and areas immediately adjacent to it are at the highest risk of receiving hurricane-force wind gusts. While Im not talking about Debbys worst being in the same league as Idalias worst, 65 to 85 mph wind gusts in some vulnerable areas of the eastern Big Bend that were walloped by Hurricane Idalia last year will do notable damage, especially to trees and powerlines. A breakdown of which areas may see the worst of Tropical Storm or Hurricane Debby's winds. Debbys speed of forward motion is likely to diminish on Monday as it approaches the coast, which reduces its potential to carry hurricane-force gusts well inland. Nevertheless, the Panama City to Gainesville region should prepare for at least lower-end tropical-storm-force wind gusts, which are also probable along most of the Florida peninsula Gulf Coast through Monday. As in Idalia, the western half of Debby will see notably weaker wind gusts than the eastern half. Its too soon to know whether Debby will move east or west of Tallahassee, which will make the difference between lower-end (east) or higher-end (west) tropical-storm-force wind gusts in the capitol region. Id lean east, but stay tuned. Storm surge: Possibility of 'life-threatening' inundation means heed those evacuation orders The National Hurricane Center is pointing to the possibility of "life-threatening storm surge inundation." As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for all of Apalachee Bay and most of the Nature Coast, with Storm Surge Watches for the Tampa Bay area south to Fort Myers. There is high confidence of 2-3 of surge along the peninsular Gulf Coast north to Cedar Key with local values to 4+ on the Nature Coast. In Apalachee Bay, the threat is more conditional; as in Idalia, surge will be highest at 4-7 along and just east of where the eyewall tracks, with little or no surge west of the center with offshore winds. The risk of life threatening storm surge is growing as Tropical Storm Debby is born. The eastern half of Apalachee Bay is more likely to get those peak surge values, but you need to be preparing for destructive surge in western Apalachee Bay as well, even though it is less likely to actually occur. As always, monitor (and heed!) evacuation guidance from your countys local emergency management office. Tornadoes: Possible for Florida peninsula but unlikely The tornado threat from Debby is not particularly acute. There is potential for some tornadoes over the peninsula and northeast Florida through mid-day Monday, but a major outbreak is unlikely. Rainfall: Most destructive feature could be a Debby deluge Ive left heavy rainfall for last, even though it will likely be the most destructive impact of Debby. Above all else Debby could be a destructive rainmaker. The reason for that is the long-term forecast for what will happen to the storm after it makes landfall remains a real enigma, other than we know it wont be going anywhere in a hurry. With steering winds diminishing to next-to-nothing in the vicinity of the Southeast on Tuesday, Debby will likely slow down and turn more eastward into Georgia, with the official NHC track drifting Debby into coastal South Carolina by Thursday. Thats as good a guess as any, but with global models showing the dreaded squashed spider formation, in which model track legs bulge haphazardly in all directions beyond Tuesday, only a fool would be confident as to where Debby will drift over North Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, next week. This means all of those areas should be monitoring the possibility of flash flooding and river flooding into next weekend, by which point whatever is left of Debby should belatedly ease away to the northeast. The flash flood risk over the next five days. In the shorter-term, tonight and Sunday will bring intermittent heavy rain bands to the Florida peninsula, most frequent in western sections. The eastern Panhandle and Big Bend will see periodic rainfall early Sunday, with steadier and heavier rain moving in late on Sunday and continuing through at least Monday. Northeast Florida into the coastal Carolinas will see steadier rain develop between late Sunday and Monday afternoon, persisting into midweek or beyond. Overall, look for 2-5 of rain in the Florida peninsula over the next 3 to 5 days, with a probable 5 and possible local totals to 15 in North Florida's Big Bend, and eastern Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina through the next seven days. The last word on Debby: Take her seriously Overall, Tropical Storm Debby is a storm to take seriously in North Florida. Debby isnt going to pack the punch of a major hurricane like Michael or Idalia, but it might wind up crossing the notable coastal wind and surge impacts of Hermine with the flooding potential of 2008s Tropical Storm Fay. Ill be back tomorrow with a region-by-region look at Floridas expected impacts from Debby. In the meantime, use the next day to do what you need to do to be ready, 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. Email Ryan Truchelut at ryan@weathertiger.com. A GOES satellite view of Tropical Storm Debby. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hurricane Debby Florida forecast: Rain, wind, surge impact breakdown It is believed the tunnel was designed to smuggle in weapons - IDF/Telegram Israels military has uncovered an unusually large Hamas tunnel close to the Gaza-Egypt border that appears to have been for vehicle passage. The IDF said its forces were working to dismantle the 9ft high tunnel along the Philadelphi Corridor, an Israeli codename for the strategic stretch of land seized in May 2024 that runs adjacent to the border. Photographs showed the huge concrete-fortified underpass less than 328ft from the border fence, with a combat vehicle easily passing through its high walls buried beneath the desert terrain. At this stage, the troops are continuing with the investigation and neutralisation of the underground tunnel route, as well as other large-scale routes that were found, the IDF said. The IDF will thoroughly destroy all the underground infrastructure on the Philadelphi Corridor and will act with determination to prevent their formation in the future. The force did not comment on whether the tunnel led to Egypt. However, elite units have for months been tasked with combing the landscape for smuggling routes and claiming to have demolished dozens. Dismantling the huge tunnel network would take the Israeli military years - IDF/Telegram Since the beginning of Israels major offensive inside Gaza, locating and destroying Hamass vast warren of tunnels has been a central but elusive war aim. The network is believed to stretch for 310 miles with up to 5,700 shafts, a far higher estimate than Israel expected before Oct 7. As Israel bombarded the Strip relentlessly from above, thousands of Hamas militants buried themselves deep within the labyrinth below, dubbed Gazas metro. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, is believed to still be alive 10 storeys underground, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has said. Thwarting Hamass ability to use the tunnels has been the lynchpin in Israels effort to capture its top leaders and rescue the surviving hostages. But the sheer depth and scale of the iron and concrete tunnels have prevented this. They form an impossible landscape where guerilla fighting rules and booby traps, ambushes and dead ends await Israeli soldiers unaccustomed to such a dark and unfamiliar battlefield. Israeli officials now believe it could take years for its military to truly dismantle tunnels, a timeframe its military will not be allowed amid international pressure to end the nearly 10-month war, which has left more than 39,500 Palestinians dead, according to Gazan authorities. In July 2024, an IDF assessment revealed much of the tunnel network was in a good functioning state in many parts of Gaza, including Rafah, while tunnels in Khan Younis have already begun to be mended. 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. Infamous killer who was part of Chicago's 'Ripper Crew' is now living in Peoria One of Chicago's most notorious convicted murderers, a member of the Satanic group the Ripper Crew, is now living in Peoria. Thomas Kokoraleis, 64, informed the Peoria Police Department in May that he would be living in Peoria at the Peoria Pathway Ministries, formerly Peoria Rescue Ministries, at 601 Adams Street in Downtown Peoria. Kokoraleis is not on parole, which means he is not subject to 24-hour monitoring by an ankle monitor, but Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria told the Journal Star he is required to check in with the police department quarterly. Echevarria said Kokoraleis last checked in at the Peoria Police Department on Aug. 1. He originally arrived in Peoria from Aurora and checked in with the Peoria Police Department on May 2. "I can tell you that when he came here, I did speak with the previous agency that he came from and they never, in the time he was there, had any issues with him," Echevarria said. Kokoraleis is a registered sex offender with the Peoria Police Department, Peoria County Sheriff's Department and Illinois State Police. More: Serial killers have plagued all corners of Illinois. These are some of the most infamous What crimes did Thomas Kokoraleis commit? Kokoraleis spent 35 years in prison for his role in the crimes committed by the Ripper Crew in the early 1980s. The group kidnapped, raped and mutilated up to 20 women, prosecutors said, according to USA Today. Kokoraleis was convicted of killing Linda Sutton and 21-year-old Lorry Borowski, a real estate worker who was raped and mutilated in Chicago in 1982. Thomas Kokoraleis is shown in an Illinois Department of Corrections photo from March 2024. Despite confessing to police that he had played a role in the two slayings, Kokoraleis later recanted his confession, claiming he was coerced by police and ultimately admitted to being present for the murders. Police said that Kokoraleis, along with his older brother Andrew Kokoraleis and Edward Spreitzer and Robin Gecht, raped, murdered, mutilated and, in some cases, ate their victims as part of gruesome satanic rituals in the Chicagoland area in the early 1980s. Prosecutors said that the Ripper Crew would stalk their victims in the Chicagoland area and torture them by cutting off one or both of their breasts, before sexually abusing and murdering them with knives and axes, according to USA Today. Kokoraleis also told investigators that the attic of the group's ringleader, Robin Gecht, was the site of satanic rituals that included cannibalism. More: Reputed 'Ripper Crew' member, killer released from Canton prison Ripper Crew sentences Thomas Kokoraleis was sentenced to life in prison for his part in the Borowski killing but had his original conviction thrown out due to a legal error. He then pleaded guilty to Borowski's killing and was re-sentenced to 70 years in prison. However, Kokoraleis only served 35 years of his 70-year sentence due to good behavior while in prison. Guidelines in Illinois at the time of his sentencing rewarded inmates, even violent felons, for good behavior and that led to his prison time being cut in half, according to USA Today. Andrew Kokoraleis was sentenced to death for his part in the crimes and was executed by lethal injection in 1999. He was the last person executed in Illinois before the state's death penalty moratorium. Spreitzer was sentenced to death as well but had his sentence commuted by former Illinois Gov. George Ryan along with other Illinois death row inmates. He instead is serving life in prison. Gecht is serving a 120-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of raping and mutilating a prostitute who lived to tell the tale and directed investigators to Gecht. He was the only member of the Ripper Crew not to confess to the murders. Thomas Kokoraleis was released from the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton in 2019 and lived at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora for two years, much to the outrage of Aurora residents, including Mayor Richard Irvin. In a teary interview with the Chicago Tribune in 2019, Kokoraleis told the newspaper that he was a man trying to change his life and "wanted to be left alone." I want to be a better Christian. And I will do my best to become a productive member of society, Kokoraleis told the Tribune in 2019. I will not be a threat to Aurora and their citizens. I swear to that. I am willing to work hard to change my ways. More: Peoria man sentenced to 70 years for fatal beating of 2-year-old daughter This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Infamous murderer from 'Ripper Crew' now living in Peoria Columbus native Kat Cannella, has resided in her Mohina Woods home for 12 years. Cannella is a Coldwell Banker Realtor who lives with her two children and partner in a 2,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bedroom bath abode. They have the typical amenities like a refrigerator, a TV, a washer and dryer. Two years ago was the first time Cannella, 41, noticed that her Georgia Power electric bill was over $300. But this summer, Cannella received a $400 power bill, even with her home thermostat set at 81 degrees. Its insane, she said. We keep our house hot as hell. Cannella is one of dozens of people who told the Ledger-Enquirer their power bills are higher than ever before, despite keeping the house temperature above 78 degrees and using Georgia Powers recommended tips of blocking out sunlight with towels, using fans and setting schedules to use the washer and dryer. Residents in Columbus and Georgia are feeling the pressure from three converging forces: higher energy rates from Plant Vogtle, covering the cost of natural gas and hotter summers. Cannella sleeps with half of her body out of the covers and her legs kicked out to stay comfortable in her warm house. A standing fan blows around the 81-degree air in the living room. Cannella admitted her air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it could. Her workaround in the summertime is creating what she called the cold room in the house. In that room, her family put towels and blankets over all of the windows in an effort to keep heat from entering through the glass. The room also has an AC window unit that blows cold air. The cold room is at 70 degrees. On the other side of town, Iya Taylor is paying a Georgia Power electric bill that is more than her $450 car loan. Kat Cannella sits in front of her home in Mohina Woods in July 2024. Her home was 81 degrees. The cool room was 70 degrees. Shes never had a bill higher than $300 in her 12 years at this home. A Georgia Power energy bill nearly doubles Taylor, a Georgia Department of Transportation program associate, is married with two sons. The family lives in a three-bedroom, two-bath home in Southeast Columbus off Steam Mill Road. Its not huge, she said, referring to the size of her house. We turn up the air conditioning to 75 and utilize fans more, but, Taylor said, I need to turn it down because its just too uncomfortable. Like the Cannellas, the Taylors have everyday household appliances. Taylors house also has trees that provide shade over the house. However, Taylors Georgia Power energy bill nearly doubled from $265 in May to $505 in June and then increased to $566 in July. The Taylor household used 2,589 kWh of energy in July. Its ridiculous, she said. Taylors sons nicknamed her a power ranger because she constantly reminds them and their friends to turn off the lights and TV if they arent being used or, if you leave the room. We wash our laundry on two specific days to decrease water usage and we bought blackout curtains for the house last summer, something she said does make a difference. The water heater for laundry and the dryer are the biggest appliance demands outside of an EV charger or a swimming pool pump, according to Georgia Power. How your power bill is calculated A Georgia Power bill is calculated with an equation of a base service charge plus the kilowatt per hour of electricity used. There are seven different rate plans that a customer can choose. Canella and Taylor are both on the residential service, the basic charge. We do encourage customers to learn about and consider the seven different rate options to consider what would be best for their budget and lifestyle, said John Kraft, a spokesperson for Georgia Power. But most use the standard residential service, he added. Right now the base service charge is 46 cents per day, year-round. The additional kW/h charge goes up between June and September by the amount of kW/h used: Its 8 cents at 650 kW/h, 13 cents once above that and an extra penny above 1,000 kW/h. If customers use the Summer Nights and Weekends plan, the summer kW/h rate rate goes up an additional 29 cents per kW/h from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. due to the increased load that Georgians put on the grid. But people can save money if theyre signed up for Nights and Weekends and they reduce their electricity usage during those hours. The rate is 7 cents kWh for all other hours with the Nights and Weekends rate. The Ledger-Enquirer was unable to obtain details as to whether Georgia Powers basic service charge or the kW/h of energy used has changed over the years. But, the overall bill has increased anywhere from 10-30% in the last three years. 2024 winter and summer kilowatt-hour usage differences for Georgia Power customers. These rates do not include fuel charges or taxes. Approved rate increases A five-member body of the Georgia Public Service Commission regulates all requests by Georgia Powers Integrated Resource Plan, which is updated every three years. Once the plan is approved, the commission holds a rate case to determine how much Georgia Power customers pay for their electricity. Here are the rate increases the PSC approved in the last three years, according to Georgia Power and Cool Planet Solutions Jan. 1, 2023: bill increase of 2.6% from 2022 rate case proceeding (Dec. 2022) June 1, 2023: bill increase of 12.7% from fuel cost recovery proceeding (May 2023) Aug. 1, 2023: bill increase of 4.8% for Vogtle reactor 3 (2017) Jan. 1, 2024: bill increase of 4.5% from 2022 rate case (Dec. 2022) May 1, 2024: bill increase of 6.2% for Vogtle reactor 4 (Dec. 2023) Rates are scheduled to continue to increase due to a variety of factors, such as cleaning up coal ash and paying for Vogtle units 3 and 4. Georgia Power Plant Vogtle units 1-4, March 2024 The Canella household was not immune to these rate hikes. Their bill increased by 10% from June 2023 to June 2024 with almost identical energy usage. Does hot weather affect your power bill? GP wont say In the past four years, Columbus has seen average temperatures between 77 and 83 degrees in June. Low temperatures have dipped to 60 degrees, and highs have hit 102. These high temperatures do not account for heat indexes, which calculate humidity, typically adding several degrees to the feels like index temperature. June 2023 was cooler in Columbus by 5 degrees on average. And June of 2022 was warmer than June 2024. So can the weather be to blame? It would be impossible to figure out from a single customers bill what the influence of temperature on electricity cost is, Matthew Oliver, an energy economic professor at Georgia Tech, wrote in an email to the Ledger-Enquirer. In order to say that with any reasonable degree of accuracy, you need data on bill factors like building characteristics, spatial variation analysis (how close the home is to a hotter urban area from the heat island effect) and average monthly temperature, and you need to do it for thousands of households over a period of multiple years. There are team members at Georgia Power dedicated to understanding all the factors that influence bills, including thermostat settings, type of home, size and condition of home (insulation, air gaps, natural shade, appliances), rate options chosen and number of people in the home. Weather factors are supposed to be evaluated too. Hotter weather requires more air conditioning, blackout curtains, insulation in windows and more. Georgia Power told the Ledger-Enquirer it couldnt answer questions about how much temperature has influenced bills because the company would have to use restricted data that would divulge non-public information, Georgia Power spokesperson John Kraft wrote in an email. The nonpublic information would violate Fair Disclosure, Regulation FD under the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission prohibit corporations from disclosing outside of the reporting periods, he wrote. What climate scientists know with certainty is that Columbus is experiencing more frequent hot summer days followed by warm nights, which they attribute to climate change. According to Climate Central, hot temperatures have become more common, with 17 more days of temperatures hitting 95-plus degrees than there were in 1970. Climate Central, a nonprofit climate scientist resource hub took the annual count of temperatures in the 90th percentile over a 24 hour period between June and August from 1970-2023. Four more days per year are in the 90th percentile in Columbus, GA than there were in the previous three decades. Im afraid of what the bill will be like for August, Canella said. How to save money on your power bill In a viral NextDoor post by Tina Mickle, several people asked what could be done about these sky-high bills, after Mickle said she had a bill at $818in July for her June usage. Mickle later added she has a swimming pool. Kraft, the Georgia Power spokesperson, said to make sure the rate plan the household is signed up for is best for them. Bob Sherrier, a Southern Environmental Law Center staff attorney who worked on the rate cases this year, told the Ledger-Enquirer, These bills are pretty shocking, and it is important to know your rate plan. It takes time but it can be worth it, he said. Consider updating to more energy-efficient appliances. Sherrier said to consider getting solar panels on your roof. The pilot program, Georgia BRIGHT helped a few people in Columbus, GA starting in March. The program makes it so people making under $150,000 can acquire panels with substantially lower costs, at around 20% a month. The pilot phase will continue until the end of the year. In January 2025, it will become Solar for All thanks to the EPAs $156 million dollar grant. That will continue through May 2029. Brad Barnes and Jenn Collins on their deck near their newly installed solar photo voltaic (pv) panel system through Georgia BRIGHT( (Building Renewables, Investing for Green, Healthy, Thriving Communities). 17 panels face the southern slope of their home ready to absorb the solar energy. 03/06/2024 Georgia Power offers a free energy audit to customers. Understanding where air conditioning could be leaking or when it might make sense to use a ceiling fan over an AC unit are things an auditor could determine. Depending on the household size and whether a family is making less than $105,000 annually, the household could qualify for a $33.50 off a new income-qualified discount. United Way offers assistance with utilities, rent and mortgage. The organization received dozens of calls earlier this summer. In June, the organization received 250 calls, a 38% increase from June 2023, according to United Ways records. The Public Service Commission that decides the rate hike percentages are public officials who can be called or emailed, Sherrier said. How to file a complaint about power rates Patty Durand, President of Cool Solutions, a consulting group that focuses on helping energy stakeholders in Georgia said to file a complaint on the Public Service Commission website that way all complaints are visible and dont just end up in District 2 Commissioner, Jason Shaws inbox. She created a website just last week called georgiapowerrobbery.com showing exactly how residents can file complaints. We are trying to activate people to raise pressure outside of the commission, Durand said. The next Integrated Resource Plan is in January 2025 and a rate case will follow. When January 2025 hits, the average bill is going to be $45 more, Sherrier said. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A half-billion-dollar rover that could be crucial to US lunar ambitions sits fully assembled but in a state of limbo, mere steps away from being ready for launch. Known as the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, the 948-pound (430-kilogram) vehicle is designed to scour the moons south pole to locate water ice: a key resource that, if found, could one day be converted to drinking water for astronauts or even rocket fuel, which could bolster NASAs plans to establish a permanent lunar settlement under its Artemis program. But VIPER may not make it off the surface of Earth. Citing budgetary concerns, NASA announced last month it was canceling plans to put VIPER on the moon even though the agency has spent years developing the rover and is still committed to pay for its ride to space. The move sent shockwaves through the science and space exploration community, which has since leapt into action. Commercial space companies scrambled to submit proposals to NASA, suggesting ways the project could be saved. A petition with more than 4,500 signatures is circulating in Congress, asking that VIPER be revived. And some lawmakers have expressed concerns or publicly called for a reversal. Theres just a general sense of concern over this decision. It doesnt quite make sense, said Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at the nonprofit Planetary Society, which led the petition urging Congress to act. For them to cancel it at this point, I think is turning a lot of heads on the Hill and in the (space) community writ large. Though not the only NASA-led project designed to hunt for water on the moon before astronauts arrive, VIPER was perhaps one of the agencys best shots. While other projects involve satellites remotely gathering data or a stagnant drill, VIPER is designed to roam the lunar surface, collecting data about specific resources and digging into the soil where appropriate. At this point, the projects future could unfold at least three ways: Lawmakers could step in and direct NASA to change course. VIPER, in which NASA has already invested $450 million, could be stripped and sold for parts. Or a commercial company could snap up the rover and commit some money to save the groundbreaking vehicle. To this end, several players in the private sector including at least one now-familiar name have been scrambling to make their bids. A corporate savior? At the same time NASA announced its abrupt plans to end the VIPER program, it also turned to its international partners and the US commercial space industry for help a common theme at the space agency as it seeks to turn more work over to private companies to keep costs down. NASA asked for companies to submit expressions of interest by August 1. And at least a dozen have reached out, according to the Planetary Society, which is keeping close tabs on how the VIPER program might evolve. (NASA did not respond to requests for comment.) Among those companies is Intuitive Machines, the Houston-based firm that made headlines this year by successfully landing its Nova-C spacecraft on the lunar surface. The vehicle, called Odysseus, tipped over, forcing significant disruptions to the historic mission, but it became the first US-made spacecraft to touch down safely on the moon in five decades. VP of Research and Development of Intuitive Machines, Tim Crain, second from right, speaks with former NASA science executive Thomas Zurbuchen, second from left, about the Nova-C lunar lander on May 31, 2019, at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. - Aubrey Gemignani/NASA The company has worked to prepare for a second Nova-C mission, slated for later this year. And the availability of the VIPER spacecraft piqued the companys interest for future projects, Intuitive Machines told CNN. The VIPER rover is essentially complete, Tim Crain, cofounder and chief technology officer at Intuitive Machines, told CNN, and it has a small amount of testing to go. Under Intuitive Machines proposal, it would use a new, scaled-up version of its Nova-C lander, called Nova-D, to take VIPER to the moons surface as soon as late 2026 or mid-2027, according to Crain. To get reach that goal, Intuitive Machines will likely have to dip into its own funds to complete VIPERs finishing touches before liftoff. NASA and its commercial partners have already estimated that the rover needs roughly $100 million of additional investment mostly for testing and ground systems to support flight before its ready to head moonward, and Crain said he considers that a good top-end number. But if Intuitive Machines takes over, he said the company would negotiate with NASA on cutting down those costs. Its kind of like buying a home with some renovations underway. Were going to evaluate those things and decide which ones that were still (going to do), Crain said. Well work as a commercial entity, right? We have to manage cost. Intuitive Machines and the lunar gold rush But VIPER is a heavily science-focused spacecraft. So what does a profit-seeking company stand to gain from it? Crain said VIPER can gather crucial data that Intuitive Machines and other companies are seeking. Josh Marshall, the companys communication lead, likened the search for resources on the moons surface to the California gold rush of the mid-1800s. Its an apt analogy, Crain said, adding that VIPER will act like an earlier prospector hunting for gold in the form of water or other exciting resources commodities that will be crucial to spurring interest in mining on the moon. (US law permits mining for space resources.) Intuitive Machines envisions itself as the company selling picks and shovels, rather than becoming a gold purveyor, Crain added. The Simulated Lunar Operations Lab at NASA Glenn Research Center tested planetary roving vehicle systems and components for vehicles such as the VIPER Rover. - GRC/NASA VIPER can also send back information about soil composition at the moons south pole and data about how a wheeled vehicle can traverse the uneven terrain, Crain said. That information can help inform how Intuitive Machines designs a wheeled moon buggy for astronauts, for which the company already has a small NASA contract. And any other new information gleaned by VIPER could become highly desirable in the space industry, as Intuitive Machine learned after its first mission this year. We view that data and that experience as very valuable, Crain said. Were collecting data thats never been collected before, and in fact, we actually have some customers today that are paying us for data. A fork in the road and an empty lunar lander Of course, its not clear whether Intuitive Machines will have the opportunity to take over the VIPER program. CNN was not able to confirm which other companies or international partners expressed interest to NASA or what those proposals might entail. The agency did not provide comment or updates about the VIPER program for this story. The uncertainty around VIPERs future has also created a troublesome few weeks for the company that had originally been slated to fly the rover to the moon on behalf of NASA: Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology. Astrobotic made international headlines in January when it launched its first attempt to put a lander on the moon, though its Peregrine spacecraft ultimately abandoned those plans because of a propellant leak. As a result of the hang-ups Astrobotic encountered and the failure of its inaugural flight, NASA and Astrobotic decided the company should carry out additional propulsion testing on Griffin the lander slated to carry VIPER to the moon to ensure it was more reliable, Astrobotic CEO John Thornton told CNN. United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on January 8, 2024, carrying Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander. - Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images The additional testing, however, pushed Griffins expected launch date and VIPERs ride to the moon into late 2025, two years later than initially intended. And NASA was concerned about even more delays ahead, as VIPER itself had experienced long delays because of supply chain issues. Cost-wise, the added wait time was too much for NASA to stomach since it would have had to maintain the spacecraft during that period. Thats in part what led to the space agencys decision to cancel the project, officials revealed during a July 17 news conference. Thornton said Astrobotic found out that the VIPER program was being canceled shortly before it was announced publicly. And that decision left the Griffin lander slated to fly empty. NASA even suggested putting a mass simulator aerospace parlance for a heavy piece of junk onto Griffin instead of the VIPER rover, treating Griffins first mission solely as a test. (NASA has already committed $350 million to Astrobotic to fly the Griffin mission, and that wont change with VIPERs cancellation, Thornton confirmed.) But Thornton really hopes Griffin will haul something more important than dead weight to the moon. The company is scrambling to evaluate science instruments and commercial payloads that could replace the VIPER, Thornton said, and Astrobotic has considered about 60 options. Theres lots of interest but the timeline is the hardest thing, Thornton said, because building space hardware takes time. Its very difficult to integrate (a new payload) to a lander thats already been optimized and built around VIPER from its very beginning. Thornton noted that the company may try to fly its own payload, called LunaGrid. The LunaGrid system involves putting vertical solar panels on the moons surface that can provide power to all types of spacecraft, including rovers and landers, to extend their missions. The Astrobotic Griffin lunar lander (pictured here in a rendering) is now slated to take off no earlier than late 2025. The lunar lander was designed to carry NASAs VIPER rover as its main payload. - NASA A LunaGrid payload could be an ideal replacement for VIPER, Thornton said. Additional funding would be needed to make it feasible, though Thornton did not say how much. Thornton also noted that Astrobotic was considering submitting an expression of interest to NASA for VIPER but declined to elaborate. Rewinding the clock Of course, another option for VIPER remains: Congress could reverse NASAs decision. If that happens, NASA could see VIPERs testing through and reassign the rover to the Griffin lander for launch. Such an outcome would be ideal, said Kiraly, who has discussed the issue with lawmakers and circulated the Planetary Societys petition. And some politicians have already signaled their desire to revive VIPER. Im very disappointed in the recent NASA decision to cancel the VIPER rover, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, at a July 25 budget hearing. Please work with me as the bill moves forward to look for ways to repurpose the lander portion of this mission to advance moon-to-Mars objectives. The mission directly supports a national imperative for continued US leadership in science and exploration in the face of urgent geopolitical competition. US Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) looks on during a news conference following the weekly Senate caucus luncheons on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 12, 2024. - Craig Hudson/Reuters Lawmakers in Washington, DC, have repeatedly linked NASAs moon ambitions to an ongoing race with China for global dominance in space. That country has its own plans to locate water on the moon and establish a permanent base there. Kiraly said the leadership of the US Senate Appropriations Committees Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies has already committed to working on the issue. A spokesperson for Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican whos the ranking member on that subcommittee, confirmed his commitment to finding a solution for VIPER noting lawmakers are actively discussing various options. Congress may take action at any point during its final budget negotiations, leading up to the end of the fiscal year on September 30, Kiraly said. I think there might be other opportunities for the Congress to weigh in after budget deadlines pass, depending on what happens, Kiraly noted. Its just going to be a matter of: How does NASA move forward in this unprecedented situation? he added. Its going to be really, really interesting to see how this plays out from the perspective of someone that really cares about the return of the moon that cares about the scientific exploration of space. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ireland calls Russia one of few countries that try to spy there The Irish police have revealed that Russia is one of the few countries which try to conduct espionage on the territory of Ireland. Source: European Pravda with reference to RTE Details: Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, who is in charge of the garda unit responsible for State Security of Ireland, stated that Irish law enforcement were especially concerned about the activity of some countries which engage in espionage with malign intent. McElgunn said that these countries, one of which is Russia, tried to support various extremist forces in Ireland and sow mistrust to the Irish government, as well as to gain access to secret information of the state and businesses. He noted that his Crime and Security Intelligence Service has four departments which monitor the activity of four states in Ireland. "If we look at events in Salisbury, in the UK and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I dont think too many people would be surprised if I was to say Russia was one of these states," McElgunn said, adding that China was also on the list. McElgunn noted that law enforcement closely monitors the individuals who it suspects of spying and cooperates with intelligence forces of other European countries on this matter. Background: Germany considers enhancing control on the border with Hungary due to the simplification of entry for Russians by Budapest. At the beginning of July an individual suspected of spying in favour of China was detained in Norway. Reportedly, Western countries are concerned about the activity of Russian spies in Austria. Support UP or become our patron! An Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a hospital complex in central Gaza early on Sunday - Reuters Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told a cabinet meeting on Sunday. Tensions in the Middle East have soared following the assassinations last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamass top political leader in Tehran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel for the attacks and threatened retaliation. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario as its allies attempt to contain the conflict. Jordans foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts while the Pentagon has moved significant assets to the region. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC on Sunday. 05:52 PM BST Thats all for now Thanks for following our live coverage on the crisis in the Middle East. This blog is now closed. 05:51 PM BST IDF uncovers Gaza tunnel large enough for vehicles Israels military has uncovered an unusually large Hamas tunnel close to the Gaza-Egypt border that is big enough for a truck to drive through. The IDF said the three-metre-high tunnel along the so-called Philadelphi Corridor was being investigated and would later be destroyed along with other large-scale routes that were found. Footage showed the huge concrete-fortified underpass less than 100 metres from the border fence, with a combat vehicle easily passing through its high walls. Since the beginning of Israels ground offensive, its forces have been working to locate and blow up Hamass vast tunnel network that spreads for miles beneath the Gaza Strip, where scores of terrorists are still believed to be hiding. The IDF has uncovered a large tunnel on the Gaza-Egypt border area, big enough to drive a truck through - Telegram/IDF 05:27 PM BST Houthis resume attacks by striking container ship with ballistic missile Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi movement said on Sunday that it targeted a Liberia-flagged container vessel in the Gulf of Aden, claiming its first attack on shipping lanes in two weeks. The Houthis offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which have seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement that the MV Groton container ship was attacked by ballistic missiles. The rebels separately claimed to have shot down another U.S. military spy drone, without offering evidence. Saturdays attack hit the vessel just above its waterline, causing minor damage, after an earlier missile attack missed the vessel, maritime authorities said. No water entry or oil leaks were observed. 05:02 PM BST Netanyahu: Israel is already in a multi-front war Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, told a cabinet meeting Sunday. Tensions have soared following the killing last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario, while US and allies prepare to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC. 04:32 PM BST Israeli strike on two schools in Gaza kills at least 30 Gazas civil defence agency said an Israeli strike hit two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, while the military reported it had struck Hamas command centres. These bring to at least 11 the number of schools in Gaza to be struck since July 6, killing around 150 people, based on a tally of tolls previously given by officials in the Hamas-run territory. The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nasr schools bombing has risen to 30. Dozens were also wounded, civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Mr Bassal said most of the dead and wounded were women and children and that the schools were housing Palestinians displaced from their homes in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants. The schools were used by Hamas Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centres, Israels military said in a statement. Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people on August 4 - Reuters Palestinians injured in the strike are brought to Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City - Anadolu 03:59 PM BST Israel to start maritime shuttles to return stranded Israelis Israels transport ministry is set to begin maritime shuttles from Cyprus to help Israelis stranded abroad to return home following a series of flight cancellations due to an anticipated Iranian attack, Channel 12 news reports. Israelis who are abroad and are interested in the service are asked to contact the Israeli embassy in the country they are staying, or call the Foreign Ministry hotline. There they will receive the necessary information for registration, departure times, and the port of departure, the transportation ministry said in a statement. 03:53 PM BST Top US official will visit Israel to complete defence plan - report A top US defence official is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday to help complete preparations for a possible Iranian attack, according to an Israeli official. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), is set to recruit regional allies to help defend Israel from a military response expected to be larger than Irans April 13 attack, the unnamed official told Israels Walla news site. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), attending a meeting with Gen. Herzi Halevi, israel's army chief, in June - AFP 03:23 PM BST Lebanon marks four years since Beirut blast Four years ago, hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a Beirut Port warehouse. The gigantic blast tore through the Lebanese capital, killing at least 218 people, wounding more than 6,000 others and devastated large swaths of Beirut, causing billions of dollars in damages. The port blast anniversary comes as the region braces for retaliation after an Israeli strike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and an explosion in Tehran, widely blamed on Israel, killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. For many, the fears of a new escalation come as wounds of the port explosion four years ago remain raw. Years of obstructions by top officials to dodge accountability and stall the probe have hampered hopes for justice. Four years later, there is not a single detainee, said Helen Ata, a Beirut resident, said. There is a crime, and there are accused, but there are no criminals. Ms Ata, who lost her twin brother in the explosion, added: We will never feel safe again, she said. The rubble and ruin in the aftermath of an explosion at the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon on August 4, 2020 - AP 02:57 PM BST Gallant: If our enemy dares to attack, it will pay a heavy price As Israel braces for a retaliatory military response from Iran, Yoav Gallant, the countrys defence minister, said Israel is prepared and that any enemy who dares attack will pay a heavy price. We are prepared very strongly in defense, on land, and in the air, and we are ready to move quickly to attack or to respond, he said during a visit to the IDFs Ground Technological Division. We will exact a price from the enemy, as we have been doing in recent days. If it dares to attack us, it will pay a heavy price. Yoav Gallant, Israel's defence minister, has warned that if an enemy attacks, it will 'pay a heavy price' - Reuters 02:46 PM BST 25 killed in Israeli strike on Gaza schools - Palestinian media At least 25 Palestinians were killed and several others injured on Sunday in an Israeli strike targeting two schools that were sheltering displaced people near Gaza City on Sunday, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it was targeting militants who were operating there. The IDF and ISA struck terrorists operating inside Hamas command and control centers that were embedded within the Hassan Salame and Nasser schools in Gaza City, the IDF said in a statement. 02:40 PM BST Watch: Israeli airstrikes hit school and hospital tent camp in Gaza An Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a hospital complex early on Sunday, killing at least five and injuring 18, Gazas authorities said. Footage showed men rushing to the scene inside the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the main medical facility in central Gaza, to help the wounded and retrieve bodies as a blaze tore through tents. On Saturday, an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, the Hamas-run ministry said. Read the full story here. 02:28 PM BST Houthi rebels say they downed US drone and hit ship Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi rebels downed a MQ-9 US drone over the countrys northern Saada province, two sources from the group told Reuters on Sunday. The Houthis also claimed to have targeted the Liberian-flagged MV Groton merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden which was hit by a missile on Saturday. All the crew were reported as safe by the UKs maritime agency (UKMTO). The attacks are the first to be claimed by the Houthis since Israel carried out a retaliatory airstrike against the militants in the port of Hodeidah on July 20 after one of their drones hit Tel Aviv. Houthi supporters hold pictures of late Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr during a protest against their deaths in Sanna, Yemen - Shutterstock 02:09 PM BST US moves in Middle East are defensive - White House The US is telling its citizens to leave Lebanon, while deploying more military might in the Middle East as preventative and defensive measures, Jonathan Finer, White House National Security Council deputy adviser, said on Sunday. Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel, Mr Finer said in an interview with CBS. 01:31 PM BST Pictured: IDF uncovers huge terror tunnel close to border The IDF has uncovered an unusually large tunnel in the Gaza-Egypt border area known as the Philadelphi Corridor - Telegram/IDF The tunnel was big enough for combat vehicles to pass through - Telegram/IDF The IDF said the tunnel was under investigation and would later be destroyed - Telegram/IDF 01:24 PM BST Cairo ceasefire talks fail to deliver progress A high-level Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday for an attempt to resume Gaza ceasefire negotiations, but returned home later in the day, Egyptian airport authority and Israeli media said. On Sunday, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Hamas had yet to agree to the terms of a proposed outline for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. He said disagreement remained over Israels insistence on being able to return to fighting if needed, on Israel retaining control of the Rafah crossing and Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, and on the need for a mechanism to check for and prevent weapons and militants from returning to northern Gaza. Hamas has blamed Netanyahu for the lack of progress, saying he is not interested in agreement. Things about the agreement have gone beyond the details, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said. Netanyahu is dragging the region into an unprecedented clash. 12:59 PM BST Watch: Police attend the scene of the stabbing spree near Tel Aviv 12:50 PM BST Biden voices hope Iran will stand down but is uncertain President Joe Biden has expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamass leader in Tehran as fears mount of a wider war breaking out across the Middle East. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Mr Biden said on Saturday: I hope so. I dont know. Seeking to bolster defenses in the Middle East in response to threats from Israels foes, the Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region. 12:34 PM BST France tells its citizens to get out of Iran and Lebanon France has urged all its citizens in Iran and Lebanon to leave the countries due to risk of military escalation in the Middle East. The French foreign ministry told its nationals living in Iran to temporarily leave due to the risk of Iranian airspace and airports being closed, while also calling on its citizens in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible. The new warnings came two days after all French visiting the Islamic Republic were told to leave. Air France said on Saturday it and its affiliate Transavia were further extending their suspensions of flights between Paris and Beirut until at least August 6. 12:07 PM BST UK repeats call for citizens in Lebanon to leave now The UK foreign office has repeated its call for British citizens in Lebanon to leave, following its travel alert on Saturday. British nationals in Lebanon should leave now. Tell your family and friends in Lebanon to register for the latest information, it wrote in a statement on X. On Saturday, the FCDO issued told all UK citizens to leave the country, adding: Border Force, consular officials and military personnel are being deployed to the Middle East to support British embassy staff. British nationals in Lebanon should leave now. Tell your family and friends in Lebanon to register for the latest information. Click the link to send a WhatsApp: https://t.co/eHj1cvSBXs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) August 4, 2024 11:51 AM BST Two dead, two wounded in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv A Palestinian attacker killed two civilians and wounded two others in a stabbing spree in central Israel on Sunday before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. The stabbings took place during morning rush hour in the city of Holon, just outside Tel Aviv, in three different locations, including a petrol station, bus stop and park. The attacker, identified by Israeli media as Amar Odeh, 34, from the West Bank city of Salfit, was quickly neutralized by one of our officers at the scene and prevented him from carrying out an even worse attack, police spokesperson Eli Levi said on Israels Channel 12. A man aged around 80 and a 66-year-old woman were killed, a 68-year-old was in serious condition and a 26-year-old was moderately wounded, medical officials said. This was a complex and difficult terrorist attack, with the victims located in three different places, around 500 metres (yards) from each other, The Magen David Adom emergency service. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's national security minister, is flanked by bodyguards and police officers as he arrives at the scene in Holon - AFP An Israeli emergency responder stands guard at the scene of a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel - Reuters 11:15 AM BST Iran claims Haniyeh killed by short-range projectile Irans Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and accused the US of supporting the attack which it blamed on Israel, state TV reported Saturday, state TV reported. The televised statement said a 7kg rocket warhead was used to target the residence of Hamas political leader in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation. It didnt share details of the residences location. Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the killing of Haniyeh. An investigation by the New York Times detailed how Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device planted in the Tehran guesthouse he was staying and then detonated remotely. The report was later confirmed by Iranian officials to The Telegraph. An image of the Tehran guesthouse where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed last week 10:46 AM BST How Hamas fights When Israel bombs Gaza its military often publishes drone footage showing huge explosions levelling entire buildings it claims are used by Hamas to hide deep among the civilian population. And in the aftermath of bloody street-by-street battles, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) routinely turns on the cameras to display what it says is evidence of weapons storage, tunnels and hidden bases. But Hamas also records the war from a different perspective. The terror group has published dozens of videos on the Telegram social network that show exactly how and, crucially, where it fights. The Telegraph reviewed some 80 videos and spoke to experts to find evidence of a hardened but weakening guerilla group. Read the full special report here. 10:38 AM BST Watch: Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at Israel 10:28 AM BST Stop bulls----ing me: Biden tells Netanyahu in hostage deal talk - report A tense exchange between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden reportedly took place this week as the two leaders clashed over the ongoing, but stalling hostage and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. We are making progress with the negotiations; send a delegation, the Israeli prime minister told his US counterpart, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12. President Biden then is said to have bluntly replied: Stop bulls----ing me. President Joe Biden meets with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, in the Oval Office on July 25 - Getty Images North America 10:17 AM BST GPS jamming reported in Tel Aviv Residents of Tel Aviv have reported widespread disruptions of GPS systems in various navigation apps on Sunday morning as the country braces for a possible retaliation from Iran. Google Maps, Wise and Mobit are all said to be affected, with some users locations showing them in Iran or Lebanon, Israeli outlet Globes reported. GPS disruptions have become frequent in Israel since October 7 as Israels military jams the signals to disrupt any possible incoming GPS-guided drones or missiles reaching their targets. Regional tensions have spiked following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, on Wednesday, which came a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander from the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the Haniyeh killing and pledged to retaliate. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it. 10:08 AM BST Israels president tells world not to turn blind eye at stabbing attack Isaac Herzog, Israels president, told the country he grieves with them over the stabbing attack near Tel Aviv, that left two dead, as warned told the world not to turn a blind eye at Israels suffering. In a statement on X, he wrote: On this difficult morning, which brought such tragic news, I grieve, along with the entire nation, for the innocent victims of the terrible attack in Holon. I send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families whose world has been shattered this morning, and I pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. The world cannot turn a blind eye as our enemies attack us repeatedly with hate-filled terrorism, targeting innocent Israeli civilians whose only crime was wishing to live as a free people in their own land. On this difficult morning, which brought such tragic news, I grieve, along with the entire nation, for the innocent victims of the terrible attack in Holon. I send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families whose world has been shattered this morning, and I pray for the swift Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) August 4, 2024 10:00 AM BST Jordans foreign minister to hold talks in Iran Jordans foreign minister Ayman Safadi will travel to Iran on Sunday in a rare visit to discuss regional developments following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Mr Safadis visit to Iran follows continued diplomatic contacts by the US and its partners including Britain, France, Italy, and Egypt on Saturday to prevent further regional escalation. Iran and Jordan are seeking to improve their relations following accusations of pro-Iranian militias in Syria of smuggling narcotics into the country and Jordan taking part in the interception of Irans first ever direct attack on Israel last April. 09:45 AM BST Detention of IDF troops accused of sexually abusing Palestinian prisoner extended The detentions of five reserve Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers suspected of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee have been extended following a hearing at a military court. They will now remain held until Wednesday, to carry out further investigative actions, the IDF says. Ten soldiers in total were detained in the case, three suspects will be held for a few more hours to complete necessary investigative actions and two more are no longer being held, following new evidence in the case. Their arrests last week sparked riots outside of two detention camps in Israel, with Right-wing protesters briefly overrunning both Sde Teiman and Beit Lid facilities as they called for the suspects to be released. Israelis and relatives of the soldiers stage a protest against the arrest of the reservist accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman detention facility on July 30 - Anadolu 09:37 AM BST Israeli drone kills prominent Hezbollah operative An Israeli drone strike in the southern Lebanon town of Bazourieh, killed a prominent operative in Hezbollah on Saturday. Hezbollah confirmed on Sunday that Ali Abd Ali was killed in the strike, which Lebanese media reported wounded two other people. The Israeli military described the slain operative as a central terrorist in Hezbollahs Southern Front, the equivalent of a regional command, which is responsible for activities in all of southern Lebanon. 09:17 AM BST Pictured: Aftermath of stabbing spree in central Israel Israeli emergency responders work at the scene of a stabbing attack in Holon, a city close to Tel Aviv - Reuters Two senior citizens were killed in the stabbing spree, a man in his 70s, and a 66-year-old woman - AP Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's national security minister, is flanked by bodyguards and police officers as he arrives at the scene - AFP 09:12 AM BST Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at Israel, IDF intercepts most Hezbollah says it has launched dozens of rockets from Lebanon, as fears grow that a full-scale war with Israel could soon break out following the assassination of Hamass political leader in Tehran. The Iran-backed group said it was acting in response to Israels attacks on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon which, it said, had injured civilians there. It comes amid reports that 50 rockets have been fired from southern Lebanon towards upper Galilee alone, according to Israeli media. Video footage revealed Israels Iron Dome defence system being activated and the Israel Defense Forces later confirmed most of approximately 30 projectiles fired on Saturday night had been intercepted. No one was injured, the IDF said. The crisis in the Middle East has intensified following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamass top leader, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. The escalating tensions have prompted Britain, the US and Australia to tell their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. Travellers are also being advised to avoid Israel. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 4 - AFP 07:32 AM BST Stabbings terrorist came from West Bank: security source A terrorist who carried out the stabbings in the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon has been identified as Amar Odeh, 34, from the West Bank city of Salfit, Israeli media reported. He did not have a permit to enter Israel, according to a security source, but had no prior security-related offences. 07:11 AM BST Full assault on Israel expected as early as Monday: report Officials in Washington and Jerusalem expect Iran and its proxies could attack Israel in force as early as Monday, according to the US Axios news site, but they did not speculate on whether Iran and Hezbollah would co-ordinate their actions or operate separately. The US general in charge of American forces in the Middle East, Michael Kurilla, had arrived in the region on a planned trip and was expected to try to mobilise the same international and regional coalition that defended Israel against an attack from Iran on April 13, a US official said, according to the site. 06:58 AM BST Nothing new after more Gaza talks in Cairo An Israeli delegation in Cairo for talks on a Gaza ceasefire and other issues led by Mossad chief David Barnea had left the city, an Egyptian official said on Saturday. The delegation, which also included Ronan Bar, chief of Israels internal security agency Shin Bet, was to meet Abbas Kamel, head of Egypts General Intelligence Service, for talks on the Philadelphi corridor along the border with Egypt and the Rafah crossing point, the official said. The delegation arrived on Saturday but left Cairo hours later and there was nothing new, said the Egyptian official, who has direct knowledge of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorised to brief reporters. There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials. Benjamin Netanyahus office late Friday said he ordered the negotiation delegation to leave for Cairo on Saturday or Sunday. 06:52 AM BST Israel says nine militants were killed in the West Bank Two Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed nine Palestinian militants on Saturday, Israels army said today, as violence flared again in the Israeli-occupied territory.. The Israeli army said its forces first struck a vehicle in a rural area outside the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank,early in Saturday, killing the five occupants. The army said they were on their way to carry out an attack. Hamas identified all five as militants with the group, including a local commander. According to an Associated Press journalist and witnesses, the blast took place along a road connecting the Palestinian villages of Zeita and Qaffin. Later on Saturday, Israels military said it killed four other Palestinian militants in the Tulkarem area shortly after they opened fire on Israeli troops. No further information was immediately available. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in Gaza in October, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. 06:47 AM BST Elderly woman killed in Tel Aviv stabbings Israeli police and medics say a woman in her 70s was killed and three other people were wounded in the stabbing attack in a suburb of Tel Aviv. The police said the attacker was a resident of the West Bank, suggesting that early Sundays attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant. They said the attacker was neutralised and that a search was under way for other suspects in Holon, where the stabbings occurred. The police initially said four people were wounded. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service later confirmed that the woman had died. It said a 70-year-old man was in critical condition, a 68-year-old man was in severe condition and a 26-year-old man was in moderate condition. 06:44 AM BST Several airlines cancel more Lebanon flights Amid urgent advice to foreigners by their governments to leave Lebanon, several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain halted until at least Tuesday, their parent company said Saturday. Turkish Airlines on Saturday cancelled its night-time flights to Tehran for the second night running, AFP correspondents reported. 06:27 AM BST Suspected terror incident unfolding Four people have been wounded in a stabbing attack in two different locations in the central Israeli city of Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv. One person was fatally wounded, according to the Haaretz news site which cited information from Magen David Adom emergency services chief Eli Bin. A police officer reportedly shot dead the attacker. 06:06 AM BST France encourages citizens to leave Lebanon France has become the latest country to advise its citizens to leave Lebanon. In a highly volatile security context, we once again call the attention of French nationals, particularly those passing through, to the fact that direct commercial flights and ones with stopovers to France are still available, and we invite them to make their arrangements now to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, the foreign ministry said in its travel advice notice for Lebanon. 05:56 AM BST Video: IDF strikes Hezbollah rocket launcher , -30 . . , . >> pic.twitter.com/WO2cpNjRkW (@idfonline) August 4, 2024 05:55 AM BST No one injured in Hezbollah attacks: IDF About 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon overnight and most were intercepted, the Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram. Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel overnight, approximately 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array, the IDF wrote. One projectile was identified falling in the area of Beit Hillel, and several fell in open areas. No injuries were reported. Shortly after, the IAF struck the Hezbollah launcher from which the projectiles were launched and additional terrorist infrastructure in the area of Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. IDF artillery fired to remove threats in the area of Odaisseh, the statement added. 05:18 AM BST Hospital hit An Israeli strike has killed four people, including a woman, and injured dozens of others in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, Gaza health officials said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene on Sunday morning to help the injured and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The hospital in Deir al Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. 03:05 AM BST Canberra: Take whatever option to leave Lebanon Penny Wong has advised Australians in Lebanon to leave immediately while commercial airlines are still flying out of Beirut. Please take whatever option is available, said Ms Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, in a social media update. She added: This may not be the direct route. 02:52 AM BST Canadians told to avoid Israel Canada has told its citizens do not travel to Israel. The security situation can deteriorate further without warning, the Canadian government said in its updated travel advice notice. If the armed conflict intensifies, it could impact your ability to depart by commercial means. It may result in travel disruptions, including airspace closures and flight cancellations and diversions. You should not rely on the Government of Canada for an assisted departure or evacuation. In the event of an evacuation, Government of Canada assisted departures would only be available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as their accompanying spouse and dependent children. 02:41 AM BST Death toll from Israeli strike on school An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza City killed at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday, latest reports indicate. Numerous schools turned into humanitarian shelters have been hit across Gaza in recent weeks, with Israel insisting the sites had actually been used by Hamas terrorists. Hamas has denied using civilian infrastructure for its activities. Earlier on Saturday, two strikes in the occupied West Bank killed nine Hamas members including a local commander of the group. The Israeli military said the first of two West Bank airstrikes hit a vehicle in a town near the city of Tulkarm, targeting a militant cell it said was on its way to carry out an attack. A Hamas statement said one of those killed was a commander of its Tulkarm brigades, while its ally Islamic Jihad claimed the other four men who died in the strike as its fighters. Hours later, a second airstrike in the area targeted another group of terrorists who had fired on troops, Israels military said, during what it described as a counterterrorism operation in Tulkarm. Palestinian news agency WAFA said four people had died in that strike, and Hamas said all nine of those killed in the two Israeli attacks in the West Bank were fighters. 02:36 AM BST Biden hopes Iran will stand down but is uncertain Joe Biden, the US President, has expressed hope Iran will stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for killing Ismail Haniyeh, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Mr Biden said: I hope so. I dont know. Washington said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East. 01:37 AM BST In photos: Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon Projectiles fired from the Israeli Iron Dome air defence system to intercept missiles fired from southern Lebanon Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel, 01:34 AM BST Dozens of rockets target Israel Hezbollah said late on Saturday night that it launched dozens of rockets at Israel. Video footage revealed Israels Iron Dome defence system being activated. In a statement, the Iran-backed group said: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honourable resistance, and in response to the Israeli enemys attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe homes, especially the attacks that targeted the villages of Kafr Kila and Deir Siryan and injured civilians, the Islamic Resistance included the new settlement of Beit Hillel in its fire schedule and bombarded it for the first time with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Israel is yet to comment on the incident. 01:32 AM BST Good morning Follow this live blog on Sunday for the latest updates from the Middle East. 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. By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -An Israeli airstrike hit two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, Palestinian officials said, while the Israeli military said it struck a Hamas military compound embedded in the schools. An Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp inside a hospital in central Gaza earlier in the day. Gaza health officials said a total of at least 44 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, the day after a round of talks in Cairo ended without result. Footage circulated on Palestinian media showed bodies scattered inside the yard of one of two blast-wrecked schools as residents rushed to carry casualties, including children, and loaded them into ambulance vehicles that took them to at least two nearby hospitals. Gaza's Civil Emergency Service said dozens were wounded in addition to the fatalities in the schools of Hassan Salama and Al-Nasser, which housed Palestinian displaced families. The Israeli military said it struck militants inside a Hamas command embedded within the schools and that it took steps to reduce the risk to civilians there. Israel says the Islamist militant group Hamas regularly embeds in civilian institutions, using Gaza's population as human shields. Hamas denies this. Earlier in the day, an Israeli strike inside the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound started a fire, and wounded at least 18 people as well as killing five, medical authorities said. The Israeli military said it struck a militant operating there and that secondary explosions were identified, indicating weapons were present in the area. The hospital compound is in Deir Al-Balah, an area crowded with thousands of people displaced by fighting in other parts of the enclave. Elsewhere in Deir Al-Balah, three Palestinians were killed when an Israeli missile struck a house. Separate Israeli strikes killed eight others inside their home in Jabalia camp in northern Gaza City and three inside a car. Residents in areas southeast of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis and to the north of Rafah, where there was heavy fighting last month, reported receiving evacuation orders from the Israeli military. The Israeli army spokesman posted orders on X, asking residents of those districts to head towards the humanitarian zone, saying forces would soon act forcefully against militants waging attacks from those areas. In Israel, sirens went off in the area of Ashdod and the Israeli military said five rockets were launched from southern Gaza. No injuries were reported. Hamas said the rocket firing was in response to Israeli "massacres against the civilians." ISRAEL BRACES FOR ESCALATION Israel is bracing for a serious escalation following the assassination of Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a top military commander from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to convene special security discussions late on Sunday, a defence official said, following threats of retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said he was reviewing plans "that would exact a price in the case of attempts by Iran and its proxies to attack Israel." "Our readiness in terms of defense is high - be it on the ground or in the air, and we are prepared for both a swift response or attack. If they dare to attack us, they will pay a heavy price," Gallant said in a statement. Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination of Haniyeh and have pledged to retaliate. Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for the death. Hezbollah, like Hamas, is backed by Iran and has also vowed revenge after the killing of Shukr. The war was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. At least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians. Palestinian health officials say most the fatalities have been civilians. Israel, which has lost around 330 soldiers in Gaza, says around a third of the Palestinian dead are fighters. (Reporting by Nidal al-MughrabiAdditional reporting by Ari RabinovitchEditing by Barbara Lewis and Frances Kerry) Childless cat and dog lady replies J.D. Vance, former President Trumps vice presidential running mate, labeled women without biological children as childless cat ladies with no direct stake in America. So what about childless men without biological children? This includes our first president and founding father, George Washington, as well as our fourth president and founding father, James Madison. These men did have stepchildren, as does our current Vice President Kamala Harris. Presidents James Polk, Warren G. Harding, James Buchanan and Andrew Jackson were also childless. J.D. Vance was an outspoken critic of former President Trump. He described Trump as reprehensible and Americas Hitler, unfit for our nations highest office and whose policies were immoral. By 2020, Vance fully embraced Trump and was endorsed by Trump in the 2022 midterm elections. J.D. Vance and Trump now walk, talk and hurl insults together. The Republican Party has hit a new low. Everyone has a choice when they mark their ballots to vote. Please choose wisely. Hate, intolerance and marginalization of those who dont think, look and act just like them must never be tolerated or accepted. And keep racist and sexist comments out of politics. Amy Small, Richland Harris has right kind of experience Is Kamala Harris the most qualified candidate for president of the United States given President Bidens decision not to run in the 2024 election? It appears so. Her career in public services includes being elected (not appointed) to offices in every branch of government, judicial, legislative and executive at local, state and federal levels. These include (such) positions as prosecuting attorney and state attorney general and at the federal level, she served as U.S. senator and currently as vice president. Harriss professional reputation in high political positions is not contaminated with scandal, indictments and foreign governmental entanglements. She understands the aspirations of oppressed peoples and fights for human rights, justice and world peace. In past elections, Americans have endorsed candidates for presidents and vice presidents with less experience than Harris. Among these are Dan Quail, Sara Palin and former President Donald Trump, and first-term U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance. Harriss qualifications are comparable, if not better than most. These are troubling times for the nation. Yet, some voters dismiss Harriss candidacy for president without fair examination. The country needs a leader with Harriss demonstrated courage, experience and humanity and not a celebrity implementing the problematic Project 2025 agenda. Dalla Barnes, Pasco Bidens decision saddens reader I am much saddened by President Bidens announcement that he is dropping out of the presidential race for the good of the country. He has been a man of great accomplishments in the Senate, as vice president, and as president over a long and productive career. His years of public service have demonstrated his character, his empathy and resilience, his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts. He has undone much of the mischief created by the previous four years of fear mongering, chaos, lies and division that characterized the leadership of the previous president, Donald Trump. President Bidens accomplishments include helping to end an unprecedented pandemic, rebuilding a battered economy, creating millions of jobs, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, passing the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, making the biggest investment to address climate change, and fighting to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored Americas standing in the world, revitalized NATO and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in the Ukraine. The choice now becomes the election of another Democrat nominee or the lies and faulty leadership.of a second Trump presidency. Bill Petrie, Richland Kadlec workers worth pay boost When Providence affiliated with Kadlec in 2014, our community was optimistic about the deal, touting the financial power of the Providence system as a step toward expanding services in Tri-Cities. To provide care, you need healthcare workers. And to retain workers, you need to offer competitive pay. However, at the bargaining table, Providence has been reluctant to bring base pay above minimum wage for some job classes; they tell us to go to Seattle if were unhappy here. Im an Ultrasound/Xray tech for 30 years, and a member of the union bargaining team, and weve held public actions to sound the alarm on the urgent need for a strong contract. Our neighbors may have seen signs around town with our slogan: Same employer, Same work, Same pay. We deserve a contract that matches the financial investment Providence has made at Swedish in Seattle. We perform the same jobs, provide the same quality of care and make the same sacrifices. Were pinching pennies while we watch executive pay go up. We urge Providence to live up to its promise: meet the needs of this community and give compassionate care. Kadlec workers are members of this community. Thelma Hedrick, RT(R) RVT, Kennewick GOP takes away personal freedom For decades, Republican politicians have promised to eliminate a womans right to an abortion. When a Republican-appointed Supreme Court majority overturned Roe v. Wade, states with Republican majorities were quick to enact medically dangerous abortion bans. Republican politicians have empowered the government to take away our personal freedoms. This irresponsible political action has already proved harmful to women and infants. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, infant mortality increased 13% after Texas enacted its abortion ban. In their quest to control our reproductive organs, the Republican party accepts the deaths of women and infants as collateral damage. Eradication of our rights could happen here in Washington State. In 2022, all three of the 16th Legislative District Republican legislators voted against preserving a pregnant individuals ability to access abortion care. Look up HB1851. The freedom to determine our own healthcare is not safe in the hands of Republican politicians. Even ones as seemingly charming and benign as our current Republican representatives vote with the extremists in their party. The strongest defense against a total abortion ban in the United States is Democratic state legislators. If you truly believe in freedom, vote for the Democratic candidates. Linda Gunshefski, Walla Walla Rerun for Trump is a bad idea Donald Trump for president? Sounds like a bad idea. Trump preaches hatred and division. I primarily blame him for the level of hatred and division that exists today. Its okay to disagree on things, but lets do it in a civil and respective manner. Trump attacks anyone who disagrees with him. Trump cannot accept he lost the last election because his ego wont allow it. In his mind, he is the greatest leader ever. Trump continuously lies and misleads people. The election he lost is a prime example. For the most part, his supporters dont even question it. He claimed he never said lock her up referring to Hillary Clinton. Another lie, one of many. Trump told oil company CEOS they should contribute $1 billion to his campaign. In return, he would push for more oil production. So much for ethics. We should push for cleaner energy sources. Bottom line is we can do better. Someone who works at uniting this country, not dividing it. Tony Schouviller, Pasco A new Japanese government report may be readying its public for the possibility of war. It expands on the threats it faces from Russia, China and North Korea. Japan's military needs more troops and pledged to boost pay and working conditions. Japan's newest strategic review names China, North Korea and Russia as threats to Japanese security. That's hardly a revelation. But it is a change from previous years when the Japanese government was more circumspect about publicly identifying potential enemies. In fact, the theme of the 2024 "Defense of Japan" report may be to prepare the Japanese public for more defense spending and the possibility of war. "The biggest change is in the description of the regional security environment," Nicholas Szechenyi, a Japan expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider. "Instead of vague references to 'changes to the status quo by force,' the white paper now refers more explicitly to Chinese coercion and the North Korea threat. Clearer explanations of the threats to Japan's national security will prove critical as the government seeks public support for an ambitious defense spending plan." The review is part of a reconsideration of Japan's needs in the face of growing threats from its well-armed neighbors, especially China. Japan reserves its military only for self-defense and has avoided entering any armed conflict since its defeat in World War II. The 2024 paper of which only a summary has been released includes more details about the Chinese threat to Japan, including joint Chinese-Russian exercises. China has "conducted joint bomber flights and naval navigations with Russia in the vicinity of Japan," the paper said. "These repeated joint activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and are a grave concern from the perspective of the national security of Japan." The Ministry of Defense also challenged the legality of Chinese operations in the South China Sea, which China claims as its own territorial waters despite an international court judgment to the contrary. "China has intensified its activities in the South China Sea based on assertions, which are conflicting with existing orders of the seas, and promoting the establishment of military bases," the official paper said. "Such actions to further promote unilateral change of the status quo by force and turning it into a fait accompli are serious concerns to Japan." The paper also highlighted North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, including ICBMs, nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. "North Korea is focusing on qualitatively improving its nuclear and missile capabilities, such as diversifying its equipment systems and acquiring intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) means that complement its nuclear and missile operational capabilities," the paper said. The 2024 paper reiterated the Japanese government's commitment to the 2022 Defense Buildup Plan, a five-year effort that includes development of stand-off anti-ship missiles to repel a Chinese amphibious assault on the disputed islands and mainland Japan. The 43 trillion yen (US$287 billion) plan also calls for development of hypersonic missiles, as well as drones such as robotic amphibious landing vehicles. Besides external threats and new equipment, the paper highlighted a critical need for the Japan Self-Defense Forces: more people. While militaries in many developed nations are struggling to recruit personnel, this is particularly acute in Japan, where sharply declining birth rates and barriers to immigration have resulted in a population where almost 30%is over age 65. Nor is military service seen as attractive in an economy with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. While the paper promised the JSDF would improve pay and working conditions, experts are not convinced this will solve the problem. "There are other things that the MOD needs to do, such as expanding the reserve force component which can be done by adjusting the recruitment regime and also better integrating them with the active component," Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an adjunct senior fellow at the Honolulu-based Pacific Forum think tank, told Business Insider. "The problem is that such changes will require adjustments in laws and also various arrangements with the civilian sector." Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) dismissed concerns from members of both parties who say he was the wrong pick for former President Trumps running mate, calling the criticism a badge of honor in an interview on Sunday. On Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures, host Maria Bartiromo pressed Vance to respond to the criticism on both the Democrat side and the Republican side, asking him, Some people are saying you were the wrong pick for Trumps running mate. What are you doing about it? Vance laughed softly to himself and said, Look, I recognize that there are a lot of folks, even in the GOP establishment and certainly on the far left, who dont like the fact that Donald Trump picked me. I actually take their criticism as a badge of honor. Of course, the media is going to attack the people they fear the most. The media is going to attack the people, I think, who can most effectively bring President Trumps message to a broader swath of the electorate. Vance pointed to his childhood upbringing the basis for his bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy and dismissed the GOP establishments concerns, saying normal Americans will relate to his story. And I dont come from inside the beltway, Maria. You know I grew up as a poor kid. I didnt come from a political family or a wealthy family. I worked my way through college, through the Marine Corps, and eventually landed as Donald Trumps running mate, Vance said. I think thats a story that a lot of normal Americans can empathize with. Im not shocked that a lot of inside the beltway media types dont like me, but their policies are the problem. Of course, they dont like me because were running to fix what they have broken. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MILLEN, Ga. (WJBF) Jenkins County School System will be closed on Tuesday, August 6th and Wednesday, August 7th due to the impact of Tropical Storm Debby. Jenkins County School System sent the following information: We have been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby. The current track has the storm moving in late Monday and dropping significant amounts of rain in Jenkins County. Based on the forecast and a recommendation from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency we will be closing school Tuesday, August 6th and Wednesday, August 7th. We will evaluate conditions on Wednesday to determine if we can return to school on Thursday. Please go ahead and make preparations to be out through Friday if conditions do not allow for return. We will be preparing a bag of meals for each student to take home on Monday that will contain breakfast and lunch for three days. Please continue to monitor each schools Facebook page, school website, and look for messages through our messaging system for further updates. John Paul Hearn, Ed.D., Jenkins County School System Superintendent Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Not to put too fine a point on it, by most peoples standards I am nails. So warns Jess Phillips in her fourth book, Lets Be Honest. The only thing the MP for Birmingham Yardley loves more than telling it like it is, after all, is telling you just how much she tells it like it is. Flitting between musings on political apathy and takedowns of recent failures from Rwanda to Partygate, Lets Be Honest sings the praises of the Labour Party in contrast to the chaos of the Conservatives. Boris Johnson was a lying, cheating, nepotistic, party-throwing, sexist, racist, homophobic dilettante, Phillips writes, expecting our jaws to hit the floor. Yes, we know that you consider yourself the straight-talker of Parliament, a roll-up-your-sleeves, get-your-hands-dirty, get-dug-in kind of person. But what are these truth-bombs you plan to drop? The first misfortune for Phillips is that reading a book about political dishonesty by an MP is like reading a pamphlet on the sanctity of marriage by Henry VIII. Phillipss own Labour Party reinvented lying as spin, and weaponised it in groundbreaking style throughout much of its pomp under Tony Blair. The Conservatives couldnt lie to the nation: they were no good at it. Leaks, incompetency and basic PR gaffes meant that the recent end of their rule was, ironically, their most honest spell. Ah, Phillips writes, but spin is different to lying it is polishing a turd to make it look like a chocolate bar. Indeed, I thought. I am a democrat, Phillips writes. I want to make it clear that I am such a zealot about the act and art of democracy that I have thought about it every single day of my life. This self-image is somewhat undermined by a 2019 Guardian article in which she advocated for a re-run of the largest democratic vote in our recent political history. In it, Phillips described her position on a second Brexit referendum as taking the decision back to the people. Those of us who are actual democracy fans might have added: Until we vote the right way? It might have been easier to let this omission slide if Lets Be Honest didnt rely, consistently, on references to the post-Brexit era of bats--t politics and outright mismanagement. If she wants to understand mistrust of politics or disillusionment with democracy, Phillips could do worse than address the fact that it took her party years to begrudgingly accept the legitimacy of the Brexit vote. Some 7,750,661 more people voted for Leave in 2016 than they did Labour last month, yet Phillipss fellow victorious MPs are still bristling, weeks on, if anyone questions the adequacy of their vote share. Perhaps those who didnt vote for them should demand a do-over. Labour MP Jess Phillips in the House of Commons - HOC/Universal News And Sport Lets Be Honest, in fact, doesnt feature much honesty at all; Phillips isnt even being honest with herself. When discussing the heady buzz she gets from thinking that you are saving peoples lives when working on asylum seekers fleeing the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, you might forget which party put us there in the first place. And to her complaint that years of austerity policies have cut our public services to the bone, you might retort that Labour have proved studiously unwilling to promise the public spending needed to resurrect those services. Her answer? Peoples expectations are at the same time phenomenally low and far too high. This is the new era of Labour technocracy writ large: the problem isnt that we cant deliver, but that you all expect too much. Unsurprisingly, given her expertise, Phillips is better when talking about domestic violence. Here is where her demands for clarity and truth are, finally, powerful, particularly in relation to police priorities and the simple, repeated failures that lead to lethal consequences for women. We are happily shelling out nearly 5 billion on sewing up the gash in a womans head after she was hit with the vacuum cleaner, she writes, while spending a much tinier amount on trying to stop her head being gashed in the first place. Her demands for material change might not be shared by her party, but its vital if we want to make real change in the area of womens freedom. Its unfortunate, then, that she isnt always so good at speaking such truth to power. Despite penning an entire chapter on the culture wars, which she rubbishes as confected arguments started online, Phillips doesnt once mention the gender wars. Theres no mention of her much-maligned colleague Rosie Duffield, nor the fact that her party leader couldnt say what a woman was until Blair explained it to him: indeed, until his idol clarified things, our new Prime Minister seemingly couldnt tell the difference between a cervix and a vagina. Lets Be Honest features no revelations or political insights. In places, it reads like extracts from a diary entry. Phillips may be known, as she says, for not giving a f---, but her reliance on swearing comes across, on paper, as cringeworthy: its as if she thought that the only way to get the common man to relate to politics would be to curse. The galvanising message of her book, in the end, is this: lets be honest, life is, to use a Phillips-ism, a shower of s---, and yet, lets be honest, were not in a position to do much about it. Inspiring stuff. Lets Be Honest is published by Gallery at 20. To order your copy for 16.99, call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books 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. Jimmy Carter says he hopes to cast vote for Kamala Harris (The Hill) Former President Jimmy Carter says he hopes to cast his ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. As Carter nears his 100th birthday, beating former President Trump is one of the only things on his mind. Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris, Carter told his son Chip, his grandson Jason Carter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Carters 100th birthday is on Oct. 1. He first entered hospice care in Feb. 2023 and has outlived his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died last November. Jason Carter said his grandfather has been more alert and interested in politics and the war in Gaza in recent days. He previously updated the public in June that Carter was no longer awake every day. TOPSHOT Former President Jimmy Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, on November 29, 2023. Carter died on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96, just two days after joining her husband in hospice care at their house in Plains. (Photo by Alex Brandon / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The former presidents grandson said Chip asked Carter if he was trying to make it to his 100th birthday. For the former president, its less about making it to the century mark, and more about being able to cast his ballot for Harris, the outlet reported. Early voting in Georgia begins on Oct. 15, so Carter wont have to wait too long after his birthday to cast his historic vote for Harris. Harris officially became the Democratic Partys nominee on Friday, earning enough votes in a virtual roll call. After President Biden suspended his campaign, Democrats have coalesced around Harris, breaking donation records and supporting her historic bid for the presidency. The Hill has reached out to the Carter Center 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 PIX11. Jimmy Carter says he hopes to cast vote for Kamala Harris (The Hill) Former President Jimmy Carter says he hopes to cast his ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. As Carter nears his 100th birthday, beating former President Trump is one of the only things on his mind. Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris, Carter told his son Chip, his grandson Jason Carter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Carters 100th birthday is on Oct. 1. He first entered hospice care in Feb. 2023 and has outlived his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died last November. Jason Carter said his grandfather has been more alert and interested in politics and the war in Gaza in recent days. He previously updated the public in June that Carter was no longer awake every day. TOPSHOT Former President Jimmy Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, on November 29, 2023. Carter died on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96, just two days after joining her husband in hospice care at their house in Plains. (Photo by Alex Brandon / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The former presidents grandson said Chip asked Carter if he was trying to make it to his 100th birthday. For the former president, its less about making it to the century mark, and more about being able to cast his ballot for Harris, the outlet reported. Early voting in Georgia begins on Oct. 15, so Carter wont have to wait too long after his birthday to cast his historic vote for Harris. Harris officially became the Democratic Partys nominee on Friday, earning enough votes in a virtual roll call. After President Biden suspended his campaign, Democrats have coalesced around Harris, breaking donation records and supporting her historic bid for the presidency. The Hill has reached out to the Carter Center 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 Queen City News. Johns Pass clears of people as flooding moves in ahead of Tropical Storm Debby Johns Pass clears of people as flooding moves in ahead of Tropical Storm Debby MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) Johns Pass in Madeira Beach is usually flooded with people, but has cleared due to flooding as Tropical Storm Debby approaches. While the landfall is expected in another part of the state, 8 On Your Side meteorologists predict a storm surge in Madeira Beach Sunday evening into overnight hours. Tropical Storm Debby strengthening, expected to become hurricane Sunday morning at Johns Pass, there were only about a dozen people there who went to watch the water stir up. Several boat captains who work on the boardwalk began preparing early for the storms potential impacts. Making sure that our lines are good and that you know were on engine power so we have to have it manned and just making sure that were observing the boat, said Calypso Breeze Boat Captain Shaun Cervenka. Its a job where the day depends on the weather. Our clientele is our business, said Cervenka. If we dont have the customers we dont have the job. PHOTOS: Tampa Bay area already seeing flooding ahead of Tropical Storm Debby Downpours started around 8 a.m. in the area, right around the time Lydia Prescott parked her camper and began taking a look around. I wanted to check out the beach, the shops, just the vibe of this whole area, said Prescott. The Atlanta resident takes her camper all over the country looking to explore and found herself in Madeira Beach on this rainy day. I didnt know how bad the storm would be, said Prescott. Im just trying to take in all of the sites before I get really wet and hammered. Prescott said it probably wont be long before this weather sends her back home to Atlanta. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police raided the Marion County Record office on Aug 11, 2023, after Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized search warrants without regard for federal and state law that prohibit the search and seizure of journalists' materials. The newspaper office is seen here on July 25, 2024. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The magistrate who authorized last years police raid on the Marion County Record escaped discipline from a state panel by making claims that contradict statements in federal lawsuits about how the search warrants arrived in front of her and whether the police chief swore they were true before she signed them. Magistrate Judge Laura Viars secret explanation, obtained by Kansas Reflector, adds a new layer of confusion and mystery to how law enforcement were able to carry out the search and seizure of journalists computers and cellphones without regard for state and federal laws that prohibit such police action. It also raises concerns about the low standards set for judges by the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct. Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody prepared search warrant applications with the assistance of a sheriffs deputy that accused newspaper reporter Phyllis Zorn of committing identity theft by looking up a driving record in a Kansas Department of Revenue public database. Publisher and editor Eric Meyer and Councilwoman Ruth Herbel were targeted for having a copy of the record. In court documents, Cody said he emailed the search warrant applications to County Attorney Joel Ensey, whose office delivered them to the judge. Ensey, in an email he sent to himself a day after the Aug. 11, 2023, raid, said he printed off the applications without reading them and had an office manager deliver them to the judge. That email has been attached to court filings. A Topeka woman in April filed a complaint against Viar with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct after reading Meyers lawsuit against Cody and others. The lawsuit questions whether the search warrants were legal if Cody never appeared before the judge. In Viars response to the disciplinary panel, she wrote that District Judge Susan Robson approached her with an unknown law enforcement officer on the morning of the raid. According to Viar, Robson introduced the officer as Cody and said she couldnt sign the warrants because of her history with the city, which isnt explained. Cody led the judges to believe that Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents, who had assisted Cody in the investigation, were prepared to join the raid, even though they werent, Viar wrote. I can say with 100% certainty that I did not approve the search warrants and return them to Chief Cody until I had verified under oath his signature and the truthfulness of the statements in the supporting affidavits, Viar wrote. Ruth Herbel talks to reporters during a July 25, 2024, interview at a Marion cafe The disciplinary panel dismissed the complaint against Viar after receiving her response, according to a letter obtained by Kansas Reflector. It isnt clear whether the panel, which operates in secrecy by Kansas Supreme Court rule, independently investigated the accuracy of Viars account. The panel members who dismissed the complaint against Viar were Grant County District Judge Bradley Ambrosier; Kansas City, Kansas, attorney Tonda Jones Hill; Rosemary Kolich, of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth; Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Malone; and Johnson County Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan. Viar didnt respond to an email inquiry asking her to reconcile her account with the ones provided by Cody and Ensey. The commission directed questions to Lisa Taylor, spokeswoman for the Office of Judicial Administration, who said, I have no information related to this matter. Jared McClain, an attorney with the Virginia-based Institute for Justice who represents Herbel in her federal lawsuit over the raid, said he was surprised that Viars account differs so drastically from the police chief and county attorney. Those are completely different versions of the truth, McClain said. And I dont see what Cody or Ensey could have to gain by telling their version of the story, because their version of the story is worse for them. But Viars is better for everyone. So if that were the truth, why did the other guys spend a year saying something different? McClain also said it was obvious there was no probable cause for the searches, because the police theory of a crime dealt with accessing a public record on a public website. The same disciplinary panel previously dismissed a complaint against Viar that was based on the lack of evidence to support a crime, the federal and state laws that should have prevented the judge from signing the documents, and the violation of constitutional freedoms. Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said she was disappointed the disciplinary panel had let Viar off the hook. Its another level of accountability that will never happen, Bradbury said. Zorn, the reporter whose work became a pretext for the raid, said she was upset that police came in with such a lousy excuse for a warrant. This thing was political. And I wasnt the target. I was actually the pawn, Zorn said. They seized upon something and used that as their excuse. And I will say this: I was raised by a small town cop who spent 18 and three-quarters years with highway patrol. He has been dead for four years. Theres no doubt in my mind he is still spinning in his grave. A federal judge declined Saturday to toss out former President Trumps federal election subversion case over his assertion that hes being unfairly and singularly prosecuted. In a 16-page order, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan wrote that, at the outset of the trial process, the court must assume the allegations against Trump are truthful and the improper reframing of the allegations against him he has presented so far cannot support dismissal. At this stage, the court cannot accept Defendants alternate narrative, Chutkan wrote. The case was put back in Chutkans hands just Friday, after a federal appeals court remanded the matter to the trial court shortly after the case was returned from the Supreme Court following its 6-3 decision last month granting former presidents at least presumptive immunity for official acts. That ruling likely doomed some allegations against Trump in the four-count indictment accusing him of conspiring to subvert the 2020 presidential election results. He has pleaded not guilty. Trumps motion arguing that the prosecution is selective and vindictive was filed in October and echoed many of his oft-repeated lines from the campaign trail, including that he was only raising questions about the 2020 election and cannot be blamed for the subsequent storming of the building by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. Because the Government has not charged President Trump with responsibility for the actions at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, allegations related to these actions are not relevant and are prejudicial and inflammatory, the former presidents attorneys wrote in the October filing. Therefore, the Court should strike these allegations from the Indictment. Trump also pointed the finger at President Biden, his chief political opponent at the time, and claimed that the charges against him were the result of the presidents pledge to ensure Trump would not be president again. In her decision Saturday, Chutkan squarely rebuffed those assertions, writing that there is no indication Biden sought to pressure the Justice Department or Attorney General Merrick Garland to take politically motivated action against Trump. Defendant has presented no evidence demonstrating a likelihood of vindictiveness, she wrote. Trumps immunity claims froze the case for months as it moved through higher courts, but now Chutkan has resumed control over the case. Earlier Saturday, she scheduled a hearing for Aug. 16 to determine how to move forward. The former presidents attorneys have insisted that his prosecutions should not proceed until after the election, though Chutkan has previously rejected those efforts to delay and now appears to be moving full-steam ahead with 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 The Hill. A judge has dismissed a suit filed by two Polk County lawyers who sought to have a future judge opening filled through an election rather than a governors appointment. Steve Pincket and Renee M. Reid filed the lawsuit in May, asking a court to reinstate an August election for the position being vacated by Circuit Judge Wayne Durden of the 10th Judicial Circuit. Pincket and Reid were among four lawyers who planned to run for the circuit judge position. The suit, which named Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd as defendants, centered on Circuit Judge Wayne Durdens announcement that he would retire after previously stating plans to seek reelection and creating a campaign account. A week before qualifying opened for the election, Durden wrote to DeSantis, setting his retirement for Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m., just days before his term would end. In line with current legal authority, it is my understanding that your acceptance of my announcement of retirement prior to the election qualifying period next week will result in an appointment of a successor by you to my position, which is my hope and desire, Durden wrote. Pincket and Reid claimed that Durden scheduled his resignation so that no election would take place in August and instead DeSantis would appoint his replacement. By resigning in this way, Judge Durden sought to convert what would have been a judicial election into what is now a judicial appointment, the complaint stated. If DeSantis were to appoint a replacement for Durden, that judge would not face an election for two years. Florida law gives the governor the authority to fill judicial vacancies. Pincket told The Ledger in May that trial judges throughout Florida have increasingly set the effective dates of their retirements for the final days before their terms would end, allowing a governor to appoint a successor. This is probably the most significant constitutional issue, as to the judiciary, that we've seen in the last 20 years, Pincket said in May. He said that Florida voters had stated their preference for elections of trial judges, citing the rejection in 2000 of a ballot measure to replace judicial elections with appointments. In the suit, filed in the Second Circuit Court in Leon County, the lawyers argued that allowing Durdens successor to be appointed rather than elected would violate two sections of the Florida Constitution. Family Elder Law Lawyer faces state investigation after firm suddenly closes offices in Polk County DeSantis and Byrd, whose office oversees elections in Florida, filed a joint motion on July 15 to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, or permanently. Circuit Judge Jonathan Sjostrom oversaw a virtual hearing Tuesday. In his seven-paragraph order issued Wednesday, Sjostrom wrote: The ultimate issue framed by the complaint is whether a judicial office is to be filled by Governors appointment or by contested election. As Sjostrom noted, the plaintiffs argued that Durdens statements, signaling his intention for DeSantis to appoint his successor, combined with the timing, set it apart from a typical judicial resignation. But the only constitutional judicial purpose of a judicial resignation letter is to establish the dates of resignation and vacancy, Sjostrom wrote. Therefore, other statements are immaterial. Sjostrom, who joined the circuit court in 2002, cited a ruling from Floridas First District Court of Appeal in the case of Scott v. Trotti. That court declined to analyze subjective factors, such as the timing of a resignation or the retiring judges motivation. The plaintiffs also seek to distinguish otherwise controlling authority on the basis that an appointment would prevent a contested election between two otherwise qualified candidates, Sjostrom wrote. These distinctions are insufficient because the Governor accepted the resignation before the commencement of the qualifying period. Pincket expressed disappointment in the ruling. He pointed out that Durden was appointed to bench by former Gov. Charlie Crist in 2010. Sitting judges rarely face challengers when they run for reelection. Judges are entrusted by the voters to protect their rights, Pincket said in an email. Having never received a vote in his own right, Wayne Durden took this election away from the voters for his own nefarious purposes. He could have simply retired with dignity and honor but instead will now be remembered for this final act of usurping the voters. Pincket quoted retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis (now a professor at Florida Southern College in Lakeland) in considering challenges to the Trotti ruling: it is truly a sad day for Floridians when their trial judges may manipulate the electoral process and prioritize their personal preferences over those espoused in the very Constitution they swore to defend. Pincket worked in private practice for 35 years and joined the Public Defenders Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit in March. Reid has worked in the Public Defenders Office since 1999. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Judge dismisses suit that argued for judicial election in Polk A day after getting the election subversion case against Donald Trump back, the presiding federal judge rejected another effort by the former president to have the case dismissed. Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court granted Trump sweeping immunity for official acts as president, and the case, brought by special counsel Jack Smith, is now back in the hands of Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC. On Saturday, Chutkan tossed out arguments by Trumps attorneys that Smith was unfairly prosecuting the former president, noting that Trumps alleged actions went far beyond merely questioning the results of the elections, as the former president has claimed. The court has already explained that Defendant is not being prosecuted for publicly contesting the results of the election; he is being prosecuted for knowingly making false statements in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy and for obstruction of election certification proceedings, Chutkan wrote, citing a previous filing in the case. Trump has long argued that he is being unfairly targeted by President Joe Biden and the Justice Department, who he claims are going after him for making sure the 2020 election was fair and above board. The judge also found that Trumps suggestions that Biden attempted to influence prosecutors was unfounded. In her ruling Saturday, Chutkan rejected Trumps arguments that the case in Washington was brought only because Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information in Florida a case that was recently dismissed. Defendants decision to enter a not guilty plea in Florida does not establish a realistic likelihood that this prosecution was vindictive, Chutkan wrote. Trumps constitutionally protected choice to proceed to trial in another matter did not prohibit the Special Counsel from pursuing criminal charges here, nor did it raise the red flag of vindictiveness, the judge wrote. Moreover, the charges in this case appear unrelated to those brought against Defendant in the Southern District of Florida, where Defendant was indicted for the unauthorized retention of classified documents and related offenses after he left office, Chutkan wrote. Those offenses are extraneous to Defendants indicted conduct herealleged efforts, towards the end of his Administration, to obstruct the electoral certification process. On Saturday, Chutkan also set a hearing for August 16 to consider how the case will now move forward. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The News A DC district judge rejected former President Donald Trumps argument that his election interference case should be dismissed on grounds that the Biden administration had weaponized the Justice Department against him. Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled Saturday that Trump mischaracterized the charges against him, and had relied on flimsy evidence to claim President Joe Biden had orchestrated the prosecution. It is her first opinion in the case since it was returned to her after the US Supreme Court ruled that presidents are largely immune from prosecution for their acts taken in office. Chutkan must now interpret and apply the Supreme Court ruling, deciding what parts of Trumps alleged conduct described in the indictment was official and what could be subject to criminal prosecution. Its unlikely Chutkan will make that determination before the November election. Former President Donald Trump presented no meaningful evidence that the White House or Justice Department targeted him for prosecution over political animus or his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled Saturday. In a 16-page opinion, Chutkan swept aside Trumps attempt to dismiss his Washington, D.C., criminal case which charges him with sweeping conspiracies to subvert the 2020 election over claims that President Joe Biden pressured prosecutors to target his political rival. In the ruling, Chutkan said Trump repeatedly mischaracterized the charges against him, which describe far more than simply criminalizing his claimed belief that the 2020 election was stolen. Rather, Chutkan ruled, the charges describe a sweeping attempt to manipulate and lie to government authorities in order to undermine the lawful 2020 election results. And Trumps claim that Biden was secretly behind the prosecution relied on flimsy evidence and anonymously sourced articles that Chutkan said he described inaccurately. The Crazy Kamala Harris Crooked Joe Biden Witch Hunts against President Trump have imploded just like their failed campaign," said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung. "President Trumps team will continue to fight, and defeat the hoaxes at every turn." The ruling is the first substantive decision Chutkan issued since the case returned to her courtroom Friday, following an eight-month pause to resolve a dispute over presidential immunity. Chutkan appears to be moving quickly to get the case back on track. In an order earlier Saturday, she set deadlines for court filings next week and an Aug. 16 hearing to consider the future timing of the case. The selective-prosecution ruling later in the day appeared to signal that she hasnt been ignoring the unresolved legal issues in the case as Trumps immunity-based appeal wended its way through the higher courts and that she is working through the weekend to swiftly resolve long-stalled motions in the case. Much of Trumps argument that the case was brought for political reasons is based on news accounts from The Washington Post and The New York Times detailing internal Justice Department deliberations ahead of the charges Trump faces in Washington, as well as Bidens own frustration with the pace of the investigation. Chutkan concluded that even if the anonymously sourced stories are accurate, they dont demonstrate that prosecutors brought the charges in order to carry out a political directive from Biden or the White House. There is no indication that President Biden ever expressed any such comments to the Attorney General or the Justice Department, much less that such comments actually resulted in politically motivated action, Chutkan wrote. In a twist, a key allegation liberal critics have leveled at Attorney General Merrick Garland that prosecutors were slow to turn their focus to Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot redounded to the Justice Departments benefit in the selective prosecution ruling Chutkan issued Saturday. Chutkan said a Post article detailing the probes deliberate pace reflects conscientious investigation, not political animus. Overall, the article suggests that the Justice Department was especially cautious about investigating a political figure like Defendant, wrote the judge, an appointee of President Barack Obama. Shortly after the midterm elections in 2022, Garland appointed former Justice Department corruption prosecutor Jack Smith as special counsel to take over pending investigations into Trump. About six months later, in June 2023, Smith obtained a historic grand jury indictment of Trump in Florida, charging him with hoarding classified information at his residence there and obstruction of justice. Smith got the indictment of Trump in Washington in the election-focused case about two months later, in August 2023. In her ruling Saturday, Chutkan also rejected Trumps arguments that prosecutors charged him in the election case because he pleaded not guilty in the classified information case and made public allegations that the investigations were politically motivated. The judge said allowing that scenario to support a vindictive prosecution claim would give defendants a road map to derail the cases against them. If vindictiveness could be established by new charges following a not guilty plea or a defendants public criticism of the prosecution, then defendants could effectively immunize themselves from superseding indictments by taking such action, Chutkan wrote. That cannot be the law. We just have to build it: Why Concordes successor is eyeing supersonic flights to America The $200m supersonic Overture plane would be capable of crossing the Atlantic in three and a half hours - Boom Technologies The founder of the company seeking to build a successor to Concorde has hit back at flight shaming activists who are demanding an end to mass air travel. Blake Scholl, of Boom Supersonic, said that the demand to cut back on flights for the sake of limiting CO2 emissions is depressing. He said: There are some people who look at this and say, Well, I guess we should all have less things. We should use less energy, we should go to fewer places. Theres been a lot of virtue-signalling and its very depressing. I believe in a future of abundance. I believe the north star is human flourishing and that we should build a future in which more people can go to more places more often. Mr Scholl, who spoke at last months Farnborough International Airshow where Boom unveiled the cockpit for its proposed 64-seat, 1,300mph Overture jet accompanied by four former Concorde pilots, argues that so-called flight shamers are ultimately seeking to stifle human progress. Boom founder Blake Scholl says he wants to build a future where 'more people can go to more places more often" - John Keeble/Getty Images He said: Can you imagine this conversation on Zoom? Its so much worse. I want our kids to grow up in a world where theyve gone to other continents, theyve broken bread with other people, theyve experienced our shared community. To do that we need flights that are faster, we need to be at a price point people can afford, and, yes, we need to care for the planet. Denver-based Boom, which has 130 orders and commitments from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines, is the last man standing in the commercial supersonic industry after rival Aerion collapsed three years ago. The Overture is priced at $200m (160m), excluding interiors less than the sticker price for the cheapest widebody jet. Boom is aiming to start deliveries from 2029. All told, Scholl said airlines would need more than 1,000 of the planes, based on the number of people who fly business class today on routes where demand for supersonic travel would be sufficient to boost profits. He predicts that every major international airline is going to need supersonic to stay competitive. Activists such as these Just Stop Oil protesters in Heathrow last month have been ramping up calls to end mass air travel - Denise Baker/Story Picture Agency Yet as service entry draws closer, Scholl is bracing for a further backlash from flight-shamers, readying his defence of a plane that would cross the Atlantic in three and a half hours. The key to reducing supersonic emissions, he contends, lies in the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), just as it does for subsonic flights. Scale up production to the extent that planes can fly on 100pc SAF and even the Overture can be carbon neutral. He said: Its the only fuel that is at all compatible with the aeroplanes we already have, and its the only fuel that is dense enough to be able to carry people for a long distance. But we have to have enough of it. Flying twice as fast as conventional aircraft, supersonic jets will also burn fuel for only half as long, though they require at least seven times the energy intensity. Mr Scholl said: The aeroplanes are twice as fast so its also going to decarbonise twice as fast. Weve got to look at solutions that are scalable and cost effective. Still, the International Council on Clean Transportation think tank says calculations show that deploying SAF on supersonic flights would be a poor use of the fuel. When produced synthetically using green electricity, SAF might cut supersonic CO2 emissions by 90pc. Yet the gain versus a subsonic plane burning traditional kerosene would be no more than 24pc, it says, citing joint research with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr Scholl said that the four-engine Overture would comply with the same noise standards that govern other aircraft, and would go supersonic only when travelling over the sea, a limitation that will nevertheless permit the plane to operate on around 600 routes. He said: If you speak to people who were under the path of Concorde, they all smile. They kind of miss it. But there are going to be a lot more Overtures, so youve got to be quiet. The engines, the whole aeroplane is designed for quiet operation, and the sonic boom were going to put out over the open ocean where no ones going to hear it. Boom aims to produce 33 aircraft a year at its factory in North Carolina, which was completed in June, and double that number when a second assembly line is added. The companys XB-1 demonstrator, which Scholl described as the worlds first independently developed supersonic jet, flew over the Mojave desert in March and is due to take to the air for a second time as early as this month before going supersonic later in the year. The 'world's first independently developed supersonic jet', the XB-1, flew over the Mojave desert in March - Boom Technologies Boom is also developing its own engines for the Overture in conjunction with Kratos, which helped design turbines for the F-22 and F-35 fighters, after dropping plans to buy them off the shelf from Rolls-Royce. Because they will be built to run for several hours at full thrust, unlike subsonic engines, operating and maintenance costs would be lower, Scholl said, so the fares can come down and more people can fly supersonic. Together with opposition from the green lobby, the biggest hurdle for Boom may be its ability to continue raising capital, a lack of which led to the demise of Aerion after backers that had included Boeing, Lockheed Martin and General Electric pulled out. Scholl said the Overture, which has so far attracted $700m in funding, was a multibillion-dollar programme that must sustain investor and customer interest as each milestone passes. Still, Boom stands out for its ambition in an industry where Boeing and Airbus last launched wholly new planes 20 years ago and do not plan to do so again until the mid-2030s. Scholl said: Its clear to me that nows the time. The legacy guys are going a whole generation without building anything new. Airline CEOs are saying they want something, passengers, you say supersonic and they hit the roof. People want this and they deserve it. Theres no guarantee of success here, but if we pull this off well have built one of the most valuable companies on the planet. Mike Bannister, former chief pilot of the British Airways Concorde fleet, put the Overture through its paces on a simulator at the Farnborough International Airshow and said it represents an unbelievable level of progress for the industry that should not be suppressed. He said: People have always wanted to travel faster. Thats why we domesticated the horse 5,000 years ago, and why we invented the motor car, the plane and then the jet engine. Supersonic flight is an extension of that and theres definitely a market. In business, speed and time are quite literally money, and in the leisure market people are increasingly willing to spend more on a premium flight. Id like to see this happen. Scholl himself is adamant that technological gains must not be sacrificed on the altar of climate politics and that science, rather than abstinence, holds the key to reaching aviations target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He said: I want to have a future where we have more and better things for us as humans, and we make the world around us a place that we can enjoy even more. We can absolutely have that future. We just have to build it. 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. 'You just repeated the slur:' Stephanopoulos presses Trump ally on Harris identity attack Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., got into a heated exchange with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos Sunday morning over false claims former President Donald Trump made about Vice President Kamala Harris. Stephanopoulos at one point interrupted Donalds during the broadcast of "This Week" to note that Donalds "repeated the slur" that Harris, whose father is Black and who has always identified as Black, only recently embraced that identity. "When Kamala Harris went into the United States Senate, it was (Associated Press) that said she was the first Indian-American United States senator," Donalds said. "It was actually played up a lot when she came into the Senate, now, she's running nationally, obviously the campaign has shifted, they're talking much more about her father's heritage and her Black identity." U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage with ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos for a town hall event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 15, 2020. Harris' father is Black and her mother was Indian-American. Harris attended the historically Black Howard University, is a part of the historically Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She has embraced her mixed-race identity on and off the campaign trail, frequently talking about both her parents and their heritage. Donalds was asked on the program about inaccurate attack on Harris' racial identity that Trump made in Chicago at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. "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 on Wednesday. Is she Indian or is she Black? 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. Stephanopoulos countered the insinuation that Harris' identity is in question. More: Trump questions Kamala Harris' racial identity at NABJ, says she 'happened to turn Black' "You just repeated the slur again, if it doesn't matter, why do you all keep questioning her identity?" Stephanopolous asked. "She's always identified as a Black woman. She is biracial, she has a Jamaican father and Indian mother. She's always identified as both, why are you questioning that?" Donalds continued to slyly sow doubt around Harris' identity on Stephanopoulos' show, saying that many "people" are still questioning it. Jul 15, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Rep. Byron Donalds (FL) speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY "This is actually a conversation throughout social media right now, there are a lot of people who are trying to figure this out," he said. "But that's a side issue, not the main issue." Stephanopoulos then cut off Donalds to call out the repetition of the baseless smear. "Sir, one second, you just did it again," Stephanopoulos interjected. "Why do you insist on questioning her racial identity?" U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.'s 60th International Biennial Boule event in Houston, Texas, U.S., July 31, 2024. REUTERS/Adrees Latif Harris responds, and Christie's take Harris responded Wednesday in Houston addressing a crowd of members of a historically Black sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho. "It was the same old show the divisiveness and the disrespect," she said. Former Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey later appeared on Stephanopoulos' show, saying that this attack is not surprising. "This is how you can tell that this race is changing," he said. "When Donald Trump is ahead, and he feels that he's comfortably ahead, he's willing to go with conventional, smart, political advice." The short time since President Joe Biden dropped his name from the ticket, Harris has seen a energized the Democratic base, enjoying record-breaking in fundraising. "As soon as he thinks it's getting close, he's going back to the greatest hits." Polling shows that Harris has improved upon Biden's chances of taking out Trump in November, some showing a deadlocked race between the two, others giving Harris a slight lead. Some polling suggests Harris will pull a higher share of Black voters than Biden and will see higher turnout among Black voters. This, Christie said, is scaring Trump. "This is who he is," he said. "This is personal, he's juvenile." Sam Woodward is the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today. You can reach her at swoodward@gannett.com, on X @woodyreports, or on Threads @samjowoody This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Stephanopoulos presses Trump ally Byron Donalds over Harris race smear Just sad; Shots fired in Oregon District day before 5th anniversary of mass shooting Gunfire rang out in the Oregon District just one day before the fifth anniversary of the 2019 mass shooting that killed 9 people and injured nearly 30 others. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: County-wide call for backup issued after shots fired in Oregon District As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Dayton police received reports of shots fired in the Oregon District after 1 a.m. In a 911 call obtained by News Center 7, a woman told dispatchers that she heard three shots fired in the Omega Music parking lot. I didnt see who did it, there were three shots fired that I heard from the patio of Oregon Express, the caller said. She immediately called for others to take cover. Lock the door, lock the door! the caller said. A Dayton officer issued a county-wide call for backup around 1:45 a.m. while chasing a man who witnesses said fired a gun into the air, according to a previous News Center 7 report. >>RELATED: Their lives should be celebrated; Bouncer reflects on Oregon District Shooting 5 years later The suspect drove off in a vehicle and officers followed for a short time before the pursuit ended. No one was injured in this incident. News Center 7s Malik Patterson spoke with people in the Oregon District Saturday night. Dayton resident Aubrey Medlin said she comes to the area about once a week. After finding out about the shots fired incident, Medlin said she was surprised but not at the same time. Just sad, sad that its still happening, she continued. Medlin said she remembers what she was doing when the mass shooting happened five years ago. >>RELATED: Beautiful work of art; Oregon District Shooting memorial nearing completion I was camping when that happened, and I found out a little bit later, and it was just a feeling of helplessness, she said. Mendlin doesnt want these issues to stop people from enjoying the Oregon District. Thats just really disappointing because I dont feel unsafe when Im here, she said. News Center 7 has reached out to Dayton Police to learn more about what happened early Saturday morning. We will continue to follow this story. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a teen was shot in Southeast D.C. overnight on Sunday. MPD said it was dispatched to the 900 block of Bellevue St. for a shooting. Police: Suspect identified in College Parkway shooting There, police found a juvenile boy who had been shot. He was conscious and breathing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. On Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, the Democratic National Committee announced Vice President Kamala Harris received enough votes in a virtual roll call to be the partys presidential nominee. In this photo, Harris delivers remarks during the Sigma Gamma Rhos 60th International Biennial Boule at the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) On Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, the Democratic National Committee announced Vice President Kamala Harris received enough votes in a virtual roll call to be the partys presidential nominee. In this photo, Harris delivers remarks during the Sigma Gamma Rhos 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. Kamala Harris Is Meeting With Possible Running Mates as Her Decision Nears (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris met Sunday with at least three possible running mates: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, according to people familiar with her plans. Most Read from Bloomberg The meetings were part of Harris final stretch before selecting who will join her on the 2024 presidential ticket, which she is expected to announce in coming days. The meetings were complete by Sunday evening, an official familiar with the process said. The three people are on a so-called short list of possible vice presidential candidates, people familiar with the process said. To be sure, Harris also spoke with other contenders, just not in person, the people said. Harris entrance has overhauled the dynamics of the presidential campaign. She has quickly raised more than $300 million and has erased some of the lead that former President Donald Trump held in national polls. Her vice presidential pick could determine whether that momentum continues to propel her or simmers down as Election Day approaches. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are among the other names floated to join Harris on the ticket. The Democratic National Committee plans to virtually nominate a ticket by Aug. 7, indicating that Harris vice presidential selection is expected to come by then as well. The party said Aug. 2 that she had secured enough delegate votes to win the nomination, while the balloting is open until Monday. Harris plans to kick off a tour of seven battleground states next week, with her running mate slated to join her Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. Most of Harris vice presidential contenders fit a certain profile: White, male and centrist. Her pick could boost appeal to swing-state voters, while simultaneously detracting from Republican attacks calling her a California liberal. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain made a pitch for his favored choice, Beshear, who joined striking UAW workers outside a Ford Motor Co. plant in Louisville, Kentucky, last year. I believe the Harris and Beshear ticket would be unbeatable, Fain said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. He also spoke highly of Walz. Shapiro met with Harris representatives on July 31, though it was unclear whether the interaction was virtual or in person. --With assistance from Tony Czuczka. (Updates with completion of meetings starting in first paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Vice President Kamala Harris' claim that Donald Trump would cut Social Security is based on comments Trump has made in the past, but he has changed his position during the current presidential campaign. Kamala Harris Statement: "Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security." In the 2024 presidential campaign, Democrats have repeatedly targeted former President Donald Trump as a threat to Social Security. Vice President Kamala Harris, just over a week into her status as the presumptive Democratic nominee, repeated the line during a July 30 rally in Atlanta. "Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare," Harris said. For this fact-check, we will focus on Trumps plans for Social Security. Well cover Harris claim about Medicare in another fact-check. During his yearslong tenure in the public eye, Trump has provided his critics with a rich vein of statements expressing openness to cutting Social Security. But the Harris campaign ignores most of what Trump has said during the 2024 campaign namely, that he will not cut Social Security and Medicare. We previously rated a similar claim by President Joe Biden whom Harris succeeded as the presumptive nominee Mostly False. The evidence the Harris campaign provided to PolitiFact for this article was essentially the same as Bidens campaign gave us for our earlier fact-check. Its no more persuasive now. What is Social Securitys fiscal challenge? The key threat to the long-term viability of Social Security, the universal income support program for older Americans, is a shortage of workers feeding their tax dollars into the system, plus a growing number of retirement-age Americans qualifying to receive benefits. As the baby boom generation has increasingly shifted into retirement, fewer workers are paying into the system. Unless changes are made, such as increasing the retirement age or paring benefit levels, the trust fund that supports Social Security is poised to run out in the 2030s. If nothing is done, significant cuts would take effect. However, cutting Social Security has long been the "third rail of politics" touch it and you die politically so even making smaller cuts to avoid bigger ones down the road has been controversial. Thats why both Biden and Trump pledged in their 2024 campaigns not to cut the program. Trumps history of statements on Social Security Before the 2024 campaign, Trump flirted with support for Social Security cuts. At least two references occurred during the 2020 presidential campaign: a Fox News town hall that was clipped and shared June 12 by the Biden campaign and an interview with CNBC. And before he became president, Trump periodically opined that Social Security needed to be cut or privatized, including in a 2012 interview with CNBC, a 2004 appearance on MSNBC and a 2000 book, "The America We Deserve," in which he called Social Security "a huge Ponzi scheme" and said hed consider privatization. "The solution to the Great Social Security Crisis couldnt be more obvious: Allow every American to dedicate some portion of their payroll taxes to a personal Social Security account that they could own and invest in stocks and bonds," he wrote. "We can also raise the age for receipt of full Social Security benefits to 70." Trumps record in office The Harris campaign also noted that as president, Trump submitted budget proposals that included cuts to Social Security. These were never implemented because of opposition in Congress. However, Harris (and Biden before her) glossed over what these cuts involved. The proposed cuts were focused on two parts of the program Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income not the more widely used old-age and survivor benefits. SSDI benefits people with physical and mental conditions that are severe enough to permanently keep them from working. SSI payments are limited to low-income Americans older adults, or adults or children who are disabled or blind. While these cuts would have affected close to 10 million Americans, the pool of those who receive old-age and survivor benefits is almost seven times as large. The Harris campaign's decision to frame Trumps record as cuts to Social Security might leave people assuming that Trump sought to cut old-age and survivor benefits, though he didnt. What Trump has said recently Biden and Harris both cited a March 11 remark by Trump on CNBC that, with regard to entitlement programs such as Social Security, "there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting." But this is the exception to the rule for Trump during this campaign cycle, and he immediately walked back his CNBC comments. In an interview with the conservative outlet Breitbart News, Trump said he would "never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt" Social Security. He added, "Well have to do it elsewhere. But were not going to do anything to hurt them." The rest of Trumps 2024 campaign rhetoric is more aligned with his comment to Breitbart that he does not intend to cut Social Security than the CNBC statement about being open to cuts. More than a year before the CNBC appearance, Trump posted a video to his campaign website in which he says not "a single penny" should be cut from Social Security. "DO NOT CUT the benefits our seniors worked for and paid for their entire lives," Trump said. "Save Social Security. Dont destroy it." Trump has repeatedly said he would not cut Social Security at campaign rallies in Michigan and Georgia and in multiple posts on his Truth Social platform. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaigns national press secretary, told PolitiFact in June that he "will continue to strongly protect Social Security and Medicare in his second term." PolitiFact's ruling Harris said, "Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security." Before the 2024 campaign, Trump said about a half dozen times that hes open to major Social Security overhauls, including cuts and privatization. Most recently, in a March CNBC interview, Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, "Theres a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting." However, Trump quickly walked that statement back, and the CNBC comment stands at odds with essentially everything else Trump has said during the current presidential campaign. His campaign website says that not "a single penny" should be cut from Social Security, and hes repeated similar lines in campaign rallies. The statement contains an element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give it a different impression, so we rate it Mostly False. Our sources This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: PolitiFact: Claim that Trump would cut Social Security lacks basis KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is searching for a missing 65-year-old man who was last seen near his home in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Aug. 1. According to KCPD, Terry Days last known location is the area of East 94th Street and Pleasant Avenue where he was seen at about 7 p.m. walking a brown and white mix-breed dog. Day is described as 5 foot 6 inches tall and 150 pounds. He is a white man with brown hair and green eyes, and it is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance. Police said Terrys family is concerned for his safety and welfare. If found, KCPD asks that you call 911 or the KCPD Missing Person Squad at (816) 234-5043. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Sir Keir Starmer speaks to attendees at the Jewish Labour Movement one-day conference in London in January - Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of worsening anti-Semitism by threatening an arms embargo on Israel. Jewish Labour members said that the Prime Ministers posture towards Israel was resulting in domestic fallout for British Jews and that he had failed to acknowledge how anti-Semitism had become normalised in the UK. Labour Against Antisemitism (LAAS) a group of predominantly Jewish party members who campaign against anti-Semitism has written to Sir Keir raising concerns about Labours stance on the Middle East. The letter said: Disappointingly, during the recent campaign election candidates from several parties including yours sought to exploit existing racial and religious divisions and ran campaigns centred on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a foreign conflict thousands of miles away. Indeed, some candidates implored voters to vote for Gaza, a state ruled by a totalitarian terrorist regime offering no free elections. Apsana Begum, the independent MP for Poplar and Limehouse, speaks at the national demonstration and march for Gaza in London, from Park Lane to Parliament - Guy Bell/Shutterstock The letter calls on Sir Keir to tackle a divisive sectarianism now blighting Britain, but claims he has failed to acknowledge that anti-Semitism has become normalised across the UK or described how it affects thousands of families. The letter said: Instead of public outreach to show you understand and empathise with our experiences since Oct 7, your actions have exacerbated the situation. Knowing that Israel serves as a cipher for a loud and increasingly confident section of people to attack Jews, you have chosen to appease instead of confronting bullies. The letter takes aim at a number of recent policy announcements, including the Government dropping plans to challenge the right of the International Criminal Court to seek an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and its decision to restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza. UNRWAs funding had been cut off after allegations emerged that some of its staff were involved in the Oct 7 attack. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has also commissioned new legal advice on Israels compliance with international humanitarian law that could result in arms exports being restricted. An Israeli soldier waves from a tank, near the Gaza border in southern Israel - Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo Criticising the policies, the LAAS letter said: Objections to the ICC case were dropped, funding to UNRWA was resumed (effectively aiding Hamas atrocities) and now you propose an arms embargo while Hezbollah is deliberately killing Israeli children. You have also said that the British Government will formally recognise a Palestinian state, seemingly without putting any conditions in place to ensure its democracy or to safeguard its neighbour. This sends a message internationally that the brutal terrorism of Hamas should be rewarded, and domestically that the nasty bullying of MPs (including those in your party) by hate groups is effective. Perhaps you calculate that the benefits outweigh the domestic fallout Jews would face and the damage this does to the UKs relationships with close allies? You recently met with Israeli President [Isaac] Herzog and reportedly reiterated the British Governments support for Israels right to self-defence, but your actions do not match these promises and come across as empty rhetoric. The letter concludes by warning Sir Keir that as Prime Minister, anti-Semitism across the UK is now your responsibility. It added: It cannot be treated as an exercise in electoral calculation and must be addressed, head on, with actions, before severe and long-lasting societal damage is inflicted on the fabric of our nation. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, are considering an arms embargo on Israel - CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock No 10 declined to comment. Sir Keir has previously spoken about how he made tackling anti-Semitism a priority when he took over as Labour leader, and a number of Jewish party members, such as former MP Luciana Berger, have rejoined under his leadership. Announcing the resumption of UNRWA funding last month, Mr Lammy said that he had taken the decision after being reassured by an independent review that UNRWA is ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting. 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. Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, canceled a planned appearance in the western part of his state on Friday with no official explanation, intensifying speculation over whether Kamala Harris might choose him as her running mate. Beshears schedule change is far from a guarantee that Harris will select him considering that Pennsylvanias governor, Josh Shapiro, another name on the shortlist of potential running-mates, also canceled a fundraising trip planned for this weekend amid reports that Harris was interviewing a number of vice-presidential candidate contenders over the weekend. Shapiro is widely viewed as a frontrunner in the veepstakes, as Democrats hope he could help deliver the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, but Beshears supporters insist he is best positioned to sway independent voters in the presidential race. According to a recent Morning Consult survey, Beshear has the highest approval rating of any Democratic governor in the country, with 67% of Kentuckians holding a favorable impression of him. Related: Who is Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harriss potential vice-presidential pick? Beshears popularity is all the more astounding given the political leanings of his state. In 2020, Donald Trump defeated Joe Biden by 26 points in Kentucky, and no Democratic presidential candidate has carried the state since 1996. Despite those significant hurdles, Beshear won re-election to a second term last year by five points, besting the then Republican attorney general, Daniel Cameron. The victory came four years after Beshear defeated a deeply unpopular Republican incumbent, Matt Bevin, by just 0.4 points. The surprise victory was made possible in part because of Beshears high name recognition, as his father, Steve Beshear, served as Kentuckys governor for two terms. Beshears strong performance last year was credited to his consistent leadership of the state through the coronavirus pandemic and multiple natural disasters. The governor pitched himself as a hard-working executive capable of rising above politics to do what is right for his state, an argument that he has reiterated at Harris campaign events in recent days. At a rally in Georgia last weekend, Beshear contrasted himself with Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, who grew up in Ohio but touted his family connections to Kentucky in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy. I mean, theres a county that JD Vance says hes from in Kentucky and I won it by 22 points last November, Beshear said. While Beshear emphasized his experience as he sought re-election last year, he also cast a spotlight on one of the social issues that may decide the presidential race: abortion access. A year after Kentucky voters rejected a ballot measure stipulating that the state constitution did not protect reproductive rights, Beshear capitalized on his opponents anti-abortion views in a searing campaign ad. The ad featured a woman named Hadley Duvall, who shared that she was raped by her stepfather when she was 12. Duvall condemned Camerons support for an abortion ban as a severe threat to Kentuckians. Anyone who believes there should be no exceptions for rape and incest could never understand what its like to stand in my shoes, Duvall said in the ad. To tell a 12-year-old girl she must have the baby of her stepfather who raped her is unthinkable. Im speaking out because women and girls need to have options. Daniel Cameron would give us none. Even though Beshear leaned into the issue of abortion access during his campaign, reproductive rights groups have questioned his record. They note that Beshear often focuses on pregnancies involving rape or incest when he discusses abortion and that his lieutenant governor, Jacqueline Coleman, previously described herself as a pro-life compassionate Democrat. (Coleman has more recently endorsed Harris and condemned the overturning of Roe v Wade.) Related: Who is Tim Walz, the governor who could be Harriss vice-presidential pick? Speaking to reporters in Georgia last weekend, Beshear forcefully rejected any suggestion that he was weak on reproductive rights. He reminded them of his multiple vetoes of anti-abortion bills, even though some of those proposals were enacted anyway because of the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. Im the first Democrat in Kentucky that has ever run an abortion ad during an election, he told reporters. Ive stood up every single time, knowing that it would be one of the No 1 attacks on me. Questions over Beshears stance on abortion could play an important role in Harriss deliberations, as she has placed a heavy emphasis on the issue since formally launching her campaign last week. But if Beshear joins Harriss ticket, he will probably follow the example of his predecessors by embracing the agenda of the presidential nominee. Harriss announcement is expected no later than Tuesday, when she will appear at a rally in Pennsylvania with her new running mate. HONOLULU (KHON2) Back-to-school season is here, and Walmart is ready to help Hawaii families get a healthy start. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all nine Walmart stores across the islands will host Walmart Wellness Day, offering free health check-ups and immunizations. Participating Walmarts include: Korean culture returns in 20th annual Korean Festival Hawaii Kauai Lihue Oahu Honolulu/Keeaumoku Kapolei Kunia/Waipahu Mililani Pearl City Maui Kahului Big Island Hilo Kailua-Kona You can take advantage of free glucose, cholesterol, BMI, and blood pressure screenings, helping you stay on top of your health. Plus, anyone due for any immunizations, can be found at the store including COVID-19, flu, HPV, pneumonia, and more. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news While youre there, in-store giveaways and demos of nutrition and wellness products will be 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 KHON2. White House spokesperson John Kirby dodged questions Sunday over a sudden reversal of a plea deal made with plotters of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks last week. The plea deal was announced Wednesday and then quickly overridden by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Kirby told Jacqui Heinrich on Fox News Sunday that the move was not President Bidens to make, despite waves of criticism from Republicans about the deal. This was a decision made by the secretary of Defense. It was an independent decision by him, certainly within his authorities, as in the chain of command at the Defense Department, Kirby said. The plea deal would have ensured that accused plotters Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi would not be given the death penalty and would be moved from Guantanamo Bay. The three accused 9/11 plotters have been held since 2003, stuck in pretrial litigation. Mohammed, sometimes known as KSM, is accused of being the chief mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter Friday to Austin demanding answers over the pleas, calling them a gut punch to many of the victims families. It is unconscionable that the Biden-Harris Administration would allow such a plea deal, he wrote in the letter. Your department allowed a plea deal with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his band of killers. Austin canceled the plea deals later Friday, a move that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised. The U.S. last transferred a prisoner from Guantanamo Bay in April 2023, leaving around 30 prisoners at the facility. The U.S. once held 780 prisoners at the site. In a similar case, the Department of Justice denied a request by Zacarias Moussaoui to serve the remainder of his life sentence in France, The New York Times reported Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Labour is in denial over the danger to this country from Iran, and appears to be prioritising conciliation of its own anti-Israel supporters above our national security. There is no other explanation for the Government threatening an arms embargo on Israel as it fights a seven-front war directed from Tehran. If proof were needed of Irans controlling hand in this widespread regional aggression, the Islamic Republics permanent mission to the UN has now threatened that its proxy Hezbollah will soon be striking deep into Israel and will deliberately attack civilian targets. That might be nothing new for Hezbollah or Iran, but such a blatant announcement of planned war crimes shows how emboldened the regime has become. It is being strengthened by the appeasement of its leaders and the condemnation of the country it is attacking by much of the Western media, international bodies such as the UN and by governments like ours. The message being delivered by the rumoured decision to freeze new contracts for military equipment is that Israel is committing war crimes. Why else would you deny your ally munitions in a time of war? Yet Labour knows this isnt true. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin, were both in Israel this week, and the Attorney General had been there a few days earlier. All were briefed in detail on the reality of Israels military operations, which they know anyway because Britains military chiefs and diplomats are in close contact with the Israeli government and armed forces. It increasingly appears that the Labour Party and its supporters are less changed than many hoped after Jeremy Corbyns days as leader. Mollifying anti-Israel supporters now seems to transcend sticking up for our most important ally in the Middle East and, by doing so, supporting our own national interests. The Governments stance is also a counterbalance to the Royal Air Forces probable role in defending Israel if the expected large-scale attack comes from Iran and its proxies in the coming days. RAF jets are preparing now to take to the skies to help intercept the missile and drone barrage Israel is bracing for. The Government will not order this willingly but because the United States demands it. If it happens, it will provoke anger among the anti-Israel mobs. But Labour may soon be able to point to arms restrictions, not to mention the other measures it has taken in the four weeks it has been in power. That includes restoring funding to UNRWA, which the previous government withdrew following allegations some employees were linked to the October 7 massacre. It also includes cancelling the Conservatives formal objection against the International Criminal Courts plans to issue arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and defence minister. Just as arms restrictions against Israel risk fracturing a military and intelligence relationship that would be more damaging to us, this virtue signalling over the ICC works against our own national security interests. The jurisdictional overreach by the court could be turned on our own political leaders and Armed Forces in the future. Labours approach of appeasement is also extremely dangerous internationally. Together with a similar posture across the Atlantic, it encourages Iranian aggression against Israel as well as other friendly countries in the region. The same applies to the jihadist threat more widely. If Israel does not prevail against its enemies, this will inspire greater extremist violence from those who want to attack us directly. After his meetings in Israel, Healey called for an immediate ceasefire, but that is the only way for Hamas to ensure its survival. Likewise his talk of a two-state solution in the aftermath of October 7, and his partys declared intent to recognise a Palestinian state without conditions, will be seen as rewarding terrorism. What is actually needed at this moment is full backing for Israel and the hardest line against Iran. Too many Western politicians think the ayatollahs and their proxies think like us. They dont. They despise and exploit weakness and they respect strength. Labour has yet to grasp that staunch support for our allies and strong opposition to our enemies will be more likely to contain violent escalation both in the Middle East and at home. Colonel Richard Kemp is a former infantry commander 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. LAPD releases photos of suspects involved in fatal shooting of former General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor The Los Angeles Police Department on Sunday released photos of three individuals suspected of being involved in the fatal shooting of former General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor in May. The grainy photos released by LAPD on Sunday show three individuals wearing hooded sweatshirts, and police indicated the man who fired the weapon has a tattoo above his left eye and the right cheek. The photos also show a black four-door Infiniti Q50 sedan with a tan interior. Authorities said the car was stolen. Officials did not release any other details or updates in the case. Wactor, 37, was shot as he left work at a downtown rooftop bar early on May 25, CNN previously reported. His mother told CNN affiliate KABC that her son had been walking with one of his coworkers when he saw what he thought was someone working on a car. LAPD told CNN at the time that three men were trying to steal a catalytic converter when the victim interrupted them. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot the victim before the men drove off in a vehicle, according to police. During a news conference with city leaders and Wactors family and friends in June, Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon urged anyone with information to come forward. Catalytic converter thefts are often seen as petty or victimless crime, not what happened to Johnny, de Leon said. This tragic incident underscores just how quickly such acts can escalate into deadly violence. Similarly, Wactors friend and fellow actor Micah Parker called on the LAPD to not relent until the suspects are brought to justice. As a matter of faith, I am called to forgive, but you cannot escape the consequences of your actions here on Earth. You do not get to terrorize our streets, stealing and killing with impunity anymore, Parker said. Wactor starred in General Hospital as Brando Corbin from 2020 to 2022, according to IMDB. Other acting credits included Criminal Minds and Siberia. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Frustrated in their attempts to find the suspects in the murder of actor Johnny Wactor, the Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the alleged killers and vehicle. All are believed to be connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Wactor. Wactor, 37, was shot and killed during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the early morning hours of May 25. More from Deadline He appeared as Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of General Hospital. Wactor was leaving his shift as a bartender when he noticed three men who had raised his vehicle with a floor jack in the 1200 block of Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles. He was shot in the ensuing confrontation. The suspects fled north on Hope Street in a stolen 2018, black, 4 door, Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior. Photos in the community alert depict three men, two in gray-colored hoodies and one in a black hoodie. The man who pulled the trigger, identified only as Suspect 1, has a tattoo above his left eye and on his right cheek. During business hours contact Central Bureau Homicide Detective Howarth #37636 at (213) 996-4143 & Detective Bobadilla at (213) 996-4173. After hours notify Central Area Watch Commander. #BREAKING: The Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the suspects and vehicle connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. https://t.co/klDDau9CyH KTLA (@KTLA) August 4, 2024 Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Last year was 'as bad as it could be' for JCPS bus riders. Will this year be better? It couldn't get much worse than last year for Jefferson County Public Schools. Plans to implement several districtwide changes at once had failed spectacularly, leading some bus riders to arrive home hours behind schedule on the first day and leaders to cancel classes until they could sort through the mess. Students at Lymon T. Johnson Traditional Middle School arrive by bus to start classes on Thursday, March 7, 2024 A mid-year transportation overhaul wasn't an option. So students continued to miss valuable learning time through the year, with late buses collectively causing roughly 12 million lost minutes. That was about as bad as it could be," Superintendent Marty Pollio said. The question on everyone's mind now: Will this year be the same? District leaders are confident the answer is no. Is JCPS ready for its first day? Let us know your questions and concerns here For starters, JCPS has scrapped a $265,000 transportation plan designed by Boston firm AlphaRoute, which had moved drivers out of geographic regions; discontinued the practice of having students on the same morning and afternoon buses; and originally included bus stops that would have had drivers picking up students in Indiana outside the district. Leaders have also formed a new team to centralize the routing process, implemented a "freeze period" for new bus stops ahead of the first day, reduced the number of school start times, eliminated busing for most magnet students and increased driver pay and training. As students prepare to return to school Thursday, here's what to know about changes the district has made. School buses parked at the JCPS Nichols Bus Compound in Louisville, Kentucky on July 2, 2024. JCPS reverses course on transportation overhaul The biggest factor leading to last year's transportation overhaul was the introduction of a new student assignment plan intended to increase access to magnet programs and let West End students attend schools closer to home. This increased the district's bus routes but JCPS lacked the number of drivers it needed to implement the plan. And in an effort to see it through, the district hired AlphaRoute to alter start times, bus routes and stops. The Boston company's proposal promised to cut the district's number of bus stops by nearly half, allowing JCPS for the first time in many years to employ more drivers than routes. It later came out, however, that key transportation leaders were largely excluded from planning conversations and that operating on nine different start times did little to improve route efficiency. Additionally, AlphaRoute wasnt given data from JCPS until mid-June well after it was needed. In the wake of the transportation disaster, Rob Fulk replaced the district's former chief operations officer, and his first action was to start studying school systems comparable to JCPS. Rob Fulks, chief operations officer at JCPS. Through that process, Fulk said he learned the district needed a centralized routing team and to implement a "pause period" for new bus stop requests ahead of the first day. Previously, 13 bus compound coordinators designed their drivers' routes, and staff at each of the district's 165 schools could add students to existing bus stops without involving the transportation department. That process, Fulk said, created a lot of confusion. While school staff could see where a stop existed, they couldn't see if adding another student there would overcrowd a bus. If that happened, the transportation department would have to split a stop into two buses, eventually adding several new buses to the system that weren't planned for. That system worked in previous years, when the district had a surplus of drivers to depend on. But now, "we are running very, very tight," Fulk said. "If you're in a situation where you don't have enough drivers and you're doing as much as you possibly can to transport students, you have to be efficient." Ahead of the 2024-25 school year, JCPS hired a seven-person team that's "solely responsible for bus routing and bus stops anything involved in moving a bus or white fleet van around this city," Fulk said. "That is their job from the time they walk in 'til they leave." Marcus Dobbs, director of transportation at JCPS. District leaders also agreed to a three-week "pause period," during which most new bus stop requests won't be honored until after classes begin. The hope is that drivers will be able to start the first day of school without any surprise additions to their routes "Busing this many kids in a city this large this is something we should have had in place a long time ago," Fulk said of the change, adding that it's an industry standard. Changes already showing promise for smoother school year So far, the new routing team is exceeding expectations, district leaders say. JCPS previously "mirrored" all bus riders, meaning students rode the same bus with the same driver in the morning as in the evening. The coordination allowed drivers to become more familiar with their routes and the students on their buses, which can improve behavior and better prevent students from ending up on the wrong bus. AlphaRoute's transportation plan completely eliminated mirrored busing, though. And this spring, school board members were told only 20% to 30% of routes would be mirrored in the coming year. However, the routing team was able to mirror 65% of routes. The team is also ahead of its routing schedule, and it's put half of the 13 bus compounds back in full geographic regions instead of having buses travel countywide. "That is the direct result of having intelligent, smart people knowing this job and being solely dedicated to doing this job, rather than several other things," Fulk said of the early successes. A school bus parked at the JCPS Nichols Bus Compound in Louisville, Kentucky on July 2, 2024. Other important changes were made in an effort to increase the number of drivers. Last year, new drivers started at nearly $23 an hour, and those with perfect attendance per pay period were given an additional $6 an hour. Now, all JCPS drivers start at a base of $28.75 an hour and can earn up to $10 extra an hour if they choose to drive challenging routes. Drivers are also being offered additional pay to practice their routes ahead of the official start date. In terms of recruitment, driver applications more than doubled in March and April compared to the year prior, according to data sent to board members. To help with student discipline an issue often cited as a reason for the driver shortage cameras that show footage in real-time have been added to all buses, costing nearly $1.7 million. This will speed up the investigative process into allegations against students. The district's overall transportation budget has increased significantly as a result of the combined changes, rising from $95 million last year to $107 million in the upcoming year. Despite the changes, however, students could still lose out on classroom time due to late buses, though. JCPS predicts it will have 526 drivers on the first day of school but 552 are needed to successfully cover all routes. District leaders urged school board members in the spring to approve a plan to cut all magnet transportation in order to eliminate lost instructional time. But many community members were concerned how enrollment at high-poverty magnet schools would be impacted if buses were taken away. The board ultimately voted on a plan that would provide busing to Central and Western high school magnet students but that meant five to six million minutes of classroom time could be lost. The district's new partnership with TARC should help pull down that rate. Leaders expect up to 70 TARC drivers to take on routes for JCPS, with the new drivers first assigned to fill in any gaps before any students who lost busing are given it back. If on August 1, we have 30 drivers retire, then 30 ... TARC drivers will have to do base routes, Fulk said. The district is anticipating busing about 40,000 kids and hiccups are expected on the first day, as they always are, leaders said. But the goal is to have all students dropped off by 6:30 p.m. about two hours after the last set of schools are dismissed. JCPS Board Chair Corrie Shull is hopeful, though cautious, they got it right this time. "I hope we are in for a smoother start," Shull said. "I have been assured by the administration that we are headed toward a smoother opening to the school year." But, "the opening days of school will really tell that story on whether or not those changes have been efficient," he said. Contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: How JCPS is fixing its bus failures ahead of the first day of school The latest on the Lake County deputies who were shot: Medical conditions; suspects' names The Lake County Sheriff's Office on Sunday provided updates on the two deputies who were shot and injured Friday night when responding to a residential disturbance. The agency also said that the third of three suspects from the shooting has died, and it announced the suspects' names and ages. How are the injured Lake County Sheriff's deputies doing? According to a sheriff's office news release, Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano remained hospitalized on Sunday. Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano from the Lake County Sheriff's Office Gargano is scheduled to undergo his third surgery on Monday. He is listed in critical condition. The original story: Lake County Sheriff's deputy killed, two other deputies injured, in ambush near Eustis The second story: Shooting ambush of Lake County, Florida deputies: Here's the latest Howell underwent surgery Saturday and is listed in stable condition. Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell of the Lake County Sheriff's Office Who are the suspects in the Friday night shooting? According to the sheriff's office news release, these three people were found inside the home/crime scene: Michael Sulpizio, 49; Savannah Sulpizio, 23; and Cheyenne Sulpizio, 22. The news release did not say how the suspects were related. Two of them were killed Friday night and the third died on Saturday, but the news release did not provide any details about the sequencing. Tropical Storm Debby: Lake County opening one shelter Likewise, the details of the deaths were not released. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. The sheriff's office says deputies were ambushed Friday night when responding to a disturbance in a rural portion of Lake County near Eustis. Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, was killed in the attack. news@dailycommercial.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Lake County, Florida deputies shot: Names of suspects released Leaf peeping this fall? Avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which has nation's highest tolls Leaf peeping season is upon us, and people will soon hit the Pennsylvania trails and countryside to behold the Keystone State's sensational fall foliage. But if you want to save a few dollars while doing so, you should try to avoid Pennsylvania's toll bridges and roads, as they are some of the most expensive in the nation. Pennsylvania's road tolls are among most expensive Pennsylvania's road tolls, administered by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, are the most expensive in the lower 48, trailing only Alaska, which has the most expensive average fee per toll at $10.63, according to a recent report from the Suzuki Law Office. The Suzuki Law Office analyzed data from the Federal Highway Administration to reach its findings. PA Turnpike to Launch Open Road Tolling on Eastern Portion of System in January 2025 "Pennsylvania is home to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, one of the world's most expensive toll roads. As the second-ranked state for toll costs, the average toll is a hefty $9.92, costing an estimated 26 cents per mile," read Suzuki Law Office's findings. "Colorado ranks third in the nation for toll costs, with an average toll price of $9.74." As for Alaska, drivers pay an average of $10.63, or $4.25 per mile, to use the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The New York Thruway Authority joined Pennsylvania in the top-ten of most expensive toll road systems, with has an average of $7.20 per toll, or $.43 per mile. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission challenges the ranking, however. While the Suzuki Report uses base toll rates to rank the most expensive toll roads, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission argues that these rates don't reflect real usage. They point out that most drivers use E-ZPass, which offers significant discounts, and that Toll-by-Plate rates, which are higher, account for a smaller percentage of trips. The Commission also suggests that the survey's routes may not represent typical travel patterns. When does leaf-peeping season begin in Pennsylvania? Leaf peeping season generally begins in late September. Zones and timetables for fall foliage leaf peeping in Pennsylvania. Generally, leaf peeping season will begin in late September. "In northeastern Pennsylvania where the Poconos region is located, the trees typically begin to put on their fall colors in mid-September, reaching their most vibrant hues in early to mid-October," read a fall foliage guide from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. "In southern Pennsylvania, the peak of fall foliage is usually a few weeks later in late October." Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Pennsylvania's toll roads are some of the most expensive in the nation At least 30 killed in Israeli strike on two Gaza school shelters: Palestinian Civil Defense Rescuers in Gaza raced to dig victims from the rubble on Sunday after Israeli airstrikes on two school buildings left at least 30 people dead, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense. The strikes continue a bloody weekend, after a similar lethal attack on Saturday. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense, told CNN that the majority of the bodies recovered Sunday have been women and children. Rescue operations continue in hopes that some people remain alive under the destroyed buildings, which had been serving as shelters for displaced families, he said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency have taken responsibility for the strike, saying that they were targeting terrorists operating inside Hamas command and control centers that were embedded within the schools. The IDF did not respond to CNNs questions regarding the number of Hamas members and civilians killed in the strike, or whether civilians were warned of the strike in advance. People stand over the shrouded bodies of those killed during Israeli bombardment on the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nassr schools housing displaced Palestinians on August 4, 2024, at the Al-Ahli Arab hospital. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images People and emergency crews look for survivors following Israeli bombardment on the Al-Nassr school that houses displaced Palestinians, West of Gaza city, on August 4, 2024. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Videos obtained by CNN from the area show extensive destruction and dead bodies in a schoolyard following the Israeli strike. In the videos, medics and rescuers carry injured children to waiting ambulances. Three floors of the northern wing of Al-Nasr School were destroyed, as was the ground floor of the adjacent Hassan Salama School, a local journalist told CNN. The two school buildings housed hundreds of displaced people, primarily women and children, according to the local journalist. Both schools were in a densely populated residential area. Palestinian officials told CNN that Israel did not give civilians any warning before the airstrikes occurred. If a warning had been given, the number of deaths would have been lower, Basal said. Sundays strike follows a series of strikes on the Al-Huda and Al-Hamama schools also targeting alleged Hamas infrastructure, according to the IDF that left at least 17 dead on Saturday. In that case, Basal said, the first bombing was unexpected and resulted in a large number of martyrs and injured individuals. While the martyrs and injured were being retrieved, the occupation forces issued a warning that another strike was imminent. The death toll from Israeli military action in Gaza since October 7 reached 39,583 on Sunday, with a further 91,398 people injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. Israel launched the action in Gaza following the Hamas attacks, wihich killed around 1,200 people. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Its not much of a secret that former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp arent each others biggest fans. On Saturday, the men took to social media to fire shots at one another before the former president took the stage in a campaign rally in downtown Atlanta. After landing in Atlanta, former Pres. Trump made a post on his social media platform Truth Social calling out Kemp and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting crime, not fighting unity and the Republican party! His crime rate in Georgia is terrible, his crime rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his economy is average, former Pres. Trump wrote. He goes on to say that the governor only defeated gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams because of endorsements. He and his wife didnt think he could win. I said, Im telling you youre going to win. Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, Thank you Sir, well never be able to make it up to you! he wrote. The former presidents statement also says that Brian and Marty Kemp are the ones who got Fani Willis and he boyfriend all jazzed up, and ready to go, he said in reference to the Fulton County District Attorney who has brought criminal charges against him. RELATED STORIES: Kemp shared the statement and said his focus is on winning in November and defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it, the governor wrote. My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats - not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. pic.twitter.com/m8y6CSuZKY Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) August 3, 2024 The two began showing contempt for one another publicly after the 2020 presidential election where Trump lost Georgias electoral votes, and which he believes cost him the White House. The former president is alleged to have called Kemp and Raffensperger and asked them to find 11,000 votes, which was the margin by which President Joe Biden won the popular vote in Georgia. When Kemp and Raffensperger refused and certified the votes for Biden, the former president withdrew his support. Its this alleged phone call that led to Trump and more than a dozen others being criminally charged in Fulton County last year. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] These days, when one thinks of the Left, one thinks not of beauty, but of ugliness: splats of paint hurled by environmental protesters at Van Gogh or the nasty banners and placards of the anti-Israel lot. We also must now think of the housing philosophy of Angela Rayner. The Housing Secretary, who revels in a heavily emphasised proletarian image, seems to think British communities need beauty like they need caviar factories. In other words: not at all. Rayner suggested last week that she would be nixing her predecessor Michael Goves ridiculous stipulation that housing developments be beautiful. Goves idea was that if the next generation of new homes looked better than the ghastly eyesores of the past decades, then perhaps there would be more support for them in the communities, and on the land, in which they are needed. Rayner has no time for this, apparently advancing towards a landscape such as one still sees in former countries in the Soviet bloc, where tower blocks and hideous, brutish little cement houses sprout out of beautiful fields. Perhaps she sees nothing wrong with this; after all, people were housed. But beauty is hugely important, and marks the difference between free and liberal lands and horrible totalitarian ones. Nor should it be the province of the elites. Everyones lives are improved by lovely landscapes and nicely made developments. People respect their communities more, and treat them better, when they love them, and that love is at least in part to do with a sense of aesthetic harmony charm, cosiness, character. Were not talking Georgian-style mansions for all. But if Rayners ambitious housing plans are to go ahead, she needs to commit to building sensitively. Not to do so would be an insult to everyone, including the first-time buyers she is trying to help. 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. This story first appeared in The Investigator, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring the best investigative and accountability journalism from across Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here. HARRISBURG Pennsylvania lawmakers have spent more than $4.2 million on legal bills as they fight over the commonwealths participation in a multistate effort to combat climate change, records obtained by Spotlight PA show. The battle over the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) began in 2019 when former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf issued an executive order that directed the commonwealth to join the cap-and-trade program. Under RGGI, roughly a dozen states agree to limit the total carbon emissions that energy producers within their borders can generate yearly. To emit carbon, most power plants in participating states have to purchase allowances at quarterly auctions, at prices that the states set. States can use the revenue from those sales for climate mitigation efforts, electricity cost reductions for consumers, or other ventures; because of the way Wolf justified Pennsylvanias entry into RGGI, the state would be required to put allowance revenue into the Clean Air Fund, which supports pollution reduction efforts. Currently, two active lawsuits seek to invalidate the states entry into RGGI: one filed by energy companies and labor unions, and the other by legislative Republicans. Both parties scored victories last November when Commonwealth Court struck down the states participation. The Shapiro administration has appealed both decisions to the state Supreme Court. In recent years, these appellate courts which handle cases involving state government have been asked to weigh in on several major policy disputes that began in the legislature. That includes ultimately picking Pennsylvanias current congressional map. Louis Rulli, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, says hes not surprised by the number of disagreements between the executive branch and the legislature, especially considering the divided party control. However, using the judicial system to litigate those decisions can come at a cost. When the parties cant come to [an] agreement, they resort to these tools. Theyre not improper tools but theres a cost to those tools and Pennsylvanians pay for that, Rulli told Spotlight PA. Between October 2019 when Wolf issued his executive order and June of this year, state Senate Republicans paid McNees Wallace & Nurick $1.2 million to argue that Wolf exceeded his executive authority when he joined RGGI. Lawyers charged the caucus for drafting petitions, research, and arguing the case in front of Commonwealth Court, according to invoices. Those efforts included serving a subpoena to the executive director of RGGI, Inc., the nonprofit that runs RGGI. State House Republicans spent just under $370,000 on legal fees to Post & Schell, P.C. during the same period. Records show that their counsel collaborated with the state Senate on the RGGI lawsuit regarding executive authority. Meanwhile, the governors office has paid over $2.7 million to Ballard Spahr for work on RGGI lawsuits during that same period. Wolf supported RGGI, but Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has walked a fine line on the program defending a governors right to make executive decisions while pitching his own RGGI alternative. Outside counsel for the governors office worked on litigation for both cases, collaborating with agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection and communicating with environmental advocacy groups such as the Clean Air Council. The latter group was one of several that recently won the right to intervene in the challenges. A spokesperson for Shapiro did not return a request for comment. In a statement, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) blamed both Wolf and Shapiro for forcing the legislature to continue funding legal battles between the two branches of government and to spend taxpayer dollars on the court case. At the heart of both cases is whether the regulations imposed by RGGI constitute a tax or a licensing fee. Opponents of the program say that an emission limit on energy companies is tantamount to a tax, which would make Wolfs unilateral move to join the group unconstitutional, as only the legislature has the power to levy taxes. Supporters of the program argue the federal Clean Air Act gave Wolf the right to join RGGI and say that imposing an emission limit on energy companies qualifies as a fee, which the governor can implement without the legislatures consent. During his campaign for governor, Shapiro did not take a firm position on RGGI. Once in office, he assembled a working group to determine if RGGI would help achieve the states climate goals, create energy jobs, and benefit consumers. While the group did not find consensus on the initiative itself, it said in a memo that a cap-and-trade program would be the best way for the state to meet those goals. Last March, Shapiro proposed just that. He called for the legislature to pass a RGGI alternative, describing the proposal, the Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction Act, as a Pennsylvania-specific cap-and-trade program. Shapiro says the program would allow the state to determine its own cap, rather than one set collectively by RGGI states, and choose how to use the allowance revenue. Democrats have introduced Shapiros proposal as legislation in both chambers, but neither bill has so far been considered. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Hannah McKitrick, a University of Oklahoma senior studying political science and environmental sustainability, spearheaded an interim study in the Oklahoma House of Representatives about the levels of chromium-6 in drinking water in Cleveland County. Hannah McKitrick became concerned when she noticed skin rashes and hair falling out during her freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. When she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease the next year, she started looking for answers. She knew that mold reported in some dorm rooms had been causing health issues, but along with her doctor, determined this wasn't causing her problems. But she also had noticed that even if she used a filter, something about the water coming out of the tap was still off. So McKitrick turned to a familiar movie and one of her favorites, Erin Brockovich, which tells the story of a California woman who fought against water contamination by a substance called hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6. Now a senior studying political science and environmental sustainability, McKitrick started doing research of her own and found that Norman, Oklahoma, site of the OU campus, had high levels of chromium-6, known to cause skin irritation, as well as more serious kidney and liver damage and other issues. According to a study in 2010 by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization, the chromium-6 levels found in Norman's water were well below the EPAs drinking water standard of 100 parts per billion (or 0.1 milligrams per liter). Norman's levels were measured at just under 40 parts per billion. Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, is leading a legislative interim study by the House Public Health Committee into the reasons for high levels in chromium-6 in parts of Oklahoma. Rosecrants says the committee wants to educate people and figure out solutions, adding that water is going to be "the biggest issue of our lifetime." However, this amount was the highest of any city tested in Oklahoma. And although chromium-6 can be generated by some industrial processes, the EWG story did not identify a potential source of the contamination. According to EWGs interactive map, areas near Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton and several other towns also were found to have chromium-6 in their water. McKitrick also learned that while EPA standards for chromium-6 contamination were based on potential adverse skin reactions over many years, the agency is currently reevaluating its drinking water standards for chromium-6 based on new science from the National Toxicology Program that found continued long-term exposure caused cancer in laboratory rodents. Lawmakers to hold study on chromium-6 levels in Oklahoma McKitrick presented her findings to Oklahoma Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, the legislator she had interned for in 2023 and 2024. Rosecrants agreed the issue was worth further investigation and got approval to have the topic discussed by the House Public Health Committee this fall. The committee's interim study will look into the reasons for the high levels of chromium-6 in certain areas of Oklahoma and how to reduce those levels. Rosecrants said the committee wants to educate members of the community and identify solutions, adding that water is going to be "the biggest issue of our lifetime." If you talk to people out in the rural areas especially, some of the issues with factories kind of polluting the rivers, and the fact theres not very many regulations and were passing laws to lessen the regulations, then I think its more important now than ever to talk about the fact that water is life, he said. McKitrick said she wants the study to demonstrate a need for more research, awareness and protection for residents. During her research, other students mentioned symptoms similar to those she had experienced. Though she said it would be hard to prove that high levels of chromium-6 were the cause of those symptoms, she said she thought more testing and committee discussion would raise public understanding on the issue. I think the main thing for people to understand is that it (chromium-6) affects your everyday life and your health, and that it could change your life like it changed mine, she said. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Chromium-6 is usually produced by an industrial process, often involving metal welding, and can be used as pigments in dyes, paints and plastics. According to OSHA, "all hexavalent chromium compounds are considered carcinogenic to workers." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU student spearheads interim study on chromium-6 levels in water Letters to the Editor: Does Trump even understand that people can be mixed-race? Former President Trump speaks at the National Assn. of Black Journalists conference in Chicago on July 31. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: Let's be clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is a member of the fastest growing demographic group in our country mixed-race. She and others defy the very antiquated practice of creating artificial "types" out of what is really continuous human variation. ("Trump offended his Black audience. Mistake or part of the plan?" column, Aug. 1) Former President Trump's comments at the National Assn. of Black Journalists conference also imply that people from minorities gain a questionable advantage as a result of their identity. One more time we see his ignorance on full display. The reality is that efforts like affirmative action merely served to get you through the door for an interview. What happened next was up to your abilities. Margaret Hamilton, Portland .. To the editor: How ever thankful we can now be knowing what Harris' race is. Because we really care. No more need to wonder or worry. In his response to those journalists' race-baiting questions, Trump pointed out that he truly didn't know what she was. So now that we all know, what's left to care about? Do we get to move on? Remember how good we all felt when Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) made us privy to the idea that she's part Native American? We cared. And lo! we moved on. In modern America, we obsess over race. Thanks, liberals, for making us care. Racism is not a synonym for bigotry or prejudice. Racism is an obsession with race. And liberals own this sickness. Aric Leavitt, Sun Valley .. To the editor: Trump's statements at the National Assn. of Black Journalists convention were appalling, but they were absolutely calculated. He understood attendees were already against him, and he made similar comments at a rally later the same day. He was riling up his "base," he wanted to dominate the media cycle (in which Harris was endorsed by the United Auto Workers miss that?), and now we're not talking policy (if Republicans even have any). Still, hopefully the disparaging remarks will gain Harris more votes. Jerry Sinclair, Rancho Mirage .. To the editor: Trump has a long list of accolades of things that he has done better and knows more about than anyone in the history of the world. One more item I'd like to see added to that ever-growing list is that he loses the 2024 presidential election by the largest margin in the history of the universe. Derrik Van de Zande, Rancho Cucamonga This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Over a two-day crime spree in San Fernando this week, at least 10 businesses were hit, with the contrite hief leaving an apology note at one. Ten businesses were burglarized or vandalized in and near the San Fernando Mall on Wednesday and Thursday, San Fernando Chief of Police Fabian Valdez said in an interview. Surveillance footage from the restaurant Teriyaki Madness showed a burglar breaking into a cash register and leaving a Post-It note to apologize for the break-in. The note read: "Sorry! Need $ for drugs. Won't come back." A contrite crook leaves an apology note at a burglarized San Fernando business, saying he needs the stolen money "for drugs." Ten businesses have been hit in a two-day period. Eyewitness News is live with the search for the sorry suspect. This morning at 6 from ABC7. pic.twitter.com/8kdakJyXGr ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) August 2, 2024 Restaurant owner Mario Essary revealed that the restaurant was targeted twice this week, with the thief breaking in through a window on both occasions. On the second break-in, the thief pried open both registers and stole $600, he told the Mercury News. . Essary's restaurant has been burglarized five times in the last 13 years, but he said that the most recent break-in cost him the least in damages. "The last time we had a break-in, [the thieves] had a game plan and left my point of sales systems damaged," he told the newspaper. "This time, the thief left me a friendly note and said they needed money for drugs." Letters to the Editor: Why are Democrats afraid of protesters demanding justice for Palestinians? To the editor: Peter Dreier and Maurice Isserman are entitled to their own opinion, but not to their own facts. Their attempt to convince protesters to avoid the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is misleading. They identify the Party for Socialism and Liberation and ANSWER as "key organizers" of the March on the DNC 2024 coalition. Yes, these groups are members of the coalition. But they joined only this April, long after the coalition was founded by the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, whose members remain its key organizers. Dreier and Isserman contend that marching on the DNC risks chaos and may benefit former President Trump. They ignore that the coalition is organizing a broad, representative and "family-friendly" protest and march. The fact is, the coalition is marching for none of the reasons Dreier and Isserman say, but rather to remind Democrats that Palestinians need and deserve long-denied justice. Frank Fitzgerald, Chicago .. To the editor: Dreier and Isserman, who I would characterize as pragmatic progressives, are spot on. Potential demonstrators at the Democratic convention in Chicago need to wake up and realize that the perfect is, indeed, the enemy of the good and the last thing this country needs is to turn off potential Democratic voters. Many progressives made a similar mistake in 2016 when they made the determination that then-presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump were equally unsavory, so they would not vote for either. The result was a Trump victory and three new conservative justices. Talk about cutting off one's nose to spite one's face or in this case to spite their country. Please, let's not make this mistake again. Bink Goncharoff, Ventura This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Lexington man charged with possession of child pornography after previous exploitation of minors charge Lexington man charged with possession of child pornography after previous exploitation of minors charge LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) A Lexington man is facing federal charges for possession of child pornography, according to United States District Court documents. On Thursday, David Arnold Sharpe, 41, was indicted by a grand jury for knowingly receiving and attempting to receive child pornography and possessing child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age from around Sep. 3, 2023 to Oct. 8, 2023. Sharpe was previously charged with ten counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of minors in November 2023 after deputies said they received a tip in October that he possessed child sexual abuse material. Sharpe was also charged in 2023 with four counts of felony failure to register online identifiers for accounts on Google, Facebook, Kik and WhatsApp. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 21, 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 FOX8 WGHP. Lindsey Graham warned Donald Trump to focus his attacks on Kamala Harriss record and avoid questioning her background during his interview on August 4 (Twitter: Fox News Sunday) Lindsey Graham has warned Donald Trump against devolving into birtherism-like attacks against Kamala Harris during the 2024 race for the White House. The South Carolina senator appeared on Fox News Sunday on August as the Trump campaign continues to search for an effective message to run against Harris after she became the formal Democratic nominee. Graham made the remarks after Trump broached the issue of Harriss racial background during an interview at a conference hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists this week. In front of the largely Black audience, Trump insisted that Harris had only recently decided to identify as Black drawing groans from the crowd. [H]eres what I would say to President Trump. The problem I have with Kamala Harris is not her heritage; it is her judgment, Graham said on Sunday. Every day were talking about her heritage and not her terrible, dangerous liberal record throughout her entire political life is a good day for her and a bad day for us. So I would encourage President Trump to prosecute the case against Kamala Harriss bad judgment. Graham added, addressing Trump: This is your election to lose. Its important to win. But Trumps campaign has doubled-down on that message since his interview at the journalist event went viral. Last week, images were shown at his rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania of news headlines noting Harriss Indian-American ancestry (through her mother; her father is Jamaican). A speaker at Trumps rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday repeated those claims onstage. A few days ago President Trump said he didnt know Vice President Harris was a Black woman. Im trying to figure out what all the outrage is about because shes only Black when shes trying to get elected, Michaelah Montgomery, a Trump supporter, said at the event. She then referenced a baseless claim that Harris had slept with former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown to obtain his endorsement in a past run for office. The first step in destroying the black community is to dismantle the black family. So aside from her record as a prosecutor, why dont we ask Mrs. Willie Brown if Kamala Harris cares about Black families, Montgomery said. Trumps embrace of a racist line of attack in questioning the validity of Harriss Black Jamaican heritage is perhaps no surprise given his prominent role in cultivating the birther movement around Barack Obamas ancestry. Questions about Obamas birth certificate centered around a racist assumption held by conservatives that he was lying about having been born in Hawaii, and was actually born abroad. I want [Obama] to show his birth certificate. There is something on that birth certificate that he doesnt like, Trump told hosts of The View during a 2011 appearance. Trump has faced renewed criticism about his rhetoric concerning Black Americans and members of other races in recent weeks, thanks to a comment he made during his debate with Joe Biden in late June. At that event, he claimed that migrants were invading the country and stealing Black jobs. That comment has taken on a life of its own over the past month and was even referenced by Olympian Simone Biles after her gold medal win on Friday. I live in Boston and New York City. Supercommuting is hard, but I'm unwilling to sacrifice my personal or professional life. Sophie Rae lived in Boston when she got her dream job offer in New York City. She embraced life in both cities, traveling between them almost weekly via train. The graphic designer has an apartment in both places. This as-told-to essay has been adapted from a conversation with Sophie Rae, a 27-year-old graphic designer and artist, who lives in both Boston and New York City. It has been edited for length and clarity. I'm a graphic designer as my paid 9-to-5, and I also freelance graphic design on the side. I've been painting for around 10 years, too. I sell prints and original paintings whenever I can. I went to school in Boston and stayed there for a couple of years. Then, last spring, I got a career-making job opportunity in New York. I've always wanted to live in New York. If you're a designer or an artist, it's like a mecca for super creative, talented people. Sophie Rae lives in Boston and New York City. Sophie Rae I was like, "OK, this could be a really good excuse to have that New York moment in my life, in my career." But my entire family lives in Massachusetts. My boyfriend lives in Boston, and his whole family lives in the surrounding area. All of my friends were there. Most of my personal life is in Boston. My boyfriend's job is also based in Boston, so he said, "I need to stay here, but this is a great opportunity. We need to figure out how to make this work." It was just never an option to say no to the job, and it wasn't feasibly an option for us both to move to New York. I technically relocated to NYC in April 2023, but I travel back and forth between the two lives almost every week. I go to Boston almost weekly My company's policy is to be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, which is nice because everyone gets to be in person and collaborate. On Mondays and Fridays, pretty much everyone is remote. I'm typically in the office three days every single week. Right now, my boyfriend and I try to do two weekends in Boston, one weekend a month my boyfriend will come to New York, and then we do one weekend apart. My life situation is a little bit of a supercommuting lifestyle and then also balancing a long-distance relationship. I only ever take an Amtrak train. There's the regional train, which is about four to five hours or more depending on delays, and then the Acela, a high-speed train. That's three and a half to four hours, which is a lot better, but it's more expensive. I try to book all my travel at least three months in advance because that's how far out I can plan my social life. I've been able to find a ticket one way for about $30, which saves me a ton of money. I'll try to book it out as far as I can, and then if plans change, I just pay the difference later on. It adds up doing that, but it's cheaper than buying a ticket for, say, this coming weekend, which would probably be $400 one way and is just not reasonable. In Boston, we live within walking distance of the train station, so I'll walk there myself, or sometimes my boyfriend will drive me. I work or watch Netflix, read my books, or sleep on the train. Then I get off in New York and take two subways. It's usually about a 20-minute subway ride, and then my apartment is within two blocks from a subway station. And I do it in reverse when it's time to go to Boston. I have two apartments I moved in with two roommates in New York. A room opened up right as my job offer came in and I couldn't say no. We split our rent three ways equally. I pay around $1,500. I joined in with my boyfriend's lease in his Boston apartment in September of 2023. I pay a scaled portion of our rent. We tried it out a couple of different ways, and the method we have now seems to be the most affordable and realistic for both of our finances. I keep about 60% of my clothes in New York because I go to the office. I have more occasion clothes in Boston because that's where I go to family events. From the start, I knew I would need to get doubles of some stuff. I have electronics like charging cords, bathroom and shower supplies, and anything I use daily in both places. I don't travel with a roller bag I use a backpack instead of a suitcase. I've gotten a lot of backlash from people who don't understand why I use a backpack over a roller bag. Anyone who goes in and out of subway stations knows there are a lot of steps, escalators, and train cars to get on and off of. It's just easier to get around, and I don't like sounding like a tourist or a target walking around. I also use packing cubes. I don't think they actually help me fit more in my bags, but they keep them organized. They're also just cute. They're one of the ways I stay positive about packing instead of just throwing everything in a bag. My lifestyle is as fun as it is tiring I get the best of both worlds with two amazing cities. New York is so fun, high-energy, and inspiring, and I've met so many people here that I would not have met otherwise. We're going to be friends long after I'm done commuting. And a lot of creative career opportunities come with it. I've lived in Boston for almost 10 years, so it has a special place in my heart. I love the energy there as well. It's not as chaotic and not as creative, but it's very peaceful, and it's where I'll end up again someday. The best part of this is getting to make memories in both. It's a lot of fun, and it's also really hard. A lot of days those two feelings I have about it kind of cancel each other out at some point during the day. Sophie Rae is always on the go. Sophie Rae I'll be on top of the world living an artist's dream in New York City and then utterly exhausted because I got off a 5 a.m. train, or I have a 5 a.m. train the next day, or I have to say no to plans with friends because I'll be on a train, or I won't be here. There is always a voice in the back of my head saying, "I wish I could be there for everything in both places." I try, but unfortunately, it leads to no time for myself. I'm working on making sure that I'm not split between so many obligations that I forego my own mental sanity. I already know I will look back on these years with a lot of fondness, but it's very tiring. There's no end in sight, but it's also not forever. So, I kind of just have to do it. A supportive relationship makes all the difference My boyfriend and I are both super career-oriented, and it's a nonnegotiable for both of us to prioritize being independent and making sure that we're getting everything out of our own lives before making compromises. He was with me when I got the job offer, and he was the first one to say, "OK, you've got to say yes. When does it start? How are we going to do this?" He's been my biggest supporter throughout the entire thing, and obviously a relationship is a two-way street. We support each other in that way, but he's always the one encouraging me to have a very positive outlook on everything. Even when I dread going to one city or the other, he's always the one to say, "As soon as you get there, it'll be OK. It'll be happy again. You'll realize you have this coming up, or you'll see this person, and it'll all be OK." Read the original article on Business Insider PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) Four Hampden County fire departments practiced their vehicle extraction skills on Saturday. Applications open for Massachusetts RMV low plate lottery Saturday in Palmer, fire departments from Monson, Palmer, Three Rivers, and Bondsville joined forces to strengthen their vehicle extrication skills, an important lifesaving measure that can involve breaking into a vehicle if passenger exit is compromised during an accident. Joint training like this allows personnel to hone skills that make for effective and efficient departments across the region. Nowadays, vehicles are built a lot safer than they were, say 10 years ago, so we dont get to practice this skill in particular as much as we used to, said Ian Grimes, Lieutenant of the Three Rivers Fire Department. Its important to practice it as much as we can in a controlled environment like this its great too because we can, again, go over the basics, get hands-on training on one with the guys. The program features specific hands-on training that involves lifting a vehicle, cutting doors and roofs, stabilizing a vehicle on its side, and patient care at the scene. This training is not only essential in practicing life-saving techniques, but it also requires the different departments to work together. Captain and Paramedic Lisa Hamill of the Monson Fire Department told 22News these trainings help strengthen the bonds of the Fire Service in Western Massachusetts. When we do go mutual aid to other towns, it might be you and I or me and somebody else, Hamill explained. We have to all be able to work together and know what each others skill set is so that we can operate safely on the fire ground. From Saturdays training, firefighters left with sharpened skills and a stronger sense of community among them, making them better equipped to handle the most challenging extractions. 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. President Richard M. Nixon, shown in his official White House portrait, served from Jan. 20, 1969, to Aug. 9, 1974. My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over, President Gerald R. Ford announced Aug. 9, 1974, after taking the oath of office at the White House. Our Constitution works; our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher power, by whatever name we honor him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy. As we bind up the internal wounds of Watergate, more painful and more poisonous than those of foreign wars, let us restore the golden rule to our political process, and let brotherly love purge our hearts of suspicion and of hate. Elevated to the office from the vice presidency, Ford gave a televised address 30 minutes after President Richard M. Nixon resigned amid the Watergate scandal. To have served in this office is to have felt a very personal sense of kinship with each and every American, Nixon said in his final address. In leaving it, I do so with this prayer: May Gods grace be with you in all the days ahead. How did Akron handle the news? The responses were quite emotional. Here are local reactions 50 years ago to Nixons resignation and Fords succession. Local reactions to President Richard Nixon's resignation Otto W. Weigel, 81, a Firestone retiree from Akron: Well, I hope you Nixon haters are satisfied. His only offense was to try and keep the country from being taken over by the revolutionary radicals. Christ, too, was crucified. Remember? Anna M. Johnson, 63, a Firestone retiree from Wadsworth: I have no sympathy. I put him in the category of Hitler. He didnt care who he stepped on or destroyed. Hes destroyed lives, the people of the United States, the economy. Tom Brophy, 24, of Akron: The resignation is good. The pressures been on. Now maybe the government can concentrate on the problems and make some changes like bringing gas down from 58.9 cents. Sandra Huffman, 24, of Stow: If it were me doing a crime, they would not hesitate to throw me in jail. Just because Mr. Nixons got President before his name, that should not make him any different. Fay Ackerson, 86, a retired General Tire bookkeeper: It makes my heart ache. I think hes a fine man, but a lot of mean things have been done to him. Mike Mort, 22, a University of Akron student: The beer I had during that speech was the best tasting one I ever had in my life. John McKoski, 21, a University of Akron student: Theres gonna be trouble. Things are going to get out of hand. The people will feel they have too much power. Judy Ball, 32, a Holiday Inn barmaid: I dont think he was any more guilty than any other politician. The only thing he did wrong was to get caught. He didnt do anything that hurt the country. Lois Nixon, 45, of Akron: He has to be a strong man to withstand all hes gone through. Most of us would have gone out the back door long before. Martha Lynn, 65, of Cuyahoga Falls: I hope the people are satisfied now that they have gotten rid of our president. We should bow our heads in shame. You cant expect a person to be perfect. We all make mistakes. President Richard M. Nixon shakes hands with supporters during a campaign visit to Summit County on Oct. 28, 1972. Ralph A. Hinman, 75, a Portage County farmer: He will go down in history as one of the countrys greatest presidents. I wish he would have stuck it out. So many criticized Nixon unfairly. U.S. Rep. John F. Seiberling, 55, Akron congressman on the House Judiciary Committee: His resignation was a statesmanlike thing to do, and his speech was the best I ever heard him make. As I listened, I couldnt help thinking that this whole tragic end resulted because he apparently failed to understand that the high ideals he expressed also have to be coupled with a sensitivity toward the means used to achieve them. Gene Waddell, 46, Summit County Republican chairman: I think he made a statement that admitted in one sense that some of his judgments were wrong and this led to the loss of a political base which is necessary to govern and to move the programs which he believed in. Earl Cunningham, 54, Summit County Democratic chairman: It was a copout. Nixon has defended his innocence and said he would never resign and would see it through to the end. In the best interest of the public, his resignation is proper. Many other people were tried and punished on the same evidence. Why should he believe he is above the law? U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, 54, a Republican from Canton: I hope that regardless of political beliefs, all Americans will act with compassion toward Mr. Nixon and his family. This is a time of healing of wounds and a bipartisan effort to move forward with the peoples business. Betty Gidley, 54, of Stow: I feel sorry for him. I feel he was sucked into a situation he had no control over. Lou Kay, 59, co-owner of Lou & Hys Delicatessen in Akron: He didnt tell the truth. Some people who are now in jail dont deserve it. But they did things under his order. I think theres a fear of putting a man of such high office behind bars, but the president ordered the dirty work. Except for the Watergate thing, he did such a good job. Myrtle Martin, 78, of Macedonia: My heart aches for the Nixons. I dont know much about Ford, but I hope he runs things like presidents did years ago straight. President Gerald R. Ford takes his official White House portrait in August 1974. Local reactions to President Gerald Ford succeeding Richard Nixon Ray C. Bliss, 68, of Akron, former Republican national chairman: Its a whole new ballgame. I believe the party will unite behind Jerry Ford. Hes a team player who will keep his lines of communication open. [Its] a fresh start both for the party and the country. Its a relief that somebody is going in there unfettered by the circumstances of the past few years. And I dont care if he is a Republican or a Democrat. Gene Donatell, 19, a Kent State student: Since hes been connected with Nixon and had some of Nixon rubbed off on him, Im not too excited about him. Things wont change that much with him. Jesse Woods, 67, a retired Goodyear employee from Marshallville: Gerald Ford is not the man the American people would have voted into office. Judith Burkett, 51, a clerk at Riviera Bowling Lanes in Fairlawn: We dont know too much about him, do we? Ive had quite a few people say that to me. Im definitely apprehensive. Evelyn McNutt, 65, a teacher from Massillon: I dont think hes strong enough of a man to run the government. Iona C. Hudson, 63, of Canal Fulton: [Hes] the only one at present who is any good. I used to think he was a pantywaist, but I think, especially since hes read those tapes, hes a different person. President Gerald R. Ford makes a campaign stop in Cleveland on June 6, 1976, with Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes and Cleveland Mayor Ralph Perk. Mike Pernice, 18, University of Akron student president: [Watergate will] make future presidents more honest and accountable to the people national security no longer will be an excuse for illegal actions. Everyone has a lot of respect for Mr. Ford. William C. Cartwright, 56, a Northfield insurance agent: I think everything will turn around and start righting itself. Greg Rambo, 24, of Kent: When I think about our nations 200th birthday in 1976, I hope it will be the beginning of a new spirit. Morgan Winget, 28, assistant credit manager at J.M. Smucker in Orrville: I think politics will become more decent in the next 10 or 15 years because of the Watergate scandal. We have to have some hope. Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com Vintage photos: 50 memorable Cleveland TV personalities Geauga Lake revisited: Vintage photos of lost amusement park This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How Akron reacted to President Nixons resignation A school district in Montgomery County will place a levy on the November ballot. >>RELATED: Centerville City Schools talk of financial woes, teacher cuts resonates with residents The Centerville Board of Education approved a resolution to place a 3.9-mill operating levy on the ballot at a special meeting on August 1, according to a spokesperson from the district. The proposed levy would generate $11.2 million yearly for the districts operating expenses. The spokesperson said additional funds would be used to maintain current educational programs, implement the districts strategic plan, and keep up with day-to-day expenses. Voters rejected two previous requests for funding, according to a previous News Center 7 report. >>RELATED: Concerns raised by community as Centerville schools ask for levy approval Centerville Schools Superintendent Jon Wesney said that due to the way public school districts are funded in Ohio, the need for additional funding does not go away. The school district has made $3.5 million in cuts going into the 2024-25 school year. These cuts are based on a reduction plan approved by the school board in January. 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. >>RELATED: Over 40 positions to be cut at Centerville schools following failed tax levy Cost-saving measures will impact staffing, transportation, field trips, the school calendar, and fees, the spokesperson said. We have continued to engage with community members to help them understand why our school district is in this position. Our school board is tasked with ensuring that Centerville Schools has the appropriate resources to effectively educate the children in our community. It is clear from our financial projections that additional funding is necessary to maintain our current educational programs, continue the implementation of the districts strategic plan, and keep up with the rising costs of running our schools, School Board President Allison Durnbaugh said. For more information about the districts finances, details on the levy, and more, click here. AUSTIN (KXAN) Turmoil continues to grow in Venezuela following the presidential election that took place on July 28, local Venezuelans said they have faith and believe changes will come. Last Sunday, July 28, elections were held in Venezuela between the candidates Nicolas Maduro Moro and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Gonzalez was the opposition party expecting to win the election but after votes were in, Maduro the current president declared himself the winner. To this day the government still has not shown the results of all the votes, and there is speculation that the opposing party led by Marina Corina Machado has the actual results that Maduro was not the winner. The Venezuelan people both in Venezuela and outside are asking for transparency from the government requesting proof and votes showing that Maduro won the election. Austin Immigration Attorney Iris Abizu said the Venezuelan government has been unfair and corrupt for many years. This is why, in the past couple of years, the United States has experienced an influx of immigrants seeking Asylum from Venezuela. Abizu said after these elections she expects that to continue. Right now we will probably see even more. The situation in Venezuela is getting worse in regards to oppression to the people. Right now, we have heard that there has been some illegal tensions, kidnapping from the government to people in Venezuela. I think that its going to bring a lot of fear to some of the people. So my expectation, is that theres going to be more and more people from Venezuela seeking asylum, Abizu said. Saul Aguero, a local resident and owner of Fogonero Restaurant, fled from Venezuela in December 2016. After seeking asylum in the United States and making his way to Austin, Texas Aguero became a business owneropening two restaurants that offer traditional Venezuelan comfort food, to bring a traditional Venezuelan home kitchen to Austin. In the last week, Aguero has been uniting local Venezuelans to take to the streets in the Capital and express their frustration with the election results, demanding a change in government. This next quote has been translated from Spanish to English. All Venezuelans are tired of the government, all Venezuelans want this government out. This government is not the first to have a fraudulent election. The difference is now we have proof that they are stealing the elections and the world must react, different international organizations must react to support all Venezuelans. If not migration will be even greater than the 6 million Venezuelans that have fled so far, Aguero said. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado holds a national flag while waving to supporters as she arrives for a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) How does this political change affect Venezuelans in the United States? Attorney Abizu said, at the moment, the United States has put in place certain immigration benefits for the Venezuelan people. One of these programs is TPSTemporary Protected Status, which is also available to many other countries. TPS provides temporary protection for individuals seeking to flee their country from dangerous governments. With TPS individuals may also obtain a work permit to help them while they reside in the United States. This is only for a certain amount of time not forever. The other benefit available is Asylum, which is a refugee status. After applying for asylum you receive a court date and must present yourself in front of an immigration judge and provide evidence for why you fled your country. You also must have made your way to a port of entry to seek Asylum. Once the application is complete and approved the United States grants you permission to work in the United States legally. Abizu said individuals on TPS or in the United States going through the Asylum process should not panic. She said the election chaos should not affect the status of those benefits. Should individuals on these US immigration benefits return to Venezuela? Right now, Venezuelans in the United States may be anxious about what is happening in their home country. Sometimes the first thought is how their family back home may be doing and they may want to return home to protect them or help them flee for refuge. Attorney Abizu said that is not the best idea. If you are in the United States on TPS or Asylum protection you should especially not return to Venezuela. Returning may tell the government that your home country is safe to return to and is no longer oppressing you, essentially terminating your asylum protection order or TPS permission. I highly recommend, you do not go back to Venezuela. Try to resolve your case and then go from there. If you have TPS and you have to go back the other option will be that you need to ask for an Advance Parole, meaning a permission, so you can return back to the United States. That is a requirement for if youre going back to Venezuela or any other country, said Abizu. She said its best to consult with an immigration attorney before making any decision that may negatively impact your protection status. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 former Republican Kentucky governor who advocated for child abuse prevention allowed his adopted son to become a ward of Jamaica, according to a July 13 London Times investigation. Matt Bevin served as Kentuckys governor from 2015 to 2019. During that time, the Trump-endorsed Republican aimed to reform Kentuckys child welfare system, often drawing from his personal experience. He and his now-estranged wife, Glenna, had five biological children and adopted four more from Ethiopia in 2012. But once Bevin was ousted by then-Attorney General Andy Beshear as governor in 2019, one of his four adopted children, Noah, was cast away as a ward of the Jamaican government, after Matt and Glenna Bevin failed to pick him up from an abusive teen boarding facility they dropped him off at earlier that year, the London Times reported. On Sunday, Bevin did not respond to a Herald-Leader request to comment on the story and answer questions. The Herald-Leader contacted Nueronetrix Solutions Monday, where Bevin is the CEO. When asked if they had any comment, KC Fadem, the companys founder, laughed, and replied, Thank you. Goodbye, before he ended the call. Noah, who is now 17, was sent to a facility in Florida after his father lost the governorship, and then transferred to the Atlantis Leadership Academy on Treasure Beach in Jamaica, according to the London Times article. The Atlantis Leadership Academy has been the center of an investigation for allegations of abuse and neglect of the children in their care and was shut down in February. In April 2024, five employees of the school were charged with child cruelty and assault. Allegations against the boarding school include children being beaten by staff, placed in a stress position for hours at a time, and being forced to work out until they vomit. Noah told the London Times he was not surprised. When asked why he thought Bevin adopted him, he muttered public image, the article shared. The Bevin family was the largest to inhabit the Kentucky Governors Mansion, and a large part of Bevins work as governor was to advocate for child welfare in the commonwealth. In February 2016, three years before his son would be sent off to the structured boarding school, Bevin was included as part of a panel of experts for adoption and foster care with the Child Welfare League of America. At the event, Bevin expressed the need for a greater effort and highlighted a new initiative targeted at hiring more social and caseworkers. He recounted his first experience with the child welfare system when he shared frustration over why he and his estranged wife were denied the adoption of an 11-year-old child who had been in foster care for more than a year and who stayed in care after the denial, a press release from the 2016 event outlined. Bevin attended rallies aimed at child abuse prevention. He spoke out against maltreatment in state care. Glenna Bevin also used her position as first lady to promote child welfare safety. The two even held events at the state capitol in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. The couple was so discouraged by their adoption experience in Kentucky, they sought to overhaul the foster care system. In an interview with WKYT in 2017, Bevin said the couple wanted those in charge to stop trying so hard to reunite kids with birth parents when birth parents arent measuring up. We need to come up with a smarter, better way to use common sense and do what is best for the child, period, Bevin said. The London Times article revealed a guardianship hearing was held in April after the Atlantis Leadership Academy was reported to be closing. The Bevins were reportedly a no-show. In May 2023, Glenna Bevin filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage, citing that the couples bond was irrevocably broken. The London Times article prompted backlash against Bevin. A Republican state senator, Whitney Westerfield, who has also adopted children, expressed outrage on social media. Heartbreaking isnt strong enough a word, Westerfield wrote Sunday afternoon on X, formerly known as Twitter. Disgust isnt either. How do you abandon your child?! Heartbreaking isnt strong enough a word. Disgust isnt either. How do you abandon your child?! https://t.co/ntty7eOTbT pic.twitter.com/wvTSS8jHod Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) August 4, 2024 Beth Thorpe, communications chair of the Louisville Democratic Party, also blasted the former governor. Bevin has enough money to give him around the clock care with professionals, she wrote. Instead, he sends him to another country and just washes his hands of him. Yup. This is the young man. I don't care if there was huge amounts of issues. Bevin has enough money to give him around the clock care with professionals. Instead, he sends him to another country and just washes his hands of him. pic.twitter.com/njRQE1y0ZZ Beth Thorpe (@BethinLouavul) August 4, 2024 Detectives have released a community alert related to a homicide that occurred May 25. (Los Angeles Police Department) Security images of the suspects in the May 25 shooting death of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor in downtown Los Angeles were released Sunday by Los Angeles police. Wactor, 37, was killed after confronting three men who jacked up his car on Hope Street near Pico Boulevard in order to steal its catalytic converter, authorities said. He had just finished a late night bartending shift at the nearby Level 8 bar when he was shot about 3:20 a.m. Police said the man who shot him has a tattoo above his left eye and on the right cheek, according to a Community Alert Notification released Sunday on X. The getaway car was described as a stolen 2018, black, four-door Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior. Police also released grainy security images of the three suspects and of the Q50 driving down the street. The suspects fled northbound on Hope Street after the shooting. Police attempted to pull fingerprints from Wactors car and link the crime to any nearby catalytic converter thefts. The police are seeking the public's help in solving the crime. Wactor starred as Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020-22. He also had roles on shows including Westworld, Criminal Minds and Station 19. Wactor was walking with co-worker Anita Joy, who had just finished a bartending shift with him, when he approached the men, thinking his car was being towed, according to an account of the shooting posted by Joy on Instagram. After realizing that wasn't the case, he asked the men to leave, with his hands held out open at his sides to indicate he wasn't a threat. Nevertheless, he was then shot, she said, at close range. A security guard from the bar called 911, Joy said. Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum. They can sell for hundreds of dollars to auto parts suppliers or scrap yards, where they can be melted down and the valuable metals extracted. Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. That prompted new state laws that make it illegal for recyclers to buy the parts from anyone other than the vehicles legal owner or a licensed dealer. Penalties were increased for buyers who fail to certify that a catalytic converter wasnt stolen. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Central Bureau detectives Howarth at (213) 996-4143 or Bobadilla at (213) 996-4173. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A family is still looking for answers after their son went missing several months ago here in the Miami Valley. Michael Clausells family put together a search and rescue on Sunday of the area he went missing. Were looking for my son, said Michael Lee, father to Clausell. Hes been missing for going on three months, and we just need him found. Michael Clausell from Columbus was on a work trip in Dayton when his car was found crashed in a ditch near Xenia. When authorities found the car, there was no sign of him. Columbus family asks for help locating man after vehicle crashed, abandoned in Yellow Springs Michaels family says he was last seen in early May driving the rental car. Just days later, his family received a call from the rental company saying Clausell never dropped the car off. Its not like him. Normally, he would call in about a week or two, but its been three months and he hasnt. We hadnt heard anything, said Lee. On Sunday morning, family and volunteers gathered to search a six-mile range of where Michaels car was last found. Ohio LandSAR Search and Rescue had over 30 members on the ground, as well as K-9s and drones to do initial searches before spreading out. We were out here during the week, a couple days doing what we call recon work on lots of properties in that crash area, said Chief John Adams, Ohio LandSAR. Just keep your eyes vigilant. Check your barns, your ponds, your lakes, your fields, anything like that. Michaels family says the support from the community has been great, and that they are not giving up, but remaining hopeful. I just want answers and Im trying to be optimistic and hopeful, that Ohio Land will provide us with the answers today, said Denise Edgington, Michaels cousin. Theyre just providing us with some hope. Were not hoping for anything but closure, you know what Im saying? said Lee. We have to face up to it. We just want closure. At the conclusion of Sundays search, there are no new updates. If you see Michael Clausell or have any information regarding his disappearance, contact the Dayton Police or the Greene County Sheriffs Office right away Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Arthur Harrington is a proud 2021 graduate of Detroits Cass Technical High School. But for a day, he was very excited to be seated inside one of Cass Techs friendly academic rivals Renaissance High School. It was Friday, July 12, and Harrington was part of a spirited crowd that gathered at 6565 W. Outer Drive between Greenfield and Hubbell for a rally that supported the 2024 reelection campaign of President Joe Biden. When many among the thousands in attendance chanted: Dont you quit, in support of Biden, Harringtons voice joined in repeatedly, with more gusto each time. Fast-forward to 1:46 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. As the world was learning about President Bidens historic withdrawal from the 2024 presidential campaign, along with his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to head the Democratic ticket, the 22-year-old Harrington took a moment to examine his own inner feelings. With support from the Coleman A. Young Foundation, Detroiter Arthur Harrington was able to complete two legislative internships on Capitol Hill, while attending Hampton University. The 22-year-old Harrington says he has been energized by Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, and he also is excited about giving back to Detroit through a variety of community initiatives. And the young man who grew up in the West Outer Drive neighborhood, near the Avenue of Fashion, liked his findings. I love President Biden, but when I read the news on my phone, it felt in my heart like a breath of fresh air, recalls Harrington, who came across the news shortly after coming out of a church service with his grandmother, Dr. Ernestine Harrington, 80 miles west of Detroit, in Jackson. I said: Oh my God, Grandma, he left the race.' Then I began thinking that the Democratic Party and the Democratic coalition is in prime position to win. When I got on Instagram Live that day, I had 200 people join me and I was saying that we must do everything we can to support Kamala Harris. During his Instagram Live broadcast, Harrington explained that he happily answered questions about Harris qualifications to be president, in the same manner surrogates defend their political candidates on the Sunday morning political news shows. It was a task that Harrington certainly could not have been expecting when he accepted an invitation from his grandmother to join her for church, which led to Harrington riding an Amtrak train from Detroit to Jackson. However, the ability to complete important tasks in relatively short periods of time even when challenges are thrown in is a talent that the former Coleman A. Young Scholar has already demonstrated. For example, after graduating from Cass Tech, where Harrington also completed college courses through a dual enrollment program with the Wayne County Community College District, he had earned a years worth of college credits. And with college credits in hand, along with scholarship assistance, including a $20,000 scholarship from the Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF), Harrington began making plans to attend historic Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. But before his bags were packed, Harrington felt a real need to make a phone call. My scholarships were going to cover my tuition, but I didnt have any money after that, explained Harrington, who was preparing to enter a private Historically Black University, which cost new students $42,798 to attend on campus for the 2023-24 school year according to the Schedule of Fees published by the university. So I called the universitys admissions office and the woman I spoke to said she had never received a call from a student who had already been accepted. Afterward, she asked if I had received any scholarship money from Hampton. Then she said, because I stepped out on faith and called, that the university would give me $40,000 in scholarship money. "It was a blessing and I give God all the glory and all the praise. Harrington says he attempted to reward Hamptons faith in him by locking in on his studies, which resulted in Harrington graduating within three years, as he walked across the stage during a commencement ceremony held this past Mothers Day (May 12, 2024). As a student at Hampton, Harrington also completed legislative summer internships on Capitol Hill, serving in the offices of Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Democratic congressman Shri Thanedar, both of Michigan. And just like Harrington needed some extra assistance to attend Hampton, he said another organization that had faith in him came through to make the legislative internship opportunities a reality. An unexpected additional $40,000 in scholarship money came Arthur Harrington's way after he made a call to the admissions office at Hampton University before he arrived as a student. The 2021 Cass Tech graduate repaid the university's trust by graduating in three years and now he is "ready to get involved" in community initiatives that uplift the city of Detroit. I would not have been able to live in D.C. for those summers when I had the internships on Capitol Hill if not for the Coleman A. Young Foundation, Harrington said about the foundation started by Detroits longest-serving mayor, which has provided scholarships to students from Detroit that have been accepted to colleges in Michigan or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) since 1986. The Coleman A. Young Foundation paid for me to live in D.C., and that was additional money beyond the $20,000 scholarship I received from them. They did that out of the trust they have in me. More: 'She's going to win,' says Detroit judge who has a HBCU connection with Kamala Harris More: These 'mobilized' Detroit women share a sacred sisterhood and 'Link' to Kamala Harris CAYFs mission is to develop leadership among Detroit youths through college scholarships, mentoring and developmental services. Recipients of CAYF scholarships are encouraged to give back to their community after completing their education. And that comes naturally for Harrington. "There's a change taking place and I want to be a part of it," says 22-year-old Hampton University graduate Arthur Harrington, who is passionate about Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, and equally excited about serving his hometown of Detroit through a variety of community initiatives. I told Mr. (Khary) Turner (CAYF executive director) as soon as I got back home in Detroit after graduation that I am ready to get involved, said Harrington, who also earned a full-tuition Judge Damon J. Keith Scholarship, which he will use to attend the Wayne State University Law School this fall. Theres a change taking place and I want to be a part of it, and theres a need in our community for a youth uprising. Young Black men like me need to pour into younger Black men and young Black women. A day after Harrington was on Instagram Live talking up the Harris presidential campaign, he displayed his passion through another platform when he participated in the Win with Black Men video call on July 22, organized by journalist Roland Martin and his Black Star Network, in support of the Harris campaign. Martin reported that more than $1.3 million was raised from approximately 17,000 donors. Martins records should show a donation from Harrington, who on the afternoon of July 23 was proud to describe how Black men showed up and showed out, just as Black women had done the evening before during a now well-publicized Zoom call in support of Harris. But moments later, Harrington spoke with equal enthusiasm about volunteer community work he is doing with the Cass Tech School Advisory Council, as well as a scholarship he plans to create in the near future for Cass Tech students. Harrington also was proud to talk about community service that he will be performing with his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. The joyful, detailed way Harrington described his upcoming agenda seemed to reveal that his brand of giving back will likely take place in many forms during the coming years, now that he is once again a full-time Detroiter. Detroiter Arthur Harrington, 22, says there is "a need in our community for a youth uprising." Among the issues the 2024 Hampton University graduate is passionate about is gun violence and what Congress is going to do to mitigate the problem. During 2022, Harrington spoke directly to Sen. Ben Cardin, of Maryland, about the subject at a forum, while Harrington was attending Hampton. I plan to be a campus organizer for any Kamala Harris event that takes place at Wayne State, said Harrington, the proud son of Sherry Mattice and nephew of Kimberly and James Smith, who, in addition to his family, identified Khary Turner, Rotary Club of Detroit President Renee Yancy and Cass Tech Principal Lisa Phillips as his greatest supporters. But with anything I do, I just want to help. Mentorship has been so important in everything that I have done. All of these people have believed in me, so honestly, I just want to be able to help my community in any way I can. Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the citys neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Arthur Harrington pivoted to Harris while focusing on serving Detroit (KRON) The Vallejo Police Department tracked down a robber who accidentally took a GPS tracker from a store safe he stole from on Friday. Man breaks into Berkeley charity organization, steals money and equipment Police said the robbery occurred at a business located on the 3600 block of Sonoma Boulevard at about 1:30 p.m. An employee reported that the robber entered the store, jumped over the counter, assaulted an employee before stealing from the store safe. The suspect is said to have stolen about $3,000 in cash in total. Police said that after stealing from the safe, he was able to evade security and flee from the Vallejo business. Unbeknownst to the robber, he also accidentally took a GPS tracking device. This helped VPD officers locate his exact location on the 3500 block of Sonoma Boulevard, where police said he was attempting to rob another business. As the robber was engaging the employee, our officers moved in and apprehended him, preventing a potential second robbery, VPD said. After confirming the robbers identity, a records check revealed the robber was a convicted felon, currently on probation with multiple felony theft convictions. Police said he was arrested and booked into county jail. VPD said the cash stolen from the safe has also since been returned to the business. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least one Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was involved in Saturday's shooting, which critically wounded a man accused of threatening behavior with knives. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) A man allegedly armed with two knives was shot and critically wounded by at least one Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy Saturday morning in Lakewood. Deputies responded to a report at 9:46 a.m. that a man had swung a knife at another person at South Street and Woodruff Avenue, near a Lakewood shopping center. When they attempted to detain the suspect, he was "uncooperative and refused to comply with their commands," according to a Sheriff's Department statement. The man continued to advance and demanded that deputies shoot him; they deployed a taser but were not able to stop him, the statement said. At least one deputy then opened fire and shot the suspect, who sustained several gunshot wounds. The man, whose name was not released, was transported to a local hospital, where he reportedly remained in critical but stable condition Saturday evening. Two knives were recovered at the scene, according to the department's statement. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Homicide Bureau is investigating the shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the bureau at (323) 890-5500. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Man arrested for firing gun while cars pass by HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) An Oakland City man was arrested Saturday, after deputies say he fired his gun in the air as vehicles passed a home he was at. Officials with Gibson County Sheriffs Office say multiple officers were dispatched to the 9200 block of East State Road 168. Upon arriving, deputies found 48-year-old Travis Siekman coming out of a house. During an investigation deputies learned Siekman was prohibited from possessing a handgun due to a protective order. Travis Siekmans charges Possession of Paraphernalia Possession of Methamphetamines Possession of Marijuana Invasion of Privacy Criminal Recklessness Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 man has been charged with a felony after he threatened on social media to shoot two people at a Morgan Wallen concert at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Friday night, prosecutors announced Saturday. Aaron P. Brown, 23, of Winchester, Illinois, is charged with making a terroristic threat, a class E felony. Detectives and intelligence analysts working at the Friday night concert were monitoring for possible threats online when they identified a post on X, formerly Twitter, that included a threat against two members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization, according to court documents, which redacted the names of those organization members. Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones were in attendance and escorted Morgan Wallen through the Arrowhead Stadium corridors before the concert on Friday. Brittany Mahomes also attended the concert and posted a video to her Instagram story of the trios entrance from the big screen in the stadium. A probable cause affidavit filed in court Saturday said the two people who were threatened were in attendance at the concert. At the request of the Kansas City FBI, X disclosed account user information to police. Information provided by X led police to Brown, according to the affidavit. Detectives used a cell phone number they were provided to contact Brown and he confirmed his identity, according to court records. Brown told police where he was located at Arrowhead and plain clothes officers detained him for terroristic threats, according to the affidavit. According to court records, detectives spoke to Browns girlfriend who told them she was aware of the situation and why police wanted to speak with her. She told police that Brown and his friends create burner accounts where they post stupid stuff, according to the police affidavit. Browns girlfriend allegedly told police she urged Brown not to post the threat, but he did anyway and thought nobody would read it. She told police Brown meant no harm by the post and that he posted it because he is a Minnesota Vikings fan. When police showed Brown a picture of the post, Brown allegedly told detectives it was a stupid, stupid mistake. He told police he has never made threats on social media before and did not know why he did it, the affidavit said. The concert was delayed for 40 minutes while detectives sought Brown. The post on X has since been deleted. Brown could face up to 4 years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000 for the class E felony. Brown has no criminal history, according to the affidavit. He was charged Saturday and a $15,000 bond was set. Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash bond. This is a developing story and will be updated. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) A man is in the Escambia County Jail in Florida charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing two people. An official with the Escambia County Sheriffs Office says they responded to a hospital after two people arrived with stab wounds. Deputies determined the incident happened in the 2000 Block of Blount Street. 32-year-old Jacobia Newberry was booked into the Escambia County Jail at 6:15 Saturday evening. Based on the information the ECSO spokesperson had Sunday morning, both victims were still alive. Charges would likely be upgraded if one or both victims die. We expect to learn more about this incident when an arrest report is available Monday. This isnt Newberrys first run-in with the law. Jail records indicate hes been booked into the Escambia County Jail more than a dozen times as an adult. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An Illinois man faces a felony after investigators say he made threats to shoot two Kansas City Chiefs at a Morgan Wallen concert at Arrowhead Stadium. While court documents hid who hes accused of threatening, the country star was accompanied by Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones as he walked out last Friday night. Aaron Brown, 23, of Winchester, Illinois, faces a Class E felony of making a terroristic threat in the second degree. According to court documents, KCPD detectives and intelligence analysts in the Kansas City Fusion Center working at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday were monitoring threats at the concert. 3 arrested after large amounts of explosives, drugs found in KC home The officers came across a threat posted on X (formerly Twitter) against two individuals who were members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization. This caused the concert to be delayed by approximately 40 minutes before Brown was apprehended by law enforcement. Court documents say that around 9:30 p.m. plain clothes officers located Brown and his girlfriend making their way towards the main hallway of the floor level. Brown identified himself to officers and was initially placed on an investigative hold for terroristic threats. Court documents claim that Brown has no current criminal history. When he spoke with detectives, court documents show that Brown told them he made the post due to stupidity and arrogance, adding that it was a stupid, stupid, stupid mistake. Brown was taken to jail and has since posted bond. Hes due back in court on August 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Man charged for threatening to shoot members of Kansas City Chiefs at Morgan Wallen concert KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) An Illinois man has been charged with a felony after allegedly making threats of shooting two members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization at a Morgan Wallen concert in Kansas Citys Arrowhead Stadium. Aaron Brown, 23, of Winchester, Illinois, faces a Class E felony of making a terroristic threat in the second degree. Brown was charged on Saturday and a $15,000 bond was set. According to court documents, Kansas City police detectives and intelligence analysts in the Kansas City Fusion Center working at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday were monitoring threats at the concert. Why singer Jelly Roll stopped concert mid-show The officers came across a threat posted on X against two individuals who were members of the Chiefs organization. These individuals were not identified in the documents. This caused the concert to be delayed by approximately 40 minutes before Brown was apprehended by law enforcement. Court documents say that around 9:30 p.m., plainclothes officers located Brown and his girlfriend making their way toward the main hallway of the floor level. Brown identified himself to officers and was initially placed on an investigative hold for terroristic threats. Speaking with authorities, Browns girlfriend reportedly explained that he and his friends make burner accounts which are anonymous and sometimes short-lived to post stupid stuff. She added that she was aware of the post and warned him not to post it, but he believed nobody would read it. On a wild final night of swimming, U.S. sets two world records, edges Australia in gold-medal race According to the affidavit, Brown made the post because he is a Minnesota Vikins fan, a local outlet reported. Brown allegedly called it a stupid, stupid mistake. Court documents claim that Brown has no current criminal history. When the show finally did begin, fans saw the Chiefs big three Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones escort Wallen, who was wearing a #7 Chiefs jersey (Harrison Butker) with Wallen on the back, to the stage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A homicide investigation is in progress after a man who was originally in critical condition, died of his injuries from a shooting last night in Hartford. On Saturday night, just before 11:30, Hartford police officers located a man in his forties on 61 Burton St. alert and conscious but suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim is Terrance Brown, 41, of Hartford, who was pronounced deceased at St. Francis Hospital. The Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions is investigating this shooting, and News 8 will keep you updated on the developments. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man dead after Saturday night shooting on the Near East Side Columbus police are investigating the Near East Side shooting on Saturday of a man who later died in Grant Medical Center. Police are investigating a shooting on the city's Near East Side on Saturday night that led to a man's death. Columbus police said they responded to reports of a shooting at 11:29 p.m. in the 800 block of Murray Avenue, where they found the victim in the front yard suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Dajuan Rios, 36, was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition and pronounced dead at 3:21 a.m. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Columbus Police Det. Kirby at 614-645-2372, the Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man dies after shooting Saturday night on Columbus' Near East Side HARTWELL COUNTY, Ga. (WSPA) Investigators are continuing to look into the death of a man at Lake Hartwell on Saturday. According to Hartwell County Coroners Office, Randy Lamar Beasley, of Commerce, Georgia, was recovered at Hartwell Marina between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday. According to the coroners office, Beasley, who was not a swimmer, was stepping from a boat onto a dock when he lost his footing and fell into the water. The sheriffs office said Beasley was attempting to help maneuver a boat near a boat slip and went under the water and never resurfaced. He was recovered from a depth between 16 and 20 feet. His death is being investigated by the Hart County Coroners Office, Hart County Sheriffs Office and Department of Natural Resources. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man swept away by storm in Willard Bay, search underway BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A 51-year-old man was swept away by a storm in Willard Bay Saturday night, according to Utah State Parks. A search for the man is currently underway. Authorities received a call regarding the incident around 8:50 p.m. on Aug. 3. Three individuals, including the missing man, were on a boat in Willard Bay a fresh water reservoir in the Great Salt Lake. LIST: 13 books officially banned from Utah schools While details regarding the incident are limited at this time, the man was reportedly swept away by waves during stormy conditions. A search is currently ongoing. Multiple agencies have responded to assist. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Mansfield man killed after u-turn crash on Route 1 in Wrentham A Mansfield man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Wrentham on Friday. Massachusetts State Police say the 50-year-old Mansfield man was driving a 2014 Mercedes CLA sedan on Route 1 around 5:30 p.m. Friday when he attempted an abrupt u-turn from the center travel lane. Another car traveling in the same direction then struck the drivers side of the Mercedes. The Mansfield resident was rushed to a nearby hospital to be treated for his serious injuries where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the second involved vehicle was not injured, Massachusetts State Police say. The second and third lanes northbound in the area of 475 Washington Street were closed for two and a half hours, state police said. The crash is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police and investigators from the Norfolk County State Police Detective Unit. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (The Hill) Many online pharmacies that are selling semaglutide, the main ingredient in weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are doing so illegally, according to new research. The study, released Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that when researchers used search engines to try and find websites advertising semaglutide without a prescription in the summer of last year, 42.27 percent of the online pharmacies that came up belonged to illegal pharmacy operations. This qualitative study found that semaglutide products are actively being sold without prescription by illegal online pharmacies, with vendors shipping unregistered and falsified products, the study reads. Two websites evaluated were sent [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] warning letters for unlawful sale of unapproved and misbranded semaglutide. Tim Mackey, an author of the report and professor at the University of California, San Diego, said those who are shopping online for anti-obesity meds are facing serious consumer risks of receiving medicine that is fake, ineffective and potentially dangerous. The research echoes alerts from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warned in June that fake versions of semaglutide were located, and being sold, in different countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) put out a medical product alert in June that warned of fake versions of semaglutide, a diabetes drug, being located in different countries WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public [to] be aware of these falsified batches of medicines, Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said in a statement. We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities. Manufacturers have found it difficult to keep up with the demand for anti-obesity meds, which can cost up to $1,300 per month, the study found. Because of this, the number of people searching for medicine on online pharmacies has increased, exacerbating the rise in knockoff products, per the research. Mackey added that the rise in potentially illegal online sales can also be credited to insurance plans that do not cover the injections or patients whose doctors will not write them a prescription for the drug. Medicare also will not pay for the medicine when they are prescribed for weight loss, the study explained. US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections Mackey and his colleagues tested six different samples of semaglutide from different online pharmacies. In their study, they found that at least two of the pharmacies had received warning letters from the Food and Drug Administration for the unlawful sale of misbranded semaglutide. The drugs purchased online also contained up to 39 percent more semaglutide than was labeled on the medicine, the research found. Overdosing on the medicine could lead to nausea, vomiting and dangerous drops in blood sugar, which can make people feel sick, per the FDA. Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced in June that it was filing several legal actions against med-spas, wellness centers and other entities that used unapproved products resembling their weight loss drug. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a quick turnaround on Sunday, Sen. Mark Kelly posted a message on X that was widely interpreted as the Arizona senator exiting the race to become Kamala Harris vice presidential pick but he then deleted the post shortly afterward. Posting on his personal account rather than his official Senate account, Kelly had written, My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life serving in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now, my mission is serving Arizonans. Sen. Mark Kelly has deleted this tweet in which he said his mission now is serving Arizonans. The statement seemed to imply hes not Harris VP pick. Kelly was among the VP finalists who was set to meet with Harris in Washington today as she nears her decision. pic.twitter.com/wujU5Eds4O Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) August 4, 2024 While not explicit, the emphasis on serving the people of Arizona seemed to indicate to many that he intended to serve out his term and would not be joining the Harris ticket as she seeks the presidency and replaces President Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate. However, the tweet he subsequently shared seemed to leave things more open for those looking to read between the lines. Kelly wrote, Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: Ive learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call. Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: I've learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call. pic.twitter.com/pugQf8zCV5 Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) August 4, 2024 Kellys impressive resume has led to many supporting him as a potential candidate given his background as an elected representative from a swing state, serving as an astronaut and in the Navy, as well as being the husband of former representative Gabby Giffords. Giffords rose to national attention when she was shot in the face and ultimately resigned due to a severe brain injury, but has gone on to become an advocate for gun control alongside her husband. Harris is set to hold a rally with her vice presidential pick on Tuesday and reportedly reviewed vetting presentations about the candidates on Saturday. She is also reported to have been conducting interviews with potential VPs on Sunday. There had been concern within the Democratic Party about Kelly leaving the Senate, as it could have put his Senate seat at risk in the swing state. If Kelly were to leave to become vice president, while the Democratic governor could appoint a temporary replacement, the seat would go up in a special election in 2026. If Kelly were to remain in office, his next election isnt until 2028. Others seen as frontrunners for the pick include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The post Mark Kelly Appears to Exit Race for Kamala Harris VP, Then Deletes Tweet: My Mission Is Serving Arizonans appeared first on TheWrap. SAVANNAH, GA. (WSAV) Mayor Van Johnson has issued an emergency order for Savannah as Debby approaches. This gives the city manager the authority to execute emergency management plans and procure resources to prepare and respond to storm impacts. Meanwhile, the mayor has issued a curfew for the city from Monday at 10 p.m. until Tuesday at 6 a.m. According to Storm Team 3 meteorologists, one of the primary concerns for Georgia and South Carolina as Debby approaches will be the potential for prolonged heavy rainfall which could lead to flooding. More on Debby here If you dont have to be in these Savannah streets tonight dont for your safety and for the safety of our emergency responders, Johnson stated. According to the city, crews are preparing for the storm by clearing out storm drains and providing additional maintenance to stormwater systems. Should rainfall totals reach the forecasted amounts of 10-30 inches it will exceed the City systems capacity and serious street flooding will occur, a statement from the city reads. The City will implement an orderly closure of street sections in flood prone areas. The mayor provided a list of streets to avoid. Find more information here. For questions about City services or to submit a service request, residents can call 311. Service requests can also be submitted online at Savannahga.gov/311request. City employees are encouraged to call into the Citys emergency information hotline for updates at 833-251-6020. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Meeting 'our climate goals': Overpass for rail trail connecting Leominster and Fitchburg named for late U.S. Rep. Olver LEOMINSTER An overpass that marked the completion of the first section of a 4.7-mile hike-and-bike trail set to connect downtown Leominster and downtown Fitchburg is now named after longtime legislator U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, according to a statement by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Olver, who served both chambers of the Massachusetts Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 44 years is credited with the vision for the trail and for securing federal funding for the trail known as the Twin Cities Rail Trail. An overpass that marks the completion of the first section of a 4.7-mile hike-and-bike trail set to connect downtown Leominster and downtown Fitchburg is named after longtime legislator U.S. Rep. John W. Olver. He died at 86 in February 2023 in Amherst. In a statement Saturday, Gov. Maura T. Healy expressed gratitude for Olvers kindness, friendship and advocacy. Generations of residents are going to enjoy this new bridge and the Twin Cities Rail Trail for years to come thanks to the late Congressman Olver, Healey said. Congressman Olver understood that rail trails have tremendous value in providing more travel options and getting people out of cars so we can meet our climate goals. The first phase of the trail opened in June 2022, running from First Street in Fitchburg to Carter Park in Leominster. The last piece that marked its completion was the bridge that passes over Route 2 near exit 99 in Leominster. Flanked by black metal arches, the bridge greets bikers and walkers with dedication signs honoring Olver at either entry point; dedication signs can also be spotted under the bridge where traffic coming from North Main Street turns into Route 2. An overpass that marks the completion of the first section of a 4.7-mile hike-and-bike trail set to connect downtown Leominster and downtown Fitchburg is named after longtime legislator U.S. Rep. John W. Olver. We have a sense of deep gratitude to the late U.S. Representative John Olver, said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt in a statement, for seeking federal funding to pay for a substantial portion of the trail acquisition in this area. it is an honor to be naming the Route 2 bicyclist and pedestrian overpass in his memory. The first phase cost $8.5 million and was 80% federally funded and 20% funded by the state, according to MassDOT. The Twin Cities Rail Trail Association says that Olver secured the first $4 million towards the trail's completion in 2004. The second phase of the trail is scheduled for bid this fall and is set to connect the now-completed phase to the rail and bus station in Fitchburg known as the Intermodal Transportation Center and the southern portion of the first section to downtown Leominster to the south. Work is expected to begin in spring of 2025, with an estimated 1,000-day construction period, according to the Twin Cities Rail Trail Association. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Overpass for rail trail connecting Twin Cities named for Rep. Olver Mike Taylor displays the rose gold coin seconds after digging it up on a South Wales farm - Mike Taylor/BNPS A metal detectorist says he did a jig of joy after turning up an exceptionally rare 2,000-year-old Celtic coin worth thousands of pounds. Grandfather Mike Taylor couldnt contain his excitement after finding the rose gold stater while searching farmland in Bishton, near Gwent, South Wales. Mike Taylor was triumphant after his exciting find - Mike Taylor/BNPS After getting an iffy signal from his detector, he dug down four inches before uncovering the coin, struck during the reign of Antedios, an Iceni ruler, from 20-47AD. The incredibly detailed coin, thought to be worth 4,000, depicts a triple-tailed horse alongside a cross, crescent, six-spoked wheel and pellets. It bears the tree emblem of the Dobunni, an Iron Age tribe living in Britain prior to the Roman conquest. The name of Antedios is inscribed in full with a Greek letter, which is unusual as abbreviations were more common. Mike, 63, a storeman from Newport, who found the coin in January while out detecting with his brother Tony, said: I was detecting on farmland where my brother and I have a permission. Best thing Ive ever found It was a wet, muddy day and the field had been recently ploughed. I got an iffy signal but decided to investigate and after digging down four inches, there it was. I got down on my knees in the mud and picked up the coin. I studied it and was absolutely amazed and dumbfounded. I did a jig of joy and put it in my brothers hand and I cant repeat what he said! Ive been detecting for 14 years and it is the best thing Ive ever found. Im going to split the proceeds with the landowner and my brother so whatever is left Ill spend on a holiday. The extremely fine stater, which is under an inch in diameter, is going under the hammer at Timeline Auctions, of Harwich, Essex. The fine details of the coin could be clearly seen once it had been cleaned up - Timeline Auctions/BNPS A Timeline Auctions spokesman said: This variant is rare because it features the complete name of the ruler, unlike most coins where part of the name is missing. Additionally, the rulers name is inscribed with the Greek letter , whereas it is usually written with the letter D. It is a well-centred example with sharp details. Only one other example with this lettering is recorded, and our example also includes three extra pellets behind the tail. This makes it an exceptionally rare and beautiful coin in lustrous rose gold. Antedios remained neutral during the Roman invasion of 43AD and was made a client of Rome. The sale takes place on September 3. 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. LEA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) A sergeant from the Lea County Sheriffs Office has taken a plea deal over distributing a sensitive video of a now former co-worker. Sergeant Sonia Estrada pleaded no contest to misdemeanor use of telephone to harass earlier this week. Estrada was one of four people facing charges for distributing the video. The victim said the video was sent to her fiance, a male coworkers wife, three chief deputies, and Sheriff Corey Helton. Man linked to 2023 deadly hit-and-run with DNA, Albuquerque Police Department says Charges against Lea County Sheriff Deputies Diana Juardo-Garcia and Ailleen Vizcarra, as well as Jal police Officer Alyssa Porras, were dismissed as part of the deal. Estrada was given 90 days of unsupervised probation, with a conditional discharge upon successful completion. She is required to pay a $50 donation to Crime Stoppers or a domestic violence shelter and have no contact with the victim. A lawsuit against the Lea County Sheriffs Office is still pending. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Michigan secretary of states office opened an investigation over the weekend into a political action committee created and partially funded by Elon Musk. The America PAC, which supports former president Donald Trump, has been collecting voter data from residents of battleground states, including Michigana potential violation of state law, according to authorities. Every citizen should know exactly how their personal information is being used by PACs, especially if an entity is claiming it will help people register to vote in Michigan or any other state, a spokeswoman for the Michigan secretary of states office said in a statement to CNBC. The PAC was gathering voter information through the websites register to vote section, where, after providing a ZIP code, address and phone number, users would be directed to a page that said thank you alongside a message asking them to complete the form below to help finish the registration process. As of Aug. 4, however, any mention of the form disappeared from the page, which now only reads thank you. The intent is to promote the principles that made America great in the first place. So I wouldn't say that I'm MAGA, 'Make America Great Again,' I think America is great. I'm more MAG - 'Make America Greater.'@elonmusk tells @jordanbpeterson why he created a super PAC to help pic.twitter.com/UQX25Vrzn7 Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) July 22, 2024 According to AdImpact, the committee has shelled out more than $800,000 since early July for targeted digital marketing to battleground state voters namely in Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Many of the ads encouraged people to register to vote at America PACs website. The Michigan secretary of states investigation seeks to determine if the Tesla founders committee violated state law by seeking the information. We will refer potential violations to the Michigan Attorney Generals office as appropriate, a spokeswoman for the department continued. Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson speaks to reporters on midterm election day in 2022. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Jocelyn Benson, Michigans secretary of state and the states top election official, has been a vocal opponent of Trump and his allies election denialism. She, along with a host of other Michigan Democrats, was sued at least twice by the Republican National Committee in 2024. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russia has been deploying foreign volunteers, namely residents of Egypt, to fight in its war against Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraines Operational Tactical Group "Kharkiv" reported on Aug. 4. "In Vovchansk, the enemy has intensified aerial reconnaissance with drones and is moving personnel," the military wrote. "The enemy is recruiting foreign volunteers, in particular, Egyptian citizens, to conduct hostilities." Russia is known to have targeted men from countries including Cuba, Kazakhstan, Somalia, and Nepal to fight in its army. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War earlier reported that Russia is increasingly involving foreign mercenaries from countries with a "difficult economic situation" in its war in Ukraine. In late June, a captured Nepali POW told Ukrainian authorities on video obtained exclusively by the Kyiv Independent that over 3,000 Nepalis may have joined the Russian army. The man said that Nepalis are promised a job away from the front line and given a contract that stipulates a 105 day training period, which he did not receive. Russia is "recruiting all nationalities," the POW added. Also in June, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Kyrgyz service reported that a Kyrgyz national was sentenced to five years in prison for fighting for Russia in Ukraine, as the country's law forbids participating in conflicts on foreign territory. Leaked documents also reveal that Russia has been coercing Cuban citizens into the Russian Armed Forces with salaries of approximately $2,000 per month, in addition to offers of a Russian passport within months of signing up, a BBC investigation revealed on May 4. Read also: Id be a king in Somalia with this money: Foreign POWs on being lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sofia Nelson, born in Wayland, Michigan, is a public defender in Detroit. But the Allegan County native was a first-year law student, out as trans, when they met a young JD Vance during orientation at Yale Law School. Nelson felt lucky to win acceptance to Yale, and always hoped to come home and work in the public interest. Nelson and Vance also from a Midwestern, working-class family quickly became close friends. They stayed in touch after law school, visiting each other and respectfully and thoughtfully debating politics and policy via email. The Vance that Nelson knew was sympathetic and empathetic, interested in robust debate underpinned by mutual respect, appalled by many of then-candidate Donald Trump's statements and positions. Suffice it to say, Vance's politics have changed. A decade later, Vance would win a U.S. Senate seat, representing his home state of Ohio. Last month, former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party's presidential nominee, tapped Vance as his running mate. Nobody likes JD Vance and his 'cat lady' misogyny. Trump needs to dump him, fast. Luke Schroeder, a spokesman for Vance, said via email, Its unfortunate this individual chose to leak decade-old private conversations between friends to the New York Times. Sen. Vance values his friendships with individuals across the political spectrum. He has been open about the fact that some of his views from a decade ago began to change after becoming a dad and starting a family, and he has thoroughly explained why he changed his mind on President Trump. Despite their disagreements, Sen. Vance cares for Sofia and wishes Sofia the very best. I spoke to Nelson this week about their friendship with Vance, and their disappointment in his hard-right persona. Public defender Sofia Nelson met JD Vance at Yale Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance campaigns in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 20, 2024. When did you first meet JD Vance? The way that Yale structures its program is that the incoming class is divided into small groups of 16. Your first-semester classes are with the same 16 people, with other small groups mixed in. So I took all my first-semester classes with JD, and also the small groups are encouraged to bond and spend time together and socialize. ... So that's how JD and I met, and both being from the Midwest, both growing up in working-class communities, we bonded over that. What was your first impression of him? I really liked JD. I still care about him and (wife) Usha (also part of the Yale small group). Obviously, I'm heartbroken by the transformation that they've decided to undergo. ... The JD that I got to know in law school and it's reflected in our correspondence after law school was thoughtful and compassionate. We obviously didn't share a common politics, but growing up in Wayland, Michigan, it was nothing new to me to develop friendships and respect across the political divide. I'm from Appalachia. JD Vance isn't. He got our story wrong. In excerpts of your conversations, what struck me was two people really trying to understand the other's perspective, which is so rare these days. I think that that's really important. One of the things that I think JD has been right about is, and he's not the only one that says these things ... is (it's wrong) to dismiss anyone who voted for Trump as stupid or racist. I certainly think that Trump is advancing a racist and dangerous agenda. But there are real concerns amongst Trump voters, many of whom I grew up with, that I don't believe that the Trump/Vance ticket is doing anything meaningful on a policy front to address those concerns. ... The Democratic Party does need to take seriously the concerns of working-class Rust Belt voters, and I take those concerns seriously and I serve those constituents. I think the thing that the Republican Party gets deeply wrong is those aren't just white people, right? I grew up in the Midwest, I've lived in the Midwest the vast majority of my life. ... Working-class Michiganders are LGBTQ+ people, they are immigrants, they are Black Americans. They are people of many different faiths. The values that I grew up with are that above all else, you treat everyone with respect. You adhere to basic decency when interacting with people, even when you disagree with them. And you treat others as you want to be treated. You might not understand somebody, but they're your neighbor, and you know how to live in community. And so I see protecting trans people, protecting immigrants, protecting Muslims, protecting all LGBTQ+ people as about protecting my community, because I live in a diverse community. Michigan, and the Rust Belt, are diverse places. After law school, you stayed in touch via email. We also visited each other. I attended his wedding. He came to Detroit for work a few times. One time I think they came, both him and his wife, solely for a social visit. I had gone to Ohio as well. JD Vance's beliefs shifted, then came 'childless cat lady' controversy When did you start to notice a shift in his public profile? Around 2020, 2021. He was going to run, or was considering running, for Senate in 2018 against (Democratic U.S. Sen.) Sherrod Brown. (Editors note: About that time, Vance started a nonprofit to help offer opportunities for disadvantaged children. Critics say the nonprofit was intended to give Vance a path to the ballot in Ohio, a state he hadnt lived in for years. Polling around that time reportedly showed that Vances anti-Trump statements weren't popular with voters. The nonprofit quickly folded.) There was no path forward for him as a never-Trumper. He essentially turned his back on his values and reconstituted himself, not only changing his position on every imaginable issue, but also his tone. The decency, the thoughtfulness and the desire to understand disappeared, and now he mimics Donald Trump with this cruelty and name-calling. I think that is well captured in the cat lady controversy. (Editors note: A 2021 clip of Vance calling Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats childless cat ladies recently surfaced.) That was just never present in him. I mean, he was sarcastic and contemptuous of some elitism, for sure, as am I. But he never exhibited the kind of cruelty that he exhibits now in his public persona. That really changed when he decided to reconstitute himself as a MAGA Republican. So it wasn't just his position on LGBTQ+ issues or immigration or police brutality that's completely changed I mean, this is a man who was incredibly sympathetic and understanding about the overpolicing and the brutality of policing against Black Americans, and that's reflected in our email exchanges. ... Every conceivable issue he's changed his position on, but he's also changed the way he talks about people. It sounds like that desire to empathize is gone. I think that to succeed in the MAGA world, you have to adopt a Trump-like persona, and that's what he's chosen to do. When was the last time you spoke? In April of 2021, when his Twitter started being quite anti-trans, I reached out to him and that was our last substantive conversation. I did reach out when he announced when it came to light that Peter Thiel had given him $15 million and we had a brief exchange. I find Peter Thiel to be a terrifying figure ... and that's who's bankrolling JDs rise. Do you communicate at all anymore? No. I don't wish JD or his wife any ill. I have a lot of fond memories of the man that I knew for over a decade. But he's now advancing a political agenda that's trying to strip me, and the people that I love and have built community with, of our civil rights, and I felt a duty to speak out as a result. Once you try to take power and control over other people's bodies is where I draw the line as far as friendship is concerned. 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. What should people know about Vance? What do you want people to know about him? What I think is key, and why I released those emails, is two reasons. One, we all evolve our thinking on certain issues with new information. But to change your position, to flip-flop on every conceivable issue, whether it be Donald Trump or LGBTQ+ rights ... shows a lack of core values or a willingness to turn your back on core values to advance your career and amass money. I think that hypocrisy is deeply concerning, and the American people have a right to know where he used to stand on the issues compared to where he stands today so they can evaluate for themselves whether he's trustworthy. And two, the fact that he had a meaningful and respectful relationship with a trans person that being myself and is now demonizing trans people and trying to prevent parents from accessing medical care for their children. We need to trust medical providers, parents and the children to make these decisions for themselves. This is about freedom. It's about choice. Every parent loves their child unconditionally, and is going to be be cautious and thoughtful in making these decisions, but parents are best equipped to make those decisions, and to try to deny them that freedom, I think, is deeply concerning. Sofia Nelson What I want trans kids to know because I was a trans kid once, and it, it was deeply scary to think that there was something wrong with me that was going to prevent me from leading a full and happy life I want trans kids to know that these politicians, they don't actually think you're bad. They don't actually believe there's anything wrong with you. They're engaging in opportunism to win elections. I know that because he was very loving and respectful of a trans person in his life, and is now choosing to use trans kids as a political ploy. So you don't think it's a sincere change in belief, your feeling based on the person you knew, is that its a put-on. I feel that there isn't an issue that he isn't willing to change his opinion. ... I think that's what he's demonstrated. I mean, in his emails to me, he said I would never vote for, I would never support Donald Trump when it really mattered. Well, it really matters now, and he is Donald Trump's No. 1 spokesperson, and not only that, but he's advancing an ideology even weirder and more extreme than Donald Trump's agenda. Do you miss your friend? Of course. I'm heartbroken over the way he's changed, or the way he's been willing to sacrifice his core values. ... Even if I disagree with someone's, you know, tax policy or whatever it may be, I think all Americans are served when we have leaders from both parties with integrity. ... The man that I knew in law school, while we had those political disagreements, I believe to be a person who valued decency and had integrity, and to see him turn his back on those things is heartbreaking. And yes, I do miss him. Nancy Kaffer is the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, where this column originally appeared. 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 Detroit Free Press: Vance emails show a different person. Sofia Nelson mourns that friend The Russian "authorities" of Luhansk reported attacks on the city, and Artem Lysohor, the head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, reported a fire at the site of a machine-building plant where the Russian forces repair and keep military equipment. Source: Leonid Pasechnik, the head of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic [a self-proclaimed and non-recognised quasi-state formation in Luhansk Oblast ed.]; Artem Lysohor, the head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration on Telegram; TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet Details: Russian media and the Luhansk occupation authorities reported explosions in the city on Sunday. Leonid Pasechnik claimed that "12 missiles of Western production" were fired by the Ukrainian defence forces on Luhansk, "probably eight ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow missiles". He claims that "the missiles hit storage points with fuel tanks and a residential area". Meanwhile, Artem Lysohor said that the strikes caused a fire at the machine-building plant where the Russians repair and keep military equipment. Quote from Lysohor: " As reported by the occupation media, 12 explosions were heard in the city this afternoon. There were reports of unknown to the occupiers combined cotton [Russian propaganda, initially refusing to use the word vzryv (explosion), used khlopok (a bang) instead. However, khlopok also means cotton, and this has since become a meme ed.]. It was allowed to flower by the Russian air defence system, which only shoots down everything on TV and the Internet. However, there are always things happening in Luhansk when it comes to reality. There is yet another fire at the machine-building plant. Usually, the invaders repair and keep military equipment there. I guess I should say that equipment used to be repaired and kept there." More details: Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet TASS also reports that powerful explosions were heard in Donetsk and Makiivka. "According to preliminary data, there is smoke in the centre of Makiivka," the message reads. Support UP or become our patron! MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Mardi Gras Park in Downtown Mobile was packed with rally goers Saturday evening as a Shake the field voting rally took place. Come November I will be voting, rally goer Debbie Miller said. The rally was hosted by Alabama Foward and Stand-up Mobile, encouraging those no matter which political party they are affiliated with, to vote in the 2024 election. The impact could be positive or negative. Theres a lot of legislation, and a lot of judicial decisions coming out of the Supreme Court that have been rolling back the progress that has been made in our country, Stand-up Mobile President, Shalela Dowdy said. And so, we would like to see our country continue to progress forward towards the betterment of all and fair and equity, This is the first election season that Mobile will be separated into two congressional districts. Alabama Forward helped fight for the Allen v. Milligan case. In October, federal judges decided on a new Alabama Congressional map that split Mobile County, creating a majority black voting district. The first opportunity, really, for their voices to be heard and elect a candidate of their choosing, Executive Director of Alabama Forward, Deanna Fowler said. Angela Curry with United Women of Color said that the country is full of division, and it is crucial to show harmony. We are literally the bosses of the people that we send to Capitol Hill. And so, its important because everything that we do in our lives is affected by government. Our cell phones, the water we drink, the cars that we drive. So, its very important for us to know who is running, and why theyre running it, Curry 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 WKRG News 5. Article first published: Monday, Aug. 05, 2024, 5 a.m. ET Article last updated: Monday, Aug. 05, 2024, 8 a.m. ET On Monday at 8 am, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Debby is now affecting Florida Category 1 Hurricane Debby is 60 miles north-northwest of Cedar Key Florida, with maximum sustained wind of 75 mph. Its moving 10 mph to the north-northeast. "A gradual decrease in forward speed with a turn toward the northeast and east is expected later today and Tuesday." meteorologists state. "On the forecast track, the center will slowly across northern Florida and southern Georgia today and Tuesday, and be near the Georgia coast by Tuesday night." They also said "Additional weakening is expected as Debby moves over land today and tonight." YESTERDAY (Sunday): Yesterday, Debby found new strength and evolved from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 75 miles per hour. CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: The Storm Surge Watch from the middle of Longboat Key to Englewood Florida has been discontinued. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay - Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River South Carolina A Hurricane Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the Yankeetown to Indian Pass A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande - Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach - St. Augustine to South Santee River South Carolina A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. Interests elsewhere along the southeastern coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional watches and warnings will likely be required later today. HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND: WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area for the next few hours. Tropical storm conditions will continue over portions of the tropical storm warning area along the Florida Gulf coast through the morning, and begin along portions of the tropical storm warning area along the Atlantic coast by this evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the coast of South Carolina within the tropical storm warning area by late tonight. 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... Yankeetown, FL to Aucilla River, FL...6-10 ft Chassahowitzka, FL to Yankeetown, FL...4-6 ft Aucilla River, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL...4-6 ft Ochlockonee River, FL to Indian Pass, FL...3-5 ft Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...3-5 ft Tampa Bay...3-5 ft Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River, SC...2-4 ft For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? PeakSurge. RAINFALL: Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of central and northern Florida as well as central and northeast North Carolina through Saturday morning. This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected. Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding. For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding associated with Hurricane Debby, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Ero. For a list of rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS4 with the WMO header ACUS44 KWBC or at the following link: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html. TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia today. The threat will spread northeastward into parts of South Carolina later today and tonight. SURF: Swells generated by Debby are expected to affect much of the Gulf coast of Florida through tonight. Swells will begin to affect the Southeast U.S. coast later today and continue through the middle of the week. These conditions 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. Article first published: Monday, Aug. 05, 2024, 5 a.m. ET Article last updated: Monday, Aug. 05, 2024, 8 a.m. ET On Monday at 8 am, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Debby is now impacting Florida Category 1 Hurricane Debby is 60 miles north-northwest of Cedar Key Florida, with maximum sustained wind of 75 mph. Its moving 10 mph to the north-northeast. "A gradual decrease in forward speed with a turn toward the northeast and east is expected later today and Tuesday." according to analysts. "On the forecast track, the center will slowly across northern Florida and southern Georgia today and Tuesday, and be near the Georgia coast by Tuesday night." They also said "Additional weakening is expected as Debby moves over land today and tonight." YESTERDAY (Sunday): Yesterday, Debby reached new heights of intensity and was upgraded from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane, with winds blowing at 75 miles per hour. CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: The Storm Surge Watch from the middle of Longboat Key to Englewood Florida has been discontinued. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay - Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River South Carolina A Hurricane Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the Yankeetown to Indian Pass A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande - Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach - St. Augustine to South Santee River South Carolina A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. Interests elsewhere along the southeastern coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional watches and warnings will likely be required later today. HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND: WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area for the next few hours. Tropical storm conditions will continue over portions of the tropical storm warning area along the Florida Gulf coast through the morning, and begin along portions of the tropical storm warning area along the Atlantic coast by this evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the coast of South Carolina within the tropical storm warning area by late tonight. 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... Yankeetown, FL to Aucilla River, FL...6-10 ft Chassahowitzka, FL to Yankeetown, FL...4-6 ft Aucilla River, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL...4-6 ft Ochlockonee River, FL to Indian Pass, FL...3-5 ft Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...3-5 ft Tampa Bay...3-5 ft Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River, SC...2-4 ft For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? PeakSurge. RAINFALL: Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of central and northern Florida as well as central and northeast North Carolina through Saturday morning. This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected. Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding. For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding associated with Hurricane Debby, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Ero. For a list of rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS4 with the WMO header ACUS44 KWBC or at the following link: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html. TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia today. The threat will spread northeastward into parts of South Carolina later today and tonight. SURF: Swells generated by Debby are expected to affect much of the Gulf coast of Florida through tonight. Swells will begin to affect the Southeast U.S. coast later today and continue through the middle of the week. These conditions are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Source: National Hurricane Center This article was generated by the Sun Herald 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. Full hurricane coverage at sunherald.com/news/weather-news/ Two Monroe shoe stores hold the distinction of being some of the oldest continually running and family-owned business in the U.S. Martins Shoe House, located at 43 S. Monroe St., and Yaegers Shoes, located at 1271 N. Telegraph Rd. Both businesses share several distinctions, including being founded in the same year during the 1840s and being active in local civic and religious communities. According to a press release and Bulkleys History of Monroe County Michigan, George Martin was a shoe cobbler, born in 1819, who emigrated from Germany in 1840 in New York. He migrated first to Newark, New Jersey and set up his first cobbler shop there. In 1844, he married Odelia Gerweck (born in 1821) and settled in the German neighborhoods of Monroe in 1846. He had the opportunity to share his craft in his new home and started what was known as Geo. Martin & Sons the same year. George Martin built shoes from scratch for nearly 30 years for his customers. In 1860, he built a 20 x 80 feet three-story building at the current location to enable the business to grow. In 1870, George Martin expanded the reach of the business to include ready-made boots but continued to build shoes up until the early 1880s, when shoe factories started to manufacture shoes across the United States. George Martin passed away in 1896. In the early 1900s, George's two sons, Jacob (born 1861) and John A., changed the name of the shoe store to Martin Brothers. Jacob Martin began the first of his five terms as mayor of Monroe. He had also been Monroes fire chief from 1893 to 1901. Mother Odelia Martin died in 1904. Due to the increase in mass production of shoes, Martin Bros. continue to grow as a retail facility specializing in custom shoes and shoe repair. In 1929, the next generation of the Martin family changed the name of the shoe store again, to Martin's Shoe House, and in 1980, Martin's Shoe House became a privately held corporation. Similarly, Emmanuel Yaeger brought the shoe cobblers craft to Monroe and joined forces with Sebastian Lauer who had emigrated from Landshausen (in the Baden Wurttemberg region of Germany) to Monroe in 1843 where he began his boot and shoe business (Son Edward George Joseph G.J Lauer born in 1858 would go on to buy out Bulkleys dry goods business and start Lauers at 25 Front Street). Like George Martin, Emmanuel Yaeger would build shoes from scratch and, later, sell manufactured shoes. Michael Yaeger (born January 23, 1938) would buy the business from his father and uncles, Edwin and Leo Yaeger, in 1964, having started working there in 1957. Michael Yeager would continue the strong work ethic started by his great grandfather by encouraging his five children and his wife, Lois (nee Heckel who he married in 1959) to be part of the business operations. Michael Yaeger would later move operations from S. Monroe St. to the current Telegraph Rd. location and open additional stores in Lincoln Park in 1977 and in Toledo in 1982 (with partner Norm Johnson who he had mentored). An additional Toledo location would follow in 1989 (operated with son Steve) and another in Canton in 1992. Both the Yaegers and the Martins would put their Catholic faith at the forefront of their lives, with Michael and Lois serving as Eucharistic ministers and on the Parish Council at St. Marys. Michael Yeager died on December 7, 2020, and Lois Yeager passed away on May 22, 2024. Martin's Shoe House Inc. remains the oldest shoe store to operate in one location in Michigan. This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Two of the country's oldest family-owned businesses call Monroe home. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia (L), opposition presidential candidate, and his wife Mercedes Lopez wave to supporters as they take part in a demonstration against the official results of the presidential election that declared President Maduro the winner. The opposition accuses the government of electoral fraud. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa Following a presidential election in Venezuela marked by allegations of widespread fraud, the defeated opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has been recognized as the true winner by a growing number of foreign countries. Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay and Costa Rica have joined the United States, Peru and Argentina in recognizing Gonzalez, a former diplomat, over the authoritarian incumbent, President Nicolas Maduro. "Following the obvious falsification of the election results, the Ecuadorian government recognizes Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate winner of the presidential election," said a statement from the presidential office. After the election on July 28, Venezuela's electoral authority declared Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the election. However, it has not yet published the itemized results of the individual voting districts. The opposition is accusing the government of electoral fraud and is claiming victory for its candidate, Gonzalez. Opposition groups have said that their own detailed voting results from more than 80% of constituencies in Venezuela indicate that Gonzalez received 67% of the votes and Maduro only 30%. Many foreign governments had already refused to recognize Maduro's re-election in 2018. Juan Guaido, the then-parliamentary president, declared himself interim president. The US, Germany and other countries recognized Guaido, but Maduro was able to retain the support of powerful groups within Venezuela, including the military. The armed forces have once again pledged their loyalty to Maduro. Protests in Venezuela and abroad Large numbers of people took again to the streets in the capital Caracas on Saturday to protest against Maduro. "We have never been as strong as we are now. The regime has never been as weak as it is now. It has lost all legitimacy," said opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. "We will not give up our right to civil protest," she said. There were also anti-Maduro demonstrations elsewhere in Venezuela as well as in the US city of Miami, in Bogota, Colombia, and in Spain's capital Madrid. Maduro on Saturday said 2,000 people had been detained, promising they would be punished. "We have 2,000 people detained and we are sending them to [the maximum security prisons] Tocoron and Tocuyito," said Maduro to his supporters. "This time there will be no pardon." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a small copy of the constitution at a press conference in the Miraflores presidential palace three days after his controversial re-election. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa More US schools are taking breaks for meditation. Teachers say it helps students' mental health Malachi Smith meditates during a mindfulness session in his classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School, May 14, 2024, in Rex, Georgia. School districts across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. (AP Photo/Sharon Johnson) REX, Ga. (AP) The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation, and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they filed into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day. The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark fin, part of the classroom's regular meditation routine. Listen to the chimes," said the teacher, Kim Franklin. "Remember to breathe. Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools' use of the practices. Research has found school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where students face high levels of stress or trauma. The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where two-thirds of the students are Black. GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonprofits, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform. Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta's executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area. Children nationwide struggled with the effects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were affected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions. We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen told The Associated Press. There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions. Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political flashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote progressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality. But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students' well-being. When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high, Cooper said. When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color. Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%. Its a stigma with being able to say youre not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help, said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary's assistant principal. With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how different cultures feel and how different cultures react to things, its important to be all-inclusive with everything we do. Nationwide, children in schools that serve mostly students of color have less access to psychologists and counselors than those in schools serving mostly white students. The Inner Explorer program guides students and teachers through five-to-10-minute sessions of breathing, meditating and reflecting several times a day. The program also is used at Atlanta Public Schools and over 100 other districts across the country. Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since theyve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her calm down and not stress anymore. I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself, Aniyah said. Malachi Smith, 9, has used his exercises at home, with his father helping to guide him through meditation. You can relax yourself with the shark fin, and when I calm myself down, I realize I am an excellent scholar, Malachi said. After Franklins class finished their meditation, they shared how they were feeling. Relaxed, one student said. Aniyah raised her hand. It made me feel peaceful, she said. ___ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. I-270 on the North Side reopens after crash closed it for several hours Sunday A motorcycle crash closed westbound Interstate 270 east of Interstate 71 for several hours Sunday afternoon. Columbus police said the single-vehicle crash occurred at about 12:40 p.m. The motorcyclist was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition. All lanes of Interstate 270 westbound beyond Interstate 71 were closed Sunday afternoon following a motorcycle crash. More: Interstate 270 ramp to U.S. 23 north to close for three months starting Monday According to the Ohio Department of Transportation's OHGO app, the crash closed westbound I-270 between Cleveland Avenue and I-71. By 4 p.m., the closure was no longer on the OHGO site and traffic appeared to have resumed as normal. Details of the crash or the motorcyclist were unavailable Sunday afternoon. bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: I-270 accident on North Side of Columbus injures motorcyclist KANE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A motorcyclist was critically injured after being thrown from his bike in Kane County Sunday morning, according to Utah Highway Patrol. At around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 4, police responded to a motorcycle crash on northbound SR-89 at mile marker 78. Man swept away by storm in Willard Bay, search underway The motorcyclist had failed to negotiate a curve, striking a guard rail to his right, according to Sgt. Mike Alexander, UHP. The collision caused him to be thrown from his bike. The man, who is reportedly in his mid-60s, was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said Sunday he is confident former President Trump would examine the facts before issuing blanket pardons of Jan. 6 rioters. I believe President Trump will take a look at it and hell do what he feels like is best. I have my complete faith in President Trump that he pays attention to every little detail, and he will do whats right for the American people, Mullin said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union about Trumps pledge to pardon Jan. 6 rioters if elected to office. Mullin, who served in Afghanistan, helped police officers barricade the doors inside the House chamber on Jan. 6, 2021, and came face-to-face with rioters as they tried to breach the chamber where lawmakers were hiding. In his Sunday interview, he recalled visiting a triage center after the Capitol attack in 2021 and seeing police officers wounded from confrontations with angry rioters. He distinguished between those violent rioters, who he said must serve their time, and others who Mullin said were unfairly labeled as domestic terrorists. These individuals that I feel like they have locked up right now, they were caught up in the political environment. They were thrown into a court system that there was no way theyre going to get a fair system. And I believe that President Trump is going to take a hard look at that. And those that were innocent, they should be, they should be relooked at and hopefully pardoned by [the] president, Mullin said. Those individuals that attacked police officers, that physically attacked police officers, you know, they committed a crime, and they need to pay for that, he added. Trump, however, said explicitly he would pardon rioters who attacked police officers in an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday. Absolutely I would. If theyre innocent. If theyre innocent, I would pardon them, Trump said when asked by ABC Newss Rachel Scott whether he would pardon rioters who assaulted police officers. When Scott noted that they had been convicted, Trump said, Well, they were convicted by a very, very tough system. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Multiple people were injured in a head-on crash in Sorrento Valley Friday, authorities said. According to the San Diego Police Department, the incident occurred in the 6200 block of Carroll Road shortly before 1:30 p.m. when a 26-year-old man was driving a 2020 Toyota 86 eastbound and a 52-year-old man was driving a 2012 Toyota 4Runner westbound. How $85.10 can buy a San Diego home For reasons still under investigation, police said the driver of the Toyota 86 did not properly negotiate the curve of the road and crossed into the opposing lane of traffic, in turn, causing a head-on collision with the driver of the Toyota 4Runner. The driver of the Toyota 86 sustained fractures to his legs, pelvic area and left arm. The driver of the other vehicle sustained fractures to his spine, left ankle and sternum. Two passengers in the 4Runner were also injured. One sustained a fractured spine and internal bleeding, while the other had internal bleeding and fractured ribs. Police confirmed that the driving under the influence of drugs is suspected to be a determining factor in this head-on crash. Traffic Division officers responded to the location and will be handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. In July, 27-year-old travel influencer Aanvi Kamdar fell to her death while shooting footage at a 300-foot waterfall in India to share on her Instagram. In April, a 39-year-old content creator slipped off a viewing platform in the country of Georgia while climbing a barrier to take a selfie. In March, it was a 43-year-old tourist in Indonesia; he had just taken a photo of himself at the edge of a cliff. In December, a 39-year-old tourist fell off a cliff in Beacon Hill, New York, while posing for a selfie with her husband. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, there were 379 selfie-related deaths worldwide between 2008 and 2021. Thats more than 4 times the number of people who died by shark bite in the same period. And still that figure is likely an underestimate, because the numbers are pulled mostly from media reports, which dont cover all deaths and can be hard for researchers to find. Selfie-related fatalities are not one or two risk-takers, airheads, or vain teenagers. They affect tourists and locals of all ages and genders across the world. Thats why, for the past few years, researcher Sam Cornell has led the call to consider death by selfie a public health issue. This is a human behavior that could be detrimental, and so therefore we need to educate and communicate better, Cornell tells me. Hes getting his Ph.D. on these types of deathswith an even narrower focus on fatal falls in aquatic locationsat the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Before the ubiquity of the front-facing camera, which made it to iPhones in 2010, people still died by accidental fall in natural destinations. People have always taken risks, Cornell says. Social media and smartphonesthey just accelerate and amplify. Its not just that smartphones can be distracting in risky situations. Theyre also actively increasing the number of people going to spots like cliffs and waterfalls. A study in April quantified, for the first time, how social media exposure has directly increased the number of visitors to national parks in the U.S. More visitors mean more opportunities for things to go wrong. Selfie deaths are quite rare, with a peak of 68 in 2019. But they seem as if theyre here to stay. The 2022 Journal of Travel Medicine study found that falls from heights accounted for about 50 percent of selfie-related injuries, followed by transport-related incidents (28 percent) and drownings (13 percent). Tourists37 percent of victimswere most likely to die by falling from heights than by other causes, and they tended to be older than local victims, who were more often teenagers and young adults engaging in risky behavior. The highest number of deaths occur in India (a statistic that prompted the country to declare selfie-related fatalities a national problem back in 2015), followed by the U.S. and Russia. Yet, despite the clear trends, the public and media seem to treat selfie falls not as the result of safety issues at tourism sites that need to be addressed but rather as individual failings. Cornell scoured media coverage of fatalities and found that it rarely included any sort of prevention education. Instead, articles tended to adopt a blaming tone, recounting what the individual had done leading up to the fatality or highlighting the apathy and ignorance of tourists (though some recent pieces do, in fact, mention the framing of selfies as a public health issue). The comment sections were usually pretty ruthless too, Cornell notes. Consider two on the Daily Mail article covering Kamdars death at that 300-foot-tall waterfall. Thats what happens when youre focused on your phone and not your surroundings, very hard to have any sympathy, wrote one reader. Another said: I think this says something about the intelligence of people who call themselves influencers. Land managers at natural tourist sites, however, do take these incidents seriously, and they consider it a problem for which they (and not just the individual) hold the responsibility to address. In another study, Cornell talked with 18 land managers in Australia, including national parks personnel and local councils in Sydney, where beautiful but dangerous cliffs attract crowds. He found that as visitor numbers increase, theyre struggling with this problem, he says, and looking for new ways to solve it. The typical solution, from a land management perspective, is to put up educational signs and barriers, as is already done in spots that can be dangerous even if youre not glued to your phone. A more drastic measure is to designate an entire area a no-selfie zone. Some researchers have called for more adoption of these zones; theres no data currently to support their efficacy. But presumably signs, barriers, and restrictions can only do so much for people determined to get the perfect shot, given the pressure of getting Instagram likes or re-creating the experience of the travel influencer who inspired their visit. Perhaps that would be an ideal intervention: if the travel influencers themselves warned would-be visitors of the possible misjudgments when capturing content in risky destinations. But when Cornell spoke to 19 travel and tourism influencers for a not-yet-published study, he found little buy-in. One of the main themes that came out was, like, Were content creators, he recalls. Were not here to educate. Were here to entertain. And regardless of what influencers should do, its hard to regulate or enforce what they say to their captive audiences. (Although there is some precedent: A few years ago, an Australian agency threatened financial influencers with jail time if they gave misleading information.) If smartphones are the problem, maybe theyre also the solution. In Cornells dream world, a manufacturer like Apple would alert its users upon reaching certain coordinates that theyre in a dangerous zone. After all, youre already on your phone, he muses. Such alerts could even let you know how many people have previously died in that same spot while taking a selfiea sobering strategy that has been used to discourage the dangerous sport of rock fishing in Australia. Indian researchers created a version of this idea back in 2018: an app called Saftie (like, safety plus selfie), which appears to no longer be available. One obvious issue with an app is that it needs to be downloaded, so its likely not reaching the more at-risk populations who arent already considering the issue of selfie fatalities. While researchers study the best ways to reach selfie takers, all strategies boil down to education and awareness so that individuals can make the safest choices. I think you should be able to take a selfie wherever you want, Cornell says. But I also think that you should be informed if youre doing something risky. The next time you hear about a selfie death, consider your own risk and communicate with those in your life who might be at increased risk. After all, those who die are the misfortunate among many, many more people who take selfies in the same places, and live to share the pictures. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A national physicians group is denouncing Oregon Health and Science Universitys use of live animals for medical training. More than 500 members of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine signed the letter sent to OHSU President Danny Jacobs on Thursday, urging the institution to modernize and humanize its surgical training program. Multnomah County, AMR reach tentative agreement to improve ambulance response times The university has stated it uses animals only when nonanimal methods are inadequate or too dangerous for human participants and, in those cases, the animals undergo anesthesia and are treated by veterinarians. We believe that the education and experience surgical trainees gain through the use of relevant animal models are essential to ensuring future surgeons have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, high-quality care, OHSU said, in part, in a statement. The university noted that other training programs conduct animal testing as well. An ongoing survey from the Physicians Committee, most recently updated on July 2, shows OHSU is one of at least 60 programs in North America that uses animals. Portland Police to address upcoming street racing, takeover event The survey also lists 221 institutions that opt for other methods. In the letter to President Jacobs, the committee offered to fund the demonstration of a surgery simulator that is estimated to cost $13,000. The company behind the system asserts it gives trainees a hyper-realistic surgery experience that mimics a humans heartbeat and blood loss without risking a subjects life or harming them. The letter was coupled with a billboard above Interstate 5 North near OHSUs lower campus. The billboard reads, TOO WEIRD EVEN FOR PORTLAND. OHSU: Stop Killing Pigs to Train Doctors. Another rate hike? Portland General Electric asks for double-digit increase in 2025 According to PCRM, both the billboard and letter have come after the organizations failed attempts to discuss the matter with faculty members from the Department of Surgery and the School of Medicine. The university said it continually monitors and evaluates alternatives to using animal models in our surgical training and is committed to adopting these techniques as soon as they are validated scientifically. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren marched with protestors on Aug. 2, 2024, in Cameron, Arizona, to oppose the transportation of uranium across Navajo land. (Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation Office of the President) Tribal leaders from the Havasupai Tribe and Navajo Nation were led to believe that Energy Fuels Resources, Inc., would give their communities two weeks notice before they started hauling uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon. However, that wasnt the case when Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and the Havasupai learned on July 30 that two trucks hauling uranium ore were already en route to the uranium mill in Utah. They snuck through the Navajo Nation, Nygren said. By the end of the day, Nygren was informed that two trucks carrying uranium ore from the Pinyon Mine had passed through the Navajo Nation and reached Utah. They operated covertly to travel (through) the Navajo Nation illegally, Nygren said. They smuggled uranium across our nation, which is very inappropriate. Energy Fuels Resources, Inc. (EFRI), the owner of Pinyon Plain Mine, started transporting uranium ore from the mine near the Grand Canyon to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah, on July 30. The transportation routes to move the uranium from the Pinyon Plain Mine go through several tribal communities, including lands of the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai and Ute Mountain Ute. Pinyon Plain Mine owners have strategically taken steps to attack the sovereignty of the Havasupai Tribe and neighboring Tribes, the Havasupai Tribe said in a written statement. Despite our continuous opposition, Energy Fuels Resources, Inc. has once again acted in its own self-serving interest by beginning to haul uranium ore on public roads, through our ancestral lands, and into the Navajo Nation. The Havasupai Tribe said that Energy Fuels Resources promised months ago to give the Havasupai, neighboring tribes, the U.S. Forest Service and other stakeholders two weeks notice before hauling the uranium ore to the processing mill in Utah. The tribe said it relied on the good faith promise of EFRI to provide the notice, but EFRI blatantly disregarded its good faith promise and notified the U.S. Forest Service hours after the haul trucks departed the mine site. EFRI has demonstrated by its actions that it cannot be trusted, the Havasupai Tribe said. The tribe has opposed uranium mining in and near the Grand Canyon for generations and has been vocally opposed to the operation of the Pinyon Plain Mine and have been trying for decades to shut it down. Our purpose of opposing uranium mining remains for the protection of our drinking water and the health and safety of our Tribal members and tourists who visit our reservation, the tribe said. Pinyon Plain Mine started operations again in December 2023 due to the high demand for uranium. By Jan 8, EFRI notified the Kaibab National Forest that it had extracted uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine and placed it on an ore pad, according to the U.S. Forest Service. This was the first time uranium ore had been removed from the mine. The Havasupai Tribe does not stand alone in our fight against uranium mining, and we will continue to offer our support to the Navajo Nation, the tribe said. The Havasupai Tribe strongly condemns EFRls actions, and we will continue to fight against both the mining and transportation of uranium anywhere within our aboriginal territory. (Map courtesy Grand Canyon Trust) The trucks route enters the Navajo Nation at Grey Mountain and passes through multiple Navajo communities, including Cameron, Tuba City, Kayenta and Mexican Water. The legacy of uranium mining has harmed the Navajo Nation for decades, from abandoned mines to contaminated waste disposal. From 1944 to 1986, nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore were extracted from Navajo lands, according to the EPA, and hundreds of Navajo people worked in the mines, often living and raising families near the mines and mills. The Navajo Nation has sacrificed so much for this country through the mining and processing of uranium ore extracted from our lands, said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson, who represents Cameron Chapter, one of the communities along the trucks route. Energy Fuels Resources is threatening the lives and health of our people by transporting uranium across our land, Allen added. Between the 1940s and 1990s, thousands of uranium mines operated in the United States, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Most operated in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona, typically on federal and tribal lands. The number of mining locations associated with uranium is around 15,000, according to the EPA, and of those, more than 4,000 have documented uranium production. Our Navajo people have suffered for many years, and many lost their lives due to uranium mining on our homelands, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said, adding that the council strongly condemns the actions of Energy Fuels Resources. The Navajo Nation will continue to oppose and fight against the transportation of uranium ore through our lands for the health and safety of our people, Curley added, In response to EFRIs transportation of uranium ore across the Navajo Nation, Nygren issued an executive order on July 31 that will require an agreement to be put in place before the transportation of radioactive material through the tribes land. The executive order will be in place for six months. Nygren said the tribe is doing so because it is his job as president to enforce the laws on the Navajo Nation to ensure the safety of the Navajo people and respect for Navajo sovereignty. The Navajo Nation outlawed the transportation of uranium ore through their homelands over a decade ago as part of the Navajo Nations 2012 Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons, and Materials Transportation Act. The law prohibits the transport of uranium mining products within the Navajo Nation unless it complies with the transportation notice and other requirements. The tribe said that EFRI did not notify Navajo Nation officials of the transportation of an estimated 50 tons of uranium mine ore through the tribes lands. Nygren said the companys failure to seek approval from the Navajo Nation for transporting radioactive materials across its land disregards the nations governmental authority and sovereignty. If youre going to smuggle uranium into our borders and across our nation and outside, thats pretty much illegal, he added. Im very disappointed that this is happening in this day and age. The Havasupai Tribe and Navajo Nation have called upon state and federal leaders to support their efforts to halt the transportation of uranium ore through tribal lands. The Arizona Attorney Generals Office was informed of the uranium ore transportation on July 31. Attorney General Kris Mayes said that her office is researching options and remains committed to doing everything in her power to protect the health and safety of all Arizonans. Hauling radioactive materials through rural Arizona, including across the Navajo Nation, without providing notice or transparency and without providing an emergency plan is unacceptable, she added. Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement that she has been communicating with the Navajo Nation and EFRI as they navigate the situation. My administration worked with EFRI to voluntarily agree to pause ore shipments through Navajo lands to give both sides an opportunity to engage in good faith negotiations, Hobbs said. I have also instructed (the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs) to partner with tribal law enforcement and assist the Navajo Nations emergency management team in developing an emergency response plan in the event of a road incident, she added. Hobb said her administration had asked EFRI to engage in ongoing discussions with stakeholders about the safety concerns surrounding the Pinyon Plain Mine and uranium ore transport. They have agreed, she said. My hope is that these steps and good-faith negotiations between both parties during the temporary pause will bring an acceptable solution, she said. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. Follow Arizona Mirror on Facebook and X. NC has some of the most dangerous roads in the US: See how Wilmington-area counties rank Traffic moves across both lanes of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge after months of restoration. The westbound lanes of the bridge were opened around 5am Thursday May 9, 2024. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS With a recent study revealing North Carolina as one of the states with the riskiest roads to travel, some may wonder how safe the roads are here in the Cape Fear region. MarketWatch Guides, a site that provides reviews of consumer products and services to help readers make educated purchasing decisions, focuses in part on car insurance comparisons, vehicle safety and more. A recent study by the site analyzed factors including annual miles driven per 100,000 system miles, percentage of rough roads and fatal injuries per 100,000 licensed drivers. States were given a rating out of 10 points, with 10 being the most dangerous. More: Distracted driving in Wilmington: How big of a problem is it? North Carolina's ranking among the most dangerous According to the study, the states with the most dangerous drivers based on the factors studied are: Louisiana 7.55/10 California 7.21/10 New Mexico 6.74/10 Hawaii 6.73/10 Delaware 6.67/10 New Jersey 6.53/10 Mississippi 6.47/10 North Carolina 6.39/10 Massachusetts 6.33/10 Maryland and Texas 6.26/10 According to the study, North Carolina had 32.5 fatal injuries per 100,000 licensed drivers, but only 2.1% of rough roads, which was the lowest percentage out of the other ranked states. For a more localized perspective, the North Carolina Department of Transportation releases annual traffic crash facts data. The most recent 2022 report includes a ranking of counties based on several factors, including reported crashes, crash severity, crash rates based on population, registered vehicles and estimated vehicle miles traveled. The most dangerous county for drivers, ranked at No. 1 for the past five years, was Robeson County. The county had 60 fatal crashes in 2022 with 1,136 non-fatal injury crashes. The rest of the total 4,056 crashes were property-damage-only. The county with the best ranking was Hyde County, coming in at No. 100. The county had one fatal crash in 2022 and 10 non-fatal injury crashes. The county had a total of 45 crashes, the rest of which were property damage only. More: MyReporter: Which intersections see the most red-light camera violations in Wilmington? Heres where the Cape Fear region counties ranked. Brunswick County Ranked No. 76 in 2022, Brunswick County had 25 fatal crashes and 715 non-fatal injury crashes. The total crashes for that year were 3,146. The remainder of the crashes were property damage only. New Hanover County Ranked No. 58, New Hanover had 19 fatal crashes and 1,313 non-fatal injury crashes, both of which went down from 2021. The total crashes in New Hanover were 5,617. The remainder of the crashes were property damage only. Pender County Ranked No. 47, Pender County had the worst ranking despite having the lowest number of crashes. The county had 12 fatal crashes and 374 non-fatal injury crashes, and a total of 1,156 crashes. The rest of the crashes were property damage only. Iris Seaton, USA Today Network, contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Most dangerous counties for driving in North Carolina Nearly 100 people were killed in antigovernment protests in Bangladesh on Sunday, according to local media reports. The Associated Press (AP) reported that one of the countrys top newspapers, Prothom Alo, reported that at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in the new wave of antigovernment protests, while Channel 24 said there were at least 85 people killed. A curfew has been put in place starting Sunday evening indefinitely in the capital, Dhaka, and other areas, the news service reported. The protesters are calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign, which follows demonstrations last month from student protesters who demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971, according to the AP. Last months demonstrations left more than 200 dead as protesters clashed with police. At one point, Hasina imposed an 11-day internet shutdown that was lifted last week. Hasina said the fresh wave of protests was sabotage, saying that those participating in them were criminals, according to the AP. The government said Sunday that there would be a holiday from Monday to Wednesday and that mobile internet service would be cut off, the AP reported. The State Department issued a do not travel advisory for Bangladesh last month, citing civil unrest, crime and terrorism. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned "Iran's axis of evil" against attacking Israel, amid expectations that Tehran and the militant groups it supports are readying retaliatory strikes. "The state of Israel is in a multi-front war against Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting, adding that the military was "prepared for any scenario." "I reiterate and tell our enemies: We will respond and we will exact a heavy price for any act of aggression against us, from whatever quarter," the prime minister said, according to a transcript released by his office. Tensions are high in the region after the targeted killings of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Both groups have deep ties to Iran. The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warned on Saturday that militant groups allied with Iran would also take part in the retaliation against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned "Iran's axis of evil" against attacking his country, amid expectations that Tehran and the militant groups it supports are readying retaliatory strikes. "The state of Israel is in a multi-front war against Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting, adding that the military was "prepared for any scenario." "I reiterate and tell our enemies: We will respond and we will exact a heavy price for any act of aggression against us, from whatever quarter," the prime minister said, according to a transcript released by his office. Tensions are high in the region after the targeted killings of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Both groups have deep ties to Iran. The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warned on Saturday that militant groups allied with Iran would also take part in the retaliation against Israel. Jordan seeks to head off escalation Jordanian Foreign Minister Aiman al-Safadi has travelled to Tehran for mediation talks in view of the threat of an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel, local media reported on Sunday. In talks with Iran's acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, he wanted to dissuade the country from taking military action against Israel, according to the reports. According to official statements from Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti also urged Kani in a telephone conversation that all parties must exercise calm and restraint so that the situation in the Middle East does not get out of control. According to Iranian media reports, Iran has so far refused all attempts at mediation. Iran's non-state allies include Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. There are also militias loyal to Iran in Iraq and Syria. Like Qatar and the United States, Egypt is acting as a mediator between Israel and the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza war. Egypt is also an important partner of the US in the attempt to stabilize the Middle East, which is plagued by various conflicts. During a direct Iranian attack on Israel in April, Jordan stood by the country and supported Israel in intercepting the missile GPS outage in Israel amid fears of strike GPS usage in large parts of Israel has been disrupted amid fears of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel, the Times of Israel newspaper and the Ynet news portal reported on Sunday, citing users. The outages have reportedly not only affected the border areas near Lebanon, but also densely populated regions in the centre of the country. Besides providing users with directions, the GPS positioning system is also used by drones to find their targets. Israel is on highest alert after Iran threatened retaliation for the assassination in recent days of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has not yet officially commented on the accusations that it is responsible for the attack. Drivers in Israel suddenly found that their screens were placing them in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, according to the media reports. Even before Iran's major attack in April, involving hundreds of rockets and drones, the Israeli army stated that it had intentionally disrupted the satellite-based positioning system. When asked about the latest GPS disruptions, the army responded: "No comment." Another indication of a potentially imminent attack by Iran and allied militias in other Middle Eastern countries was the arrival of the commander of US forces in the region, General Michael Erik Kurilla, as reported by the US news portal Axios. Kurilla had also travelled to Israel shortly before the major Iranian attack in April. Add NewsNation to the growing list of TV-news outlets hoping to telecast a presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. In letters to sent to each candidates campaign staff Sunday that were reviewed by Variety, Nexstar executive Sean Compton, who oversees the NewsNation for parent Nexstar Media Group, proposed that both sides consider the cable outlet after Trump said Saturday he would not take part in an event already scheduled with ABC News for September 10 and instead proposed one with Fox News for September 4. More from Variety Id like to offer an alternative that would satisfy both candidates not to mention the American public a fair, respectful and even-handed debate on NewsNation, co-sponsored by The Hill, said Compton, referring to the political-news media outlet also owned by Nexstar. He added: We of course are flexible on the timing, format and location of the debate, although we certainly expect it would be held in a battleground state such as Pennsylvania. Nexstar was unable to make executives available for immediate comment. The NewsNation pitch spotlights growing interest from news outlets in landing some part of the events leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Some of that is fostered by Democrats and Republicans willingness to skirt the debate system long orchestrated by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and some of it is spurred by the intense desire for exclusive live events that can generate sizable audiences in an era when more TV viewers have migrated to one-on-one streaming sessions with Netflix, Hulu and other broadband outlets. NewsNation offers one of the smaller audiences among TV-news outlets. A much-anticipated debate between Trump and President Joe Biden that was broadcast in June reached drew 51.27 million viewers across a wide array of networks, with CNN, which moderated the event and let others broadcast it, attracting 9.53 million viewers. Fox News snared 9.28 million viewers and ABC News lured 9.21 million. NewsNation drew some portion of 3.45 million who also watched via Scripps News, Univision, BET, Newsmax and PBS. NewsNation remains an upstart presence on the news scene, having launched in 2021, with Nexstar hoping to provide an alternative to rivals that tilt partisan. The network has hired anchors and producers known for tenures at Fox News Channel, ABC News and other places, while also utilizing the newsrooms that are part of Nexstars vast local-station holdings. The event drew 1.6 million viewers. Harris has already proposed appearing with ABC News on September 10, when a debate was to have taken place between Trump and Biden. Fox News has made a pitch for a debate to be held on September 17 in Pennsylvania moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. As you know, the journalists at NewsNation and The Hill pride themselves on being nonpartisan, said Compton. Unlike some media outlets, they are not identified as favoring either Democrats or Republicans. Thats why NewsNation and The Hill are the perfect platform for an intelligent conversation about the crucial issues facing America as we head into the election. The executive did not identify anchors that might moderate the proposed debate. Some of NewsNations best-known staffers are Vargas; Chris Cuomo; Dan Abrams; Ashleigh Banfield; and Leland Vittert. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By Felix Onuah ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu called on Sunday for a suspension of protests against a cost of living crisis, saying this would create an opportunity for dialogue, his first public comments since frustrated citizens took to the streets last week. Amnesty International has said at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests on Thursday. Police denied using excessive force and said seven people had died as of Saturday - four from an explosive device during a march in northeast Borno state, two who were hit by a car and another who was shot by a guard when protesters looted a shop. In a televised broadcast, Tinubu called for an end to violence in several states since the protests started, saying he was always open for dialogue. "My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens," he said. Nigerians have been mobilising online to organise protests against economic hardship and bad governance and have called for a cut in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among several demands. Tinubu, in office since May 2023, defended his economic reforms, which have included a partial end to petrol and electricity subsidies and devaluation of the naira, as necessary to reverse years of economic mismanagement. He government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year while 68% of revenue now went to debt servicing, down from 97% before he took office in May last year. The government was also ramping up spending on infrastructure projects, started a loan scheme for university students and was building thousands of housing units across Nigeria's 36 states, the president said. "But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart," said Tinubu. ($1 = 1,610.9000 naira) (Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Frances Kerry) Nine Columbus City schools potentially face closure. Here's what to know Columbus City Schools could close as many as nine schools in the coming months. In June, the Superintendent's Facilities Task Force recommended at a Columbus City school board meeting that the board consider closing six elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school building in the state's largest district, which has over 110 buildings. That's 11 schools fewer than what the the task force presented in May, where up to 20 possible school buildings could have been closed under nine initial scenarios. Since announcing the proposed finalists, the board has been on break and is set to return on Tuesday. While there were originally 20 schools on the list, some schools initially recommended for closure such as Cranbrook and Siebert Elementary schools, which all have high English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, were not put forward in the final recommendations because of the challenges presented with transitioning students, Superintendent Angela Chapman previously told The Dispatch. While the board has been on a July recess, it is set to return this week with a scheduled Tuesday meeting at 6 p.m. The board is expected to resume discussions around school closures. District spokesperson Jaqueline Bryant told The Dispatch that final recommendations will be voted on at a later, undetermined date by the board. "A timeline for implementation of board-approved changes is yet to be determined," Bryant said in an email. Here's your guide to schools on the final list of proposed closures: See the schools on a map: View an interactive map of each of the nine school buildings proposed for closure in Columbus City Schools. Broadleigh Elementary School Broadleigh Elementary School, 3039 Maryland Ave. Students would be redistributed among Eastgate, East Columbus, and Fairmoor elementary schools. The task force said the transition will maintain the quality of education and provide students with a broader range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1952 Utilization: 66.5% (266 students out of 400 capacity) State report cards: Three stars overall; three stars in progress English Language Learners: 29.4% Chronic absenteeism: 44.2% Buckeye Middle School Buckeye Middle School, 2950 Parsons Ave. Students would move to Marion-Franklin High School, creating a 6-12 grade site. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1962 Utilization: 72.6% (365 students out of 503 capacity) State report cards: Two stars overall; two stars in progress English Language Learners: 4.9% Chronic absenteeism: 77.8% Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys, 3450 Medway Ave. Students would join the Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1962 Utilization: 23.2% (100 students out of 431 capacity) State report cards: Two stars overall; three stars in progress English Language Learners: N/A Chronic absenteeism: 61% Fairwood Alternative Elementary School Fairwood Alternative Elementary School, 726 Fairwood Ave. Students would be moved to Ohio Avenue or Livingston elementary schools. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1924 Utilization: 46.5% (186 students out of 400 capacity) State report cards: three stars overall; 2.5 stars in progress English Language Learners: N/A Chronic absenteeism: 66.1% Lindbergh Elementary School Lindbergh Elementary School, 2541 Lindbergh Dr. Students would be redistributed among Binns, Burroughs, and West Mound elementary schools. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1958 Utilization: 78.7% (236 students out of 300 capacity) State report cards: 3.5 stars overall, five stars in progress English Language Learners: 6.4% Chronic absenteeism: 48.7% McGuffey Road Facility (Columbus Alternative High School building) Columbus Alternative High School, 2632 McGuffey Road Columbus Alternative High School would move its programming to East High School, which would remain open, and CAHS would share space in the building. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1926 Utilization: 84.5% (764 students out of 904 capacity) State report cards: Four stars overall; four stars in progress; four stars in graduation English Language Learners: 6.9% Chronic absenteeism: 51.7% Moler Elementary School Moler Elementary School, 1201 Moler Road Students would be moved to Lincoln Park or Livingston elementary schools. Facts about the school: Year opened: 1967 Utilization: 65.5% (311 students out of 475) State report cards: 2.5 stars overall, 3 stars in progress English Language Learners: 5.9% Chronic absenteeism: 68.8% North Linden Elementary School North Linden Elementary School, 1718 E. Cooke Road Students would be redistributed among Huy, Maize, Innis, or Northtowne elementary schools. Year opened: 1949 Utilization: 82.5% (330 students out of 400 capacity) State report cards: 2.5 stars overall; three stars in progress English Language Learners: 54.4% Chronic absenteeism: 44.4% West Broad Elementary School West Broad Elementary School, 2744 W Broad St. West Broad, alongside Lindbergh and Valleyview elementary schools, would consolidate with other area elementary schools under one proposal. West Broad Elementary is on the West Side. Year opened: 1914 Utilization: 65.5% (360 students out of 550 capacity) State report cards: 2.5 stars overall; three stars in progress English Language Learners: 23.5% Chronic absenteeism: 67.6% This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Here are facts about the Columbus City schools proposed for closure No one hurt in apartment fire in Greece GREECE, N.Y. (WROC) Firefighters in Greece were called to an apartment fire Sunday afternoon on De George Circle in Greece. Officers with the Greece Police Department and two crews with Monroe Ambulance responded to the scene. North Greece Fire Department Deputy Chief Lissow said the apartment suffered significant damage to the attic and the front of the building. No one was injured during the fire and firefighters are still working to determine the cause of the fire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson has been battered for months by his Democratic rival and other adversaries for seeking additional abortion restrictions beyond current state law and for past comments upbraiding women on the issue. Abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers. Its about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down, Robinson said in a Facebook video in 2019, the year before he was elected lieutenant governor in his first bid for public office. Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the current attorney general and an abortion-rights supporter, has shown the footage in ads since June. Now Robinson is attempting to shift the broader electorates views of him on the issue through empathy with a new commercial starting Friday that describes his wifes own abortion decades ago and leaves the impression hes comfortable with the states current 12-week ban on most abortions. ALSO READ: RNC Night 2: Nikki Haley officially endorses Trump The policy shift would be significant for Robinson, whose campaign said earlier this year that he supported an abortion ban after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions. Many women dont even know they are pregnant at six weeks. Previously, Robinson left the impression that hed support something even more severe, saying in 2020, for example, that for me, there is no compromise on abortion. For decades, the GOP campaigned on restricting abortion throughout the country. But as abortion rights have driven turnout for Democrats and appeared as a vulnerability for Republicans, Robinsons approach reflects ongoing efforts by conservative politicians to appear moderate on abortion rights or avoid the topic altogether on the campaign trail or otherwise risk losing at the ballot box in a post-Roe v. Wade world. The stakes are high in North Carolina, where races for statewide office are usually close affairs and the winner of this closely watched gubernatorial campaign in November could have much to say about whether the Republican-controlled General Assembly will be able to advance its conservative agenda without resistance. RELATED: Dimple Ajmera humbled by asks to run for mayor The campaign ad on television and on digital platforms shows Robinson and his wife Yolanda Hill holding hands. They discussed her abortion publicly in a 2022 video, but the potential audience now is much greater. Thirty years ago, my wife and I made a very difficult decision. We had an abortion, Robinson says in the ad, adding that it was like a silent pain between us that we never spoke of. Hill added: Its something that stays with me forever. Thats why I stand by our current law, Robinson goes on to say, pointing to what he calls common-sense exceptions for pregnancies through incest and rape and when the life of the mother is in danger. Asked Friday whether Robinson was altering his views on abortion, campaign spokesperson Mike Lonergan said that the legislature has already spoken on this issue. In May 2023, the Republican-controlled General Assembly enacted over Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto legislation that scaled back the states ban on most abortions from after 20 weeks of pregnancy to 12 weeks. If elected governor, Robinson will work to make North Carolina a destination for life by building a culture that does more to support women and families, including bolstering adoption, as well as foster and childcare, Lonergan added. RELATED: Could Charlotte host the 2040 Olympics? One councilman thinks so. Steins campaign said later Friday that the Robinson ad was the latest example of him running away from his extreme and toxic stance on abortion. Steins team has alleged that Robinson would seek an abortion ban with no exceptions if elected. If North Carolinians want to know where Mark Robinson really stands on abortion, they should listen to every other comment hes made on the issue before today, Stein campaign spokesperson Morgan Hopkins said. Former President Donald Trump has sought a more cautious stance on abortion rights this election by dodging questions and leaning on his go-to response that he brought abortion back to the states when he helped form the majority that overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Abortion politics have been credited for turning back an anticipated red wave last year and delivering wins for Democrats in Kentuckys gubernatorial race and in the Virginia state legislature after Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin failed to rally voters behind a proposal to ban abortions after 15 weeks with exceptions. Cooper was barred by term limits from seeking a third consecutive term but essentially handed the Democratic baton to Stein, a former state senator who once worked under Cooper when the politician was state attorney general. Hopkins said in June that Stein supports the Roe v. Wade framework of the past 50 years that protects womens reproductive freedoms and restricts abortion later in pregnancy unless a womans life or health is at risk. Such a framework generally allows for abortions in most cases through the point of viability, which is usually between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. Robinsons campaign has alleged that Steins views are extreme, saying that he supports abortion later in pregnancy entering the third trimester. (WATCH BELOW: New airline rules are set to take effect this fall) ASHEBORO, N.C. (WNCN) The North Carolina Zoo recently crossed a historic milestone this past week. The zoo located in Asheboro celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday. N.C. Zoo officials posted a message on social media, marking the notable occasion: Throughout our history, weve been home to a diverse array of remarkable animals, dedicated keepers, and passionate employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Join us in honoring this milestone by visiting the Zoo in 2024! Pictures of the first animal inhabitants at the North Carolina Zoo, two Galapagos tortoises named Tort and Retort. (Source: North Carolina Zoo) In the post, the zoo also highlighted its first animal inhabitants, which were a pair of Galapagos tortoises named Tort and Retort. These two tortoises symbolize the early days of the North Carolina Zoo and are cherished deeply in our hearts, the post said. The North Carolina Zoo houses nearly 1,700 animals and more than 250 species that primarily originate from Africa and North America. As of July 2024, its one of only two state-supported zoos in the United States, along with the Minnesota Zoo. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One Northland family is hoping to get revenge on a porch pirate, after having more than $750 in rare custom car parts stolen from their porch in late June. Emma Davis was shocked at first. Oh, my gosh, I cant believe this happened to us. You see about it all the time. But it happened to us, she remembers. 3 arrested after large amounts of explosives, drugs found in KC home She called the police, who filed a report on the incident. She remembered being frustrated that there wasnt more that they could do, so she decided to set a trap for the thief. Because I just knew that they were just going to make a case, file it as an incident report and carry on, said Davis. But I just had this gut feeling that he was going to be back, she said. In talking with other neighbors, she realized the same car and the same person had been stealing packages from other houses. So she made a pair of fake packages, one that had a tequila bottle filled with water, another, containing a blanket full of glitter and an Apple AirTag. The packages sat on the porch for more than a month until last Wednesday. Less than 2 minutes after pulling out of her driveway, she got a notification from her Ring cameras. I just started shaking. And I called my husband, and I was like, The packages! The packages! He came! Like, youre terrified. But also, like, I knew it! And he came. I knew he was going to come back, she said. Kansas City house cat recovering after run-in with a lawn mower Davis and her husband tracked the car while on the phone with police, eventually ending up at a home in Kansas City, Kansas. They worked with the Kansas City Missouri and Kansas City Kansas police departments to get their belongings back, unfortunately, they have not recovered them yet. Davis says that she knows why the thief targeted her neighborhood. So, theyre coming back because they know that there are people out there that are leaving their packages out there. Theyre having wins, theyre going home with large amounts of items, Davis said. She said shes looking into a lockbox, or other delivery options like Amazon lockers, to prevent the stealing from happening again. Until they get caught or until theyre not getting items anymore, theyre going to continue to come back. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A North Texas contractor was arrested Friday after allegedly defrauding customers, accumulating around $260,000, the Parker County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Authorities began investigating a remodeling company Infinity Outdoors Solutions, LLC and its owner, Andrew Paul Ross, in April after receiving reports of fraud regarding the business. Customers told the sheriffs office that Ross would enter into contracts, take large payments, then discontinue all contact without completing jobs or returning their money. In one instance, Ross entered into a contract with a customer in October 2023. After completing part of the contracted work, Ross made a second withdrawal from the customers account for $33,000, according to the release. He then ceased all contact with the customer, the sheriffs office said. All payments from the customers account were found to have been deposited into Ross business account, where he transferred funds for his personal use, according to the sheriffs office. Another person reported Ross taking $25,000 before cutting off communication. A third customer had $29,380 withdrawn from their account without Ross completing the project. A fourth person was allegedly scammed out of $56,534 after Ross did the same thing, the sheriffs office said. Ross collected more than $259,000 from defrauding nine customers, the sheriffs office determined. The money was collected without completing the terms of contracted work, without returning funds, and without any communication with the customers. Ross has also been reported by customers out of Granbury, North Richland Hills, Dennison, Denton, and other areas of Tarrant County, the sheriffs office said. Investigators obtained 10 felony warrants for Ross on charges of theft of property and misappropriation of trust fund with intent to defraud, according to the release. He was booked into the Parker County Jail on Friday. The sheriffs office encourages people who think they might have been scammed to contact local authorities and report incidents. A 56-year-old man was arraigned Friday by a judge in Montmorency County's 88th District Court, following an animal cruelty investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Scott Allen Thompson, of Hawks, Mich., is accused of multiple animal cruelty charges. Thompson pleaded not guilty to four charges including: One felony of failing to provide animals with adequate care, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines and community service. One misdemeanor of animal cruelty, punishable by up to 93 days in jail with up to $1,000 in fines and up to 200 hours of community service. Two misdemeanors for improper burial of dead animals, each punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. This is a rare situation for the DNR to get involved in, as domestic animal complaints and investigations are not our primary responsibility or focus. However, there were no other resources available, said Chief Jason Haines, DNR Law Enforcement Division. In June, DNR officers went to the 50-acre Thompson family property in Atlanta with a search warrant regarding a dead horse. During the search, they located a total of 10 deceased animals including: four geese, two chickens, a horse, pig, quail and rabbit. The owners were ordered to properly bury the horse and the other nine animals were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing, where lab personal determined starvation and dehydration were the causes of death. More: Dearborn reaches agreement with animal cruelty group to keep stray animals safe More: Barley the lost dog finally caught after 14 months in Upper Peninsula This is a very large-scale animal abuse case, and something had to be done, said Haines. On July 23, officers returned to the property with the second warrant and found more than 70 animals starving, with no water and in poor living conditions. Officers seized 75 animals and were able to relocate them to adequate facilities for proper care, including: 14 geese, 14 sheep, eight chickens and piglets, seven pigs and horses, four dogs and mini cows, three turtles, two goats and cats and a turkey and rabbit. Thompson was arrested on July 18 and remains free on bond pending suture court appearances. He is due back in court on Aug. 16 for a hearing. The DNR is currently seeking a second suspect in this case. Animal cruelty incidents should be reported to local county or municipal animal control officers. Were gathering insights on artificial intelligence and would love to hear from you. Take this short survey and help us understand your views. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan man accused of abusing 75 animals, authorities say (FOX40.COM) The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a severe Flash Flood Warning for two Northern California counties on Saturday, Plumas and Sierra counties. The warnings are in effect until 8:15 p.m., NWS said after declaring the warnings just before 5:30 p.m. The agency has also declared the matter a life-threatening situation, saying heavy rainfall will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams, and ditches formed by the Mill Fires burn scar. NWS added that excessive rainfall over the scar will result in debris flow through the area, including rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials. Live Weather & Maps Live Weather Radar Weather News Weather Email Alerts Live Traffic Map At 5:20 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned areas. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, NWS said. Impacts possible to US-89 between Calpine and Graeagle. Remember: turn around, dont drown! NWS said on X. Other areas expected to be impacted by flash flooding include Whitehawk, Valley Ranch, Iron Horse, Clio, C-Road, and Highway 89 at the Sierra/Plumas county line. A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood, which is a sudden, violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop, is imminent or occurring, according to the NWS. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain, the agency added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way is a 352-page portrait of Trumpian dysfunction. With an assist from Ellis Henican, Chris Christies go-to co-author and a Fox News commentator, Fred Trump III delivers a well-paced and engrossing read. The author is the son of the late Fred Trump Jr and a nephew of Donald Trump. Trump III thinks his uncle is a jerk, vindictive and terrified of losing, but also someone who struggles with accepting responsibility. The buck always stops elsewhere. In my family that sometimes seems like the cast of a 1950s sitcom, my uncle Donald had a role of his own, Fred III writes. He was the obnoxious one. No surprise there. Many of his adult traits his determination, his short fuse first displayed themselves in his childhood. Over time, they festered. I cant sum up his early days in a single slogan, but I think I can do it two: I wanna do what I wanna do and also Thats not fair. Think of Trumps reaction when he lost to Joe Biden in 2020, or was beaten by Ted Cruz in the 2016 Iowa caucus. You get the picture. If Trump fails to win, the system must be rigged. Fred Trump III is a successful New York real estate executive, with a career forged outside the Trump Organization. With Lisa, his wife, he campaigns for rights for disabled people. William Trump, their son, suffers from a lifelong neurological disability, which his father describes in poignant detail. When Donald Trump was a teenager, he was banished to military school. There, he rose through the ranks of cadets. He was a stickler for everything, Fred informs us. When he performed inspections, he showed no mercy. On the other hand, thrust into such a high leadership position, the hard-charging senior suddenly forgot how to lead. Past is prelude. Fast-forward to the outbreak of Covid-19, in 2020. As president, Trump repeatedly told governors the burden of caring for the sick fell on their shoulders first. Martin OMalley, a Democrat and a former governor of Maryland, called it the Darwinian approach to federalism. Trump also argued that more Covid testing creates more cases. At the time, one administration insider confided to the Guardian: The Trump organism is simply collapsing. Hes killing his own supporters. Fred Trump IIIs father was the black sheep of the family. He drank too much and died too soon. After his death, paterfamilias Fred C Trump in effect cut Fred Trump III and his sister, Mary Trump, out of his will at the urging of Donald and his surviving siblings. Williams condition meant non-stop care and a mound of bills. Trump III now delivers a robust thank you to Williams amazing angels, his caregivers, along with his medical professionals and others. For a time, Donald Trump was the one family member who helped meet the cost of Williams care. Eventually, he grew reluctant. Donald took a second as if he was thinking about the whole situation, Fred writes. I dont know, he finally said, letting out a sigh. He doesnt recognise you. Maybe you should just let him die and move down to Florida. Trump III describes his own reaction: Wait! What did he just say? That my son doesnt recognize me? That I should just let him die? Did he really just say that? That I should let my son die so I could move down to Florida? Really? All this from a president who brags of being the most pro-life president in American history. Then theres race. Once upon a time, Steve Bannon pondered whether Trump, his former campaign and White House boss, was a racist. He had not heard Trump use the N-word but could easily imagine him doing so, Michael Wolff wrote in Siege, his second Trump tell-all. Now, with fewer than 100 days until election day, Fred Trump III delivers his answer. In a fit of rage, he says, the N-word cascaded from Trumps mouth. In the early 1970s, someone left two gashes in the roof of Trumps white Cadillac convertible. Donald was pissed, Fred remembers. Boy, was he pissed. Niggers, I recall him saying disgustedly. Look what the niggers did. When the Guardian broke news of this passage, the Trump campaign issued a blanket denial. Completely fabricated, and total fake news of the highest order, said Steven Cheung, a spokesperson. Anyone who knows President Trump knows he would never use such language, and false stories like this have been thoroughly debunked. Tell that to Bannon and Wolff. For his part, Bannon has compared Trumps infamous escalator ride to announce his candidacy to Triumph of the Will, the Nazi propaganda film made by Leni Riefenstahl, according to Insurgency: How Republicans Lost Their Party and Got Everything They Ever Wanted, by Jeremy Peters, a New York Times reporter. Mary Trump would probably be similarly unimpressed by the Trump campaigns denial. In 2020, she published Too Much and Never Enough, a bestseller about her family and her uncle. Speaking during her book tour, she said her uncle was clearly racist. Fred Trump III says he never voted for his uncle. Rather, he cast ballots for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Did I want the supreme court to reverse abortion rights by overturning Roe v Wade? No. Fred also considers Stormy Daniels liaison with Donald Trump, the source of his 34 convictions, arising from hush-money payments. Now, with Trump squaring off against Kamala Harris, the primordial forces of race and sex will occupy center stage in the election campaign. America isnt close to finished with the Trumps, Trump III writes. And neither, it seems, am I. All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way is published in the US by Simon & Schuster QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) An off-duty New York City employee was arrested on Saturday afternoon, according to the NYPD. Hebron Joseph, 32, was arrested at 3:07 p.m. near 198th Street and Murdock Avenue, police said. More Local News Joseph was on a motorcycle when police conducted a traffic stop. Police say Joseph is an employee of NYC Parks. He faces numerous charges, including reckless endangerment, harassment, menacing, and criminal mischief, police said. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Educators in Oklahoma are refusing a state order to incorporate the Bible into their lesson plans, setting up an inevitable showdown with the start of the school year just weeks away. Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of public instruction, last week released guidelines to schools for how they should be integrating the Bible into classrooms, saying educators who are against the initiative will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it. The message from some schools in the state: Bring it on. I suspect that the first thing that will happen is he will target a specific school district or multiple school districts who he believes are not complying with his directive, those school districts will then have to make a choice as to whether to bend [to] his whim or to sue, said Rob Miller, superintendent of Bixby Public Schools. And I can tell you that if Bixby was one of those schools that he selected to come after, we would file a lawsuit, Miller told The Hill. Walterss guidance, which follows a June announcement of mandatory biblical curricula for grades five through 12, says that lessons on the Christian text should emphasize its historical context, literary significance and artistic and musical influence. The guidance also says a physical copy of the book should be in every classroom, along with copies of the Ten Commandments, the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. To date, schools have been advised by legal counsel (School Board Association and State Attorney General) to not follow the guidance because it goes against current Oklahoma State Law, said Lee Northcutt, superintendent of Caddo Public Schools, in an email. The day the guidance was released, a lawsuit was filed against Walters by Joseph Price, a resident of Mayes County. Price says in the suit he is a concerned citizen and parent of children attending public schools in Oklahoma, adding that the order violates the separation of church and state. In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for Walters said, Oklahoma school districts are required by state law to teach the historical significance of the Bible. Superintendent Walters will hold teachers and administrators accountable. Rogue, left-wing activists who refuse can leave Oklahoma and go to California. But The Oklahoman reports that at least a dozen school districts in the state have stated publicly that they do not plan to comply. I would tell my teachers to just keep doing what theyre doing, teach the Oklahoma academic standards. Dont worry about some of the things that are being said at the state department in terms of repercussions or discipline or anything else, Miller said. Schools are skeptical of Walterss intentions, especially since religious texts were already included in lesson plans without the compulsory measure. Our history teachers have always incorporated religious texts as part of that full study, because it is important to do that, but thats kind of where the line has to be drawn, Miller said. In his mandate was that we will put a Bible and a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom in our district, and with no distinction as to whether or not that Bible is used as an instruction resource, he added. Northcutt agreed: If a teacher wants to use the Bible as a historical reference, then that will be allowed. But, he added, as far as forcing teachers to use the new guidance, we will not do so until we are legally told to do so. The office of Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) did not respond to a request for comment. Schools have become the leading front in the fight over the separation of church and state. In June, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down the approval of what would have been the nations first publicly funded religious charter school, saying it violates state and federal law and is unconstitutional. And the Sooner State is not alone is pushing biblical teaching in classrooms. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) earlier this summer signed a law mandating posters of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, though that measure is on hold as it faces legal challenges. Miller said if Walters decides to move against Bixby Public Schools, he would probably hit our accreditation or something of that nature, and then that would go to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, where I am confident they would again support the rights of local school districts to make that choice. But ultimately, Miller said the goal may be to garner headlines and get the mandate before the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. I believe that what the state superintendent intends, because he has voiced this out loud, is that he would like to be sued, because he would like to see this issue move through the court system to the United States Supreme Court, where I think theres a faction of people who believe that the current composition of the U.S. Supreme Court might be favorable towards this type of policy, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. One dead, two injured after Oswego County crash Volney, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) On August 3, at 2:06 p.m. members of the Oswego County Sheriffs Office were called to a car crash on County Route 6, north of Bateman Road, in the Town of Volney. Police investigation revealed that a 2008 Dodge Caravan was driving north on Route 6 when the car crossed into oncoming traffic, crashing into a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The driver and sole occupant, of the Dodge Caravan was identified as 59-year-old Frederick Hayles, a Jamaican resident who was here locally on a work permit. Frederick was declared dead at the scene. Latest local news There were two people in the Pathfinder. The driver was taken to Upstate Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger was also taken to Upstate Hospital but with life-threatening injuries. The accident is still under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. One year after the wildfires, Maui is still grieving. What travelers can do to help. MAUI, Hawaii One of the first things patrons see when they enter Mala Tavern is a sign telling people to avoid bringing up last years wildfires to the staff. The oceanfront restaurant, located at the end of Lahainas famous Front Street, was one of just a few buildings to have survived the deadliest wildfire in the country in more than a century. Its been really heavy, and it continues to be for people, said Ashley Davis, co-owner of Mala Tavern. With looming operation costs and some employees wanting to return to work, the restaurant reopened as soon as it got the green light from Maui County officials in February, it was the first on Front Street to do so. However, with the loss of Lahaina, Mala Taverns foot traffic is virtually gone, and business has yet to recover. In the past six years, the restaurant has already had to close several times, including due to the pandemic. Greeting patrons at the Lahaina restaurant Mala Tavern is a sign that asks them to refrain from mentioning the wildfires to staff. We want to survive, Davis said. Mala Taverns experience mirrors that of many other Maui businesses as the island continues to grapple with the ongoing uncertainty of recovery from the devastating Aug. 8 fires, which ravaged historic Lahaina town in just hours, resulting in over 100 deaths and destroying homes, businesses, and cultural sites. Over the past year, the Maui community has tried to balance the economic need for tourism with the emotional healing of what was lost. The island, especially Lahaina, is a tight-knit community, and many returning to work were directly affected by the fires or knew someone who was. The healing process has been far from easy. The upcoming anniversary of the fires serves as a poignant reminder that responsible travelers who are sensitive to the tragedy and want to support the Maui community directly are the ones who are welcome. (The anniversary) is going to be emotional, Davis said. Support Maui in moving forward, be aware of whats going on there, and try to help rather than hinder. 'A phoenix from the ashes': How the landmark tree is faring a year after Maui wildfire A delicate balance In the aftermath of the fires, potential travelers questioned if visiting would do more harm than good. Some residents advised staying away as they coped with the tragedy, while others who rely on tourism for their livelihoods pleaded for support. Mauis economy highly depends on tourism, with about 70% of every dollar generated on the island involving it. In the past year, the island has since seen fewer travelers and those financial losses have reverberated throughout the island. In the first four months of 2024, Maui received 24% fewer visitors than the same time last year, causing a 22.5% decrease in visitor spending. Before the pandemic, Maui was the second-most visited island out of the four main Hawaiian islands for both first-time and repeat visitors, following Oahu. Its a delicate balance, said Davis. I know people are worried about coming, but there are places that are open and need the support because thats our economy, whether we like it or not. Businesses that were still recovering from the pandemic now face additional challenges in the aftermath of the fires, such as understaffing as many workers relocated to the other side of the island or left Maui entirely, according to Paula Hegele, president of MauiWine, Mauis only winery located in Kula. Others chose not to return to work in the wake of their losses. Surviving the inferno: How the Maui fire reshaped one family's story MauiWine is located in Kula, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Lahaina but business is still slow. According to the payroll job count from June 2024, Maui County is still 6,300 jobs short from July 2023, with the hospitality sector accounting for over half of those job losses. Insurance claims from commercial properties claimed $1.2 billion in damages, with 316 businesses making claims, according to the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. State projects to assist in Maui's recovery include a Maui Business Bridge Grant to provide financial support, and as of July 31, over $10 million has been awarded. Another key project includes a Lahaina marketplace, "a space to host a variety of different businesses and offer a place for community to come together in support of each other," said Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka. "Through efforts like this, the state and county of Maui continue to support Maui businesses and Maui-made products." Hegele said MauiWine is busy on some days and sends employees home early on others due to the few visitors. Although the future remains unclear, one thing is certain: the small businesses that have reopened fight forward to survive. Nearly all of Maui has been open Nearly all of Maui is open to visitors, with West Maui having welcomed travelers back on Oct. 8. The only off-limits area is the historic Lahaina town, which is still being cleared of debris, some of which is considered hazardous. Only Lahaina residents are allowed entry, and they must show proof of residency to the guards. As of July, USA TODAY was able to visit the Aston Kaanapali Shores and Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach in West Maui, and the area was bustling with tourists. The reporter was invited to dine at West Maui restaurants like Auntie's Kitchen, Longhi's Restaurant and Merriman's Kapalua. Businesses in Upcountry, like Alii Lavender Farm and MauiWine, also welcomed the reporter on this story. Even a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater with Trilogy Excursions was possible. Despite recent fires near its entrance, Haleakala is open to visitors as well. West Maui's famous Kaanapali Beach seems bustling with tourists once again but many businesses say it's not the same/ Vivien Van Leeuwen and her family visited Maui from Salt Lake City in late July, staying in Kaanapali and doing activities such as the Road to Hana and surfing lessons. Maui had been on the familys bucket list, and they wanted to visit before the older son graduated high school. Still, Van Leeuwen knew she wanted to tread lightly in light of the fires and the family tipped generously everywhere they went. Knowing the history (of the fires), we were really respectful of the space and we tried not to take pictures of the areas and dont gawk at it because its so insensitive and inappropriate, Van Leeuwen told USA TODAY. Before the trip, she and her husband prepared our kids by teaching them not to mention the fires when meeting locals. The trip ended up being one of the familys favorites. They were so hospitable everywhere we went, she said. Although it may seem like business as usual for most tourists, many Maui residents are still grieving, especially as the anniversary nears. Some of the challenges is finding that balance with tourism, you know, supporting the local economy, and welcoming that back while still holding space for our residents (during) the rebuilding and restoring of our community, said Anna Enomoto, a Native Hawaiian born and raised on Maui and reservations manager at the Aston Kaanapali Shores in west Maui. Driving through West Maui, signs of the August tragedy remain. Honoapiilani Highway, heading toward Lahaina, is lined with photos of those who lost their lives in the fire. The charred remains of homes and trees are still visible, serving as somber reminders. A direct impact is the biggest change you can make I volunteered at Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua, which grows produce for local restaurants and served meals to wildfire victims. Potential travelers often call Enomoto to ask if coming to Maui is OK and whats open. The fact that youre asking that question says so much to me, and also the reason why I want you to come, Enomoto said. Youre the type of visitor whos very mindful. Youre sensitive to what happened. Enomoto encourages visitors to volunteer as a meaningful way to help Maui heal. The island offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including farming, house-building, reforestation, translation, meal-prepping and beach clean-ups. By spending quality time with the community and helping to "revitalize" the island, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of Maui's history. I think it will give visitors the chance to connect, she said. Most importantly, people should ensure their money goes directly into community members' pockets, not just to the hotels. Supporting local businesses and tipping well are the first steps. People think them coming here is like theyre feeding us, that savior mentality, you need us to come here, without us you dont thrive, but for us, thats not the case, Shannon Ii, a Native Hawaiian whose family lived in Lahaina for generations and lost their homes in the fire. When you come to travel, are you impacting the community? Are you making it better or worse? Ii wants travelers to go one step further: help the locals you meet. Buy a gift card, and when youre at a restaurant, give it to a server, Ii said. I bet you that server lost their home. A direct impact is the biggest change you can make. Thats the biggest thing: bring your aloha with you, bring your open hearts because they will see it, Enomoto said. The local people will see if youre genuinely caring about them. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maui is still recovering. How tourism can support the island. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In March, Oregon lawmakers voted to recriminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs. The goal, according to Governor Tina Kotek, is to better balance treatment with accountability. Now, a new study from Portland State University examines that balance. Dana Haynes, editor-in-chief with the Pamplin Media Group, looks at the findings in this weeks Give Me a Minute. Watch the full video in the player above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. In Donetsk Oblast, officials have chosen to forcibly relocate 744 children and their families from four hromadas using armoured cars [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Filashkin hosted a meeting of Donetsk Oblast's regional commission for technological and environmental safety and emergencies, with the main topic being the security situation in the Hrodivka and Novohrodivka hromadas. Quote: "Every day, the enemy bombs the cities and villages of these hromadas, so we decided to forcibly evacuate the children with their parents or other legal representatives from Novohrodivka and the villages of Marynivka, Mykhailivka, Lisivka, as well as Promin, Moskovske, Balahan, Mykolaivka, Myroliubivka, Malynivka, and Novoekonomichne of Hrodivka hromada, and Poltavka of Illinivka hromada. We chose to evacuate a child from the village of Ostrivske upon the request of the chief of the Kurakhove Military Administration. In total, 744 children with their families should be evacuated from four hromadas to safer regions of Ukraine." Filashkin stated that he had instructed to use only armoured vehicles in the process of evacuating children, since the Russians are actively utilising FPV drones in these areas. Support UP or become our patron! Overgrown Philadelphia cemetery filled with 33K dead tenants, creepy stuffed animals up for sale for $1M An overgrown, historic cemetery nestled in a corner of Philadelphia is for sale for $1 million and comes with some 33,000 dead tenants. In addition to the corpses, the 26-acres of Mount Vernon Cemetery in Northeast Philly is also complete with swarms of ticks, poison ivy, creepy stuffed animals that inexplicably appear overnight and ghost hunters looking to connect with the other side, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Purchasing the 168-year-old cemetery would certainly be a fixer-upper but its not likely to sell to a private developer. Philadelphias Mount Vernon Cemetery is up for sale for $1 million. Alcove Media The property is under conservatorship with the Philadelphia Community Development Coalition (PCDC) meaning any sale must be court-approved and posting it for sale was legally required, according to the Inquirer. Brandon Zimmerman, volunteer coordinator with Friends of Mount Vernon, said the listing which went viral on the popular Zillow Gone Wild social media account caused a panic among the cemeterys supporters. They got afraid [prospective buyers] will move the bodies and it will become a Walmart. That will not happen, Zimmerman told the paper. 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, he added. The cemetery first opened in 1856 at a time when there was a national movement to have bucolic, park-like spaces to bury the dead rather than crammed churchyards or plots on private properties, according to the cemeterys website. There are about 33,000 people buried in the 168-year-old cemetery. Alcove Media New plots have not been sold at the cemetery since 1968. Decades of inattention have led to a wild, truly haunting landscape among the tombstones. 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. Zimmerman said a fellow volunteer once stopped a group of old women at the front gate believing the cemetery was a portal to another plane of existence. The property is under conservatorship with the Philadelphia Community Development Coalition and the sale must be court-approved. Alcove Media Stuffed animals have also suddenly appeared on graves in the locked cemetery. Foxes will take the toys and drag them back to their dens, Zimmerman said. Theres also a man who frequently tosses candles over the fence asking the dead to help him with some pretty lewd things that would make you blush, he said. Dozens of historical figures are buried in the cemetery, including a family plot which contains generations of the famous Drew and Barrymore acting families. It was also notably a whites-only burial ground. The PDCD has held conservatorship over the property since 2021 after its former owner, A Washington D.C.-based attorney Joseph Dinsmore Murphy, let the property fall into complete disrepair. The cemetery hasnt sold new plot since 1968. Alcove Media The cemeterys headstones and pathways have been largely overrun with brush, critters and litter for decades. When no owner could be found to take over the property the Mount Vernon Cemetery Company (MVCC). PCDC said its hope and expectation is that MVCC will be able to raise enough money to approve court transfer of the property but first the nonprofit needs to raise $300,000 to manage and maintain the cemetery. Mount Vernon is the final resting place for several historical figures including members of the Barrymore family. Alcove Media The court would approve the property sale to MVCC for just $1, according to the Inquirer. We wanted to be assured we had money to do that before we receive the cemetery, MVCC manager Thaddeus Squire said. We dont want an asset we cant care for either and caring for it is just a matter of money. However, to date donors have only pledged $65,000 towards its goal. Squire described it as 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 told the paper. If we cant raise money and if there is no buyer I dont know what happens, then were in a pickle. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) At least three people were injured in a shooting late on Saturday night. Springfield police officers responded to the 600 block of S. York Street at 10:40 p.m. on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found four people with gunshot wounds. Road reopens after train carrying hazardous materials derails in Springfield Three of those victims were sent to a local hospital, but two of them were sent to Miami Valley Hospital for further treatment. Police say one person with a graze wound refused medical treatment on scene. Springfield police dispatch told 2 NEWS that half of their officers on shift were on scene throughout the night, including detectives. There are no suspects in custody at this time. This is an ongoing investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City hosted its 3rd annual back-to-school event on Saturday to help parents and students get ready for the new year. The event was held at Daffin Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Many community organizations came out to support the event, like Bay District schools, Springfield Police, and the Bay County Sheriffs Office. Students got to walk around and enjoy free snacks and games, while parents got to learn more about the different groups present. Panama City Beach man arrested for hitting a pedestrian while under the influence The Boys and Girls Club of Bay County was also present, giving out bookbags for students. Pretty amazing is that weve actually had just about every school represented where we have students from schools all the way out from the beach. Mayor Brown, even though were located right here and doing this in the Millville area. So it is pretty exciting to see people from the community come together and make this happen, Boys and Girls Club of Bay County CEO Hank Hill said. Hill says any bookbags that are left over will be taken back to the club. He says he hopes the event continues to grow so they can help more people in the community. Pan-Care was also at the event offering free school physicals for kids. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Park Fire still growing with containment at 30% as temperatures expected to hit triple-digits The Park Fire that has been raging north of Chico is now 30% contained as it continues to grow amid rising temperatures, Cal Fire said Sunday. Recent favorable weather including residual rainfall moisture offered the 6,528 firefighters battling the blaze a brief respite, officials said. But forecasts of triple-digit temperatures, drier conditions and higher wind speeds are expected to increase fire activity into this week. Today you can expect to see some increased activity compared to the last couple of days, said Cal Fire assistant chief Brian Newman in a Sunday operational briefing. The good news is this clear air is going to be really good for aircraft operations. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the fire area are expected to hit 100 degrees and reach up to 105 degrees through Thursday across Butte and Tehama counties. On Friday, the Park Fire became the fourth-largest wildfire in California history. Now at 401,301 acres, the blaze surpassed the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex fire that torched 397,000 acres across five counties. Fire officials said crews are focused on the Butte Creek region as well as northeast corner of the fire veering into Lassen National Forest, where spot fires are catching despite hopes that fuels would have retained some moisture from this years wet winter. Some 572 structures have been destroyed by the fire, according to Cal Fire data, including homes in the Forest Ranch community. Smoke from the fire is impacting Chico, Redding and is moving north to Canada, according to Cal Fire reports. The Park Fire was caused when a man allegedly pushed a fblaming car into a ravine in the upper stretches of Bidwell Park outside Chico. A prescribed burn was planned for the area but never done by the citys fire department. PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW) As Tropical Storm Debby continues its approach toward the South Carolina coast, Pawleys Island officials are warning of heavy rainfall due to its slow movement. Town Administrator Dan Newquist said conditions are expected to be most dangerous between Tuesday and Thursday, with strong possibilities of roadway flooding. Thankfully we are not in a King Tide cycle at the moment, but that does not mean storm surge conditions are out of the realm of possibility, he said. Tropical storm systems can be very dynamic, which can alter the type of hazard risk, timing and locational impacts as conditions change in real time. The Pawleys Island Police Department said on X, formerly Twitter, that evacuation plans are not currently being discussed. * * * 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. African health officials say mpox infections on the continent have risen by 160 percent in 2024. They expect the spread to continue, they say, as Africa lacks effective treatments or vaccines for the viral disease. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been identified in 10 African countries this year. Burundi and Rwanda both reported the virus for the first time recently. New outbreaks were also declared this week in Kenya and Central African Republic. On Wednesday, Kenyas Health Ministry said it found mpox in a passenger traveling from Uganda to Rwanda at a border crossing in southern Kenya. In a statement, the ministry said that a single mpox case was enough to require an outbreak declaration. The Africa CDC has reported more than 14,000 cases of the disease. More than 96 percent of cases and deaths are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Earlier this year, scientists reported the appearance of a new form of mpox in a Congolese mining town. They fear it might spread more easily among people. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected people, including sex. The Africa CDC said the mpox death rate is three percent. It said the rate has been much higher on the African continent compared to the rest of the world. During the global mpox emergency in 2022, less than one percent of people infected with the virus died. The version of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could kill up to 10 percent of people infected, experts reported. The center noted that both of the mpox cases in Rwanda had been in Congo before testing positive. A study of patients hospitalized from October to January in eastern Congo suggested that recent genetic changes in the virus were the result of ongoing spread in people. In earlier mpox outbreaks, patients suffered lesions mainly on the chest, hands and feet. The new form of mpox causes less severe symptoms and lesions mainly appear on the genitals. The Africa CDC said nearly 70 percent of cases in Congo are in children younger than 15. That group also represents 85 percent of deaths from the disease. The agency said the number of deaths across the continent has jumped by 19 percent since last year. The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders called the expanding mpox outbreak worrying. It also said the disease has been found in camps for displaced people in Congos North Kivu area, which shares a border with Rwanda. Dr. Louis Massing is medical director for Congo at Doctors Without Borders. Massing said, There is a real risk of explosion, given the huge population movements in and out. Mpox outbreaks in the West have been uncommon because of vaccines and treatments. But few treatments have been available in African countries including the Congo. In May, the WHO said no donors had provided money to fight the spread of mpox. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is an aid organization based in Norway. It recently announced the start of an mpox vaccine study in Congo and other African countries. It aims to learn if vaccine treatment given just after infection could prevent severity of the disease. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Jean Fernand Koena and Maria Cheng reported this story for the Associated Press. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story ravaging adj. damaging or harming badly lesions n. (medical) an area of infected skin that is usually swollen, red, bleeding or releasing fluid symptoms n. signs that an infection is present We want to hear from you. Our comment policy is here. (WHTM) U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) said this week he believes Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro would be a great running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, who was formally nominated by the Democratic Party on Friday. During an interview with Dennis Owens on This Week in Pennsylvania, Casey said he selfishly hopes Shapiro is Harris running mate, as he and the Governor would be on the same ballot this November, potentially leading to increased Democratic support in the state. Casey says Shapiro would strengthen our whole ticket, no question. But, Casey added, I think the more important consideration, though, is can he do the job if he had to do that job at a moments notice, and I think hed be prepared to do either job and well see what the Vice President decides, but Governor Shapiro would be a very strong candidate. Some nationally felt the nomination of Harris was rushed after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. Casey believes Harris was a consensus candidate and the best candidate to beat Donald Trump going into Novembers election. I think that because of the compressed timeframe that we had to make, as a party, make a decision, said Casey. But it wasnt as if it was a group of people who got in a room and decided it. It was really once she announced her candidacy, then anyone had a chance to oppose her and as it turned out she didnt have any opposition. Prior to Biden dropping out of the race, Casey had said he believed the president would make whatever decision is best for the country. It was an exceedingly difficult decision for any public official but especially if youre a sitting president to make a decision to move on, said Casey, but said ultimately Bidens decision was whats best for the country. Casey himself is in a heated Senate race against Republican Dave McCormick. The two have traded blows over the airways on the border, the economy, and energy. A major issue in Pennsylvania is fracking, something Harris once said she would support banning. I have a long record of supporting natural gas extraction, also known as fracking, said Casey. The McCormick team has also hit Casey on his voting record, saying he votes with the Biden-Harris administration 98% of the time. Ive had a number of disagreements with the Administration, countered Casey, sometimes on energy-related issues, whether it was LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), the exports of LNG. Whether it was instances on energy policy or foreign policy. Weve had debates about the Middle East where Ive been in one place, the administration has been in another. Casey also called his third term a bonanza of delivering for residents, including funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan. Roads and bridges and high-speed internet for communities, said Casey. Fulton County is about the most Republican county in a presidential year, because of my work that county is gonna have $7.5 million for high-speed internet. Casey says priorities should he be elected to a fourth term will include voting rights, womens rights, and workers rights. And on all three of those issues, (Dave McCormick) and I have diametrically opposed positions, said Casey. New poll highlights Josh Shapiro approval rating during VP search Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Check your local listings for weekly air times. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. In the span of a few weeks, both the current and former U.S. presidents have publicly invoked the Almighty in ways that provide a revealing window into the American political soul. For Donald Trump, it was declaring divine intervention after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt. It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening, Trump said, seemingly interpreting his brush with mortality as evidence of providential purpose, like many of his supporters did. For Joe Biden, it was initially claiming that only a request from the Lord Almighty would compel him to drop his reelection bid, before later conceding that dismal polling data might also do the trick. On the surface, these statements couldnt be more different one, a belief in divine favor; the other, a hyperbolic quip. And yet, both reflect the remarkable persistence of religious ideas and imagery in American political life, even in an increasingly secular age. References to Gods will and Gods blessing have long been a staple of U.S. politics, from the puritanical language of the Founding Fathers to the seemingly obligatory God bless America that closes most modern presidential speeches. Its practically required that politicians proclaim their faith, with a quarter of Americans still saying they would never vote for an atheist candidate. But in a country with growing religious diversity and a rising share of nones unaffiliated with any religion, what do these ritual invocations of the divine really signify? Are they mere rhetorical flourish or something deeper? In the case of Trump and Biden, the substance is less about theology than about a shared belief real or affected in a God who takes an active interest in human affairs. Their discourse invokes a Supreme Being who intervenes in elections, guides the course of nations, and places a thumb on the scale of history. This idea of a deity intimately engaged with worldly concerns can serve multiple purposes. It can be a source of solace and strength in times of strife, an organizing principle for an otherwise chaotic existence, and a powerful tool for asserting moral authority and rallying popular support. It also reflects a characteristically American tendency to see the hand of Providence behind national triumphs and trials. From the moment the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock believing they were divinely ordained to establish a city upon a hill, the American story has been steeped in a sense of sacred destiny. The First Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s, which sparked an unprecedented religious revival, reinforced the notion that the colonies were ordained by God. Centuries later, the Civil Rights Movement was infused with the language and symbolism of the biblical Exodus. In times of war and economic hardship, American presidents have often reached for religious language to comfort the nation and frame its sacrifices in a larger moral context. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln spoke of the conflict as a divine punishment for the sin of slavery, famously vowing in his second inaugural address to pursue the fight with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right. Amid the depths of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt asserted that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, echoing the biblical injunction to fear not, and declared that the money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization a New Testament allusion to Jesus driving the merchants from the temple in Jerusalem. By portraying the nations ordeals as a crucible of spiritual testing and renewal, such language has lent transcendent meaning to earthly events. While this fusion of religious and civic identity has often been a force for social change and shared purpose, it has an uglier side in the form of messianic nationalism, xenophobic crusade and a self-righteous sense of exceptionalism. The belief that the United States is a divinely anointed New Jerusalem has sometimes bred an arrogant disregard for other nations, expressed in policies like the Monroe Doctrine and the invasion of Iraq. It has fueled an expansionist impulse to remake the world in our image, from Manifest Destiny to the Marshall Plan. And it has fostered a Manichean worldview that frames rivals and adversaries as godless enemies. Equally troubling, groups from the Puritans to the Ku Klux Klan have invoked Gods blessing to justify rigid intolerance, viewing their religious and racial identities as a badge of divine favor. History offers cautionary tales of political and military leaders who claimed a monopoly on Gods will to sanctify their agendas and demonize their foes. While Trump and Bidens recent remarks do not rise to the level of zealotry, they nonetheless illustrate how even our most dogmatic political leaders are not immune to sudden outbursts of public piety in moments of personal and professional peril. But their instrumental use of religious rhetoric also highlights the way sacred symbolism and sweeping spiritual narratives continue to infuse our secular politics for better or for worse. This persistent appeal to divine authority, even in an increasingly diverse and secular society, underscores the enduring power of religious symbolism in American political discourse. In a nation where Judeo-Christian assumptions still shape the moral imagination of many voters, God-talk remains the ultimate trump card even for those who rarely walk the walk. Until that changes, expect the Almighty to be a fixture on the campaign trail, regardless of the religiosity of the speaker. Asma T. Uddin is an attorney, a Deseret contributing writer and the author of When Islam Is Not a Religion: Inside Americas Fight for Religious Freedom and The Politics of Vulnerability: How to Heal Muslim-Christian Relations in a Post-Christian America. By Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines and Germany on Sunday committed to signing a defence cooperation arrangement this year, vowing to uphold international rules-based order in the region as tensions flare over disputed areas of the South China Sea. China and the Philippines have traded accusations in recent months over clashes in the South China Sea, including charges China intentionally rammed Manila's navy boats, seriously injuring a Filipino sailor. Beijing has disputed this, saying its actions were lawful and professional. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro committed to establishing long-term relations between their armed forces to expand training and bilateral exchanges, explore opportunities to expand bilateral armaments cooperation and engage in joint projects. The meeting in Manila was the first such visit by a German defence minister, as their countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas claimed as exclusive economic zones by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said Beijing's claims had no legal basis. China rejects that decision. "This ruling remains valid, without any exceptions," said Pistorius. "It is our obligation to strengthen the maritime border and we are living up to it." China's foreign affairs ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Teodoro said the Philippines, seeking to modernise its military to boost external defence, will be "looking to engage Germany as a possible supplier of these capabilities". "These are in the command and control, anti-access aerial denial, maritime domain, aerial domain and in higher technologically capable equipment," Teodoro told a press conference with Pistorius. China has expressed concern about the growing ties between NATO members and Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, as Washington and its partners expand alliances and partnerships, including those that span the globe. Germany on Friday joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea, 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. Pistorius said that move was evidence of Berlin's strong belief that European security is closely linked to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Germany's commitments and engagements in the region "are not directed against anybody," Pistorius said in Manila. "Instead, we are focussing on maintaining rules-based order, securing freedom of navigation and protecting trade routes." The South China Sea is a vital trade route with more than $3 trillion in ship-borne trade passing through it every year. Teodoro said the Philippines was not provoking China and did not seek war, but reiterated Manila's stance that the only cause of conflict in the waterway "is China's illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most if not all of the South China Sea". Manila reached a provisional arrangement with China for its resupply missions in the South China Sea last month in an attempt to ease tensions and manage differences. The details of the deal have not been made public. (Reporting by Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by William Mallard and Elaine Hardcastle) Phoenix Dethroned as the Hottest City in the US by This Small Town The dog days of summer are heating up, sending millions of Americans inside to sit in front of their air conditioners and dream about the colder months that lie ahead. Arizona is no stranger to heat, especially its capital Phoenix, which is often regarded as the hottest city in the country due to its sweltering desert temperatures. This summer, however, Phoenix's heat has been outdone by a small town a few hours away. The town of Needles, California sits on the border with Arizona in the desert just southeast of Mojave National Preserve. According to the Arizona State Climate Office, Needles had an average daily temperature of 103.2 degrees in July, outdoing Phoenix's highest average temperature last July of 102.7 degrees. As a result, the small town of just over 5,000 was the hottest inhabited place in the country last month. "Phoenix is happy to relinquish the record to Needles, now the hottest monthly U.S. city with 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit (preliminary average July temperature)," the agency quipped on social media. It turns out Needles isn't the only California city to join the list. "Arizona welcomes a few new members to the 100-degree-plus monthly temperature club: Palm Springs (100.0 degrees Fahrenheit) and Blythe (100.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Welcome?" the post said. "This is the second time Phoenix had a monthly temperature of 100-degrees-plus (101.1 degrees this July, last year 102.7 degrees, the previous record)." 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 Needles' mayor Jan Jernigan wasn't surprised that her town took the top spot. "We probably did [beat the record], quite easily," she told The Los Angeles Times. The municipality has started holding city events in the early morning hours to beat the heat. A food distribution event on Aug. 1, for example, started at 5 a.m. and ended at 8 a.m. before Mother Nature cranked up the thermostat for the day. Luckily, residents don't have to rely on their AC to stay comfortable. The city is located on the Colorado River and has three beaches open to the public, allowing you to cool off with a freshwater swim in the middle of the desert. Still, it might not provide complete relief. "You've [got to] be waist-deep in the Colorado River," city manager Patrick Martinez said. If you plan on driving Route 66 this summer, stop in Needles and get some commemorative "red hot" candies. CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A pickup truck flipped into Spring Creek in Benner Township Saturday afternoon. While details are limited, WTAJs videographer learned information on the scene. Three people were in the vehicle, however, it is not known at this time how the vehicle flipped into the creek. Two people were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The fire department told WTAJ that one of the passengers was allegedly yelling at the cops on scene and at one point hit a fire police truck, possibly denting the vehicle. State police told WTAJ that Jack Williams, of State College will be charged. Troopers detained him on the scene, however, he was one of the two transported to the hospital. This is a developing story, please check back for updates and download the WTAJ app to receive breaking news notifications. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Orrin Pilkey has long urged beach communities to stop fighting the sea and instead adapt to the inevitability of coastal erosion, a natural process now being accelerated by rising sea levels. Many communities have bristled at Pilkeys warnings as a threat to development and local commerce. One South Carolina beach town passed a resolution declaring the Duke scientist was no longer welcome on its barrier island. But the Duke University professor of earth and ocean sciences has persisted. At 89, he is the author of 45 books and hundreds of articles about the sea and the land. His latest book strikes a familiar theme of adaptation, but in response to a much broader type of sea change the rising threat of a warming planet. The book, published by Duke University Press, is Escaping Nature: How to Survive Global Climate Change. I am so proud of this book. Its very complete, he told me, although he concedes that its hard to keep up as heat and rainfall records fall. This time, Pilkey is not a lone voice. Among the books co-authors are three of his children, two of them geologists and the third an attorney concerned with legal issues of coastal development. The book explores the causes and manifestations of climate change, but also argues for ways to mitigate it and, in the meantime, adapt to it. We are running out of time, the books introduction concludes. While we wait for technological breakthroughs in climate mitigation and for the slow-turning wheels of bureaucratic governance to lumber toward some kind of clarity, we must fend for ourselves, we must rethink how and where to live. To survive global climate change, we must find ways to escape Nature. Pilkey said that the debate over climate change has shifted in the right direction. What was once widespread skepticism has faded in the face of torrential rains, record heat, melting glaciers, sunny-day coastal flooding and the shifting migration of wildlife. The problem is that while more people acknowledge climate change, they do not grasp how much will change. I dont see many opponents to climate change, but I see a lot of resistance to the magnitude and to the frequency of whats going to happen, he said. The book gives a forbidding forecast: Humanity has entered a nasty, brutish Hobbesian world where rising seas will drain the worlds coast communities, parts of the Earth will become too hot for humans to live , and millions of climate refugees will pour into the United States, Canada and Europe, straining food, water and energy supplies as well as human compassion. The response to such a future should not be despair, Pilkey and his co-authors argue. Rather it should be a combination of ingenuity and resilience. Find ways to rapidly reduce emissions and adjust to the changes that are already inevitable. The book describes a range of adaptations. They include changes in construction codes and development patterns, restoration of wetlands, urban tree planting, increased forestation, expansion of renewable energy, moving to safer areas, adjusting laws to assimilate climate refugees and preparing shelters and response plans for extreme weather events. Pilkeys son Charles, a former geologist turned sculptor and writer living in Mint Hill, was the books chief writer, in consultation with his father, his two siblings, Linda Pilkey-Jarvis and Keith Pilkey, and Fred Dodson, Norma Longo and Hannah Hayes. Charles said the book continues his fathers lifelong commitment to urging both acceptance and preparation for what the forces of nature will bring. Although he admits those warnings have mostly gone unheeded. His was the lone voice in the wilderness, now hes vindicated, Charles said. But at the same time, coastal development continues and people are flocking there like theres no tomorrow. Of course, the sea will have the last laugh. Still, in the manner of all prophets, the Pilkeys keep sounding a warning and offering the hope of taking a better path. Now, after 2023 brought the hottest summer since global records began in 1880, the sun has joined their chorus. Its not too late to listen. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com Pittsburgh had its second Building Bridges Day as a way to bring people together. The event was held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The idea is to promote connection across cultures and celebrate diversity in the region. The festivities featured art and a unity walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The founder of the Building Bridges Initiative said she wanted to use art as a way to make a positive impact on the community. When we come together, well be stronger together. When we continue building bridges together, we plant these seeds of love and acceptance in our hearts our kids hearts for the future, said Ebtehal Badawi, creator and executive director for Building Bridges Day. Badawi said this years attendance was in the thousands. This marked the second Building Bridges event to be held in Pittsburgh. The first took place last year at Highmark Stadium. Click here to learn more about the Building Bridges Initiative. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Load shift sends steel beam through cab of truck in Beaver County; driver taken to hospital Man shot, killed in doorway of Mount Oliver home, police say Teenager attacked after working his shift at Kennywood VIDEO: Girl who survived Lawrence County crash that killed her father, siblings makes miraculous recovery DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) First responders held their third annual Safety Forces Appreciation Picnic in Poland on Saturday. Poland Township Police Chief Greg Wilson said the event builds relationships with the community they serve. In law enforcement, having those relationships with your community thats paramount, Wilson said. Earlier at the Poland Township Park, community members were invited for food and fun with local agencies, including the Poland Township Police and Fire Departments, the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Its a really great opportunity for our residents to come out and meet our officers, also learn about local services that we have available to them in the area, Wilson said. At the picnic, community members also got a look at some of the technology officers use. The newest tool the Poland Township officers have is body cameras. We were able to get those through a grant through the state of Ohio. So, each officer now carries a body cam on them while theyre working, Wilson said. The department implemented the body cameras just a few weeks ago. Wilson said it will help with transparency and trust in the department. Whatever we do out there on the streets, its captured on body cam and were able to see it, the community is able to see it unless it has to be redacted for some reason, Wilson said. The picnic comes days before National Night Out on Tuesday, a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnership. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified two men who were shot and killed early Saturday morning in Northeast D.C. The shooting was one of several overnight shootings in D.C. Police said that at around 1 a.m., officers were near the unit block of M Street Northeast when they heard gunshots. They immediately responded and found four people with gunshot wound injuries. Responders transported a man and a woman to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser releases statement following fathers death However, two men died at the scene. On Saturday evening, police identified the two men killed as 33-year-old Antonio Williams of Capital Heights, Maryland, and 18-year-old Terrell Osbourne Jr, of Northwest. MPD said the suspect vehicle is possibly a 2019 white Honda Accord. A surveillance camera obtained images of the car. (Courtesy: The Metropolitan Police Department) MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 per victim, bringing the total possible reward to $50,000 for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information should call police at 202-727-9099 or text an anonymous tip to 50411. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester Police are investigating a shooting after a woman was shot on Bartlett Street Sunday. Rochester Police say they responded to the area around 3:23 p.m. for the report of multiple shots heard and also reports of two men shooting at each other. As officers approached the area, they were also alerted that there was a woman who had been shot. According to police, a Rochester woman around the age of 60-years-old was found shot in the lower body outside of a home. Officers say they woman was struck by crossfire as the two men were shooting at each other. The woman was transported to Strong Hospital by AMR where she is being treated for what is being considered non-life-threatening injuries. The circumstances leading up to this shooting are unknown at this time and police have no suspects in custody. Rochester police taped off a portion of Bartlett Street near Jefferson Street and could be seen placing evidence markers along the roadway. The crime scene tape has since been taken down and the street has re-opened. Anyone with information is asked to call 911. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) The Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the suspects and vehicle connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. Wactor, 37, was shot and killed during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the early morning hours of May 25, authorities say. According to witness statements later confirmed by the LAPD, Wactor was leaving his shift as a bartender when he noticed three men who had raised his vehicle with a floor jack on Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles. Friends, family of Johnny Wactor call for change in Los Angeles, organize march in his memory Upon confronting them, Wactor was shot by one of the men without provocation, police added. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA OCTOBER 29: Actor Johnny Wactor is seen in Old City on October 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images) The suspects fled northbound on Hope, investigators said in the wake of the fatal shooting. On Sunday, authorities released a community alert with new details surrounding the actors death, including photos of the suspects and their vehicle, which you can see below. The vehicle police say was involved is a stolen black 2018 Infiniti Q50 sedan with a tan interior. Photos included in the community alert depict the three suspects as three men, two in gray-colored hoodies and one in a black hoodie. The man police say pulled the trigger, identified only as Suspect 1, has a tattoo above his left eye and on his right cheek. The Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the suspects and vehicle connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. (LAPD) The Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the suspects and vehicle connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. (LAPD) The Los Angeles Police Department has released photos of the suspects and vehicle connected to the May killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. (LAPD) Anyone with information regarding Wactors death is urged to contact LAPD Central Bureau Homicide Detectives Howerth and Bobadilla by calling 213-996-4143. After business hours and on weekends, calls should be directed to the Central Area Watch Commander. Wactor appeared as Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of the popular soap opera General Hospital as well as other shows such as Westworld and Criminal Minds. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police released new images Sunday of the suspects involved in the killing of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor. The 37-year-old was fatally shot in Los Angeles in May after confronting three people who were trying to steal his car's catalytic converter, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. On Sunday, police released surveillance images from the incident, showing the three individuals suspected in Wactor's death and the car they fled in. Police are asking for public assistance in identifying the three suspects. The suspect accused of shooting Wactor has a tattoo above the left eye and on the right cheek, according to police. The three individuals fled the scene in a black Infiniti Q50 Sedan, which police said was stolen. PHOTO: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in identifying the three suspects involved in the murder of John Wactor. (Los Angeles Police Department) MORE: Johnny Wactor's family speaks out after 'General Hospital' star fatally shot Wactor had been leaving his bartending shift when the incident occurred, and according to family and friends, he immediately stepped in front of a female co-worker he was with to try to protect her. "They had a mask on, and they pulled out a gun," Wactor's friend, Colin Flynn, previously told ABC News. "And from what I understand, Johnny literally stood in between himself and his colleague. And the shooter just pulled the trigger and ran away." In a statement to ABC News, his mother, Scarlett Wactor, called her son "a beautiful soul." MORE: Slain actor Johnny Wactor's friends push for arrests; DA says police 'have a number of leads' "There are not enough words to tell what a beautiful soul he was. He was a kind, loving son and brother. He lived life to the fullest. He set goals and went after them," she said. There is a very large hole in our hearts and lives." Wactor played a recurring character in "General Hospital" from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in other TV series, including "Criminal Minds," "Siberia" and "Westworld." He was called "one of a kind" in a statement on the official Instagram account for "General Hospital." "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor's untimely passing," the statement read. "He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time." Wactor's manager said in a statement to ABC News at the time that he was "still processing this unfortunate and senseless tragedy." "Johnny Wactor was such a kind soul, a talented actor and an inspiration to those around him. His professionalism, his enthusiasm and love for his craft was infectious and made him such a joy to work with. He pursued his dreams and achieved them, all the while remaining a good human being caring for others," he said. "I am proud to say I was Johnny's manager and friend. He will always be cherished in my memory." Police release new photos of suspects in 'General Hospital' actor's death originally appeared on abcnews.go.com COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One person is dead after a hit-and-run near the Hilltop area. Around 5:15 p.m. Saturday, police said, an adult pedestrian was crossing Sullivant Avenue in between Atlanta Drive and Dixie Court when they were struck by an oncoming Honda Pilot. According to police, the Honda Pilot hit the pedestrian in the left lane, causing them to fall into the right lane. Police said they were then hit again by a Jeep Cherokee. According to police, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. They had not been crossing at a crosswalk, police said. This embedded content is not available in your region. The Jeep Cherokee remained at the scene, but police said the Honda Pilot fled east after the incident. The Honda Pilot is believed to be a blueish color with front right damage. The Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating, and anyone with knowledge of the Honda Pilot or drive is encouraged to contact them at 614-654-4767. Anyone wishing to come forward anonymously can do so by contacting Central Ohio Crimestoppers at 614-461-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Rockville City Police Department and Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services said a suspect was identified in the College Parkway shooting that took place on August 2. Police said they responded to the 400 block of College Parkway for a shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man outside of a home who had been shot. The victim is in stable condition but remains hospitalized. Teen boys all seem to want a broccoli haircut. What is it? Police identified the suspect as 33-year-old Isaiah Warren Simpson of Washington D.C. Officers learned that Simpson is not allowed to own guns. Police are charging Simpson with Attempted Second Degree Murder, First Degree and Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm and other related charges. Anyone with information on Simpsons whereabouts should contact the Rockville City Police Department at 240-314-8900 or your their law enforcement agency. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Polk County Attorneys Office, under new leadership for the first time in over three decades, is making things a little more just for people accused of minor offenses. Iowas other 98 top local prosecutors should be watching closely. Kimberly Graham won a contested Democratic primary in 2022 on the strength of a clear commitment to rethink some longstanding practices with an eye toward reducing inequitable outcomes. "Only when you address racial and income disparities are you going to be able to increase safety and increase faith in the justice system," she told the Register editorial board. Two of Grahams efforts during her first 19 months in office have stood out: Diverting some marijuana-possession defendants from jail. Making it more feasible for people to keep their drivers licenses while steadily paying down court debt. The county attorneys office is neither reinventing the wheel nor forging radical new paths with either initiative. During the campaign, Graham often went out of her way to credit jurisdictions elsewhere in Iowa and around the nation whose successful programs she wanted to emulate. That has continued; she told Axios Des Moines this year that she wants to copy an Alternatives policy in Story County thats been credited with significantly reducing recidivism. Grahams office is simply taking steps to more often handle offenses with pragmatism and results in mind, relying less often on a prosecuting attorneys conventional toolkit of incarceration, one-size-fits-all fines and revoked privileges. Let low-income defendants pay small amounts and keep driving Many defendants owe hundreds of dollars even after being sentenced to probation or time already served in low-profile criminal and traffic matters. The money to be collected helps support the judicial branchs operation and funds various state and local programs. Its a way for the criminal justice system to try to ensure accountability and impose some deterrence. But for lower-income defendants, even a couple hundred dollars of fees and fines can be a huge mountain all the more so when state law allows for suspending defendants' drivers licenses if they arent paying. So Grahams office has significantly lowered the thresholds for people to participate in repayment plans for court debt. Without such tools, it's easy to see how the debt can create feedback loops. Driving is an inescapable requirement for many jobs. If a person keeps driving and is pulled over, the person could be cited for driving with a suspended license and face a new round of crushing fines. Those who instead obey the suspension might be less able to earn money to pay the fines and get their licenses back. The Registers William Morris, writing about the new Polk County policy, noted that a conservative-leaning think tank found no benefit for public safety or collection rates with more conventional license-suspension rules. Polk County now uses a persons income to determine a necessary monthly payment, which can approach $1. Participation is high. Its too soon to have definitive data from the state judicial branch or Polk County about whether more money is being collected. But allowing people who werent convicted of traffic offenses to keep driving is a better result regardless of the collections. Low-level marijuana offenders shouldn't go to jail, get permanent records Hundreds of new case numbers tied to Polk County appear every day on Iowas online court-records system. The vast majority fly below the publics notice. Among insiders, many now agree that, when a person is accused for the first time of possessing a small amount of marijuana, the potential penalties are disproportionate and the use of public resources is wasteful. Polk Countys diversion program, which allows defendants to complete several steps and have their records expunged, is a better and still-appropriate way to handle such cases. Participants still must undergo a substance abuse evaluation to address the behavior in question. But they face less-onerous financial penalties, and the involvement of courts, prosecutors and public defenders is greatly reduced. The program is also a first step toward acknowledging and responding to stark racial disparities in arrests, convictions and imprisonment in Iowa. Kimberly Graham makes a strong start as county attorney In remarks to journalists this year, Graham has indicated her office is making progress on improving data collection about criminal suspects, including their race and income, information that is requisite to developing other policies that can make a greater difference in reducing inequities. Graham's initiatives are welcome first steps. But more fundamental changes are desperately needed to transform a so-called justice system riddled with disparities that betray its outcomes as far from just. Shes also cleared up misconceptions about her approach, telling former Register columnist Julie Gammacks Iowa Potluck podcast that she had met with Republican legislators who represent Polk County and took questions that made clear they had been told that Graham was doing or considering things she actually wasnt. Indeed, if anybody worried that Polk County voters had installed a woke DA who would be unlocking jail cells indiscriminately and attacking law enforcement officers for doing their jobs, these first 19 months of Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham's tenure seem to have dispelled any such notion. A progressive approach doesnt mean leaving scofflaws unchallenged. Its about putting more effort into understanding when and whether jail and fines make public offenses less likely to recur. Early evidence backs up the premise that Graham is less tough on crime than she is smart on crime. Polk Countys supervisors should look for opportunities to invest in innovation in the attorneys office, and peers statewide should be on the phone about which initiatives they can steal or adapt. Lucas Grundmeier, on behalf of the Registers editorial board This editorial is the opinion of the Des Moines Register's editorial board: Carol Hunter, executive editor; Lucas Grundmeier, opinion editor; and Richard Doak and Rox Laird, editorial board members. Want more opinions? Read other perspectives with our free newsletter or visit us at DesMoinesRegister.com/opinion. Respond to any opinion by submitting a Letter to the Editor at DesMoinesRegister.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa prosecutor puts criminal justice reform into action King Charles III is reportedly less than thrilled about the upcoming planned "faux" royal tour of Colombia by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's mini-foreign tours, such as their recent visit to Nigeria, are considered disruptive to royal planners, particularly since they have stepped aside from royal duties. But there are also fears that the couple may also be placing themselves in harm's way without adequate security with trips both abroad and in the UK, reports the Daily Beast. The idea of the couple even visiting the UK and making appearances without prior approval from the palace is causing significant concern for the king and his aides, according to the Beast. And Colombia, one of the nations with the highest murder rates in the world, is an unexpected choice for a tour abroad. Prince Harry blames his father for not providing adequate protection for his family both in his birthplace and abroad. But palace sources have insisted the decision is out of the king's hands, notes the Beast. A royal source disclosed to the media outlet that it's "well-established" that "security provision is not decided on by the king" but by the government. "For the king himself to attempt to intervene directly in this process in any way would be wholly inappropriate," the source noted However, a Sussex source also insisted: "If the king wanted, he could do this for his son." Currently, Harry, like any other high-profile visitor seeking police protection, has to give 28 days notice to the British security forces of an intended visit to the UK, as well as the locations he plans to visit by presenting a detailed itinerary of the trip. As for the trip to Colombia, a former courtier said: "This tour may well have the noblest intentions, but it is clearly not being carried out on behalf of Britain, and yet they still basically portray themselves as British royals. It shows you exactly why the royals want these two kept as far away as possible." The argument over protection has reportedly led to the complete breakdown of Charles' and Harry's relationship. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed Vice President Harris for her recent comments on the Israel-Hamas war, claiming the presumptive Democratic nominees rhetoric is fueling the continued conflict in Gaza. The kind of things that Vice President Harris is saying are fueling the continued war and the continued risk, Pompeo, who served under former President Trump, said Saturday in an interview on Fox News. Whenever I hear President Biden or Vice President Harris talk about a cease-fire, what they are really saying is theyre going to allow the horrors of Oct. 7 to happen again, he added. While both Harris and Biden have advocated for a cease-fire in the Middle East region, the administration has maintained that a secure Israel is a key priority in the negotiations. I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah, Harris said in remarks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week Following the closed-door conversation, the vice president also made a bold and direct statement regarding the toll the conflict had on Palestinian civilians, a slight break from previous administration statements. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating, Harris said. The images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent. Pompeo, a staunch supporter of Israel, alleged that the Iranian regime is in complete control of Hamas behind the scenes. He emphasized a need for force and an uncompromising attitude in dealing with Iran, citing the Trump administrations decision to assassinate Iranian official Qasem Soleimani. The Iranians took note and that deterrence was restored, Pompeo said. It is only that strength theyll understand. They are simply never going to understand Hey, can we all just get along,' he added. Over the last week, tensions in the middle east have increased after the assassination of Ismail Haniyah, a top Hamas official, in Iran. Haniyah was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Irans newest president. While Israel has not taken responsibility for the strike in Tehran, Netanyahu delivered defiant remarks after the death was announced, saying Israel was achieving its war aims. Iran has placed blame on Israel and vowed to take revenge, sparking fears that the conflict could evolve into a flow-blown war in the region. Artillery exchanges between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, have also picked up, with the Biden administration urging citizens in Lebanon to shelter in place Wednesday. The alerts come after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed one of the groups top leaders late last month. Biden and Harris made a private call to Netanyahu Thursday, where they expressed concerns about escalation and stressed the need for a cease-fire immediately. I had a very direct meeting with prime minister very direct, Biden told reporters Thursday night. We have the basis for a cease-fire. They should move on it, and they should move on it now. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. Pre-trial release was denied this week for two DuPage County men accused of possessing and distributing child pornography in unrelated cases. According to DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin, 26-year-old Jordan Erdakos, a Warrenville resident, has been charged with one count of reproducing or distributing child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. 26-year-old Jordan Erdakos has been charged with one count of reproducing or distributing child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Prosecutors said the charges against Erdakos were handed down after Warrenville police received a tip, on Sunday, July 28, that Erdakos was allegedly in possession of a cell phone that contained child pornography. Officers obtained a search warrant for the phone and allegedly observed hundreds of videos and images of child pornography, some of which Erdakos had allegedly shared online. Erdakos was taken into custody two days later at his home. Rockford man sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for producing child pornography Prosecutors added that Erdakos is currently on sex offender probation after he pleaded guilty to one count of child pornography possession in May. A condition of his probation included no possession of any electronic devices that were capable of connecting to the Internet. During a court appearance on Tuesday morning, a judge also denied pre-trial release for Joseph Gregoire, a 38-year-old, Oakbrook Terrace resident who has been charged with two counts of reproducing or distributing child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography in a separate case. 38-year-old Joseph Gregoire has been charged with two counts of reproducing or distributing child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. The charges were handed down after Lombard police received information that Gregoire, who had been operating under the alias Kinkypigbottom, was allegedly sharing and disseminating child pornography. According to prosecutors, after receiving the tip, officers obtained and executed a search warrant on Gregoires home on Wednesday, July 31, and during the search, they allegedly uncovered videos and images of child pornography on two computers and a cell phone. Gregoire had also allegedly shared the content with others online. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Following the search, Gregoire was then taken into custody. The allegations that both of these men were not only in possession of child pornography but were actively sharing it with others are revolting, Berlin said. Each of these disgusting images and videos allegedly found on Mr. Gregoires and Mr. Erdakos devices, some of which depict infants and toddlers, represent yet another innocent victim of child pornography. The charges filed against these two men in as many days sends the message that in DuPage County, we will not hesitate in charging anyone suspected of possessing or distributing child pornography. Both men are set to return to court on Monday, August 26 for arraignment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With a new president and millions from the state, is Kentucky State U. bouncing back? When Koffi Akakpo became president of Kentucky State University last year, he knew it wasnt going to be an easy task. The university was facing several major problems. A multi-million dollar budget shortage resulted in needing $23 million from the state to continue operating. The university was placed on a management improvement plan, which is being overseen by the state until 2025. An audit from the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts revealed years of widespread overspending, a lack of financial control and misuse of university funds by previous administrators. Enrollment was down, and across the university, faculty and staff positions were hard to fill. Akakpo, who came to KSU from Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, wasnt daunted. He came in with three main goals: balance the budget, tighten internal controls and grow enrollment. Going into the 2024-25 school year, the budget is balanced and the university has begun building its cash reserves, Akakpo said. Ive very proud that within one year, we have been able to balance the budget that has not been balanced in many, many years, Akakpo said. Since 2021, there have been some cash infusions to the university. And this year, we were able to present a balanced budget and a fund balance. Early numbers show a 4% increase in enrollment for the fall, and Akakpo has challenged the university to increase enrollment to 3,000 students in coming years. KSU is Kentuckys only public historically Black college, and enrollment for the fall 2023 semester was 1,304, according to KSUs online data. Internal controls have been put in place, and new employees were hired in the finance office to ensure the university stays on track, Akakpo said. The Kentucky State University campus is photographed Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Frankfort, Ky. New educational programs at KSU Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, said he feels like KSU has lost some years with the challenges faced since 2021, but Akakpo has been working to get the university back on track. When Dr. Akakpo came in to KSU, Im sure he did not fully realize exactly what his base was, Thompson said. It was not where anybody would be happy to come into. Hes been able to adjust to probably a worse-case scenario than he thought, to really start doing the things that needed to be done. Thompson pointed specifically to Akakpos work on the schools budget, but said that was only the beginning of his work on improving the circumstances at KSU. He has been truly exceptional, even in that one year, Thompson said. Akakpo has also worked to launch several new educational programs, including an engineering degree and a fully virtual degree program, that includes psychology, nursing and cybersecurity. The online program officially launched this summer, with more than 120 students enrolled, a number that is expected to grow, a university spokesperson said. Classes for the fall semester begin on Aug. 19. Akakpo is also proud of the investment in the nursing programs at KSU, he said. Theres a new registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN to BSN) pathway, which allows registered nurses with an associates degree or other certification to earn a BSN through online education. KSU has also introduced a second degree BSN, which allows students who already have a bachelors degree to earn a BSN in 16 months, Akakpo said. Were a small but mighty institution, Akakpo said. Dorm, academic building repairs needed When Akakpo became president, several deadlines in the management improvement plan had been set by CPE and the previous interim administration. Travis Powell, CPE general counsel who has worked closely with KSU on the management improvement plan, said the university is on track with most of the tasks outlined in the plan. All items in the improvement plan are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, Powell said. There are still several challenges ahead of KSU, Akakpo said. The campus needs major physical repairs, including dorms, academic buildings and an updated HVAC system. To update dorms, the plan is to renovate housing facilities one at a time, to be able to still house students who live on campus and update the campus-wide HVAC system as repairs continue. Additionally, there are audits that need to be completed from previous years. Last year, KSU was given a warning from their accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), for financial problems. Akakpo said those issues are from before he became president, but representatives from SACSCOC will be on campus this fall, and he hopes the warning will be resolved at the accrediting agencys December meeting. We still have room to grow, but Im proud of where we are so far, what we have so far, and what we can do, Akakpo said. About Kentucky State University Founded in 1886 Its the only public historically Black university in the state. A land-grant university, designated under the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 with funding to focus on education related to agriculture, science, military science and engineering. Enrollment for the fall 2023 semester was 1,304 students, according to KSU data. A Sioux Falls School District educator works with students. (Courtesy of Sioux Falls School District) The South Dakota Board of Regents launched the Gateway to Teacher Education undergraduate certificate program at its Thursday meeting in Madison. The initiative allows South Dakota high school students interested in teaching to jump-start their college career before graduating from high school. As of July, South Dakota school districts reported 353 vacant educator positions, including teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff. By 2030, the need for teachers in South Dakota is expected to increase by 7%, according to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. The focus on solutions in the state has led to grow your own efforts, including the Department of Educations teacher apprenticeship program, a statewide high school child care certificate course, and the boards new certificate program. The Gateway to Teacher Education certificate not only provides students with an introduction to the teaching profession but also serves as a solid stepping stone towards their academic and career goals in education, said Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes in a news release Thursday. South Dakota high school juniors and seniors can earn the four-class certificate to use toward elementary, secondary and special education degrees at South Dakotas public universities. Students can take the certificate classes on campus, online or through South Dakotas High School Dual Credit program. High school students enrolled in dual credit courses, including the new gateway courses, pay one-third of the cost of a reduced credit-hour rate. The difference is covered by the state Department of Education with funding approved by the Legislature. Travis Lape, director of teaching and learning at the Harrisburg School District, serves as the state director of Educators Rising SD. Lape told the board that the certificate is a way to invest in the states future educators. Itll help identify students serious about teaching and encourage them to take these courses as juniors and seniors, Lape said. Board of Regents President Tim Rave said the innovative thinking is what the state needs to address its workforce needs and challenges well into the future. Certificate class enrollment launches this fall. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Putin's willingness to hand over weapons to Houthis is way to divert Western support for Ukraine ISW Researchers at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have indicated that Russias willingness to supply weapons to the Yemeni Houthis reveals President Vladimir Putins strategy to compel the West to retract its support for Ukraine. This move also underscores Russias reliance on Iran for precision weapons and components. Source: ISW Details: Reports suggest that the Kremlin had intended to transfer missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in Yemen, but this plan was halted following diplomatic interventions. Quote: "Russia's reported plan highlights its growing military partnership with Iran and suggests that Russia likely aims to leverage Iranian proxies to indirectly confront the West and shape Western decision making." Details: CNN reported, citing U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the matter, that Russia had prepared to deliver missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in late July 2024. However, the plan was abandoned after diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials have expressed uncertainty about whether Saudi opposition was decisive in the cancellation of the planned transfer. CNN sources disclosed that at least three Russian military officers visited Yemen in late July 2024, possibly to advise the Houthis and assist them in live-fire exercises, which were later cancelled by the Houthis. U.S. officials reported that Russias move to arm and advise the Houthis is viewed as a response to the lifting of certain U.S. restrictions on Ukraines use of American-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russian territory. The report recalls that on 6 June, Putin mentioned Russia's intention to equip certain actors with the capability to launch long-range strikes against the West as a "symmetrical response" to the lifting of these restrictions. Analysts believe that Russias strategy to support the Houthis in indirectly confronting the West and escalating tensions aligns with several Russian disinformation and hybrid warfare tactics aimed at pressuring the West to reconsider its support for Ukraine due to fears of further confrontation with Russia. Quote: "Putin's willingness to consider supporting the Houthis as they attack Israel and international shipping is part of deepening Russian-Iranian military cooperation and Russia's increasing reliance on Iran for high-precision weapons and components. Russia's deepening partnership with Iran will likely encourage Russia to consider supporting other Iranian proxies and leveraging these groups in other indirect attempts to threaten the West with escalation. Increased Russian willingness to use Iran and its proxies to indirectly confront the West will disrupt Russian attempts to portray Russian foreign policy in the Middle East as balanced and may further complicate Russian relations with countries concerned about Russian-Iranian cooperation. To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 3 August: Ukrainian forces reportedly struck four Russian S-400 air defence missile launchers, an S-500 air defence system, and the Russian Black Sea Fleet's (BSF) Rostov-on-Don Kilo-class submarine in occupied Crimea on 2 August. Ukrainian forces also conducted a series of successful drone strikes against likely military targets in Rostov, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts on 3 August. The Kremlin reportedly planned to transfer unspecified missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in Yemen but did not transfer the materiel following diplomatic pressure. Russia's reported plan highlights its growing military partnership with Iran and suggests that Russia likely aims to leverage Iranian proxies to indirectly confront the West and shape Western decision making. Putin's willingness to consider supporting the Houthis as they attack Israel and international shipping is part of deepening Russian-Iranian military cooperation and Russia's increasing reliance on Iran for high-precision weapons and components. Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, and Chasiv Yar. Russian authorities continue efforts to financially incentivize Russian military service in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Get ready for some weather whiplash, SLO County: Hot temps followed by thunderstorms expected July presented contrasting temperature patterns between San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. In San Luis Obispo County, temperatures were nearly record-breaking, while in Santa Barbara County, they were slightly below average. At Paso Robles Municipal Airport, the mean temperature for July was 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit, just 0.3 degrees shy of the record of 78.9 set in 2006. Meanwhile, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport recorded a mean of 70.5, which is 4 degrees above normal and only 0.3 degrees below the record mean of 70.8 for July, set in 1931. In contrast, Santa Barbara County experienced cooler conditions. The Santa Maria Airport had a mean temperature of 63.6, compared to its historical average of 64.2. The Santa Barbara County Airport reported a mean of 65.2, about 0.7 degrees cooler than normal. Many readers have inquired about the likelihood of a La Nina condition developing this winter, which could bring below-average rainfall. Unfortunately, the Climate Prediction Center forecasts that the current neutral condition, known as El Nothing or El Nada, will transition to a La Nina condition in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean. This region, referred to as Nino 3.4, is the standard for classifying El Nino (warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperature) and La Nina (cooler-than-normal SST) events. These cycles in the northern Pacific Ocean suggest about a 75% chance of below-average rainfall for the Central Coast this rainfall season. Meanwhile this week, an upper-level high-pressure system centered over the Four Corners region will continue to produce triple-digit temperatures in the inland valleys (Paso Robles) and mid-80s in the coastal valleys (San Luis Obispo). The coastal regions will experience night and morning low clouds and fog with pockets of mist and partial afternoon clearing as moderate to fresh (13 to 24 mph) northwesterly winds develop. Temperatures along the beaches will range from the high 50s to the low 60s. This pattern is expected to continue through Wednesday. Monsoon moisture from Hurricane Carlotta off the Baja Peninsula will bring variable mid- to high-level clouds and a slight chance of rain showers and thunderstorms, primarily in the eastern regions of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. This condition will result in lower maximum daytime temperatures but warmer overnight lows with higher humidity levels from Wednesday into Friday. Along the coastline, this subtropical moisture often dissipates the marine layer, leading to sunnier skies. Another tropical cyclone, which would be named Daniel, is expected to bring another chance of monsoon moisture that could generate thunderstorms the following week. Surf report A 3- to 5-foot northwesterly (295-degree deep-water) swell (with an 8- to 11-second period) is forecast along our coastline through Wednesday, decreasing to 2- to 4-feet with the same period on Thursday through next Sunday. Combined with this northwesterly swell, will be a 1- to 2-foot southern hemisphere (220-degree deep-water) swell (with a 13- to 15-second period) through Wednesday. Even though Hurricane Carlotta, is not expected to produce any significant waves along the Central Coast, another predicted tropical cyclone, Daniel, is forecast to intensify to hurricane strength levels and move northward off the Baja Peninsula toward Southern California. If this condition verifies, a 2- to 4-foot hurricane swell (180-degree deep-water) swell (with a 14- to 16-second period) will arrive along the Central Coast beaches on Friday. Note: This swell will be much bigger in Southern California. Seawater temperatures Surface seawater temperatures will range between 54 and 56 degrees through Wednesday, warming to 55 to 58 degrees on Thursday through next Sunday. On this date in weather history (Aug. 4) 1882: A vivid aurora was visible from Oregon to Maine, down the east coast as far as Mayport, Florida, and inland as far as Wellington, Kansas. Observers at Louisville, Kentucky, noted merry dancers across the sky, and observers at Saint Vincent, Minnesota, noted it was probably the most brilliant ever seen at that location. (The Weather Channel) 1980: A record 42 consecutive days of 100-degree heat finally came to an end at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. July 1980 proved to be the hottest month of record with a mean temperature of 92 degrees. There was just one day of rain in July, and there was no measurable rain in August. There were 18 more days of 100-degree heat in August, and four in September. Hot weather that summer contributed to the deaths of 1,200 people nationally, and losses from the heat across the country were estimated at twenty billion dollars. (The National Weather Summary) This weeks temperatures LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 60, 101 60, 103 62, 103 58, 101 61, 94 60, 95 59, 100 60, 101 LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 58, 83 58, 85 60, 86 61, 83 62, 77 58, 78 59, 80 58, 82 John Lindsey is a retired PG&E marine meteorologist. Email him at JohnLindseyLosOsos@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @PGE_John. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A local chapter of the American Red Cross hosted an Emergency Readiness Expo Saturday. The Red Cross partnered with Foodlink to present the free event providing an opportunity for those interested to learn more about how they can help their community in times of emergency. Participants learned how to safely escape home fires, received hands-only CPR instruction and were able to talk with disaster volunteers. Red Cross leaders say it is vital that members of the community are ready for anything. We cant do what we do without our volunteers, without our caring and dedicated volunteers. For us to be on call 24/7 365, it takes a lot of caring people to do that. So, we definitely do that, and theres studies that show that volunteering actually produces health benefits, so we are hoping folks come out, learn about it and get involved, Senior Recruitment Specialist at the American Red Cross Bernadette Bowie said. The expo ran Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Foodlink site on Mount Read Boulevard. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) said Sunday that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) would be a fantastic choice as Vice President Harriss running mate and rejected concerns that his support for Israel or his Jewish identity would be a problem for the party. I talked to Josh not too long ago, and he said to me what he has said publicly, which is, he loves the job hes doing, and whatever the decision is, it is entirely Kamala Harriss decision, but boy, oh boy, would he be a fantastic choice, Dean said on NewsNations The Hill Sunday. On whether Shapiro is too pro-Israel for the party, Dean said, When I take a look at Josh Shapiro, whom Ive known for 20 years, whos been actually a mentor to me, hed be an ideal choice. He has a love of Israel. He has a belief in a two-state solution and a desire to see that happen. So I think hed be a terrific running mate on the issue of the Middle East and many other things, she continued. Shapiro, one of the final candidates under consideration to be Harriss pick for vice president, has been the target of progressives who have cast the Jewish governor as too supportive of Israel, with many labeling him Genocide Josh. The heightened scrutiny of Shapiros position on Israel has raised concerns by some who point out that his views are not that different from those of other finalists, who are not Jewish. Asked if Shapiro not being selected would qualify as evidence of an antisemitism problem in the Democratic party, Dean said, Oh, my heavens, no. I dont believe that whatsoever. That he is Jewish is actually part of his power, his strength. He is a man that is so rooted in family and faith, its something Ive admired about him for a very long time, Dean continued. She noted the other contenders for the VP spot are terrific, talented folks, adding, Faith is not going to be a disqualifier, and the Democratic Party condemns antisemitism. That will not be evidence of that at all. NewsNation and The Hill are owned and operated by Nexstar Media Group. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jordanian Foreign Minister Aiman al-Safadi has travelled to Tehran for mediation talks in view of the threat of an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel, local media reported on Sunday. In talks with Iran's acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, he wanted to dissuade the country from taking military action against Israel, according to the reports. According to official statements from Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti also urged Kani in a telephone conversation that all parties must exercise calm and restraint so that the situation in the Middle East does not get out of control. According to Iranian media reports, Iran has so far refused all attempts at mediation. After the targeted killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, Iran threatened Israel with massive revenge. The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warned on Saturday that militant groups allied with Iran in the region would also take part in the retaliatory strike. Voters are about to learn that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is far more progressive than President Joe Biden. That's not even all of the bad news. The rest of the bad news? Conservatives played a large role in helping to push aside Biden and to clear the way for Harris' promotion. In a great example of "be careful what you wish for," Harris is as progressive as Republicans portrayed Biden to be. That is great for leftists, but awful for conservatives. And it will really test the beliefs of moderates. President Joe Biden arrives in Austin on July 29, 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act with an address at the LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas. Conservatives were shortsighted about Harris and Biden I admit that I did not see Harris' candidacy and potential presidency coming. A lot of conservatives didn't. I realize now how stupid and shortsighted that sounds. Let me explain: Democrats have savagely ripped Donald Trump for eight years and the Republican Party for decades. That's a long time to catch flak. When Biden took a turn for the worse, he became an obvious target for criticism. Not the 81-year-old commander in chief himself exactly, but the Democratic leadership who denied reality while backing a leader who clearly wasn't fit to serve another four years. It was an egregious error that needed to be pointed out. The commentary almost wrote itself: How could Democrats have been so deceitful? Were they gaslighting Americans? Don't they care about democracy? The questions were important. And a bit of relief from the constant flogging Republicans have taken in the media for years. Finally, there's a new target. And it's not us. I didn't think the Democratic Party would pivot and choose Harris. I also didn't think Harris would be a compelling candidate. Who would vote for a candidate who is so progressive and who ascended to the top of the ticket without winning a primary? But I'm certainly not her target audience. I didn't see that the Democratic Party would do what it did: Kick Biden to the curb only months before the election. What did conservatives think we would achieve by forcing Democrats to finally scrutinize Biden? I think some of us thought that focus would lead all the way to victory. But our "gotcha" moment was short-lived. Many Republicans, including me, did not think the Democratic Party would dump Biden and choose Harris because the GOP did not let Trump go when it could have. MAGA populists outnumber anti-Trump conservatives like me. So it wasn't even really a question. But if it had been possible, it's not something the Republican Party would do. Republicans are often not as strategic or shrewd as progressives. Voters deserve the truth from Harris: What did Kamala Harris know about Biden's deteriorating health? And when did she know it? One reason the Democratic Party is successful is because they have chutzpah where Republicans do not. They are ruthless where Republicans are loyal and forgiving. They are focused when Republicans hem and haw. They want victory now, not "legacy" later. Victories lead to legacies, after all. You know what might not lead to victory? Pitting an older, white male who is a convicted felon against a younger, energetic, progressive Black and South Asian female. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delievered to your inbox. Republicans called Biden a far-left liberal. Harris actually is. Conservatives have made Biden out to be a far-left progressive who was too old and weak to serve effectively. Some of that is true, but he really isn't a far-left liberal. Conservatives slammed his tax policies, his college loan forgiveness program and his "Build Back Better" program as utter failures. But compared with Harris, Biden's policies will look moderate. Harris appeals to Democrats who favor leftist rhetoric regarding inclusion and equality and progressive policies such as eliminating private health insurance, imposing mandatory gun buyback programs, banning hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas, and opposing the hiring of more police officers. I love being a mom. But JD Vance is horribly wrong about 'childless cat ladies.' For conservatives, her sudden candidacy provides a chance to take a deep dive into her record, her ideas and her policies. It's with her own ideas that we can show moderates and independents that a Harris presidency would decrease the quality of life for most Americans. Harris stands in stark contrast to conservative ideas and values. And her candidacy forces us to ask what a Harris presidency would mean for the future of our nation. Harris versus Trump provides a clarifying moment for America: Which direction do we really want to go? I complained about Biden, but I can tell you now, a Kamala Harris presidency would make the past four years look like a Republican has been in charge. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How progressive is Harris? She makes Biden look like a Republican Ex-Gov. George Pataki says a fellow Republican could win the New York City mayors race next year if Big Apple Dems skew any more to the left. Pataki, the last Republican statewide office-holder when he left Albany in 2007, suggested Sunday that a GOPers chances would considerably improve if a lefty progressive such as city Comptroller Brad Lander defeats moderate incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the Democratic Partys primary next June. We know that Mayor Adams is going to be challenged. [Comptroller] Brad Lander has already announced that hes running for mayor, Pataki said on 770 WABCs The Cats Roundtable radio program. Former New York Gov. George Pataki said that a Republican can win the New York City mayoral race if local Democrats continue to move towards the left. Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park He is way left like de Blasio was, the three-term former governor said of Lander and ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio. Pataki noted that there were the two decades when Republican Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Mike Bloomberg ruled City Hall, from 1994 through 2013 winning five consecutive elections combined. Dont forget, a Republican can win in New York. We had Bloomberg for 12 years. We had Giuliani for eight years, Pataki told show host John Catsimatidis. The city was better because we had intelligent, centrist Republican mayors, the ex-gov claimed. Im worried that a far-left Democrat could win the primary and make things even worse. Pataki also took a shot at disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has not ruled out a run for mayor, pointing out that Cuomo approved the states troubled cashless-bail law. Pataki said a Republican candidates chances in the election would increase if Mayor Adams is defeated in a primary. James Keivom Its the no-bail laws that Andrew Cuomo rammed through the legislature to tie the hands of those who want to put the criminals away, said Pataki, who defeated Andrews father, the late ex-Gov. Mario Cuomo, in 1994. Everybody points to statistics that crime is going down. If you ride the subways or walk the streets, you know thats not true, Pataki said. Giuliani, a then-popular former prosecutor, defeated Democratic incumbent David Dinkins in 1993 in part over concerns about crime. Bloomberg, the billionaire businessman, was first elected in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that leveled the World Trade Center towers. City Comptroller Brad Lander announced that he is running for mayor. Gabriella Bass Still, reclaiming the mayoralty from the Dems would be a daunting task for a Republican without such advantages as the personal fortune of a Bloomberg or the crime-fighting pedigree of Giuliani. Left-leaning de Blasio who succeeded Bloomberg was easily re-elected to a second term in 2017. Meanwhile, Adams, a retired cop, could first face off against several candidates in his own Democratic primary. Aside from Lander, other hopefuls include former city Comptroller Scott Stringer and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie. New York GOP sources Sunday concurred with Pataki that the party would have a better shot at reclaiming City Hall if Adams loses the primary to a lefty rival. But they said they first need a credible candidate. I agree with Pataki but we need a horse, said a Republican official who requested anonymity. Meanwhile, Pataki who was governor during and after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, blasted the federal government for at first agreeing to plea deals for three accused 9/11 terrorists, including alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday quickly revoked the shocking decision that had been signed off on by his underlings. It would have spared the death penalty for Mohammed and two of his alleged accomplices. Pataki said such a potential plea deal creates enormous risk. It also sends a horrible message that when it comes to terror, [that] were not going to be strong, he said. You contrast our approach, which is soft and mushy to terrorists, and look at Israel, where just recently they killed the top Hezbollah person and they killed one of the top Hamas people, the former gov said. They are not going to tolerate terrorism. They are going to stand up to it. We too often compromise with it, and thats why our country is at very great risk today. The group known as Republicans for Biden is officially relaunching Sunday as Republicans for Harris, and aides on the revamped Democratic campaign are hoping that a much different candidate will be able to deliver on what had been a key part of Joe Bidens electoral promise. The rollout will include outreach from Republicans to Republicans, targeted ads and themed events as aides aim to convince voters that Kamala Harris is not a San Francisco radical and that Donald Trump and others have changed. In an election that is once again looking tight, the Harris campaign is hoping that Republicans repelled by Trump and independent moderates can help make a difference for the vice president in critical states. At its core, the latest effort targets Republicans who see Trump as anathema or the kind of existential threat to democracy that would compel them to cross party lines and who had bought into Biden as an acceptable alternative. Aides who have been shifting from @joebiden.com to @kamalaharris.com email addresses acknowledge now that the outreach to these Republicans had become difficult as confidence in Biden spiraled after his dismal debate performance. A post-debate call with supporters of Trumps former GOP primary rival Nikki Haley was marked by several expressions of diminished confidence in Biden, another reflection of how deep the presidents problems were, according to one person involved. But the Democratic energy around the switch to Harris is now reaping benefits, aides say. Theres a lot of excitement, because I think people were feeling unsure of where things were going, and now they are all on board, said Austin Weatherford, a onetime chief of staff to former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. Weatherford had just started gearing up with the Republicans for Biden effort in June when the race took a turn. Weatherford told CNN that while Biden was providing the alternative on the topic of preserving democracy, now people just see it more clearly. They feel it more clearly. On Monday, the new group will hold kick-off events in Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, aides told CNN. Already signing on as supporters: former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld (the 2016 Libertarian nominee for vice president who then challenged Trump in the 2020 Republican primary), former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, Kinzinger, former Virginia Rep. Denver Riggleman, former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh (who also challenged Trump in the 2020 primary) and former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Former Rhode Island Rep. Claudine Schneider, who now lives in Colorado and has been leading efforts to organize other former Republican members of Congress, told CNN via email that she believes Harris is the PERFECT candidate to oppose Trump, calling her intelligent, honest, hard working and someone who genuinely cares about every citizen, and about justice. Schneider said that she is interested in changing the political conversation back toward compromise and that the character differences between Harris and Trump are very much on her mind and the minds of others shes spoken to. Harris aides have quickly announced changes to many of her previous more liberal positions. Those include her past support for defunding the police, banning fracking and a federal jobs guarantee that is part of the Green New Deal. She is a different kind of candidate in a different kind of race, her aides now argue, and they hope that voters will respond differently this fall than they did to her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, which creaked to an end just after Thanksgiving 2019. A print production specialist at a print shop in Tucson, Arizona, cuts a run of Harris yard signs on July 25, 2024. - Rebecca Noble/Reuters Harris has been doing that work. Now shes in overdrive doing that work, Weatherford said. Theres limited time for her to make that case, but shes making it. The more we see of her, speaking to the issues where the broader base of the general electorate is, youre going to have more people fall in line. As for worries that Harris is too liberal, Schneider said, I have a hard time these days in the application of the terms liberal and conservative especially suggesting that addressing climate change is liberal and other uses of conservative. Schneider, who served 10 years in the House from 1981 to 1991, said likeminded Republicans are working toward a decisive trifecta for the Democrats this year, referring to helping the opposing party retain the presidency and the Senate and flip the House. Their reasoning, Schneider said, was so that 1) we can actually move our country forward and 2) give us time to resurrect a Republican Party that reflects the values of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. Campaign aides say Harris has been receiving support from Republicans who hadnt previously been for Biden as well as from those who had. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a CNN contributor who previously said he was voting for Biden, backed Harris in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed last week, declaring that though my support for Harris didnt come easily, it did come naturally and calling her the best vehicle toward preventing another stained Trump presidency. Trumps problems with past Republican leaders was evident at the GOP convention in Milwaukee last month: No living previous GOP nominee for president or vice president attended, including former President George W. Bush. All of those past party leaders have expressed concerns, publicly or privately, about Trump yet none had been supporting Biden, and to date, none have backed Harris. The closest any has come is a social media post from Trumps former vice president turned intense critic, Mike Pence, who two weeks ago praised Biden for dropping out of the race. After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Bidens decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to Americas friends and enemies alike, Pence wrote. In the time since, though, Pence has added several posts critical of Harris positions on taxes and job growth. While Trump and his campaign have not done much to try to win over Democrats, Weatherford and other Harris aides will be leaning on former Trump administration officials, who will speak about how unfit for office they see him; on current and former Republican elected officials, who will speak about how the MAGA takeover means the party no longer represents traditional GOP values and principles; and on rank-and-file Republican women, who will put out testimonials on why theyre rejecting Trump. We want Republicans talking to Republicans, Weatherford said, because we think thats the best way to make it work. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of former Rep. Denver Rigglemans last name. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Republicans for Harris launches with support from Chuck Hagel and Melanias former aide Stephanie Grisham Kamala Harris campaign launched Republicans for Harris with endorsements from former Donald Trump administration officials and prominent conservatives. The initiative is a grassroots organizing program to further outreach efforts to the millions of Republican voters who continue to reject the chaos, division, and violence of Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda, the Harris campaign said in a statement on Sunday. Notable endorsements include former White House Press Secretary and Melania Trump chief-of-staff Stephanie Grisham, and former homeland security and counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Olivia Troye. As a national security official and lifelong Republican, I witnessed firsthand the threat Donald Trump poses to our country while working in the Trump White House, Troye wrote. The stakes are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedoms and the Constitution. The group also includes former Obama administration secretaries Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood; former governors Jim Edgar, Bill Weld, and Christine Todd Whitman; and former lieutenant governor of Georgia, Geoff Duncan. Harris delivers remarks at a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority gathering in Houston, July 31. Her campaign launched Republicans for Harris on August 4 (AP) Duncan released a statement addressing Trumps Atlanta rally on Saturday, where the former president accused Georgias top Republican officials of trying to hamper his 2024 election race. Millions of Americans are fed up with his grievance-filled campaign focused only on himself. Tonight we heard a particularly unhinged, angry version of the same Donald Trump that Georgia rejected in 2020, Duncan said. Elections are binary choices. As a lifelong conservative Republican, it was not an easy decision for me to endorse Vice President Harris, but I know that she fights for all Americans, right, left, or center, and will stand up for the Constitution. Former GOP members of Congress like Joe Walsh, Tom Coleman, Jim Greenwood, Denver Riggleman, and Adam Kinzinger, have also thrown their support behind Harris. Kinzinger said: As a proud conservative, I never thought Id be endorsing a Democrat for President. But, I know Vice President Harris will defend our democracy and ensure Donald Trump never returns to the White House. The initiative is just the latest sign that Harris campaign is growing. The presumptive Democratic nominee has already earned support from myriad of groups: venture capitalists, tech entrepreneurs, and even White Dudes for Harris. Republicans for Harris will hold kickoff events on Monday in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick before Tuesday. She is holding final interviews at her DC residence with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday, the New York Times reported. On Friday, Philadelphias mayor released a video encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the states Governor Josh Shapiro for vice president, sparking speculation that Harris pick for running mate had been leaked. Olivia Troye, an ex-national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, called Sunday on her former boss to endorse Vice President Harriss presidential run, calling it the right thing to do. Troye, who emerged as a vocal Republican critic of the Trump administration since leaving the White House in 2020, told MSNBC anchor Alex Witt it would be an amazing dream if Pence threw his support behind Harris, who officially became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee last week. And if [Pence] out there listening right now, I encourage you to do the right thing, Troye said Sunday. Again, youve shown tremendous courage in the past. You know whats at stake more than anyone here and your voice can make an enormous difference for conservatives across the country, she said. Troye is part of the Harris campaigns newly launched Republicans for Harris group, made up of more than 25 Republicans. As part of the groups launch Sunday, Troye said the stakes of this election are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedom and the Constitution. At the end of the day, this is about democracy, the ideals that the Republican Party has held in the past about individual liberties and freedoms. Thats what Kamala Harris is trying to do here. Shes trying to build that coalition so that we preserve those rights, Troye said. Republicans for Harris will work on activating GOP voices to speak to their friends and family about the importance of voting for the Vice President, according to the campaign, which described the group as a campaign within a campaign. The group is slated to have kickoff events Monday in battleground states Arizona, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Pence, who suspended his GOP presidential bid last year, said earlier this year he would not endorse former President Trumps reelection bid following the two former leaders tense relationship after the 2020 election. Pence has for about two years been outspoken that he lacked the authority to reject the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021, despite a pressure campaign from Trump to do so. In launching his campaign, Pence argued Trumps actions on Jan. 6 were disqualifying and found himself increasingly out of step with the GOP base. Biden endorsed Harris, who quickly consolidated support among the Democrats and major fundraising groups. Pence last month said Biden made the right decision for the country, but did not expand upon his thoughts about Harris. The Hill reached out to Pences team 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. It should not be difficult to condemn, without equivocation, the violence we have seen on our streets in the past week. The perpetrators belong behind bars. For the line between civilisation and chaos is thin, and public order is a public good too often taken for granted. Once lost, it can be difficult for the police to regain control, which is why the response to disorder must always be unequivocal and uncompromising, swift and tough. Courts should, as the Government proposes, sit through the night, and judges must be prepared to hand down tough sentences, as they did to good effect during the riots of 2011. The police will need to use sophisticated capabilities some covert, some utilising open-source information to identify and round up rioters before the violence resumes. On the streets, policing a violent crowd is a difficult and dangerous job, with the best tactics to restore order resembling those of medieval battles. Officers need to box the mob into confined spaces, and numbers, physical strength and a willingness to deploy force determine victory or loss. Exceptional circumstances dictate that leave be cancelled, officers called in to support affected areas, and rioters confronted with an overwhelming police presence. Unfortunately, we live in a polarised age in which too many in positions of power let their politics trump the vital principle of equality before the law. On Friday, when Nigel Farage released a video saying he did not support the violence but added, What youve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, of London, of Southport, is nothing to what could happen over the next few weeks, he appeared to revel in anticipated vindication. In condemning the breakdown of law and order preceding the riots, but not the riots themselves, and by failing to back the police officers dealing with the rioters, Farage flunked the test of leadership. Whatever you think about immigration or multiculturalism, there is no place in Britain for street violence. Almost all voters agree, but Farage sought not to use his position to quell the violence but to equivocate. He is not alone. Nick Lowles who runs Hope Not Hate, an advocacy group with the stated objective of promoting race equality has said those fanning the flames are just as guilty as the rioters and should be investigated. But the day before, Lowles himself had promoted rumours on social media declared to be without current basis by the local police that acid had been thrown at a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. And the Prime Minister stands accused of advocating two-tier policing. Comparisons between the disorder this week and offences committed during the Black Lives Matter protests, the anti-Israel marches and so-called direct action by radical environmentalists are not precise. There is a difference between public protests in which some of the protesters turn violent, and disorder started deliberately by those intent on violence. There is a difference, too, between blocking a road and physically attacking people because of their race or religion. Yet there is, nevertheless, some validity in the criticism. Starmer took the knee in support of BLM two days after the protests in London turned violent, leaving 27 police officers injured. He praised Extinction Rebellion for its disruptive protests and accepted party donations from Dale Vince, who helped bankroll Just Stop Oil. Labour MPs have consorted with organisations such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Muslim Engagement and Development, known as Mend. The police also deserve scrutiny. Officers were quick to act when campaigners wanted to protest at the Kings Coronation, but showed no such resolve in dealing with deliberately disruptive eco-protestors. When officers took the knee before BLM protestors, they later claimed privately that they had been encouraged to do so by their seniors. When, last year, an autistic boy was threatened by a mob for lightly scuffing a copy of the Koran, local police were present at a show trial held in a nearby mosque. The Mets justification for not intervening when anti-Israel protestors appear to blatantly break the law is that they do not want to risk more serious public disorder. This is not policing without fear or favour. All these examples and now the latest disgraceful violence across England should prompt us to ask sombre questions about what sort of society we have become. There is no future for a multiracial country in balkanising itself into a series of ethnic enclaves existing side by side but entirely separately from one another. And there is no time for us to continue the official denialism that dominates parts of the media and public sector. For the policy of multiculturalism of promoting difference between communities rather than national unity and shared citizenship under one civic identity is visibly failing. As inter-ethnic tensions play out in cities from Leicester to Liverpool, sectarian politics enters the House of Commons, and the politicisation of white identity begins with agitators promoting the grievance politics that appears to have borne fruit for extremists from other backgrounds the failure is there for all to see. The recent tendency to sweep acts of extreme violence under the carpet, and to obfuscate about the identities and motives of the perpetrators, is now backfiring, manipulated by those who, in some cases knowingly, spread false information. We should be honest about what all of this means for our future, and what we can do to change it now. The danger is that the Government wedded to its belief in multiculturalism and abetted by the wider Left continues the denialism and responds only in political fashion. Already, the signs are there that they see an opportunity to tar all those with mainstream conservative views about immigration, violent crime and policing policy with the same brush as the rioters and the instigators. This would certainly be easier than confronting the true extent of our failure. A failure that can be seen in the burnt-out shops and vehicles strewn across our streets, and in the Rotherham hotel with migrants barricaded inside, but most damningly in the failure to properly mourn the appalling killing of three innocent little children. 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. NEWARK, GENEVA, N.Y. (WROC) This week, New York State awarded Restore NY grants across the Empire State. According to the states website, Restore NY provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures. Four total projects in News 8s viewing area were awarded, including two in Monroe County. The other two are for projects in Geneva and Newark. In the City of Geneva, the historic building at 435 Exchange Street, along with buildings on the nearby Castle Street, will be converted into a mixed-use building, with the help of a $1.5 million grant. According to the state, the upper floors will become 15 housing units, and the seven ground-level spaces will be rehabbed to house businesses. The facade will be restored but will maintain the historic character. In Newark, the massive space at 131 Harrison Street received a $1 million grant. The historic property will be fixed up, to create 101 housing units. I am excited about this grant, Village of Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor said in a statement. As a Pro-Housing community, we are looking forward to Coventry Commons and the additional housing it will bring to Newark. This project is important to the villages downtown revitalization. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Revving Up Futures Car Show to benefit Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Curry Honda Chicopee will be hosting the Revving Up Futures Car Show on Sunday. Back to School: When the first day of school starts in Massachusetts According to Curry Honda Chicopee, this free community event promises to be one of the best summer parties around. The car show will feature amazing cars, great music, and a wonderful cause. All makes, models and car categories are welcome to show their vehicles. All donations and raffles will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee. DJ Altid will be providing music throughout the event. The car show will take place at the Chicopee Moose Lodge 1849/Chapter 1489 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. RI man arrested for wrong-way crash on I-95 in Conn. GROTON, Conn. (WPRI) A Rhode Island man was arrested in Connecticut, after allegedly driving the wrong way down I-95. Connecticut State Police say 25-year-old Raheem Carter, of Providence, was arrested early Saturday morning after a head on collision near exit 89 in Groton. Police say he failed field sobriety tests and was driving with a suspended license. Carter was released on $2,500 cash surety bond and is due back in court later this month. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted in a video posted to his social media Sunday that about a decade ago, he dumped a dead bear cub in Central Park to make it look like it got hit by a bicycle. In the video, in which actor Roseanne Barr also appears, Kennedy tells a story of driving in upstate New York when a woman driving in front of him hit a bear cub and killed it. He said he pulled over and put the bear in the back of his van to eventually skin it and put the meat in his refrigerator because it was in very good condition. After he put the bear in his van, he went falconing with friends, and he didnt have time to go to his home in Westchester and put the bear away. Instead, he was due for dinner in the city. The dinner went late, and he had to go to the airport, but the bear was still in his car. I didnt want to leave the bear in the car because that would have been bad, he said. The presidential candidate said there had been a series of bicycle accidents at the time in Central Park because of the new bicycle lanes. A few people who were with him, who Kennedy said had been drinking, supported his redneck idea to put the bear in Central Park along with an old bike. So we went and did that, and we thought it would be amusing for whoever found it or something, he said. Kennedy said that the next day the dead bear was on every news station, and according to the news, they were going to have fingerprints on the bike identified. The news eventually died down, and Kennedy was never discovered to be the one who did the deed. There were helicopters flying over it, and I was like, oh, my god, what did I do, Kennedy said as people in the background of the video laughed. According to an ABC News article from 2014, a dog walker discovered the 3-foot-tall bear, which had signs of trauma. The news that a dead black bear cub was found in Central Park is beyond upsetting, Elizabeth Kaledin, a spokeswoman for the Central Park Conservancy, said in a statement at the time. Whenever any wildlife is harmed or injured we at the Conservancy are upset and alarmed. Black bears are not native to Central Park and there are no black bears kept at the Central Park Zoo so this is a highly unusual situation. In Kennedys video, he said the New Yorker is planning to run this story soon and he wanted to get ahead of it. (That story was published on Monday.) Its going to be a bad story, Kennedy said at the end of the video. Russian forces targeted Ukraine with four missiles and five attack UAVs on the night of 3-4 August. Ukrainian air defence units shot down all Russian drones. Quote: "On the night of 3-4 August 2024, the enemy launched two S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on Kharkiv Oblast, two Kh-59 [air-to-surface] missiles on Poltava Oblast from the airspace of Kursk Oblast [Russia] and five Shahed attack drones from the area of [the city of] Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia." Details: Oleshchuk noted that five Shahed-131/136 UAVs had been shot down by military assets and personnel from mobile firing groups of Ukraine's defence forces and electronic warfare units of the Air Force in Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops have targeted critical infrastructure in Sumy, Kherson, and Poltava oblasts, injuring civilians over the past day. In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks hit a critical infrastructure facility, as well as residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on the morning of Aug. 4. According to Prokudin, 15 people, including a child, were wounded in Kherson Oblast over the past day. Overnight on Aug. 4, a Russian attack damaged railway infrastructure in Poltava Oblast, causing a number of trains going in the Kharkiv direction to be delayed, the state-owned railway company Ukrzaliznytsia reported. Ukrzaliznytsia said there were no casualties. Russian troops also attacked Sumy Oblast with drones and artillery, damaging infrastructure and post office in the village of Manukhivka, as well as an infrastructure facility in the village of Druzhba, Operational Command North said. No casualties have been reported there. Apart from that, Russian attacks killed one person in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. Three people were injured in war-torn Donetsk Oblast over the past day, Filashkin said. In its attacks on Kharkiv Oblast, Russian troops used 16 glide bombs, three different missiles, and one FPV-drone, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said, adding that civilian infrastructure suffered damage. Read also: Air Force commander: Ukraine destroys over 8,000 Russian air targets since Feb. 24, 2022 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have advanced in the town of Chasiv Yar. Photo: DeepState DeepState analysts have updated their interactive online map of hostilities in Ukraine, noting that Russian forces have advanced in the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. Source: DeepState Quote: "The enemy has advanced in Chasiv Yar. Fighting continues near [the settlement of] Novoselivka Persha and in [the village of] Zalizne." Background: In its evening report, Ukraine's General Staff noted that the Russians mounted eight assaults near the settlements of Vasiukivka, Chasiv Yar and Andriivka on the Kramatorsk front. Ukraine's defence forces repelled four Russian attacks and four more were underway. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraines military has claimed it sank a Russian submarine in a port in Crimea, in what would be another major setback for Moscow in the occupied peninsula. The submarine Rostov-on-Don was hit in the port of Sevastopol on Friday, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces said in a statement Saturday. The boat sank on the spot, the General Staff said, without providing further evidence. If confirmed, the sinking would be Ukraines latest blow to Russias navy, which Kyiv claims has already lost a third of its Black Sea Fleet. CNN is not able to independently verify the claim, and the Russian Defense Ministry has not commented on the alleged attack. The alleged loss of the Rostov-on-Don proves once again that there is no safe place for the Russian fleet in Ukrainian territorial waters of the Black Sea, the General Staff said. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry hailed the attack, saying in a post on social media that a Russian submarine went to the bottom of the Black Sea after it was attacked in Sevastopols port. As a result of the attack, the submarine sank. Great work, warriors. Russia has occupied Crimea since its forces annexed the peninsula in 2014. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine more than two years ago, it has come under sporadic attack from Kyivs forces. The Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said submarine defense exercises were taking place on Saturday, and everything is calm in the city. On a post on Saturday, Russian military blogger Boris Rozhin said the ship repair plant in Sevastopol, where the submarine was docked, appears to have been hit. Commissioned in 2014, the Rostov-on-Don is a 73.8-meter (242-foot) Kilo II-class submarine and carries a crew of 52. With a submerged displacement of 3,100 tons, the diesel-electric-powered vessel can carry Kalibr cruise missiles. Taking out Russian assets armed with Kalibr missiles is an important part of Kyivs military strategy because Russia has used Kalibr and missiles like it to attack vital Ukrainian infrastructure such as power plants, said Cedric Leighton, a CNN military analyst. Hitting this submarine is a big, big deal, Leighton said. Ukraine has targeted the Rostov-on-Don before. The submarine was severely damaged in a Ukrainian missile attack in September 2023, according to Ukraines General Staff. After that attack, open-source intelligence photos, including ones cited by Britains defense ministry, showed what the ministry said was catastrophic damage. But Ukraines General Staff said the Rostov-on-Don was repaired and recently tested in the waters of Sevastopol harbor. Kyivs forces have enjoyed sustained successes targeting Russias Black Sea Fleet, with either missile strikes or sea drone attacks. More than 20 Russian naval vessels have now been disabled or destroyed, a third of the entire fleet. Though Ukraine has virtually no navy of its own, technological innovation, audacity and Russian incompetence have given it the upper hand in much of the Black Sea. Russias worst naval loss of the war was the sinking of the guided-missile cruiser Moskva in April 2022. In October last year, satellite imagery indicated that Russia relocated some of its naval ships away from Sevastopol after a series of Ukrainian attacks. In addition to striking the submarine, Ukrainian forces also severely damaged four S-400 anti-aircraft missile launchers on Friday, the Ukrainian General Staff said. Leighton said destruction of the anti-aircraft batteries could help open up the skies over Crimea for Ukrainian warplanes to take on more Russian targets on the occupied peninsula. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MOSCOW (Reuters) - In the shadow of the Kremlin, more than 70 Russians paid homage on Sunday to Wagner fighters killed in a major battle with Mali rebels and Islamist fighters, one of the mercenary group's most deadly defeats in Africa. The Wagner mercenary group said last month its fighters and Malian soldiers had taken losses in heavy fighting against Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters from an al Qaeda affiliate near Mali's border with Algeria. Mali's northern Tuareg rebels said they had killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers during days of fierce fighting in late July. In Moscow, just a few hundred metres from the Kremlin, dozens of Russians came to mourn the fallen Wagner fighters, a Reuters journalist said. One man, dressed in military clothing and wearing Wagner badges, kneeled before pictures of the group's fighters killed in Mali. Beneath flags with the Wagner motto of "Blood, Honor, Motherland, Courage", some lit candles. One woman on knees wept before a picture of a Wagner fighter. Others laid red carnations below pictures of the dead. None of those asked for comment at the makeshift memorial would speak to Reuters. Mali, where military authorities seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, is battling a years-long Islamist insurgency. It has said Russian forces there are not Wagner mercenaries but trainers helping local troops with equipment bought from Russia. (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by David Holmes) Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, speaks at a council meeting in Moscow. -/Kremlin/dpa Former Kremlin leader Dmitry Medvedev issued threats on Sunday to former Russian political prisoners who were released into exile as part of a prisoner exchange with the West. Medvedev called the opposition figures "traitors" who "pose an existential threat to today's Russia," in a post on Telegram. "They should not forget the transience of their existence in this world," he said. Medvedev, who now serves as deputy head of the Russian Security Council, advised them to always look around with caution. The Russian politicians and activists released in the deal include Vladimir Kara-Mursa, Ilya Yashin and Oleg Orlov. In return, Moscow received a number of convicted criminals, including the secret service agent and assassin Vadim Krasikov, who was in prison in Germany for murder. Krasikov had shot dead a Chechen separatist who was born in Georgia in a Berlin park in broad daylight in 2019, presumably on state orders. President Vladimir Putin greeted Krasikov and several Russian spies released from Western detention on their arrival in Moscow. Medvedev contended that Russia had made the better deal in the exchange, given that those who returned to Moscow had worked for the Russian state and were "patriots of their homeland." Russia, on the other hand, had handed over not only what Medvedev called spies and criminal foreigners but also prisoners who Medvedev claimed hated their Russian homeland and wanted to destroy it. An overall 26 people were freed in the prisoner exchange. Moscow released 16 people - including US journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan - in return for 10 Russian citizens. Last month, during his highly publicized "Rust" trial, a judge decided to dismiss the state's case against Alec Baldwin with prejudice. The 66-year-old actor had been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer decided to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin with prejudice after uncovering what she deemed "misconduct" from the prosecution. 'Rust' Judge Slams Prosecutor's 'Deliberate Misconduct' During Alec Baldwin's Trial MEGA Last month, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed Alec Baldwin's "Rust" trial with prejudice, which means that the "30 Rock" actor will no longer be held criminally responsible for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. He is, however, still facing multiple civil lawsuits along with other "Rust" producers. The New Mexico judge recently released a filing denouncing the misconduct committed by the prosecution, arguing that they intentionally and deliberately withheld key evidence from the defense, according to a filing obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Last Wednesday, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said that prosecutors engaged in willful and deliberate misconduct that was so severe that the only remedy was to completely drop charges against the "Beetlejuice" actor. 'Rust' Judge Calls Out Lead Prosecutor MEGA Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer took a moment in her filing to specifically address lead special prosecutor Kari Morrissey. She claimed that Morrissey failed to fulfill discovery obligations and gave "inconsistent" testimony about the evidence that was buried. On the second day of the trial, a crime scene technician testified that evidence had been handed in after the trial of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars. Kari Morrissey had been involved in conversations with law enforcement to place the new evidence under a different case number, and thus was not turned over to the defense with the rest of the evidence for the "Rust" case. Alec Baldwin's Trial Ended Abruptly On The Third Day MEGA On July 12, what was supposed to mark the third day of testimony, the jury was dismissed and sent home for the weekend while the judge determined what the missing "Rust" evidence contained and how much the prosecution knew about it. After Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's trial, retired Arizona police officer Troy Teske turned over live ammunition to the Santa Fe Sheriffs Office. Teske claimed that the rounds he turned in had Starline brass casings with nickel primers that matched the bullet that killed Halyna Hutchins, according to Baldwin's legal team. In a rare move, Kari Morrissey took the stand to explain the decision to file these bullets under a new case number. There is absolutely nothing about the ammunition that Troy Teske had that has any evidentiary value in the Gutierrez case, she told the judge under oath, claiming that the bullets did not match the round that killed Hutchins. 'Rust' Judge Examined The Bullets On Final Day of Trial MEGA After the jury was dismissed, the controversial evidence was retrieved and inspected by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer herself. Despite Kari Morrissey's claim, some of the rounds did appear to resemble those collected by law enforcement following the shooting. In Wednesdays filing, the judge declared that Morrissey made the deliberate, intentional decision to place the Teske-supplied ammunition under a different case number to bury the evidence, going on to speculate that the bullets could have 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 in her ruling. Alec Baldwin's Trial Dismissal Was The Only 'Appropriate Remedy,' Judge Finds MEGA The evidence was not revealed until the second day of the trial, which meant that Baldwin's legal team did not have time to forensically analyze the bullets, as per the judge's filing. Judge Sommer wrote, Given the States egregious discovery violations constituting misconduct and the false testimony elicited during the trial, dismissal with prejudice is the appropriate remedy. Kari Morrissey had been appointed to the state's case against Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed after Andrea Reed, the former special prosecutor originally assigned to the case, stepped down. Special prosecutor Erlinda Johnson also resigned from the case only hours before the judge dismissed it with prejudice. Republican senator and Donald Trumps would-be Veep J.D. Vance downplayed the role a vice president plays in an electionin other words, his ownduring a podcast interview that aired Friday. According to Politico, Vance made the comments on the FULL SEND PODCAST, hosted by Canadian YouTuber Kyle Forgeard. My attitude is, it doesnt really matter, as much as this hits my ego, Vance said. People are going to vote primarily for Donald Trump or for Kamala Harris. Thats 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, he continued, self-deprecatingly. Trump had seemed to echo Vances sentiments during his controversial interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference this week. Larry Wilmore: Theres No Turning Back Once You Turn Black Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact, Trump told the panel. I mean, virtually no impact virtually never has it mattered. Youre voting for the president, and you can have a vice president who is outstanding in every way, he added. And I think J.D. is, I think that all of them would have been, but youre not voting that way. Youre voting for the president, Trump added. Vances comments come on the heels of other odd and polarizing comments hes made in recent weeks, as well as those that have resurfaced since he was tapped for the vice presidency by Trump. One of the most notable was his characterization of leaders in the Democratic party as childless cat ladies, miserable at their own lives. He made the comment in a 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson, but it has since come back to haunt him. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Vatican has finally given its two cents worth on the controversy surrounding the apparent recreation of Jesus Last Supper in a section of the Paris Olympic opening ceremony. The performance in question featured drag artists, a transgender model, and other performers gathered around a long table that appeared to recreate Leonardo Da Vincis famous painting The Last Supperwhich captures the moment Jesus reveals his betrayal by Judas Iscariot. The tableau near the end of the ceremonyprompted a torrent of right-wing and ecclesiastical outrage, including from former President Donald Trumpbut the Vatican remained curiously silent. Finally on Saturday, eight days after the event and with Paris organizers insisting that it was all a misunderstanding, the Vatican gave up its thoughts. The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices raised in recent days to deplore the offense done to many Christians and believers of other religions, it said in a statement reported by the New York Post. At a prestigious event where the whole world comes together to share common values, there should be no allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people. The freedom of expression, which is clearly not called into question here, is limited by respect for others. Following its airing, right-wing media and pundits were in a frenzy, calling the display blasphemous. Organizers initially confirmed that the tableau had been based on the 15th century painting by Da Vinci, but artistic director Thomas Jolly later insisted it had been inspired by a 17th-century Dutch painting, The Feast of the Gods, showing mythological Greek gods in an Olympian feast. My wish isnt to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock, Jolly said. Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Hundreds of community members gathered in the Oregon District for the 8/4 Memorial unveiling and dedication ceremony on Sunday. As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, the 8/4 Memorial honors the 9 people killed in the Oregon District mass shooting in 2019. >>RELATED: Oregon District Shooting: Remembering 5 Years Later Megan Betts, Monica Brickhouse, Nicholas Cumer, Derrick Fudge, Thomas McNichols, Lois Oglesby, Saeed Saleh, Logan Turner, and Beatrice Nicole Warren-Curtis were killed in the shooting. 27 other people were injured in this shooting but survived. The memorial is located in a plaza adjacent to 530 E. Fifth St. According to a spokesperson from the 8/4 Memorial Committee, it was created by the Seed of Life team, which consists of architect and sculptor Terry Welker, poet and educator Sierra Leone, artist Jes McMillan, The Mosaic Institute, and artist and designer James Pate. The memorial remembers the victims, their families, and the communitys pain, but signifies coming back to life. >>RELATED: Their lives should be celebrated; Bouncer reflects on Oregon District Shooting 5 years later This memorial was created to be a place for our community to grieve, heal, and ensure we never forget the nine lives we lost or any of those impacted by the events of August 4, 2019. From the selection of the artist team to the installation of the memorial itself, it was of the utmost importance to have family of the victims, survivors, and members of the community involved in every step of the process, Co-Chair of the 8/4 Memorial Committee Sandy Hunt said. LaSandra James lost her daughter, Lois, in the shooting and decided to serve on the 8/4 Memorial Committee. She left us two young children, two children that are too young to understand what happened that day, James said. James said she is relieved to have a public space to remember her daughter and the eight other victims. It takes a lot to live in the present and not dwell in the past but this committee made it a safe place for me, James said. During the ceremony, the 8/4 Memorial Committee thanked the community and past and present city leaders. >>RELATED: Oregon District Shooting: Whaley reflects on strength of Dayton community 5 years later A moment of silence was followed by the release of nine white doves, which signified rebirth. Then, a bagpiper played Amazing Grace to signify the courage the victims families have. The community raised more than $4 million for the memorial, plus compensation to the nine victims and those injured. We will continue to follow this story. The Salisbury Police Department has reported that a death investigation is now underway in the area of Mill Street and Riverside Drive. In a Saturday morning Facebook post, the department announced investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation, with the Salisbury Fire Department and Medical Examiner's Office assisting. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. OC's Orange Crush battle vs. Del.: Ocean City invented the Orange Crush cocktail; is Delaware trying to steal the spotlight? White Marlin Open extended by one day: 2024 White Marlin Open extends tournament by one day due to potential weather conditions This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Death investigation launched by Salisbury Police Department SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) UPDATE, Aug. 4, 6:13 p.m.-Andrea Mendoza,19, has been taken into and booked into the Tom Green County Jail following a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on the morning of Aug. 4, according to a San Angelo police officer. UPDATE: Details emerge in fatal weekend hit-and-run A 53-year-old pedestrian died on the morning of Aug. 4, after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on North Chadbourne Street. According to a press release from the San Angelo Police Department, at approximately 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 4, San Angelo Public Safety Communications received a call about the crash in the 3100 block of North Chadbourne. Responding officers found the man on the street with severe injuries consistent with being hit by a high-speed traveling vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect vehicle, a white 2000 Mercury Sable, was found abandoned south of the scene. SAPDs Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Division, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Drone Unit are investigating the incident. ORIGINAL, Aug. 4, 2:19 p.m.-An arrest has been issued for 19-year-old Andrea Mendoza, who faces charges of collision involving death, a second-degree felony. Authorities are asking anyone with information on Medoza or any other details related to the case to contact SAPD Dispatch at 325-657-4315 or through the P3 app. This is a developing story. Stick with Concho Valley Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SC Gov. McMaster deploys National Guard, provides emergency assistance to Florida SC Gov. McMaster deploys National Guard, provides emergency assistance to Florida SOUTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) This weekend, SC Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order placing the National Guard on state duty to support Florida. This comes following Floridas request for emergency assistance in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to become a hurricane. TRACKING THE TROPICS | Tropical Storm Debby strengthening, expected to become hurricane The South Carolina National Guard will activate roughly 70 service members, deploy 30 high-water vehicles, and provide additional resources as needed, officials said. 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 Queen City News. Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci signaled Saturday that former President Trump could face disaster if he doesnt debate Vice President Harris ahead of November. Harris, who was officially nominated Friday to lead the Democratic ticket in the fall, has pressured Trump to agree to debate her on the ABC News-led Sept. 10 date he originally set with President Biden, who dropped out of the race last month. Asked on CNN Newsroom for his opinion on the issue, Scaramucci said the back-and-forth was typical of Trump, but he predicted that he would 100 percent debate Harris. There will be a negotiation. Itll likely not be Fox News. It probably wont be ABC News. But they will pick a venue, and theyll debate, he told weekend host Jessica Dean on Saturday. So, this is him posturing. This is him trying to get attention. Its hard for him, but he has struggled over the last three weeks to win the attention cycle, he continued, adding that it would be a disaster for him if he doesnt debate the vice president. The former president has backed away from the original debate date, proposing Sept. 4 as an alternative and writing late Friday in a post online that he agreed to debate Harris at the earlier date, but only if its on Fox News. The Debate was previously scheduled against Sleepy Biden on ABC, but has been terminated in that Biden will no longer be a participant, and I am in litigation against ABC Network and George Slopadopoulos, thereby creating a conflict of interest, the former president wrote on Truth Social. Michael Tyler, communications director for Harriss campaign, said in a previous statement to The Hill that Harris will attend the ABC debate on Sep. 10, even if Trump wont. As Vice President Harris said last week, the American people deserve to hear from the two candidates running for the highest office in the land and she will do that at Septembers ABC debate, Tyler said. If Donald Trump and his team are saying anything other than well see you there, and it appears that they are its a convenient, but expected backtrack from Team Trump. Vice President Harris will be there on September 10th well see if Trump shows. Scaramucci said Trump knows that if he doesnt debate Harris, he will have to withstand weeks of getting pounded by her and her potential running mate over the decision. Trump argued earlier this week that a debate with Harris wasnt necessary, citing his lead in the polls. He took a similar stance during the GOP primary race when he opted to sit out of the debates. Well, I want to. And were leading in the polls it seems by quite a bit still, Trump said, pointing to the shake-up after Biden withdrew from the race last month. Shes better than he is, but I think ultimately shell be worse than him. Harriss campaign responded to Trumps pushback, painting the GOP nominee as too scared to face her. The Hill has reached out to the Trump 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. (NewsNation) Scientists are proposing the creation of a Doomsday Vault on the moon, storing seeds and biological samples from critical species. An international group of scientists came up with the idea, suggesting that the moon would be ideal for storing seeds and cryopreserved biological samples of plants and animals important to the planet. The moon makes an ideal storage environment because the lack of an atmosphere means there would be no threats from weather. There are also craters at the poles where sunlight never shines, and temperatures never get above minus 321F, plenty cold enough to preserve samples without needing to supply power. Wild African Serval cat found after Chester house fire, was it legal? Biorepositories arent a new idea. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault already stores samples of critical food crops that could be used to reestablish species wiped out by drought, disease or other environmental catastrophes. But that vault, located in Svalbard, Norway, has faced unexpected risks due to flooding caused by climate change. While scientists were able to prevent any seeds from being damaged, the flooding made it clear there are risks to storing seeds on Earth, even in seemingly safe locations. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is seen in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, Monday Feb. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/John McConnico, File) In addition to seeds, animals could also be preserved. Skin cells called fibroblasts are easily cryopreserved, and if needed, they could be transformed into stem cells and cloned to restore a species. While endangered species may spring to mind as candidates for preservation, some scientists have suggested a better strategy would be to look at what is critical for the environment. That includes plants or animals that can transform the environment, like coral reefs or tropical forests, pollinators, key food crops and oxygen producers. It could also involve ancestral species that could evolve into others. Blood donor with ties to Carolinas hit with cyberattack: Report In the event a species was wiped out on Earth, the vault could be used to restore it. In the event of a greater catastrophe that could render our home planet uninhabitable, a vault could theoretically be used to terraform and populate other planets in hopes of creating a home for Earths inhabitants. But the proposal isnt without questions. In addition to the challenge of building a facility on the moon, scientists would have to figure out how to transport samples to the vault, how to protect them from radiation and determine who would govern what could be a critical resource. To test the plan, scientists are developing a protocol around a single species, the starry goby, and hope to work with space agencies and conduct tests on the International Space Station. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Second attempt made to let NE families sue local government in cases of child abuse, sexual assault Loree Woods (center left, in blue) embraces her daughter, Taylor, following the final vote in favor of LB 25, which would have expanded certain lawsuits in cases of child sexual assault and abuse within political subdivisions on April 18, 2024. Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed the legislation April 24, 2024. (Courtesy of Loree Woods) LINCOLN A local mother whose child was sexually assaulted at school urged Nebraska lawmakers Friday to reverse Gov. Jim Pillens unconscionable veto earlier this year of legislation that would have let families sue local governments and schools for negligence. Loree Woods, testifying on behalf of her daughter, Taylor, now 27, said that when lawmakers passed Legislative Bill 25 in April, it felt like her family won. That bill opened a narrow path for cases alleging negligence resulting in child sexual assault or child abuse. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha reintroduced the measure as part of LB 57 this summer. Loree Woods said Lincoln Public Schools divided an adult group program in 2016 in a way that she alleges allowed her daughter to be left alone with a male student who sexually assaulted her. Taylor Woods would be too old to sue now under state law, regardless of whether Waynes proposal was successful. The bills passage last spring meant the family could slam the door shut on that horrific ordeal, Loree Woods said. Lawmakers passed LB 25, 28-17, on the final day of the regular session, offering no chance to override Pillens veto. In issuing his veto, Pillen cited a possible erosion of sovereign immunity for local governments that could lead to increased taxes. He said perpetrators, not taxpayers, should be held accountable. Taylor, our family and friends were absolutely crushed, Woods said Friday. It was like starting all over night terrors, sleepless nights, tears, fears, all came flooding back, of Am I safe? Moser v. State (2020) Loree Woods has shared Taylors story with the Legislature at least six times in recent years. She has joined bipartisan efforts seeking to change the law after the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in Moser v. State in 2020. The law Wayne proposes changing prohibits lawsuits against local governments if the claim arises out of actions including assault, battery, libel, slander and misrepresentation. In Moser and a string of subsequent decisions the court said if the lawsuit included an assault or battery, even by a third party, the state or local government was immune from civil liability. The Moser lawsuit accused the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services of allegedly ignoring warnings about bunking two inmates together Patrick W. Schroeder and Terry L. Berry in 2017. Schroeder strangled Berry five days after they were moved into the same cell, and Berry later died of his injuries. Prior to the 2020 ruling, the states highest court hadnt prevented such cases if the local government or school was independently negligible, Spike Eikholt, representing the Education Rights Counsel and Voices For Children, told the Judiciary Committee. This isnt open season Wayne said repeatedly this summer that a revival of the vetoed legislation had to be on the table, or he wouldnt consider voting for any property tax-related legislation. Part of the urgency sprang when the Nebraska Supreme Court, ruling in another case in May, just a couple of weeks after the Legislature adjourned, further expanded sovereign immunity for political subdivisions. Joshua v. State involved three foster siblings who said they underwent decades of abuse and sexual assault in foster care that they alleged the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services didnt prevent. The court determined the siblings hadnt presented evidence to prove DHHS acted negligently. Wayne leaned into that point, asking his fellow Judiciary Committee members to realize that a lawsuit doesnt equate to an immediate win. However, the courts decisions prevent families from even presenting their case. My question to this committee is, at a bare minimum, does that child get a day in court? At a bare minimum, can a judge at least look at the evidence to see whether the state is liable or not? Wayne said. Right now, the answer is no. Wayne, a lawyer, presented evidence that the floodgates wouldnt open to a flurry of new cases if his bill passed. He cited the small number of cases pre-Moser that went to trial less than 10%. Under the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act, lawsuits have a quick deadline compared to other civil lawsuits (up to one year after the incident). This isnt open season we have it limited to death and sexual assault, Wayne said. If those two things are happening that much in your county, we have a bigger problem and nobody can tell me different. Indemnifying predators Local political subdivisions, including representatives from DHHS and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, testified against the legislation. They opposed Waynes earlier bill, as well. Elaine Menzel of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, also representing sheriffs, municipalities, county attorneys and school boards, said LB 57 would greatly erode sovereign immunity, which protects them from lawsuits. Menzel said it would also add costs and lead to reduced services. We do acknowledge that it is the Legislatures role as the court has stated in court cases to address the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act, but we would ask you to please maintain the current level of sovereign immunity that we have at this time, Menzel said. Bo Botelho, chief legal officer for DHHS, testified that childrens safety is of the utmost importance to DHHS, though it acknowledges that tragedies can and do occur. He said allowing such lawsuits would increase costs but wouldnt prevent future cases. In an exchange with State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, Botelho said there are people who are monsters that have yet to be caught and yet to be convicted, and those people do spend their life trying to get in positions where they can have access to children. He continued, I am saying the state taxpayer should not be indemnifying [compensating] predators. McKinney and State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue said the state should be able to step up to make victims whole. Other available remedies? Senators who opposed Waynes bill in the spring have said victims already have recourse, pointing to Section 1983 of federal law that allows people to file civil lawsuits for deprivation of rights. Cameron Guenzel, an attorney with the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys, said that point is demonstrably false. He said he recently litigated a case in which Lincoln Public Schools argued the issue of sexual assault fell outside Section 1983 and outside Title IX, a federal rule regarding sex-based discrimination in education. That case dealt with alleged sexual assault in a Schoo Middle School classroom in northwest Lincoln. State Senator Terrell McKinney leans against a column during the Nebraska Legislature's special session to address local property tax The legal complaint alleges students held down another male student, prodded him with part of an electrical outlet, tried to push it into his mouth, threw objects at his genitals, choked him, showed him pornography and called him a derogatory word for LGBTQ people. One of those students allegedly rubbed his genitals on the victims face, which LPS lawyers said was sexually based. A lawyer supporting LPS wrote that the incident did not occur because of the victims sex or gender, which is required under Title IX. LPS also moved to dismiss the case, stating failure to cite specific constitutional or school board policy violations, as required with Section 1983 claims. Guenzel said if lawmakers think the federal law is an adequate remedy, they now have the proof from LPSs own attorneys that thats utter nonsense. AGs Office: No tax savings Jennifer Huxoll, chief of the Nebraska Attorney General Offices Civil Litigation Bureau, said Waynes LB 57 would provide no tax savings and could instead increase property taxes. Wayne has said punitive damages in such cases could be paid out to public school districts, leading to tax savings. The Attorney Generals Office opined in 2023 that punitive damages are unconstitutional. Huxoll and the Nebraska Insurance Federation said the bill could lead to increased premiums. Huxoll said its our position Waynes bill is outside the call of the special session. Pressed by McKinney, Huxoll said the Attorneys General Office hadnt issued a legal opinion about the issue but said she thinks it is outside the call. Wayne said that at some point, lawmakers have to represent the people. To me, it comes down to one simple question: Are we going to help protect kids or not? Wayne said. Votes on this will determine that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEMPHIS, Tenn. For the second time in three months, an ouster has been filed to remove Shelby County Clerk, Wanda Halbert, from office. A petition was submitted by attorney Robert D. Meyers on behalf of the Shelby County Attorneys office for Halberts removal on Friday, citing that she knowingly or willfully neglected and failed to perform one or more duties, responsibilities or obligations enjoined upon the Shelby County Clerk by the laws of the State of Tennessee. pursuant to Title 8, Chapter 47 of the Tennessee Code Anointed. State files to remove County Clerk Wanda Halbert from office, Halbert speaks out Also in the petition, the Attorneys office requested that the Circuit court suspend Halbert from performing any of the duties of her office pending a final hearing and determination of this matter by the Circuit court. In May, WREG reported that the first petition had been filed for Halberts removal from office. The document was filed on May 6 by Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp and cited willful neglect to perform a duty and Inaccurate and Untimely Financial Reporting as the reasons for removal. Judge dismisses Wanda Halbert ouster case; says D.A. did not have jurisdiction On June 18, a judge dismissed the effort to remove Halbert, ruling that Wamp did not have jurisdiction. Were obviously disappointed in the outcome, Wamp said in a press conference after the ruling. All we can hope, maybe, is that someone else will pick it up. If they dont, it may be a long two years. Halbert has 20 days to respond to the latest ouster petition. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aaron Payment (Photo/Courtesy) Native Vote 2024. Guest Opinion. In the year of the 100th Anniversary of the Snyder Act that granted citizenship to our continents first Americans, we have and still face challenges in elections including barriers to participation, gerrymandering to reduce our impact, voter suppression and intimidation, and not recognizing our tribal ID cards at the polls. Still, we can be the change if we register, vote, and vote for candidates who support Indian Country issues. An opt-ed I authored in 2021, recognized the then effort to push for a jobs and infrastructure bill in Congress to address aging roads, bridges, water systems, schools, clean energy transformation, public transit, high-speed rail, and broadband upgrades. The planned legislation at that time for $1.2 trillion in the American Jobs and Instructure Act was slated to bring a record $12 billion to Indian Country. This is not charity or reparations for the wrongs perpetrated on our people but represents only partial renumeration for the treaty and trust obligation that ceded nearly One billion acres of Indian lands were taken by the United States in exchange for provisions of heath, education and social welfare into perpetuity. The recently announced cost of Indian Boarding schools enumerate the cost of forced assimilation at $23.3 billion (reported in the Federal Indian Boarding School Report, Vol.II) resulting in the worst of the worst statistical outcomes as evidenced in the 2018 US Commission on Civil Rights Broken Promises Report. As an educator and federal Indian policy-wonk, I like to summarize administrative and legislative efforts in terms of glows and grows. The glows we have seen during the current administration includes: 2021 extension of EO 13175 on Tribal Consultation with a 90-day deadline issued by Presidential Memo in the first 5 days of the current administration; The historical nomination and appointment of the Nations 1st American Indian Cabinet Member in Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo); $2.5 billion proposed in the 2021 IHS Budget submitted to Congress; $31 billion in Rescue Act Funds and extension of Cares Act deadline. The Rescue Act reached 2% of the total appropriated while the Cares Act was under of one percent for Indian Country; $1 billion for broadband ushered through by Vice President Harris which I helped formulate 2023 Omnibus including of advance appropriations for Indian Health Service Funding; A Presidential budget formulation commitment to support mandatory funding for IHS; More than $12 Billion proposed for tribal infrastructure ($6 billion for water, sewer, and sanitation; $4 billion for BIA roads and bridges; and +$2 billion more for broadband); These accomplishments are significant but there is so much more on an Indian Country Tick Sheet for federal candidates up and down the ballot to support our issues. Indian Country voters are not monolithic. But, as the 2020 election demonstrated, we are willing to put partisan preferences aside to support federal candidates who have informed and specific Tribal Sovereignty Platforms. Outstanding issues (grows) which remain include: Permanent reauthorization of Tribal VAWA provisions and tribal data collection requirements for MMIP; A Clean Carcieri fix; IHS Portability and ACA Medicaid expansion for Tribal Nations under a 51st State provision and no means test as our health care is already paid in full; Indian Education reform including self-determination/ self-governance funding to fundamentally change public education for AI/AN as we persist in having the worst graduation rates. Let us educate our children ourselves in honoring treaty provisions; Permanently authorize the White House Council and codify an accountability measure for Tribal Consultation, Tribal Advisories, and Budget Formulation for cogent continuity in Federal Indian policy that transcends administrations and legislative sessions. Establish a Federal Tribal Action Plan to coordinate and ameliorate the impacts of forced assimilation and to confront and eradicate the impacts of the Opiate Epidemic. Appoint yet another AI/AN Cabinet Member and quadrupling AI/AN political appointees; Candidates who articulate a willingness to establish specific benchmarks for measurable successes are likely to capture the attention of individual AI/ANs and their respective Tribal Nations and just maybe win their respective federal elections. Finally, honor your ancestors by registering and voting. Prepare for future generations by supporting candidates who support Indian Country issues. I urge Tribal leaders and fellow AI/AN people to look to our ancestors for guidance and mobilize to make your expectations known. Vote for those federal candidates who support Indian Country. In most battleground states, we represent from 1% to 3.5% of the total voters where the polls suggest margins of victory at much less. This means, federal candidates cannot afford to take our vote for granted and we can determine the outcome. Dr. Aaron A. Payment, has served for 22+ years in tribal elective office including as Chairperson and on Tribal Council of the largest tribe east of the Mississippi. He holds a doctorate in Education and three graduate degrees including education (K12 and Higher Ed) and Public Administration. He served for nearly a decade on the NCAI Executive Committee including as 1 st VP twice. This opt ed is submitted as a federal Indian policy expert and does not necessarily represent anyone views except his own. About the Author: "" Contact: apayment@nativenewsoline.net Sewage spills have stopped more than a third of dog owners from letting their pet swim in the sea, research has found. A Savanta survey commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found one in three (37 per cent) owners said the prospect of raw sewage-dumping into seas meant they would not allow their pet to go into the water. Another 41 per cent said the crisis makes them less likely to let their pets in the water, despite visiting beaches either often or sometimes in the summer months. Further data shows that around 74 per cent of Britons who usually swim in the sea have now stopped or are less likely to because of potential pollution discharged by water companies. Savanta interviewed 2,078 British adults aged 18 or over online in July and weighted data to be representative of Britain by age, sex, region, and social grade in order to reach the results. The Lib Dems, which made inroads in southern England at the general election, after putting water quality at the centre of its policy agenda, described it as a national scandal. It is calling for an immediate ban on bonuses for water company bosses and a new industry regulator with greater powers. Danny Chambers, the MP for Winchester and qualified vet said: The new Government must save our dogs from the sewage crisis. Reports from across the country of dogs becoming sick after swimming in the sea are truly shocking, and frankly this is a national scandal. Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, promised the Governments proposed Water Bill will put offending firms under special measures and introduce further legislation to reverse damage to Britains waterways. The new Government will never look the other way while water companies pump record levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas, the minister said. We are putting water companies under tough special measures. As an immediate step, our Water (Special Measures) Bill will strengthen regulation to reverse the tide on the unacceptable destruction of our waterways, ensuring water companies deliver for customers and the environment and attract private-sector investment to upgrade our crumbling infrastructure. Change will take time. The Government will outline further legislation to fundamentally transform our water industry and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health. 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. For more on the high-stakes battle for control of the Senate, watch Inside Politics Sunday with Manu Raju on Sunday at 8 a.m. ET and 11 a.m. ET. Sen. Sherrod Brown doesnt plan to campaign with Vice President Kamala Harris. He plans to skip the Democratic National Convention. And the Democratic senator isnt going to defend Harris record or offer praise to President Joe Biden or to Harris over their handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, Brown now embroiled in a high-stakes reelection battle central to the fight for the next Senate majority is making this calculation: finding a way to disqualify his opponent, Bernie Moreno, in the eyes of GOP-leaning voters and independents. And it starts with attacking Morenos character, past business practices and position on abortion all as he tries to avoid being tied to the top of his ticket. Its not left or right. Its not who you vote for, for president, Brown told CNN at a textile company just outside of Cleveland. Its who stands up for people in the state. For Brown to win, hell have to defy a trend that has sunk nearly every Senate candidate who has tried to convince voters to split their tickets in the Donald Trump era. Just one candidate in the 69 Senate races in 2016 and 2020 won when their state voted for a presidential candidate of the opposite party. With Trump the heavy favorite to win Ohio, a state he carried by eight points in 2020, Brown will need to court a sizable chunk of Trump voters a complicated task in a polarized environment, especially given the withering criticism hes leveled at the former president in the past and as Moreno simply tries to ride Trumps coattails. Brown, 71, who has been in public life since 1975, is aiming to keep the race focused squarely on Moreno as he bets his own populist-tinged messaging and blue-collar brand in the Rust Belt state could appeal to enough swing voters as long as hes not lumped into the unpopular aspects of the Biden-Harris administration. Ive got my own schedule, Brown said when asked if he would campaign with Harris. Shes got her own schedule. I will focus on my race. My strategy is perhaps different from hers talking about the differences on abortion rights and on the minimum wage between Bernie Moreno and me and how I fight every day for the dignity of work. Ohio is a must-win for Democrats if they want to cling to their razor-thin Senate majority. They already are almost certain to lose in West Virginia, and in the other red state theyre defending Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester is in a cliffhanger race against Republican challenger Tim Sheehy. Plus, Democrats are defending six other heavily contested states, including through several purple states, all as they have only two pickup opportunities Texas and Florida which are considered long shots. Democrats say they are prepared to spend big to go after the characters of the GOP challengers. Well definitely be coming out against those opponents, said Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. They are seriously flawed. But the GOP is banking the national environment will be enough to doom Democrats in Republican-heavy states. He doesnt want to have Kamala Harris showing up in Ohio, Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who chairs the Senate GOP campaign committee, said of Brown. Im happy to pay for her plane ticket as well to come into Ohio. In an interview with CNN at the state fair in Columbus, Moreno said Harris nomination will be a boon to his campaign. Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno speaks to supporters during his primary election night watch party in Westlake, Ohio, on March 19, 2024. - David Dermer/AP Oh, it helps me tremendously, Moreno said of Harris at the top of the ticket. So maybe Scranton Joe had a little bit of credibility here in Ohio. San Francisco Kamala absolutely does not. And while Moreno spoke at the Republican convention as he hopes to ride Trumps coattails, Brown plans to skip his partys convention in Chicago later this month. I often skip conventions, Brown said. Asked if he could defend Harris record, Brown said: My job is to fight for Ohio workers. You can talk about the presidential race. Thats your job. I know that what will matter is people vote for me because I stand up for workers and will continue to fight for workers. Democrats outpace GOP early on Ohio TV To hang on to the seat, Brown and his Democratic allies have been pummeling the airwaves, spending $48.4 million in ads since March compared with about $29.5 million on the GOP side. Morenos campaign itself has spent less than $1 million in ads in that timeframe, compared with a whopping $25 million by the Brown campaign. In the interview, Moreno acknowledged Brown seemed to have a narrow lead, but he argued the ads have barely changed the dynamics of the race. Republicans believe the onslaught of ads coming after Labor Day in large part attacking Brown over immigration will turn the race in Morenos direction. Both campaigns and outside groups have reserved roughly $91 million each between August and through Election Day. He loves to waste money, Moreno said of Brown. Were going to spend the right amount of resources at the right time, which is when people are really paying attention. Yet Brown sees it differently. His campaign has launched a barrage of attack ads over Morenos legal issues stemming from his business. Moreno was ordered by a jury in 2023 to pay two employees more than $400,000 for overtime they say they earned, and he was reprimanded by a judge for shredding documents that could have been reviewed at trial issues Brown is now seizing on. Moreno settled 14 other cases for undisclosed amounts before jumping into the race last year. And thats what this election is going to be about, Brown said. Its going to be making the contrast with my fight for dignity of work, and my opponents background where he had to pay $400,000 in back wages to his employees. In the interview, Moreno said he did absolutely nothing wrong. Im extraordinarily proud of the company I built. I started with nothing to buy that little dealership I put every cent that I had in my life, to buy one tiny little dealership risked it all and created a billion-dollar company in the retail automotive business, Moreno said. Im not going to attack (Brown) personally because I dont believe in the politics of personal destruction. Im going to attack his policies. Asked if he had done anything wrong, given that he was ordered by a jury to pay a sizable sum to his former employees, Moreno said: Well, thats what that jury decided. I disagree with the verdict. We paid it. I disagree with it. Brown has been faced with his own barrage of GOP attacks, particularly over immigration. He has tried to rebut those attacks in part by pointing to Republicans vote to kill a bipartisan border security bill he backed, plus legislation hes pursued dealing with the spread of fentanyl. Yet Republicans are hoping voters deep disapproval of the Biden administrations handling of the border plus votes to provide legal status to undocumented immigrants will sink down-ticket candidates like Brown. Asked if he thought Biden and Harris were doing a good job at the border, Brown said: I think presidents of both parties have failed at the border. Thats why we had our bipartisan bill that my opponent opposed that would have fixed a lot of the border problems. Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing for the fall campaign with an onslaught of attacks on Morenos support for restricting abortion at 15 weeks. Moreno told CNN hed vote for common-sense restrictions on abortions after 15 weeks, even though he said he doesnt support a total ban. What I say is that after 15 weeks is aspirationally something we can get to as a country at some point, Moreno said, while attacking Browns opposition to restrictions. Sherrod Brown makes this an issue of me not caring about women, Moreno said. Look at him. Legitimate president? Moreno, 57, who was born in Colombia and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 5 before becoming a citizen at 18, emerged from a crowded March primary thanks in large part to Trumps endorsement. And he has aligned himself closely with Trump and fellow Ohioan JD Vance, the partys vice presidential nominee, who Moreno called a huge plus to have on the ticket. People want to vote for the hometown guy, Moreno said, predicting a boost in turnout. Moreno has been so aligned with Trump, he even cut an ad in 2022 when he lost a Senate bid saying Trump was right that the election was stolen, accusing big technology companies of rigging the election. Asked twice if he believed Biden was legitimately elected, Moreno wouldnt say. Hes legitimately the worst president of the United States? Absolutely, he told CNN. CNNs David Wright and Owen Dahlkamp contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Sioux City Musketeers have announced that the Western Conference Shootout will be hosted in Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center from September 5-7. Each game will feature one of six Western Conference, USHL opponents; Sioux City, Fargo, Omaha, Des Moines and Tri-City. Here is the schedule: Thursday, September 5th 7:00 pm: Fargo Force vs. Sioux City Musketeers Friday, September 6th 12:00 pm: Omaha Lancers vs Sioux Falls Stampede 3:30 pm: Fargo Force vs Tri-City Storm 7:00 pm: Des Moines Buccaneers vs Sioux City Musketeers Saturday, September 7th 11:00 am: Omaha Lancers vs Fargo Force 2:30 pm: Tri-City Storm vs. Des Moines Buccaneers 6:00 pm: Sioux Falls Stampede vs Sioux City Musketeers Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Slotkin says US Senate Democratic primary is a battle between rhetoric and substance U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski In a final campaign push before Tuesdays primary election, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) on Saturday addressed a couple dozen volunteers at a small bar patio in Grand Rapids. She spoke with the West Michigan volunteers individually before explaining her platform and answering questions. Strengthening the middle class, keeping manufacturing and farming in the U.S. and fighting the real dangers to children, like gun violence, topped her list of priorities. Slotkin also emphasized the importance of codifying rights, like voting protections and abortion, through Congress instead of relying on the right-wing U.S. Supreme Court. She promised to work on reforming the filibuster to get that work done. Slotkin also told the Advance she supports reforming the ethics code for the Supreme Court and would be open to term limits, a change President Joe Biden proposed last month. I think the Democratic Party needs to understand that we can no longer just play defense on our rights and our democracy, Slotkin said. I am really sick of playing defense. Longtime U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) announced her retirement earlier this year, leaving the competitive seat wide open without an incumbent. Slotkin and actor Hill Harper are facing off for the Democratic nomination. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake), former Rep. Justin Amash (I-Cascade Twp.) and Dr. Sherry ODonnell are competing for the GOP nomination. Slotkin told the Advance that she believes her experience working in the U.S. House for three terms, the Defense department and on the National Security Council makes her the best choice for the nomination. Its really a sort of competition between rhetoric and substance, and I have the receipts from my time as a congresswoman. I have the receipts from my time in the federal government and national security, Slotkin said to the Advance. I know what its like to listen to someone and hear their pain and their story and then translate that into a piece of legislation and then work hard across the aisle to actually get it done. Greg Bowens, a spokesperson for the Harper campaign, said that Harpers experience as a union member, small-business owner, father of a school-aged child, caretaker for his mother and actor has equipped him to understand and work for residents. When it comes to these kinds of experiences and being able to empathize with people in a way thats outside of the government realm, outside of the military industrial complex, outside of war, for example, [it] allows for you to have a more humanistic approach and a more grounded approach in shaping policy decisions, Bowens said, pointing to Harpers calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as an example of his empathy in creating his political platform. While Slotkin told volunteers that working with GOP lawmakers was important to passing legislation, she also said that did not mean compromising her values, like defending LGBTQ+ rights. Strengthening and expanding the middle class is one of Slotkins keystone priorities. She told volunteers she wants to make higher education and health care more affordable, in addition to creating manufacturing jobs and supporting U.S. farmers. To me, as a multiracial, multiethnic, experiment democracy, if we dont have that, that idea that if you work hard, you will do well and your kids will do better, were in real trouble, Slotkin said. She also spoke about addressing dangers that impact children, like gun violence, climate change, mental health issues, drug abuse and poverty. Slotkin clarified that she was only talking about real issues, and that library books are not a threat to children. Some Republicans in Michigan and across the country have backed banning certain books, often those about LGBTQ+ and racial issues. This idea that either youre a gun owner or you care about childrens safety is complete B.S., Slotkin said. That is a false choice, and what we need to do is bring our gun owner friends into the conversation on safety. If Slotkin wins the Democratic nomination this week, she told volunteers she planned to campaign around the state with Stabenow, a la the film, Thelma and Louise. She said meeting with people all over the state will be important to winning the competitive Senate seat, and Democratic candidates will have to work hard to win over independent voters ahead of the general election in November. Its just trying to be everywhere, Slotkin told the Advance. People want to know that youre going to show up in their community and listen to their issues. Its just making the point of going to, obviously, much further distances, going to events that mean something to people, meeting with leaders who have a lot to say about their local issues. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) campaigns in Grand Rapids on Aug. 3, 2024. | Lucy Valeski SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Betsy Cauble Kansas has the unfortunate distinction of being Americas ninth worst state for mental health care. More than 50% of youths with depression and nearly 36% of adults with a mental health illness do not receive adequate treatment, according to Forbes. Social workers are a lifeline for those with mental health needs, but the nationwide shortage has left Kansas filling only 23% of its need for mental health care. Lasting change starts by prioritizing the needs of licensed social workers and developing robust talent pipelines. The Social Work Licensure Compact, which Gov. Kelly signed earlier this year, relieves pressure on licensed social workers by clearing away unnecessary red tape. They can now apply for a multistate license that allows them to practice in any participating states. The compact eliminates what used to be a complex, months-long process of jumping through bureaucratic hoops in order to continue providing care. The compact unties social workers hands so they can continue helping their clients. Continuity of care is an important part of mental health treatment. Social workers invest a significant amount of time and energy building trust with their clients as they work to understand their situation and needs. Under the current licensing system, all of that is erased the second a client moves across state lines, even if theyre only 15 minutes away. The compact frees licensed social workers to continue building meaningful client-practitioner relationships that will enhance the quality of care they can provide. This will especially benefit Kansass rural communities, where the shortage is most pronounced. For example, the 16 counties in southeast Kansas account for merely 0.7% of the states social workers. Those practicing in rural areas need support in order to continue providing excellent services to their clients. The compact will increase rural Kansans access to licensed social workers across the nation, easing the burden on overworked rural social workers. With the higher-than-average mental health needs and suicide rates of rural communities, this change isnt a moment too soon. The licensure compact is a meaningful step toward lightening the heavy burden placed on our states licensed social workers but there is more to do. Creating strong pipelines for future licensed social workers is the basis of any long-term solution to the shortage. The financial strain of becoming a social worker is one of the biggest stoppages preventing new talent from entering the field. Earning a masters and becoming a licensed social worker is an expensive undertaking that often requires taking on debt. Coupled with low salaries, its not surprising that would-be social workers are discouraged from starting the process. Policymakers can take the next step by pushing for initiatives paid internships, state-funded scholarships and loan forgiveness to significantly lighten the load on practitioners, freeing them to focus their energies on helping our state thrive. Every day, we ask social workers to protect our states most vulnerable residents. Today, we have the opportunity to become a state that also prioritizes their wellbeing. Betsy Cauble, PhD, MSW, is a board member at Preferra Insurance Company RRG, a behavioral health liability insurance company overseen by social workers, and the retired Department Head and Associate Professor of Social Work Emeritus at Kansas State University. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Social Work Licensure Compact strengthens Kansas Someone who went to the Orange County Fair is now a millionaire Imagine going to the fair and walking away with a million dollars. Well, thats what one lucky player did, according to California Lottery officials. The player who has not yet come forward won the prize after buying a Multiplier Craze Scratchers ticket from the CA Lottery LIVE! booth at the Orange County Fair. The booth is a partnership between the state lottery and a lucky retailer chosen by officials; the lucky retailer in question at this years fair is 5 Star Liquor in Westminster. Good Samaritan assists Coast Guard in rescuing man who fell overboard with no life jacket near Channel Islands According to 5 Star Liquor owner Maysa Dagher, a man showed a lot of excitement and even proclaimed that he won; however, he told Dagher to keep it under wraps. He actually came back to the window and said, I know I won something, but dont say anything aloud, and tell me if its true, Dagher told the California Lottery, adding that her coworker checked the ticket and was excited about the sale. Any winning player can come forward to claim their prize by either mailing the ticket in or by visiting one of nine California Lottery offices. Did the Mayor of Philadelphia accidentally announce Kamala Harris running mate? The O.C. Fair is not the only chance SoCal residents have to visit the CA Lottery LIVE! booth; a lottery booth has also been set up at the Ventura County Fair. Better get there fast, though, as the lottery booths seem to be quite popular. People actually spend the day here, Dagher said. We are loud and crazy in here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Overdevelopment I agree with the Sound Off on overdevelopment in the Pass. Thanks to the Property Brothers, we have unbridled development of ugly institutional-looking short-term rental units. And dont get me started on the new boardwalk/sea wall. Shooting gallery America has become a shooting gallery. And our Congressmen dont care. But neither do we we elect them. True Christians Donald Trump is calling for Christians to vote for him. A Christian is a person that believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God. A true Christian loves everyone. Donald Trump is evil and hateful. No true Christian will vote for someone that is evil and hateful. The new Kamala Now that Vice President Harris has been hand-selected as the new presidential candidate, you can see how todays polling has changed her longstanding political views on the border, energy, policing, Israel, etc. But actions speak louder than words. So ask yourself, can you ignore or forget her early liberal politics? Disqualified Yes, Donald Trump did a couple of good things for us, but Im sorry, once you disregard the will of the voters and attempt to bully your way back into power by seizing the government, you are off the dance card, permanently. If only the Republicans in Congress had found their backbone, we could have stopped talking about this years ago. Benefits I paid into Social Security, but always hear about threats to cut it. What I have never ever heard is the government cutting retired government employees retirement cheeks. Never a shortage there. The fox guarding the chicken coop. Something changed Donald Trump was a good president until he got COVID and demanded all the experimental treatments at the Naval Hospital. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) An unknown number of employees at a South Carolina elementary school have been let go or placed on leave after an inappropriate picture taken during a Hispanic heritage celebration was posted to the schools Facebook, the district announced Friday. The photo was one of a few posted to Royall Elementarys Facebook page on Wednesday which showed apparent staff members wearing sombreros and other Hispanic attire. One photo showed two adults wearing gray t-shirts that read U.S. Border Patrol. That picture quickly sparked outrage among several groups, including the Florence County Democratic Party and Racial Justice Network. The baby names you probably shouldnt pick for your child, according to consultants There was no regard for the students and how some would feel and what message they were sending to others. We would like to know what the motives behind this were, and did the school hope to gain from this, Racial Justice Network founder James Johnson III said in a statement. Video below: How much do teachers make? Thursday morning, the school acknowledged the insensitive picture and removed it from its Facebook page, while also issuing an apology. 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 post said. 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. Later that day, Florence 1 Schools said it had taken action against those involved in the inappropriate social media post, which was taken during a Professional Development day at the school. Man charged for threatening to shoot members of Kansas City Chiefs at Morgan Wallen concert On Friday, Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard OMalley said several employees are no longer employed by the district or have been placed on leave by the districts administration. A district spokeswoman told Nexstars WBTW she was unable to provide specifics on the number of people disciplined or their employment status, citing confidential personnel matters. As superintendent, I will not tolerate anything of this nature in our school district, OMalley continued in a letter sent to Royall Elementary families, seen below. Letter-to-Royall-Parents_GuardiansDownload OMalley said Michelle Wynn, the districts assistant superintendent of elementary education, and Christopher Rogers, its STEM director, will serve as acting administrators. Royall Elementarys longtime principal Julie Smiths biography remained on the schools website as of Sunday morning. I want to assure the Royall Community that the school will continue to provide an exceptional education for all students, with the high expectations and excellence in student achievement that have always been provided by our staff at Royall, OMalley added. Additional details were not immediately available. About 3% of Florence Countys population is Hispanic or Latino, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The South Valley, and Barelas area, is being recognized as one of the coolest Latino neighborhoods in the United States. An article by Timeout ranks the area in the top 10 Latino communities throughout the nation, noting some of New Mexicos best cuisine, the Spanish colonial roots, and even the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Who has the best cinnamon roll in New Mexico? The communities made the list based on the preservation of cultural identity, how each neighborhood fosters community connection, and their contributions to cultural diversity and economic vitality. Other notable Latino neighborhoods that made the top 10 include the Mission District in San Francisco and Little Havana in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A man identified as Pablo Gonzalez, a freelance journalist from Spain who had been based in Poland since 2019, second from left with shaved head, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin, back to a camera, speaking to released Russian prisoners, part of the biggest prisoner swap between the United States and Russia in post-Soviet history, upon their arrival at the Vnukovo government airport outside Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Gonzalez had another passport and another name: Pavel Rubtsov. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) WARSAW, Poland (AP) When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, reporters from around the world rushed to the Polish-Ukrainian border to cover an exodus of refugees fleeing Russian bombs. Among them was Pablo Gonzalez, a freelance journalist from Spain who had been based in Poland since 2019, working for Spanish news agency EFE, Voice of America and other outlets. Warsaw-based reporters knew him as an outgoing colleague who liked to drink beer and sing karaoke into the wee hours of the morning. Two and a half years later, he was sent to Moscow as part of a prisoner swap, leaving behind both mysteries about who he really was and concerns about how Poland handled a case in which he was accused of being a Russian agent. In the first days of the war, Gonzalez provided stand-up reports to TV viewers in Spain against a backdrop of refugees arriving at the train station in the Polish border town of Przemysl. But less than week into the war, Polish security agents entered the room he was staying in and arrested him. They accused him of participating in foreign intelligence activities against Poland and said he was an agent of the GRU, Russian military intelligence. Friends were astonished and, as Poland held Gonzalez without trial for months that turned into years, some grew skeptical and organized protests in Spain demanding his release. Authorities have never detailed the accusations. But on Thursday evening, the burly 42-year-old with a shaved head and beard was welcomed home by President Vladimir Putin after being freed in the largest prisoner swap since the Soviet era. His inclusion in the deal appears to confirm suspicions that Gonzalez was a Russian operative using his cover as a journalist. Born Pavel Rubtsov in 1982 in then-Soviet Moscow, Gonzalez went to Spain with his Spanish mother at age 9, where he became a citizen and received the Spanish name of Pablo Gonzalez Yague. He went into journalism, working for outlets Publico, La Sexta and Gara, a Basque nationalist newspaper. It's not clear what led Poland to arrest him. The investigation remains classified and the spokesman for the secret services told The Associated Press that he could not say anything beyond what was in a brief statement. Poland is on high alert after a string of arrests of espionage suspects and sabotage, part of what the authorities view as hybrid warfare by Russia and Belarus against the West. Polish security services said Poland included him in the deal due to the close Polish-American alliance and common security interests. In their statement, they said that "Pavel Rubtsov, a GRU officer arrested in Poland in 2022, (had been) carrying out intelligence tasks in Europe. The head of Britains foreign intelligence agency MI6, Sir Richard Moore, said at the Aspen Security Forum in 2022 that Gonzalez was an illegal who was arrested in Poland after masquerading as a Spanish journalist. The term illegal refers to spies who operate under non-official cover, meaning that they don't benefit from diplomatic immunity. He was trying to go into Ukraine to be part of their destabilizing efforts there, Moore said. Another hint at his activities came from independent Russian outlet Agentstvo, which reported that in 2016 Rubtsov befriended and spied on Zhanna Nemtsova, the daughter of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered in Moscow in 2015. Poland-based journalists who knew Gonzalez said he used his base in Poland to travel to former Soviet countries including Ukraine and Georgia. He had a license to operate a drone and used it to film Auschwitz-Birkenau from the air for coverage on the 75th anniversary of the death camp's liberation in 2020. Voice of America, a U.S.-government funded organization, confirmed that he worked briefly for them, but they have since removed any of his work from their website. Pablo Gonzalez contributed to a few VOA stories as a freelancer over a relatively short period of time starting in late 2020," spokesperson Emily Webb said in reply to an emailed query. "As a freelancer who provided content to a number of media outlets, his services were arranged through a third-party company used by news organizations around the world." At no time did he have any access to any VOA systems or VOA credentials, Webb said. "As soon as VOA learned of the allegations, we removed his material. Because Poland's justice system was politicized under a populist government that ruled from 2015-23, some activists worried about whether his rights were respected. Reporters Without Borders was among the groups that called for him to be put on trial or released. The group stands by its position that he should not have been held that long without trial. You are innocent until a trial proves you guilty, Alfonso Bauluz, the head of the group's office in Spain told AP on Friday. He expressed frustration at the silence around the case, and the fact that there will apparently not be a trial at all, saying Poland has not presented the evidence it has against him. But the group also says it expects Gonzalez to provide an explanation now that he is free. Jaap Arriens, a Dutch video journalist based in Warsaw, hung out with the man he knew as Pablo in Warsaw and Kyiv, as well as in Przemysl shortly before his arrest. Arriens described him as a friendly, funny man with a macho demeanor and a chest covered in tattoos that he once showed off in a bar. Gonzalez mostly fit in, but seemed better-off than the average freelance journalist. He always seemed to have the newest and most expensive phones and computers, working at the Poland-Ukraine border with the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro. He had plenty of money to spend in bars. He recalled Gonzalez once saying: Life is good, life is almost too good. "And I thought: Man, freelance life is never too good. What are you talking about? I don't know any freelancer who talks like this. Gonzalez, whose grandfather emigrated from Spain to the Soviet Union as a child during the Spanish Civil War, was known as a Basque nationalist with ties to the region's independence movement. Russia is suspected of supporting separatist movements in Spain and elsewhere in an effort to destabilize Europe. Gonzalez's wife in Spain had been advocating on his behalf during his detention in Poland, even though they were not living together at the time of his arrest. Over the past years, supporters ran an account on Twitter, now X, to advocate for his release. When the Russian government announced that Pavel Rubtsov had arrived in Moscow on Thursday, the @FreePabloGonzalez account tweeted: This is our last tweet: Pablo is finally free. Endless thanks to all. Those who have followed the case are now awaiting his next moves. He has Spanish citizenship and the right to return to the European Union. His wife was quoted in Spanish media saying she hopes he can return to Spain. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A Spanish Lake, Missouri, man was arrested last week for allegedly kicking a friends dog and attacking a family member while the two were pet-sitting. According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the crimes took place between July 28 and July 30. Police said on July 28, Carlos Ray (age not provided) kicked his friends dog several times and laughed at the dog while it was in pain. Over the next three days, blood could be seen in the dogs urine. On July 30, police said Rays family member, who was also pet-sitting, suggested they tell their friend that the dog was hurt. Ray allegedly punched his family member repeatedly and even threatened to kill his relative. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police said the family member waited until Ray went to sleep before leaving the apartment and calling police. Officers arrived and found the family member had suffered a broken nose and orbital bone. The dogs status was not mentioned in the probable cause statement. Ray was arrested on July 31. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Ray with first-degree assault, third-degree kidnapping, and animal abuse. Ray remains jailed on a $15,000 cash-only bond. Hes scheduled to appear in court for a bond reduction hearing on August 8. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) A traffic stop on Interstate 40 led to the discovery of drugs and cash, as well as the arrest of a wanted man Sunday afternoon, officials said. The Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) said a vehicle was stopped by law enforcement due to speeding in the westbound lanes of I-40 on Sunday, Aug. 4. Mt. Juliet man arrested in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol riot Authorities said the man initially gave officers a fake name, which matched the identity of a person in Florida. (Source: Mt. Juliet Police Department) (Source: Mt. Juliet Police Department) However, further investigation revealed that the man only identified by officials as a 49-year-old from Lebanon was wanted by U.S. Marshals for violating federal supervised release. Inside the vehicle, officers said they found a large amount of meth and cash. The Lebanon man was reportedly sentenced to federal prison in 2017 for meth trafficking. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee MJPD said the man was arrested for identity theft, possession of meth for resale, and the federal warrant. No other information, including the suspects name, was immediately released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. In June, Reuters reported on a hitherto secret U.S. program connected with the COVID pandemic. In the spring of 2020, as the coronavirus rapidly spread throughout the world, our government reportedly sought to respond to Chinese disinformation which had attempted to deflect responsibility for the virus origin, claiming that it had originated in a biological research lab at Fort Detrick, Maryland. What was the governments plan? To fight fire with fire. This was around the same time that Rodrigo Duterte, then the Trump-style president of the Philippines, was making noises about a closer relationship to China, even hinting that if the Beijing government prioritized sending vaccine to his country, hed be willing to cede disputed territory in the South China Sea. An element within the U.S. military in the Pacific was reportedly eager to keep the Philippine government on side and fight the deluge of Chinese propaganda. So the Pentagon apparently authorized a covert disinformation campaign against China, focusing on discrediting Chinese-developed COVID vaccines and protective medical equipment like masks. The channels for this propaganda included Twitter (now X), Facebook and other social media platforms. The campaign appears to have worked: The Philippines ended up with a very low vaccination rate in international comparison (in spite of Dutertes efforts), and a relatively high death rate. While it is generally acknowledged that the Chinese vaccine (known as CoronaVac or Sinovac) is less effective than those developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, it is hardly useless: Its typically 60 to 70 percent effective, versus the roughly 90-percent effectiveness of Western vaccines. So it would almost certainly have saved lives in the Philippines, if not for the U.S. disinformation campaign. Its all there in the Reuters reporting, and there is no need to expatiate on the obvious immorality of the operation, quite apart from its colossal stupidity. At the same time as U.S. public health officials were tearing out their hair trying to combat domestic COVID disinformation, and doctors and nurses were risking their lives caring for terminally ill vaccine refusers, their government was pumping the same ideological poison into the minds of innocent people abroad. The nonchalant statement of an unnamed Pentagon official says it all: We werent looking at this from a public health perspective. We were looking at how we could drag China through the mud. The report left a few dangling loose ends, however, that deserve further investigation by Congress and the Pentagon inspector general: Are U.S. special forces out of control? The report says that the program was initiated after persistent lobbying by the then-commander of Special Operations Command Pacific, Gen. Jonathan Braga. The article implies that he pleaded directly to Washington. Did his superiors at U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii know what he was doing? Did they approve? We know from Reuters that various U.S. ambassadors in Southeast Asia did not approve, and would ordinarily have overruled a stupid idea that could harm diplomatic relations. But because then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper designated the propaganda campaign as a de facto wartime action, the diplomats objections could be disregarded. U.S. special forces were vastly expanded during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and were given greater operational flexibility. They have also tended to produce loose cannons throughout the ranks. Gen. Stanley McChrystal was special forces commander at the height of the Iraq war and later became commander of all coalition forces in Afghanistan. His career came to grief when he had the bad judgment to insult President Obama other civilian leaders in front of a Rolling Stone reporter. Apparently, the civilian pukes in Washington lacked the generals gung-ho confidence that with just a little more door-kicking and pyrotechnics, Afghanistan would be pacified something that hadnt happened since the Mongol invasions. This kinetic mentality can get out of hand, as it did in 2017. Four Navy SEALs who were posted to the U.S. embassy in Mali, in a juvenile attempt to haze an Army special forces soldier, wound up killing him. Their court martial, in a strange display of leniency, sentenced the most culpable perpetrator to just 10 years in prison, while one of the four defendants did not even receive a punitive discharge. The 10-year sentence was later vacated, with the defendant hiring a Trump lawyer to get him off the hook. Ironically, vaccine refusal was the cause of another special forces stunt. Personnel from the Navy Special Warfare Command, including SEALs, declined to be vaccinated and sued the Department of Defense. Their venue-shopping landed them in the Fort Worth, Texas, courtroom of U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor, a favorite destination for nutty conservative causes. Shockingly but not surprisingly, OConnor ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Ultimately, the Supreme Court blocked the judges ruling, but only insofar as it allowed the Navy to reassign the plaintiffs, rather than discipline or discharge them, while litigation continued. What the personnel had done merited not merely reassignment or discharge, but potentially a court martial for deliberately rendering themselves undeployable, endangering other service members, gross insubordination and possibly even mutiny, as it was an organized action against their unit. I have written before about the ways religion is bandied about for political advantage by people whose own religious faith is ludicrously insincere. The justification of the SEALs whose profession is to kill people was a risible claim that Christian devotion prompted their refusal, advancing the heretofore undiscovered theological tenet that modification of their bodies by vaccine was an affront to their Creator. Apparently that doctrine exempts steroid abuse, which is common in the Navys special warfare community. Even the military has begun to recognize that special forces may have become the tail that wags the dog too big (larger in scale than the entire German army), diluted in quality, often operating outside the regular chain of command and widely infected with a cowboy mentality. The mindless popular adulation of Navy SEALs in particular has had an adverse impact on civil-military relations, according to some observers. Perhaps we will always need door-kickers, but should they be able to overrule ambassadors in order to execute a cruel and asinine operation in a friendly country? Who ultimately ordered the covert operation? The Reuters piece noted that Secretary Esper signed the directive to conduct the operation. The legality of his action rested on a provision in the 2019 defense authorization act permitting the military to conduct clandestine influence operations against other countries, including outside of areas of active hostilities. This only raises more questions. Were the defense and intelligence committees of Congress, then controlled on the House side by Democrats, duly notified? If so, did the notification simply state that a covert psychological operation was underway, or did it provide enough details to make it clear that it was based on lies that could endanger the population of a friendly country? What was the reaction in Congress? It seems unlikely that even as powerful a bureaucratic actor as the secretary of defense would order such a sensitive operation in defiance of the State Department without the guidance of those above him, or at least without their sign-off. The rules of Washington would normally impel a person at Espers level to seek cover for his actions. Accordingly, it is probable that he either notified the president directly or through the National Security Council of his order. That president, of course, would have been DonaldTrump, who had already directed the CIA in 2019 to conduct covert psychological operations inside China. Its hardly a stretch to speculate that he would have had no problem approving a covert Pentagon operation in the Philippines. It is one more reason why Trump and his appointees should never again be entrusted with public office. Will Congress ever investigate this misbegotten operation and finally nail down the chain of events? How do we know the operation did not blow back on the United States? The military is prohibited by law from conducting propaganda campaigns in the United States. But given the instant global connectedness of the internet, how could the Pentagon be so sure that its black propaganda campaigns in other countries wouldnt leak back to the American population? They were, after all, using Twitter and Facebook accounts. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. According to the Census Bureau, the Filipino population in the United States was 4.4 million in 2020, the third-largest Asian-American group. It is inconceivable that none of them would have had contact with friends and relatives in the Philippines who might have been gulled by the American disinformation. If their contacts made them vaccine-hesitant, that could easily have exacerbated the already epidemic anti-vaccine movement here. Given the disproportionate number of Filipino nurses working in the U.S. health care system, this could have had a measurable impact on public health. Why did it take so long to shut down the program? Shortly after Joe Bidens inauguration, representatives from Facebook arranged a meeting with officials of the new administration to complain about the covert program, which contradicted the companys policy against spreading vaccine disinformation. The officials were reportedly horrified, but again, there are loose ends to the Reuters story. Why hadnt the new administration learned about the program through Pentagon channels already, during the presidential transition? Why did it take until the spring of 2021 to order DOD to shut it down? And in spite of the order, why did the program linger through the summer? Was the Biden administration lax in its follow-up, or was the Pentagon out of control? Over the decades, the U.S. military has conducted numerous programs of breathtaking stupidity: the above-ground nuclear tests of the 1950s that exposed draftees to atomic radiation, dumping thousands of tons of Agent Orange defoliant over Indochina during the 1960s, the toxic burn pits of the Iraq war. Civilian leadership in this country needs to shed its adolescent awe of martial derring-do and gain firm control over a very dangerous weapon. The Star published in-depth endorsements from our editorial board for selected Missouri primaries throughout the month of July. If you missed any, you can see them at KansasCity.com/opinion/editorials We are providing them here in an encapsulated review of our recommendations. Missouri primaries are Tuesday, Aug. 6. Republican ballot Governor We endorse Mike Kehoe. Kehoe is the most level-headed of the Republican candidates, although his campaign has been disappointing and sometimes misleading. Were particularly concerned about his rental of a campaign bus owned by a well-known lobbyist who sometimes represents foreign interests. Kehoe has also said hell end the state income tax, which is Sam Brownbackian nonsense at its worst. Risking the states financial health to pander to voters isnt a good look. Still, he remains the choice over Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel, who have argued all summer over who is more right-wing. Ashcroft has been a disaster as the secretary of state, and Eigel caused much of the dysfunction in the Legislature this year. Also, note to all candidates: Put down the flamethrowers. Theyre really boring. Attorney general We can make no recommendation in this race, which deserves attention because both candidates are so unacceptable. Incumbent Andrew Bailey is a bad lawyer who neglects his state to pursue his own political priorities. He also keeps innocent people in prison, which should outrage every Missourian. Will Scharf thinks presidents should be kings. Neither has earned your vote. Secretary of state We endorse Shane Schoeller, currently the clerk in Greene County. He has experience in election oversight, and has been a voice of reason in his party. His opponents included scandal-plagued Dean Plocher, alleged defamer Denny Hoskins and gun-toting ultra right-winger Valentina Gomez. Republicans should not support these candidates. State House District 11 We cant make a recommendation in this race. Joe Nicola says the 2020 election of Joe Biden wasnt legitimate, which is a disqualifier. Nicola also faces allegations of using church-based funds to finance his campaign. That, too, is a concern. Aaron McMullen wants an independent eastern Jackson County. David Martin had a spat with a party official. This GOP field is a mess. Democratic ballot Governor Mike Hamra has run an interesting, substantive campaign. Here, though, Crystal Quade is the clear choice. Quade is the minority leader in the Missouri House, and has worked tirelessly to protect working families and children in the state. We need an adult in the room, she told us in response to our pre-endorsement survey. We think Quade can be that grown-up. She is the candidate who is best positioned to face the GOP nominee in November. Secretary of state Democrats should support Barbara Phifer, currently a member of the Legislature. Her experience in government exceeds that of Monique Williams, another candidate in the race. Haley Jacobson, who is from the St. Louis area, has not run a highly visible campaign. U.S. senator Lucas Kunce is the best option for this race against incumbent Josh Hawley. Hes a lawyer and former U.S. Marine, serving for a time in Iraq. He has worked to assemble a coalition of workers and organized labor with veterans and womens rights supporters. Im running for U.S. Senate because I think working people should be calling the shots in our country, he told us in our primary survey. He has pushed for stronger gun control laws restrictions that reach beyond red-flag statutes and background checks. We think thats the right approach. Karla May and December Harmon are interesting candidates, but lack the statewide campaign experience Kunce can claim. State Senate District 7 We endorse Patty Lewis. Lewis is a state representative with the experience and knowledge to work effectively in the state Senate. She has helped manage bills relating to mental health and maternal health. We think she is well-equipped to represent the citys interests in Jefferson City. Opponent Pat Contreras is also well-qualified. He differs from Lewis not in policy, but in approach: he would be much more assertive than Lewis. Sometimes, that can be counter-productive. On balance, Lewis deserves the vote. State Senate District 9 Incumbent Barbara Anne Washington is the clear option. She has served her Kansas City district well, while opponent Brandon Ellingtons record is spotty at best. State House District 15 Greg Smith, a union member and labor supporter, gets the narrow endorsement over lawyer Kenneth Jamison. State House District 28 We endorse Donna Barnes over Mike Sager. Barnes wants to replace her retiring husband in the Missouri House, while Sager faced ethics allegations more than a decade ago. Jackson County prosecutor We support Melesa Johnson, narrowly, over opponents John Gromosky and Stephanie Burton. Johnson is best positioned to address some of the criminal justice inequities in the county. She wants to start a property crimes prosecution division that can serve as a clinic for law students. The cases will get the exclusive focus that they deserve, the victims will feel heard and advocated for thus expanding trust in the system, and the offenders will be held accountable before they escalate to more violent crimes, she told us. Gromowsky represents the old approach, which Jackson County doesnt need. Stephanie Burton is a high school dropout turned lawyer who helped start the conviction integrity unit in Wyandotte County. Her story and background make her a viable candidate for prosecutor. In this race, though, we think Johnson is the preferred candidate. Ballot issues Amendment 1 Missourians should vote yes. Amendment 1 would provide tax exemptions for day care providers. While the exemptions would take some money from local jurisdictions like schools and counties, we think the need for expanded affordable child care in Missouri is obvious. Amendment 1 would provide it. Vote yes. Amendment 4 Missourians should vote no on Amendment 4, which would change the state constitution and allow the Legislature to impose a spending requirement for the Kansas City Police Department. Its the worst kind of plantation mentality: Jefferson City does not know how to run any police department. Lawmakers should not be allowed to impose their will on Kansas City. Vote no. PEABODY, Mass. (WWLP) An injured hawk was rescued by Massachusetts State Police Troopers in Peabody on Friday. Local fire departments train to improve emergency response skills According to the State Police Association of Massachusetts, around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, troopers were sent to the on-ramp from Route 128 Southbound to Route 1 Southbound in Peabody to rescue an injured hawk. The troopers were able to place the hawk into protective custody at the State Police Danvers Barrack until it was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Malden. The troopers want to thank the motorists who initially stopped to rescue the hawk as the troopers were arriving. There is no word on the condition of the hawk at this time. According to Mass Audubon, the most common hawk in Massachusetts is the Red-tailed Hawk, which can be seen in cities, suburbs, and the countryside. It feeds mainly on squirrels and other small mammals and rarely presents any threat to humans or pets. 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Kirk Lanam, the founder, president and executive director of Veteran Service Dogs Organization in Oceola Township near Howell in Livingston County, is stepping away from the organization. Thats the news from an email sent out by the organization early Sunday and provided to 6 News. For the good of the organization, Kirk is stepping away from Veteran Service Dogs. We will be closed for the next two weeks while undergoing a reorganization, the unsigned email reads. (WLNS) It is unclear who authored the letter sent through the organizations vet records management system or who is taking over the operations. A 6 News Investigates report Aug. 1 found Lanam has claimed to be a combat operator, has military dog handling training and experience, and has 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 and 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. In addition, responding to veteran concerns and inquiries related to the ownership of the dogs, the organization says its prepared to transfer ownership without contest. For any of the veterans who are concerned about the legal ownership of the dogs, please use these next 2 weeks to send a message through the VetBadger clinic management system, the letter reads. Please include the address you wish to have the microchip registered to if the dog is microchipped. If you are not neglecting or abusing the dog, your request will be honored, and the appropriate steps will be taken to facilitate the transfer. VSDO has no intention of taking any dogs away. Veterans involved in the organization tell the 6 News Investigates Team they were required to sign a contract with VSDO upon entry whether they bring their own dog for training or receive one from the organization placing ownership in the hands of the organization and allowing the dog to be taken back in the event of abuse or neglect. During the ongoing investigation by 6 News, information has surfaced that Lanam himself may be keeping dogs at the VSDO facility in poor conditions, with his stepson confirming neglect or abuse was happening. Those reports led to a revocation of Lanams evaluator status with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and a formal investigation by the organization. The letter also claims a person involved in the organization accessed the organizations systems without authorization and destroyed Intellectual Property and Confidential Information. Lanam was convicted by a federal jury in 2006 on three felony counts of computer intrusion, or hacking, court records show. Federal District Court Judge Avern Cohn summarized the case in a 2008 ruling denying an appeal by Lanam: In March 2006, Lanam was indicted on six counts of unauthorized computer intrusion in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(5)(A)(i).1 The government later voluntarily dismissed three of the six counts. The remaining three counts asserted that Lanam: (1) accessed the computer system of Total Mortgage Corporation (Total) without authorization and entered ping flood 2 commands that rendered Totals telephone system inoperative; (2) accessed Totals computer system without authorization and disabled the firewall, 3 thereby rendering the system vulnerable to subsequent attacks via the Internet; and (3) accessed the computer system of Air Source One, Inc. without authorization in order to gain access to Totals computer system. Following a trial, a jury returned a guilty verdict against Lanam on all three counts in November 2006. Opinion by U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn, July 10, 2008 The author of the VSDO letter to veterans involved in the program assured participants the organization would pursue criminal prosecution against the person they allege breached the VSDO computer records. The incident is being reported to the authorities, and we are making sure that she has not compromised any sensitive information of any of the veterans in this program, the letter reads. We will be requesting that she be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protection of your sensitive information is our top priority. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) The Stone Canyon Fire burning near Lyons is now 90% contained, and evacuees are good to return to their homes. The fire in Boulder County near Lyons began on Tuesday, and surrounding neighborhoods were evacuated. The blaze grew over 1,300 acres and destroyed two structures by Tuesday night. On Wednesday, firefighters found one persons remains in one of the residences. Returning home? public warned about fire retardant impacts: What to know Firefighters have been gaining more control of the fire since Wednesday, with a few evacuations being lifted since then. Saturday, the Boulder Office of Disaster Management announced that the fire is 90% contained and all evacuations and road closures have been lifted. Residents are good to return, but there will still be smoke in the area. Firefighting resources will be in the area overnight as they continue to mop up and monitor the fire, so please use caution around firefighting equipment, BODM said in the announcement. The office said some homes in the Mossrock Drive and Moss Rock Ct. area may be without power. As of Wednesday, the fire has destroyed five residences and burned 1,553 acres. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The pro-Palestinian activists who disrupted campuses across the nation are plotting their return for the new academic year. Demonstrators say all forms of protest are still on the table, despite the more than 2,000 arrests so far, as students try to figure out a new strategy to demand their schools divest from Israel, among other goals. What we will see [is] the students will continue their activism, will continue doing what theyve done in conventional and unconventional ways. So not only protests, not only encampments, kind of any any available means necessary to push Columbia to divest from from Israel, said Mahmoud Khalil, student negotiator on behalf of Columbia University Apartheid Divest. And weve been working all this summer on our plans, on whats next to pressure Columbia to listen to the students and to decide to be on the right side of history, Khalil added. Students will be heading back into the classroom this month after a chaotic ending to the last academic year. Dozens of schools across the country saw protests against the war in Gaza, including interruptions to multiple graduation ceremonies, and scores of students were suspended for their actions. Since then, the war in Gaza has only escalated with thousands killed and no clear end in sight. Theres definitely conversations happening regarding how they can continue to advocate, to raise awareness about Palestinian human rights and genocide thats happening in Gaza, said Zainab Chaudry, director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations office in Maryland. And I think that theres some students who already started planning over the summer. There have been some meetings that have been organized by some student leaders at different campuses to strategize ahead of the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Just to strategize what are the boundaries and what are students options in terms of being able to continue to keep the pressure on administrations to divest, Chaudry added. Students have demanded their schools to divest from companies associated with Israel and release statements against the countrys actions in Gaza amid its war with Hamas, among other policy changes. But over the summer, multiple schools, including Harvard University, have said they are no longer taking official positions on political issues, making such statements unlikely. And some schools have strengthened rules against campus encampments. I think the challenge for students is going to be how to raise awareness about different policies, different challenges for students, how to continue to advocate and raise awareness about different issues in light of these policies, and how much are they willing to push those policies to continue to advocate about the plight of Palestinians and the need to end the ongoing genocide, Chaudry said. Some student activists are still dealing with the penalties they face from their actions last school year. We have several students who are still suspended and some of them waiting for a hearing from the university. The university is not taking actions in any of these cases, really, so we have tens of students in limbo, Khalil said. They dont know if they will be able to attend school next semester. Theyre not sure if they can benefit from university housing, register for classes, any of that, and it has been, for some of them, it has been four months already. But he added that the fear of more repercussions isnt stopping students from bigger plans to keep the Palestinian cause top of mind on their campuses. Were considering a wide range of actions, throughout the semester, encampments and protests and all of that, he said. But for us, encampment is now our new base, as in the past, it used to be protests. Students would do protests every day, but now, kind of, encampments is the new base for us. And I think the university should think really, really, really hard about about meeting our demands, Khalil said, adding that along with encampments the students have a big program of political education where we teach and reach out to students to raise awareness about whats happening in Palestine. Columbia President Minouche Shafik released a statement to the community on July 24, saying she is aware there will be an intense spotlight on the institution. She highlighted the work the campus did over the summer, which included plans for more faculty, staff and student engagement. To address issues raised by the student protests this past year, including breakdowns in constructive dialogue and good faith engagement, we have asked two faculty from the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program at the School of Professional Studies to facilitate a process with affected students to hear their views and work toward mediated outcomes. To date, the two faculty members have held meetings with students, University leadership, faculty, and other stakeholders from across our community, to understand the many perspectives that are relevant to the conflicts dividing our campus, she said. Shafik also mentioned the University Senates Committee on the Rules of University Conduct is still reviewing the guidelines around campus protest. Some pro-Palestinian activists did make gains last school year. Colleges including Brown University and Northwestern agreed to some of their demonstrators demands and said they would have a vote this fall on whether to divest from Israel. The results of how these schools follow through on their promises will likely be a big influence for the protests. I think that students may look to those victories to continue to provide them with encouragement, so that they see the potential of what might be possible, Chaudry said. The students have tremendous amount of power on college campuses. Updated Aug. 5 at 9:28 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A new study of charter schools in Massachusetts has identified strikingly positive academic results. The paper, released last week through the National Bureau of Economic Research, finds that charter students in the Bay State are significantly more likely to enroll in a four-year college and obtain a degree than their non-charter peers. But an odd wrinkle emerged: Students in urban charters also experience a noticeable bump in their test scores, while those enrolled outside cities actually see their scores fall. The overall effects offer yet more evidence that the Massachusetts charter sector, cited by some researchers as the highest-performing in the country, substantially improves the life outcomes of its charges. The state has long won praise for holding choice schools to high standards, shuttering programs that fall short of expectations and allowing only charter organizations with a proven record of success to open new campuses. By the 2000s, charter students in Boston had begun out-scoring children in much more affluent towns on math and English. Related Boston Massively Expanded Its Charter Sector Without Sacrificing School Quality. New Research Sheds Light on How Education Reforms Can Remain Effective While Applied at Scale But the new research seems to indicate a paradox. Unlike in Boston, charters in suburban and rural areas boost their students chances of attending and graduating from college while also dragging their test scores downwards. The divergent measures of educational achievement make it unclear exactly how the schools are working and what truly matters for kids. Sarah Cohodes, a professor at the University of Michigan and the papers lead author, said her work reflects the simple reality that schools can change students lives in a multitude of ways. The whole premise of test-based accountability is that test-scores predict longer-term outcomes. But this situation shows it is not always the case. Sarah Cohodes, University of Michigan The whole premise of test-based accountability is that test-scores predict longer-term outcomes, Cohodes wrote in an email. And that is likely still the case, writ large. But this situation shows it is not always the case, and other things are going on in schools. Cohodess analysis revisits the conclusions of a study published in 2013 by, among others, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joshua Angrist. That experiment showed Massachusettss urban charter schools significantly beating the results of nearby public schools, while non-urban charters lagged far behind local competition. Related Critics Warn Massachusetts, Long a Leader in Education, Is Losing Its Edge The latest study makes use of the same sample of 15 urban charter schools and nine non-urban charter schools. It also relies on the same identifying data from the schools attendance lotteries, which include information on student race, class background, special education status, and previous scores on the states annual standardized test, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Through the use of the school lotteries, which randomly assigned similar students to either receive a slot at a charter school or not, both studies are able to pinpoint the effects of enrollment. But Cohodes extended her observations further in time, capturing high school graduating classes between 2006 and 2018, and gathered further figures on college enrollment and completion from the National Student Clearinghouse. Importantly, she identified large differences between charter students based on whether or not they lived in a city. Black and Latino students made up 54 percent and 27 percent of applicants, respectively, at urban charters, while fully 90 percent of applicants to non-urban charters were white. Urban applicants were also much more likely to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (a common proxy for poverty), and had previously scored considerably below the state average on MCAS; non-urban applicants tended to score above that average. After two years of attending their charter school, urban students saw their scores in both math and English leap upwards compared with students in traditional public schools. By comparison, those in non-urban charters fell by somewhat smaller, though still significant, amounts. That finding replicates both the results from the 2013 study in Massachusetts and those of several other investigations, which have broadly pointed to a divide between urban charters and those in rural and suburban areas. The consistency of the result suggested to some observers that it could simply be easier to create a charter school that improves upon existing offerings; in more advantaged areas, however, newer alternatives must compete against schools where students already score fairly well. Surprisingly, though, the same students whose scores fell in non-urban charters were also 11 percentage points more likely to enroll in a four-year college than their counterparts in traditional public schools. They were also 10 points more likely to attain a bachelors degree. Urban charter students also saw their college chances improve 27 percent earned a bachelors degree within six years of graduating high school, compared with 23 percent of their peers in non-charters but the effect was only about half that enjoyed by students outside of cities. Related New Analysis Finds Charter School Sector Still Has Plenty of Room to Grow What could account for the difference? According to Jon Valant, a political scientist who leads the Brookings Institutions Brown Center on Education Policy, charter-curious families in non-urban areas could be selecting for schools that dont focus explicitly on raising test scores. Instead, their target schools might attempt to set themselves apart through a focus on the arts or social-emotional learning. Such an emphasis could boost chances of college completion while also leading to lower academic achievement in the short-run. In those areas, parents might not be looking for schools that are better at doing the same things as their local public schools, Valant wrote in an email. They might be looking for schools that do something different even if that comes at the expense of their state test scores. Parents might not be looking for schools that are better at doing the same things as their local public schools. They might be looking for schools that do something different. Jon Valant, Brookings Institution That sentiment was echoed by Macke Raymond, the director of Stanfords Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO), which conducts comprehensive reviews of charter school performance around the United States. While cautioning that the Cohodes studys sample of just a few dozen schools made its findings difficult to generalize, Raymond argued in an email that suburban parents often strike a bargain when selecting charters: The alternative school model might provide academic and social resources that help their children excel in college, even while their explicit focus on core subjects falls somewhat behind that of local schools. Our team has seen that many non-urban charter schools across the country intentionally offer students an experience that does not focus on maximizing academic gains, Raymond wrote. Knowing that families are well resourced, suburban charters may offer a different experience, either with thematic focus or emphasize an environment that stresses non-academic development of their students. Many non-urban charter schools intentionally offer students an experience that does not focus on maximizing academic gains. Knowing that families are well resourced, suburban charters may offer a different experience. Macke Raymond, Stanford University For her part, Cohodes said that while the correlation between test scores and later-life success is solidly established, it was important not to dismiss educational programs too hastily on the basis of setbacks on student assessments. She and her colleagues plan to conduct a follow-up study examining the practices in non-urban charters that might be contributing to their students post-secondary attainment, including smaller class sizes and college counseling. I think its important to find school models that work, and to define work broadly such that it does not incorporate only test scores, Cohodes said. And I think we should replicate and expand school models that work, regardless of the sector. 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. (Photo by 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, including Nevada, undocumented immigrants paid higher tax rates than the top 1% of the income scale in those states, according to a study released this week 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. In Nevada, undocumented immigrants paid a total of $507.1 million in tax contributions in 2022, according to ITEPs report. More than half the total, $271.9 million, was collected via the sales tax. The effective tax rate paid by undocumented immigrants in Nevada was 8.4%, only slightly less than a national effective rate for undocumented taxpayers of 8.8% For the top 1% of the income scale in Nevada, however, the effective tax rate was 2.8%, compared to a national effective rate of 7.2%. Only Florida (2.6%) and South Dakota (2.7%) had a lower effective tax rate on the top 1% than Nevada. 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. 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. (Photo by 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, including Utah, 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. In Utah, the study found $235 million in tax contributions for the state in 2022. 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. In Utah, the tax rate for undocumented immigrants is 8.3% compared to the top 1% of the state at 6.4%. 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. The report estimates that 92,000 undocumented immigrants live in Utah, while a total 10.9 million live in the country. 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. 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. Summit County Public Health inspected over 400 restaurants in July. Which ones had the most violations? Summit County Public Health has inspected over 400 facilities that serve food during the month of July, including restaurants, nursing homes, grocery stores and gas stations, according to health data obtained by the Akron Beacon Journal. Food establishments are inspected one to four times per year, depending on how complex the menu is and the likelihood of a foodborne illness. Inspectors make sure these establishments are compliant with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code, which ensures food is safe for public consumption. Establishments with multiple uncorrected violations can have their licenses revoked or suspended, or in a severe case, the establishment could be forced to close permanently. What are the types of violations? There are two types of violations that health inspectors look for: critical and non-critical violations. Critical violations are those violations that, if left uncorrected, are "more likely to contribute to food contamination or illness," according to the Summit County Health Department. Examples of critical violations include the improper cooking, reheating or refrigeration of food items. Non-critical violations are not directly related to foodborne illnesses, but they could still impact the restaurant and lead to critical violations if not corrected. Examples include a lack of facility cleanliness and maintenance. What types of inspections are there? Listed below are the seven types of inspections, according to Summit County Public Health: Standard : This inspection is unannounced to the facility. A local health department sanitarian will conduct a complete inspection covering all items in the regulations for compliance. 30 Day Inspection: This is a standard inspection that must be conducted no more than 30 days after a license is issued to a new Food Service Operation or Retail Food Establishment. Pre-license Inspection: This inspection is not required, but may be conducted by the local health department prior to issuing a license to a new Food Service Operation or Retail Food Establishment. The purpose of this inspection is to provide consultation and education to the operator. Critical Control Point (CCP): This inspection may be scheduled or unannounced. A sanitarian will spend time reviewing a facilitys food processes that may directly contribute to food contamination or illness and educates the facility on proper procedures. Process Review (PR): This inspection may be scheduled or unannounced. This type of inspection is similar to a CCP inspection; however the inspections are conducted in facilities such as grocery stores or convenience stores. The inspection will focus on a specific process that may directly contribute to food contamination or illness. Follow-up Inspection: This is an inspection for the specific purpose of re-inspecting items that were not in compliance at the time of the standard, CCP and/or PR inspection. These inspections are scheduled. Complaint: This is an unannounced inspection conducted as a result of a complaint received by a local health department. The specifics of the complaint will be evaluated and discussed with the person in charge of the facility. Which Summit County establishments had the most critical violations in July? Little Caesars, 1260 Copley Road, Akron : Inspectors found 10 critical violations, including the person in charge being unable to demonstrate knowledge of food temperatures and times for safe cooking, the presence of house flies and sewer gnats and equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils being unclean. Los Girasoles, 4161 Steels Pointe Drive Suite 500, Stow : Inspectors found 10 critical violations including the improper storage of poisonous or toxic materials (corrected during inspection), foods not being stored at proper temperatures (corrected during inspection) and the cleanliness of the cooking utensils and surfaces. D'Agnese's Trattoria & Cafe , 566 White Pond Drive, Akron : Inspectors found nine critical violations including unclean utensils and food-contact surfaces, the improper storage of toxic materials (corrected during inspection) and food not being stored at the proper cold temperature (corrected during inspection). Casa Nueva Restaurante, 4525 Kent Road, Stow: Inspectors found nine critical violations including food not being stored at the proper temperatures (corrected during inspection), consumers not being properly advised of the risk of eating raw or undercooked animal products and food-contact surfaces not being easily cleanable. Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Which Summit County restaurants had most health code violations in July? Article first published: Monday, Aug. 05, 2024, 5 a.m. ET On Monday at 5 am, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Category 1 Hurricane Debby is 45 miles northwest of Cedar Key Florida and 70 miles south-southeast of Tallahassee Florida, with maximum sustained wind of 80 mph. Its moving 10 mph to the north-northeast. A gradual decrease in forward speed with a turn toward the northeast and east is expected later today and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center will reach the Florida Big Bend coast later this morning. Debby is then expected to move slowly across northern Florida and southern Georgia late today and Tuesday, and be near the Georgia coast by Tuesday night. according to forecasters. Weakening is expected after Debby moves inland. YESTERDAY (Sunday): Yesterday, the tropical storm Debby developed into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 80 miles per hour. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay - Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River South Carolina A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for: - Florida coast from Englewood northward to the middle of Longboat Key, including Charlotte Harbor A Hurricane Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast from the Yankeetown to Indian Pass A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: - Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande - Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach - St. Augustine to South Santee River South Carolina A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. Interests elsewhere along the southeastern coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional watches and warnings will likely be required later today. HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND: WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area later this morning. Tropical storm conditions will continue to spread northward over the tropical storm warning area along the Florida Gulf coast through the morning, and begin along portions of the tropical storm warning area along the Atlantic coast by this evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the coast of South Carolina within the tropical storm warning area by late tonight. 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... Yankeetown, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL...6-10 ft Chassahowitzka, FL to Yankeetown, FL...4-6 ft Ochlockonee River, FL to Indian Pass, FL...4-6 ft Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...3-5 ft Tampa Bay...3-5 ft Mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River, SC...2-4 ft Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Englewood, FL...2-4 ft For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? PeakSurge. RAINFALL: Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of central and northern Florida as well as central and northeast North Carolina through Saturday morning. This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected. Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding. For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding associated with Hurricane Debby, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml? Ero. For a list of rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS4 with the WMO header ACUS44 KWBC or at the following link: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html. TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia today. The threat will spread northeastward into parts of South Carolina later today and tonight. SURF: Swells generated by Debby are expected to affect much of the Gulf coast of Florida through tonight. Swells will begin to affect the Southeast U.S. coast later today and continue through the middle of the week. These conditions are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Source: National Hurricane Center This article was generated by the Miami Herald 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. Full hurricane coverage at miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/ BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) A person is dead following a shooting with Bastrop County Sheriffs Office deputies Saturday evening, authorities said. The sheriffs office said it responded to a call east of Bastrop about a person indiscriminately shooting around 8:48 p.m. where the person fired at a deputy but did not injure them. Neighbors in the area told KXAN they heard more than a dozen rounds of gunshots Saturday evening. They described the neighborhood as normally quiet and that the event was scary. The Special Response Team was called to the scene, and the suspect was shot and died after they engaged the responding deputies, Bastrop County Sheriff Maurice Cook said on social media. The person was not identified. The sheriffs office said the investigation is active and ongoing. Its heartbreaking. While the person who died has not been identified, KXAN spoke with a woman whose family knew him intimately. They wanted people to know he was a kind man who struggled after coming home from serving in the Marines. Weve known him since he was in middle school. My son and the victim went to school together, said Micky Gonzales. He became kind of like our adopted son. In fact, he called us parents at times, she continued. She said he served in the Marines for years. When he came back, she said he was different. When he returned, he was changed, Gonzales said. He was still this incredible young man who had such a big heart, but we could tell he was struggling. Gonzales said she found out about his death Sunday morning. She and her family are heartbroken. Its painful to lose someone who youve known for so long and shared such a special relationship, Gonzales said. To suddenly not have that person anymore its heartbreaking. And now she said she wonders if more could have been done to help him. What can we do for our veterans who come back after serving us so well, for so long, and [with] so many injuries? Are we really serving them well? she asked I dont know. I dont know. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck a Liberian-flagged container ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said Sunday, the first assault by the group since Israeli airstrikes targeted them. The Houthis offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which have seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But the resumption comes after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, amid renewed concerns over the war breaking out into a regional conflict. The rebels separately said they shot down another U.S. spy drone Sunday, later publishing imagery of the aircraft's wreckage on the side of the mountain. The attack on Saturday happened some 225 kilometers (140 miles) southeast of Aden in a stretch of the Gulf of Aden that has seen numerous Houthi attacks previously. It hit the container ship Groton just above its waterline, causing minor damage, said the Joint Maritime Information Center, a multinational coalition overseen by the U.S. Navy. An earlier missile attack missed the vessel, the JMIC said. All crew on board are safe, the center said. The vessel was reported diverting to a port nearby. The Groton had left Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Groton's Greek managers did not respond to a request for comment. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement Sunday afternoon. The rebels have targeted more than 70 vessels with missiles and drones in a campaign that has killed four sailors. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the time since. Other missiles and drones have been either intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or splashed down before reaching their targets. The Houthis maintain that their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States or Britain as part of the rebels campaign they say seeks to force an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the war including some bound for Iran. In the case of the Groton, JMIC said that the ship was targeted due to other vessels within its company structure making recent port calls in Israel. The Houthis also have launched drones and missiles toward Israel, including an attack on July 19 that killed one person and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv. Israel responded the next day with airstrikes on the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida that hit fuel depots and electrical stations, killing and wounding a number of people, the rebels say. In the time since, there has not been a reported attack on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which links Asia and the Middle East to Europe through the Suez Canal. Since November, Houthi attacks have disrupted the $1 trillion flow of goods passing through the region annually while also sparking the most intense combat the U.S. Navy has seen since World War II. Saree also claimed in his statement that the Houthis shot down a U.S MQ-9 spy drone over Saada province. Shortly after the claim, the rebels published footage of the downed aircraft, showing Houthi supporters including children climbing over the wreckage and pointing at what appeared to be missiles the drone had carried. The U.S. Defense Department said it was aware of the claim and investigating, without elaborating. Since Yemens civil war started in 2014, when the Houthis seized most of the countrys north and its capital, Sanaa, the U.S. military has lost multiple drones to the rebels, while others may have been lost by the CIA. No military identification markings could be seen on the downed drone in the footage. MQ-9 drones, known as Reapers, cost around $30 million apiece. They can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (about 15,000 meters) and have an endurance of up to 24 hours before needing to land. The killing of Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked concerns of a new escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. Already, the U.S. military says it will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and keep an aircraft carrier in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will enter the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman. Other ships are in the Mediterranean Sea with a Marine detachment if regional evacuations become necessary. Meanwhile Saturday, the U.S. military's Central Command said its forces destroyed a Houthi missile and launcher in Yemen. Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, sparked the war. In the time since, Israel has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and 590 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say. Syrskyi: Recent arrival of F-16s will mean 'more downed missiles and planes' The recent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine means there will be "more downed missiles and planes used by Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities," Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Aug. 4. Syrskyi made the comments in a Facebook post, following confirmation earlier in the day by President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukrainian pilots are already using the first batch of recently delivered F-16s. In his post, Syrskyi thanked allies for their decision. The Times reported on Aug. 1 that the first batch of planes included six jets provided by the Netherlands, while the Economist reported on Aug. 4 that Ukraine received 10 F-16 jets at the end of July. Although some defense experts do not expect F-16s to become game-changers in the war, the jets may strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and shield the country's population centers from Russia's daily bombardments. Kyiv has been calling for these U.S.-made fourth-generation jets since the very first year of the full-scale war in order to bolster its air force, which made up of Soviet-made aircraft and has been significantly depleted over the past years of war. Read also: How F-16s in Ukraine can help fight Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Tacoma Mexican restaurant had been closed for 5 months. Its now open with a full bar, fresh menu Antojos Mexican Grill reopened its Sixth Avenue restaurant this week, five months after closing for renovations due to a plumbing issue that has since been resolved. The space has been remodeled to accommodate a full-service bar and lounge area. The kitchen has also updated the vast menu. Dishes range from homemade tamales and enchiladas to platters of steak, chicken and shrimp, as well as tacos and tortas. The location originally opened in 2022, joining its older sister at 5502 Orchard St. W. in University Place. The same ownership team is behind the El Antojo and El Rinconsito taquerias. El Antojo has restaurants in McKinley Hill and Lakewood, plus three others in Western Washington and one in Yakima. It just added a new location at 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd., just south of Azteca at South 48th Street. Antojos Mexican Grill on Sixth Ave took over the large building that was once occupied by Greek restaurant, Opa. The company, which is headquartered in Fife, did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the reopening or the issue that led the restaurant to shut down in February. According to city spokesperson Maria Lee, on Feb. 8 a city environmental inspector learned that the business was discharging water out the back of their building and letting it enter the stormwater system, which is not permitted. The inspector realized that several sinks were not draining, causing water to flow onto the floor. The city notified the Tacoma-Pierce Health Department, which sent one of its inspectors to the site that same day. The restaurant was shut down that afternoon. According to city permits, Antojos spent approximately $7,000 repairing the drains. Two weeks later, a health inspector returned, reporting that all sinks and dishwashers were in normal working condition, and approved it to reopen. But the next day, the inspector returned and shut it down again: The city, the report said, had determined that the restaurant needed to install a different grease interceptor. That work, estimated at $50,000 in permit filings, was completed and approved by the city on June 16. The health department approved the restaurant to reopen last week, and the doors officially opened to the public Monday, July 29. A post shared on social media noted the new bar and completely revamped menu. ANTOJOS MEXICAN GRILL 6104 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-565-0505, antojomexicangrill.com Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Details: full-service Mexican restaurant with full bar and big menu FANCY FARM, Ky. Kentucky's traditional and rowdy political picnic returned Saturday afternoon with plenty of BBQ and zingers to go around. The 144th Fancy Farm Political Picnic in Graves County featured some of the commonwealth's politicians and constitutional officers who delivered speeches that included roasts of their political opponents. The GOP dominated this year's lineup, and focused on criticizing Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's absence and the southern border crisis. It was also an opportunity for opponents and advocates to pitch their arguments on how Kentuckians should vote on Constitutional Amendment 2, which asks voters whether they want the General Assembly to send public tax dollars to non-public schools. Here are five takeaways from this year's event. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman's absence didn't go unnoticed Multiple Republicans made comments on Beshear missing out on this year's picnic and the governor's growing national profile. "I don't know who she'll pick, but I know it ain't Andy," Attorney General Russell Coleman said. Russell Coleman was referencing recent attention Beshear's has attracted as a possible vice president candidate. He is among a handful of Democrats in the vetting process to join Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the party's ticket. While Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said she wouldn't be attending Fancy Farm because of a schedule conflict with an event for cancer survivors, Beshear never gave a reason why he wouldn't attend. Sen. Mitch McConnell touted that this year was his 29th Fancy Farm while "Gov. Andy Beshear is spending his weekend with Vice President Harris." But the GOP didn't just stop at poking fun at Beshear's national run. Some attacked his leadership and policy, including Secretary of State Michael Adams. He said President Joe Biden putting Harris in charge of border security "is the worst appointment since Gov. Andy Beshear put Coleman in charge of unemployment insurance." Republicans focus on southern border security, shift to Harris criticism "Border czar" was a popular term Republicans used when referencing Harris. Republicans tore into the Biden Administration and Harris' handling of the southern border, including State Treasurer Mark Metcalf. "Harris looked the other way as tons of illegal drugs crossed our border and killed innocent Americans," Metcalf said. Former Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who spoke for former president Donald Trump's campaign, said if Harris is going to "boot" Biden from the ticket, she gets to own the "disastrous Biden administration record," which includes a "failed open-border policy." Beyond border policy, Republicans took the opportunity to bash Harris and her presidential campaign. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell said the Biden-Harris Administration is "the weakest of our lifetimes, and Harris is pulling the strings in the administration." Meanwhile, McConnell said Harris would bring "chaos, crisis and incompetence to the presidency." Strong showing for campaigns for and against Constitutional Amendment 2 Multiple signs were spotted in the crowd from the campaigns Protect Our Schools Kentucky and Kentucky Students First/Yes on 2. The campaigns were making their arguments during the picnic on how Kentuckians should vote on Constitutional Amendment 2, which asks whether voters want the General Assembly to send public tax dollars to non-public schools. Democratic Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson and Republican Rep. Suzanne Miles also had the opportunity to make their cases for and against the amendment during the political speaking portion of the picnic. Stevenson spoke against the amendment and said voting "yes" would ship dollars meant for public schools in Western Kentucky to help families in the Golden Triangle, which includes Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky, send kids to private schools. Stevenson she is not against private schools, but rather she believes public tax dollars shouldn't "benefit the few at the expense of many." Meanwhile, Miles spoke in support of the amendment and said voting " 'yes' will help every child in the state.'" Miles said the future of education depends on the amendment, and Kentucky's neighboring states have left the commonwealth behind. "If you truly believe children are the future of Kentucky, they are worth your vote for the Second (Constitutional) Amendment and education freedom," Miles said. Republicans once again dominate the political speaking Out of the 16 political speakers, 11 were Republican while 2 Democrats showed up. It's been a trend in recent years for Republicans to make a strong showing to the political picnic as Kentucky is a deep-red state. Seven out of eight members of Kentucky's federal delegation are Republicans, and the GOP has a supermajority in both the state House and Senate. Some Republicans had fun poking at the lack of Democrats over Fancy Farm Weekend. McConnell boasted at the Graves County Republican Breakfast how the GOP keeps building and poked fun at the Democrats' absence in the state. "You can't find a Democrat in Western Kentucky with a flashlight these days," McConnell said. No political surprises or mistakes The political speaking portion of Fancy Farm is televised and reported throughout the state ahead of the November election. Political observers have long said making a major error in their speech could affect the election. But like last year, there didn't seem to be any major errors or gaffes, meaning that this year's event isn't likely to cost any candidates their race. More: Fancy Farm is full of zingers. Here's a rundown on some of the best ones. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Takeaways from Fancy Farm: Emphasis on Beshear abscence (KRON) The Target in East Palo Alto is closing its doors permanently next month, KRON4 has confirmed. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) report, the Target closure is effective Sept. 28. Eighty-five employees at this Target will be laid off, according to the WARN report. The notice was sent out on Monday, July 29. Targets decision to close the East Palo Alto store is due to prolonged underperformance, a company spokesperson said. Employees at the location will be offered an opportunity to transfer to another Target. The last day guests can shop at that location is on Sept. 28. East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez said the Target closure represents an industry-wide decline in big box store retail and sales. The closure of Target represents a an industry-wide decline in big box store retail and sales. We have an Economic Strategy Plan which includes exploring a suitable replacement as well as supporting our long-standing small businesses and micro-vendors. Nevertheless, the closure of Target underscores the urgency to finalize our Ravenswood Business District Specific Plan Update so as to attract development in East Palo Alto and provides the benefits and amenities our residents deserve. East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez The Target, located at 1775 E Bayshore Road, is a go-to store for many Stanford students as it is about three miles away. This location and the one in Mountain View are the two closest Targets to the campus. 3 arrested in alleged organized retail theft operation targeting Targets Last fall, Target announced the closure of three Bay Area stores in San Francisco, Oakland and Pittsburg. The retail giant said organized retail crime at these stores was a reason for the closures. KRON4 contacted Target for comment and more information about the East Palo Alto store closure. We did not hear back in time for publication. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 new Tarrant tax appraisal directors want change. But their idea is all wrong. | Opinion There is no question that Texas property tax system needs to change, and that cities and schools need to be more honest about raising our taxes. The Tarrant Appraisal District directors are taking a bold step, but its in the wrong direction. Their plan to change appraisals will make the system more unfair. Not less. First of all, the boards new plan to appraise most property biennially instead of annually means property owners in hot suburbs and neighborhoods will not pay their share every year to fund local government. Instead, that money will have to come from the not-as-hot. Its Robin Hood, but in reverse. Originally, the new directors wanted to appraise property triennially. That would have been even worse. But there are much more serious problems with the plan the new TAD board passed 6-3 July 22 and may finalize as soon as Aug. 9. The plan also sets a 5% threshold limit for raising a propertys listed market value without a special reappraisal. This is besides the 10% state cap on raising the actual appraised value, the law in Texas since 1997. Lets say that you bought a house in Tarrant County 12 years ago for the median price, $149,600. Today, the median price is $359,945. But had the 5% threshold been law, your market value would be set at about $268,600. In other words, you might get about a 25% discount. But if your neighbors next door just arrived, they might not get a discount at all, because their home value was reset the year they moved in. Instead, they would have to pay even more in taxes just to make up the cost of your discount. Its not quite Robin Hood. But it robs newbie home buyers or landowners, and gives the money to those who have owned the same property for years. Maybe that sounds great right now. But if you find another house you like, then you wind up being the newbie paying more in taxes to make up for the neighbor whos lived there for years. Thats not so great. Thats one reason the last Texas Legislature considered and rejected a 5% cap on appraisal increases. Experts told the Texas House that cap would make taxes more unequal, and that it would give the wealthy more money while taking money from low-income Texans. According to the Texas Comptrollers Office, it costs low-income Texans 7% of their income to pay their property taxes, but it only costs the wealthiest Texans 2% of their income. There is no reason except raw politics to give wealthy homeowners or those hot neighborhoods another tax break. Its true that the Tarrant Appraisal District plan leaves room for a higher appraisal of a hot property. But thats only if theres proof justifying a higher market value. Theres a lack of clarity around the terms appraised value and market value theres a difference and that can cause confusion about the potential impact. But the questions remain: How will TAD choose which properties are hot? Will it really have the resources to conduct special appraisals on them all? And will political favors or vendettas come into play? This part of the plan should be discarded. School officials also expressed concern about biennial reappraisals. Fast-growing school districts like Crowley and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw count on collecting more each year to pay off bond debt. But school leaders knew this was coming. They had a chance in the May 4 election to back candidates for three at-large seats on the nine-member appraisal district board of directors. They failed, and the next election is not until November 2026. The three newly elected directors say they are carrying out their campaign promise to rein in property appraisals. But nobody voted to make the system worse. Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us! We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news and to publish those views in the Opinion section. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days. Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions. You can submit a letter to the editor two ways: Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred). Fill out this online form. Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic. 'Terror took over': Mexican survivors of US shooting share letters 5 years on EL PASO, Texas Anxiety, fear, anguish, depression, insomnia, stress, panic attacks. In a lined notebook, Josefina Mireles itemized in blue pen the list of symptoms she still wrestles with five years after surviving the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at a Walmart here. It was the deadliest attack on Hispanics in modern U.S. history. Carrying a semiautomatic rifle, the shooter drove 700 miles from a Dallas suburb to kill "Mexicans." Twenty-three people died, and dozens were injured. Mireles was among the tourists from Mexico shopping that Saturday morning at a store so close to the U.S.-Mexico border that Ciudad Juarez is visible from the parking lot. Like many of the Mexican nationals at the store that day, she agreed to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement and sought a special visa to help her do just that. She and 49 other Mexican survivors of the shooting are still waiting for an answer. In letters collected by their immigration attorneys and shared with USA TODAY, four survivors described the traumas they still face and plea with the U.S. government to review their petitions which are stuck in a backlog of more than 344,000 applications nationwide. "It's frustrating to not be able to breathe when you have an anxiety attack," Mireles wrote, recalling the horror she witnessed, in a letter provided to El Paso's Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. "The memory of trying to get safe as I fled, hearing the shots and the screams and the people running for a way out, the wounded, some of them already dead, terror took over me and I lost awareness as I fled." A visa designed to make communities safer Congress created the U visa two decades ago. It's meant to provide stability for immigrant victims of crime who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who agree to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute crimes. The U visa doesn't allow a path to citizenship but it does allow victims to live and work lawfully in the U.S. Handwritten letter by Josefina Mireles, a Mexican national who survived a mass shooting that killed 23 people at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart on Aug. 3, 2019. "Congress created the U visa certification process to encourage immigrant victims of crimes to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement, recognizing that all cooperation makes communities safer for everyone within our borders," said Elora Mukherjee, a law professor at Columbia University. But congress capped the number of U visas issued annually at 10,000. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman said the agency has met the cap each of the past 15 years. More: White supremacist to spend rest of life in prison for 2019 Walmart mass shooting "Its an overprescribed program and the backlog keeps getting longer and longer," said Allegra Love, supervising attorney for community programs at Las Americas. "The tradeoff isnt happening. They are participating in prosecuting crimes and our government isnt providing them with any tangible (immigration) benefit." In 2021, the Biden administration created a process by which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agents can review U visa applications, determine whether an applicant qualifies for relief and issue a temporary work authorization while the applicant waits. The process, called a bona fide determination, can also protect the applicant from deportation. The circumstances of the El Paso shooting victims vary. Some are traumatized or physically injured and need access to the mental health and physical therapy services they can only get in the United States, said Love. Others just want the opportunity to live or work in the U.S. that the U visa affords, given that they cooperated with law enforcement. In some cases, the cooperation is ongoing. I think they suffered, Love said. They did their end of the bargain in terms of supporting law enforcement in this huge tragedy. 'Any instance or image makes us remember' The letters share a common thread: memories of trauma experienced in Texas, and a desire to return to with the right to live, work or study. All but one of the families who have applied for the U visa after the shooting live in Mexico. Jazmin Avila Rodriguez said her family of five witnessed the Walmart shooting. Five years on, they are still triggered by the memories of that day. "Being there, having all my family members witness the act, hasn't been an easy process," she wrote in a narrow notebook using polite, formal Spanish. "Any instance or image makes us remember the moment given that it was traumatic to watch it happen, to see so many victims, people hurt or killed." Greg Jackson, deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, participates in a procession during a memorial held for the victims of the Aug. 3 Walmart shooting on the fifth anniversary of the shooting in El Paso on Aug. 3, 2024. She brings her kids to therapy, she wrote. The family talks about what they went through, to deal with the trauma together. "It's for this reason that we ask," she said, "in the most sincere manner, to be heard in our petitions." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: El Paso Walmart shooting victims still suffering 5 years later Just a few blocks from a riverbank park in Eagle Pass thats been turned into a no-go militarized zone by Texas troops, local pastor Javier Leyva was attempting a normal Sunday. He was cultivating fellowship with congregants of his First United Methodist church and other residents downtown, on the US-Mexico border. But, as so often, events were to intrude. A fringe, rightwing group was headed to town. His small city is under unwanted global scrutiny because of people migrating here and the forces that want to stop them. People sporadically cross the Rio Grande from Mexico after being denied legal entry into the US because of tight government restrictions. Sometimes there are tragic consequences, sometimes migrants are detained by US federal agents, other times they run afoul of the $11bn Texas border security plan known as Operation Lone Star, designed to deter migration. Related: Why doesnt anybody care? Texas-Mexico border devastated by anti-migrant operation Leyva is tired of the heavy-handed and expensive law enforcement presence, that has transformed the picturesque riverbank and not only skews perceptions of Eagle Pass but is costly, while he sees local services suffer. Its all a political show and theyre using Eagle Pass as a pawn for their political games, Leyva said. Im for border security, but if they would use that money for the infrastructure here, wed be in hog heaven, he said. About 23% of Eagle Pass residents are estimated to live below the federal poverty line, more than double the national rate, according to the US Census Bureau. Colonias, a Spanish word to describe low-income neighborhoods, are found along the border and often have street drainage issues or lack running water and sewer connections. Leyva says more infrastructure investments in the colonias are one of the ways the community would greatly benefit from taxpayer funds being spent by the Texas governor, Greg Abbott, on Operation Lone Star, which has blighted Eagle Pass and caused a clash with the federal government. The border town with a population of 28,000 has experienced many ups and downs in the spotlight of immigration issues. Migrants seek asylum sometimes in large numbers, but recently in very low numbers. At times, dozens of journalists descend upon the remote town 140 miles south-west of San Antonio. Year round, hundreds of military and law enforcement officers are deployed to the city from in-state and around the US. And within the last year, far-right groups have homed in on Eagle Pass as a destination for aggressive demonstrations against immigration and in favor of Donald Trump. While Leyva was delivering his sermon at church last weekend, a so-called Take Our Border Back Convoy was en route from Dripping Springs, Texas, to Eagle Pass, roughly a 200-mile (322km) drive, aiming to protest on both sides of the border. In response, the local police, Texas department of public safety (DPS) troopers and national guard soldiers deployed by Texas were on high alert and prominent in the quiet streets of Eagle Pass. A previous convoy by the same group in February rolled dozens of trucks and hundreds of outsiders into town, many armed, and led to a border patrol facility being evacuated after extremist threats. Last weekend, police once again set up roadblocks leading to Shelby Park, the municipal park on the Rio Grande that has been taken over by Operation Lone Star and militarized. And the city braced as several police and trooper units were called in to stake out different parts of downtown or to patrol, in a city that is already policed out of proportion to the local population. But, in the event, fewer than 10 vehicles arrived, with US flags flying and Trump bumper stickers, and stopped in a pawn shop parking lot. One participant told the Guardian they had come to pray on both sides of the border. In fact, the small group of about 20 people walked across the international bridge on to the Mexican side and used a megaphone to shout in the general direction of Mexico: We dont want the illegals coming across our border destroying America, and: We declare these borders closed in the name of Jesus Christ. The groups flyer features a picture of retired army officer Michael Flynn. But there was no sign of him in Eagle Pass last Sunday. He was then president Trumps first national security adviser, who was disgraced and pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with a Russian official. Trump pardoned him and Flynn said Trump should deploy the military to re-run the 2020 election in the swing states Joe Biden won. Despite the small turnout this time the uninvited visitors heightened the sense for ordinary residents that their city has become a battleground and that Christian faith is being usurped. The convoy has been deceived, Leyva said. God didnt send you here, you sent yourself using God as justification. He added: They think theyre trying to do the right thing, the patriotic thing. But theyre taking the law into their own hands and thats not how this country runs. Locals typically spend weekends shopping with family, dining at restaurants, and attending church services. Residents from the Mexican sister city, Piedras Negras, regularly cross the international bridge to shop downtown. People talk of experiencing peace in border living a reality that the wider world doesnt see or hear much about. Several blocks away from the Methodist church is immigration attorney Cesar Lozanos law office where he specializes in cases dealing with asylum and deportation. Lozano is an immigrant himself and came to the US with his family from Durango, Mexico, as a child. He recalled the natural anxiety and nervousness that immigrating to a new country brings and is something he relates to among clients. With Eagle Pass in the spotlight, he said: One side says its attention for us and theres a lot of people that have benefited from the economic activity brought by multiple law enforcement agencies basing themselves in the area. On the other side, its sad to see that we are on the map for the wrong reasons. We are used as props, no one used to care about us until now, we continue to be a venue for marches and convoys, he said. Safety is the ultimate concern for residents whenever anti-immigrant groups or hostile individuals target the region, Lozano said, rather than when migrants arrive. A Tennessee man affiliated with a militia was arrested earlier this year by the FBI for plotting to travel to Eagle Pass while aspiring to kill both migrants and federal agents. During the February convoy, a friend of Lozanos who works for the Mexican consulate in Eagle Pass was told to go home early because the authorities didnt know what to expect from all of the people descending upon the region. Trump and his supporters talk of open borders and migration as spreading crime. Meanwhile, gaining entry to the US is difficult on many levels, whether people are undocumented or not. The borders are not open and this is just political rhetoric, Lozano said. Thats ridiculous and insulting because my clients are going through a system where theyre vetted, must have a sponsor, have to go through background checks, and all the info submitted on applications is verified. He questioned Operation Lone Stars legality, as immigration enforcement is the exclusive responsibility of the federal government, which is in a long legal battle with the state. Meanwhile, downtown, Yocelyn Riojas is leading a group exhibition in Eagle Pass of more than 40 artists who have created works on the theme of The Border is Beautiful. Related: Deadly buoys, razor wires, armed guards: Greg Abbott is fixated on keeping migrants out Its meant to connect us with different perspectives of what our lives are like at the border, Riojas said. A lot of the artwork is nostalgic of earlier days, before this militarization. Riojas said locals dislike the citys lack of willingness to openly discuss political issues concerning things like the controversial buoys placed by Texas in the river and the mayor in effect signing away Shelby Park to the state. And she added: If you dont live here, then you have no understanding of whats going on. Before anybody speaks for the community, they need to come learn and educate themselves on what is actually happening and how locals actually feel about the issues. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) The 2024 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is well underway at Flushing Meadows Corona Park this weekend and athletes arent letting the heat get in the way. This is the 34th year of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. 180 teams are taking part including around 2000 athletes. More Local News Around 40,000 thousand people are expected to be at the festival throughout the weekend. Organizers say this year is extra special because it is the year of the dragon. The dragon boat is part of the Chinese cultural traditions and the dragon boat festival is the second largest festival in Chinese culture so many people come to participate because it is the year of the dragon, said Henry Wan, chairperson of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival New York. The festival runs until Sunday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Environment NGO SEEDS PH called on local government units (LGUs) and concerned regulators to ban the use of obsolete and environmentally destructive induction furnaces (IFs) in steel smelting and production similar to what was done in China and Pampanga. Dona Cristino, SEEDS PH secretary-general, noted that IFs started to make their way into the Philippines immediately after they were banned by Beijing in 2017 for causing widespread air pollution in China. - Advertisement - She said according to the investigation they have made, these IFs are now being operated by steel plants in different areas in the country, including Sta. Maria and Pulilan in Bulacan, Valenzuela, and Cagayan de Oro. Worse, the reports we got revealed that these steel plants are being owned and operated by Mainland Chinese, using Filipinos as dummies. Practically, these Chinese operators just transferred their environmentally destructive operations here in the Philippines, Cristino noted. A steel plant in Sta. Maria. Bulacan, for instance, she said has been operating with no updated environmental clearance certificate and permits to operate their pollution-control facilities, in violation of the Clean Air Act (RA 8749) and Clean Water Act (9275). Cristino said the products being produced by these IFs do not conform with the Philippine National Standard (PNS), putting at risk the lives and properties of Filipinos, especially since the countrys is prone to strong typhoons and earthquakes. She stressed that these plants are expected to produce substandard products because induction furnaces are not capable of removing impurities in steel smelting, thus, making their quality inconsistent. So these IFs are like a double-whammy to us Filipinos: they destroy our environment and they produce substandard products, Cristino said. She said this is why the LGUs and government regulators, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR), should immediately shut down these steel plants and ban the use of IFs in the country. She said the mayors should not expose their constituents to health hazards being caused by the pollutants being emitted by these steel plants in the air. San Simon, Pampanga, for example, banned IFs in the municipality last year. This was after residents complained that tiny particles apparently being emitted by steel plants in the area are settling on their roofs that caused them to erode quickly. San Simon also recorded rising incidents of asthma cases, while farm output dwindled dramatically. We are not against industrialization and economic activities, but businesses should always be prudent in operating their establishments so as not to pose risks to the surrounding communities and the environment, Cristino stressed. Thousands of students take part in a protest to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide anti-quota protests. Anti-discrimination student movement calls for resignation of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Joy Saha/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa At least three people have been killed and dozens wounded as violence erupted in many parts of Bangladesh on Sunday, a day after protesters called for nationwide "civil disobedience" to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Clashes between the protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League party left at least two dead in Munshiganj district, almost 30 kilometers south of the capital Dhaka, medical officer Abu Hena Mohammad Jamal of the state-run district hospital told reporters. The third fatality, a local leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) student wing in the south-western district of Magura, was shot dead during a clash between the police and protesters, local BNP leader Mizanur Rahman said. He said more than 30 people were injured during the clashes in Magura, located nearly 200 kilometers south-west of Dhaka. The violence flared up after Saturday's call to civil disobedience by student leaders, who rejected a government offer to end violence through dialogue. The authorities had given in to the students' demands to reform an unpopular job quota system, after protests in mid-July left more than 200 people dead. Since then, the protesters have been asking the government to ensure justice for the victims of police atrocities, a lifting of the curfew and the reopening of educational institutions. But on Saturday they went further, demanding the government's resignation and launching the civil disobedience call, asking people not to pay taxes and utility bills and to keep offices, factories and public transport shut. In response to the call, thousands of stick-wielding protesters took to the streets in Dhaka and other parts of the country. An estimated 5,000 protesters gathered at central Shahbagh crossing near Dhaka University, where they clashed with supporters of the ruling party in the morning, a witness said. The protesters attacked a nearby hospital, set fire to vehicles parked at the hospital and to the office of a local city councillor. Most businesses and public offices were shut and few vehicles were about on the first day of the civil disobedience. Police in riot gear and troops from the paramilitary Border Guard were seen deployed at many strategic points. Meanwhile, the authorities asked telecom operators to suspend social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, as Bangla daily Prothom Alo reported. Thousands of students take part in a protest to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide anti-quota protests. Anti-discrimination student movement calls for resignation of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Joy Saha/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa COCOA BEACH Police have arrested three area men following an investigation into a June armed robbery at a Cocoa Beach strip club. Jermain Wright Jr., 26, Equan Davis, 27, and Jowuan Harkness, 31, all of Titusville, are charged with armed robbery with a firearm, armed burglary with a firearm, and grand theft, among other charges. Cocoa Beach police responded in the early morning of June 6 to reports of a robbery at Dancers Royale on North Orlando Avenue. Employees told officers three armed men wearing ski masks stormed the club after closing time, forcing them to the floor and holding them at gunpoint. The masked men stole the employees' cellphones and about $50,000 from the club's safe before fleeing in a silver car, according to a police report. The incident and vehicle were captured on surveillance video, police said. Investigators used the video and data obtained from license plate readers to identify the vehicle as a 2013 Kia Optima belonging to Wright. Cellphone data obtained from Wright led them to Davis and Harkness, placing them near the scene around the time of the robbery, the report said. All three men were being held Sunday without bail at the Brevard County jail. Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cocoa Beach police arrest 3 after armed robbery at strip club Thurston County wants to help save 112 units of affordable housing on Olympias west side with a nearly $1.4 million award. The units are located at Courtside Apartments, which is between Yauger Park and MultiCare Capital Medical Center. Vital Housing LLC, a Seattle-based-company, asked the county for acquisition and preservation of the property in April. In their application, the company said the property will lose its affordability restrictions and convert to market rate by January 2027 without intervention, and the company said rents may increase by over $350. This project is needed to ensure housing stability for the existing residents who call Courtside home, but also to ensure Olympia has an adequate supply of affordable housing for the lowest income residents of Olympia, Vital Housing said in its application. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved issuing a commitment letter for the project last month. The project is just one of many that the county has in the pipeline as it pursues its affordable housing goals. Thurston County needs about 55,000 new units of housing by 2045 to accommodate growth expected by the Washington State Department of Commerce, according to county documents. Over 16,000 units must be affordable for households that make 30%-80% of area median income, the states projections show. Alex Persse, the countys Affordable Housing Project manager, said county staff will ask the commission to approve a contract with Vital Housing once the project is fully funded and the company meets all pre-contract requirements. Vital Housing initially asked for nearly $2.8 million to preserve 211 units of affordable housing, according to its application. However, the Regional Housing Council, which includes representatives from the county and local cities, recommended the county fund nearly $1.4 million instead. The RHC decision followed a recommendation from the RHCs Affordable Housing Advisory Board, which reviewed and scored the proposal. Theres more in the works On June 18, the county commission approved awarding funding for eight affordable housing projects that total nearly $6 million. The following descriptions were taken from county and RHC documents. Behavioral Health Resources received a $950,000 commitment for its B&B Apartments Redevelopment Phase 1 project. This project will convert an existing 8-unit complex at 2104 State Ave. NE in Olympia into 18 units of permanent housing. Homes First received a $635,969 commitment for its Four-Plex Acquisition and/or Rehabilitation for Affordable Housing project. These funds will go towards purchasing a four-plex on Franklin Street in Olympia. Homes First also received a $165,000 commitment for its OFarrell Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Single Family Home project. This money will support the purchase of four prefabricated ADUs to be placed on a previously purchased property at 721 OFarrell St. SE, Olympia. And Homes First received a $375,000 commitment for its Single-Family Home Acquisition for Low Income Tenants project. These funds will help Homes First buy a single-family home on Deerbrush Loop in Lacey. Low Income Housing Institute received a $1.5 million commitment for its Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project. These funds will allow for the construction of 71 studio and one-bedroom permanent supportive housing units for very low-income, single adults, on the 500 block of Franz Anderson Road SE in Olympia. Many occupants will move there from a nearby tiny home village and from encampments on state property as part of the states Encampment Resolution Program, formerly known as the Rights-of-Way initiative. Low Income Housing Institute also received a $1.1 million commitment for its Maple Court Permanent Supportive Housing project. This money will cover construction and design costs to convert a former hotel into 124 units of permanent supportive housing. The building, located at 8200 Quinault Drive NE in Lacey, currently serves as transitional housing for people the state relocated from its rights of way. South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity received a $560,000 commitment for its Talicn Townhomes Phase 1 project. This amount will fund the construction of seven duplex townhouses at 1150 73rd Ave. in Tumwater. South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity received a $700,000 commitment for its Yelm Longmire Phase 2 project. These funds will be used to construct 14 homes at 407 Longmire St. NW in Yelm. The Courtside Apartment project was proposed along with these other projects, however the RHC delayed recommending this project to the board until Vital Housing shared additional information. But wait, theres still more Thurston County plans to spend millions of dollars to support new affordable housing projects over the next three years. The countys Regional Housing Council has resumed scheduling projects to receive funding in the years ahead after stopping the practice in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Affordable Housing Capital Pipeline, as the RHC calls the schedule, can include construction, acquisition and preservation projects proposed by organizations. Its all part of an effort to meet the countys housing goals and provide organizations with more financial confidence as they pursue their projects, county documents show. The RHC approved a three-year pipeline on June 26 that followed recommendations from the Thurston County Affordable Housing Advisory Board. The plan includes nearly $3.6 million for various projects in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Projects are considered for the pipeline after organizations respond to a request for information (RFI). However, placement on the pipeline does not necessarily guarantee they will receive the funding for the project in the given year. Organizations must still respond to a request for proposals (RFP) in the year their project has been scheduled for consideration and the county commission must vote to approve the awards. The following schedule has been taken from RHC documents. Persse confirmed the location of the projects that have determined a location so far. Funding awards scheduled for 2025 Panza is scheduled to receive $1 million to construct a permanent tiny home village with 30 housing units and a community center. The village is planned for 720 Carpenter Road NE. Panza did business as Quixote Communities but recently rebranded to New Horizon Communities, according to its website. Habitat for Humanity is scheduled to receive about $2.1 million to develop 28 senior cottages, 36 micro-townhomes and 48 townhomes. The cottages and micro-townhomes are expected to be 2-bedroom units while the townhomes will be 24-bedroom homes. The homes will be located at 3900 Boulevard Road SE in Olympia. Homes First is scheduled to receive $300,000 to develop four ADUs at a property on 1702 Hays Ave. NW in Olympia. Homes First is scheduled to receive $160,000 to help it acquire two yet-to-be-identified single-family homes in Thurston County. They plan to rent the homes to low-income residents. Funding awards scheduled for 2026 Habitat for Humanity is schedule to receive an additional $1.5 million to further their project at 3900 Boulevard Road SE in Olympia. The Salvation Army is scheduled to receive nearly $1.2 million to construct 60 new units of affordable housing for senior citizens at a still undetermined location. Thurston Housing Land Trust is scheduled to receive $180,000 to help acquire two units of housing to bring into low-income ownership after an interim rental period. The location of the units has not yet been determined. Home First is scheduled to receive $500,000 and $250,000 for two separate projects. Both projects call for acquiring yet-to-be-identified single-family homes in Thurston County that can rented out to low-income residents. Funding awards scheduled for 2027 Habitat for Humanity is schedule to receive about $1.5 million to further their project at 3900 Boulevard Road SE in Olympia. The Salvation Army is scheduled to receive nearly $1.1 million to further its effort to develop 60 new units of affordable housing for senior citizens at a still undetermined location. Home First is scheduled to receive two $500,000 awards for two separate projects. Both projects call for acquiring yet-to-be-identified single-family homes in Thurston County that can rented out to low-income residents. The tiny village eyed by Labour as site for city larger than Oxford The sleepy village of Tempsford has become a prime candidate for a Milton Keynes-style housing development - Paul Grover for the Telegraph The tiny Bedfordshire village of Tempsford once had a brief but fateful stint as a strategic fortress during the Viking invasions. In the 900s, the Danes had built a base there to attack the shires, but their assault on Bedford failed. Instead, they were besieged at Tempsford by the Anglo Saxon army. It was here that the Danish King met a sticky end. More than a thousand years on, the 600-person village is again being eyed as a strategic site. This time, it is a prime candidate for massive housing development as part of Labours manifesto pledges to build a new generation of new towns and achieve the highest sustained economic growth in the G7. On Wednesday, Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, launched an independent New Towns Taskforce, to recommend locations that can be developed into new towns to deliver hundreds of thousands of homes in the decades to come. Headed by Sir Michael Lyons, a former chief executive of three local authorities, and Dame Kate Barker, an ex-Bank of England rate-setter, the taskforce will find places to build new communities of at least 10,000 new homes, with many significantly larger. The pair will spend the next 12 months making their decisions, but economists and developers argue there is one place that stands out as the most obvious option. Tempsford may be small, but it is attractively located. It sits in the geographic sweet spot between the major employment centres of London, Oxford and Cambridge. It is bisected by the A1, is due to get a station on the new planned East West Railway, which will connect Oxford and Cambridge, and it would be relatively easy to build it a stop on the East Coast Main Line, which runs from London to Edinburgh. That would basically connect Edinburgh to Oxford and Cambridge, which is a huge zone of economic opportunity. For a Government that is so focused on growth, this is just an insane possibility, says Kane Emerson, head of housing research at the Yimby Alliance. Dame Kate has made clear that it will be vital that the new town locations will support long-term economic growth. A developer has already acquired options to build up to 7,000 homes on 2,113 acres of land around the village including a former RAF base - Paul Grover Tempsford has already been identified as a site that is prime for development by the National Infrastructure Commission. Last year, an East West Railway technical report suggested that the villages population could eventually rise by 44,000 in the years after the planned station opens. Urban&Civic, a residential developer, has already acquired options with Homes England to build up to 7,000 homes on 2,113 acres of land around the village. In a July article for think tank UK Day One, Emerson and Samuel Hughes, head of housing at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), argued that Tempsford should become a major city larger than Oxford or Cambridge, with homes for up to 350,000 people. As well as housing, developers could build laboratory space to meet excess demand from Oxford and Cambridge and turn Tempsford into a life sciences employment hub in its own right, says Emerson. The New Towns Taskforce is an echo of similar Labour policy in the aftermath of the Second World War, which drove the construction of settlements including Milton Keynes and Stevenage. It is part of a wider Labour drive to get Britain building again and follows an increase in housing targets announced by Rayner on Tuesday. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) spokesman said the taskforces work will be an important step on the path to delivering the 1.5m homes we need. Nigel Hugill, chief executive of Urban&Civic, says building more major strategic sites in the London commuter belt will be absolutely essential if Labour wants to meet its housing targets, because this is where housing needs are most out of kilter with supply. There were 32 new towns [built after the Second World War], plus a few additions. But of those, every one outside the South East of England, with the exception of Warrington, has not met its population target. Its very clear to me that if we are to have a new generation of new towns, the fundamental placement of them should be in and around South East England, says Hugill. Urban&Civic is ready to build them, he says. Weve been doing it for 10 years in a way that nobody else has. Tempsford could end up growing into a city larger than Oxford, with homes for up to 350,000 people - Paul Grover The developers track record includes turning the London 2012 Olympic site into Stratford City. It has also just confirmed it will acquire L&Q Estates, the land-buying arm of housing association L&Q, which means it has acquired major land reserves around Milton Keynes another area that Hugill says is ripe for expansion. How could Tempsford be developed? I think you would do an updated version of Milton Keynes, though fewer roundabouts for sure, says Hugill. Milton Keynes is based on a system of individual neighbourhoods and green spaces. When youre building new communities, you need to put places where parents can meet in front of schools, and you need to put childrens playgrounds near primary schools. You need to encourage walking to school, says Hugill. Emerson says development should be dense within a 15-minute walk of the train station, to help alleviate housing pressures in London, Oxford and Cambridge. Development could be rapid. If the Government moves fast and picks the right locations, residents could be moving into the first new towns before the end of this parliament, says Hugill. Developers just need planning permission. But in Tempsford, the residents are already gearing up for a fight. 'People are angry' that their village is being considered as a site for a new town, says David Sutton, the chairman of Tempsford parish council - Paul Grover People are angry. It would be a disaster for us, says David Sutton, chairman of the local parish council. Sutton argues that new homes should instead be built on the edges of existing towns. Nobody would notice because the people who live there chose to live in a town. The families who live here chose to live in a rural community. Hugill argues that there is a way to convince people that development is good. Strategic sites have to be infrastructure first, he says. He argues that if new schools and GP surgeries can be built first, existing residents will benefit from new amenities before the new demand arrives from the additional homes. But whether or not they like it, Emerson says existing residents may have no choice if their neighbourhood is designated for new town development. This Labour Government is so resolute on going for growth that even if it were a marginal Labour seat I think they would still go for it. Because people will punish Labour if they dont reach their targets in five years time or if there is no sign of growth, he says. One resident believes any new town would 'definitely be haunted' given the area's long history - Paul Grover Tempsford, however, may have another trick up its sleeve: it is a village that is closely connected to its long history. Sutton lives in a 450-year-old house that he claims is home to a ghost. Its a lady in her early 20s, wearing a white nightgown, he says. He has seen her three or four times on the landing. The ghost likes us, says Sutton. The new town would definitely be haunted. 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. Sandburg automotive technology students have one less thing to worry about, thanks to the colleges Tools of the Trade grant. According to a press release, Tools of the Trade is supported through the Carl Sandburg College Foundation and the Edward Arthur Mellinger Educational Foundation. A limited number of Tools of the Trade grants for the 2024-25 academic year are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant reduces costs and eliminates barriers that would hinder students interested in the automotive technology program. Each grant recipient gets a tool cart and is supplied with a variety of tools, including standard and metric sockets and wrenches, an air impact wrench, a dead-blow hammer, a ball-peen hammer, screwdrivers, torx bits, hex bits, Allen wrenches, a multimeter, a test light and more. It was a really good starter set for us, said Leady, a 2023 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School. It took a lot of what I needed to get off my plate, especially the wrenches and sockets. Those cost a lot of money with how good of quality they are. I thought they were going to be hand-me-downs or something people threw in there, but they were brand new. We ripped them right out of the packaging. And when students finish their time in the program like Leady did, they dont have to turn their tools back in. Once theyve earned their diploma, theyll also have earned the equipment they used to get it. Having this grant is a great benefit for students as they enter this program, and it also serves as a great incentive for them to succeed in their time here, Johnson said. No matter where someone is in their life, there are opportunities at Sandburg. People who come here are doing everything they can to better themselves. If we can help people get there, were doing our part. Leady will be back at Sandburg this fall to study welding in addition to being a full-time assembly worker at Heat & Control. He said hell still put his new tools to use at home for work on his own car or doing side jobs for friends. That passion for car projects started as a kid when he helped his dad with maintenance on his vehicles. I loved it a lot, and I didnt realize how much I loved it until I look back on it now, Leady said. Im actually doing something that I really enjoy. The more I think about it, the more grateful I am to have that [tool set] with me. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. It was the summer of 1989, in a quaint, small town about an hour and half south of St. Louis. Everyone seemed to know everyone; kids could roam the streets without care, and a simple bike ride down the street was a summer nostalgia. Monday marks 35 years since this simplicity would become a distant memory as a nightmare took hold of the picket fence town of Fredericktown, Missouri. Gina Dawn Brooks, a girl with green eyes and blonde hair, had come home with her family after her brothers baseball game on August 5, 1989. The 13-year-old was enjoying the last bit of summer before entering the eighth grade the following month at Fredericktown Middle School. Cold case investigators take prisoner to missing person search site It was a little after 10 p.m. when they arrived home, and her mother, Cindy Box, hopped in the bath. While Box was relaxing in the tub, Brooks told her younger brother she was going to visit a friend but would be back before Box was out of the tub. Brooks hopped on her brothers red 10-speed bicycle and began down the road to her friends house. While on her way, locals say they saw a dark-colored station wagon with Missouri license plates drive up to Brooks and stop her near a church. The driver, who was later identified by police as Bryant Squires, and a possible passenger conversed with Brooks from the car. Photo of Gina Dawn Marks After they spoke, Brooks continued on her bike again and headed south on Mine La Motte Street. It was only moments later that her friend and other witnesses heard a scream for help a few blocks away. Brookes bicycle was later found abandoned on a lawn on the 300 block of High Street, just five blocks from her home, with Brooke nowhere in sight. Her family later reported her missing a few hours later. Brooks, who would be 48 years old by now, has not been found since that dreadful night 35 years ago. Who are possible suspects? By 1998, three men, including Squires, were accused of her kidnapping by witnesses. Squires died of cancer and AIDS-related complications in 1996, but while on his deathbed, he allegedly shared with a nurse his involvement in Brooks abduction and murder. Squires also mentioned the involvement of Nathan Danny Williams, whom witnesses say rode in the station wagon with Squires the night of her abduction. Williams, who already had a record of sex offenses, was later sentenced to court and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for the killing of Brooks. According to The Charley Project, authorities believed Williams killed Brooks by slitting her throat, but Squires and an additional man covered up the crime. In 2003, the murder charges against Williams were dropped. Williams still remains in prison with a life sentence for forcible rape and sodomy against another victim. The Charley Project says Williams had also been charged with murder in 1975 for the death of another young woman, but again, those charges were dropped for lack of evidence in 1998. The third man possibly involved, Timothy R. Bellew, was a friend of Williams and Squires. Bellew also had a record of sex offenses and additional crimes before the abduction of Brooks. Bellew was accused of covering up the crimes of Squires and Williams by lying to the FBI about where Brooks remains were hidden. Bellew told the FBI her remains were in a meat freezer on his fathers 96-acre property. Despite searches of the property through 2001, no evidence surfaced of her remains there. Bellew was charged with second-degree murder for the killing of Brooks, but the charge was dropped in 1999 due to a lack of evidence. He was instead charged with lying to FBI agents regarding the location of her remains and received 30 months in prison after pleading guilty. According to The Charley Project, authorities still believe these three men were involved in Brooks presumed murder. Still, there is not enough evidence to convict them at trial. The search for Brooks continues Just over a week ago, on July 22, dozens of police investigators began a search operation for Brooks at a property in Bollinger, Missouri, 15 miles from Fredericktown. FOX 2 was the first to report on the search that involved heavy machinery from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Bollinger County Sheriffs Department. This multi-day search was being conducted pursuant to a Bollinger County search warrant obtained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the sheriffs office told FOX 2. After three days of digging and scouring the land behind a home, investigators did not find human remains, but police say they did come across items of possible evidentiary value. The items could have possible ties to the cold case and have been sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for further analysis. With hopes of finding Brooks, one resident of Fredericktown, Melissa Jordan, told FOX 2 she knew Brooks growing up. Its been a long time; its a very sad situation. I actually grew up with Gina and her brothers and sister, so I do feel for them and do hope they get the answers they deserve, Jordan said. Monday, August 5, is the 35th anniversary since Brooks was last seen. The video above is from July 26, 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 FOX 2. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Three people are dead following a triple shooting Sunday morning in Hernando, Mississippi. At approximately 8:02 a.m., Hernando Police officers responded to a 911 call in regard to an individual being woken up by multiple gunshots on Mason Drive. Upon arrival, officers found three people with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. On Monday, the Hernando Police identified the three victims as 51-year-old Kelley Cincurak, 78-year-old Mary Ray and 71-year-old Rickie Ray. At first, I was wondering what happened because all the police and tape and all that, neighbor Trey Gansman said. When I left at 9 a.m. to go to church, I drove up and asked the neighbors. They said they didnt say anything and the officer said she couldnt release anything either. 4 people injured in overnight lounge shooting Hernando Police say that Cincurak was found shot on the back patio. She was taken by helicopter to Regional One Hospital in extremely critical condition. She succumbed to her injuries on Monday. Mary Ray was found shot while watching television in the breakfast room of the residence. Rickie Ray was found lying in the master bedroom, along with two firearms with what Hernando Police say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Mary Ray and Rickie Ray, were pronounced dead at the scene. Gansman said that his neighborhood is now mourning the loss of the family who lived so close by. He seemed okay, Gansman said. (He) told me he was military and enjoyed taking trips with his wife. Though this is an ongoing investigation, officers say they are confident that there is no threat to the community or citizens of Hernando. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Another very active day is expected across the Pee Dee and Grand Strand with on and off thunderstorms. We will see rounds of thunderstorms today across the area. Some storms could produce some heavy rainfall, intense lightning, and gusty winds. A few more clouds than days past, that will help keep our temperatures in the mid to upper 80s across the region. As we get into the Sunday night into Monday, we will see numerous waves of heavy rain across the Grand Strand into portions of the Pee Dee. This will be because of the slow movement of our tropical system. It will also be gusty, but gusts should remain under tropical storm force through Monday early afternoon. Tropical conditions will continue to be expected across the area Monday afternoon through Wednesday evening. Our tropical system will begin to push across Florida and into the Southeast Atlantic. At this time, it will be moving extremely slow. Again, bringing rounds of heavy rain, gusty winds, potential flooding, and even a few storms. This looks to be the worst of the weather we will experience across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. As the storm track, speed, and intensity continues to be figured out, the elements of impacts will as well. As of this timing, Debby looks to re-emerge into the Atlantic near the Georgia coast, slowly moving back into South Carolina along and south of Charleston. This back half of the track remains more uncertain. Stay tuned for more details. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. By Paula Martinez It is daunting and exhilarating to think, I am going abroad. I still remember my first solo travel a young, short, and petite almost malnourished Pinay fresh out of university, backpacking alone across Southeast Asia. They say you never forget your first time, and its true. The memories are vivid, the excitement palpable. - Advertisement - You may be a young reader, and maybe the idea of traveling seems out of reach. It was for me too. I was obsessed with the desire to explore, to tick off all the must-do activities that social media insists you cant miss. We live in a society so driven by consumerism that we collect experiences the way we do possessions. The barrage of content we consume urging us to see this place or try that thing fuels a frenzy that often leads to exhaustion. The giant statue of Shri Krishna and Arjuna stands tall at the Nusa Dua Beach My overthinking mind was constantly battling these thoughts. What do I want to do? This wasnt my first time in Indonesia, but I had never been to Bali. Should I visit all the touristy, Instagram-worthy spots? What would I even do with the photos? I still have pictures from a decade ago that have never seen a flicker of the internet. But when I finally arrived in Bali, I was surprised to find something I didnt expect: peace, calm, and serenity. I had pre-booked a long-term stay at a villa, and my first meal was in the cafe owned by the same guy. I stayed in a residential village in North Kuta, where the traffic, though manageable, was compounded by eskinita-sized roads and ongoing roadwork. Despite my initial plans to meet up with friends, the semi-closed roads and rains kept me in. But in that forced solitude, I found something unexpected a deep sense of tranquility. The Monumen Taman Mumbul is located in Kuta Selatan, Indonesia This vacation transformed. Gone was the list of daily OOTDs. Gone was the need for changing three times a day based on where I was going. It wasnt about visiting shiny new places or dining at fancy expensive restaurants. It became about shedding the layers of my daily life. Trading in my days in high heels, makeup, and jewelry for a loose-fitting shirt and bare feet. Letting my face go makeup-free. This came with a refreshing sense of relaxationwhat vacations should truly be about. It is typical for us Filipinos to rush off to a new destination, cram all the attractions into a weekend, and then rush back home. Maybe instead, we should embrace slow, sustainable traveling. I cooked when I felt like it, ordered in, or dined out when I had the urge. Sometimes I craved something familiar, other times I took risks and tried something new. This isnt an article telling you how to travel, where to stay, or what to eat. Rather, its my reminder to stay curious, to stay adventurous. Embrace the calm, the peace, and the freedom to do as little or as much as you want on your own terms. After all, thats what a vacation should be. Tropical Storm Debby became a Category 1 hurricane late Sunday night as it continued its slow churn through the Gulf of Mexico towards Floridas Big Bend region, where it is expected to make landfall on Monday morning. Bradenton and Manatee County are experiencing heavy rains, wind gusts and flash flooding on Sunday as the storm moves north. As of 11 p.m., Debby was 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. While Manatee County remains outside Debbys direct path, officials are urging residents to stay alert as the storms bands move across the region. Residents and visitors need to understand this is going to be a long process, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a Sunday morning update. In Manatee County, tropical storm conditions are expected to persist overnight and possibly into Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). As of 11 p.m., hurricane force winds extended about 45 miles from the storms center, and tropical storm force winds extended about 140 miles. Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed to traffic around 10 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol said. Motorists should seek alternate north/south travel routes, the agency said. Life-threatening Flash Flood Warning A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Manatee County until 5 a.m. Monday, the NWS said. Heavy rains are causing life-threatening flash flooding in areas including Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Ellenton and Lakewood Ranch, the NWS said. Areas that can flood include small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Turn around, dont drown when encountering flooded roads, the flood warning said. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The agency said water rescues were ongoing in southern Manatee County. County responds to emergencies One persons car stalled near a body of water and they received help exiting the vehicle from first responders, county spokesperson Bill Logan said in an email. Shadybrook Village Condos off of Whitfield Avenue in South Manatee County were evacuated due to a power outage on Sunday, Logan said. Two MCAT buses were provided to help residents of the 165 unit condominium evacuate. Logan said the county also responded to a sewage backup at a home on 17th Street East near Tallevast Road, where a tanker truck was attempting to relieve pressure from the nearby lift station so crews could perform a cleanup. Officials: Stay inside, dont drive in storm During a noon press conference on Sunday, local officials urged residents to stay inside and take storm threats seriously. Tropical Storm Debby has slowed down a bit, and she is getting stronger, Fiske said. Do not underestimate it. This is not just a regular afternoon thunderstorm. Do not go out during the storm, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. Im looking out at our citizens to really take this serious, Brown said. Even though this may not be the big wind storm we (thought) we were going to have, we are going to have flooding. If youre in a low-lying area ... take this serious and be careful. Do not go out and start trying to drive your car in it or walk, because some of the manholes and the covers could be off. Fiske encouraged residents in coastal and low-lying areas to pay close attention to the storm and call 911 if help is needed. Fiske said water rescue teams are standing by for anyone caught in flooding. If you need help, call. We will come, Fiske said. She said residents should expect prolonged flooding impacts from the storm. Fiske said there are no plans to shut down utilities to Anna Maria Island. Officials are urging residents of Bradenton and Manatee County to stay inside as Tropical Storm Debby brings flooding to the area on Sunday. Pictured: Flooding along Riverview Boulevard in Bradenton. Bradenton-area Tropical Storm Debby updates Manatee County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, which means that tropical storm conditions are likely within the next 36 hours. Coastal Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island, is also under a Storm Surge Warning. Storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is possible, and coastal flooding is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours. Manatee County Emergency Management is encouraging evacuations for residents in Coastal Zone A and low-lying areas. Evacuation is not mandatory. The county has opened evacuation shelters at Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton and Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton. Sundays storm forecast called for up to 12 inches of rain in Manatee County, with higher amounts in some areas. Just before 5 p.m. Sunday, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for Manatee County, and it was extended around 9:30 p.m. Heavy rains are causing flash flooding in areas including Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Ellenton and Lakewood Ranch, the National Weather Service said. Areas that can flood include small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas, NWS said. Turn around, dont drown when encountering flooded roads, the flood warning said. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. A Flood Warning is in effect for the Manatee River near Myakka Head at S.R. 64 until further notice, NWS said Sunday. Tornadoes are also a possibility. A Tornado Watch is in effect for Manatee County until 6 a.m. Monday. A watch means that tornadoes could form. Before noon Sunday, two tornado warnings had been issued for East Central Manatee County. Another tornado warning was issued for Southeastern Manatee County until 5:30 p.m. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. Power loses in Manatee County were minimal throughout the day but climbed on Sunday night. As of 11 p.m., Florida Power & Light reported over 2,300 outages and Peace River Electric Cooperative reported 124. Manatee County offices, beaches, Skyway and roads closed Manatee County offices and facilities will be closed Sunday and Monday and reopen Tuesday, county officials said Sunday. The Lena Road Landfill will remain open on Monday, and county trash pickups will stay on their normal schedule for the week, the county said. Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach are closed until further notice, and trolley service on Anna Maria Island is suspended. Bradenton government offices and City Hall will also be closed on Monday. City trash pickups remain on schedule for the week, the city said Sunday. The City of Bradenton and the Bradenton Police Department are monitoring low-lying areas for flooding. The agencies announced the following road closures on Sunday: Riverview Boulevard from 19th to 26th Street West 51st Street West from Ninth to 18th Avenue West Ninth Street West from Ninth to 17th Avenue West Martin Luther King Avenue West from 14th to 18th Street West Virginia Drive from Manatee Avenue to Ninth Avenue West Virginia Drive at Seventh Avenue West Riverside Drive East from Second to Sixth Street East Riverfront Boulevard near the Skate Park BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPOUD) The tropical wave that was subsequently designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 on Friday has been organizing in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is now Tropical Storm Debby as of late Saturday afternoon. The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center tracks the storm to the north in the eastern Gulf, strengthening to a Category 1 storm before making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida. For the Baton Rouge area, we are not expecting any direct impacts from this system as it will remain well off to our east as it tracks to the northeast towards the coast of the southeastern U.S. Tropical storm watches and warnings have been posted for a good portion of the West Coast of Florida, along with a hurricane warning over the Big Bend region. Additional watches and warnings may be required later in time. Debby will trek northward over very warm waters with sea surface temperatures (85+), which will be plenty of fuel for the storm to strengthen, along with low wind shear. With tropical storm force winds and gusts along the coastline, storm surge will be possible as there are storm surge watches and warnings issued. Around 4-7 of water above usually dry ground will be possible near where the center of the storm tracks with 2-4 of water possible down towards Tampa Bay. Heavy rainfall and flooding will be the main concern with this storm as it moves inland. After the storm makes landfall, upper-level steering currents will weaken, which will allow the storm to slow down over the southeastern U.S. This will help drop heavy amounts of rain, especially over northern Florida up to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Around 6-12 of rainfall could fall over the next five days, with locally higher amounts possible. Interests in Florida, up to the East Coast along Georgia to the Carolinas should monitor the forecast and the progress of the storm. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. Tropical Storm Debby could bring historic flooding to parts of Georgia Tropical Storm Debby continues to strength as it moves up the Gulf Coast of Florida, eventually making its way into Georgia in the next couple of days. The storm could cause historic flooding, according to Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz. Gov. Brian Kemp has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. As of Sunday morning, Debby was about 155 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and about 205 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida. Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon said Debby is producing winds of about 65 mph and is expected to made landfall in Floridas big bend around Tallahassee around Monday morning. Deon said the storm will then move into South Georgia on Monday and Tuesday. Some of these areas could see 10-20 inches of rainfall, locally higher amounts are possible, Deon said. As for North Georgia, we will be on the back side of the storm. Across much of north Georgia, our rain chances are going to stay on the lower side, Deon said. RELATED STORIES: There are currently watches and warnings all the way up the Florida coast and into South Georgia. We are absolutely going to see a lot of rainfall. We are going to see a lot of saturation. We are going to see flooding events. That is going to happen. There is also going to be power outages, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a Sunday morning briefing. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June. Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and canals. The White House said federal and state officials were in touch and FEMA pre-positioned resources including water and food. For some, the name Debby summons bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State. That storm dumped torrential rains, including an astronomical 29 inches south of Tallahassee. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Tropical Storm Debby on path to impacts parts of Georgia damaged by Hurricane Idalia Tropical Storm Debby is expected to impact parts of South Georgia that were damaged about the same time last year by Hurricane Idalia. According to Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz, Debby could bring historical levels of flooding to parts of South Georgia, with 10-20 inches of rain falling by the time the storm passes. While the Debby is still currently a tropical storm, it could strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in the Big Bend of Florida. It will then move into South Georgia sometime between Monday and Tuesday. Gov. Brian Kemp has already issued a state of emergency ahead of the storm. One of those places expected to be impacted is Valdosta. RELATED STORIES: About the same time last year, Hurricane Idalia barreled through the same area causing significant damage to Valdosta. At one point, about 97% of the city was without power and many of the citys streets were impassable because of fallen trees and limbs. It was pretty intense. It was nothing like Ive ever seen in Georgia before. Weve been without power for about eight hours now, Samantha Medrano told Channel 2s Jorge Esteves at the time. According to posts on its Facebook page, Valdosta said city offices would be closed Monday in preparation for the storm. Now is the time to finish up your preparations and make sure to charge your phones, electronics and have multiple ways to receive alerts and notifications, the city said in another post. IN OTHER NEWS: Tropical Storm Debby is slamming the Southeast with heavy rain after making landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday. At least six people have been killed in Florida and Georgia. Latest Developments Aug 6, 11:18 PM Debby is slowly moving eastward offshore Tropical Storm Debby is slowly moving eastward offshore the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Debby is moving east at 5 mph while max sustained winds remain at 40mph, with its center currently about 50 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, as of 11 p.m. ET. Tornado Watch remains in effect across eastern South Carolina and North Carolina, from Myrtle Beach to Morehead City until 1 a.m. ET. Flood Watches remain in effect from Georgia to Virginia as bands of heavy rain will continue through the night. Debby will be back over open water tonight and could gain a bit more strength over the next 24 hours, but is forecast to remain at tropical storm intensity. A second landfall is expected in South Carolina Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. ABC News' Melissa Griffin Aug 6, 5:44 PM 6 killed including 2 kids At least six people have been killed from Debby, authorities said. A 13-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell on a mobile home Monday morning in Levy County, Florida, which encompasses Cedar Key, according to the Levy County Sheriffs Office. "Our thoughts and prayers are with this family as they deal with this tragedy," the sheriffs office said in a statement. "We encourage everyone to use extreme caution as they begin to assess and clean up the damage. Downed powerlines and falling trees are among the many hazards." In Hillsborough County, Florida, which encompasses Tampa, a driver of a semi was killed when the truck went into a canal off Interstate 275 Monday morning, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. PHOTO: The cab of a tractor trailer is raised from a bridge on Interstate 75 near Tampa, Fla., Aug. 5, 2024, after the truck collided with a concrete wall, flipped over the wall, and was left dangling from the bridge. (Florida Highway Patrol via AP) Deputies recovered the semi and found the driver dead inside the cab, authorities said. In Dixie County, Florida, a driver lost control due to the inclement weather and wet roadway on Sunday night, crashing into the center median guardrail and then overturning the car, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The driver, a 38-year-old woman, and a passenger, a 12-year-old boy, were killed, authorities said. Another passenger, a 14-year-old boy, was seriously injured, the highway patrol said. In Gulfport, Florida, a 48-year-old man died after he tried to ride out the storm on his sailboat which was anchored off Gulfports Veterans Park, police said, according to ABC Tampa affiliate WFTS. In Moultrie, Georgia, a 19-year-old man was struck and killed by a fallen tree while he was inside a home on Monday, according to Moultrie police. Aug 6, 5:35 PM What to expect Tuesday evening Debby is moving at just 3 mph, with its center located about 10 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, as of 5 p.m. ET. Latest update from @NHC_Atlantic has tropical storm #debby holding onto its 40 mph max sustained winds and moving AT ONLY 3 mph! Ill have more on @ABCWorldNews @WXmel6 @danpeckwx pic.twitter.com/7MEMrk9Vto Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) August 6, 2024 Tornadoes are possible in South Carolina and North Carolina on Tuesday night. After a day of heavy rainfall, the coastal cities of Savannah and Charleston, South Carolina, could see a few more inches of rain this week. Both cities are under flash flood warnings. But going forward, the worst of the rain will be focused further north. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Lumberton, North Carolina, are forecast to get hit the hardest over the next 24 to 36 hours. Aug 6, 5:07 PM More than 1,100 flights canceled More than 1,100 flights have been canceled within, into or out of the U.S. on Tuesday as Debby slams the Southeast and thunderstorms strike the Northeast. Ground stops are in place at the New York City area's three airports. Aug 6, 3:23 PM South Carolina braces for severe flooding The threat of severe flooding is very high across South Carolina with Tropical Storm Debby "creeping across our state," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster warned on Tuesday. PHOTO: Pedestrians make their way down Montagu St. in Charleston, S.C., as Tropical Storm Debby approaches, Aug. 6, 2024. (Mic Smith/AP) The rain from the slow-moving storm may be particularly heavy from Myrtle Beach to the North Carolina border, the governor said. Forty-eight state roads are closed due to flooding and 50 high-water vehicles are at the ready to respond, he said. Aug 6, 3:17 PM Latest forecast The highest rain total so far is south of Tampa, Florida, where about 19 inches of rain fell. In Georgia, more than 11 inches of rain struck northwest of Savannah, and in South Carolina, 14 inches of rain was recorded between Charleston and Hilton Head Island. On Tuesday afternoon, Debby is located about 10 miles southeast of Savannah and is crawling north at a very slow speed. PHOTO: Tropical Storm Debby Forecast Track Map (ABC News) The heavy rain will stretch from Charleston to Wilmington, North Carolina, on Tuesday. Storm surge could reach 4 feet from Savannah to Cape Fear, North Carolina, and tornadoes are possible. Flash flood warnings are in effect for Savannah, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during the heaviest downpours, which will bring more flooding. PHOTO: Flash Flood Threat through Thursday Map (ABC News) The worst of the rain is expected along the South Carolina-North Carolina border through Thursday evening. A rare "high risk" for flash flooding was issued from Charleston to Raleigh, North Carolina, where rain totals could climb to 25 inches through Thursday. Click here to read more. Aug 6, 1:54 PM More than 90,000 customers without power in Florida More than 90,000 customers remain without power in Florida, more than 24 hours after Debby tore through the state. "Restoration is taking longer in areas with flooding and heavy vegetation, as crews must wait for the water to recede and clear through debris before they can restore power," Florida Power & Light said Tuesday morning. "Rest assured, well continue working until everyone who can safely receive power is restored. Avoid these flooded areas and stay away from downed power lines." Restoration is taking longer in areas with flooding and heavy vegetation, as crews must wait for the water to recede and clear through debris before they can restore power. Rest assured, well continue working until everyone who can safely receive power is restored. Avoid these pic.twitter.com/AyNk3ml46A Florida Power & Light (@insideFPL) August 6, 2024 Aug 6, 10:39 AM Charlestons curfew extended as city faces flash flood warning A curfew in Charleston, South Carolina, has been extended to 7 a.m. Wednesday as the flood-prone city braces for potentially life-threatening flooding. TRAVEL ALERT/ChasCounty: Water is now going across Highway 165 near Savannah Highway. The ditch in this area is full of water and thats causing it to cover the roadway. @ABCNews4 @NWSCharlestonSC pic.twitter.com/XHkHTIL238 Trooper Bob (@TrooperBob_SC) August 6, 2024 "Residents are advised to stay off the roads unless there is an urgent emergency," the Charleston Fire Department said. Charleston is under a flash flood warning. Up to 1 foot of rain has already fallen in the city, with more to come. TRACKING DEBBY: I took this photo at the City Market in downtown Charleston this morning. At one point, the water was so deep it was coming into my tall boots. @ABCNews4 #debby #chsnews #charlestonmarket pic.twitter.com/udbn6ga90g Conley Grayson (@CGonTV) August 6, 2024 Aug 5, 11:44 PM Debby to bring historic 10-20 inches of rainfall: Forecast Despite weakening since moving over land, Debby is still maintaining its tropical storm status, producing maximum sustained wind speeds of 45 mph. PHOTO: A boat partially sunk as Hurricane Debby affects the gulf coast in Suwannee, Fla., Aug. 5, 2024. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters) As of 11 p.m. ET, over 150,000 customers in Florida and Georgia are still without power, according to PowerOutage.us. With Debby's center about 35 miles west of Brunswick, Georgia, much of the heavy rain and showers have since moved out of Florida (except for the extreme northeastern corner of the state closer to the Georgia border). However, with the storm slowing down even more, Debby will stay stuck over the Southeast for the better part of this week, meandering over Georgia and the Carolinas. Even though the storm is expected to weaken a bit more overnight, Debby is still expected to bring historic rainfall and life-threatening flooding to portions of southeastern Georgia and the coastal areas of the Carolinas over the next few days. Rainfall totals from this event are expected to reach between 10 and 20 inches. PHOTO: Parts of Grange Fall Loop flooded making in Wimauma after Hurricane Debby continues to move north of central Florida, Aug. 5, 2024. (Octavio Jones/Reuters) Already, portions of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina have seen between 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, but with rainfall rates of 1.5 to 3 inches per hour possible, flood alerts remain in effect. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for Charleston, South Carolina, where rainfall rates between 1.5 and 2.5 inches are expected. Ongoing or new flooding is expected, with an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain possible over the next few hours. As onshore flow continues, storm surge remains an issue in Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Storm surge alerts remain in effect up the Georgia and Carolina coastlines. Rainfall aside, Debby could also generate some spin-up tornadoes as it swirls over the Georgia-South Carolina border tonight. As a result, a Tornado Watch also remains in effect for parts of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina until 1 a.m. ET. Over the next 48 hours, Debby is expected to meander back over the Atlantic but will continue to hug the coastline before heading back inland over the Carolinas again. Slight strengthening can't entirely be ruled out as it moves back over water, but ultimately, Debby is expected to weaken once it moves back inland. Strength aside, it will still bring significant rainfall to portions of the Southeast, which will likely lead to catastrophic flooding in some areas. Debby is expected to eventually drift toward the north/northeast by the end of the week into the weekend. As it heads north, it will likely weaken to a tropical depression or remnant low. Regardless, heavy rainfall is still expected up the I-95 corridor heading into this weekend. -ABC News meteorologist Shawnie Caslin Martucci Aug 5, 9:26 PM Power returns to some Florida customers as Debby moves northeast As of Monday evening, 146,034 customers are without power in Florida, according to the latest update from a U.S. power outage map. This marks an improvement from Monday morning, which saw nearly 300,000 customers without power at 9:50 a.m. ET, the height of outages across the state. PHOTO: The threat of dangerous flooding continues at least through the middle of the week. (ABC News) During a press conference in Tallahassee Monday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state's emergency department had 17,000 linemen working to restore power in the wake of the storm. "We have a lot of restoration personnel ready to go," DeSantis said. Click here to read the rest of the blog. The intensifying tropical storm is well on its way to becoming a hurricane. Tropical Storm Debby as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Sunday. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via AP) Tropical Storm Debby is rapidly strengthening as it approaches the Big Bend region of Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of a "major flood threat" to the southeastern part of the U.S., including parts of Georgia and South Carolina. As of 11 a.m. ET, Debby had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was located about 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa, according to the NHC. Debby is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane tonight. Tracking Debby's path Debby is slowly moving through the Gulf of Mexico and will likely make landfall Monday morning on the coast of Florida. A hurricane warning is in effect from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River. The NHC warns of a "life-threatening" storm surge as Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of northern Florida. A storm surge warning was issued from the middle of Longboat Key to Aripeka, Fla., including Tampa Bay. A storm surge is rising water moving inland from the shoreline. There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida, with 6 to 10 feet of inundation above ground level expected somewhere between Ochlockonee River and Suwannee River on Monday. Residents in the Storm Surge Warning area should follow any pic.twitter.com/8hSc1SpdEp National Weather Service (@NWS) August 4, 2024 Tropical storm and storm surge watches are issued for coastal parts of Georgia and South Carolina. Forecasters predict Debby will weaken on Monday and Tuesday as the storm moves inland, but effects will likely be felt throughout the week along the southeast coast from Georgia to North Carolina. Impacts from storm surge and strong winds are possible along the southeast coast from Georgia to North Carolina through the middle of the week, and storm surge watches and tropical storm watches have been issued for portions of these areas. Additional watches and warnings will National Weather Service (@NWS) August 4, 2024 Florida, Georgia declare states of emergency Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called in 3,000 National Guard troops to assist as 61 of 67 counties are under a state of emergency. Evacuations have been ordered in parts of the Gulf Coast counties of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus. "This is a storm that is potentially dangerous serious intensification is possible," DeSantis said. "It's going to drop a lot of water on the state and that is going to have impacts." Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, warned of "a catastrophic rain situation" once Debby makes landfall and winds subside. "You should now be making your final preparations," he said. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency through Thursday and urged "all Georgians to take precautions to keep their families and property safe." Why Debby's slow speed matters The slower Debby moves, the more time the storm has to intensify. This is also fueled by near-record warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. "Conditions are favorable for strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico with warm sea surface temperatures and light shear. Intensification is likely to be slow during the first 1224 hours, then proceed at a faster rate after the cyclone develops an organized inner core," the NHC said. Flight cancellations underway More than 2,000 flights have been canceled as of 12 p.m. ET Sunday, according to FlightAware. More than 20,000 flights have been delayed. American Airlines has the highest number of cancellations among carriers. LaGuardia in New York City and Miami International airports are two of the most affected airports. Airlines are required to promptly issue passengers cash refunds if their flight is canceled or significantly changed (more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally). Breaking Monday Hurricane Debby updates: 2024 hurricane season's first strike on Florida with Steinhatchee landfall Hurricane Debby continues to strengthen in the superheated waters of the Gulf of Mexico as she closes in on North Florida with expected winds of 75 to 100 mph, a life-threatening storm surge and untold amounts of rain. As neighboring counties have ordered evacuation of mobile homes, low-lying and coastal areas, Leon County is opening up six shelters in schools spread around the county. Debby's landfall Monday morning will be Florida's first strike of 2024 in a hurricane season that forecasters say could become one of the worst on record. Here is the latest: Hurricane Debby is born. With the 11 p.m. forecast and an eye now visible on radar, Debby has begun her final ascent into the Big Bend Coast. She is packing 75 mph sustained winds and forecasters say she may not be done strengthening. Courts closing Monday State courts in 22 counties will be closed Monday, according to a social media post from the Florida Supreme Court. Also closed: the Supreme Court itself, the First District Court of Appeal and the Office of State Courts Administrator, all in Tallahassee. For the most updated list, visit ow.ly/RhHn50SQNYQ. Courts closed Monday because of Debby. Airport will close at midnight; tropical storm force winds may follow an hour later; firefighters ready for water rescues As the first serious rain band from Tropical Storm Debby pushed through Tallahassee, Mayor John Dailey took to X warning that the storm will continue to strengthen over the Gulf ahead of a Monday landfall and that Tallahassee could see tropical force winds beginning between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Monday. With sustained winds of 65 mph, Dailey emphasized that the tropical storm force winds extend 140 miles out from the center. "Tallahassee International Airport will suspend non-emergency operations beginning at midnight and anticipates resuming normal operations at noon Monday," Dailey wrote. " The Fire Department has five units equipped with rescue watercraft available for immediate deployment should water rescues and/or evacuations be necessary." The first blow of Debby, which caused tall pines to sway back and forth, already has taken a toll on the city's power grid. As of 7 p.m., over 2,500 customers were out of power in different outages scattered around the city, according to the city of Tallahassee's outage map. Rain, rain gone away? Hardly, but Tallahassee is in line for fewer inches The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has dialed back the rainfall forecast for Tallahassee. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has dialed back the rainfall forecast for Tallahassee. Its Sunday afternoon forecast kept the heaviest rainfall outside the city and projected that 4 to 6 inches of rainfall could soak Tallahassee. It also narrowed the area that could see between 12 and 16 inches to narrower part of the Big Bend before the storm stalls out over the Southeast and inundating the northern coastline of Georgia and southern coastline of South Carolina with 16 to 20 inches of rain. At the same time, NOAA noted that communities near the projected landfall near the projected landfall were under a high risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding. They include Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Madison and Hamilton counties. Areas in Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Madison and Hamilton counties face a high risk of flash flooding and excessive rainfall. Final rainfall totals could fluctuate widely based on the storms final track. Recently storm-afflicted communities prepare to face Mother Nature Mother Nature, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at his afternoon press conference, isn't always fair. Case in point: Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend Monday morning. If the storm treks west and the capital city becomes the bullseye, DeSantis said, "You're going to see a lot of debris." But that would come mere months after a trio of tornadoes tore up Tallahassee: "You have some people who are still trying to get their homes repaired from the tornadoes, so that presents real challenges," he said. If Debby hit further northeast, though, it would most affect communities that were ravaged by Hurricane Idalia less than a year ago. "We responded then, got people back on their feet, and we will do that again with this storm," DeSantis said. The governor also mentioned that he'd talked with Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey earlier in the day to make sure the city didn't see a similar situation to what happened with Hurricane Hermine in 2016, which was before either held their respective offices. The storm left 100,000 people without power, some for a week or more. "There were people without power for weeks in Tallahassee, and we don't want to see that again," DeSantis said. "That was a learning experience, I think, for the state and city." Live again with Gov. DeSantis at the EOC Gov. Ron DeSantis is back at the podium in the state's emergency operations center to again warn residents about the dangers of Debby. He is joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton and Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard Major General John Haas. Governor Ron DeSantis Gives Update on Tropical Storm Debby at State Emergency Operations Center https://t.co/WIOX7g7qUP Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 4, 2024 Power outages start to pile up in Florida The power struggle begins. As Tropical Storm Debby swirls toward North Florida, she's already taken a toll on the state's power grid. As of 3:30 p.m. almost 27,000 customers were in the dark, according to our Power Outage Tracker. The highest number of outages have been reported in Lee, Collier, Pinellas and Citrus counties. As Debby heads toward her final destination in North Florida, she's been lashing communities on the peninsula with her outer bands, which contain blustery winds and heavy rain. Sandbag sites a popular Sunday destination With warnings that Debby could bring torrential and historic downpours, it's perhaps not a surprise that sandbag sites are Sunday destination Here's a look at the sandbag site outside the Northeast Branch Library. The scene outside the Northeast Branch Library off Thomasville Road where more than a dozen residents were scooping sand into bags ahead of Tropical Storm Debby. Sandbag sites are open until 7 p.m. tonight. They are located at: Sandbag SitesSandbags remain available to the public at the following locations in Tallahassee and Leon County. Leon County Northeast Branch Library, 5313 Thomasville Road Apalachee Regional Park (Solid Waste Management Facility), 7550 Apalachee Parkway Fred George Park, 3403 Capital Circle NW At the intersection of Oak Ridge Road at Ranchero Road Fort Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Highway City sandbag sites are at the following locations: The Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road Northwood near El Jalisco, 1940 N Monroe St The latest watches and warnings Sunday afternoon storm surge estimates for Tropical Storm Debby. Forecasters warn the storm could push "life-threatening storm surge" into coastal areas near the landfall strike zone. Hurricane Watches have been issued for: Levy and Coastal Franklin counties. Hurricane Warnings have been issued for: Coastal Wakulla, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, Madison, and Lafayette counties. Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for: Lower Florida Keys Including the Dry Tortugas (Coastal Monroe), Mainland Monroe, Coastal Collier, Coastal Lee, Coastal Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Levy, Leon, Inland Wakulla, and Franklin counties. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for: the Middle Florida Keys (Coastal Monroe), Inland Lee, Inland Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Polk, Lake, Liberty, and Gadsden counties. Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for: Aripeka northward to Indian Pass (Coastal Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla, and Franklin counties). Storm Surge Watches are in effect for: Bonita Beach northward to Aripeka (Coastal Lee, Charlotte (including Charlotte Harbor), Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough (including Tampa Bay), Pinellas, Pasco. A Coastal Flood Watch has been issued for the Florida Keys. River Flood Warnings are in effect for several in Big Bend and Suwannee River Valley. Source: Governor's press office What parts south are seeing, weather-wise Sarasota and Manatee counties are feeling the effects of the storm as it passes, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports. Sarasota and Manatee counties are under a Tropical Storm Warning and can expect tropical storm force winds to arrive Sunday morning, along with 4-8 inches of rain. A storm surge of 2-4 feet in Sarasota County and 3-5 feet in Manatee County is expected, as well as potential flooding. Also, areas of Collier County are experiencing heavy rain squalls from Debby's outer bands, the Naples Daily News reports. The surf is rough along the coast. Flooding is possible. Tropical storm force winds extend 140 miles outward from the center of the storm. The tropical weather stirred up thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes in Collier County around 8 a.m., prompting a Tornado Warning to stay in effect until 11:45 a.m. Sunday. A Tornado Watch remained in effect until 8 p.m. Flood Warning coming, sandbags available. Garbage pickup in Tallahassee suspended The city of Tallahassee, in a Sunday afternoon text message, said garbage and recycling pickup is suspended at least for Monday. "The National Weather Service is expected to place Tallahassee under a Flood Warning this evening in anticipation of heavy rainfall and localized flooding from Tropical Storm Debby," it said. Also, sandbag locations will remain open until 7 p.m. Sunday. Tallahassee on the knife's edge of Debby impacts Tropical Storm Debby will bring dangerous surge and wind over Apalachee Bay tomorrow and track close enough to cause wind impacts in Tallahassee, writes WeatherTiger meteorologist Ryan Truchelut. Truchelut, who provides forecasts for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, notes on X how subtle deviations in the track can mean the difference between widespread destruction and scattered damage. "For Tallahassee, Debby wind impacts are dependent on whether there is a westward component to motion today," he writes. "That's the difference between getting TS Debby's core or not." The 11 a.m. National Hurricane forecast calls for a landfall intensity Monday morning of 90 mph, with Debby's most likely landfall somewhere between Steinhatchee and St. Marks. Already Debby is packing winds of 65 mph, which is just eight miles shy of hurricane strength and rapid-intensification is likely ahead of landfall. In their 2 p.m. forecast, the National Hurricane Center wrote that Tallahassee has a 72% chance of seeing at least low-grade, sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph from Debby. Those odds drop to 37% for seeing winds of 58 mph and to just 4% for winds of 74 mph or higher. Truchelut will have a written forecast going live at tallahassee.com tonight by about 6:30 p.m. He'll be back on our Facebook page at about 9:30 p.m. with an interactive forecast where he'll take your questions. 'Catastrophic' rain threat coming into focus for Florida and specifically Georgia For days, meteorologists have warned that rain may be Debby's biggest threat. The latest forecast estimates coming in from the National Weather Service seem to bear that out. "Tropical Storm Debby will drop A LOT of rain over the next few days," the National Weather Service wrote on X. "Potentially historic, heavy rainfall is forecast across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning. This may mean areas of catastrophic flooding." Tropical Storm Debby could produce an epic flood in Florida and Georgia. In Savannah, forecasters are particularly concerned that the storm will linger over the area after moving through northern Florida. We're talking about a really slow-moving event, which is why we're extremely worried about catastrophic rain levels here, said Ron Morales, a meteorologist at the NWS Charleston office. Red Cross offers list of what to bring if you go to a shelter The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross says its working with local emergency response managers and is prepared to support post storm shelters after Debby has passed, according to a Sunday email. Sharon Council Carraway, the executive director and state relations representative, said a National Incident Command Team in place in Tallahassee as well several hundred volunteers from across the country to support this disaster relief. The Red Cross also will help transition Evacuation Centers/Shelters into Post-Storm Shelters as soon as possible. Carraway offered a list of what to bring if you are headed to a shelter: Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation) Food: non-perishable, 3-day supply for evacuation and other special food items Bedding/sleeping items Prescription and emergency medications for all family members Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) Sanitation and personal hygiene products Personal care and other comfort items Photo ID, cash Extra clothing Special items for infants, like diapers, baby food, medication Family pets: kennel, food and special medication Power cords for portable electronics Satellite imagery shows Tropical Storm Debby alongside Florida coast Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. It is also important to remember that each county has different emergency plans and policies, so it is best to do your research NOW so you are prepared and informed before any storm, she said. In 2012, a different Tropical Storm Debby deluged North Florida In 2012, a different Debby drenched Florida. Like the Tropical Storm Debby of today, the storm had a statewide impact. While the impact of modern day Debby isn't yet clear, the 2012 Debby "destroyed homes and businesses, washed away roads and flooded neighborhoods in Florida before the once-large tropical storm drifted out to sea, leaving behind a sopping mess," according to the Associated Press at the time. The storm decimated turtle nests in Franklin County and dumped 28 inches of rain on Wakulla County, flooding homes and spawning a mosquito scourge. Read the full story here. Shelters open in Gadsden County The following two emergency shelters will be opening in the Quincy area at 4 p.m. Gadsden County High School (East), 27001 Blue Star Highway, Havana, FL 32333 West Gadsden Middle, 200 Providence Rd, Quincy, FL 32351 Gadsden High School Shelter will also serve as a special needs shelter and pet shelter, according to a press release from Gadsden County officials. Pet owners must bring a crate, medication, food, a leash, necessary supplies and a copy of their pets current vaccination records. Transportation can be provided by Big Bend Transits to Gadsden County residents from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m A state on tornado watch Leon County is under a tornado watch until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Tropical Storm Debby put much of the state on Tornado watch. Much of the rest of Florida is, too, including Dixie, Jefferson, Lafeyette, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties. The storm has already spawned tornado warnings in Hardee, Polk, Desoto, Collier, Manatee and Hillsborough counties. What has DeSantis done this morning? Gov. Ron DeSantis has had a busy Sunday morning, according to a schedule released by his office shortly after 10 a.m. He started it off at 6:45 a.m. meeting with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and Anastasios Kamoutsas, his deputy chief of staff. There were a dozen back-to-back scheduled meetings listed after that. That includes a press conference and calls with electricity officials. Those he spoke with include Duke Energy State President Melissa Seixas, Florida Power And Light President & CEO Armando Pimentel, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Executive Vice President Mike Bjorklund, Tampa Electric President & CEO Archie Collins and Florida Municipal Electric Association Executive Director Amy Zubaly. Tropical Storm Debby's projected path, as of 11 a.m., August 4. Biden approves Florida emergency declaration President Joe Biden has approved a Florida emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Debby, approving "federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support." "The Presidents action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures," reads a White House press release. Government buildings closed State office buildings will be closed in Tallahassee Monday due to the incoming storm, the Department of Management Services announced. Closures will occur in the following counties: Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, and Wakulla. Madison County opens shelter, declares voluntary evacuation order Expecting as much as a foot of rain, Madison County officials warn that roads could be inundated and impassible after Hurricane Debby makes landfall and downs power lines and trees. The county has issued a voluntary evacuation order for mobile homes, sub-standard housing and any low lying areas prone to flooding. "Voluntary evacuation is a recommendation issued out of safety concerns for the residents," the county emergency management agency wrote on Facebook. The county will be opening a risk shelter at Madison County Central School on Sunday at 3 p.m. "The special needs shelter will also be opening at that time and is for those that have specialized medical needs. Please note that you should bring all necessary supplies to includes cots, air mattresses, comfort items etc." City and county leaders hold press conference to warn residents about Debby This is the live press conference on Tropical Storm Debby and related preparedness operations held on August 4 at 9:30am. https://t.co/Jm2kFlwHui City of Tallahassee (@CityofTLH) August 4, 2024 Moments after Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that Debby could be a particular threat to Tallahassee and its trees, its city and county leaders turn to take the podium. City and county leaders gathered at the Leon County Emergency Operations Center "to update the community on Tropical Storm Debby's forecasted track, ongoing preparedness efforts, local government and nonprofit coordination, and how citizens can prepare their families and homes." "Our recent hurricane history has been a wind focused event," Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters said, warning residents should recognize that some areas of the Tallahassee area could see up to a foot of rain. Rainfall forecast as of 5 a.m. Sunday, August 4, 2024. DeSantis warns of 'catastrophic rain,' harder hit for Tallahassee than Idalia Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials early Sunday warned of "catastrophic rain" likely deluging a wide swath of north Florida as Tropical Storm Debby barreled toward land, and certain widespread power outages. DeSantis, who spoke from the state's Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, said the storm is expected to arrive as a Category 1 hurricane by landfall. He said while it has a similar track to Hurricane Idalia, he told capital city residents not to assume they would only get a glancing blow. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference regarding Tropical Storm Debby on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. "It's possible that you could have serious intensification between now and landfall. It could get up to 85, 90, 95 mile an hour sustained winds. That is absolutely possible, particularly in parts of the state like here in Tallahassee, (and) there's going to be a lot of trees that are going to fall down." Wakulla County issues voluntary evacuation order, opens shelter amid warning that it may be in direct path of Debby A voluntary evacuation is under way for Zone A and low lying areas in Wakulla County, St. Marks and Panacea. "The projected path has continued its westward trajectory increasing the likelihood that Wakulla County will be in the direct path of the storm," the emergency management agency posted on Facebook. "Rain is a major concern for our area as our ground is already saturated and our projected rainfall totals have gone up with every shift west of the projected path." Crawfordville Elementary will be open as a shelter location beginning today at 4 p.m. If you have special needs and area considering evacuation but require assistance, contact WCSO Emergency Management at 850-745-7100 to get assistance. In latest forecast, Debby's winds increase to 60 mph Tropical Storm Debby is now just 14 mph shy of being designated a hurricane. In the 8 a.m. National Hurricane Center advisory, sustained winds are now listed at 60 mph. To become a hurricane, sustained winds must reach 74 mph. Tropical-storm-force wind speed probabilities as of 5 a.m. Sunday, August 4, 2024. Need to escape Franklin County ahead of Debby? Franklin County Emergency Management is looking at providing transportation to shelters for residents unable to heed mandatory evacuation orders. Much of the county is under a Hurricane Warning. A mandatory evacuation was issued at 6 a.m. this morning for barrier islands (including St. George Island, Dog Island, and Alligator Point) low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially along the coast and rivers, and RV parks. "If you require transportation to evacuate, we can transport you to a shelter in a neighboring county," the agency wrote on Facebook. You will be responsible for bringing everything you will need for 3-5 days, please keep in mind a shelter is a place of last resort. If you need transportation to a shelter, call our SPN Coordinator at 850-653-7977 by 10:00 AM on 8/4/24." Like other exposed coastal communities, the county doesn't have a shelter that is safe for residents. For a list of shelters, click here. DeSantis briefing reporters on Tropical Storm Debby, Florida preparations Governor Ron DeSantis Gives Update on Tropical Storm Debby and Disaster Preparedness https://t.co/nTL9xt72co Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 4, 2024 Gov. Ron DeSantis is opening the day with a press briefing on Tropical Storm Debby, which may be eyeing the capital city for a direct hit. He will be joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard Major General John Haas at the state emergency operations center at 7:30 a.m. about 30 hours ahead of what is expected to be a Big Bend hurricane landfall. During the briefing, DeSantis noted the storm is on a similar track to Category 3 Hurricane Idalia that pounded the Big Bend last year. "It may very well have more impacts in the Tallahassee area than Idalia did," DeSantis said, added that Debby is currently tracking a little more to the west than Idalia. Preparations need to be wrapped up later today and make sure you have all your bases covered! It's possible many areas across the Big Bend could be without power for multiple days to a week (in the hardest hit locations).#FLwx #GAwx #Debby #TropicalStormDebby https://t.co/G6UKRaVVC0 pic.twitter.com/P1xuFJ7D3H NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) August 4, 2024 But DeSantis said even beyond the cone, the state is bracing for widespread flooding and power outages. Already the governor has declared a state of emergency for 61 of Florida's 67 counties and has activated the Florida National Guard. Residents should 'rush preparations,' forecasters say, as tropical storm winds could arrive tonight The National Weather Service in Tallahassee is urging residents to "rush preparations to completion this morning," as conditions will begin to deteriorate by tonight. Tallahassee is on the knife's edge of being under a Hurricane Warning, which is bad news for a town known for its prolific tree canopy. The National Hurricane Center estimates that much of the Big Bend and northeast Florida could see tropical storm force winds of at least 39 mph by about 8 p.m. tonight. Tropical Storm Warnings have been extended to South Georgia counties. Tallahassee remains under such a warning, though it is one county away from a Hurricane Warning. The capital city is also under a Flood Watch, along with much of northeast Florida and south Georgia. Rainfall amounts show a widespread 6-12" with isolated amounts up to 18" in the eastern FL Big Bend and south-central Georgia "Rainfall amounts show a widespread 6-12 inches with isolated amounts up to 18 inches in the eastern FL Big Bend and south-central Georgia," the NWS wrote on X. Tropical Storm Debby expected to be a hurricane tonight, now packing winds of 51 mph National Hurricane Center Forecasters warned Sunday morning that Tropical Storm Debby will undergo "significant strengthening" and will likely reach hurricane level by tonight. Currently Debby's outer bands are lashing the Lower Florida Key and southwest Florida with rain and tropical storm force gusts. An NHC forecaster in their 6 a.m. discussion said Debby is now packing sustained winds of 51 mph, up from about 5 mph since the 11 p.m. With Debby slowing down and moving over the "very warm waters" of the eastern Gulf of Mexico in a low sheer environment, the storm "will have an opportunity to strengthen rapidly before reaching the coast." The 5 a.m Aug. 4 NHC track for a strengthening Tropical Storm Debby. "The NHC intensity forecast remains near the high end of the intensity guidance through landfall, and shows Debby becoming a hurricane by tonight prior to landfall," forecaster say. After landfall, steering currents collapse and the system is expected to slow even further as turns northeastward across northern Florida and Southeast Georgia. As Debby meanders in the Southeast, forecasters worry about a "potentially significant flooding event" that could dump as much as 20 - 30 inches of rain on Savannah and coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Breaking down the impacts of a likely Hurricane Debby landfall Hurricane Debby could arrive on the Big Bend Coast by about noon Monday with winds as high as 110 mph. Such winds could cause considerable roof damage and snap large trees. Inland areas like Tallahassee could see between 58 and 73 mph winds, which would lead to downed trees and scattered power outages, especially in the arboreal capital city. The storm will also be pushing what forecasters say could be "life-threatening storm surge inundation" into the north Florida coast. Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle and Alligator Point could see a storm surge of more than 3 feet while areas like Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee in coastal Taylor County could see more than 9 feet of water. The rainfall forecast from Tropical Storm Debby shows the storm could be a life-threatening super soaker. There is a small potential for a few tornadoes, but rainfall may be one of the biggest threats. Much of the Big Bend and North Florida from Tallahassee to Gainesville to Jacksonville could see "major flooding rain." While coastal communities like St. Marks and Panacea in Wakulla County could see 6 to 10 inches of rain, those in the projected strike zone like Taylor County could see 10 to 15 inches. Tallahassee is expected to get 4 to 8 inches. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hurricane Debby recap: Rain, wind, surge impacts for Florida Tropical Storm Debby continued gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and is expected to reach hurricane status before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend area. Here is a look at the latest storm news from Ocala and Marion County, as well as coverage from throughout the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. From Saturday: Residents of Ocala and Marion County keep watch on the tropics. Predictions: A city-by-city breakdown of Tropical Storm Debby's impacts Check out the story from WeatherTiger. Road trip to Ocala, courtesy of Tropical Storm Debby Ocala often is a place to which coastal residents evacuate during storms. That is true of nursing home residents, as well. In a Facebook post, the Crystal River Health and Rehabilitation Center noted that "the Florida State Emergency Management Team gave a mandatory evacuation notice to the Crystal River area." Some residents were taken to the nursing home's sister facility in Ocala. "Everyone is safe and doing well!" the post says. Jim Ross Heading north to help A 28-member team from Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8, whose members are technical rescue specialists from Marion County Fire Rescue, Gainesville Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue, left Ocala on Sunday en route to Marianna, which is northwest of Tallahassee. Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8, with lots of equipment, left Ocala for Marianna, Florida on Sunday (Aug. 4, 2024) to prepare to help after Tropical Story Debby. "They will be in place at a Logistics Staging Area in anticipation of the storms landfall," according to a Facebook post from Marion County Fire Rescue. "The team was tasked as a Type-4 USAR Task Force with Swift Water Rescue capabilities. Our task force deployed 4 boats and 13 vehicles with the ability to complete water rescues, search/rescue operations and structural damage assessments." Jim Ross Video sets the scene This video explains what's to come with Tropical Storm Debby Track power outages throughout Florida with this tool Go here to check on power outages throughout the state. Jim Ross What effect is the storm having throughout Florida? See for yourself Just check out our hurricane live webcam, which provides video views from multiple locations in the state. Jim Ross Remembering back 20 years ago In 2004, Marion County and all of Florida experienced four hurricanes in a six-week span. Here are some photos from the archives. Jim Ross Ribbon cutting for newly completed Heritage Trail in Ocala postponed The city of Ocala had planned a ribbon cutting for 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, but that has been postponed due to the weather. "The Heritage Trail, located along the north side of State Road 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard) between NW Ninth Ave. and NW 11th Ave., is a project realized by the Community Redevelopment Agencys West Ocala Advisory Committee in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation. This trail features decorative sidewalks, public art, and landscaping that honors the rich history and contributions of West Ocalas citizens," the city said in a news release. A new date for the ribbon cutting will be announced soon. Direct questions to the city's Growth Management Department at (352) 629-8488. Jim Ross Ocala and Marion County government offices scheduled to be open Monday, Aug. 5 As of 1 p.m. Sunday there were no plans to close any offices for the city of Ocala, Marion County government or the courthouse on Monday, Aug. 5. Jim Ross College of Central Florida will closed on Monday, Aug. 5 The College of Central Florida announced that it will close its Marion, Citrus and Levy County campuses on Monday, Aug. 5. "Because of the threat of severe weather, particularly in CFs coastal counties of Citrus and Levy, the college will close all sites," CF said in a Sunday afternoon news release. In addition to the academic centers, the closure includes the Hampton Center, Appleton Museum of Art and Vintage Farm, as well as online classes. Jim Ross This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Tropical Storm Debby updates: Hurricane impacts expected for Florida What Tropical Storm Debby's path could mean for your Disney World trip Tropical Storm Debby is closing in on Florida and could hit the region as soon as Monday, with the hurricane-like storm dumping as much as 30 inches of rain in parts of the Southeast this week. For thousands of New Jersey families looking to travel to Disney World before the start of the school year, it could spell major headaches for any mid-to-late summer plans. Airports in Florida, such as Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West, are already reporting canceled flights out of the state. The number is expected to grow through the weekend and into the week as the storm approaches. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of the state's 67 counties in anticipation of what could be the state's first major storm of the hurricane season, the Pensacola News Journal reported. Story continues below photo gallery Flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and various points in Florida are reporting delays. What does Tropical Storm Debby mean for Disney World and other Florida theme parks? Disney world provides severe weather updates at disneyworld.disney.go.com. If a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area within seven days of your arrival date, you can reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Co. Disney resort hotel packages and most of your room-only reservations, provided they were booked directly with Disney. According to Disneys Frequently Asked Questions page, you wont be on the hook for any cancellation or change fees. If you went through a third-party site, for airfare, hotels, car rentals or travel insurance, you may be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees. Those policies also apply to Disneys Vero Beach Resort and Disneys Island Resort. Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando policies Universal Studios has similar severe weather policies for vacation packages, hotel stays and tickets that are booked directly through Universal in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane warning, or other state of emergency. As of Friday, the park is still open. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando has a Weather-or-Not Assurance program which guarantees that in the event of extreme weather like rain, lightning, extreme heat, snow or hail, youll receive the value of your park admission. What about flights to and from Florida? To find out if your flight has been canceled or delayed, visit the airports official website. Here are links to go directly to some of our local airports and their flight status page. New Jersey and New York airports: Airlines often have the most up-to-date information about delays and cancellations so it's best to visit your airlines website or app and use their flight tracker tool. It's also recommended to sign up for alerts what will notify you of any changes to your flight status via email or text message. Apps like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or the airlines own app can provide real-time updates on your flight status. Department of Transportation rules require all airlines to offer customers a refund if their flights are canceled for any reason, but customers may be entitled to additional compensation if a cancellation is within the airline's control. Weather is outside of airline control. According to the DOT consumer dashboard, United - the main airline flying in and out of Newark Airport - has to offer the following in the event that they cancel a flight because of controllable reasons: Rebook passengers on the same airline or a partner airline at no extra cost Provide a meal or cash or a voucher for a meal when the cancellation results in a passenger waiting at least three hours for a new flight Hotel accommodations in the event a passenger is affected by an overnight cancellation Complimentary ground transportation to and from a hotel for a passenger affected by an overnight cancellation This article contains information from USA Today 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: Wondering about Walt Disney World weather as Debby nears? Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia said he will coordinate with the US Department of Justice to flag a possible bank fraud case after a US-based bank account was allegedly used to pose as his offshore account. Earlier, SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta claimed that Garcia owned illegal offshore accounts in New York and in the Cayman Islands, both of which Garcia had dismissed as fake. - Advertisement - Garcia, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said he thinks the US should take action since this is bank fraud. He said that the United States Patriot Act mandates American agencies to strictly enforce policies to prevent fraud. He also said there might be possible identity theft since his name was made to appear as the owner of the bank account. Garcia added that he prefers to appear and participate before Congressional investigations to debunk allegations that he accepted illegal funds through his alleged offshore accounts. He noted that the US will also always protect its systems in these cases. Garcia earlier signed a waiver to allow Philippine authorities to check his bank accounts after a former lawmaker received an anonymous tip that the Comelec chief was hiding illegal funds in offshore accounts. Garcia also said he has never traveled to the US or any of its territories where his alleged offshore accounts were opened. Garcia had rejected calls for him to resign, and instead dared his accusers to prove the authenticity of the documents they had been presenting to the public. The Comelec chief also said that the demolition job against him and his agency has one end goal: to coerce them to use the old vote counting machines in the 2025 elections, ABS-CBN News further reported. Marcoleta in earlier reports, presented a bank document showing that a certain Jaleo Consulting LLC a Florida-based firm deposited $276.42 to Garcias alleged account in Chase Bank to prove that the account exists. Jaleo Consulting LLC is managed by a certain Jose A. Herrera, according to records from the State of Florida. Documents from the Barbados Corporate Registry Data made public by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists showed that Herrera had served as a director of Barbados-based Albatross Technologies Corporation, which shared the same Barbados office address as Smartmatic International Corporation. In 2023, the Comelec banned Smartmatic from participating in any election procurement after the former contractor was tagged in a US bribery case against former poll chief Andres Bautista. In April, the Supreme Court reversed the Comelecs decision to disqualify Smartmatic from all election biddings, saying that finding of grave abuse of discretion on the part of the COMELEC En Banc is not sufficient basis to nullify the public bidding. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A tropical storm watch and storm surge watch are in effect for much of the South Carolina coast ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. The watches specifically include coastal Colleton, Charleston, and Berkeley counties. Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible beginning Monday afternoon through Thursday. Storm surge flooding of greater than two feet is possible beginning Monday afternoon and with each high tide through Thursday. Where you can find sandbags ahead of impacts from Tropical Storm Debby The storm is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico where it is expected to strengthen some before making landfall in Floridas Big Bend region by early Monday morning. Debby is forecast to trek across southern Georgia and possibly reemerge in the Atlantic and off the South Carolina coast. Tropical Storm Debby could produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across portions of southeast Georgia and South Carolina, with local amounts to 30 inches, possible through Friday morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of severe and widespread flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected, said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler. The official NHC forecast has Debby making landfall at 85 mph in Florida. That could be higher, which in turn could create stronger winds for us down the road if it takes longer for Debby to wind down, Fowler said. Count on News 2 and Storm Team 2 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 WCBD News 2. Former President Donald Trump at an Atlanta rally. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Former President Donald Trump came to Atlanta Saturday to deliver a sharp rejoinder to Vice President Kamala Harris high-energy rally four days prior and to attack popular Georgia elected Republicans. Your Governor, (Brian) Kemp, and (Secretary of State Brad) Raffensperger, theyre doing everything possible to make 2024 difficult for Republicans to win, he said. What are they doing? I dont know. Theyve got something in mind, you know, theyve got a little something in mind. Kemp is very bad for the Republican Party. Trumps speech at Georgia State Universitys downtown convocation center marks his fourth visit to Georgia this year the last one was to participate in the CNN debate, where President Joe Bidens poor performance started the chain of events that led to the current presidents decision not to seek re-election and Harris ascension as the Democrats presumptive nominee. That decision, made last month with just over 100 days left before the election, upended the race as Democrats celebrated a swell of enthusiasm and Republicans scrambled to recalibrate their attacks on Harris instead of Biden. Trump sought to tie Harris to Biden Saturday and paint her as an extreme leftist, attacking her positions on the southern border, guns and public safety. She was the worst border czar, she was the worst czar in history, he said, referring to an informal and unofficial title. Kamalas radical ideas belong in a San Francisco commune filled with far left freaks, but they do not belong in the White House. They do not belong in the United States of America. This November, Georgia is going to tell Kamala that we will not let her turn America into a communist country. He also insulted Harris intelligence, calling her dumb and low IQ. More debate fallout Democrats have been cranking up the pressure on Trump to debate Harris after the former president backed out of a debate originally planned when Biden was still seeking another term. The Democratic National Committee unveiled a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting in Atlanta, to press Trump to debate Harris. When Harris was in Atlanta Tuesday, she challenged Trump to bring his criticisms of her to the debate stage and say it to my face. Trump announced Saturday morning on social media that he has proposed an alternative debate arrangement that would move the debate from ABC to Fox News and be held before a live audience. The Harris campaign has been trying to hold Trump to the original debate plan. Were doing one with Fox if she shows up, I dont think shes going to go, he said Saturday. She cant talk. She can read a teleprompter, Id give her about a six on a scale of 10. Six. For talking, Id give her less than a one. We need people that can talk. But Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a Dallas Democrat known for verbal sparring with Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, told reporters in Atlanta Saturday that she thinks Trump is all bluster and has no intention of debating Harris. When you think about it, the scariest thing for Donald Trump is to deal with any prosecutor, especially a Black woman prosecutor, Crockett said, referring to Harris background as a San Francisco district attorney and California state attorney general. Theres also the new age contrast in the race, with Harris rise to the top of the ticket enabling Democrats to flip the script on Republicans who questioned Bidens mental fitness. Harris is about two decades younger than Trump. Now we get to focus in on all your crazy rants about Hannibal Lecter or sharks or whatever it is you that want to talk about. You end up being the crazy old uncle on the stage, Crockett said. So, I just dont think that hes going to do it. I think that he knows that he cant talk about policy. When he does talk about policy, he loses. Trump has also attempted to paint Harris as a dishonest opportunist, but his recent comments casting doubt on her racial background were widely panned as racist at a recent convention for Black journalists. Harris father is a Jamaican-American Black man, and her mother was an Indian-American woman. Trump has cited that Harris has been referred to as both Black and Indian-American throughout her political career in what many see as an attempt to paint her as disingenuous with the Black voting community. A Trump party A line of Trump supporters decked out in red MAGA hats and shirts bearing the former presidents face stretched for blocks outside the downtown Atlanta venue. Some wore shirts with the iconic photo of Trump after last months attempt on his life with the slogan Fight, fight, fight. Among the crowd was Jajuan Moore, a truck driver originally from Los Angeles who now lives in College Park just south of Atlanta. Moore, who is Black, said Trumps comments about Harris race dont bother him, and neither do statements about immigrants taking Black jobs. Donald Trump, he may say some things, but I dont care. Im glad hes a proud white man, he should be a proud white man of his race, like Im a proud Black man, and there aint nothing wrong with that. Moore said one of his favorite of Trumps accomplishments during his first term was the COVID-19 stimulus checks. He was the first politician to give me something when I needed it the most, he said. I was struggling so bad. And you know what? He came through for the American people. He said Im going to do whats right. Im going to do what I can, and he did what he did. Two stimulus checks came during Trumps administration, totaling $1,800 per income tax filer and $1,100 per dependent child. A third payment came through Bidens American Rescue Plan, paying out $1,400 per taxpayer and $1,400 per dependent child. As Moore spoke from a crowded curbside, passersby cheered and chanted. The weather was hot but the mood was festive as merchants set up stalls or roamed the crowds offering all kinds of Trump shirts, hats, buttons, plushies, drinkware, lanyards and commemorative coins. Zoe Simmons, a Gainesville University of Georgia student, stood in line with her parents and two sisters for over two hours before the doors opened. She said it was her fourth Trump rally, and she was there for the culture and atmosphere. Everyone is excited to be here. Everyone loves America, and its just like, as a young person, thats nice to see. You dont see that a lot on college campuses anymore, she said. Her father, Courtney Simmons, who works in education, said winning Georgia against Harris will be more difficult than defeating Biden. Shes certainly more, I wouldnt say qualified, but shes more aware of whats going on, he said. Shes younger, shes a person of color. I think those are all the things that Democrat voters are looking for. Hopefully moderate voters arent looking for that, but they may be. I think theres also an undercurrent of anti-Trump. Courtney Simmons said he was almost as excited to see Trumps new running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, as he was to see Trump. I love his story. I mean, I think that is the American dream. Thats the American story. he said. So hopefully thatll resonate with that demographic, that impoverished mountain demographic that probably doesnt vote as often. Maybe they will. The speech marked the first Georgia campaign stop for Vance, who sought to set the stage for Trump with his own criticism of Harris. Trump, Vance attack Harris on immigration Vance said that Harris put a halt to construction of a wall along the southern border, a project that Trump famously began during his presidency. However, he assured the audience that immigration would be addressed swiftly under a Trump-Vance administration. If youre in this country illegally, start packing your bags, you go home in six months! Vance declared. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conservative firebrand and one of Trumps fiercest allies, also sought to tie Harris with immigration, maintaining that immigration at the U.S-Mexico border is a failure of the Biden-Harris administration. Greene argued there was peace under Trump, highlighting the February murder of 22-year-old college student Laken Riley in Athens, Georgia. A Venezuelan man who entered the country illegally has been charged with her murder. Laken Riley is one name and face that is a victim murdered by an illegal alien, but there are many Americans that are victims from illegal alien crime, rape, and murder. Shes just one name that we know here in Georgia, Greene said. Loyalty is protecting Laken Riley, not allowing an illegal immigrant to take her life, Vance said in an effort to acknowledge that Rileys death was not quickly forgotten among Georgians. Trump also evoked the killing of Riley. Kamala is responsible for the death as though she was standing there watching it herself, he said. Trump pledged to begin the largest deportation operation in American history on the first day of his second term if re-elected. Dredging up the past Trump narrowly lost Georgia to Biden in 2020 after years of Democratic gains in metro Atlanta, winning with less than 12,000 votes. He has continually asserted without evidence that his loss was the result of foul play, as he did from the stage Saturday. A Fulton County trial of Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants over alleged election interference has ground to a halt amid efforts to boot District Attorney Fani Willis over a romantic relationship with prosecutor Nathan Wade and a Supreme Court decision establishing a new standard for presidential immunity. Trump criticized Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in a social media post even before the rally. Kemp and Raffensperger, who are Republicans who resisted Trumps pressure campaign to overturn the 2020 election results, pushed back on X. Georgias elections are secure, Raffensperger wrote in a post Saturday. The winner here in November will reflect the will of the people. History has taught us this type of message doesnt sell well here in Georgia, sir. Kemp encouraged Trump to focus on the future instead of the past. My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past, Kemp said. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. A Trump-endorsed GOP candidate, former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, challenged Kemp in 2022, but Kemp ended up beating Perdue by 52 percentage points. Kemp went on to beat Democrat Stacey Abrams to secure a second and final term as governor. Trumps comments about Kemp in particular were widely panned by notable Georgia Republicans who quickly took to social media to voice their dismay. The Trump rally in Atlanta makes it more likely Kamala Harris wins. Hes his own worst enemy, said conservative radio host Erick Erickson. Battleground Georgia Georgia Democrats said Harris has the momentum to chalk up a repeat presidential win in the Peach State. Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams, an Atlanta Democrat who chairs the Democratic Party of Georgia, said Georgia Democrats are working to turn the new energy on their side into action on the ground. Williams and Crockett spoke to campaign volunteers in downtown Atlanta who were being trained on door-to-door canvassing. Our vice president is fighting for our freedom to vote. Shes fighting for economic freedoms. Shes fighting for our reproductive freedoms. And those are the conversations that matter to Georgians on the ground, and thats what were going to do for the next 90 days here in battleground Georgia, Williams told reporters Saturday. Next week, Harris is scheduled to make her 16th visit to Georgia since being sworn in, stopping by Savannah as part of a swing state tour with her yet-to-be-announced vice presidential pick. Polls still show Trump with an advantage in Georgia, though Harris position has improved over that of her boss and the presidential race in Georgia is seen as competitive. Real Clear Politics polling average showed Trump with a 3.8% lead over Biden in Georgia ahead of Bidens withdrawal late last month. Against Harris, Trumps advantage drops to 2% in the average, which includes polls from July 9 through 30. After Texas, Georgia is on my mind, Crockett told Harris campaign volunteers Saturday. We understand that our collective freedoms are running right through Georgia, she added. I need yall to understand that while I know Democrats say every election is the most important election of our lifetime, Im here to tell you that this is absolutely the most important election of our lifetime. Georgia Recorder Deputy Editor Jill Nolin contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Former President Donald Trump at a rally at Georgia State University on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) Former President Donald Trump came to Atlanta Saturday to deliver a sharp rejoinder to Vice President Kamala Harris high-energy rally four days prior and to attack popular Georgia elected Republicans. Your Governor, (Brian) Kemp, and (Secretary of State Brad) Raffensperger, theyre doing everything possible to make 2024 difficult for Republicans to win, he said. What are they doing? I dont know. Theyve got something in mind, you know, theyve got a little something in mind. Kemp is very bad for the Republican Party. Trumps speech at Georgia State Universitys downtown convocation center marks his fourth visit to Georgia this year the last one was to participate in the CNN debate, where President Joe Bidens poor performance started the chain of events that led to the current presidents decision not to seek re-election and Harris ascension as the Democrats presumptive nominee. That decision, made last month with just over 100 days left before the election, upended the race as Democrats celebrated a swell of enthusiasm and Republicans scrambled to recalibrate their attacks on Harris instead of Biden. Trump sought to tie Harris to Biden Saturday and paint her as an extreme leftist, attacking her positions on the southern border, guns and public safety. She was the worst border czar, she was the worst czar in history, he said, referring to an informal and unofficial title. Kamalas radical ideas belong in a San Francisco commune filled with far left freaks, but they do not belong in the White House. They do not belong in the United States of America. This November, Georgia is going to tell Kamala that we will not let her turn America into a communist country. He also insulted Harris intelligence, calling her dumb and low IQ. More debate fallout Democrats have been cranking up the pressure on Trump to debate Harris after the former president backed out of a debate originally planned when Biden was still seeking another term. The Democratic National Committee unveiled a confrontational digital ad campaign in battleground states, starting in Atlanta, to press Trump to debate Harris. When Harris was in Atlanta Tuesday, she challenged Trump to bring his criticisms of her to the debate stage and say it to my face. Trump announced Saturday morning on social media that he has proposed an alternative debate arrangement that would move the debate from ABC to Fox News and be held before a live audience. The Harris campaign has been trying to hold Trump to the original debate plan. Were doing one with Fox if she shows up, I dont think shes going to go, he said Saturday. She cant talk. She can read a teleprompter, Id give her about a six on a scale of 10. Six. For talking, Id give her less than a one. We need people that can talk. But Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a Dallas Democrat known for verbal sparring with Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, told reporters in Atlanta Saturday that she thinks Trump is all bluster and has no intention of debating Harris. When you think about it, the scariest thing for Donald Trump is to deal with any prosecutor, especially a Black woman prosecutor, Crockett said, referring to Harris background as a San Francisco district attorney and California state attorney general. Theres also the new age contrast in the race, with Harris rise to the top of the ticket enabling Democrats to flip the script on Republicans who questioned Bidens mental fitness. Harris is about two decades younger than Trump. Now we get to focus in on all your crazy rants about Hannibal Lecter or sharks or whatever it is you that want to talk about. You end up being the crazy old uncle on the stage, Crockett said. So, I just dont think that hes going to do it. I think that he knows that he cant talk about policy. When he does talk about policy, he loses. Trump has also attempted to paint Harris as a dishonest opportunist, but his recent comments casting doubt on her racial background were widely panned as racist at a recent convention for Black journalists. Harris father is a Jamaican-American Black man, and her mother was an Indian-American woman. Trump has cited that Harris has been referred to as both Black and Indian-American throughout her political career in what many see as an attempt to paint her as disingenuous with the Black voting community. A Trump party A line of Trump supporters decked out in red MAGA hats and shirts bearing the former presidents face stretched for blocks outside the downtown Atlanta venue. Some wore shirts with the iconic photo of Trump after last months attempt on his life with the slogan Fight, fight, fight. Among the crowd was Jajuan Moore, a truck driver originally from Los Angeles who now lives in College Park just south of Atlanta. Moore, who is Black, said Trumps comments about Harris race dont bother him, and neither do statements about immigrants taking Black jobs. Donald Trump, he may say some things, but I dont care. Im glad hes a proud white man, he should be a proud white man of his race, like Im a proud Black man, and there aint nothing wrong with that. Moore said one of his favorite of Trumps accomplishments during his first term was the COVID-19 stimulus checks. He was the first politician to give me something when I needed it the most, he said. I was struggling so bad. And you know what? He came through for the American people. He said Im going to do whats right. Im going to do what I can, and he did what he did. Two stimulus checks came during Trumps administration, totaling $1,800 per income tax filer and $1,100 per dependent child. A third payment came through Bidens American Rescue Plan, paying out $1,400 per taxpayer and $1,400 per dependent child. As Moore spoke from a crowded curbside, passersby cheered and chanted. The weather was hot but the mood was festive as merchants set up stalls or roamed the crowds offering all kinds of Trump shirts, hats, buttons, plushies, drinkware, lanyards and commemorative coins. Zoe Simmons, a Gainesville University of Georgia student, stood in line with her parents and two sisters for over two hours before the doors opened. She said it was her fourth Trump rally, and she was there for the culture and atmosphere. Everyone is excited to be here. Everyone loves America, and its just like, as a young person, thats nice to see. You dont see that a lot on college campuses anymore, she said. Her father, Courtney Simmons, who works in education, said winning Georgia against Harris will be more difficult than defeating Biden. Shes certainly more, I wouldnt say qualified, but shes more aware of whats going on, he said. Shes younger, shes a person of color. I think those are all the things that Democrat voters are looking for. Hopefully moderate voters arent looking for that, but they may be. I think theres also an undercurrent of anti-Trump. Courtney Simmons said he was almost as excited to see Trumps new running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, as he was to see Trump. I love his story. I mean, I think that is the American dream. Thats the American story. he said. So hopefully thatll resonate with that demographic, that impoverished mountain demographic that probably doesnt vote as often. Maybe they will. The speech marked the first Georgia campaign stop for Vance, who sought to set the stage for Trump with his own criticism of Harris. Trump, Vance attack Harris on immigration Vance said that Harris put a halt to construction of a wall along the southern border, a project that Trump famously began during his presidency. However, he assured the audience that immigration would be addressed swiftly under a Trump-Vance administration. If youre in this country illegally, start packing your bags, you go home in six months! Vance declared. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conservative firebrand and one of Trumps fiercest allies, also sought to tie Harris with immigration, maintaining that immigration at the U.S-Mexico border is a failure of the Biden-Harris administration. Greene argued there was peace under Trump, highlighting the February murder of 22-year-old college student Laken Riley in Athens, Georgia. A Venezuelan man who entered the country illegally has been charged with her murder. Laken Riley is one name and face that is a victim murdered by an illegal alien, but there are many Americans that are victims from illegal alien crime, rape, and murder. Shes just one name that we know here in Georgia, Greene said. Loyalty is protecting Laken Riley, not allowing an illegal immigrant to take her life, Vance said in an effort to acknowledge that Rileys death was not quickly forgotten among Georgians. Trump also evoked the killing of Riley. Kamala is responsible for the death as though she was standing there watching it herself, he said. Trump pledged to begin the largest deportation operation in American history on the first day of his second term if re-elected. Dredging up the past Trump narrowly lost Georgia to Biden in 2020 after years of Democratic gains in metro Atlanta, winning with less than 12,000 votes. He has continually asserted without evidence that his loss was the result of foul play, as he did from the stage Saturday. A Fulton County trial of Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants over alleged election interference has ground to a halt amid efforts to boot District Attorney Fani Willis over a romantic relationship with prosecutor Nathan Wade and a Supreme Court decision establishing a new standard for presidential immunity. Trump criticized Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in a social media post even before the rally. Kemp and Raffensperger, who are Republicans who resisted Trumps pressure campaign to overturn the 2020 election results, pushed back on X. Georgias elections are secure, Raffensperger wrote in a post Saturday. The winner here in November will reflect the will of the people. History has taught us this type of message doesnt sell well here in Georgia, sir. Kemp encouraged Trump to focus on the future instead of the past. My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past, Kemp said. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. A Trump-endorsed GOP candidate, former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, challenged Kemp in 2022, but Kemp ended up beating Perdue by 52 percentage points. Kemp went on to beat Democrat Stacey Abrams to secure a second and final term as governor. Trumps comments about Kemp in particular were widely panned by notable Georgia Republicans who quickly took to social media to voice their dismay. The Trump rally in Atlanta makes it more likely Kamala Harris wins. Hes his own worst enemy, said conservative radio host Erick Erickson. Battleground Georgia Georgia Democrats said Harris has the momentum to chalk up a repeat presidential win in the Peach State. Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams, an Atlanta Democrat who chairs the Democratic Party of Georgia, said Georgia Democrats are working to turn the new energy on their side into action on the ground. Williams and Crockett spoke to campaign volunteers in downtown Atlanta who were being trained on door-to-door canvassing. Our vice president is fighting for our freedom to vote. Shes fighting for economic freedoms. Shes fighting for our reproductive freedoms. And those are the conversations that matter to Georgians on the ground, and thats what were going to do for the next 90 days here in battleground Georgia, Williams told reporters Saturday. Next week, Harris is scheduled to make her 16th visit to Georgia since being sworn in, stopping by Savannah as part of a swing state tour with her yet-to-be-announced vice presidential pick. Polls still show Trump with an advantage in Georgia, though Harris position has improved over that of her boss and the presidential race in Georgia is seen as competitive. Real Clear Politics polling average showed Trump with a 3.8% lead over Biden in Georgia ahead of Bidens withdrawal late last month. Against Harris, Trumps advantage drops to 2% in the average, which includes polls from July 9 through 30. After Texas, Georgia is on my mind, Crockett told Harris campaign volunteers Saturday. We understand that our collective freedoms are running right through Georgia, she added. I need yall to understand that while I know Democrats say every election is the most important election of our lifetime, Im here to tell you that this is absolutely the most important election of our lifetime. Georgia Recorder Deputy Editor Jill Nolin contributed to this report. Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com. Follow Georgia Recorder on Facebook and X. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Donald Trump boasted about MAGA supporters taking over Georgias State Election Board, part of his teams efforts to corrupt future elections. I dont know if youve heard, but the Georgia State Election Board is in a very positive way Theyre on fire, theyre doing a great job, Trump said Saturday night at a rally in Atlanta. The former president went on to name the three MAGA Republicans currently on the five-person board Dr. Janice Johnston, Rick Jeffares, and Janelle King calling them pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency, and victory. According to the State Election Boards website, their charge is not fighting for victory for Trump. The board is entrusted with a variety of responsibilities and authority to protect all Georgians right to cast a ballot. At the rally, Trump also pushed his big lie of election fraud, claiming, I won this state twice, in my opinion. As Rolling Stone previously reported, Team Trump is behind efforts to undermine voter integrity in Georgia, and Trump privately pushed state lawmakers to remove a Republican from the State Election Board who was not MAGA enough. The official resigned and was replaced with King. Trumps allies have also worked in the state to purge voter rolls and put into place policies that make it easier to challenge election results. A source close to Trump told Rolling Stone that Georgia is our laboratory. If you can get this up and running in Georgia, the source continued, you get a road map for other states, maybe the country as a whole. Trump on Saturday applauded a rule requiring hand counting to validate the number of vote totals calculated by machines has not been finalized. It is currently up for public comment. [The State Election Board] just passed a rule for Georgia elections requiring that three people at each precinct independently count the total number of ballots before certification, Trump said Saturday. Who could be against that? Sara Tindall Ghazal, the only appointed Democrat on the State Election Board, opposed the rule. The reason that this was not put into place is because when it was tested in 2019, it failed Other counties tried and failed, she said. And I dont want to be setting up our counties for failure. Trump also bashed Georgias Republican governor, Brian Kemp, as a bad guy, a disloyal guy, and a very average governor Gov. Little Brian. Kemp, along with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, refused Trumps demand that they find 11,780 votes for him after he lost the state in 2020. In other words, they blocked Trumps demands to illegally overturn the free and fair election something the former president has clearly not forgiven them for. Your Gov. Kemp and Raffensperger are doing everything possible to make 2024 difficult for Republicans to win, Trump whined. Trump is going all in on attacking Brian Kemp for not helping him steal the 2020 election: "Kemp is very bad for the Republican Party. He wouldn't do anything." Trump complains about Kemp preventing Georgia Republicans from having a special session to "go over" the 2020 results pic.twitter.com/wYma0ohubY Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 3, 2024 Trump also called Kemp very bad for the Republican Party because he wouldnt do anything to establish a special legislative session to go over the 2020 election results. We want to go over the election. We want to look because theres too many things, Trump said, blaming Kemp for refusing to sign Trump-backed legislation that would examine the 2020 votes. The governor wouldnt sign it, and I knew he would because I got him elected, Trump said. I sent a young guy over to his office. The kid came back. He said, Sir, he wont sign it. Then I said, Go back over. Tell him its for me. Its a good thing, not a bad thing. They want to look into possible election fraud. Kemp did not sign the legislation, so Trump and his allies have plotted in the state to set up an end run around Kemp and Raffensperger for 2024. Regardless of the electoral outcome in Georgia, Trump allies are prepping to claim voter fraud, Rolling Stone has reported. And Trumps work in the state could provide him an advantage, especially if its election results are particularly close. The most recent Georgia polls show Trump and Harris even or just one to two points apart. Trump isnt only focusing his efforts on Georgia. Almost 70 pro-Trump election officials are in place in important battleground counties across the country, according to Rolling Stone and American Doom. I think we are going to see mass refusals to certify the election in November, Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias told Rolling Stone and American Doom. Everything we are seeing about this election is that the other side is more organized, more ruthless, and more prepared. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Donald Trump proclaimed he was for all the forgotten men and women, in his acceptance speech at the Republican convention. His vice-presidential pick JD Vance consistently portrays himself as a pro-worker populist. But an analysis of the labor chapter of Project 2025 an ambitious rightwing plan to guide the next Republican presidency found it has little to offer them. Project 2025s labor section proposes hardly anything to improve workers wages and working conditions. It is, however, chock full of recommendations that would boost corporate profits, undercut labor unions and advance the rightwing culture war. Project 2025 contains several recommendations that would, when taken together, cut the pay of millions of workers, especially by making overtime pay available to fewer workers, even though many Americans rely on overtime pay to make ends meet. This so-called Presidential Transition Project shows outright hostility toward government employee unions whether police unions, firefighters unions or teachers unions saying that Congress should consider abolishing all public sector unions. Project 2025 would further undermine unions by recommending a ban on the use of card check, one of labors most effective tools to organize workers. Once a union gets a majority of employees at a workplace to sign pro-union cards, unions often point to this majority support to persuade employers to grant union recognition and bargain. Related: What is Project 2025 and what is Trumps involvement? Project 2025 was undertaken by the Heritage Foundation and was written by numerous Trump allies, many of whom served in his administration and many of whom are likely to serve under him again if he wins in November, Trump has distanced himself from the projects hard-right proposals, arguing, contradictorily, that he knows nothing about the project while adding that he disagrees with some of its proposals. Political analysts predict that if Trump is elected, his administration will pursue many of Project 2025s policies. Worker advocates have vigorously condemned Project 2025. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said: For 900 pages, Trumps Project 2025 playbook dives into excruciating detail on how a Trump-Vance administration will roll back workers rights, curbing the right to organize, eliminating overtime pay laws, gutting health and safety protections and protections against child labor. The 37-page labor chapter contains recommendation after recommendation designed to make corporations and rightwing ideologues happy. With many employers complaining that todays low jobless rate makes it hard to find enough workers, Project 2025 recommends making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to work in dangerous jobs jobs that federal law currently makes off-limits to workers under the age of 18. Some young adults show an interest in inherently dangerous jobs. Current rules forbid many young people from working in such jobs. This results in worker shortages in dangerous fields and often discourages otherwise interested young workers from trying the more dangerous job, Project 2025 says. The project says the Department of Labor should amend its regulations to let teenagers work in more dangerous occupations, for instance, metal-stamping plants with heavy machinery. Project 2025s authors seem far more concerned about assuring that more teens work in dangerous jobs than about protecting against the perils those jobs pose for young workers. David Weil, who headed the labor departments wage and hour administration under Barack Obama, criticized this recommendation, saying the nation had adopted child labor laws partly because of the huge power imbalance between employers and young workers. We protect children from hazardous work as a statement of our values as a society and because the young people most likely to agree to hazardous work are the most vulnerable to that power imbalance, Weil said. Helping corporations cut labor costs Project 2025 has several far-reaching proposals that would reduce corporations labor costs and boost their bottom lines. The project calls for repealing the 93-year-old Davis-Bacon Act, which requires contractors on public works projects to pay the prevailing wage paid to local workers doing similar work. Davis-Bacon was enacted to prevent government contractors from winning projects by underbidding competitors through ever-lower labor costs. The nations building trades unions vigorously oppose repealing Davis-Bacon because that would push down construction wages. Project 2025 would shrink many workers paychecks by calling for a law that limits when they receive overtime pay to only when they work more than 80 hours over a two-week period, instead of the current system of working more than 40 hours in one week. That means if an employee works 55 hours one week and 25 the next, that worker wont qualify for overtime pay, despite working 55 hours one week. In another proposal that would slice labor costs, Project 2025 says workers who qualify for overtime pay should be able to choose to receive compensatory time rather than time-and-a-half overtime pay. The project says this idea aims to give workers more time with their families, but many worker advocates say it is a ploy to enable employers to twist workers arms so that they take comp time instead of time-and-a-half pay. Weil, the former wage and hour director, warned that employers might abuse this proposal: Unfortunately, in too many work settings, workers would be pressured into taking the accumulated time option and then have trouble using that time when they chose to do so, he said. Project 2025 would also cut labor costs by proposing to make it easier for gig workers like Uber and Lyft drivers to be deemed independent contractors and not employees. Unlike employees, independent contractors are not covered by minimum wage and overtime laws, and employers dont have to pay part of their social security and Medicare taxes. Full of anti-union provisions Project 2025 would weaken unions or make life tougher for them in at least a dozen ways. Beyond calling for a ban on card check, it would make it easier for workers to decertify their unions. Under current law, workers can only vote to decertify, ie get rid of their union, for a short period before their union contracts expire (or when there is no contract in force). Project 2025 would allow such decertification votes any time a union contract is in force. It would prohibit project labor agreements a proposal that will infuriate building trades unions. These union-friendly agreements are used to smooth labor relations on large construction projects and often assure that projects use unionized construction contractors. Project 2025s authors say banning these agreements would save taxpayers money by lowering labor costs. Project 2025 calls for rescinding the Persuader Rule, which requires employers to disclose the union-busting law firms or consultants they use and how much they paid for such services. Unions often use that information to embarrass companies by showing that aggressive, anti-union companies such as Amazon spend millions of dollars to keep out unions and prevent bargaining that would improve pay and working conditions. Trump already showed us his creepy agenda for workers, and frankly nothing in Project 2025 is different from his record in office Sara Nelson In a move that would make it harder for fast-food workers to unionize, Project 2025 calls for preventing the National Labor Relations Board from declaring that heavily franchised companies like McDonalds and Burger King are joint employers. If deemed joint employers, McDonalds and Burger King might need to bargain with workers at unionized franchisees and might be held jointly liable if a franchisee violates labor laws. The labor chapter also calls for firing on day one Jennifer Abruzzo, the NLRBs vigorously pro-worker general counsel. Project 2025 calls for maximizing the number of political employees in the Department of Labor and recommends changes to let department officials launch investigations of labor unions even when workers have not filed a complaint. Worker advocates fear that this could lead to harassment and retaliation against unions. Among its many anti-union proposals, the labor chapter has a surprising pro-union recommendation, saying the NLRB should pursue more injunctions to reinstate workers who were illegally fired for supporting a union. It adds that such firings have an immediate chilling effect on organizing. The National Labor Relations Act does not cover government employee unions, but Project 2025 calls for amending that law to require all government employee unions to do the same type of rigorous annual financial projecting and disclosure that private sector unions now do. Across the US, there are more than 200 worker centers, non-union groups that have fought vigorously on behalf of immigrant workers, and the project urges the labor department to investigate them and calls for requiring them to file detailed annual financial projects, just like labor unions. One theme running throughout Project 2025 is a desire to make the federal administrative state less powerful and invasive. In sharp contrast, the labor chapter calls for making the labor department considerably more powerful and invasive when it comes to labor unions and worker centers institutions that are widely disliked by the Heritage Foundations corporate backers. In a move that union leaders vigorously oppose, the labor chapter calls for amending federal law to allow corporations to form non-union employee involvement organizations. The project says this would facilitate voluntary cooperation on critical issues like working conditions. But union leaders warn under this proposal, corporations would dominate these employee involvement organizations, with management often choosing the worker representatives and being free to ignore the committees recommendations, no matter how earnestly the workers might want something. The project criticizes todays labor laws on unions, saying: Americas one-size-fits-all approach undermines worker representation. Project 2025 contains no recommendations for legislation that would amplify workers voices by making it easier for workers to unionize. For instance, it doesnt call for letting the NLRB impose fines on companies that violate labor laws by, for instance, firing workers who support a union. That is one of the main provisions of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which is overwhelmingly favored by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. In another proposal that labor leaders have denounced, Project 2025 would vastly revamp the federal civil service. It calls for replacing many non-partisan, professional federal employees with partisan workers far more ready to do a presidents bidding. Congress moved against such a partisan spoils system in the 1880s and replaced it with merit-based hiring because the old system frequently led to poor administration, worse delivery of services and federal employees doing politics instead of their jobs. Pursuing the rightwing culture war Project 2025s labor chapter begins with a distinctly religious mission statement, saying it aims to give workers the support they need for rewarding, well-paying, and self-driven careers, and restore the family-supporting job as the centerpiece of the American economy. The Judeo-Christian tradition, stretching back to Genesis, has always recognized fruitful work as integral to human dignity, as service to God, neighbor, and family. The labor chapter contains just one recommendation that would raise workers pay, and it is directly related to religion. Noting that God ordained the Sabbath as a day of rest, the labor chapter calls for granting workers overtime pay for whenever they work on their Sabbath. After the mission statement, the labor section turns immediately to culture war issues. Its very first recommendation is an attack on what it calls the DEI Revolution. Project 2025 recommends reversing and eliminating any government policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Describing DEI as managerialist leftwing race and gender ideology, the project calls for banning the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from collecting data on race and ethnicity. Such data can be used to bring lawsuits against employers for racial discrimination. Next, the labor section attacks critical race theory, saying Congress should prohibit the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to fund any critical race theory trainings. Continuing on culture war issues, the labor chapter next suggests that federal agencies are too concerned with protecting LGBTQ+ workers and says agencies should instead focus their enforcement of sex discrimination laws on the biological binary meaning of sex. Related: Project 2025: what does the rightwing blueprint say about abortion? Project 2025s labor chapter stresses the importance of making jobs work for families, but it stops short of calling for policies that workers say would help them support their families and improve their work-family balance. Project 2025 says nothing about raising the $7.25-an-hour federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged for 15 years. As president, Donald Trump did nothing to raise the minimum wage, and the Republican Congress blocked Joe Bidens push to raise the minimum to $15 an hour. One family-friendly measure that US workers would love to see is a federal law guaranteeing paid family and medical leave. Americans favor that idea 74% to 15%. Although Project 2025 says its family friendly, it doesnt call for such a law. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44% of the nations lower-wage private sector workers dont receive paid sick leave. Moreover, the United States is the only rich nation without nationwide paid parental leave. Corporate America has vigorously opposed such a law, calling it an onerous employer mandate. Trump and Project 2025s authors were evidently surprised by the fierce backlash against its far-right agenda. On Tuesday Paul Dans, a director of the project housed at the Heritage Foundation, stepped down after criticism from Trump. Trump already showed us his creepy agenda for workers, and frankly nothing in Project 2025 is different from his record in office, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. A sane candidate would repudiate a plan this extreme and pledge that anyone involved in creating it wont get within 35,000ft of an administration post. But he wont because Project 2025 is nothing new its just a plan to supercharge the worst, weirdest parts of Trumps own agenda. The Guardian is co-publishing this piece with the Century Foundation. Former President Donald Trump has congratulated Vladimir Putin for an historic U.S.-Russia prisoner swap in which more than two dozen people were freed including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Trump had said back in May that he was the only person that could secure Gershkovichs freedom and return to the U.S. But he switched tactics at a presidential campaign rally in Georgia on Saturday and instead attacked President Joe Biden for handing over some of the greatest killers in the worldan apparent reference to Russian state assassin Vadim Krasikov. Id like to congratulate Vladimir Putin for having made yet another great deal. Did you see the deal we made? the Republican presidential nominee to supporters. We got our people back, but boy we make some horrible, horrible deals, Trump said. Its nice to say we got em back, but does that set a bad precedent? His niece, Mary Trump, posted the soundbite to X, with the caption F---ing traitor. Russia on Thursday released 16 prisoners, both Westerners and Russian dissidents, in exchange for eight Russians, in the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War. Krasikov, a Russian secret service colonel, was serving a life sentence in Germany for murdering a Chechen dissident in Berlin. Deals like this one come with tough calls, Biden said after greeting newly released detainees on the tarmac. Theres nothing that matters more to me than protecting Americans at home and abroad. The former president also alleged that the prisoner swap included payments to Russia. However Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, said no money was exchanged nor sanctions loosened as part of the deal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. During a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, Donald Trump took a break from his extended comments on Kamala Harris being a "low IQ individual" and her perceived agenda to stop people from saying "Merry Christmas" to heap praise, once again, on the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Congratulating Putin for this week's historic prisoner swap trumpeted by the Biden Administration, which brought home three Americans detained in Russia: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, Trump gave full credit to Putin for having made "yet another great deal," receiving a response of almost total silence from the crowd, which he elsewhere commented on as not being as packed as he would have liked. Trump congratulates Putin for the prisoner exchange pic.twitter.com/8nkM9whsbY Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 3, 2024 We got our people back, but boy we make some horrible, horrible deals, Trump said. Its nice to say we got em back, but does that set a bad precedent? he added. Earlier this week, the White House spoke to press about the details of the swap, clarifying that no money was exchanged and no sanctions were loosened to facilitate this deal, according to a reporter quoted by Reuters in their coverage of the presser. "Trump congratulates Putin and not Biden. He is not loyal to the United States. This is not opinion. This is fact," writes journalist and lawyer Daniel Miller in a post to X, just one of many expressions of a similar sentiment circulating in the wake of Trump's comment. Trump's allegiance to Putin is not a new thing and has raised concerns over how it could impact America, should Trump get a second term. Trump views Putin as a strongman, said Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at Brookings Institution and a national security official in the first two years of Trumps administration, in a quote from The Guardian. In a way theyre working in parallel because theyre both trying to weaken the U.S., but for very different reasons. WASHINGTON - The federal criminal case over whether former President Donald Trump tried to steal the 2020 election will start moving forward later this month, though it still remains unlikely to go to trial before the 2024 election. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 1 in a 6-3 decision that former presidents have immunity for official acts conducted while in office - but not for unofficial acts - the case was handed back to the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan resumed control of the case again Friday and issued her first order Saturday morning, which denied Trump's motion to dismiss the federal criminal charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith. But Chutkan also ruled the Republican's 2024 presidential nominee can refile his request later, once questions about his immunity have been resolved. The Supreme Court tasked Chutkan with deciding which acts are official and which are not official and thus what charges can be brought before a jury. Her decisions are also expected to be appealed. Kick starting the legal maneuvering, Chutkan set an Aug. 16 hearing in Washington, D.C., to consider the schedule for Trumps felony criminal case. She also ordered both Trump's lawyers and Smith's Justice Department team to propose a schedule for moving forward by Friday. Keeping up with Washington is hard. We figure it out for you. Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter for daily analysis. This combination of pictures created on August 5, 2023 shows special counsel Jack Smith in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2023 and former US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 8, 2022. Trump is not required to attend the upcoming hearing, which will come just days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where his 2024 opponent, Kamala Harris, will formally accept her party's presidential nomination. Smith last August charged Trump with four criminal counts for attempting to subvert the 2020 election by conspiring to obstruct Congress' meeting on Jan. 6, 2021, to certify Joe Biden's win; attempting to use the Justice Department to convince states to replace legitimate presidential electors with fraudulent slates; threatening to replace government leaders for not announcing an investigation into election security was underway, when no such probe existed; and attempting to enlist then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept the fake electoral slates. The Supreme Court raised issued with whether the allegations involving the Justice Department and the vice president are official acts. It appears unlikely a trial could occur before the election at this point. Chutkan has previously said she would give Trump's legal team several months to prepare once she had control of the case again, and her analysis of what charges can be brought in the case could take up to a year. That analysis would likely include wide ranging hearings on the facts of the case, some of which could begin soon, that could still be politically damaging for Trump with less than 100 days before Election Day. While Trump has scored some recent big legal wins, the former president is hardly out of criminal trouble. He's scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18 in New York after a jury convicted him of falsifying business records in order to hide reimbursements to his former lawyer, who made hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The judge in the case postponed an earlier sentencing date while he considers Trump's request to toss out the entire case based on the Supreme Court's immunity ruling. Trump also faces felony charges in two other criminal cases that have not yet been scheduled. One in Florida over Trump's refusal to return classified documents once he left office has been dismissed, but the special counsel has appealed the decision. The other, a wide-ranging election racketeering case in Fulton County, Georgia, charges Trump and several co-conspirators with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. The Republican's 2024 presidential nominee has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US judge sets August hearing in Trump felony election case Former President Trump and Vice President Harris are tied in key battleground states, according to a new CBS News poll published Sunday, as Democrats rally behind Harris as their newly official nominee. The CBS News/YouGov poll also found Harris leading Trump by 1 point nationally, a much better position for Democrats than with President Biden at the top of the ticket. The candidates are tied with 50 percent support each in battlegrounds, while Harris leads Trump 50 to 49 percent nationally in a head-to-head race, the poll found. When third-party candidates are included, Harris extends to a 2-point lead over the former president. Harriss campaign opened to mass enthusiasm from Democrats after she took over for Biden, breaking fundraising records and drawing large crowds. That enthusiasm has also been shown in polls, with more Democrats saying they will definitely vote than with Biden as the nominee. Overall, 85 percent of Democrats and 88 percent of Republicans say they will vote, compared to 81 percent of Democrats and 90 percent of Republicans last month. Among Black voters, a key demographic for Harris, 74 percent said they would definitely vote compared to 58 percent when Biden was the nominee. Harris now has 81 percent support among Black voters, compared to 73 percent support for Biden. Democratic strategists had warned for months that Biden was losing ground with this key section of the partys base. Harris has also widened the gender gap between the candidates, with the vice president winning 54 percent of womens votes. Trump, meanwhile, is winning 54 percent of men, according to the poll. In battlegrounds, Harris and Trump are tied in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona, according to the poll. Trump has a 1-point lead in Wisconsin and a 3-point lead in Georgia and North Carolina, while Harris has a 2-point lead in Nevada. The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed about 3,100 registered voters between July 30 and Aug. 2, with a margin of error of 2.1 percent. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 President Trump went on the attack against Vice President Harris at a campaign rally in Atlanta Saturday, after Harris campaigned at the same venue earlier this week. We have to work hard to define her, Trump said, speaking to supporters at Georgia State University. The former president then appeared to backtrack, saying I dont want to even define her. I just want to say who she is. Shes a horror show, he added. Shell destroy our country. The former president hit numbers on a slew of issues from the economy to immigration to her record as a prosecutor. His latest attacks on his opponent, including claiming she had a low IQ, come after he vowed to unleash hell on Harris at the rally in a post online Friday. At this time tomorrow, Crooked Kamalas worst nightmares come true, Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social. In a statement responding to the rally, former George Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) referred the former president as unhinged and angry. If you were able to see through Donald Trumps incoherence and vindictiveness tonight, you saw a Donald Trump who does not care about uniting this country or speaking to the voters who will decide this election, Duncan said in a statement on behalf of the Harris campaign. Millions of Americans are fed up with his grievance-filled campaign focused only on himself. Tonight we heard a particularly unhinged, angry version of the same Donald Trump that Georgia rejected in 2020. Hours before the rally Saturday, Trump backed out of a Sept. 10 debate with Harris on ABC News. Instead, he proposed a Sept. 4 debate on Fox News. Harris, who was officially nominated Friday to top the Democratic ticket in November, said she is sticking with the ABC debate originally planned to be between Trump and President Biden. The vice president was not the only focal point for Trumps attacks Saturday, however. Prior to the rally online and in front of the Atlanta crowd, the former president lashed out at the Peach States Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Under these kinds of woke, radical, left policies, Atlanta is like a killing field and your governor ought to get off his a and do something about it, Trump said during the rally, also attended by his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio.) The GOP nominee went on to say Kemp is very bad for the Republican Party. Earlier Kemp urged Trump to focus on unity in a post on social media platform X, after Trump hit the governor for his policies on the economy and combatting crime in Georgia. Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party! His Crime Rate in Georgia is terrible, his Crime Rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his Economy is average, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the Republican governor would not have been able to defeat his former Democratic gubernatorial opponent Stacey Abrams without his endorsement. He and his wife didnt think he could win. I said, Im telling you youre going to win. Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, Thank you Sir, well never be able to make it up to you! Now she says she wont Endorse me, and is going to write in Brian Kemps name. Well, I dont want her Endorsement, and I dont want his, the former president added. Kemp responded on X, saying he was focused on defeating Democrats in November, not petty insults. My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past, he wrote. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. Trump and Kemp have had a tumultuous relationship in recent years. After Biden flipped Georgia in 2020, the governor forcefully pushed back against Trumps election fraud claims. The former president has repeatedly attacked him since and Kemp said he did not vote for Trump in Georgias Republican primary in May. Story was updated at 9:43 a.m. ET Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Manila and Berlin on Sunday committed to conclude a broader arrangement on Defense cooperation which will expand scope of mutually beneficial ties between two countries. German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr met in Manila for a bilateral meeting, marking the first ever visit to the Philippines by a German Federal Defense Minister. - Advertisement - Recognizing the wide array of opportunities for enhancing bilateral defense relations in light of security challenges that both countries face, the Ministers committed to conclude a broader Arrangement on Defense Cooperation, which will expand the scope of mutually beneficial cooperation between the Philippines and Germany into new areas, the joint statement reads. The two defense chiefs also discussed trends in the security environment and exchanged views on regional issues in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. Both Ministers emphasized the importance of advocating for principled and sustainable peace that is firmly anchored on international law. They also strongly opposed any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion. The Ministers reaffirmed their staunch commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight, and other peaceful uses of the seas consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and agreed to continue promoting the comprehensive implementation of UNCLOS as the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Against the background of concerted efforts to deepen bilateral relations in a comprehensive manner, the Ministers expressed their unwavering commitment to the revitalization of Philippines-Germany defense relations, recalling that Germany is one of the Philippines oldest formal defense partners through the 1974 Administrative Agreement concerning Training of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Personnel in Germany, the statement continued. The meeting coincides with the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Germany diplomatic relations, which was formally established in 1954. ATLANTA - When Vice President Kamala Harris entered the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump tried to dismiss her identity as the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent on a major party ticket by labeling her a DEI hire, suggesting that her historic achievements are due to her race and gender. The talking point seemed to be sticking with Trump supporters at a rally in Atlanta on Saturday, even among those who identified as people of color. Andrea Smith, a Black woman who volunteers with the Trump campaign and is running for state representative in Georgias District 41 north of Atlanta, asserted that Democrats were leaning into identity politics to win the election. The fact that shes a woman and shes Black, Democrats will play that race card to get more people to vote for her, Smith said. Harris a focus of Trump rally Saturday marked Trumps first visit to Georgia since the June 27 debate where he knocked the decisive blow to President Joe Bidens reelection campaign. Trump and his surrogates used his return to Atlanta to attack Harris, the country's first female and first Black woman to be vice president and whose presence hung heavy in the crowd. Republicans packed into the same venue that Harris had appeared in just five days earlier. Flashing signs around the arena warned attendees that Harris was weak, failed, and dangerously liberal. Other signs touted her as the first Indian American person elected to the U.S. Senate, a nod to Trumps recent interview with the National Association of Black Journalists. Trump suggested during his interview that Harris had turned Black, solely identifying as South Asian until it was convenient for her. Harris is of Jamaican and Indian heritage. She attended Howard University, one of the largest historically Black colleges in the nation. Supporters repeated this claim at the rally. Smith questioned Harris race, saying, I think shes got a Jamaican father and an Asian mom. And living in the Black community, Im not 100% sure about that. And that matters to people, to make sure shes really part of the community. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene gets the crowd fired up before the start of former President Donald J. Trump's rally in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. Trumps standing with Black voters Trump has spent years trying to court Black voters. In the 2020 election, 87% of Black voters cast their ballot for Biden. The majority of those in attendance at the Atlanta rally were white. But many of the Black rally-goers were eager to defend Trump and his record. For John Williams, a 46-year-old DJ from Lithonia, Georgia, it was Trumps ability to make business deals with foreign countries that attracted him to the former president. As a Black man, he said he didnt believe Harris, as a Black woman, would be able to handle the same type of international dealings. A supporters holds a placard on the day that Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance hold a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., August 3, 2024. REUTERS/Megan Varner Unfortunately, we do live in a world with race, Williams said. The United States is not racist like that, but if you want to talk about these other countries, you dont see our Black people buying land in places like Russia or China. Others believed that the Democratic Party was focusing on Harris race because she didnt have the qualifications to stand on her own. Floyd Narcisso, a 72-year-old man from Nicaragua, said liberals were using color to represent them and avoiding the character of Harris. Narcisso claimed that Harris didnt have the intellectual preparation to run the country. I have a third-grade education, but I can see when someone is dumb. Melissa Cruz is an elections reporting fellow who focuses on voter access issues for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach her at mcruz@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @MelissaWrites22. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump allies question if Harris is 'really part of' Black community Former President Donald Trump is reopening an old feud with Republicans in Georgia. Just before rallying supporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Trump unleashed a tirade on the states popular Republican governor, Brian Kemp, whose vaunted ground game operation Trump may need in November, ripping into him on Truth Social for fighting Unity and the Republican Party. And when Trump took the stage, he went at him even harder. He's a bad guy, he's a disloyal guy and he's a very average governor," Trump told supporters, eliciting boos toward Kemp from the crowd. The attack on social media and in person at the Georgia State University Convocation Center marked an escalation of Trumps longstanding criticism of Kemp. And it instantly unsettled Georgia Republicans, who warned Trumps comments threaten his already shaky prospects in the state. I'm sitting here scratching my head, Bobby Saparow, a Republican operative and Brian Kemps former campaign manager, told POLITICO. Attacking the popular governor of a pivotal swing state makes zero sense. If we want to actually unite, ask for the support of the guy who beat your endorsed primary opponent by 52 points and handily defeated Stacey Abrams. Or, as Erick Erickson, the Georgia Republican and radio host, told POLITICO: "Over 30,000 people refused to vote for [Trump] in Georgia in 2020 and he lost by about 12,000 votes. All he's doing is reminding everyone why they don't like him. And he has no Georgia ground game and will have to rely on Kemp. It's going to hurt him." Many Republicans inside and outside of Georgia still nurse raw feelings about how Trumps fixation on the 2020 election in the state contributed to a major setback for the party in the 2021 Senate runoffs. Democrats won two Senate seats in Georgia that January, when Trumps false claims about a stolen election were widely credited with dampening Republican turnout. And following the rally, some Republicans suggested they wished Trump would stop dredging up the past. "During the Atlanta rally, President Trump criticized Governor Brian Kemp and revisited the 2020 election results, said Eric Tanenblatt, the longtime Republican strategist, fundraiser and former chief of staff to Gov. Sonny Perdue who most recently chaired Nikki Haleys Georgia campaign. With Georgia being a pivotal state, it's crucial for the Republican Party to look ahead and avoid dwelling on past elections. To win in the upcoming election, Republicans need to present a united front and prioritize future-focused policies." Trump opened his rally in Atlanta in the same venue where his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, rallied just days ago by hailing the saying he was thrilled to be back in the great state of Georgia. I love Georgia. In a response to Trumps post on Truth Social, Kemp said his focus was winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past. You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it. Its unclear what prompted Trumps frustration with Kemp, though some Republicans privately speculated it was because Kemp didnt attend the rally. A person familiar with the event and granted anonymity to speak freely said Kemp was not invited. I think the more important point is that youre trying to unify your party and you personally attack the most popular politician in the state who has said hes supporting you, said a GOP operative in Georgia, granted anonymity to speak freely. Its batshit crazy. Trump says Georgias governor is hampering his efforts to win there Former President Donald Trump suggested without evidence on Saturday that Georgias Republican governor was hampering his efforts to win the battleground state in November, a claim that carried echoes of Trumps attempt to overturn his defeat to President Joe Biden there in 2020. In my opinion, they want us to lose, Trump said, accusing the states governor, Brian Kemp, and its secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, who is also a Republican, of being disloyal and trying to make life difficult for him. At a rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta, in a speech that lasted more than 90 minutes and that was peppered with grievances about his loss four years ago, Trump falsely claimed, I won this state twice, referring to the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump lost to Biden by roughly 12,000 votes in Georgia in 2020. Last year, the former president was indicted by an Atlanta grand jury on charges related to his efforts to subvert the results of that election in that state. On Saturday, he complained that he might not have ended up in legal jeopardy if Kemp and Raffensperger had cooperated with his attempts to reverse the 2020 results. Trump added that he thought Georgia had slipped under Kemps leadership. The state has gone to hell, he said. Representatives for Kemp, who indicated in June that he had not voted for Trump in the Republican primary this year, and Raffensperger did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump held his rally in Atlanta in the same arena where his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, held a rally earlier in the week. Both candidates filled the complex, which holds 8,000 people, though Trump, who has long bragged about his ability to draw overflow crowds, questioned whether Harris supporters had in fact come to hear hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion, who performed at that event. Trump recalled that Bruce Springsteen had performed at a rally for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Im not a huge fan, he said of Springsteen. I have a bad trait. I only like people that like me. Trump, who was preceded onstage by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, repeatedly levied personal attacks against Harris. He mocked the pronunciation of her first name, insulted her intelligence and communication skills, and called her a radical left freak. Kamala, Trump said, enunciating with derision the syllables of her name. You know theres about 19 different ways of saying it. She only likes three. The Harris campaign provided a statement Saturday night from Geoff Duncan, a Republican who was the lieutenant governor of Georgia during the 2020 election, denouncing Trump. Tonight, we heard a particularly unhinged, angry version of the same Donald Trump that Georgia rejected in 2020, said Duncan, who has endorsed Harris. Trump, who has been criticized for his past praise of dictators and authoritarian leaders, also suggested that Russia had managed to get the better end of a major prisoner swap with the Biden administration this week, which resulted in the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and security contractor Paul Whelan. Id like to congratulate Vladimir Putin for having made yet another great deal, Trump said of the Russian president. He added: Boy, we make some horrible, horrible deals. Trump says hell skip an ABC debate with Harris. What he proposes instead Trump says hell skip an ABC debate with Harris. What he proposes instead **Related Video Above: Harris has enough Dem support for nomination CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) Donald Trump says he is pulling out of a scheduled September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on ABC and wants them to face off on Fox News, making it increasingly unlikely that the candidates will confront each other on stage before the November election. In a series of Truth Social posts late Friday, the Republican nominee and former president said his agreement to a Sept. 10 debate on ABC has been terminated because he will no longer face Democratic President Joe Biden, who ended his campaign last month after a disastrous performance in their first debate. Some Social Security recipients getting extra payment in August: Heres why Trump now says he will appear on Fox News on Sept. 4 in Pennsylvania with rules that he called similar to his debate with Biden, but with a full audience instead of a mostly empty studio. Trump said that if Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, does not agree to the new network and date, he will do a major Town Hall with Fox News. Michael Tyler, a Harris spokesperson, said Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out. It was not immediately clear whether ABC would turn its Sept. 10 event into a Harris town hall in Trumps absence. Tyler said Harris is committed to the time slot and would appear one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime time national audience. In a subsequent Truth Social post on Saturday afternoon, Trump said of Harris, Ill see her on September 4th or, I wont see her at all. Trump has gone back and forth on debating with Harris since she entered the presidential race. He had told reporters he felt an obligation to debate but also said in a recent Fox News interview that he thought Americans already know everything about both candidates Harris has pressed Trump to keep the commitment he made when Biden was in the race. Noting Trumps criticisms of her, Harris dared him recently to say it to my face. In his Truth Social posts, Trump also cited his litigation against ABC News as a conflict of interest in his participation in the networks debate. Trump sued the network in March following an assertion by anchor George Stephanopoulos that Trump had been found liable for rape. A New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll but rejected her claim that she was raped. But Trump agreed, two months after filing his lawsuit, to the Sept. 10 debate on ABC, as well as the June 27 debate on CNN that helped knock Biden out of the race. David Muir and Linsey Davis, not Stephanopoulos, are set to be ABCs debate moderators. Trump has skipped debates before, including all the 2024 Republican presidential primary debates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former President Trump called United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain a stupid person on Sunday, deepening a divide between his camp and the union while promising to revitalize the industry if reelected. Trump said in a Fox News interview with Maria Bartiromo first aired on Sunday Morning Futures that the auto industry will be a top priority for his potential second term, referring to his controversial policy to enact harsh tariffs on imported cars. Were going to take in a fortune, but were going to tariff those jobs. We want them to build auto plants in the United States, Trump said. Those people in Michigan that love me and that I love, and then theyre going to give us a victory because their auto industry wont exist in two years if [Vice President Harris] gets elected. Theyve got to build in the United States, and they have to hire U.S. workers and whether its union or nonunion, he continued. Look, the United Auto Workers I know very well, they vote for me. They have a stupid person leading them, but they vote for me. Theyre going to love Donald Trump more than ever before. Were going to create in that area, the most traditional area, were going to have more auto jobs that weve ever had, he added. Were bringing back the automobile industry, and were going to do that with tariffs. The UAW, led by Fain, endorsed Vice President Harris last week after previously endorsing President Biden. Trump has feuded with Fain for months, with the union leader denouncing Trump as one of the worst presidents for union workers. Trump has never supported working class people. He has never supported unions, Fain said Friday. But he sure as hell was trying to pander for our votes now. Trump has previously called on UAW members to rise up against Fain and have him removed from his post. The popular union president won a landmark contract with major automakers for UAW members last year. In a post online, the union said Trump is a scab and a billionaire, saying they are not on his side. Economists have warned that Trumps plan to radically cut taxes and implement tariffs could significantly increase product costs for the average American and increase the national debt. An economic analysis earlier this year found that the proposal would cost the average household $1,500 per 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 The Hill. Dozens of well-known Republicans including a couple of former Trump White House staffers have switched allegiance to endorse Kamala Harris in the latest blow for Donald Trump. The Harris presidential campaign on Sunday launched a Republicans for Harris drive, which it says already has the public endorsement of almost 30 Republican moderates who reject the chaos, division and violence of Donald Trump and his Project 2025 Agenda. They include former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, who advised Vice President Mike Pence on national security matters. I might not agree with Vice President Kamala Harris on everything, but I know that she will fight for our freedom, protect our democracy and represent America with honor and dignity on the world stage, Grisham said in a statement. I encourage other Trump administration officials who saw the tyrant we worked for in office to speak out and stand with Kamala Harris this November to keep integrity in the White House and ensure democracy for our country. The Harris campaign launched the group as the vice president prepared to hold meetings at her official residence with potential running mates Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota. Two weeks after President Joe Biden finally gave up on his re-election campaign, Harris has ground through the gears to get her campaign up to speed and capitalize on the widespread relief that Novembers election will not be a Trump vs. Biden repeat. The GOP defectors include former Republican governors Jim Edgar (Illinois), Bill Weld (Massachusetts), and Christine Todd Whitman (New Jersey), and a number of former congressmen and senators. Also named on the list published by the Harris campaign were Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood, who both served as Republican Cabinet members under Barack Obamawhich might suggest that Obama himself is helping the Harris campaign reach out to anti-Trump Republicans. According to the Harris campaign, the new group is a campaign within a campaign that will focus on getting Republicans to persuade friends and family members to vote for Harris over Trump. It will launch with events in key battleground states on Monday. Donald Trumps MAGA extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values and will vote against him again in November, Austin Weatherford, Harriss national director of Republican outreach, said in a statement carried by The Hill. He added, Donald Trump said he doesnt want these voters, but Vice President Harris and our campaign are working 0vertime to earn the support of my fellow Republicans who care about defending democracy and restoring decencyall of which would be torn away in a second Trump presidency. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Trust Women is back open in Wichita after pausing operations for nearly three months. Trust Women is an independent nonprofit that focuses on reproductive health care. In May, the nonprofit temporarily paused operations to work on solidifying processes to streamline efficiencies and increase patient capacity. Staff members did remain available to provide information and referrals. More women ending pregnancies themselves, some unsafely, new study suggests This progress could not come at a more important moment as our reopening aligns with the two-year anniversary of when Kansansjust 40 days after the fall of Roesurprised the entire nation by successfully fighting back a constitutional amendment that would have led to a statewide abortion ban, said Board President Sapphire Garcia-Lies. Trust Women has played a vital role throughout Kansans fight for reproductive justice and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of Kansans and others seeking safe, confidential care that is denied to them in other states. Trust Women operates two clinics, one in Wichita and one in Oklahoma City. Now that the Wichita location is open, the Oklahoma City location plans to reopen soon. The nonprofit says it plans to increase capacity over the next few months to serve even more people. For more information, head to TrustWomen.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 KSN-TV. TSA will now take your photo before you fly. Why privacy advocates say you should opt out. A new security screening process at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport features a computer screen about the size of a large iPad with the eye of a camera staring back at travelers. It is part of a global trend in traveler surveillance and identification. Here's what you need to know. How does airport facial recognition work? It works like this: You insert your drivers license into a machine, stand for a quick real-time photo and wait as the facial recognition software compares the two images to confirm your identity. A TSA officer monitors the process, but with the new technology, you dont have to show them your ID or a boarding pass. The Transportation Security Administration claims the technology will make the screening process safer and more convenient. The federal agency has installed the device in over 80 airports, with plans to expand the program to the more than 400 airports under its watch. Privacy advocates arent convinced the new program is that altruistic. Credential authentication technology units, or CAT-2, are now installed in the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport as part of a new effort that uses facial recognition scans during security screenings. They say the system lacks federal oversight and fear it opens the door to a world where our face becomes our ID, our identity and other information about us suddenly accessible to the government or nefarious actors without our permission or knowledge. And amid the hustle and bustle of air travel, privacy advocates argue travelers might miss a crucial piece of information about the new process: You can opt out. TSAs implementation right now is not the worst-case scenario, said Jeramie Scott, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center's Project on Surveillance Oversight. But the fact that there are no protections in place to limit how its used in the future or to guarantee the protections today remain in place it raises the risk and the likelihood that it will be expanded in very problematic ways. Read This: A college security system flagged theater props as firearms. Does AI gun detection work? How do you opt out of TSA facial recognition security screening? Surveillance cameras at the Rochester airport already use facial recognition to scan crowds and compare the images to a terrorist watchlist database. The surveillance technology, shown in a sample output above, was added in 2019. The facial recognition scans are not mandatory, but they are the default option for TSA officers conducting security screenings unless a traveler speaks up. The TSA officer will not ask you if you want to participate in the new process. Instead, signs at the Rochester airport note that travelers who do not want their photo captured should tell a TSA officer when they step up to the security podium. Privacy advocates urge these travelers to stand out of view of the camera. The officer will then proceed with the standard identity verification process: Scanning your boarding pass and comparing your ID to your face with their own eyeballs. Travelers will not lose their place in line if they decline the facial recognition scan, according to the TSA. Still, some travelers have reported pushback from TSA officers on social media threads and the frenetic pace of airports can make others anxious about causing delays. Advocates worry it will pressure even privacy-conscious travelers to submit to the new process. Whatever you think the protections are, TSA can change on a whim A monitor shows an example of an expired ID caught by a new security screening process at airports. TSA has said the photos taken during security screenings are deleted the same day although they admit some are kept in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. It is not clear whether TSA informs individuals when their photograph has been kept for testing. The agency said the photos are not used for surveillance or law enforcement purposes. But Scott argues that without federal regulations on the TSAs use of facial recognition software, the agency could change its own rules at any point without repercussions. One example? Although the process is currently voluntary, TSA head David Pekoske said last year he sees a future where the facial recognition scans are mandatory at every airport. Theres no law requiring the necessary transparency, oversight and accountability to ensure that peoples privacy and civil rights are protected, Scott said. Whatever you think the protections are, TSA can change on a whim. Opting out of the process allows travelers to send a message to the TSA that they are uncomfortable with facial recognition technology, Scott said. Senators warn of mission creep in TSA facial recognition screening Earlier this summer, a bipartisan group of senators called for the TSA to halt the program until Congress can draft restrictions on the technology. The potential for misuse of this technology extends far beyond airport security checkpoints, they wrote. Once Americans become accustomed to government facial recognition scans, it will be that much easier for the government to scan citizens faces everywhere, from entry into government buildings, to passive surveillance on public property like parks, schools and sidewalks. The senators claimed TSA has not produced any evidence that shows the technology finds more false identification documents than the standard screening process. In response, the U.S. Travel Association wrote that banning the facial recognition technology would cause screening delays and "set America back by decades." Scott acknowledged the government already has a dizzying amount of information on us between what we hand over when filing taxes or applying for benefits to the photos we upload online and the surveillance cameras that exist on nearly every street corner. He is more worried about the future. If we normalize the use of facial recognition software, he argues, the government could easily build a database of images that are used to track someones real-time movement, associations and participation in activities otherwise protected by the First Amendment. Right now, we generally control our ID, Scott said. We get a physical ID that we can control and decide when to identify ourselves or hand over our identification. With our face as our ID, we lose that. Not only can the government then identify us without our permission, they also can do it without our knowledge if they want to. Want more data on TSAs use of facial recognition screenings? The Algorithmic Justice League, an organization that researches the social implications of artificial intelligence, is collecting travelers experiences with the new TSA security program. You can submit your feedback here: https://www.ajl.org/campaigns/fly. The Democrat and Chronicle is examining surveillance efforts in western New York as part of an investigative project called "Eyes on Us." Do you have questions about police or government surveillance? Email us at kcanne@gannett.com and we will try to answer them in an upcoming series of stories. Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on police accountability, government surveillance and how individuals are impacted by violence. Follow her on Twitter @kaylacanne and @bykaylacanne on Instagram. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Facial recognition screening now used at airports: How you can opt out COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Two Columbus Police Officers were hospitalized after a crash involving a police cruiser. Both officers are in stable condition following the accident, which took place around 5 p.m. at Parsons Avenue and E. Sycamore Street. This embedded content is not available in your region. According to police, there is no other information on other vehicles involved. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CARACASVenezuelas opposition leader emerged from hiding on Saturday (Sunday Manila time), declaring We have never been so strong, as President Nicolas Maduro slammed what he called attempts to usurp the presidency following last weeks disputed election. Thousands gathered peacefully across Venezuela, including in the capital Caracas where Maria Corina Machado thrilled supporters with a surprise appearance in a truck bearing a banner reading Venezuela has won! - Advertisement - Machado, who spent much of the week in hiding after Maduro threatened her with arrest following deadly post-election protests, had backed the candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia after she herself was banned from running. Supporters say he won 67 percent of the July 28 vote, and several Latin American countries and the United States have recognized him as president-elect. Others have called on Venezuela to release detailed vote tallies, including EU states France, Germany, Italy and Spain who on Saturday noted their strong concern over the results. Brazil, Colombia and Mexicowhich have maintained good relations with Maduros government urged an impartial verification of the result. We have never been so strong as today, Machado told the crowd, adding the regime has never been weaker. We are not going to leave the streets, she vowed, surrounded by security. Gonzalez Urrutia was not seen publicly Saturday. Backers cried out Freedom! as Machados truck passed by. Adrian Pacheco, a 26-year-old shopkeeper, told AFP, Seeing her gives me hope, despite the threats. She is a light for Venezuela. Venezuelas CNE election authority, loyal to Maduro, on Friday proclaimed him the winner with 52 percent of the vote to 43 percent for Gonzalez Urrutia, a result that defied pre-election polls. Thousands of Maduro supporters responded to his call for the mother of all marches Saturday afternoon, gathering in central Caracas to march to the presidential palace in the name of national peace. We will not accept the oppositions claims of victory and moves to usurp the presidency of the republic again, Maduro declared at the rally. After Venezuelas last election, in 2018, Maduro was proclaimed winner amid widespread accusations of fraud. Eventually the United States and dozens of other countries recognized the then-speaker of parliament, Juan Guaido, as Venezuelas acting president. But Guaido failed to remove Maduro from office as many had hoped he would, and the once wildly popular young politician has largely faded from public life. We are at the beginning of a new era, the era of the consolidation of the revolution, the era of well-being, 69-year-old professor Ali Garcia said at the rally. Maduro, 61, has slammed the international criticism, describing allegations of vote fraud as a trap orchestrated by Washington to justify a coup. The opposition has launched a website with copies of 84 percent of ballots cast, showing an easy win for Gonzalez Urrutia. The government claims these are forged. Maduro has led the oil-rich, cash-poor country since 2013, presiding over a GDP drop of 80 percent that pushed more than seven million of once-wealthy Venezuelas 30 million citizens to emigrate. Experts blame economic mismanagement and US sanctions for the collapse. Maduro has maintained power thanks to loyalty from the military leadership, electoral bodies, courts and other state institutions, as well as the backing of Russia, China and Cuba. Maduro on Saturday also said military and police patrols would continue throughout the country to protect the people. Rights groups reported 11 dead in protests Monday and Tuesday as angry Venezuelans took to the streets. Maduro said two officers were killed, and 2,000 people detained. He has said his administration was preparing two maximum security prisons to hold protest-related inmates. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Friday with Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia, expressing his concern for their safety and well-being and congratulating Gonzalez Urrutia for receiving the most votes, the State Department said. Venezuela emigres in cities across the Americas also rallied Saturday against Maduro and his claims of victory. We dont want violence, we just want him to leave, we only want peace, 43-year-old Maudie Lopez, a crafts worker, told AFP in Colombias capital Bogota, where hundreds joined in song and prayer. I want to return to my country. Colombia is housing some three million of the seven million Venezuelans who have fled since Maduro came to power. INDIANAPOLIS As of 3 p.m. Sunday, two firefighters injured in a crash Saturday were still in the hospital with serious injuries. On Saturday, a firetruck responding to an accident on East 30th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, crashed and flipped over, injuring four firefighters, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. No other vehicles were involved. UPDATE: 2 of the FFs involved in yesterdays crash were admitted to the hospital w/ serious injuries. They remain under expert care. The other 2 FFs were released & sent home. They remain under medical supervision & are off duty for an extended amount of time as they recover pic.twitter.com/CCE30g03wA Indianapolis Fire Department (@IFD_NEWS) August 4, 2024 The other two firefighters involved in the crash were released and sent home, but remain under medical supervision, according to a social media post by the department. The firetruck was heading west on East 30th Street to respond to an accident that left a man dead. As the truck made an attempt to maneuver around slowed traffic and a "wide load" escorted by the Indiana State Police, according to the department, it flipped near the intersection of East 30th Street and North Hawthorne Lane. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Two firefighters remain in hospital after Saturday's crash COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Five people have been injured after a series of shootings in Columbus on Saturday. Authorities responded to the 800 block of East 3rd Avenue at about 5:51 p.m. on Saturday on report of a shooting, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Officers found a victim suffering from an upper-body gunshot wound. This embedded content is not available in your region. The victim was transported to a hospital in serious condition. Shortly after, a second victim arrived at a hospital from the same location suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. Police said both victims are expected to recover from their injuries. According to police, there is no current information on a suspect. An investigation is ongoing. Later that night, authorities responded to the 1100 block of East 12th Avenue at about 9:42 p.m. also on report of a shooting, Columbus police said. One victim was found on scene, and two others arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds. All three are expected to survive their injuries. This embedded content is not available in your region. The shooting was found to have occurred in the area of East 13th Avenue and Cleveland Avenue. Police are asking anyone with information to call 614-645-4141. Also on Saturday, a 28-year-old died after a shooting outside a southeast Columbus gas station. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BONN, Germany (Reuters) - Two of the Russian dissidents who were freed from prison and arrived in Germany as part of last week's major East-West prisoner swap say they are already thinking about returning to Russia, but vow to continue political activism even from abroad. The swap saw eight Russians, including a convicted murderer, returned home from Western countries in exchange for 16 prisoners freed from Russian and Belarusian jails, many of them Russian dissidents alongside Americans like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. As people who were actually deported, who were kicked out of the country, we all have a great desire to return, dissident Andrei Pivovarov told Reuters in an interview in Bonn on Saturday. "I definitely want to be in Russia. I am a Russian politician and that is very important to me," Pivovarov said. "It is clear that they (the Russian authorities) will not allow us to return, although we want to." Ilya Yashin, an opposition activist imprisoned in 2022 for criticising President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, also expressed his desire to return home. "I am truly pained by my expulsion from Russia, despite all the gratitude I feel towards those who wished me well and saved me," Yashin told Reuters. "But I sincerely say that my place is in Russia ... I have dedicated my life to my country." Yashin said he was happy to see his family and friends for the first time in a long while. But on the other hand, he said it was "a hard pill to swallow". "Its very difficult for me emotionally because I understand that I was set free at the price of setting free an assassin, a person who actually committed a bloody crime," Yashin said. This referred to Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted of the 2019 murder of a former Chechen militant in Berlin, who was among those freed. "I said it a number of times that I did not want to be part of any exchange lists," Yashin said. "The Kremlin representatives gladly included my name because for them my exchange essentially means expulsion," he added. He said he planned to continue with what he called the anti-war education of Russians, and helping Russian political prisoners. Pivovarov also said he wanted to continue with his opposition activities from outside of Russia. "Coordinating anything from inside is impossible," Pivovarov said. "Im not planning to step aside," he added. (Reporting by Polina Nikolskaya and Erol Dogrudogan; Writing by Maria Martinez; Editing by Frances Kerry) PARIS (AP) The United States made up for a disappointing showing in Tokyo by setting a world record in the 4100 mixed medley relay. Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Gretchen Walsh and Torri Huske held off China for a winning time of 3:37.43, breaking the mark of 3:37.58 set by Britain when it won gold in the wild and woolly events Olympic debut three years ago. With each team picking two men and two women, the U.S. and China both went with their male swimmers in the first two legs. Murphy put the U.S. in front on the backstroke, Chinas Qin Haiyang slipped past Nic Fink on the breaststroke, but Walsh put the Americans back in front on the butterfly before Huske held off Yang Junxuan to secure the gold. The Chinese team, which also included Xu Jiayu and Zhang Yufei, took silver in 3:37.55. The bronze went to Australia in 3:38.76. Marchand swam the breaststroke leg for France but couldnt add to his already impressive haul of four individual golds. The French finished fourth, more than two seconds behind the Aussies. When the British won gold in 2021, the Americans finished fifth. Britain was seventh this time. The U.S. bumped its total to six golds, one behind leading Australia with four events remaining Sunday. The Americans are assured of winning the overall medal count with 25. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Bloomberg) -- A slice of Abu Dhabi has come to El-Arish, a small city in Northern Sinai about 50 kilometers from Gaza. Once rarely visited by outsiders, the coastal spot now teems with Emirati volunteers wearing cargo pants and beige vests adorned with the flag of the United Arab Emirates. Most Read from Bloomberg Theyve joined UAE government officials, Red Crescent workers and hospital staff in the Egyptian area just outside the strip, part of a humanitarian effort to help more than two million people whose lives have been devastated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Since the start of the conflict almost ten months ago, aid efforts by the UAE in El-Arish and the Palestinian territory have cost the UAE around $700 million, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, one of the Emirati officials overseeing the operations, told Bloomberg in early July. That includes the setting up of a field hospital in the southern Gaza city of Rafah thats treated close to 50,000 people, according to its staff, and a second makeshift medical facility on a ship anchored close by on the Mediterranean Sea. The UAE effort is a testament to the growing regional sway of the Gulf nation, which has forged ties with Israel and strengthened its bond with Egypt in recent years including via a $35 billion investment to help unlock an International Monetary Fund rescue. The country is using those relationships, and its trillions of petrodollars, to play a leading role in diplomatic and aid efforts in the conflict and has indicated a willingness to help prepare for a postwar scenario including by sending security forces into Gaza. That said, its influence only goes so far as the war shows no sign of ending and the Israeli leadership have paid little heed to international calls for a cease-fire. The UAE could consider taking part in a temporary stabilization mission following a formal invitation from a reformed Palestinian Authority, said Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, referring to the administration that rules parts of the West Bank and controlled Gaza before Hamas took over in 2007. Part of the UAEs motivation could be to make itself an important diplomatic intermediary that can deal with both Israel and Egypt in a way few other countries can, said Steffen Hertog, an associate professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The UAE is also under some pressure to have a positive impact on Palestine given how much flak they are getting in the Arab public sphere for establishing ties with Israel, he said. The initiative follows other international interventions by the UAE, including the brokering of a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap deal in June. Desalination Plants The UAE operates about half a dozen water desalination plants in El-Arish, producing more than a million gallons a day for the Gazan people, while multiple warehouses holding food, medicine and clothes have been built on the Egyptian side of the border. Funding has been provided for air drops costing as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars per tonne, according to Al Shamsi, who is assistant minister of foreign affairs for development affairs and international organizations. Yet despite the efforts from the UAE and others, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, he said. With no access through land routes including the Rafah Border Crossing into Sinai closed since Israel took control of it in May aid groups have been forced to rely mainly on air drops, which need the Israeli governments approval. By sea, land and through 300 flights, we have provided nearly 40,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to secure the urgent needs of the Palestinians, Al Hashimy told Bloomberg. Some Emirati military planes stationed at El-Arishs airport can hold tonnes of food and medical supplies. Theyve recently carried packages to the north of Gaza, the area most impacted by Israels air and ground campaign, Al-Shamsi said. The nature of food insecurity across the entire Gaza Strip is unprecedented in this century, the Center For Strategic and International studies said in research published in April. About 90% of people in the densely populated strip have fled their homes and lack access to sufficient shelter, food, medical services and clean water, according to the United Nations. For Duaa, a mother of five from Gaza, arriving at the UAEs makeshift hospital with her children about three months ago provided her with shelter after months of constant bombardment. Shes been waiting for a transfer to the Gulf country to get a prosthetic limb after having her right leg amputated. I havent seen my husband in months hes in an Egyptian hospital but his case was too critical to be moved here, she told Bloomberg. This situation is harder than anyone can imagine. The UAEs Al Hashimy said a cease-fire and the release of all hostages and detainees held by Hamas are urgently needed to halt escalation in the region. Theres an unprecedented state of instability, she said. Cease-Fire Talks Talks for an Israel-Hamas cease-fire brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt have gone nowhere for months and look harder than ever to resolve after the political head of Hamas was assassinated in Tehran last week. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel and vowed to retaliate. The Israeli government has neither confirmed nor denied being responsible. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country is prepared for any response from Iran and its allies. Israel has vowed to kill all leaders of Hamas since the start of the war in October, when the group designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union invaded the south of the country, killing about 1,200 people. More than 39,000 Palestinians have died in Israels subsequent military campaign, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The UAE initiated diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements brokered by former US President Donald Trumps administration that established relations between the Jewish state and other Arab nations including Bahrain. The objective of the deal was to promote economic cooperation between the two sides and reduce regional and security tensions. The results have been mixed. The UAE has maintained dialog with Israel throughout the war with Hamas, while being unable to rein in the countrys military aggression. At the same time, its under pressure from other Arab countries for maintaining ties as the bombardment of Palestinians goes on. Abu Dhabis position on normalization with Israel hasnt changed, according to a person familiar with the governments thinking, who isnt authorized to speak publicly. The UAE believes that having diplomatic relations has enabled the nation to get aid inside Gaza and hold talks with the government, the person said. The UAEs investment in Egypt which helped stave off an economic crisis was seen by many as a signal of intent by Abu Dhabi that its serious about jockeying for influence with rival petroleum-rich Gulf powers including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. And the particular focus on humanitarian efforts in Gaza likely puts the UAE in the good graces of the US, LSEs Hertog said. --With assistance from Thomas Hall. (Updates with Israel preparing for any retaliation from Iran or its proxy militia groups in the Middle Eastern region. A previous version was corrected to make clearer Iran blamed Israel for the death of Hamas political leader.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. LONDON (AP) U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned an attack Sunday on a hotel housing asylum seekers that saw at least 10 police officers injured, one seriously, describing it as far-right thuggery." In a statement from 10 Downing Street on Sunday afternoon, the prime minister vowed that the authorities will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice" and that justice will be swift. Starmer's statement came as more violence broke out across the country in the wake of a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and many more wounded. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves," he said. "This is not a protest, it is organized, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online. Starmer was speaking after another day of far-right violence, which was particularly acute in the north of England town of Rotherham where police struggled to hold back hundreds of rioters who sought to break into a Holiday Inn Express hotel being used as accommodation for asylum-seekers. Before bringing the riot under some sort of control, police officers with shields had faced a barrage of missiles, including bits of wood, chairs and fire extinguishers. A large bin close to a window of the hotel was also set alight but the small fire was extinguished. South Yorkshire Police, which is responsible for Rotherham, said at least 10 officers have been injured, including one who was left unconscious. The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting. While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this," said Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield. "We have officers working hard, reviewing the considerable online imagery and footage of those involved, and they should expect us to be at their doors very soon. Far-right agitators have sought to take advantage of last week's stabbing attack by tapping into concerns about the scale of immigration in the U.K., in particular the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in small boats from France across the English Channel. Tensions were also running high Sunday in the northeastern town of Middlesbrough, where some protesters broke free of a police guard. One group walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars. When asked by a resident why they were breaking windows, one man replied, Because were English." Hundreds of others squared up to police with shields at the town's cenotaph, throwing bricks, cans and pots at officers. Starmer said anyone targeting people for the color of their skin or their faith is far-right. People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet weve seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I wont shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery, he said. The violence over the past days, which has seen a library torched, mosques attacked and flares thrown at a statue of wartime leader Winston Churchill, began after false rumors spread online that the suspect in the dance class stabbing attack was an asylum-seeker, fueling anger among far-right supporters. Suspects under 18 are usually not named in the U.K., but the judge in the case ordered Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, to be identified, in part to stop the spread of misinformation. Rudakubana has been charged with three counts of murder, and 10 counts of attempted murder. Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with the disorder and many more are likely as police scour CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage. However, police have also warned that with widespread security measures in place, with thousands of officers deployed, other crimes may not be investigated fully. With so many arrests, the courts will face a challenge in processing all the charges at a time when the criminal justice system is overstretched, following years of austerity and the COVID pandemic. In May, the National Audit Office warned that the courts faced a backlog of more than 60,000 cases, while the government said last month that thousands of inmates would have to be released early to ease prison overcrowding. Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions for England and Wales, said extra lawyers have been deployed over the weekend and will work around the clock over coming days to ensure justice is served. He said he has directed prosecutors to make immediate charging decisions where key evidence is in place. I am determined that we will act swiftly and robustly, giving the courts maximum ability to pass sentences that reflect what has occurred," he said. Many of the demonstrations over the past week were organized online by far-right groups, who mobilize support with phrases like enough is enough, save our kids and stop the boats. Rallying cries have come from a diffuse group of social media accounts, but a key player in amplifying them is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, a longtime far-right agitator who uses the name Tommy Robinson. He led the English Defense League, which Merseyside Police has linked to the violent protest in Southport on Tuesday, near the scene of the stabbing attack. Yaxley-Lennon, 41, was banned from Twitter in 2018 but allowed back after it was bought by Elon Musk and rebranded as X. He has more than 800,000 followers. He currently faces an arrest warrant after leaving the U.K. last week before a scheduled hearing in contempt-of-court proceedings against him. Nigel Farage, who was elected to parliament in July for the first time as leader of Reform U.K., has also been blamed by many for encouraging indirectly the anti-immigration sentiment. He has sought to link many of the problems the country faces, such as in health and housing, on the big annual increases in the country's population. ___ Associated Press writer Jill Lawless contributed to this report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) inspecting the construction of fortifications at an undisclosed location in Volyn region. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is now deploying US-made F-16 fighter jets as part of its military operations against Russia. "I wish our Air Force and all our warriors to feel the pride of Ukrainians in our combat aviation and to bring Ukraine the combat results that will bring our victory closer our just peace for Ukraine," Zelensky wrote Sunday in a post on X. A video distributed on X shows various fighter jets in the Ukrainian sky, including the F-16. Sunday is being marked as Air Force Day in Ukraine. "I am proud of all our guys who are skillfully mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our state," he said. Zelensky did not provide any information on how many of the long-requested fighter jets have now arrived in Ukraine. "So far, the number of F-16s available in Ukraine and the number of pilots already trained are not enough," he said. Several Western media reports had recently indicated that 10 F-16 fighters have been delivered to Ukraine so far. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Belgium have together promised Ukraine over 60 of the US-made fighter jets and have taken over the training of Ukrainian pilots. According to US media reports, the weapons and equipment for the jets are to come from the United States. Ukraine has previously operated former Soviet fighter jets, although the aircraft deployments have been limited by formidable Russian air capabilities. According to Ukrainian military experts, the F-16s are unlikely to be used in direct air combat with Russian aircraft over the front line, as Russia has built up a dense air defence network. In addition, the Russian military is likely to attempt to destroy the F-16s at their bases in Ukraine. Ukrainian defence forces have been urgently seeking help to repel frequent Russian airstrikes and attacks which have routinely targeted Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. In his post on Sunday, the Ukrainian president stressed that the country has long been working with foreign supporters to "close the Ukrainian sky from Russian missiles and aircraft." A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet takes off from the airbase in Spangdahlem. President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is deploying US-made F-16 fighter jets as part of its military operations. Boris Roessler/dpa KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit three African countries this week in an effort to drum up support for Kyiv's position in its war with Russia, his ministry said on Sunday. Kuleba, on his fourth diplomatic tour to Africa in the last two years, will visit Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius on Aug. 4-8, the ministry said in a statement. "All meetings will focus on the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and interests. Among the key topics will be the participation of African states in global efforts to restore a just peace for Ukraine and the world," it said. A number of African countries took part in a conference on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland in June but they have mostly been reluctant to join Western efforts to isolate Russia, an important supplier of energy and commodities. The ministry said Kuleba would also discuss during his tour the supply of Ukrainian grain to the region and the participation of African companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Gareth Jones) Ukraine will only be able to deploy 10 F-16s in combat zone in 2024 NYT The New York Times has reported that Ukraine will only be able to deploy about 10 F-16 fighter jets this year. Source: The New York Times with reference to American officials Details: NYT stresses that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not disclose how many F-16s were delivered to Ukraine in his announcement, and did not specify whether they have already performed combat missions in Ukraine. An American official revealed on the condition of anonymity that six pilots were conducting test flights on as many jets in uncontested Ukrainian airspace. The official added that Ukrainian pilots were getting used to small-scale operations and did not participate in combat action against the Russians. Reportedly, experts believe that the lack of trained pilots and a limited quantity of the aircraft will constrain their direct impact on the battlefield. American officials state that about 20 Ukrainian pilots are expected to fly the aircraft in 2024. "That would allow Ukraine to deploy only about 10 F-16s in combat, given that each aircraft requires at least two pilots," NYT stresses. Background: On 4 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the delivery of a batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier on 4 August, The Economist reported that Ukraine received the first 10 out of the possible 79 F-16 fighters on 31 July, a year after the US authorised its more willing European partners to supply them. By the end of 2024, Ukraine should receive 20 such fighters. On 31 July, Bloomberg reported that the first batch of F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Vertiv a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, recently concluded its highly anticipated Asia Channel Summit, held recently in Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia. The summit, attended by more than 200 attendees, comprised industry leaders, channel partners, distributors, and government stakeholders, for insightful sessions, networking opportunities, cultural activities, and a partner awards ceremony. - Advertisement - This years summit, themed Vertiv Velocity, was a focused on Vertivs latest power and cooling innovations to advance the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The conference provided insights into the companys strategic channel roadmap, underlining Vertivs commitment to customer-centric innovations in a market where IT professionals increasingly need solutions to power and cool their high-density critical digital equipment. A significant highlight was the launch of the Vertiv AI Hub on Vertivs website, which features strategic resources on accelerating todays data centers to support the proliferation of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) services and applications. Vertivs broad product, solutions and services offerings enable channel partners to bridge the gap between IT and critical digital infrastructure to support AI deployment and high-density computing. Vertivs collaboration with leading AI chip manufacturers such as NVIDIA and Intel Corporation demonstrates expertise in this area. His Excellency Kong Vibol, Cambodias Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and vice-chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), delivered the keynote message during the plenary session. He emphasized the vital role technology plays in powering todays society and how Cambodia is quickly adapting technology for its development. The Vertiv Partner Awards Ceremony was another highlight of the conference. The event honored partners who have been instrumental in delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers in the region. The summits gala dinner provided a platform to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate these partners exceptional achievements and invaluable contributions in 2023. This years summit recognized our partners contributions and sought to build stronger connections and diversity as we celebrated against the backdrop of beautiful Cambodia. We especially enjoyed the historical tours of the temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom, as well as our participation in our local CSR activities to give back and help the local Khmer children and their families. Together, let us forge stronger relationships and friendships between our partners and the Vertiv team across the region, said Daniel Sim, senior director for IT distribution and partners at Vertiv Asia. Ukraine received 10 F-16s so far, with more to come by year's end Ukraine received the first 10 out of the possible 79 F-16 planes on 31 July, a year after the US authorised its more willing European partners to supply them. By the end of 2024, Ukraine should receive 20 such fighters. Source: The Economist Details: According to the publication, the remaining F-16 fighter jets, promised by a coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands, will arrive in groups by 2025. According to Ben Hodges, the former commander of US forces in Europe, the dissatisfaction with how long it took to get the planes to Ukraine is excessive. He claims that Ukraines allies failed to send enough F-16s to make a difference earlier was a "policy decision by the administration" because of a "pitiful" deficiency of training slots for Ukrainian pilots. Language barriers have also contributed to the overall complication. Ukraines pilots are described as excellent and battle-hardened, however even these relatively old F-16s are significantly different and more sophisticated than the Soviet-era MiG-29s and Sukhoi-27s they are accustomed to. According to Nico Lange, a former chief of staff in Germany's Defence Ministry, the Russians view the supplied aircraft as a priority target. This is why they have been deployed with utmost secrecy in dispersed sites with subterranean or hardened shelters, as well as decoys. Journalists feel that because the number of fighters is slowly expanding, it may take some time for the F-16 to make a big difference. It will take time to integrate the F-16 into Ukraine's air defence systems and develop operational experience. General Hodges believes that coordinating aircraft flights from multiple airfields will be a hard undertaking. Quote: "Still, the F-16s arrival marks the start of building a NATO-standard air force. It plugs Ukraine into the F-16s well-developed supply chain. NATO weapons systems such as Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles will be far more effective when carried by a plane they were designed for, rather than lashed on to elderly MiGs and Sukhois. Ukraines F-16s also come equipped with Link-16, a NATO tactical data-link that allows secure communications and improved situational awareness. Too few and too late though they may be, the F-16s importance should not be underestimated." Support UP or become our patron! Rostov-on-Don's demise may fuel concerns that spies are tipping off Ukrainian commanders - ERDEM SAHIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Ukraine claims it sank a $300 million Russian submarine that is believed to have been undergoing repairs after a strike on it last year. It said Rostov-on-Don, the Kilo-class submarine, was hit during a bombardment on occupied Crimea on Friday evening. Using long-range US ATACMS missiles, it destroyed several air defence systems and the Rostov-on-Don, which was capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukraines Ministry of Defence said: A Russian submarine went to the bottom of the Black Sea. Great work, warriors. The Black Sea fish will enjoy their new home. The Rostov-on-Don was reportedly one of four submarines operated by Russias Black Sea fleet. Its demise will likely fuel concerns among Russian authorities that spies are tipping off Ukrainian commanders on the best moments to attack. Rostov-on-Don was undergoing repairs after Ukrainian fleets inflicted significant damage on the vessel - OLGA MALTSEVAOLGA MALTSEVA/AFP/Getty Images H I Sutton, an independent naval analyst, said the submarine was in the middle of repairs when it was attacked, after being damaged in a Ukrainian strike last year. The submarine was hit by Storm Shadow last year. Since then it was moved to a separate berth where it remained vulnerable to a follow-up attack. As happened this morning, he said on Saturday. Contrary to some reporting it hadnt been fully repaired but this attack should close the chapter. Russias Kilo-class submarines were originally designed in the Soviet Union but the programme was updated in the 1990s and several more were built through the 2000s. They are diesel-powered and considered the most reliable submarines in the Kremlins fleet, having been used to fire missiles from the Black Sea at Ukrainian cities. The initial strike on the Rostov-on-Don last September infuriated Vladimir Putin who sacked the commander of his Black Sea Fleet and ordered sailors to be given extra drills on how to defend against missile and drone attacks. Ukraines road of life Ukraine has pummelled the Black Sea Fleet at its main bases in Crimea, forcing it to retreat to Novorossiysk, 250 miles away. The Russian Ministry of Defence said it would build a new base in Abkhazia, a Kremlin-backed Georgian rebel region, 400 miles from Crimea. On Ukraines front line, Russia said its soldiers had seized the village of Novoselivka Persha, the latest in a string of advances, and also claimed that its forces had planted a flag on a road that Ukrainian officials have previously described as a critical resupplying route. The T0504 highway runs from the town of Kostyantynivka, south of Chasiv Yar to Bakhmut. Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin propagandist, said: This highway runs along the front line and was previously actively used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to transfer units and weapons. In the future, this route will be used by the Russian army for the same function. Reports also said that in the town of Chasiv Yar, which has seen some of the fiercest fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces this year, Russian soldiers had breached a canal that runs through its centre. Chasiv Yar is considered a key target for the Russian army as it lies on high ground above a valley that connects three towns used by the Ukrainian army as organisational hubs for its military. Strategists have said that if Chasiv Yar falls, the Ukrainian front line will become far more fragile as the Russian military will dominate and shell the towns below. 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. Ukraine war latest: F-16s are being used by Ukrainian Air Force, Zelensky says Key developments on Aug. 3-4: Zelensky confirms F-16s already being used by Ukrainian Air Force Ukraine's military says it sunk Russian Black Sea Fleet submarine, damaged S-400 missile system in 'successful hit' Ukraine hit Morozovsk airfield, oil depots in Russia overnight, General Staff confirms Military: Egyptians recruited by Russia fight in Kharkiv Oblast Ombudsman appeals to UN, Red Cross over alleged execution of Ukrainian POW by Russia President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Aug. 4 that the first batch of F-16s had arrived in Ukraine and that the jets are already being used by Ukrainian pilots. "I am proud of all our guys who master these planes and have already started using them for our state," Zelensky captioned a post on social media that showed the planes in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Zelensky gave a speech and presented state awards on the occasion of Ukrainian Air Force Day, which is marked annually on Aug. 4. According to Zelensky, Ukraine "held hundreds of meetings and negotiations" since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion to strengthen its air force. While Kyiv often heard the word "impossible" in response to its requests from partners, "we have made possible what was our ambition," Zelensky said. "Now it is indeed a reality, a reality in our sky. F-16s in Ukraine." "I thank all the partners who are really helping with the F-16 and the first countries that accepted our request for aircraft - Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States." The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American air superiority fighter that Kyiv has requested from its partners since the start of the full-scale invasion. Kyiv finally received a number of F-16s a year after the launch of the Danish-Dutch-led "fighter jet coalition" at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023. Kyiv has been promised at least 79 F-16s from the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium. The Times reported on Aug. 1 that the first batch of planes included six jets provided by the Netherlands, while The Economist reported on Aug. 4 that Ukraine received 10 F-16 jets at the end of July. Read also: Air Force commander: Ukraine destroys over 8,000 Russian air targets since Feb. 24, 2022 Ukraine's military says it sunk Russian Black Sea Fleet submarine, damaged S-400 missile system in 'successful hit' Ukraine's military said on Aug. 3 that a Ukrainian missile strike the day before sunk a Russian Black Sea Fleet submarine and damaged a S-400 air defense system in Russian-occupied Crimea. In a statement on Telegram, the military said that the Ukrainian strike had "significantly damaged" four launchers of Russia's modern S-400 Triumph air defense system. The military named the Kilo-class submarine Rostov-on-Don as the submarine that it says sunk in the port of Sevastopol. "As a result of the hit, the boat sank on the spot," the General Staff said in the statement. The military said that the submarine, capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles, had sustained "significant damage" in an earlier September missile attack but it had been repaired. The estimated value of the submarine is $300 million, according to the military. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify Ukraine's claims. The Russian Defense Ministry has not reacted to Ukraine's claims over the reported strike. A day before on Aug. 2, residents in Crimea reported hearing multiple blasts in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Yevpatoria in the occupied peninsula, the Telegram channel Crimean Wind reported. Ukraine has repeatedly struck Russia's vessels since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, leaving around 30% of Russias Black Sea Fleet is lost or disabled, according to the Ukrainian military. Successful Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea forced Moscow to pull out much of its naval forces from the peninsula to the Russian port city of Novorossiysk, which has become a key port for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Read also: Russia targets critical infrastructure across Ukraine, injures over a dozen civilians Ukraine hit Morozovsk airfield, oil depots in Russia overnight, General Staff confirms Ukrainian forces attacked the Morozovsk airfield in Russia's Rostov Oblast, successfully hitting its ammunition depot storing glide bombs, among other weapons, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed on Aug. 3. Information about the destruction of Russian aircraft and air defense systems is still being clarified, the General Staff said. Ukraine also struck oil depots and warehouses in Belgorod, Rostov, and Kursk oblasts overnight, according to the report. The Russian Defense Ministry earlier in the day claimed that Russian air defense systems had intercepted 75 drones overnight over Rostov, Kursk, Belgorod, Orel, Ryazan, and Voronezh oblasts, as well as over the Azov Sea and Krasnodar Krai. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said drones attacked an oil depot in Belgorod Oblast, while in Rostov Oblast, explosions were recorded near the Morozovsk airfield and an oil depot. Ukrainian forces regularly conduct drone strikes and sabotage acts on Russian territory, targeting military assets, oil refineries, and industrial facilities, aiming to undermine Russia's war machine and the sources of its funding. The Security Service of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) carried out the overnight attacks on Aug. 3, according to the General Staff. At least two oil tanks were successfully hit overnight and subsequently caught fire. An oil and fuel warehouse at the Atlas plant near the town of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky in Russias Rostov Oblast was struck by Ukrainian drones, a source in the Ukrainian military intelligence, told the Kyiv Independent. This warehouse supplies military units and subdivisions of the Russian army stationed in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, according to the source. The facility was attacked using 15 Obsidian drones. Another source in law enforcement told the Kyiv Independent that the Gubinsky oil depot in Belgorod Oblast also came under the attack. The Morozovsk airbase has been previously targeted by Ukraine. A source in intelligence agencies told the Kyiv Independent in April that six warplanes stationed at the airfield had been destroyed in a Ukrainian attack. Read also: Crimean Bridge could be destroyed in coming months, Budanov says Military: Egyptians recruited by Russia fight in Kharkiv Oblast Russia has been deploying foreign volunteers, namely residents of Egypt, to fight in its war against Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraines Operational Tactical Group "Kharkiv" reported on Aug. 4. "In Vovchansk, the enemy has intensified aerial reconnaissance with drones and is moving personnel," the military wrote. "The enemy is recruiting foreign volunteers, in particular, Egyptian citizens, to conduct hostilities." Russia is known to have targeted men from countries including Cuba, Kazakhstan, Somalia, and Nepal to fight in its army. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War earlier reported that Russia is increasingly involving foreign mercenaries from countries with a "difficult economic situation" in its war in Ukraine. In late June, a captured Nepali POW told Ukrainian authorities on video obtained exclusively by the Kyiv Independent that over 3,000 Nepalis may have joined the Russian army. Read also: Two more charged over alleged arson attack on behalf of Wagner on Ukraine-linked businesses in UK Ombudsman appeals to UN, Red Cross over alleged execution of Ukrainian POW by Russia Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets announced on Aug. 3 that he had appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations in response to a photo that allegedly shows the body of a Ukrainian prisoner of war executed by Russia. The photo, which is circulating on social media, shows the body of a person with his head and limbs cut off. It is unknown when the photo was taken. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify it. Reports of Ukrainian POWs being tortured or killed while in Russian captivity have been surfacing since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. As of June, the Prosecutor General's Office said 28 criminal investigations were underway regarding the execution of 62 Ukrainian POWs. "This is not just a violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, this is the behavior of monsters," Lubinets said. The ombudsman asked international organizations to record another human rights violation by Russia and called on Ukraine's law enforcement to verify the identity of the killed person and the fact of the crime. "POWs are in the hands of a hostile state, and the latter that is responsible for their treatment. Therefore, the responsibility for killing and mutilation lies not only with Russian soldiers, but with the Russian Federation," Lubinets added. As of March 2024, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes. The prosecutors said they are investigating cases of at least 54 Ukrainian POWs being executed by Russia. Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said on June 18 that Russian commanders had given orders "not to capture Ukrainian servicemen, but instead to kill them with inhuman cruelty." He made the statement after revealing footage of a Ukrainian soldier beheaded by Russian troops. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine's Air Force, has released data regarding Russian losses since the beginning of the full-scale war on the occasion of the Ukrainian Air Force Day (observed annually on the first Sunday of August ed.). Oleshchuk noted that hundreds of Russian warplanes and helicopters and thousands of cruise missiles and drones have been destroyed. Source: Oleshchuk; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media Quote from Oleshchuk: "The battle for the sky rages on. The enemy is attacking us with bombs and missiles around the clock, conducting aerial reconnaissance, and launching strikes using drones every night. The Air Force, side by side with the air defence of the entire Ukrainian defence forces, has been repelling the attacks. To the greatest extent possible, we destroy the enemy's air attack capabilities, strike the enemy from the air, and hold the line on the ground. The Air Force has destroyed over 8,000 enemy aerial targets over the past two and a half years: hundreds of warplanes and helicopters, thousands of cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian pilots have conducted over 20,000 sorties, most of them involving the combat use of aerial weapons. By skilfully and efficiently employing modern Western weapons, the Air Force personnel have shown great courage, heroism, professionalism and ingenuity." Details: Oleshchuk added that 4,475 Air Force service members have been decorated with state awards since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 47 of them honoured as Heroes of Ukraine, including 25 posthumously. President Zelenskyy also extended his congratulations to the defenders of the sky and expressed gratitude for their precision. Quote from Zelenskyy: "Ukraine has been repelling Russian airstrikes since the very first days of this war. And our warriors have destroyed thousands of Russian missiles and drones and hundreds of Russian combat aircraft and helicopters. These are remarkable results. And we are doing everything to ensure that the Ukrainian Air Force can do even more. They definitely will!" Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief says F-16s will enable Ukraine to down more Russian missiles and planes Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine means that "more missiles and planes Russian criminals use to attack Ukrainian cities will be downed". Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook Quote from Syrskyi: "The F-16s are in Ukraine. This means that more occupiers will be neutralised. More missiles and planes Russian criminals use to attack Ukrainian cities will be downed." Details: Syrskyi thanked Ukraines allies for supplying the F-16s and thanked everyone in Ukraine who worked hard to ensure their delivery. He said that successful use of modern aircraft will help save more Ukrainian soldiers lives. Background: On 4 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the delivery of a batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier on 4 August, The Economist reported that Ukraine received the first 10 out of the possible 79 F-16 fighters on 31 July, a year after the US authorised its more willing European partners to supply them. By the end of 2024, Ukraine should receive 20 such fighters. On 31 July, Bloomberg reported that the first batch of F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Reserve+, the Ukrainian Defence Ministrys official app. Screenshot: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Russia is disseminating fake apps that mimic Reserve+, an official app of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry for conscripts, persons liable for military service and reservists, in order to gather personal information about Ukrainian citizens. Source: Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine for Digitalisation, on Facebook Quote from Chernohorenko: "[Russia] is disseminating apps designed to appear like Reserve+. The apps are disseminated in Ukraine to gather peoples personal data. We are aware of this and are working to ensure your security. Please be careful and check the websites you visit. There is only one official Reserve+ website: reserveplus.mod.gov.ua. Do not follow links that mimic the name reserveplus.mod.gov.ua and end in .top, .website, .org, and so on. When you download the Reserve+ app, make sure the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (MINISTERSTVO OBORONY UKRAINY) is listed as the developer Support UP or become our patron! Ukraines military has claimed to have sunk a submarine in Russian-controlled Sevastopol. Kyiv also said they had attacked a southern Russian airfield and hit oil depots in Belgorod, Kursk and Rostov. A Russian submarine went to the bottom of the Black Sea, the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a post on X on Saturday. The submarine was purported to be the B-237 Rostov-on-Don, an improved Kilo-class attack submarine. There was no immediate comment by Russia on the apparent Sevastopol attack. Ukraine said that the submarine, which could launch Kalibr cruise missiles, had previously sustained significant damage in an earlier attack in September last year, but had since been repaired. The estimated value of the submarine, which was hit on Friday, is 275 million. Ukrainian forces also carried out strikes against an airfield in Russias Rostov Oblast, local media reported, supposedly hitting its ammunition depot storing glide bombs and other weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the Ukrainian military after the claimed attacks. It is most effective when the consequences of the Russian war are brought back home to Russia, he said in an evening address on Saturday. The Terma PIDS+ pylon on the Ukrainian F-16 fighter. Freeze frame from the video of the President of Ukraine, Militarnyi Ukraines F-16 multi-role fighter jets have received Terma PIDS+ pylons with a missile warning system. Source: Militarnyi media outlet Details: Militarnyi identified the pylons in a video posted on the official Telegram channel of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Danish-designed and manufactured Terma system was used to equip fighter jets of all European Participating Air Force (EPAF) member states. In 2018, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium ordered Terma PIDS+ pylons with the Hensoldt AAR-60(V)2 missile warning system (MWS) for their F-16 fighter jets. Reportedly, all these countries were expected to supply Ukraine with the F-16s so it is unknown which aircraft exactly was displayed on 4 August. As for the importance of MWS, it facilitates the vital enhancement of the F-16s self-defence capability, since it gives the aircraft an opportunity to detect and counterattack missiles in advance. MWS consists of six sensors and one computer. Three sensors are installed on both pylons, and their location facilitates almost complete spherical coverage around the aircraft. The computer is installed on the right pylon. AAR-60(V)2 transfers information about threats to the Terma ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System located in the cockpit. The ALQ-213 selects the most effective sequence of chaffs realis from the Flare-Up module located in the PIDS+ pylon. The traps are fired at an angle so that they shoot diagonally downward and do not hit the missile mounted on the fighter jets wingtip. At the moment Terma supplied the aircraft of the US National Guard with Flare-Up systems for the F-16s. The US Air Forces ordered the Israeli systems in 2020. Background: On 4 August Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the first F-16 fighter jets have been delivered to Ukraine, and posted a video with them. Support UP or become our patron! UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) Police are investigating a two vehicle crash that left one injured while the other fled on foot yesterday. According to Upper Allen Police, the crash happened around 8:38 a.m., when officers were dispatched to the Allendale Road and Oxford Drive area for a two-vehicle crash report. Police say the two vehicles involved were a Toyota Sienna and a Volkswagen Jetta. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Police say the operator of the Toyota fled on foot after the crash, while the Volkswagen operator was transported to the hospital by Penn State EMS. Upper Allen Police were assisted on the scene by Penn State EMS and the Upper Allen Fire Department, per police. This crash is currently under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Upper Allen Police Department at 717-795-2445. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting 717-850-UAPD (8273) or online by visiting www.upperallenpolice.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is telling its citizens to leave Lebanon and is deploying more military might in the Middle East as preventative and defensive measures, Jonathan Finer, White House National Security Council deputy adviser, said on Sunday. "Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel," Finer said in an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation". Regional tensions have soared following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' top leader, in Tehran on Wednesday, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Gareth Jones) A car nearly collided with a Los Angeles Police Departments station Sunday morning. According to LAPD Media Headquarters Officer Eisenman, the crash was reported at the departments Olympic Station, located at 1130 Vermont Avenue in L.A.s Pico-Union neighborhood, just after 9:30 a.m. Video from the scene taken by KTLA shows the car an older model red Ford Focus hatchback stopped within inches of the stations front door, almost as if the driver had deliberately parked there. The station did not appear to be damaged. A car nearly collided with a Los Angeles Police Department station Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (KTLA) A car nearly collided with a Los Angeles Police Department station Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (KTLA) No injuries were reported, Officer Eisenman said, and it was later confirmed that a traffic incident report was taken. Investigating officers did not disclose whether impairment played a role in the near-collision. The driver was not identified and no further details were released. Luis Zuniga and John Neis 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 KTLA. Venezuelan community in Charleston stands in solidarity with freedom fighters in Venezuela CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) On Sunday the Venezuelan American community in Charleston will unite at Munkle Brewing Co. to express support for those in Venezuela fighting against the Maduro regime. Led by Hector J. Salazar, the gathering aims to highlight the urgent need for international attention and solidarity with the Venezuelan peoples struggle for freedom and human rights. The event will take place from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Munkle Brewing Co., located at 1513 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC. Salazar emphasized the importance of the community coming together during this critical time. As Venezuelans living in the United States, we cannot remain silent while our compatriots fight for basic freedoms, he said. Recent developments in Venezuela have emphasized the critical need for global support as citizens bravely confront oppression. The gathering serves as a platform for the Charleston Venezuelan community to raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity. Salazar highlighted the communitys unity and determination: We have a responsibility to stand with our fellow Venezuelans who are risking everything for liberty. This event symbolizes our commitment to supporting their cause. Members of the media are invited to attend to amplify the voices advocating for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Together, the Charleston Venezuelan community seeks to inspire global solidarity and foster hope for a brighter future in Venezuela. For further inquiries, please contact Hector J. Salazar at hector@MeanStreamStudios.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) The Vermilion County Animal Shelter and many others are still in shock after a deadly car crash took the life of one of their volunteers and her foster dog. Last week, Sara Rhodes was killed while transporting shelter animals. The Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team, where Rhodes also volunteered, said her foster dog Tootsie also died in the crash. Now, staff with the Vermilion County Animal Shelter are offering ways to support others in the wake of the tragedy. The HART behind the pets in Our Town Hoopeston One of Rhodes other foster dogs, Lila, has stayed with her for the last few months. Officials say that ever since Lila returned to the shelter, she has been scared and confused. They hope someone will adopt her and added that she is dog and cat-friendly. To learn more about Lila and other adoptable pets, visit the Vermilion County Animal Shelters website. To donate to the shelter in Rhodes honor, click here. If you would like to support her family directly, shelter officials said donations can be given through PayPal to Amy Buttram, Rhodes daughter, or mailed to their location at 14775 Catlin Tilton Road, Danville, IL 61833 in Buttrams name. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Victim of 2017 shooting in Oklahoma City dies six years later, officials rule homicide After an Oklahoma City gunshot victim died more than six years after the incident, the man charged in the shooting could also now be charged with homicide, officials say. In August 2017, police found Andre Jones in critical condition with a gunshot wound in a car in the 700 block of NW 91. A woman in the car was also shot. The woman was taken to OU Medical Center and treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, police reported. Jones was also hospitalized at OU Medical Center. Six years later, police said Andre Jones, 48, died Jan. 11. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office has ruled that Jones died as a result of the shooting, therefore his death was ruled a homicide. Jeffrey Garcia, 32, was sentenced to prison for the shooting. The Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office will determine whether additional charges will be filed against Garcia. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC victim of 2017 shooting dies, officials rule homicide NUUANU, Hawaii (KHON2) Police have opened an attempted murder investigation after a man was allegedly set on fire in Nuuanu on Friday. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 The 44-year-old man remains in the hospital in critical condition and police have a suspect in custody. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said about 80% of the victims body was burned in the incident that occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday. An area resident did not want to go on camera when KHON2 arrived on Saturday, but said two plainclothes officers were still investigating. Life sentence in case of sleeping man set afire downtown I guess they were just kind of looking around. And then one of them asked me if I saw anything, the resident said. He told me that I, I guess it happened down in the stream somewhere and apparently the victim was able to somehow walk up to almost at Nuuanu Avenue. Defense attorney Megan Kau said murder or attempted murder cases involving fire are not common. It is rare. We really, we rarely see people lighting somebody on fire, Kau said. Thats, its pretty extreme, Yeah? It leads me to believe that the person is either suffering from some type of mental health disorder or its drug induced or its vengeance. Honolulu police did not confirm what type of accelerant was used or if they believe it was a random act. Security for nearby apartments told KHON2 that their incident report listed the victim had a strong smell of gas before they were picked up by EMS. Conviction in case of sleeping man who was set on fire There are signs of homeless near the stream, but the nearby resident said they do not usually cause trouble. Thats, thats unbelievable. I mean, theres, you know, a handful of homeless that, you know, sometimes come down this way to, I guess access the stream. But then, you know, they, they pretty much keep to themselves, he said. Kau said an attempted murder conviction should be a done deal if the victim can identify the suspect. Other witnesses will be needed if the 44-year-old is unable to say who did it. Of course, we would need a witness to say that the defendant dumped the accelerant on the victim, Kau said. If the victim then comes to and we can interview the victim, it only strengthens the case. Police are also investigating a separate arson case in Palolo Valley where an unknown suspect allegedly threw flammable material at another person around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday no arrests have been made. Stolen jewels, boa constrictors killing owners, check out Weird News here Police said the 50-year-old victim was not hurt in the Palolo case. Police arrest logs show that the Nuuanu suspect was arrested at 8:30 p.m. about five hours before the incident in Palolo. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala (WIAT) A Vincent man was killed in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in Jeferson County on Friday morning, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports. Kevil L. Bowers, 52, was fatally injured when the 1998 Ford F-150 he was driving left the roadway, striking a ditch and several trees before overturning. Bowers, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle. He was located in a small body of water on Saturday, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. I-65 road work to close lanes in Shelby County The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. Friday morning on Interstate 459 near the 29 mile marker, within the city limits of Irondale. Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A rickshaw puller rides in the smoke caused by a burning shopping center which was set on fire by protesters during a rally against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) Nearly 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured Sunday as renewed anti-government protests swept across Bangladesh, with protesters calling for the prime minister to resign and the prime minister accusing them of sabotage and cutting off mobile internet in a bid to quell the unrest. The countrys leading Bengali-language daily newspaper, Prothom Alo, said at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in the violence. The Channel 24 news outlet reported at least 85 deaths. The military announced that a new curfew was in effect Sunday evening for an indefinite period, including in the capital, Dhaka, and other divisional and district headquarters. The government had earlier imposed a curfew with some exceptions in Dhaka and elsewhere. Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas resignation following protests last month that began with students calling for an end to a quota system for government jobs. Those demonstrations escalated into violence that left more than 200 dead. As the renewed violence raged, Hasina said the protesters who engaged in sabotage and destruction were no longer students but criminals, and she said the people should deal with them with iron hands. The ruling Awami League party said the demand for Hasina's resignation showed that the protests have been taken over by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party. Also Sunday, the government announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Courts were to be closed indefinitely. Mobile internet service was cut off, and Facebook and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, were inaccessible. Junior Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said the services were severed to help prevent violence. At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. The unrest has also resulted in the closure of schools and universities across the country, and authorities at one point imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew. Protesters called for a non-cooperation effort, urging people not to pay taxes or utility bills and not to show up for work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, but commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to their jobs. The demonstrators attacked Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, a major public hospital in Dhakas Shahbagh area, torching several vehicles. Video footage showed protesters vandalizing a prison van in the chief metropolitan magistrate's court in Dhaka. Other videos showed police opening fire on the crowds with bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas. The protesters set fire to vehicles and the ruling party's offices. Some carried sharp weapons and sticks, according to TV footage. In Dhakas Uttara neighborhood, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who blocked a major highway. Protesters attacked homes and vandalized a community welfare office in the area, where hundreds of ruling party activists took up positions. Some crude bombs were detonated, and gunshots were heard, witnesses said. At east 20 people were hit by bullets in the area. At least 18 people were killed in the northwestern district of Sirajganj. That figure included 13 police officers who died after a police station was attacked by protesters, according to police headquarters in Dhaka. Another officer was killed in the eastern district of Cumilla, police said. Five people died in the Feni district in southeast Bangladesh as Hasina's supporters clashed with protesters. Asif Iqbal, a resident medical officer at a state-run hospital in Feni, told reporters that they had five bodies at the hospital, all of them hit by bullets. It was not clear if they were protesters or ruling party activists. In Munshiganj district near Dhaka, four people were declared dead after being rushed to a hospital, according to hospital official Abu Hena. The Jamuna television news channel reported that violent clashes took place across more than a dozen districts, including Chattogram, Bogura, Magura, Rangpur, Kishoreganj and Sirajganj, where protesters backed by the main opposition party clashed with police and the activists of the ruling Awami League party and its associated bodies. The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. As the violence crested, the country's Supreme Court ruled that the veterans quota must be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit. The remaining 2% will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people. The government accepted the decision, but protesters have continued demanding accountability for the violence they blame on the government's use of force. The system also sets aside jobs for members of ethnic minorities and for disabled and transgender people, whose quotas were cut from a collective 26% to 2% in the ruling. Hasina's administration has blamed the opposition parties and their student wings for instigating the violence in which several state-owned establishments were also torched or vandalized. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition party, repeated a call for the government to step down to stop the chaos. Hasina offered to talk with student leaders on Saturday, but a coordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation. Hasina repeated her pledges to investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence. She said she was ready to sit down whenever the protesters want. The protests have become a major challenge for Hasina, who has ruled the country for over 15 years. She returned to power for a fourth consecutive term in January in an election that was boycotted by her main opponents. The News Protests in Bangladesh have flared once more as the demonstrations, initially over a controversial jobs quota, have evolved into a broader anti-government movement. Protesters plan a Long March to Dhaka, the capital, on Monday, while thousands took to the streets to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign on Sunday. It is perhaps the greatest challenge to her authority in her 15 years of power. The government has imposed a curfew and limited internet access. As the death toll from the protests and subsequent police crackdown has risen, so have protesters demands for accountability. Thousands of people have been arrested during the protests, while hundreds have been reported killed. Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the movement described it as a final battle, and said students will create a new Bangladesh. Convicted of sexually abusing an 80-year-old woman in the Alzheimers ward of a Wytheville nursing home, a man was placed on supervised probation on Thursday and must register as a sex offender. Thomas Ray Lephew, 71, of Wytheville, pleaded no contest to aggravated sexual battery during his Wythe County Circuit Court hearing. The charge, with a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison, was amended from forcible sodomy. According to a prosecutor, a Carrington Place nurse contacted police after seeing an act involving an incapacitated woman. The original indictment, with an offense date of Nov. 20, 2022, accused Lephew of having oral sex with the woman, who is now deceased. As part of a plea agreement, Lephew was sentenced to serve one day in jail, which hed already served after his arrest. In addition, he was placed on supervised probation for three years, during which time hell waive his Fourth Amendment protections. Hell also be placed on the Virginia State Police sex offender registry. Before his Wythe County arrest, Lephew, a former Bland Correctional Center officer, was convicted of conspiring to deliver drugs to inmates at the prison, according to court records. Federal prosecutors said he set up a post office box to receive packages of marijuana and other drugs, which were then given to inmates in exchange for cash. He pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 1997, according to records. Image: Adobe Stock By Lynn Bonner and Galen Bacharier State inspectors cited the Greensboro daycare that Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his wife Yolanda Hill owned years ago for falsifying credential certificates. Now its the focus of a new campaign ad as Robinson, a Republican, runs for governor. The 30-second ad from Democratic Attorney General Josh Steins campaign is titled Unsafe. It outlines an inspectors report of Precious Beginnings where Robinson and Hill worked together from 2000-07, he wrote in his 2022 biography. [Read more] Bonus read: Mark Robinson sends cease-and-desist letter to Josh Stein over campaign ad scrutinizing his daycare By Ahmed Jallow Lt. Governor says agencys finding that Balanced Nutrition, Inc. owes state $132K is politically motivated North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson said a compliance review conducted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) of his wifes nonprofit is politically motivated and claimed the agency is being weaponized to target him and his family for political purposes. Robinson made the comments during a Wednesday appearance on the conservative KC ODea Radio Program, comparing the state reviews of his wifes nonprofit to the criminal prosecutions of former President Donald Trump. [Read more] Vice President Kamala Harris By Clayton Henkel On a morning typically reserved for grocery shopping, laundry and household chores, an army of women cleared their Saturday schedules to hop on a Zoom call. More than 800 joined the first ever NC Women for Harris virtual call, riding a wave of enthusiasm that started just a week earlier when President Joe Biden announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential contest and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the top of the ticket. But amid the enthusiasm, the women on Saturdays call acknowledged that with roughly 100 days remaining until election day, they needed to be focused and united in their messaging.[Read more] Bonus read: The TV ad war begins in North Carolina as Harris and Trump campaigns go on air an image of a return envelope By Lynn Bonner The state Board of Elections on Monday rejected state and national Republicans challenges to rules for absentee ballots and voter ID. The Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the NC Republican Party, and a Pasquotank County voter want county boards of elections to reject absentee ballots if they arrive in the wrong envelope. They also object to procedures for verifying that names on voter IDs are substantially equivalent to the name contained in the voters voter registration record. Republicans claimed that procedures the state elections officials told counties to follow conflict with state statutes. [Read more.. Sen. Natalie Murdock (center) and Gov. Roy Cooper (right) By 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.[Read more...] Bonus read: Gov. Roy Cooper: Donald Trump is trying to divide nation by questioning Harris race a photo of the audience at the hearting By Christine Zhu 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. [Read more...] By Clayton Henkel UNC System President Peter Hans told members of the UNC Board of Governors last Wednesday that nationally there has been a sharp decline in trust towards higher education. Theres a belief that many universities have drifted far from their core mission, delivering a sound education at a reasonable cost, said Hans. Its not the first time Hans has mentioned the issue of trust. [Read more.] By Rob Schofield Mismanagement at nonprofit led by Lt. Gov. Robinsons wife raises important questions about the delivery of public services If theres a most persistent and destructive myth thats permeated American public policy debates in recent decades, it is the fable of privatization. You know how this goes: Once upon a time there was a wasteful public program that was turned over to hardworking private entrepreneurs who ran it like a business and transformed it into a dynamic and efficient enterprise that delivered more and better services at a lower cost. The truth, of course, is that such descriptions are very frequently bogus. [Read more] They were each others miracle, says the family of Midwest City house fire victims MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) A family is left heartbroken after a deadly house fire claimed the lives of two of their own. Sophia Emholtz was a wife to her husband Richard and mother to their son Ricky. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Child dies from Midwest City house fire Sophia and Ricky were home Thursday morning when their Midwest City home burst into flames. 8-year-old Ricky died Thursday after the fire. Family members tell News 4 Sophia was 49. They say she died in the hospital Friday night, while being surrounded by family. The cause of the house fire remains unknown, according to fire crews. News 4 spoke with Sophias brother Michael Peace, and her sister-in-law, MLisa OBrien. She was a very strong woman, she was told she couldnt have any children. Ricky was her miracle baby, says Michael. MLisa says, She had a heart of gold. Just beautiful. An amazing mom, an amazing wife, amazing friend. Michael said Sophia was a fighter, beating Cervical Cancer earlier in her life. She was a very strong woman, he adds. Both Michael and MLisa say Ricky was Sophias Little Miracle. Although their family is devastated, they say they are happy Ricky and Sophia can be together dancing in heaven. There was just a peace in the room. She was no longer in pain, no longer hurting. And she was with Ricky again, says MLisa. The family has started a GoFundMe page to help support Sophias husband, Richard, and to help cover funeral expenses. You can donate to their GoFundMe here. MLisa also asked us to share her Venmo account for donations. See below. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In the wake of a police killing near St. Louis that created a national firestorm, Wesley Bell campaigned as a reformer and defeated a conservative Democrat to become the citys prosecuting attorney. Six years later, some local progressive advocates are not happy with Bell and not just because he is now running to take down Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the Squad in Washington. Mike Milton says he organized, knocked doors, sent text messages in support of Bells 2018 campaign. Were disappointed, Milton, executive director of the Freedom Community Center, a group focused on restorative justice, tells Rolling Stone. Progressives, he says, thought they had elected someone who really understood [the] Black fight against mass incarceration. Instead, Milton says bluntly: Wesley did not meet the promises of a progressive prosecutor. Criminal justice reform advocates in St. Louis are particularly disappointed with Bells record on death penalty cases. As a candidate for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, Bell pledged to never seek the death penalty a promise hes kept. But Bell also pledged to open and review old death penalty cases, and while he fought this year to vacate one death penalty conviction, he allowed several controversial executions to proceed unopposed in the past two years failing, in one case, to meet with a condemned mans daughter, as she sought to offer her own first-person testimony and convince him to challenge her fathers conviction. There were several situations where he could have done more on cases, but he chose the politically safe route, says Milton. On Tuesday, Bell could unseat Bush, a progressive lawmaker, thanks in part to $12 million in outside spending by Super PACs for pro-Israel and cryptocurrency interests. In 2018, Bell won as part of a movement to elect progressive prosecutors, with support from Real Justice PAC and Democracy for America. In that race, Bell unseated Bob McCulloch, the countys longtime prosecuting attorney, who infamously refused to indict the police officer who killed Michael Brown, an unarmed, Black teenager, in Ferguson. McCulloch was known for frequently seeking death sentences. Bell, by contrast, said during his 2018 campaign that he wanted to end the death penalty. His campaign platform noted that capital punishment is expensive, ineffective at deterrence, and is also racially biased, and pointed out that several prisoners on death row in Missouri had been exonerated. Speaking at a 2018 campaign forum with two wrongfully-convicted and exonerated former death-row inmates, Bell pledged to open and review existing death penalty cases. Four years later, Bell signed onto a joint statement with progressive prosecutors in which they promised to work to remedy past cases that resulted in unjust capital sentences. The prosecutors wrote, We will also support efforts to overturn existing death sentences in cases that feature a colorable claim of innocence, racial bias, egregiously inadequate or negligent defense counsel, discovery violations, or other misconduct that render us unable to stand by the sentence in good faith. This, the prosecutors declared, is the bare minimum that justice demands of us. This year, Bell intervened in a death penalty case involving Marcellus Williams, after forensic evidence identified a different mans DNA on the knife used in a 2001 murder. The St. Louis County Circuit Court will hear evidence of Williams innocence later this month. Williams is scheduled to be executed on September 24. But, as a group of racial justice organizations detailed in a recent report reviewing Bells record as the county prosecutor, he declined to intervene in other death penalty cases that resulted in executions. The report, which Milton helped author, notes that Bell has not sought to impose the death penalty while in office, but it finds Bell has failed to use his powers to the fullest extent permissible. Bells campaign manager Jordan Blase Sanders questioned the timing of the report, telling Rolling Stone that it was released less than three weeks before the primary, and that it was created by a coalition that includes organizations and individuals who publicly support Congresswoman Bushs campaign. She adds, Its sad to see this obvious attempt to politicize the important work of reforming our criminal justice system, but St. Louisans know better and understand that Wesley Bell has an impressive track record of delivering progressive results. One of the cases that Bell declined to challenge was particularly controversial: Leonard Raheem Taylor was convicted of murdering his girlfriend and her children in 2004. The report says that Bells office refused to intervene in Taylors case even after evidence and witnesses placed him nearly 2,000 miles from the scene of the crime. According to The Intercept, the key witness in the case, Taylors brother, recanted his testimony and accused the police of coercion. The medical examiner in the case significantly changed his estimate of the time of death, a revision that supported the polices narrative and discounted the fact that several witnesses reported speaking to the girlfriend after Taylor had left the state, traveling to California where he met his 13-year-old daughter, Deja, for the first time. That trip, according to the prosecutions timeline, took place after Taylors girlfriends death, but Deja recalled she spoke on the phone with her and one of her kids. On Feb. 3, 2023, Deja Taylor flew out to St. Louis with the expectation she and the director of the Midwest Innocence Project were meeting with Bell to discuss her fathers alibi and innocence claim. Bell was not there to meet with her. The people that did talk to me didnt care what I had to say, Deja Taylor tells Rolling Stone. It wasnt like it was taken into perspective. They had it in their minds that they were going to execute my dad, and that was final. (A spokesperson for Bell told The Intercept that she had not provided probative evidence the office could evaluate.) Bells office said in a statement before the meeting with her that it would not file a motion to challenge Raheem Taylors conviction, asserting that the facts are not there to support a credible case of innocence. His office separately told the Missouri Supreme Court it would support Taylors request to delay his execution, so that the inmates lawyers could further investigate questions that had been raised about the victims time of death. Raheem Taylor was executed on Feb. 7, 2023. The Innocence Project says a full investigation of his innocence claim was never conducted. Speaking about how Bells office handled the case, Milton says, Were just disappointed by how he responded to it a Black man was killed by the state, and he could have stopped it. And he chose not to stop it. Considering Bells overall record, Milton says: He just did not meet the need of a progressive prosecutor. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Westbound lanes of Sherman Minton Bridge to close for 9 days. What it means for KY, IN drivers Traffic backs on up the ramp from I-264 to the I-64 west bound near the Sherman Minton Bridge early Monday afternoon. The bridge had been shut down for nearly a week before reopening early Aug. 7, 2023 Construction work will close part of the Sherman Minton Bridge starting Monday and continuing through Aug. 14, as the final phase of a three-year renovation project continues. Drivers who regularly use the bridge to travel from Louisville to New Albany, Indiana, will need to find an alternate route for nine days. Additionally, the westbound Interstate 64 exit ramp to Elm Street in New Albany will be closed, according to a news release from the Sherman Minton Renewal project. Drivers also will not be able to access westbound I-64 from the westbound I-264 ramp in Louisville. Eastbound I-64 will remain open, allowing vehicles to cross the bridge into Louisville. The westbound I-64 closure will begin at or after 5 a.m. Monday and continue until around 5 a.m. on Aug. 14. While the closure remains in place, drivers are advised to use interstates 65 and 265 as part of an alternate route. From westbound I-264, drivers looking to cross the Sherman Minton Bridge will be required to exit at Bank Street in Louisville, before continuing on to eastbound I-64 and northbound Interstate 65. "Regional traffic signs and variable message boards will be posted in the project area well in advance, notifying motorists of the closures and alternate route," project officials said in a statement. If the closure is delayed for any reason, including inclement weather, project officials said they would notify drivers via email and text messages, which users can sign up for on the project's website. What does the construction work entail? The Sherman Minton Renewal project includes "long-term repairs needed to extend the life of the bridge" up to 30 years, according to the project website. The bridge, which first opened in 1962, carries around 70,000 vehicles a day when it is fully open. The project is in its final phase, also known as Phase 5. In this stage of the project, crews will replace the vertical hangar cables along the exterior of the bridge, replace lighting and install equipment for a traffic monitoring system, among other things. When will the Sherman Minton Bridge project end? Phase 5 of the Sherman Minton Renewal is expected to be complete by "late summer" 2024, according to the project's website. More: New NB I-265 to WB I-64 ramp opens in Louisville Monday. What to know for the weekend Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Sherman Minton Bridge closure: westbound lanes to close until Aug. 14 As Israel increases tensions in the Middle East, projectiles fired from the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercept missiles fired from southern Lebanon. Photo by Atef Safadi/EPA-EFE Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Western countries including Italy, Britain, France and the United States have advised citizens in Lebanon to leave the country over escalating tensions between Lebanon and its neighbor, Israel, which is also waging war against Palestinians in Gaza. Displacing thousands of Lebanese civilians near the border, Israel has for months been conducting strikes on its northern neighbor to target Hezbollah, an armed political party created to oppose Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon in the 1980s. After fighting a civil war in Lebanon, the party survived and has continued to oppose Israeli aggression in the region. Tensions have increased between Israel and Lebanon since last week's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian militia Hamas -- Hezbollah's ally in Gaza, which is fighting against Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and oppression of Palestinian people. "Given the worsening of the situation, we invite Italians temporarily staying in Lebanon not to travel to the South of the country and to return to Italy on commercial flights as soon as possible," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a statement. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne noted that commercial flights from Lebanon are still available, an indication that might not be the case soon. "As a reminder, faced with the risks of military escalation in the Middle East, French nationals are urged not to travel to Lebanon," Sejourne said. With a more dire-sounding warning, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said "British nationals in Lebanon should leave now" as it encouraged Brits in Lebanon to follow an official WhatsApp page for more information. In June, Human Rights Watch said that the Israeli military is illegally using airburst white phosphorus munitions as it attacks Lebanon, putting civilians in its northern neighbor at risk. The human rights organization said it verified that Israel illegally used airburst munitions over residential areas in five municipalities in June. The report counted the use of white phosphorous munitions in at least 17 municipalities since October 2023. At least 173 people have been injured by white phosphorous since October, Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said. And more than 92,600 people have been displaced. Amnesty International has similarly documented the illegal use of white phosphorous by the Israeli military. It previously called on one such attack on the town of Dhayra to be investigated as a war crime. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) On July 27th, Governor Jared Polis dispatched emergency resources to Delta County to help control the Currant Creek Fire. Fortunately, the fire is now 75% contained after scorching almost 200 acres. Shortly after, emergency crews redirected their efforts to combat the Bucktail fire outside of Nucla, Colorado. This fire has consumed over 2,000 acres in less than 36 hours. Wildfires like these have also emerged across western Mesa County, Garfield County, and Montrose County. As a precaution, stage-one fire restrictions have been put into effect starting today. Governor Polis urges Coloradans to adhere to the following restrictions: Personal use of fireworks is prohibited. Campfires are only permitted in designated fire pits. Agricultural open burning is not allowed without a proper permit. The use of explosive targets is prohibited. Smoking near combustible materials is not allowed. Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as chainsaws, without a properly installed, maintained, and effective spark-arresting device is prohibited. Welding or operating torches with an open flame is not allowed except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter. If you are using an open flame torch, you must have a fire extinguisher with you Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A Westerville man will serve time in prison after defrauding a Zanesville family while pretending to be a lawyer. According to the Muskingum County Prosecutors Office, John Allen, 73, was sentenced to one year in prison for his crimes of felony theft and telecommunications fraud, as well as the unauthorized practice of law, a misdemeanor. The prosecutions office said that beginning in August 2023, Allen contacted the victim about drafting a trust. The victim was later admitted to the hospital and Allen had him sign documents. Court rules Ohio University not liable in 2018 hazing death After the victim died, Allen asked the victims daughter to pay for legal services that involved the creation of the trust. During a probate court hearing, Allen told the daughter to lie to the judge in saying that he was a friend of the family assisting her in the legal matter but the hearing was rescheduled because Allen had not prepared the trust correctly. John Allen (Courtesy/Muskingum County Sheriffs Office) In other instances, Allen represented the victim at the U.S. Post office and a bank, acting unprofessionally by yelling at workers at each location, demanding that they give the daughter money. The prosecutors office said he then requested more fees from the daughter, to which she complied. In January 2024, the daughter reported Allen to the police that she was a victim of fraud. Allen denied all allegations pertaining to being an attorney or filling out the trust document and he refused to answer questions about being paid for his services. Allen pleaded no contest in June and was sentenced on Monday. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,800. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Stephen P. Erickson has served as House minority whip, District Court judge, vice chair of the Board of Elections, adviser to two governors, and chair of the State Housing Appeals Board, serving in all three branches of state government. He currently teaches law and psychiatry in a joint program sponsored by the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and Roger Williams Law School. Its not a bad idea to revisit our Rhode Island Constitution every couple of decades. Times change; we need to be able to adapt. Constitutional conventions can weed out outmoded rules, allowing us to govern ourselves as we, the current citizens of the state, wish. We all have our pet projects. As an advocate for better treatment of people with mental illness, I think it is well past time to eliminate the requirement that anyone ever adjudicated non compos mentis is disqualified from voting. Thats what our constitution says. The voting rights of people with disabilities should be better protected and not curtailed by false claims of election irregularities. We should recognize the more mobile nature of society by allowing same-day voter registration. Do we want more competitive races? Start by eliminating the absurd limit on declarations of candidacy to three days and the limit to collect signature during a 10-day period with a holiday. Both rules subvert democracy, protect incumbents and discourage entry into the political system. Let filing start Jan. 1, and start the signature gathering immediately. R.I. Constitutional Convention chairman Keven McKenna, right, is applauded by Secretary of State Kathleen Connell, Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fay, House Speaker Mathew Smith and Lt. Governor Richard Licht in 1987. With the collapse of the two-party system in Rhode Island (ask me about it, I used to recruit candidates), we need to move to ranked-choice voting, both in primaries and general elections. We do not have that flexibility. I prefer ranked-choice over jungle primaries, which are likely to result in ideological twins competing in the general election. There is more to do. The shoreline-access language needs to be cleaned up to ensure the recent protections enacted by the General Assembly are upheld. We need to consider what rights we as citizens should have including a right to a quality public education, a right to health care, and a right to treatment. For too long we have made excuses rather than changes when it comes to the health of the mentally ill, the disabled, the elderly and the terminally ill. Medical decisions must be constitutionally protected. We need to revisit separation of powers, given the successful efforts to undermine judicial selection by the proliferation of magistrates. No one should have a case decided without their consent except by a judge appointed through the judicial selection process. And only lawyers should be prosecutors. We need an independent redistricting commission with no members of the General Assembly. It should no longer be possible for incumbents to pick their district lines. I have seen it happen. Common Cause supported my effort to enact initiative laws in the 1980s, although they do not today because of concerns after the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. I think it is still a useful tool, as abortion ballot initiatives in other states have shown. It is a risk, but a risk worth taking since the demise of the two-party system here. I am certain no one agrees with me on all of these, but I am certain almost everyone would agree with at least one of these proposals. Lets rewrite Rhode Islands Constitution to ensure it is a living document that represents our needs, not those of our ancestors. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What RI stands to gain from a constitutional convention 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: It's long been known that a daily dose of low-dose aspirin helps keep colon cancer at bay. But new research suggests that those who benefit most are folks whose lifestyles up their odds for the disease in the first place. "Our results show that aspirin can proportionally lower the markedly elevated risk in those with multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer," said study lead author Dr. Daniel Sikavi. He's a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. Aspirin is thought to prevent colon cancer by lowering the production of pro-inflammatory proteins, known as prostaglandins, that can spur tumor development. But there may be other factors at play, and "aspirin likely prevents colorectal cancer through multiple mechanisms," according to study co-senior author Dr. Andrew Chan, director of epidemiology for the Mass General Cancer Center. However, the story of daily aspirin's role in colon cancer prevention has been a rocky one. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an influential and independent panel of experts, at first recommended low-dose (81 milligrams) aspirin on a daily basis as a means of preventing both heart disease and colon cancer, based on a wide array of data. However, the task force rescinded that guidance in 2016, saying that the risk of bleeding from long-term aspirin use negated any other health benefit. But might daily aspirin benefit some users more than others? To find out, Sikavi's group looked at data from almost 108,000 participants from the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. People averaged just over 49 years of age when they entered the study, and the researchers compared colon cancer rates among those who took aspirin regularly with those who did not. Regular aspirin use was defined as taking either two or more standard dose (325 mg) tablets per week or a daily low-dose aspirin. The result: Over 10 years, nearly 2% of regular aspirin users developed colon cancer, compared to nearly 3% of those who didn't take the drug, a significant difference. When ranked by healthy/unhealthy lifestyles, even bigger differences emerged. Among the group of participants deemed to have the most unhealthy risk factors, 2.12% of regular aspirin users developed colon cancer, compared to 3.4 percent of those who didn't take aspirin, the study found. In contrast, no such difference was seen among folks deemed to have the healthiest lifestyles. If they popped aspirin regularly, their colon cancer incidence was 1.5 percent; if they did not, it was 1.6%, the researchers found. Put another way, in the least healthy group it would take treating 78 people with daily aspirin to prevent one case of colon cancer; among the healthiest cohort that number rose to 909. That makes sense, Sikari said, since "those with a healthier lifestyle have a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and, therefore, their benefit from aspirin was still evident, albeit less pronounced." The researchers noted that their study did not track rates of aspirin's leading side effect, bleeding. The findings were published Aug. 1 in the journal JAMA Oncology. So, what might all this mean for average Americans worried about colon cancer? "Health care providers might more strongly consider recommending aspirin to patients who have less healthy lifestyles," reasoned study co-senior author Dr. Long Nguyen. He's a physician investigator in the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit and Division of Gastroenterology at MGH. If a person chooses to regularly take aspirin, Nguyen said that "based on prior studies, the best evidence supports daily low-dose [81 mg] aspirin for prevention," rather than weekly doses of 325 mg of aspirin. More information: Find out more about colon cancer at the American Cancer Society. Journal information: JAMA Oncology Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, the brave men and women on the front lines of these catastrophic blazes are increasingly hailed as heroes. Yet, federal wildland firefighters are frequently subjected to inconsistent compensation despite their essential role in protecting lives, communities and wildlife. It is well past time to acknowledge their crucial contributions by bringing much-needed certainty to pay. Current pay structures for wildland firefighters are inadequate. Many firefighters are classified as temporary or seasonal employees, meaning their compensation is unstable. This leaves them overworked and significantly underpaid, creating numerous challenges for recruitment and retention. Temporary pay raises and hazard pay adjustments have been extended on a short-term basis throughout the years, but a more permanent solution is needed to bring these heroes the stability they deserve. The Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which just passed the House, increases wildland firefighter pay by over $330 million. This permanent pay fix accurately reflects the valued work the nearly 11,200 wildland firefighters do to protect communities nationwide. It also recognizes the need to enhance recruitment and stabilize retention of this critical workforce and will provide financial certainty to the first responders who protect our communities. The funding and provisions included in this legislation fulfill Congresss responsibility to maintain increased pay levels for our Nations Federal wildland firefighters at the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service. Rather than continuing temporary and uncertain Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) supplemental payments, the funding in this bill will permanently address Federal wildland firefighter pay and capacity while also saving taxpayers over $30 million this year. The provisions in the bill most of which are part of bipartisan legislation introduced this Congress will improve firefighter recruitment and retention and provide financial certainty to the men and women protecting our communities from catastrophic wildfires. Section 456 of the FY 25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill permanently increases the pay scale for federal wildland firefighters, increasing pay for every GS level. Section 457 establishes premium pay for workers who respond to wildfire incidents, which is more than four times the regular hourly rate while engaged in wildland firefighting. This piece of the firefighter pay puzzle makes up 30% to 40% of what firefighters are currently paid with the IIJA supplement. Transforming what was once a seasonal challenge into a year-round battle, the need for a permanent pay structure is dire. States throughout the West have seen their fire seasons turn into fire years, with significant wildfires occurring outside the traditional summer months. This shift demands a stable, professional workforce equipped to respond at a moments notice. The bill also includes other items supporting firefighters, such as a long-standing provision allowing pay cap waivers for high-ranking wildland firefighters. This provision is necessary to ensure our firefighters are compensated when they put their lives on the line and work additional hours during the busy fire season. Another critical piece of the puzzle is improving forest management to prevent catastrophic wildfires in the first place. If our forests are properly managed, the likelihood of uncontrollable, large-scale wildfires decreases exponentially. Living in Idaho and Oregon, we have unfortunately seen the impacts of destructive wildfires firsthand. We have also seen where preventative measures and sound management practices dramatically decrease the cost of a fire season in terms of taxpayer dollars and lives and property lost. Managing our forests is already challenging enough with the increasing costs of wildfires. The last thing our land managers need is a duplicative process that prevents the Forest Service from pursuing important projects that improve forest health and increase access to our public lands. We are pleased that the bill includes a legislative solution to the detrimental Cottonwood vs. U.S. Forest Service 9th Circuit Court decision. It also includes language requiring the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to report on their performance metrics that accurately reflect the impact of the agencies forest restoration work on wildfire risk reduction and ecosystem resilience. It is also important that the Forest Service has the resources, which is why the bill prioritizes funding for wildland fire management. This is why the bill includes nearly $460 million for hazardous fuels treatments and $12 million for the Joint Fire Science program. Finally, the bill provides funding for U.S. Forest Service Research and Development programs to study how fires act and to create tools to arm our wildland firefighters with the technology to maintain their safety while fighting fires. Our nations wildland firefighters safeguard vital benefits for communities across the nation. This bill makes great strides to safeguard wildland firefighters lives and livelihoods. Our wildland firefighters endure grueling conditions. They confront raging blazes, unpredictable weather, and dangerous terrain, often working long hours with little rest. Nearly every major wildfire in the United States relies on a response from federal wildland firefighters, and we understand a permanent pay solution is needed. Congress must do everything it can to bring financial stability to wildland firefighters and maintain a stable workforce. We will continue fighting for firefighters nationwide who deserve stability and adequate pay for their brave work, keeping us all safe and secure. Mike Simpson is a Republican representing Idahos 2nd Congressional District. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is a Republican representing Oregons 5th Congressional District. Wildlife crime fighter uncovers wildlife traffickers across the globe: 'An opportunity to change the way we fight' Andrea Crosta has dedicated his life to protecting wildlife around the globe, assembling an elite team of intelligence professionals to combat a complex ring of illegal smuggling. The founder and executive director of Earth League International (ELI), a non-governmental fact-finding organization, spoke with conservation news portal Mongabay about the challenges of fighting environmental crimes such as the shark fin trade. According to Oceana USA, the illegal industry harvests fins from up to 73 million sharks annually, and the demand is a major threat to the survival of multiple species, with scientists estimating that sharks are being killed 30% faster on average than they are able to reproduce. Crosta told Mongabay that "crime convergence" is one factor that helps his team raise awareness about illegal wildlife trading to governing authorities, who might otherwise overlook environmental injustices while dealing with other intersecting crimes like drug smuggling, money laundering, and human trafficking. "That's why environmental crime convergence is complex, is a problem, but it's also an opportunity to change the way we fight these crimes," Crosta said. As ELI notes in a groundbreaking investigative report into shark fin trafficking networks, the fact that more than one-third of sharks are now considered vulnerable or endangered could have significant impacts on marine ecosystems. The predators aid biodiversity, and reduced numbers of them negatively impact coral reefs which protect coastal areas from storms, support local economies, provide recreation opportunities, and are even a source for compounds in some cancer medicines. While donating to environmental organizations is one way for individuals to support conservation efforts, Crosta believes ELI's ability to gather information and collaborate directly addresses an organizational hole that doesn't appear to be a problem for crime networks. "Crime convergence is not a new concept: If you deal with organized crime or mafia, of course you deal with crime convergence," he told Mongabay. "But in the environmental or wildlife crime field, it's actually not known, it's kind of new, and very few organizations have firsthand information and evidence about it." However, as ELI explains, this established convergence in organized crime results in crucial opportunities to halt environmentally harmful practices, deterring traffickers from participating in such activities in the future because of harsh penalties associated with other crimes. "Criminal organizations may be less careful regarding crimes that carry less severe legal penalties, as is often the case with wildlife trafficking, giving investigators openings," ELI wrote. "Given that penalties for drug and arms trafficking are often more severe, holistic cases, ideally with multiple agencies cooperating, can stop wildlife traffickers and environmental criminals." Crosta told Mongabay that despite the worldwide scope of the problem, he is optimistic that continued efforts to work with the appropriate authorities will bear fruit over time. ELI has already coordinated with U.S. and international law enforcement agencies, such as Homeland Security Investigations and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "I can tell you that [the shark fin report] is getting a lot of traction here in the U.S. within U.S. government agencies and policymakers," he told Mongabay in May. "... That's another example of using this information, not necessarily for law enforcement, but to inform policymakers and people who act in different ways behind the scenes. So that's a really good development." Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Woman in stable condition after being shot in Euless apartment; no arrests made yet Authorities are investigating a woman who was shot in an apartment on Saturday morning, according to Euless police. No arrests have been made. Around 10 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a shooting in the area of 300 Vine Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 46-year-old woman who had been shot in the abdomen, according to police. Witnesses told police that a suspect ran into an apartment. The apartment was checked by a SWAT team, NETCAST, but the suspect was not found at the scene. The woman was taken to Baylor Grapevine Hospital by Euless fire department medics. She is in stable condition, police said. The suspect is still at large. Police are continuing to investigate. Southwest Floridas workforce housing crisis is reaching a critical point, affecting essential workers across all sectors from hotel and restaurant employees to health care workers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics and teachers. The impact of this workforce housing crisis can be seen across the region. Amid persistent teacher shortages, classrooms are more crowded. With more commuters driving 50-100 miles each way to reach jobs in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island, our roads and highways remain clogged regardless of the season. Marcia Davis As the American dream of home ownership grows increasingly out of reach for working families in the region, all eyes are on affordable and workforce rental housing to bridge the gap. A proposed 149-unit apartment complex on Summerlin Road in Fort Myers, known as Summerlin Landings, aims to be part of the solution. Summerlin Landings is a joint housing development between The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers nonprofit arm and Pinnacle, a private developer with over two decades of experience building communities locally and across the state. The partnerships previous successes include East Pointe Place and The Landings at East Point in Fort Myers. Pinnacle has similarly collaborated on public-private developments in Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Hollywood, Miami, Miramar, Tallahassee, Tarpon Springs and more. Summerlin Landings would be developed on a vacant parcel co-owned by both organizations at 20161 Summerlin Road, with one- to three-bedroom units and amenities including a fitness center, dog park and clubhouse. Eighty percent of the projects apartments would be built as affordable units at a location convenient to tourism industry workers on Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach, as those communities continue to recover from Hurricane Ian. The need for such workforce housing is profound, with demand far outstripping supply: at present, the Housing Authority has a 10,000-person waiting list. According to a recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, more than a third of renters across the country are cost-burdened in terms of housing affordability. Among the projects supporters: Lee Health, which with nearly 15,000 employees is both the county and the regions largest employer. The need for additional workforce housing in our community is profound, said Chris Simoneau, Lee Healths chief development, marketing and communications officer. At Lee Health, we strongly support efforts to narrow that gap, both for our employees as well as those frontline workers across the region whom so many of us depend upon. With its proven track record, our development partner Pinnacle is uniquely suited for this collaboration. Pinnacle is also committed to hiring locally when it comes to construction of its communities. That was the case in 2008 when, amid the Great Recession, more than 200 local hires were made to complete the Landings at East Ponte and Easte Pointe Place, aided by local job fairs and collaboration with community organizations. As part of a community heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian, we have applied for federal Community Development Block Grants set aside for disaster recovery and expect to soon know if that application has been approved. Summerlin Landings is only the latest development in our ongoing efforts. Following the recent demolition of Southward Village, the Greater Dunbar Initiative will transform affordable housing units for residents while expanding choices, creating market-rate amenities, and adding new mixed-income housing to create a resilient and healthy neighborhood moving forward. The project includes the creation of at least 465 mixed-income units across Southward Village and an additional site on Cleveland Avenue to meet the growing needs of residents and the surrounding community. Construction at the Southward Village site will begin in the first quarter of 2025. The Greater Dunbar Initiative is funded in part through a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. At the state level, the 2023 Live Local Act (signed by the governor in Naples) provided more than $700 million in funds and tax incentives for affordable housing projects across Florida an investment that is already boosting interest in such projects. As we know all too well here in Southwest Florida, the need is all too great and immediate. Marcia Davis is the executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, which serves as a catalyst for increasing access to safe, stable and sustainable housing in the greater Fort Myers region. For more information, visit HACFM.org or call 239-344-3220. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Workforce housing options on horizon The News The US, the UK, Australia, Sweden, France, Italy, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have issued warnings to citizens to leave Lebanon; the UK has also deployed experts and military personnel to assist with a potential evacuation should a war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah break out there. Several airlines have already canceled flights to and from Beirut, Lebanons only commercial airport, complicating any exit strategies. While many experts agree a war would be in no ones favor, tensions in the region reached a new high after Israel struck Beirut last week, killing a top Hezbollah leader it blamed for a previous deadly strike on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Hamas top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was also killed in a strike in Tehran; Israel did not claim responsibility for the latter strike. Iran vowed severe retaliation against Israel after the Tehran strike, and Western officials believe that it could use Hezbollah one of several military proxies Iran has in the region in any counterattack. A23a is the world's largest iceberg, twice the size of Greater London - Chris Walton/BAS The worlds oldest and largest iceberg is refusing to melt, say scientists. A few months ago, the 1,500-square-mile floating mass of ice known as A23a was expected to drift to warmer waters and eventually dissolve. But the trillion-ton iceberg, twice the size of Greater London and three times that of New York City, is instead stuck in an ocean vortex that could keep it in the same spot for years. A23a, which once hosted a Soviet research station, broke away from the Antarctic coast in 1986. Almost immediately, it grounded on the seabed and was stuck for more than three decades. In 2020, it refloated. A23a is trapped in a vortex created by ocean currents - Derren Fox/BAS Late last year, it began migrating, exciting scientists who said it was rare to see an iceberg of such size on the move. Helped by strong winds and currents, it moved out of the Weddell Sea into the Southern Ocean, drifting around walking pace towards warmer waters. In April, it entered a powerful ocean current, predicted to funnel it into the South Atlantic where it would break up. But, unexpectedly, it has stopped. Usually you think of icebergs as being transient things; they fragment and melt away. But not this one, Prof Mark Brandon, a polar expert, told BBC News. A23a is the iceberg that just refuses to die. The huge berg is now slowly spinning just north of the South Orkney Islands, a barren part of the British Antarctic Territory uninhabited except for an Antarctic exploration base. The iceberg has stopped not because it has hit the seafloor, but because it is trapped in a vortex caused by the Pirie Bank, a bump on the ocean floor. As the current meets that obstruction, it separates into two flows, producing a rotating swirl of water in between. The ocean is full of surprises, and this dynamical feature is one of the cutest youll ever see, Prof Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey told BBC News. A23a, which weighs nearly one trillion metric tons, could be stuck for years, scientists say. An annotated aerial photograph shows A23a's position off the South Orkney islands A map showing A23a's location The icebergs continued survival comes as Antarctica loses ice, adding to rising global sea levels. Last year, winter Antarctic sea ice fell to its lowest level on record. There were more than two million square kilometres (800,000 square miles) less ice than usual, an area ten times the size of the UK, according to the British Antarctic Survey. It said such a low level of ice was extremely unlikely to happen without the influence of climate change. Persistent low sea ice could have profound impacts on weather systems and Southern Ocean ecosystems, including whales and penguins. 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 News The worlds largest iceberg, A23a, is trapped in the Antarctic Ocean on top of a huge rotating column of water, a phenomenon thats called a Taylor Column. A23a split from Antarctica in 1986 taking a Soviet research station with it but didnt really start to drift until 2020, eventually being picked up by the powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Now the iceberg, once estimated to be about the size of the Hawaiian island Oahu, is stuck in place turning 15 degrees anti-clockwise every day. As long as its on the Taylor Column, it wont drift to warmer waters further north, delaying its melting. As one polar scientist told the BBC: A23a is the iceberg that just refuses to die. GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) According to State Police, A Rhode Island driver caused a head-on-collision when he went the wrong way up I-95 early Saturday morning. At 1:04 a.m., multiple calls about a Toyota Corolla driving south on I-95 North near Exit 90 came in to police. One of the calls reported a head-on-collision near Exit 89 in Groton. At the scene of the crash in Groton, Police recognized that Carter may have been impaired and asked him to take a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. He did not perform to standard. Police also learned that the Toyota Carter was driving was not properly registered or insured and its tags were misused. Carter, himself, was driving with a suspended out-of-state license. Carter was arrested and later released on a $2,500 bond. He is due to appear in New London Superior Court on August 12th. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) publisher Almar Latour said reporter Evan Gershkovichs request to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin showed he hasnt lost his spirit after being detained in the country for more than a year. Before being released from Russia in a massive prisoner exchange last week, Gershkovich requested an interview with Putin on his form to officially ask for presidential clemency. ABCs George Stephanopoulos told Latour he was struck by that request and pressed Latour on whether a formal interview request had been submitted. Well, Ill leave that to our newsroom to share that and to make those decisions, but what it showed is that Evan hasnt lost his spirit as a journalist. Hes a journalist with a hunger for stories. Hes a storyteller. Hes got a lot of energy, and boy, wouldnt that be an amazing thing to see, Latour responded. Stephanopoulos then asked whether Gershkovich would need to travel to Moscow for an interview like that. Well, you would have to decide on what location you could do that, and you could pick a neutral country, but I dont want to speculate, and I think thats a news decision. I want to respect that, Latour replied. President Biden announced last week that Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza were the Americans released in a global prisoner swap. Five Germans and seven Russian citizens were also freed as part of the deal. Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg in March 2023 and was accused of espionage an allegation that the United States and The Wall Street Journal repeatedly denied. 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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CANYON - Here's some of the latest news from West Texas A&M University (WT) from over the past week as summer winds down and the school gets ready for the fall semester. Countdown begins for WT Homecoming 2024: Out of This World Get ready to blast off with WT's Homecoming 2024. Registration is now open for the Oct. 12 WT Homecoming: Out of This World parade. Deadline is Sept. 27 to register floats, cars, livestock, bands and more for the annual parade along Russell Long Boulevard. Registration is $50 for nonprofits, $75 for businesses and free for WT student and campus organizations. WT students voted for Out of This World in the spring, inspired by Aprils total solar eclipse, said Ronnie Hall, WT Alumni Association executive director. We know that WT Homecoming will bring our entire Buff community together just like the eclipse did for people around the country. Excitement is building for West Texas A&M's 2024 Homecoming festivities, with registration is now open for the Oct. 12 WT Homecoming: Out of This World parade, which takes place along Russell Long Boulevard. The parade which will be hosted by NewsChannel 10s Ali Allison and Shelden Breshears will be broadcast on KFDAs MeTV (digital channel 10.4 and cable channel 127) and will stream on WTs home page and social media platforms and KFDAs NewsChannel 10 Plus streaming services. Homecoming 2024 also will include The Phoenix event honoring the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, reunions, a cookout, block party and more, all culminating in the gridiron match between the Buffs and the Western New Mexico Mustangs at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in BainSchaeffer Buffalo Stadium. A full schedule of events will be available at wtamu.edu/homecoming. Amarillo and Canyon alumni will meet for a free dinner with the WT Alumni Association and the Agriculture Development Association Aug. 7 at Reed Beverage in Amarillo. The association also annually hosts Ag Day, its major annual fundraiser, and this years event is set for Sept. 7. WT ag alumni in Amarillo, Canyon invited to free dinner WT's Department of Agricultural Sciences is continuing its tour to connect with Buffs around Texas Panhandle. Representatives from the department, part of WTs Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, will meet Amarillo and Canyon graduates in an event with the WT Alumni Association and the Agriculture Development Association. Alumni will meet for a free dinner at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Reed Beverage, 3701 S.E. 25th Ave. in Amarillo. The event is free. To RSVP, visit bit.ly/wt-ag-amarillo. Planned attendees include Dr. Lance Kieth, associate dean of the Engler College; Dr. David Lust, head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. Bob Robinson, professor of agriculture; McKenzie Begert, recruitment coordinator; Gary Culp, a founding ADA member; Ryan Butler, ADA president; Ronnie Hall, WT Alumni Association executive director; and others. The association annually hosts Ag Day, its major annual fundraiser; this years event is set for Sept. 7. Additional events are being planned around the Panhandle region. Sarah Petters, second from right, of University of CaliforniaRiverside helps West Texas A&M University set up a new cold-stage instrument following a $75,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Also pictured are, from left, Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharia, research assistant Alexander Hernandez and Dr. Naruki Hiranuma. WT adds new equipment to further science education in engineering, environment Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, WT has purchased a state-of-the-art cold stage instrument, which is used to study the solidification of liquids. We want to use the instrument for hands-on laboratory activities demonstrating how liquids transition into solids, said Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharia, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. This process is essential to understand both material processing and ice formation in clouds. By taking part in the hands-on learning of experimentation, data analysis, scientific observation, technical writing and peer collaboration, students ultimately will be better educated and better prepared for the workforce. Bhattacharia, the principal investigator for the NSF grant, partnered with Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, associate professor of environmental sciences in WTs Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and Dr. Asanga D. Ranasinghe, professor of physical sciences at Amarillo College. Over the summer, Bhattacharia and his team will develop an education module designed to teach WT students in engineering and environmental science classes representing both of the WT Colleges. Theyll also develop outreach activities for use at Amarillo College. WT researchers both students and faculty have conducted studies in Alaska, Norway, the Azores, Northeast Oklahoma and the Canyon area as part of international research campaigns that are examining ice-nucleating particles, which are the microscopic material in the air that water vapor condenses around to form ice crystals that make up clouds. JoLina Lopez, a May graduate in digital communication and media from Abernathy, and Debany Arciniega-Saenz, a senior public relations, advertising and applied communication major from Canyon, attended a fall 2023 Public Relations Student Society of America conference on behalf of the West Texas A&M University chapter, which recently won a star chapter award from the national organization. WT Chapter of PR Student Society wins national honor WT's chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America has won its first Star Chapter Award from its national organization. The award recognizes the chapters commitment to the societys highest standards, according to PRSSA. To qualify, the chapter had to fulfill at least eight of 11 categories of contributions to the Society, including high school outreach, commitment to ethics, community service projects and others. The WT chapter did pro-bono work with the Amarillo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, attended various chapters and won several statewide awards, all contributing to its star chapter designation. The chapter is housed within the Department of Communication in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. WT wins grant for key biochemistry equipment for fermentation, other research WT's Department of Chemistry and Physics is expanding its research and teaching capabilities thanks to a recent grant from the Welch Foundation. The $75,000 grant helped purchase a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument, which will help in research in fermentation sciences and sensor development, according to Dr. Nick Flynn, professor of biochemistry, and Dr. Shiquan Tao, professor of chemistry, both in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. These areas of research generate rather complex samples, so we needed instrumentation that can analyze that information, Flynn said. Our students also will be able to train on the system, which will help both chemistry and biochemistry graduates remain competitive in the marketplace. The GC-MS instrument separates compounds based on their chemical properties and analyzes the components. According to the American Chemical Society, GC-MS is used in forensics, environmental monitoring, drug testing of athletes, and more. Bella Mayo, a May graduate from West Texas A&M University, was hired by Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips Consolidated School District as a certified teacher for WT's Kids Kollege, a partnership that helps increase PSP's enrollment while also benefitting WT's childcare center. WT, Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips enter partnership to expand pre-K access WT and a Panhandle school district are collaborating in an effort to expand access to high-quality pre-kindergarten education. A partnership between WTs Kids Kollege, the Universitys on-campus childcare center, and Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips Consolidated School District will provide a new, certified teacher for the WT daycare and simultaneously boost the average daily attendance of students the school district serves. Its the result of a collaboration between the Texas Education Agency and The Texas A&M University System, first announced in 2023. The agreement is that a district can extend outside of its boundaries as long as it is providing the education, said Dr. Shawn Fouts, senior director of campus community. In this case, Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips has a need for more students, and we have a need for a certified early childhood educator. Kids Kollege can now become an extension of the PSP district and provide that critical education for 3- and 4-year-olds. With funding provided by the PSP district, Kids Kollege has hired Bella Mayo, a May graduate from the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences, as its first full-time, certified teacher. For the purposes of the partnership, children that Mayo teaches on the WT campus will be dually enrolled with the PSP district, similar to the way dual credit works for high-school students taking college courses. Only a certain number of eligible students will be qualified, through income and other factors, for inclusion in PSPs average daily attendance. The PSP district also will be able to open an early childhood education center in its district because of the additional state funding it will receive by adding to its daily attendance with the Kids Kollege students. In addition, having a full-time, certified teacher on the Kids Kollege staff may pave the way for WTs Department of Education to use the childcare center as an official student teaching site. The TAMUS initiative was made possible with a $2.4 million federal CARES Act grant awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission. Kids Kollege is a year-round, on-campus childcare facility providing services for children ages 18 months to 5 years. The facility serves the families of WT students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, as space is available. Currently, 29 students are enrolled in the facilitys pre-k classrooms; total enrollment is 61. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: West Texas A&M University news includes Homecoming, pre-K, grants This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A majority of Australians voted "no" to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But if we dig deeper into the data from the 2023 referendum, there is more to learn, especially about the health of Indigenous Australians living in communities with strong opposition to the Voice. It is a picture both striking and urgent. In research published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific we show for the first time that Indigenous Australians living in regions more strongly opposed to the Voice had poorer health. When we mapped community-level opposition to the Voice to Australians' health, we found Indigenous Australians were more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to report poorer general and mental health. But Indigenous Australians were less likely to access health care. These inequalities were larger in areas with higher opposition to the Voice. Our results likely reflect underlying negative attitudes towards Indigenous Australians and fewer culturally sensitive options for accessing health care in some regions. Both impact Indigenous Australians' health in numerous ways. What we did and what we found We started with the national map of voting patterns to identify regions with the highest level of opposition to the Voice (defined in this study as regions of Australia where more than 72% of community members voted "no"). Next, we compared regions with high versus lower levels of opposition to the Voice with Australians' health. We did this using a 2021 national survey, which included information on self-reported general health, mental health, and use of health care in the past year. Our study showed that compared to Indigenous Australians living in areas with low opposition to the Voice, Indigenous Australians living in communities with the highest opposition to the Voice were more likely to report poor general and mental health, and were less likely to have visited any health care provider in the past year. We did not see the same disparities for non-Indigenous Australians. For example, in areas with the greatest support for the Voice, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians reported similar levels of poor mental health (16% for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous). Whereas in areas with the strongest opposition to the Voice, 27% of Indigenous Australians reported poor mental health compared with 15% of non-Indigenous Australians. In areas with the greatest support for the Voice, the proportion of Indigenous Australians who had seen any health care provider was 78%, which was higher than the proportion for non-Indigenous Australians, at 71%. But in areas with strongest opposition to the Voice, the proportion visiting any provider was markedly lower for Indigenous Australians (54%) but not for non-Indigenous Australians (68%). Altogether, this suggests that despite being in poorer health, Indigenous Australians living in areas with stronger opposition to the Voice are less likely to access health care. Why is this happening? There are several possible explanations for these results. A strong possibility, which aligns with recent research, is community-level opposition to the Voice could capture underlying negative attitudes towards Indigenous Australians. So what we're seeing may reflect the impact of such negative attitudes over time on people's health. This aligns with much international research showing how community-wide stigma and discriminatory environments lead to poorer health among minority and historically marginalized groups. Generally, we see this play out in higher rates of smoking and drinking, and reduced access to health care. These attitudes could impact Indigenous Australians' experiences of health care. For example, we know previous experiences of racism while accessing health care deters Indigenous people from engaging with mainstream health care. Alternatively, there may not be enough culturally safe health care options in regions with the highest opposition to the Voice. Indigenous leaders in Australia have continued to share their experiences of racismbefore, during and after the Voice referendum. While the direct impact of racism is evident in the testimony of these individuals, relatively little attention has been paid to the impact of structural racism at the community level. But we cannot say from our research what motivated people to vote "no" and a "no" vote cannot be taken as evidence of racism. But whatever the motivation for voting "no," it is Indigenous Australians' health that is uniquely impacted in these high-opposition regions. Where from here? Our results suggest that when it comes to future health policy and programs, we need to consider multiple, community-level solutions. In particular, we should pay particular attention to areas where there was greater opposition to the Voice, as these are the areas associated with the worse health and less use of health care. In these areas, in particular, we need more culturally safe health care, tailored care that is inclusive and free of racism. This is so patients can access relevant and appropriate health services to improve their health. We also need to look more broadly to change community attitudes about Indigenous Australians if we are to reduce systemic racism, stigma and its impacts on health. Our results are just a snapshot The Voice referendum opened our eyes to the fundamental struggle Indigenous Australians face in advancing Indigenous self-determination as the ultimate way to improve life opportunities and health. But our findings reflect just one moment in time. So we need more research to better understand the systemic nature of the observed health disparities. Health and social policy needs to account for these systemic issues and ultimately place greater attention on how community-level attitudes can shape the health of Indigenous Australians. More information: Karinna Saxby et al, Community attitudes and Indigenous health disparities: evidence from Australia's Voice referendum, The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101154 This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. New York man accused of stealing $100K from Cape Cod resident in email scam A 25-year old is accused of stealing $100,000 from an Osterville resident in an email scam during a business transaction. Khaseem Allah, of Albany, New York, was charged with larceny over $1,200 in Barnstable Superior Court Thursday, according to the Barnstable Superior Court's clerk's office. Barnstable police were notified of a "business email compromise" in November that targeted a company that was doing business with the Osterville resident. According to a police press release, the person from Osterville was allegedly told, via a compromised email, to redirect a $100,000 payment to an unauthorized account. After the person transferred the money, the company notified the person about the scam. After an investigation by the Barnstable Police Department Investigative Services Division and the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force, a Barnstable detective traced the transaction to a bank in New York and allegedly Allah. Allah was taken into custody in Troy, New York. He waived extradition and was arraigned in Barnstable Superior Court. He was held on $50,000 bail and ordered to wear a GPS monitor if bail is posted, according to the clerk's office. Allah's next court date is Aug. 21. Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz. Gain access to premium Cape Cod Times content by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Alleged $100K email scam is Osterville lands in Barnstable court By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's green credentials are at risk as the government rolls back environmental reforms in a bid to boost a flailing economy and fulfil promises made to its voters. Since taking power last year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's centre-right coalition announced it will reverse a ban on oil and gas exploration, push the pricing of agricultural emissions back five year and encourage more mining. This is part of a government shift in priorities towards increasing exports to support an economy that grew just 0.3% in the year to March 2024, its lowest growth for the same period since the pandemic hit in 2020, and that has a current account deficit at 6.8% of GDP. Exports make up nearly a quarter of New Zealand's economy. "The economic situation for me, is arguably the worst of the set of circumstances that I can remember in my adult life," Resources Minister Shane Jones said. "So when the opportunity arose to champion the re-emergence of the mineral sector it was driven by quite a brutal understanding of what our economic situation is," he added. The agricultural sector including fishing contributes 5% to the economy, and accounts for about 80% of total exports. The farmers who helped Luxon's government come to power had said the environmental policies that the coalition government are reversing would have made dairy and meat too costly to produce. But while farmers and companies have cheered the changes, environmentalists criticised the coalition for what they said were shortsighted policies. "They are not looking at both sides of the ledger here, and the economic impacts of wrecking the joint for a few quick bucks for the government of this day, and therefore putting at risk the prosperity of future generations of New Zealanders," said Nicola Toki, chief executive of environmental organization Forest and Bird. Last week, the national carrier Air New Zealand dropped its 2030 emissions target, citing delays in new aircraft and the high prices of environmentally friendly fuel. The opposition Green Party said it was concerned that the government's "low ambition approach to climate change" would encourage more companies to follow suit. A report from the government Climate Commission released last week said there were significant risks to New Zealand meeting its 2030 and 2035 domestic emission targets and its promised reduction in methane from animals and waste. It noted any shortfall in meeting these targets would increase the need for more offshore mitigation to meet the nationally determined contribution. Treasury last year forecast mitigation could cost as much as NZ$23.5 billion ($14 billion). EMISSION RISKS The government has said it is working on a climate change plan that includes the planting of more trees, increasing renewable energy supply and investing in cutting edge technology to reduce emissions. Climate Minister Simon Watts said the government expects to meet the 2030 target but admitted more work was needed to meet the 2035 target. "The Government is committed to meeting our climate change targets, but the way in which we do this will be different to former New Zealand Governments," he said. "This Government is using a least-cost approach to meet our climate targets. We will not shut down sectors that are boosting our economy and exports." Environmentalists, however, say this is not enough. University of Otago Climate Change Research Network co-director Sara Walton said New Zealand would face significant reputational and financial damage for not meeting the targets. "Its more important than ever for companies to be reducing their emissions in order to remain competitive internationally in terms of supply chains, said Walton. After the rural vote helped the three party coalition government sweep to power last year, the government promised to pull agriculture from the emissions trading scheme. Agricultural emissions would still be taxed from 2030 but rules around protecting "significant natural areas" to support biodiversity are being suspended. Other sectors the government is targeting are energy and mineral resources. It has said it would allow oil and gas exploration again, which former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern banned in 2018, in a bid to reduce imports of coal, boost fuel exports and keep energy prices for the public and small businesses low. The government has also set a target to double mineral exports to NZ$2 billion over 10 years and has announced a stocktake of its resources. It has also proposed a fast track consenting process that would allow the likes of mines to circumvent current resource consents if they can win ministerial approval. Cindy Baxter, chair of environmental group Kiwis against Seabed Mining, is worried this will allow a controversial seabed mining project to go ahead on New Zealand's west coast. "Its a beautiful piece of ocean with reefs and sea life... which could be absolutely destroyed by seabed mining," Baxter said. ($1 = 1.6818 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Praveen Menon and Miral Fahmy) Zelensky confirms F-16s already being used by Ukrainian Air Force President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Aug. 4 that the first batch of F-16s had arrived in Ukraine and that the jets are already being used by Ukrainian pilots. "I am proud of all our guys who master these planes and have already started using them for our state," Zelensky captioned a post on social media that showed the planes in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Zelensky gave a speech and presented state awards on the occasion of Ukrainian Air Force Day, which is marked annually on Aug. 4. According to Zelensky, Ukraine "held hundreds of meetings and negotiations" since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion to strengthen its air force. While Kyiv often heard the word "impossible" in response to its requests from partners, "we have made possible what was our ambition," Zelensky said. "Now it is indeed a reality, a reality in our sky. F-16s in Ukraine." "I thank all the partners who are really helping with the F-16 and the first countries that accepted our request for aircraft - Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States." The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American air superiority fighter that Kyiv has requested from its partners since the start of the full-scale invasion. Kyiv finally received a number of F-16s a year after the launch of the Danish-Dutch-led "fighter jet coalition" at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023. Kyiv has been promised at least 79 F-16s from the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium. The Times reported on Aug. 1 that the first batch of planes included six jets provided by the Netherlands, while the Economist reported on Aug. 4 that Ukraine received 10 F-16 jets at the end of July. Read also: How F-16s in Ukraine can help fight Russia "The F-16s' arrival marks the start of building a NATO-standard air force," the Economist said. Although some defense experts do not expect F-16s to become game-changers in the war, the jets may strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and shield the country's population centers from Russia's daily bombardments. Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa said that the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine would also challenge Russia's "full dominance" of the skies over the Black Sea. Denmark and the Netherlands indicated that they would allow Ukraine to strike with F-16s inside Russia, although Copenhagen said that such a move would "depend on the circumstances." Belgium said that its F-16s are intended only for use on Ukrainian territory. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Zelensky welcomes first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine before demanding more Mr Zelensky did not confirm exactly how many jets had been delivered - Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Ukraine has received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said on Sunday, adding that more are needed to beat back Russian forces. For more than two years, Ukraine has pleaded with its Western partners for the aircraft long considered the crown jewel in the sprawling list of military hardware Kyiv has sought. We often heard the word impossible. Now it is a reality. Reality in our skies. F-16s in Ukraine. We made it happen, Mr Zelensky said, as some flew above him during the announcement. Mr Zelensky was standing in front of what looked like two grey, partially covered F-16s branded with the Ukrainian trident, in a location reporters were asked not to disclose for security reasons. I am proud of all our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country, he said. Ukrainian pilots look to the sky as the F-16 jets fly past - Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images He did not say how many jets had been delivered and declined to comment on their specific tasks, but AFP journalists saw at least two F-16s on the spot. The announcement is likely to be welcomed by many and comes as Kyivs forces are struggling to hold back advances by Russian troops in recent weeks. Kyiv hopes the arrival of the fighter jets touted for their precision, speed and range will enable it to better protect itself from Russian bombardment. Mr Zelensky, however, immediately warned more were needed. Our partners know that the number of F-16s we have in Ukraine, the number of pilots who have already been trained, is not enough, he said. The good news is that we are expecting additional F-16s, he added. Volodymr Zelensky carries a flag as he stands infront of a pair of F-16 fighter jets - Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images Several Nato countries have pledged to supply varying numbers of the fighter jets and have been training Ukrainian pilots and crews for months. Our guys are training a lot, Mr Zelensky said, thanking Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and other allies. Amid a Russian air campaign in recent months, Mr Zelensky has placed Ukraines need for improved air defences at the top of his agenda in meetings with allies. During an interview with AFP in May, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine needed around 130 F-16s to secure parity with Russian air power. Ukraines partners, however, have promised to send less than 100 F-16s to date, with most likely to arrive over several years following substantial pilot training. F-16 fighter jets fly in Ukraine - Efrem Lukatsky/AP Recent strikes on Ukrainian airfields have also raised questions about Kyivs ability to protect the multimillion-dollar planes from Russian raids. In early July, Russia claimed to have destroyed five military jets during a barrage on an air base in central Ukraine. Following the bombing, Ukrainian military correspondents lambasted the air forces top brass, saying planes at the airfield had been parked in the open without sufficient protection. Ukraines air force has long relied on a fleet of ageing Soviet-era MIG-29 and Sukhoi jets, which have increasingly come under strain following more than two years of demanding combat missions. 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that the first F-16 fighter jets have been delivered to Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda "F-16s in Ukraine. We ensured this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Quote: "I am proud of all our guys who are skillfully mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country. I thank our team for this result. I thank all the partners who are truly helping with the F-16s, and the first countries that accepted our request for aircraft Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States, and all our partners, we value your support." We are now in a new phase of development for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We have done a lot to transition the Ukrainian Air Force to a new aviation standard Western combat aviation. From the beginning of this war, we have been talking with our partners about pic.twitter.com/z21yTU0Hjo Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2024 The President wished Ukrainian pilots and other Ukrainian defenders to bring the combat results that will bring Ukraine's victory closer. In recent days, some Western media outlets reported that Ukraine has received its first F-16 jets. According to The Times, six fighters arrived from the Netherlands, with several more on their way from Denmark. On 10 July, the leaders of the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands, who head the fighter jet coalition, announced that Ukraine will receive its first F-16s this summer. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy presented the F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine on 4 August. Photo: the Office of the President of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects that Ukraines partner states will extend the platform within which Ukrainian pilots and engineers are training on the F-16 Western fighter jets. Source: Zelenskyy in a comment to journalist on the Ukrainian Air Force Day, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "The positive thing is that we are waiting for additional F-16 [deliveries], and that many of our guys are training on them. These are different training formats, different stages. I believe that the partners will find a way to extend it, that is the training platform and the training of our pilots. And not only pilots but engineers as well. It is very important to us." Details: Zelenskyy also stated that the supplies of modern Western aircraft and air defence systems by the partners are gradually strengthening the Ukrainian air shield against Russian attacks, making it one of the strongest ones in Europe. "In almost two and a half years of this war our Air Force has carried out 22,000 combat flights, and we are increasing the strength of our aircraft. Ukraine now owns advanced efficient air defence systems as well. It is still not enough to fully protect the Ukrainian sky from Russian missiles and drones, but today Ukraines air shield is one of the strongest in Europe," Zelenskyy said. For reference: Over the last year Ukrainian pilots and technical teams have been training on F-16 fighters in the US, the UK, Denmark and the Netherlands. Moreover, the centre for training pilots from NATO countries opened in Romania which stressed its readiness to accept Ukrainian pilots as well. Background: On 4 August Zelenskyy confirmed the delivery of a batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy wants coalition of NATO countries to shoot down missiles over Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directed diplomats to explore the idea of forming a coalition of neighbour states to help shoot down Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory within the framework of the Ukraine-NATO Council. Source: Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists on the Day of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "We must investigate the technological feasibility of using combat aircraft from neighbouring countries to defend Ukraine against [Russian ed.] missiles aimed at our neighbours. First and foremost, consider the Alliance's member countries." Details: In Zelenskyys opinion, this decision is "probably difficult for partners, because they are always afraid of excessive escalation". "But we are working on it, and we shall continue working. I believe we have a good Ukraine-NATO Council. I assigned the proper responsibility to our diplomats to engage with NATO so that there was such a meeting and that the date when we may discuss this particular subject was worked out," Zelsnkyy said. Quote: "I'd want to use this instrument so that NATO countries can discuss the idea of forming a small coalition of neighbouring countries to shoot down enemy missiles [over Ukraine ed.]. We definitely lack such a coalition now since it is a huge responsibility for one neighbouring country to accept responsibility and assist us in shooting down missiles. However, I believe that this was necessary. And was necessary for some time." Background: After signing a security agreement with Ukraine on 8 July, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would open up a discussion with NATO allies about the possible downing of Russian missiles and drones over the territory of Ukraine. Tusk stated that Poland is open to such an initiative but, he said, it would require NATO's involvement and approval. On 10 July, Polish National Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland would not shoot down Russian missiles heading through Ukraine in its direction unless a decision is made at NATO level. On 14 July, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made it clear that he is opposed to the idea of Poland using its air defence systems to shoot down Russian missiles over the territory of Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Shutterstock Huawei's next-generation Kirin chip will reportedly use a unified memory architecture (UMA), much like the Apple M-series silicon and Intel Core Ultra Series CPUs. It means that Huawei will bake in the RAM on the next-generation Kirin processors and make it available to the GPU and CPU. Weibo user Fixed Focus Digital (machine translated from Chinese), who also predicted that the Kirin CPU with Taishan V130 cores could match Apple M3 performance, said, "This is a chip specially planned for AI terminal products, and the memory bandwidth is double that of previous PC chips." Huawei used to be one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in the world until the U.S. government slapped it with bans and sanctions because of its relationship with Beijing. The company was slowly building up its silicon at that time. Still, because it no longer had access to Qualcomm's and Intel's latest chips or the advanced chip production facilities at TSMC, Huawei was forced to focus on hardware research to build its processors. Since then, the company has produced chips fully inside China, like the Kirin 9000S built using 7nm technology at SMIC. However, this means that its chips significantly lag behind the processors that used more advanced nodes from TSMC and other non-sanctioned fabs. Even its Ascend 910B AI processors suffer from bad yields, with 80% of chips made having defects. Nevertheless, Fixed Focus Digital says in another Weibo post (machine translated from Chinese), "The local large model and inference speed of AI is determined by memory bandwidth, and the use of UMA unified memory-DRAM on an IC substrate will have stronger synergistic performance than the chips currently used in Windows." It could mean that Huawei is building a chip designed to compete against Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processor, which has 45 TOPs NPU. But even if the company successfully produces a chip that can rival Apple and Qualcomm SoCs in performance, we're still unsure if it can use Microsoft's AI features, especially the Copilot+ PC branding. That's because American lawmakers are not just trying to block advanced hardware from entering China; they also want to cut off the East Asian power from the American AI code. Despite all the leaks, there is only one way we can know if Huawei's chip could face off with Apple's best by running it on public benchmarks and comparing the results. But even though Huawei's new chips made outside of America's restrictions are much slower than their peers, it's still a wonder that the company could produce chips. Only time will tell if China will ever achieve performance parity with the U.S., but it seems that Huawei is taking the proper steps to catch up with AMD, Apple, Intel, and Qualcomm. It's my party, and I'll take it seriously if I want to: How Partiful revived the evite In 2024, the party is so back. Block party, birthday party, bris you name it, people are throwing it. As the American psyche at last sheds the gathering-induced anxiety entrenched during the pandemic, people are eager to be in a room together again. Whether to lift a glass, dust off the small talk, or just breathe on one another with abandon. Enter Partiful, a successor to Evite, befit for a more digitally savvy, highly interconnected world. Where Evite is an email version of the paper post, Partiful is more of a mash-up of social media and your most active group chat. Now an app, the platform began in a web-based format. Invitees receive a link that transports you to the "party page." There you can find a title for the event, usually accompanied by a photo, a brief description and a date and time. Once you enter your name and number and select "yes," "no" or "maybe" you can see who else is attending. How Partiful is reviving online invitations Whats really close to my heart is actually just having people better understand party culture," Shreya Murthy, one of Partifuls founders says. Her hope is for the party to be recast not just as a symbol of frivolity but as a meaningful social experience. She and co-founder Joy Tao conceived of Partiful just before the pandemic. Right as they began building it, the world shut down. But they forged ahead, resolving to make the product they would both want once the pandemic ended. By the summer of 2021, people were itching to be in one anothers company again. The two introduced the platform to their friends and soon enough it was spreading like a game of telephone, first in New York where Murthy and Tao are based, and then in other pockets of the country. Though the platform may be hot on the market now, Murthy says the usage curve was not marked by a steady increase but instead by spikes or bumps when it started to circulate in a new location. The thing that I hear most often when I talk to users, whether its hosts or guests, is there was a point where no one was using Partiful and then there was a point where it felt like overnight everyone was. Murthy would not give specific figures but said the number of users grew from the low millions in 2023 to the high millions in 2024. Thats how it was for me. In 2022, I received an invitation to a college friends housewarming. Seventy-two attended parties and four hosted events later (the platform keeps track of your stats), Partiful is a mainstay of my social life. I have been invited via Partiful to book clubs, Friendsgivings, housewarmings, and slumber parties (no, they're not just for tweens.) But the gatherings never go by those names. The book club is "Hot Girls Read," a one-on-one with a friend is "Kvetch-Athon" and the first party of the summer is "Roof Function II: The Most Outside." An array of Partiful invites High-key and lowkey at the same time Ostensibly, Partiful is something an older, more mature crowd would love it allows guests to RSVP and signal if they plan to bring a plus-1, allowing hosts to plan. A feature launched in March allows invitees to signal the times that work best for them, and texting capabilities let the host reach attendees with updates at any point. So, why is it so popular among Gen Z? Some of it is marketing, Michelle Weinberger, a professor at Northwestern who studies consumer behavior says. Theyre using lots of cool signifiers, the language that they use is much younger," she explains. "On their website, they talk about warehouse parties, certainly not something that your mom is talking about anymore. Partiful also brands itself as a party app, not an invitation website which "changes the story a little bit, Weinberger says. It's a club you're joining, not a tool you're using to plan ahead (though actually, it's both.) Zizi Papacharissi, the head of the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois-Chicago argues that the app's new features have made other platforms look "a little bit old fashioned, a little bit banal, a little boring. And it may be helping to address the epidemic of loneliness that has swept the country. American adults said they felt lonely at least once a week in a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association. And it was amplified for those of us between the ages of 18 and 34, who reported feeling lonely every day or multiple times a week. Though we're technically more connected than ever, forming social bonds has still been more complicated for younger generations and the pandemic only made things worse. Weinberger says that some may have missed that on-ramp where you practice having social encounters. Services like Partiful may be able to create opportunities for that more seamlessly. Text blasts tell you if it's BYOB When you RSVP via Partiful you are automatically signed up for "text blasts," which allow the host to message you with the door code, BYOB instructions, dress code details, or whatever else may come to mind. It takes away some of the barriers to creating the social experience that people are wanting to have," Weinberger says, "The text messaging component of it leans in on that informality." That elimination of barriers was top of mind when it came to design, Murthy explains. "It almost made planning these gatherings start to feel like a chore," Murthy says of the process pre-Partiful. You might have to send out individual texts, or worse mash a bunch of unrelated friends into a giant group chat to plan, inevitably inviting someone to send an unwanted gif while you're just trying to iron out the details. People needed help with the logistics, Murthy and Tao concluded, but that's no fun. So how did Partiful lure in the notoriously casual Gen Z crowd with their "I could care less vibe"? Papacharissi points to a trifecta of causes. The first is the app's ability to distinguish itself from predecessors whose "design is not compatible with the social habits of today," she says. The second is privacy. People don't want to have to offer up a lot of personal info for fear it could be used by a third party, Papacharissi says. Partiful only requires you to enter a phone number and says it does not sell user data. The third is its ability to work across platforms. Throwing a pool part? Partiful offers various graphics for the occasion Party-planning is (a) serious business The Partiful operation is run out of a small co-working space in the Brooklyn borough of New York and when I visited it seemed less like a booming party conglomerate and more like a gaggle of young people cooking up something new. The company is not yet publicly traded, and the service is free, which begs the question: How do they make money? In November 2022, they secured $20 million in a round of Series A funding. "We are fortunate to be very well capitalized and haven't needed to raise funding since the end of 2022," Murthy shared in an email. While she said the company is focused entirely on product development, she said there are plans to monetize down the road. In an FAQ section on its website, Partiful says it plans to offer "party add-ons" like disposable cameras and invites users to share ideas for products that should be featured. The trick for the company will be to grow while avoiding the fate of party planning platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook events, seen as more passe by Partiful's target audience. But As long as its able to maintain the trust of its users and not be, for instance, the app that helps massive companies plan parties it's going to maintain its appeal, Pappacharisi says. It's my party, and I'll take it seriously if I want to Since my visit Partiful has added even more new features including the "Party Genie," a section of the app where you can select a "vibe" like "chill" or "trending" and it will spit back out a party theme for you. When I opt for the "dinner party" category, Partiful suggests a dip night where all attendees bring a dip or dip vehicle. The party genie feature offers users a chance to choose an event at random. The common thread among many of the "suggested" events is that they're not built around major milestones. That's intentional. Murthy tells me her proudest achievement is that Partiful "elevates everyday social moments into something that people take seriously." Once theres an app that tells us that we can have parties for the small things in life and facilitates and provides structure for that interaction then it's much easier to imagine that happening, Weinberger explains. You had a housewarming, why not a housecooling? Need to get rid of old clothes? Host a clothing swap. Perhaps a generation so riddled with the cobwebs of social isolation feels the urge to swing to an extreme: for every moment there should be a party. Papacharissi adds to this point by pointing out you don't need to stay socially connected to the people you meet via Partiful. It has very low social buy-in, she says, and the return on that social buy-in is impressive. If Partiful is redefining the party itself, the social results may follow. Soon enough couples may meet not at a wedding but at a sequel night (a movie night but you only watch sequels) or a lease re-signing party. Laugh all you want, but I was invited to that last one in July and no one batted an eye at the theme. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Partiful made the evite cool again, one text blast at a time. 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: Malachi Smith meditates during a mindfulness session in his classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School, May 14, 2024, in Rex, Georgia. School districts across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. Credit: AP Photo/Sharon Johnson The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation, and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they filed into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day. The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark fin, part of the classroom's regular meditation routine. "Listen to the chimes," said the teacher, Kim Franklin. "Remember to breathe." Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools' use of the practices. Research has found school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where students face high levels of stress or trauma. The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where two-thirds of the students are Black. GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonprofits, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform. Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta's executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area. Children nationwide struggled with the effects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were affected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions. GreenLight Fund Atlanta executive director Joli Cooper sits in her office in Atlanta on May 22, 2024. GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonprofits, helps Georgia school systems pay for a mindfulness program for its' students. Credit: AP Photo/Sharon Johnson "We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health," CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen told The Associated Press. "There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions." Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political flashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote progressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality. But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students' well-being. "When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high," Cooper said. "When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color." Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%. "It's a stigma with being able to say you're not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help," said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary's assistant principal. "With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how different cultures feel and how different cultures react to things, it's important to be all-inclusive with everything we do." Nationwide, children in schools that serve mostly students of color have less access to psychologists and counselors than those in schools serving mostly white students. The Inner Explorer program guides students and teachers through five-to-10-minute sessions of breathing, meditating and reflecting several times a day. The program also is used at Atlanta Public Schools and over 100 other districts across the country. Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they've incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her "calm down" and "not stress anymore." Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School, May 14, 2024, in Rex, Georgia. School districts across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. Credit: AP Photo/Sharon Johnson "I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself," Aniyah said. Malachi Smith, 9, has used his exercises at home, with his father helping to guide him through meditation. "You can relax yourself with the shark fin, and when I calm myself down, I realize I am an excellent scholar," Malachi said. After Franklin's class finished their meditation, they shared how they were feeling. "Relaxed," one student said. Aniyah raised her hand. "It made me feel peaceful," she said. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Uganda has detected its first two cases of mpox (monkeypox), the health ministry said on Saturday, a day after the Africa Union allocated $10.4 million in funding to combat the outbreak. The cases were discovered in the western border district of Kasese, in the towns of Mpondwe and nearby Bwera, the director general of health services Henry Mwenda told AFP. "Our findings indicate the infections did not take place in Uganda but (came) from DRC," he said of the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Nine people were under medical surveillance following contact with the two confirmed cases, he added. Kenya and Burundi report one and three cases of mpox respectively last month. On July 20, the DRC reported more than 11,000 suspected cases, including around 450 deaths. The African Union said on Friday it had "urgently approved $10.4 million from COVID funds to support Africa CDC's efforts to continue to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent". The funding for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also boost government and partners' actions, the 55-nation AU said. It will help increase monitoring, laboratory testing, regional and national data collection, case and infection management, and access to vaccines, it added. New variant On Monday the eight-member East African Community (EAC) urged governments "to educate their citizens on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of mpox". Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the DRC. It has since been mainly limited to certain West and Central African nations. Humans mainly catch it from infected animals, such as when eating bushmeat. In May 2022, mpox infections surged worldwide, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men. That spike was driven by a new subtype, dubbed Clade II, which took over from Clade I. It prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022. It ended the emergency in May 2023. But since last September, a new and deadlier Clade I strain has been spreading in the DRC. Testing revealed it was a mutated variant of Clade I, called Clade Ib. 2024 AFP While every day is a celebration of friendship, the special day to honour this lovely bond is knocking on our doors. The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. While July 30 is the date that was picked by the UN, in several countries, including India and Bangladesh, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. This year, it will be celebrated on August 4. Here are some wishes, messages, and quotes that you can share with your besties on this special day. Happy Friendship Day: Wishes And Messages To Share 1. Distance cant diminish the power of our friendship. Sending love on Friendship Day 2023! 2. "Happy friendship day to you. Im happy to have you as my friend." 3. "True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until its lost. Happy Friendship Day to you. 4. On this special day, lets promise to stand by each other forever. Happy Friendship Day, dear friend!5. "Dear bestie, ever since you came into my life, you have filled it with utter joy and happiness. Happy Friendship Day to you." 6. "I may have many friends, but it's you who is my heart and soul. Sending my love and warm wishes on Friendship Day." 7. "Dear friend, we may not be talking for hours every day like before, but you are forever there in my heart. Cheers to our friendship." 8. "Happy Friendship Day, dearest. Let's catch up soon and relive the good old days." 9. "Dearest friend, I love you the most because you are always there to join me in the most stupid things in life. Happy Friendship Day to you." 10. "Bestie, I realise today how lucky you are to have a friend like me! Happy Friendship Day." Friendship Day 2023: Top Quotes On Friendship 1. Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation. - Tennessee Williams 2. There is nothing like puking with somebody to make you into old friends. - Sylvia Plath 3. There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature. - P.G. Wodehouse 4. No friendship is an accident. - O. Henry 5. Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything. - Muhammad Ali 6. One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about. - Mindy Kaling 7. Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses... swapped back and forth and over again. - Michelle Obama (in 'Becoming') 8. My old grandmother always used to say, 'Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever'. - George R.R. Martin 9. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival. - C.S. Lewis 10. What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. - Aristotle At least 91 individuals, including 14 police officers, were killed and many were injured in severe clashes across Bangladesh on Sunday. Protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clashed with supporters of the ruling party, leading to the suspension of mobile internet services and the imposition of an indefinite nationwide curfew. The violence began in the morning when demonstrators, under the banner of Students Against Discrimination, rallied against the government's job quota system. They were met with resistance from activists of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League. The leading Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo reported that the confrontations, shootings, and pursuits related to the non-cooperation movement resulted in at least 91 fatalities. The police headquarters disclosed that 14 officers died nationwide, with 13 at Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station and one at Comilla's Elliotganj. Additionally, over 300 officers sustained injuries. This recent outbreak of violence follows the deaths of over 200 individuals in earlier clashes between police and protesters, mainly students, who opposed the quota system that allocated 30% of government positions to relatives of 1971 war veterans. Subsequently, authorities have detained more than 11,000 individuals. Officials reported that today's protests saw the participation of unidentified individuals and members of the right-wing Islami Shashontantra Andolon. They set up roadblocks on key highways and in the capital, attacked police stations, party offices, and the homes of ruling party leaders, and set numerous vehicles ablaze. The situation prompted authorities to order a curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh for an indefinite period from 6 PM Sunday, mobilising troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion alongside police. The government ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet, the paper added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina said that those engaging in "sabotage" across the country in the name of protest are not students but terrorists and asked people to suppress them with a firm hand. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand, she said. Hasina called a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs - the highest policy-making authority of national security - at Ganabhaban, the paper reported citing sources from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The meeting was attended by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, BGB, and other top security officers. The meeting came as renewed violence spread to several parts of the country. The government has announced a three-day general holiday on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country. Giving details of casualties, the paper said eight people were killed in Feni, 22 including 13 policemen in Sirajganj, five in Kishoreganj, eight in Dhaka, five in Bogura, three in Munshiganj, four in Magura, three in Bhola, four in Rangpur, three in Pabna, five in Sylhet, three in Cumilla, two in Sherpur and two in Joypurhat. One person was killed in Keraniganj, one in Savar and one in Barisal. Six Awami League leaders and activists were beaten to death and several others injured in a clash between the ruling party supporters and protesters in Narsingdi, the paper reported. Citing Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources, the paper said 56 people were brought to the hospital with bullet injuries from Shahbagh, Shanir Akhra, Nayabazar, Dhanmondi, Science Laboratory, Paltan, Press Club and Munshiganj. In a related development, a group of former senior military generals Sunday asked the government to withdraw the armed forces from the streets and send them back to barracks. "We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis. Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign," said former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, who served as the army chief under Prime Minister Hasina's government. Reading out a statement at a media briefing here, he said, "The Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with the masses or trained their guns at the chests of their fellow citizens." Another former army chief, octogenarian general Nuruddin Khan, who also served as the energy minister in Hasina's past 1996-2001 tenure, was one of those who joined the briefing along with fellow officers, some of them being 1971 Liberation War veterans. "Time is ripe to immediately take the soldiers to barracks to prepare themselves for any eventuality as the time taken to transition from internal security mode to operational mode takes quite some time, the statement read. Most of the shops and malls in Dhaka were closed amid the protest. Hundreds of students and professionals had gathered at Dhaka's Shahbagh, blocking traffic on all sides. Protesters had also gathered at the Science Lab intersection of the capital on the first day of the non-cooperation movement. They chanted anti-government slogans. According to the Daily Star newspaper, several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were torched on Sunday by unidentified people. People carrying sticks were seen vandalising private cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses on the hospital premises, triggering fear among the patients, their attendants, doctors and staff, the paper said. Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced said they will stage a demonstration and mass sit-in on Monday to press home their one-point demand. On Monday, they will unveil Martyrs' Memorial plaques across the country in memory of people killed recently centring the quota reform movement, he said in a statement. There have been reports of vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in multiple locations. In Chattogram, the residences of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, as well as the office of AL MP Md Mohiuddin Bachchu were attacked. In an apparent retaliation, the homes of several Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, including Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, were targeted. The BNP and its allies, along with numerous political, professional, and cultural groups have thrown their support behind the student-led movement that had been launched to demand reforms to quotas reserved for government jobs. Prime Minister Hasina offered to sit for talks on Saturday with the coordinators of the movement. However, they rejected her proposal. The government leaders earlier claimed that the peaceful campaign was hijacked by fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir being backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia's BNP. Politics, known for its ruthless and opportunistic nature, remains consistent across states like Maharashtra and Bihar. The recent political manoeuvres in Maharashtra have reinforced this notion. The spotlight is now on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's recent interactions with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, fueling speculations about possible post-election collaborations. Although these are rumours, Pawars political history and the broader context of Indian regional politics lend some weight to these assumptions. Shindes Tactical Moves Eknath Shinde rose to the position of Maharashtra Chief Minister with the backing of merely 52 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 105 seats in the 2019 assembly elections. Devendra Fadnavis, although assuming the Deputy Chief Ministers role, witnessed the BJPs loss of the Chief Ministers posta significant setback in the state. This shift happened amid Shindes growing ambitions and influence in Maharashtra. His latest political moves, ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, suggest a strategic alignment with Pawar for potential post-election scenarios. In a surprising development, Shinde has met with Pawar twice in the last 15 days, despite previously accusing the NCP of hindering his development plans. This unexpected camaraderie has led to questions about Shindes intentions and broader political strategy. These developments indicate that Shinde may be positioning himself for a larger role in the states future political landscape. Shinde To Do A Nitish In Maharashtra? The pursuit of power often leads to shifting alliances, enmities, and principles in politics. The BJP is familiar with such political opportunism, having witnessed it in Bihar with its former ally, Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United). Nitish Kumar has switched alliances at least four times to retain power. This history raises the question of whether Eknath Shinde might adopt a similar strategy in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Eknath Shindes recent meetings with Sharad Pawar at the Varsha bungalow have intensified these speculations. Sources indicate that the discussions focused on the contentious Maratha reservation issue. The fact that this is the second meeting between Shinde and Pawar within a fortnight has set political circles buzzing with speculation that Shinde might be following a strategy akin to Nitish Kumars in Bihar, where Nitish marginalized BJP leaders to consolidate his power. The prevailing sentiment is that Shindes meetings with Pawar aim to counterbalance Devendra Fadnavis and potentially diminish the BJPs influence in the state. The BJP might be keeping a close watch to these developments but may not afford to upset Shinde Sena at any cost. Redefinition of Maharashtras Power Dynamics Shinde is well aware of how the BJP is attacking Sharad Pawar from all sides. Eknath Shinde is now subtly extending a hand of friendship to Sharad Pawar behind the scenes. Shinde is increasingly sidelining Ajit Pawar, as evidenced by the Deputy CM not being invited to the Toyota ceremony. Shinde is aggressively trying to take credit for all the good work done by the BJP. On one hand, he is threatening the BJP with his growing support, and on the other, he is meeting with Sharad Pawar both publicly and privately. This isnt a 'Pawar Game' unfolding in Mumbai; its actually a 'Shinde Mindgame'. As Maharashtras political landscape continues to evolve, the focus is on Eknath Shinde and Sharad Pawar to see if their interactions will redefine the states power dynamics. A potential alliance between Shinde and Pawar could significantly impact the BJPs influence in Maharashtra, making this a critical development to monitor in the lead-up to the 2024 assembly elections. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that his administration is set to introduce a law that will impose life imprisonment for cases of 'love jihad'. He also mentioned that steps are being taken to safeguard the land rights and government jobs for the indigenous population. During the state BJPs extended executive meeting, Sarma stated, "The issue of 'love jihad' was discussed during the elections. We are now close to enacting a law that will prescribe life imprisonment for such offenses." The term 'love jihad' is commonly used by right-wing factions to describe an alleged strategy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women to Islam through marriage. Sarma revealed plans for a new domicile policy, which will soon stipulate that only individuals born in Assam are eligible for state government jobs. The Chief Minister emphasized his government's commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous people, highlighting that they have been given priority in the allocation of "one lakh government jobs," a promise made before the elections. The details will become clear once the full list is released. Sarma contrasted this with the previous Congress government's tenure, claiming that a "certain community" received up to 30% of constable positions in the state police force, under the leadership of the current Dhubri MP during his time as Home Department head. He also noted that his government has reclaimed land from illegal settlers, an area equivalent to the size of Chandigarh, yet a much larger area remains occupied by encroachers. Additionally, Sarma spoke of a resolution to introduce legislation that would prohibit the sale of land to individuals from a "specific community" in the undivided Goalpara district, emphasizing the significance of the region to the Koch-Rajbongshi community and alleging land loss to this "particular community." The proposed legislation will prohibit the transfer of land owned by tribal communities and individuals from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes in undivided Goalpara, according to the announcement. In contrast, a new law will be introduced to restrict land transfers in Barpeta, Majuli, and Batadrawakey areas for Vaishnavism adherentsto only the local residents, as stated by Sarma. He emphasized that if the public demands additional protections for other areas, such measures will be considered. Acknowledging the impossibility of deporting anyone to Bangladesh, he pledged to use all available power to safeguard Assam's future. The Chief Minister disclosed that the Assam government has decided to regulate land sales between Hindu and Muslim communities. Although the government cannot outright ban such transactions, it now requires the Chief Minister's approval before they can proceed. Previously, on March 7, the state government had halted land sales between different communities for three months to prevent potential communal conflicts before the Lok Sabha elections. Sarma also announced plans to establish "micro tribal belts and blocks" to protect tribal villages and small, dispersed settlements outside the existing designated areas. Addressing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests, the Chief Minister labeled the movement as deceptive, noting that fewer than eight applications have been filed under the act in the state. He also revealed that the government intends to take decisive action to process the biometrics of nine lakh individuals, which were collected and put on hold during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update. He claimed that the BJP's consecutive third-term victory at the Centre is a testament to its service to the people, while criticizing the Congress for attempting to minimize the significance of the BJP's continued success. The message was cut off before completion, but it appeared to be leading into a critique of the Congress party's representation. Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav sparked controversy on Saturday by demanding a DNA test for the accused in the Ayodhya gangrape case. This statement has drawn criticism from various political parties in Uttar Pradesh. Case Details On July 30, the Ayodhya Police arrested Samajwadi functionary Moid Khan, who operates a bakery in Bhadarsa Nagar, along with his employee Raju Khan. They were accused of gangraping a minor girl. According to the police, the accused raped the 12-year-old girl for two months and recorded the act. The case gained attention when the minor became pregnant due to the assault. Akhilesh Yadav, addressing the issue on X (formerly Twitter), called for a DNA test of the accused. He stated, "In cases of misconduct, justice should be sought by conducting DNA tests on the accused, not by merely making allegations and engaging in politics. Whoever is guilty should face full punishment according to the law, but if the allegations are proven false after the DNA test, then the government officials involved should also not be spared. This is the demand for justice." Political Backlash Yadav's demand for a DNA test was met with widespread criticism from political parties in Uttar Pradesh, including the BJP, BSP, and others. The BJP criticized the SP Chief, accusing him of defending "paedophilia" and exhibiting a "boys will be boys" mindset. They also noted the silence of leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc. Reactions from BJP The BJP's IT Chief Amit Malviya accused Yadav of trying to protect the accused because of religious and community biases. Malviya posted on X, "So much anxiety to save the rapists just because Moeed Khan is a Muslim and the victim is a minor girl from the Nishad community? This is the height of Muslim appeasement. SP has always exploited the backward community. But this time, injustice will not be allowed. Punishment will be given." Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya criticized Yadav, calling him a "pawn of Congress" and accusing him of misleading the public. He said, "Akhilesh Yadav, in the case of the victimized daughter of the Nishad community, you first forgot PDA (Pichde (backward classes), Dalit, and Alpasankhyaks (minorities)) for DNA and now are misleading by talking about the court. You are worried about losing your vote bank, while the people of the state expect justice for the victim and punishment for the guilty. The government will fulfil its responsibilities." Criticism from Other Parties Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati questioned the necessity of the DNA test and criticized Yadav for not conducting such tests during his own tenure. She stated, "The strict action being taken by the Uttar Pradesh government against the accused in the Ayodhya gangrape case is appropriate, but what should we make of the Samajwadi Party's statement that the accused should undergo a DNA test? The Samajwadi Party should also clarify how many DNA tests were conducted against such accused individuals during their own governments tenure." Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore officially assumed the role of President of the Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a ceremony on Saturday in Jaipur. During the event, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Rajes remarks raised eyebrows as she subtly commented on the power, and'stature and how they are not permanent. However, she expressed confidence in Rathores leadership capabilities. Politics is another name for ups and downs. Everyone must go through this phase. Everyone needs to pay attention to their position and status. Position and stature are not permanent, but if you do good work, then people will remember it, and your status will remain, the former CM asserted. From the stage, Raje told Madan Rathore that the new state president needs to take everyone along, a difficult task in which many have failed. She further expressed confidence that he would fulfill this responsibility well. #WATCH | Jaipur: Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje says, "I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President J.P. Nadda as well as the entire central leadership for giving this responsibility to Madan Rathore... I am confident that Madan pic.twitter.com/mI7NLwN92O ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 3, 2024 The event was attended by prominent party figures, including former President CP Joshi, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa, and Diya Kumari, among others. Raje continued her address and said that she has worked with Madan Rathore and is familiar with his work style. She expressed confidence that Rathore would remain humble in his new position and would treat everyone with respect and care. Raje emphasized that the party needed a leader like him. After a long hiatus, Raje was seen in an active role within state politics, attracting significant attention. Her remarks on factionalism within the party and the responsibilities of leaders are particularly noteworthy, given her stature as a former Chief Minister. Wayanad: The search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad have entered its sixth day on Sunday, as several people are still feared trapped in the debris after a series of landslides that occurred in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad. Providing details about the rescue operation, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree told ANI, that the rescue operation is in full swing, and over 1300 forces have been deployed for today's operation. "Rescue operation is going on in full swing. Today, 1,300+ forces are deployed...volunteers are also there...yesterday volunteers who went for the rescue operation got stranded there, today we are taking precautions so that it doesn't happen," Wayanad District Collector told ANI. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister's Office has informed that night patrolling of the police has been instituted in Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas where landslides occurred. Action will be taken against those trespassing in the houses or areas of the victims at night, the statement from CM's office said. No one should enter the houses or areas of these places at night without the permission of the police for the purpose of rescue operations, it added. On Saturday, the Indian Air Force airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to fasten the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. On the same day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued three personnel stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, located in the landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for contributing Rs 5 crore towards the relief efforts in landslide-hit Wayanad, which claimed more than 300 lives in the state. The death toll in the massive landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308 as of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said. As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far. New Delhi: China's strategic maneuvers against India continue to evolve, with the latest development centering on the Brahmaputra River. Following setbacks at the border, China is now reportedly preparing a massive hydropower project that could potentially bring devastating floods to India. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has raised alarms regarding China's construction of a super dam on the Brahmaputra River. What The ASPI Report Said? The ASPI report outlines several critical points about China's plans: Location of the Dam: China intends to build the dam at the largest bend of the Brahmaputra River, on its side where the river turns. Geographical Context: Before reaching Arunachal Pradesh, the Brahmaputra River descends 3000 meters into a valley at this location. Scale of the Project: China claims this will be the world's most powerful hydropower project, earning it the title of a "super dam." The 2002 Brahmaputra River Agreement There is a historical agreement between India and China concerning the Brahmaputra River: Signed in 2002, the agreement mandates China to share various types of information about the Brahmaputra River with India. After several years, the agreement was renewed in 2008, 2013, and 2018, each for a five-year term. Currently, the agreement expired in 2023, and due to escalating tensions between the two countries, it has not been renewed. What Are The Potential Threats To India The construction of this dam poses a significant threat to India. If China releases a large volume of water from the dam, it could lead to severe flooding in Arunachal Pradesh. The possibility of a "dam bomb" bursting would result in substantial damage to India. The ASPI report suggests this move is part of China's broader strategy along the Arunachal Pradesh border China's dam is located just 30 kilometers from the Indian border, giving it the ability to release a vast amount of water as a "water bomb" at any time. This could cause severe destruction in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, posing a dire threat to the regions downstream. In a bizarre turn of events, an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York made an emergency landing in Phoenix after a passenger reportedly noticed bugs crawling in another traveler's hair. The incident, which started as a routine flight, quickly escalated into a dramatic situation. According to reports, TikTok creator Ethan Judelson, who was aboard the flight, shared his bewildering experience in a video. According to Judelson, the crew provided minimal information about the diversion, leaving passengers uncertain and confused. In his video, Judelson said, I look around, no ones on the ground, no ones freaking out. Im like, it cant be that dire.' Upon landing, the situation became more peculiar. As soon as we land, this woman across the aisle from me shoots up and rushes to the front of the plane." The Emergency Landing Upon landing, the situation took an even stranger turn. Passengers were informed of a 12-hour delay and given hotel vouchers, adding to the confusion. American Airlines issued a statement confirming that the flight was diverted due to a medical emergency. The details were initially unclear, but Judelson eventually found out through informal conversations that the actual reason was a lice outbreak. He overheard other passengers mentioning that bugs had been seen in a woman's hair, which led to the emergency landing. Mumbai: Actor Shraddha Kapoor, who is often known for her unmatchable social media presence, left fans in awe as she celebrated Friendship Day with her beloved pet, Shyloh. The 'Stree 2' actress took to her Instagram account on Sunday, to share a series of adorable pictures, as she enjoys joyous moments with her four-legged friend. In the post, Shraddha and Shyloh are seen enjoying each other's company, radiating pure happiness. Alongside the pictures, Shraddha posed a thought-provoking question in the caption, "Kaun kehta hai ki sabse acche dost insaan hi hone chahiye???" She also added the classic Kishore Kumar song, 'Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan,' to highlight the special bond she shares with Shyloh. Have A Look At The Post: Soon after the 'Stree' actress dropped the pictures, fans chimed in the comment section. One fan wrote, "Aj toh shylohday hogya," to which Shraddha replied, "Every day is Shyloh day." A second fan commented, "Doggie ki pakki dosthi = lifetime pakki sachi masthi," and Shraddha agreed, saying, "doggie ki dosti duniya ki best dosti hai." Meanwhile, on the work front, Shraddha is currently gearing up for the release of her highly-awaited, 'Stree 2' alongside Rajkummar Rao. The film promises a return to the spooky yet hilarious world where the 'Stree' continues to terrify men. Makers recently unveiled the highly anticipated trailer of the horror comedy. Taking to Instagram, Shraddha treated fans with the trailer video. The trailer begins with Pankaj Tripathi's character introducing the new threat to the people of Chanderi, 'Sarkata'. The trailer also shows Vicky's love interest for Shraddha. Vicky steps forward and transforms himself into the prince of Chanderi to save the women from the new threat that emerges as Sarkata threatens to abduct all the women of the village. Tamannaah Bhatia is also making a cameo with a dance number in the movie. Sung by Madhubanti Bagchi and composed by the dynamic duo Sachin-Jigar, 'Aaj Ki Raat' is choreographed by Vijay Ganguly. In the song, Tamannaah sets the stage on fire with her dance moves. Dressed in a stunning green outfit, she captivates the people of Chanderi. 'Stree' was released in 2018 and was declared a hit. The sequel will be out in theatres in August this year.'Oo Stree Kal Aana', a phrase from the movie, has been repeatedly used in memes. The film's music also gained significant attention with tracks like 'Milegi Milegi' and 'Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe'. Amar Kaushik has directed both parts. 'Stree 2' will hit the theatres on August 15. Jhair Romero is the Latino communities reporter for the Houston Chronicle, covering the businesses, politics and cultures of the growing Hispanic population across Greater Houston and Texas. He was part of a team that won first place in investigative reporting at the 2024 National Headliner Awards for coverage that exposed the escalating human costs of Operation Lone Star. Before joining the newsroom as a full-time reporter in December 2022, he was a Chronicle summer intern while studying at the University of Houston. Jhair is a South Florida native, but hes called Houston home since 2015. Reach him at jhair.romero@houstonchronicle.com. Mumbai: Actress Alia Bhatt, who is set to headline the female-led spy-universe film 'Alpha', has expressed her admiration for her co-star Sharvari. Sharvari, who is fresh off the success of her horror-comedy film Munjya and 'Maharaj', shared the trailer of 'Vedaa' on Friday. In her post, Sharvari wrote: "Justice. Equality. Liberty. A battle that Vedaa and Abhimanyu will fight to the end. #Vedaa trailer out now! In cinemas this Independence Day in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu!" Alia reshared Sharvari's post on her Instagram stories with the caption: "This girl is on fireeeeee," accompanied by fire emojis. The makers released the trailer of 'Vedaa' on Friday, which features John Abraham, Abhishek Banerjee, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Mouni Roy. The story revolves around a young girl who fights against oppression, seeking social justice against tyrants who oppress downtrodden communities based on caste and untouchability. The film, directed by Nikkhil Advani, is set for release on August 15 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Sharvari, who has started shooting for the upcoming film 'Alpha', recently shared a picture on Instagram, where she is seen posing with the film's clapboard and the director, Shiv Rawail. "It doesnt get bigger than this! Super stoked to start my #Alpha journey today! Trust me I have manifested this moment.... super prepped but can feel the butterflies in my tummyThank you Adi sir for your faith & @shivrawail for your belief in me! Letssss gooooo!! #YRFSpyUniverse." Both Alia and Sharvari will play super-spies in YRF Spy Universes first female-led film, 'Alpha', which also stars actor Bobby Deol. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha marks the first female-led film in the YRF spy universe. The films title, 'Alpha, was unveiled in a special video. The YRF spy universe, created by producer Aditya Chopra, includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Upcoming films in the spy universe include War 2 with Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr., Pathaan 2, and Tiger vs Pathaan. New Delhi: The government has issued a warning to State Bank of India (SBI) customers about a new fraudulent message circulating on social media. This scam involves a message claiming to be from SBI, instructing recipients to download an APK file to redeem reward points, according to the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Always double-check any messages directly with official SBI channels. If you get an unusual message or a request for personal information, it's important to contact SBI through their verified methods to confirm it's real. Staying alert and careful can help protect your personal and financial information from fraud. Beware Did you also receive a message asking you to download and install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards? @TheOfficialSBI NEVER sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp. Never download unknown files or click on such links, reads a post from the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Beware Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards #PIBFactCheck @TheOfficialSBI NEVER sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp Never download unknown files or click on such links https://t.co/AbVtZdQ490 pic.twitter.com/GhheIEkuXp PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 31, 2024 SBI rewards: Dear Value customer, Your SBI NetBanking Reward points ( 9980.00) will expire today! Now Redeem through SBI REWARD App Install & claim your reward by cash deposit in your account Thankyou Team SBI Here are tips to help you protect yourself from fake messages and potential scams: - Verify Sender Authenticity: Always check if the message is from a legitimate source. Contact your bank directly using verified contact details to confirm any suspicious requests or information. - Avoid Clicking Links: Dont click on links or download files from unsolicited messages. Scammers often use these to install malware or steal your information. - Check for Red Flags: Look out for signs of fraud, such as urgent language, threats of account suspension, or requests for personal information. Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive details via email or text. - Use Official Apps and Websites: Only use official banking apps and websites for transactions and account management. Avoid third-party apps or links provided in messages. Airtel Vs Jio Vs BSNL: India's private telecom company Reliance Jio has recently revised the prices of the mobile prepaid plans. Following this, Airtel has also increased the price of their recharge plans. Even after the price hike, if you look at Airtel's portfolio, the company still offers various recharge plans to its users in different price segments, each with different benefits. Some offer unlimited calling, while others provide high-speed internet. To compete with Jio and BSNL, Airtel has introduced a plan that provides extensive calling benefits with extended validity at a lower price. Let's have a quick look at the prepaid plans offered by India's private and government telecom companies. Airtel Rs 199 Prepaid Plan Under this plan, Users get a validity of 28 days with this plan. Along with the validity, users also get unlimited calling. Users also receive a total of 2 GB of data throughout the entire validity period. However, you can recharge again if the data runs out. Adding further, users will get 100 SMS per day. This means you can send 100 text messages daily to any network. Users will also receive free access to Hello Tunes and Wynk Music. Reliance Jio Rs 199 Prepaid Plan The Jio Rs 199 prepaid plan provides 23 days of validity with 1.5GB of daily data. It includes unlimited voice calling and 100 SMS per day. Users also get access to Jio apps and services such as JioTV, JioCinema, and JioCloud. Once the daily data limit of 1.5GB is reached, the speed reduces to 64kbps. Prepaid Plan Comparison Feature Jio Rs 199 Plan BSNL Rs 199 Plan Airtel Rs 199 Plan Validity 23 days 30 days 28 days Daily Data 1.5GB 2GB N/A Total Data 34.5GB 60GB 2GB Post-Quota Speed 64kbps 40kbps N/A Voice Calling Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited SMS 100 SMS/day 100 SMS/day 100 SMS/day Additional Benefits JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud None Hello Tunes, Wynk Music BSNL Rs 199 Prepaid Plan The BSNL Rs 199 prepaid plan offers 30 days of validity, unlimited voice calling, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data. This totals to 60GB of data for the month. After the daily data quota of 2GB is exhausted, the speed decreases to 40kbps. No additional benefits are included with this plan. New Delhi: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday strongly condemned the recent anti-immigration riots that swept across the country, labelling them "far-right thuggery". In a televised address, Starmer vowed to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for the violence. The riots, which erupted in response to the murder of three young girls in northwest England, were fueled by false information spread on social media claiming the suspect was a radical Muslim migrant. However, police have confirmed that the suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was born in Britain. Starmer was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating, "This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online." He promised that those involved in the violence would face the full force of the law, with arrests, charges, and convictions to follow. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the attacks on Muslim communities, mosques, and other minority groups were unacceptable, saying, "People in this country have a right to be safe... I won't shy away from calling it what it is. Far-right thuggery." Starmer pledged to take swift action, drawing parallels with the 2011 riots, where swift judicial action was taken against perpetrators. He assured the public that the government would do whatever it takes to ensure that those involved in the violence regret their actions and are brought to justice as quickly as possible. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically with a series of violent incidents, including airstrikes, assassinations, and military mobilizations. The recent assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has particularly intensified these concerns, leading to heightened alerts in Israel for a possible Iranian attack. US Central Commands General Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East on Saturday. Although the visit was planned prior to the latest surge in hostilities, it is now perceived as a crucial effort similar to the coalition that defended Israel in April. Irans Revolutionary Guard has attributed the death of Haniyeh to a short-range projectile, accusing Israel and the US of orchestrating the attack. "The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the U.S.," said the Guard's statement, warning of a "harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity." Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in Haniyehs assassination, which followed the Israeli killing of Hezbollah's military chief in Beirut. In response, Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, have vowed to retaliate. Tehran has indicated that Hezbollah's future attacks may extend deeper into Israel, targeting beyond military installations. In a bid to manage the crisis, an Israeli delegation led by Mossad Chief David Barnea visited Cairo for discussions with Egyptian intelligence officials. This diplomatic effort follows US President Joe Biden's urging of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider a cease-fire, despite the complexities introduced by Haniyehs assassination. The Textile Ministry is organising a fortnight-long exhibition called "VIRAASAT," to celebrate the 10th National Handloom Day, which commenced at Handloom Haat in Janpath on Saturday. The National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC), an arm of the Textiles Ministry is organising this handloom expo, the ministry said in a release on Sunday. The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm. Handloom products drawn from some of the exotic locations of India were on display and sale at the exhibition, the release added. During the event, several activities will be organised at the Handloom Haat like 75 stalls for handloom weavers and artisans to directly retail the products, a Curated theme display of exquisite handloom of India, Workshops on natural dyes, Kasturi cotton, design and exports, Live loom demonstration, Folk dances of India, Delicious regional cuisines etc. Prime Minister during Mann ki Baat (112th episode) appreciated that the work of handloom artisans is spread across every corner of the country and the way handloom products have made their place in the hearts of people is very successful, tremendous, and also urged to upload photos with local products on social media with the hashtag '#MyProductMyPride'. In 2015, the Government of India decided to commemorate the 7th of August every year as National Handloom Day. The first National Handloom Day was held on 7th August 2015 by PM Modi in Chennai. On this day, the handloom weaving community is honoured and the contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of this country is highlighted. The Indian handloom sector employs 35 lakh persons directly or indirectly which is next only to the agricultural sector in the country, as per the Textile Ministry. The government of India has launched various schemes for Handloom for branding high-quality products with zero defects and zero effect on the environment to encourage and give a distinct identity to the products, apart from highlighting the uniqueness of the products. The Ministry said that it is encouraging all the exhibitors at the exhibition to display their exquisite products and thus aim to improve the market for Handloom products and earnings of the handloom community. The uniqueness of products such as Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Baluchari, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya to name a few attracts customers across the globe with exclusives weaves, designs, and traditional motifs. (ANI) A delegation from the Telangana Government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and IT Minister Srhar Babuid, landed in New York on Sunday. The Chief Minister and the IT Minister will hold meetings with business leaders in the USA and South Korea over the next 10 days. Taking to X, the Telangana CMO wrote, "Chief Minister Shri @revanth_anumula has just landed in New York, accompanied by Minister for Industries and IT Shri @OffDSB and senior officials. The team is eager to kickstart 10 days of meetings, discussions, and deliberations with top government and business leaders in the USA and South Korea." In another post, the CMO added that discussions will be held with government and private business leaders in various cities in America and South Korea over the next 10 days. Reacting to the tour, BRS Working President and MLA Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao took to X and wrote, "As a large contingent from the Telangana Government travels to the US and South Korea to attract investments, I want to take a moment to wish @revanth_anumula and @Min_Sridhar_Babu gaaru - 'All the Best.'" "I came across the schedule reported by some media outlets and I'm pleased to see that the relationships we've nurtured over the years, along with our relentless persistence, continue to attract significant new investments from marquee companies. The numerous announcements about the expansion of existing establishments are a testament to the success of Telangana's policies and initiatives," he added. Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao further said, "Under the leadership of KCR gaaru, Telangana has consistently prioritized creating a favourable ecosystem for economic growth. We pioneered several innovative policies, such as TS-IPASS, and invested significantly in both physical and social infrastructure. "Over the last decade, these efforts have resulted in attracting investments exceeding Rs 4,00,000 crore and creating over 24 lakh private-sector jobs across various sectors. Politics aside, for me and our BRS party, it will always be 'Telangana First.' I sincerely hope the current government can continue bringing in tangible investments and build upon the strong foundation we have established. Jai Telangana," he further added. (ANI) Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh on Sunday slammed the Centre for jeopardizing the "future of millions of India's youths" and making the National Testing Agency "a mere revenue-raising exercise." Citing an answer to the Rajya Sabha by the Union MoS for Education Sukanta Majumdar during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, the Congress leader claimed the government testing agency has not used fee income to build the agency's capabilities to conduct tests itself, or to strengthen regulatory and monitoring capabilities for its vendors. The Union Minister, in his reply to a question on revenue generated by the agency, said that the NTA collected an estimated Rs 3,512.98 crore while it spent Rs 3,064.77 crore on the conduct of examinations - it, therefore, netted a surplus of Rs 448 crores in the last six years. "The future of millions of India's youths has ultimately become a mere revenue-raising exercise for the non-biological PM's Government," Jairam Ramesh targetted Narendra Modi-led central government in an X post. "The National Testing Agency (NTA) is at the very heart of the NEET scandal. It is a body of the Education Ministry whose only purpose is to function via outsourcing to private vendors. Not only do these vendors very often have dubious credentials but the NTA itself is headed by a person who presided over the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, which has seen mega-scams," Jairam Ramesh added in his X post. 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. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) was held for more than 24 lakh candidates at 4750 different Centres located in 571 Cities throughout the country including 14 Cities outside India on 05 May 2024 (Sunday). The re-examination of the NEET (UG) 2024 was conducted on 23 June 2024 for 1563 candidates who had experienced time loss during the originally scheduled examination on 05 May 2024. Pronouncing a detailed judgement on pleas seeking cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 over allegations of paper leak and malpractices, the Supreme Court earlier this week asked the Central government to completely restructure the exam process. 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. NTA was established in the year 2018. Since its inception, NTA has conducted over 240 examinations involving over 5.4 crores candidates. NTA is self-supporting through the examination fee collected. The minister, in his written reply to the Parliament, said considering the sensitivity involved in competitive examinations, various operational and security measures are undertaken for their smooth and fair conduct. Such measures involve engagement of specialised/experienced agencies for providing services like capturing of Biometric, frisking, CCTV surveillance, AI analytics with a view to identify any potential impersonation, and exam delivery. "NTA has been set up as a self-sustained organisation, headed by Director General, who is appointed by Central Government under the Central Staffing Scheme. In addition, the number of employees working on deputation in NTA are 22 at present. The number of contractual employees is 39 and outsourced staff/ employees are 132. 1 (one) employee is absorbed in NTA from his parent Department. From amongst the employees working on deputation, the percentage of women is 17.3 per cent and that of SCs is 13 per cent," said the Minister. (ANI) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is a global icon. With his remarkable contribution to cinema, down-to-earth nature and philanthropic work, his popularity has extended beyond international borders over the years. In a career spanning over three decades, SRK emerged as a strong source of inspiration for numerous people across the globe. Recently, 16-time WWE champion and Hollywood actor John Cena expressed his admiration for 'King Khan'. Speaking with ANI over a Zoom video call, Cena, who will be seen in Prime Video's 'Jackpot' film, minutely explained how Shah Rukh inspired him in his life. He also shared that he was "starstruck" and "emotional" when he met him in person. "He (Shah Rukh) did a Ted Talk that found me at the right time in my life and his words were beyond inspirational to me. They helped orchestrate a change in my life. And since that change, I've been able to recognize all the jackpots that I've been given and been grateful and work hard to make sure I don't waste them," Cena said. The recent meeting with SRK has surely left an everlasting impact on Cena as he recalled, "It was just such an emotional moment to be able to shake a person's hand that affects your life so drastically and tell them specifically what they did. He was amazing. He couldn't have been more empathetic and kind and sharing. It really was wonderful. It was wonderful. I was awestruck, starstruck. It was fantastic." Earlier, a day after attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding on July 14 in Mumbai, Cena on his X account posted a picture with SRK from his meeting with the 'Jawan' star at the function. In the post, he mentioned the positive impact SRK had on his life. "A surreal 24 hours. So grateful for the Ambani family for their unmatched warmth and hospitality. An experience filled with so many unforgettable moments which allowed me to connect with countless new friends, including meeting @iamsrk and being able to tell him personally the positive effect he has had on my life," he wrote. This is not the first time when Cena flaunted his love for SRK. Back in February 2024, a video went viral in which the 'Fast and Furious' actor sang 'Bholi Si Surat' song from Shah Rukh's film 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'. The video garnered attention, prompting a response from Shah Rukh himself. Reacting to the clip, Shah Rukh wrote, "Thank you both... Love it and love you @JohnCena. I'm gonna send you my latest songs and I want a duet from the two of you (John Cena and Gurv Sihra) again!!! Ha ha." Cena's love for SRK shows that the latter's fandom is universal and his star power knows no limits. (ANI) Justin Ballard is the Houston Chronicle's first ever newsroom meteorologist. He can be reached at justin.ballard@houstonchronicle.com. He brings five years of experience forecasting tropical systems, severe weather outbreaks, and blizzards to the Houston Chronicle. His unique experience in forecasting will serve him well in his role at the Chronicle, as Houston has experienced a number of impactful weather events in recent years. Justin looks forward to his work with the Houston Chronicle, where he'll be responsible for posting daily weather forecasts. On top of daily forecasts, he is excited to tackle more in-depth weather and climate stories that impact the residents of Southeast Texas. A North Carolina native, Justin joined the Chronicle in July 2023. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in December 2017. Reacting sharply to BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja's remarks over disaster-hit Wayanad district in Kerala, Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja said that the BJP is trying to 'communalise' the entire tragedy. Speaking to ANI, CPI General Secretary D Raja said, "A tragedy occurred, and people are suffering. Our and several other parties are working on how to help the people- financially, supplying relief material, and shelter. People need food, shelter and medicines. BJP is trying to communalise the entire situation..." "What is your responsibility as the political party of the country," questioned the CPI leader. This comes after Senior BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja on Saturday sparked a row as he linked the Wayanad landslides to cow slaughter practices in Kerala. Indian Air Force on Saturday airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to fasten the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. In a display of coordination and bravery, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday successfully rescued three personnel stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, located in landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala. During their morning combing operation along the river banks from Mundakai to Soochipara, the ICG search team sighted three individuals stranded near the waterfalls. The presence of the survivors was immediately reported to the control centre at Mepadi. A coordinated land and air rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving ICG, Army, and IAF teams. The combined efforts of these forces, utilising both ground and aerial resources, resulted in the safe rescue of all three personnel. The death toll in the massive landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308 as of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said. As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far. (ANI) Ranjita Sinha, a transgender activist, requested West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to support the annual 'Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja' celebration at their NGO, Association of Transgender (ATHB). Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja celebration is a cornerstone event in their community's calendar and this celebration not only holds cultural significance but also serves as a powerful platform for advocacy and visibility. Speaking to ANI, Ranjita Sinha, transgender activist and member of ATHB, said, "For the past eight years, our flagship initiative has been the Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja, a landmark event in the transgender community. This celebration, one of the first major Durga Puja festivities organized entirely by transgender individuals, has become a heritage for us. It serves as a vital platform where our community can unite in celebration, advocate for our needs, and foster awareness among mainstream society." "We remain deeply grateful for your support of our puja celebration in 2021. Unfortunately, our applications in 2022 and 2023 were unsuccessful. As you are undoubtedly aware, transgender individuals continue to face significant societal marginalization. This puja holds profound significance for our community members, offering a rare and invaluable opportunity for collective celebration and public outreach," said Sinha. Adding further, Sinha said, "Unlike larger organizations with diverse funding streams, our event depends entirely on our limited resources and the contributions of our members. As a minority community, we are unable to collect funds from the public. Your support would be instrumental in preserving this vital cultural practice and enhancing our outreach to mainstream society." Urging CM Banerjee, Sinha said, "As citizens of India, we turn to you, our esteemed Chief Minister, for assistance. Government support for marginalized communities like ours sends a powerful message of inclusion and recognition, reinforcing our place in society. We respectfully urge you to consider supporting our Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja this year. Your assistance would not only enable us to continue this heritage practice but also demonstrate the government's steadfast commitment to uplifting the transgender community." The activist said that the puja is celebrated every year to create awareness in society and bring marginalized communities to a place of prominence. "In 2014, the Supreme Court made a landmark judgement on transgender rights, after which we received the respect we deserved," she said. The transgender activist further highlighted the significance of the puja celebration and said that the Ardhnarishwar Durga Puja was not just a regular puja but a 'social awareness.' "Thousands of people come here and celebrate this puja as a family. This is an effort to bring the communities of the marginalised class in front of society and give them recognition," she added. "Funds are donated for the puja every year. Chief Minister has announced Rs 85,000 for the puja this year. The last time we received financial assistance from the Chief Minister was two years back in 2022. After that year, we again tried receiving the funds and applied for the process but we did not receive it," said Sinha. "The message that the puja gives is that in India all communities and all religions are one. Even in transgenders, we don't see who is from what religion, we all are one. This is a public puja that is celebrated by all. It is a request to the government that we should not be deprived of our rights since we are part of society," she said. "I wish that the people and the government acknowledge us and provide us with financial assistance," Sinha told ANI. Dr Ranjita Sinha is a transgender activist with over 30 years of experience in community empowerment. The organization is a registered NGO under the Society Act and has been dedicated to transgender rights and welfare for the past 22 years. It operates a shelter home and provides crucial support services for transgender individuals. Each Durga Puja committee in West Bengal will now receive Rs 85,000 in allowances from the state government. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the allowances will be hiked by another Rs 15,000 next year, making it Rs 1 lakh. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday attended the Raahgiri Day programme in Panchkula. While speaking at the event, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini appealed to the youth to join Raahgiri programmes and stay away from drugs. He also extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people present at this Raahgiri programme and the people of Panchkula. "Raahgiri programmes are organised every Sunday... I would also like to appeal to the youth to join such programs and stay away from drugs... Today employment is being given in the state without any corruption. Today all our players from Haryana who have brought medals have brought laurels to Haryana and India in the whole world... I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people present in this Raahgiri program and the people of Panchkula," Haryana CM said. Raahgiri is a weekly event where streets are closed to allow people to cycle, play, dance openly, perform yoga, and do aerobics. As per the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Raahgiri Day provides citizens with the opportunity to reclaim their streets, connect with their community, celebrate their city, and therefore reclaim their lives. The Raahgiri Day concept is inspired by "Ciclovia" held weekly in Bogota, Columbia, and now popular all over the world, known by different names, viz. Open Streets, Summer Streets, etc. The streets identified for Raahgiri Day are cordoned off for motorised transport and made safe for the citizens to cycle, walk, run, skate, play and enjoy the streets. Children and adults are invited to bike, skate, run, and walk; to partake in community leisure activities such as street games, and street dancing; to learn yoga, aerobics and Zumba; and to come together as a community and celebrate life, as per Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Earlier in July, a 'Raahgiri' Day programme was organised at Arjun Chowk, in Haryana. (ANI) The Indian Army continues its efforts in rescue and restoration in the areas affected by the cloudburst that occurred on Thursday in Rampur's Samej. The Army has established temporary bridges to establish connectivity between areas cut off to facilitate rescue operations. Teams of NDRF, SDRF, Home Guard, and CISF have been coordinating to carry out the rescue and search operation. The Home Guard Commandant, RP Nepta, informed ANI about the rescue operation that recommenced at 7 am in Rampur's Samej. He stated that five JCBs have been deployed today and various teams have been trying to coordinate to recover the maximum number of bodies. "It is the fourth day today. Yesterday there was a review meeting. Today, we will work on war footing. Five JCBs have been deployed here. Task forces have been assigned different roles here. The search operation commenced at 7 am today. I am hoping that we will recover bodies today. Local people have told us where we can possibly find bodies. We will conduct search operations over there as well. We are also building a bridge," said the Home Guard Commandant. "NDRF, CISF, Army, and Home Guard teams have reached. We are hoping that the maximum number of bodies will be recovered today. The three bodies that have been recovered have not been identified yet. That is why we are showing those bodies to people. We are also providing relief to people. 36 people are missing here," he added further. Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Saturday that around 50 people are feared dead in the affected areas and the official number can only be declared after official confirmation and completion of rescue operations. Singh also said that the topmost priority of the state government is to retrieve the bodies and restore connectivity in the affected areas of the state as soon as possible. (ANI) According to officials, around 35,918 victims had lodged complaints with Mumbai cyber police through the cyber helpline number 1930 after being cheated by fraudsters. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Dutta Nalawade said that action was taken on 35,918 cases of online fraud based on these complaints. The cases were related to share trading, investment schemes, courier calls, threats of digital arrest, online transactions, and more. He urged people to use the 1930 helpline number to report any financial fraud-related complaints. "If any kind of financial fraud occurs, call 1930 immediately. After receiving the complaint on the helpline, three officers and 50 constables working in three shifts contact the banks and their nodal personnel to stop the transaction," DCP Nalawade said. "To prevent further transfers, the accounts of the accused are also frozen. The helpline number 1930 has become a lifeline for the people," the DCP added. He also noted that cyber fraudsters are continuously adopting new methods to trap and extort money from people. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences over the deaths of seven people who were killed in an accident that took place in Etawah on Sunday night. The mishap took place after a Delhi-bound double-decker bus collided with a car on Lucknow-Agra Expressway at around 12:30 am on Sunday, said police officials. Taking cognisance of the accident, the CM directed the officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite relief work for the injured. Additionally, the CM also directed the district administration officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, Dr Vivek Chaudhary, CMO, Saifai PGI, said that the accident happened after midnight. "A bus and a car collided, and around 50 patients came here. Six to seven patients are critical," he added. Speaking about the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sanjay Kumar Verma told ANI, "A double-decker bus going from Raebareli to Delhi collided with a car at around 12:30 a.m. The car was going to Lucknow. There were 60 people on the bus, out of whom four died. 20 to 25 people who were injured have been admitted to the hospital. Three people who were there in the car have also died. The accident occurred because the car driver fell asleep while driving." "The government is making sure that best treatment is being given to the admitted people. Rescue operations are also being made for the other people. We are making all possible efforts to make sure that all the other people reach their destinations," the SSP added. Earlier, on July 31, three people were killed and another was critically injured after their car collided with a mini truck late at night in Mathurapur area Bareilly district, an official said. (ANI) Union Minister and Thrissur BJP MP Suresh Gopi visited Kerala's Wayanad district on Sunday to assess the situation caused by the landslides in the region. The landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad have resulted in the loss of 308 lives. Speaking about the ongoing search and rescue operation in the landslide-hit areas, Gopi said, "The army personnel who led the team leading me to the site to the maximum proximity he is of the opinion that if there are methods to scan and let us know then we will go on the hunt. So means they are not done. Rehabilitation of the mines should be the priority. That is what I am going to put. You cannot close in on the numbers because you know how domestic tourism happens. In each room, police will get a record of four persons in a room but there will be invariably ten-plus people in one room. So how do you get the numbers? One resort was fully taken away," Gopi told ANI. Further, speaking on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Wayanad, Gopi said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has to come here as he is the MP of this place. This party has been holding the seat for a long time continuously." The search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad have entered its sixth day on Sunday, as several people are still feared trapped in the debris after landslides that occurred in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad. Providing details about the rescue operation, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree told ANI, that the rescue operation is in full swing, and over 1300 forces have been deployed for today's operation. "Rescue operation is going on in full swing. Today, 1,300+ forces are deployed...volunteers are also there...yesterday volunteers who went for the rescue operation got stranded there, today we are taking precautions so that it doesn't happen," Wayanad District Collector told ANI. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister's Office has informed that night patrolling of the police has been instituted in Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas where landslides occurred. Action will be taken against those trespassing in the houses or areas of the victims at night, the statement from CM's office said. No one should enter the houses or areas of these places at night without the permission of the police for the purpose of rescue operations, it added. On Saturday, the Indian Air Force airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to fasten the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. On the same day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued three personnel stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, located in the landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for contributing Rs 5 crore towards the relief efforts in landslide-hit Wayanad, which claimed more than 300 lives in the state. The death toll in the massive landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308 as of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said. As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far. (ANI) The CM instructed officials to carefully listen to the complaints and directed the concerned officials to resolve the problems immediately. During the 'Janata Darshan', the citizens presented a range of issues to which CM listened patiently and forwarded their letters to the concerned authorities present there and issued necessary directions for the speedy and satisfactory disposal of their issues while at the same time assuring people that no injustice would be done to anyone under his tenure. After a hiatus during the Model Code of Conduct for the last Lok Sabha election, the Janata Darshan began again on June 6. Soon after becoming the Chief Minister in 2017, CM Yogi started the Janata Darshan with the primary aim of resolving people's complaints and grievances as soon as possible. The Janata Darshan was closed during the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha Election 2024. It was resumed on June 6. Earlier, it was also closed due to the Corona epidemic.(ANI) Another fresh batch of pilgrims left from the Srinagar base camp towards Pahalgam for the Amarnath Yatra on Sunday morning. Despite facing disruptions due to bad weather conditions, pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and hoped for better weather to complete their journey. Sarad Pradhan, a pilgrim from Shillong, shared that this is his first visit to the Yatra. "I have come here for the first time with my wife. The arrangements are very good, and I am pleased with the developments made here. I hope the weather improves so we can complete our journey," he said. Sunita Upadhyay, another pilgrim from Shillong, remarked, "This is my first visit here. I want to thank the security teams and the local people for their efforts in ensuring the safety of all pilgrims." A pilgrim from Karnataka added, "I have come here to offer prayers to Baba. I am travelling to Pahalgam on my bike. The arrangements are really good." Meanwhile, traffic on Baltal route was suspended on Sunday due to bad weather conditions. Earlier on Saturday, another batch had also left for the Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra, conducted by the Shri Amarnathji 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 officially began on June 29 from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, is scheduled to conclude on August 19. This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amidst a significant increase in 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. The IGP directed all security agencies to coordinate closely to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The meeting also addressed strategies to counter terrorism and maintain law and order, highlighting the commitment of all stakeholders to the safety and security of the Yatra pilgrims. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this challenging annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the South Kashmir Himalayas. (ANI) Taking a dig at the INDIA bloc, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that they should prepare to sit in the opposition in 2029 as well. Shah, while inaugurating the water supply project Nyay Setu and launching the smart city mission in Chandigarh made these remarks. He also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that NDA will again register victory in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections in the country. "INDIA bloc should prepare itself to sit in the opposition in 2029 as well. I assure you that let the opposition do whatever it wants to do, in 2029 NDA will come, and Modi ji will come. They (the opposition) do not know that BJP has won more seats in this election than the number of seats Congress got in three elections," said the Union Home Minister. Lashing out at the Opposition, Amit Shah said that the INDIA bloc wants to create instability and they must learn the way of working in the opposition. "These people who want to spread instability, repeatedly say that this government is not going to last. I have come to assure them that not only will the government complete its term but the next government will be of NDA and be ready to sit in the opposition and learn the way of working in the opposition properly," he said. Further, speaking on the importance of the Nyay Setu project, the Union Home Minister said, "This is an important programme. Water is very important, we cannot exist without it. When it is not clear, we get a lot of diseases. For this whole area, 24/7 supply of filter-cleaned water will be provided through this for the people in the area. It will stand to the test of time." "This project is spread over about 125 acres. Ever since Modi ji became the Prime Minister, the focus has been on smart cities and Chandigarh was first on this list. So far Rs one lakh crore has been spent. The mission of providing clean drinking water to 74 per cent of the households in the country has been completed and water-borne diseases have reduced significantly. The work of providing clean water to every household in the country will be completed before the end of Modi ji's third term," he added. (ANI) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Sunday said that the government of India wants to promote internal tourism in the country. Speaking with ANI, Deputy CM said, "The Government of India has said they want to promote internal tourism in the country and since Odisha has a long coastline, the Indian government has talked about, in the budget, about wildlife, heritage and religious tourism." Vardhan Singh Deo further added, "Overall, the Indian government has placed emphasis on tourism in the budget, the state government is now working on the tourism plans and then we will contact the central government." "She (FM Nirmala Sitharaman) has mentioned the development of ports and the coast of the Bay of Bengal for tourism sites. For the first time, there is a government in the centre that is talking about vastly developing tourism," he added. The Deputy CM praised the central government for developing tourism. "Earlier, the development of tourism was left to the state government, now the central government is also taking responsibility for it," he said. On Sunday, Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited. (CRISIL) said in its latest report that India's tour and travel operators are set to expand their revenue by a robust 15-17 per cent this fiscal year, driven by rising domestic tourism and an increasing propensity for overseas travel. The growth will be supported by improving infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, a shift in travel patterns, and the government's focus on boosting domestic tourism. This growth follows a strong fiscal year where revenue surged by approximately 40 per cent to around Rs 14,500 crore, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by about 20 percent. The credit profiles of travel operators are expected to remain healthy, supported by strong balance sheets and steady operating margins of 6.5-7 percent, resulting in substantial cash flows and low reliance on debt, the CRISIL report noted. (ANI) Maharashtra Congress on Sunday held a meeting to discuss the upcoming state assembly elections. Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, the state Congress President Nana Patole, Prithviraj Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Naseem Khan, Nitin Raut and other leaders were present in the meeting. On Saturday, while speaking about the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra, former CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said that the battle is in the field and in Mumbai, either he would stay or the BJP. The former CM while addressing party workers in Pune on Saturday said, "Now the battle is in the field, I said in Mumbai 'either I stay or you stay'. Here is a poster. In the photo, a Kalingad (Uddhav Thackeray calls Devendra Fadnavis watermelon) is placed at my feet. Some thought I challenged him (Devendra Fadnavis). But, you don't challenge the clods, you have to crush them with your finger. You are not big enough for me to challenge." He also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party by calling them a group of robbers. "Some thought I challenged him...Also, we should understand who I am and who he (Devendra Fadnavis) is. I am cultured Maharashtra and you are the group of robbers," he added. The state is likely to go to poll for the 288-member legislative assembly later this year, as the tenure of the current government ends in 2024. However, the Election Commission has yet to announce the dates. The BJP dipped to nine seats in Maharashtra against 23 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The vote share stood at 26.18 per cent. The Congress, on the other hand, marginally improved its seat share by securing 13 seats in the state. The Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won seven and one seats respectively, taking the total tally of the NDA to 17. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) got nine seats while the Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar won eight seats. (ANI) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the nine children who were trapped under debris due to the collapse of a wall in Sagar on Sunday. According to officials, the incident occurred around 8.30 am, with initial reports suggesting the collapse was caused by the heavy downpour last night. Yadav further instructed the district administration to provide financial assistance to all the affected families. Additionally, Minister Govind Rajput said that the administration is working actively on the issue. He further added that the CM has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured family. Speaking to ANI, Rajput said "The administration is actively working. We are all present here. The CM has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those injured," he said. Further, he added, "I have asked the District Collector of Sagar to work in this regard to prevent such incidents from happening again. We will be taking preventive measures." Upon receiving information, senior officials and district administration authorities reached the spot. District Collector Deepak Arya confirmed that local police and rescue teams reached the spot and started a rescue operation. "Nine children have died in the incident. Two others have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment," Arya said. Earlier, four students died after an old wall of a house next to a private school collapsed due to rain in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa, said police. The tragic incident took place on Saturday when five students including a woman got trapped under the wall, said police. The police and rescue teams immediately started the rescue operation after receiving information, said the official. One student and a woman were safely evacuated and hospitalised, said the police, adding that they are currently undergoing treatment. (ANI) In a recent interaction with the youth of the Sardar Patel Good Governance CM Fellowship Program, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the exceptional opportunity for youth to utilize their knowledge and skills for societal welfare. Eighteen young individuals selected under the fellowship shared their work experiences from various state government departments. The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of applying their academic knowledge for the common good and the government's benefit in future policy-making and program implementation. Launched on October 31 last year, the fellowship aims to integrate innovative ideas from talented youth into administrative systems, a vision promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative, announced on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, upholds the tradition of good governance for the welfare of the common man, the poor, and the deprived. Out of the applications received, 18 youths were selected for a one-year fellowship based on merit. After completing initial training at Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), they are now engaged in various state government departments working on public welfare projects, studies, data analysis, and implementing innovations. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Ahmedabad, as an academic partner and advisor, provides training services to these fellows. The Chief Minister motivated the youths by stating that Gujarat offers an excellent environment for their work. He assured them that funding is not an issue for implementing plans or new initiatives, encouraging them to present the best ideas and suggestions. The Chief Minister also proposed quarterly review meetings with the fellows to provide guidance and gather their suggestions for the government. Chief Advisor Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Chief Secretary Rajkumar, and Additional Chief Secretaries Pankaj Joshi and Manojkumar Das discussed facilitating the youths' work in their respective departments and addressing any issues. The meeting, conducted by the Chief Minister's Secretary Avantika Singh, included senior officials such as General Administration Department Principal Secretary M. Shahid and SPIPA Deputy Director General Vijay Kharadi. (ANI) Targeting the Samajwadi Party Chief, Akhilesh Yadav over the Ayodhya gang rape case, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi said on Sunday that everybody knows about Akhilesh's sentiments and he should not try to save anybody till the probe completes. "In connection with the Ayodhya incident, an FIR has been registered against Samajwadi Party leaders and they have been arrested. Everybody knows about Akhilesh Yadav's sentiments; he should not try to save anybody till the probe is completed," Tyagi said. A delegation of the BJP led by Rajya Sabha MP Baburam Nishad met the victim's family in Ayodhya today. After the meeting, Nishad said, "We spoke to the victim's mother and we will submit the entire report to the national leadership. Our Uttar Pradesh government is not going to spare the accused who committed this crime. Akhilesh Yadav talks about DNA testing. He talks about PDA but he cannot see and hear the pain of this daughter. The government will take such action against them (accused) that many generations will remember it. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to increase the financial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also targeted Akhilesh Yadav and said that the PDA has been sidelined in front of the vote bank. "Akhilesh Yadav is now silent who used to talk a lot about PDA (Picchda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak). But today, when such an atrocity happened with a girl from PDA then he is silent. He demanded of DNA test. Isn't he trying to give a clean chit to the accused? The goons of the Samajwadi Party went to the hospital to threaten the family of the victim. The workers of the Samajwadi Party have done this. Dimple Yadav is also silent on the matter. PDA has been sidelined in front of the vote bank," Poonawalla said. Earlier today, Akhilesh Yadav ay urged the court to ensure the Ayodhya rape victim's safety considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the matter. In a post on X, Akhilesh said, "The government should ensure the best medical care for the rape victim. The government is responsible for protecting the girl's life. I humbly request the Honorable Court to take suo motu cognizance of the situation and ensure the victim's safety under its supervision, considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the matter." "The malicious intent of certain individuals to politicize such incidents should never succeed," he added in the post. On Saturday, echoing the demand of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad to conduct a DNA test in the case of the gang rape of a minor girl, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said that DNA tests should be done on the rape accused to deliver justice to the victim. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded the three criminal laws and said that these laws have no provisions for punishment, their purpose is to give justice. While addressing the inauguration ceremony of e-evidence, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti and e-Summon Systems in Chandigarh, Shah said that if any reform is proven to be the biggest reform after 10 years, then it will be the implementation of three criminal laws. "Whatever reforms have happened in the last 10 years under the Modi government, if any reform is proven to be the biggest reform after 10 years, then it will be the implementation of three criminal laws," he said. "How can a nation be considered independent if its criminal justice system is the one which was passed by another country's Parliament when it was not free? I can say proudly that BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) and BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam), all three are formed by the chosen representatives of our people. These are Indian laws made in the Indian Parliament. These laws have no provisions for punishment. The purpose is to give justice, So this is not the penal code, this is the justice code," the Home Minister added. Shah said that India will have the most modern and technology-equipped criminal justice system after the implementation of new criminal laws. "After the full implementation of these laws, India will have the most modern and technology-equipped criminal justice system in the entire world. For this, the Home Ministry is arranging training and building skills at various levels," he said. Earlier in the day, Shah took a dig at the INDIA bloc and said that they should prepare to sit in the opposition in 2029 as well. Shah, while inaugurating the water supply project Nyay Setu and launching the smart city mission in Chandigarh made these remarks. He also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that NDA will again register victory in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections in the country. "INDIA bloc should prepare itself to sit in the opposition in 2029 as well. I assure you that let the opposition do whatever it wants to do, in 2029 NDA will come, and Modi ji will come. They (the opposition) do not know that BJP has won more seats in this election than the number of seats Congress got in three elections," said the Union Home Minister. Lashing out at the Opposition, Amit Shah said that the INDIA bloc wants to create instability and they must learn the way of working in the opposition. "These people who want to spread instability, repeatedly say that this government is not going to last. I have come to assure them that not only will the government complete its term but the next government will be of NDA and be ready to sit in the opposition and learn the way of working in the opposition properly," he said. (ANI) On the occasion of Independence Day, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda, the Bharatiya Janata Party Minority Front will run the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign from 11 to 14 August in the minority community across the country. Tricolor will be hoisted at homes, establishments, offices, dargahs, madrasas, and other religious places. BJP minority wing National President, Jamal Siddiqui has announced the national in-charge and co-in-charges of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. The National Minister of the Front, Syed Ibrahim has been appointed as the National In-charge of the campaign, National Executive Member Mohd. Khurshid and Joseph John Hukins have been appointed as co-in-charges. It is noteworthy that on the call of PM Modi, this year too, the Bharatiya Janata Party will organize various activities across the country from 11 to 14 August under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on the occasion of Independence Day. In this sequence, BJP's National General Secretary and Minority Front in-charge Dushyant Gautam reviewed the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign in which the officials of the front and all the state presidents were present. On this occasion, National President Jamal Siddiqui said that the Minority Front will run the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign by going to the minority community across the country. He asked the officials of the front to inspire the general public by presenting the tricolour to them and appealing to them to hoist the tricolour on their homes, establishments, offices, dargahs, and madrasas on 15 August. He said that along with this, the officials of the front will host the tricolour by offering flowers at the tomb of freedom fighters Captain Usman, and Veer Abdul Hameed, who will meet the families of the people martyred in Kashmir and honour them. "This will refresh memories by meeting the families of freedom fighters. From 11 to 14 August, Tiranga Yatras will be taken out by BJYM across the country in which the office bearers and workers of the Morcha will also be involved," he said. Siddiqui added that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated in the country. "The Prime Minister has appealed that the tricolour should be hoisted on every house, shop, and building. This message should go to the world that in this country with equal respect for all religions, there is love for the country and the tricolor. In this, the minority community will also make the campaign successful by playing its full part," he added. (ANI) BJP Rajya Sabha member Sangeeta Balwant on Sunday met the family of the 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped. Samajwadi Party leader Moeed Khan is the main accused in the gang rape of a minor girl. Speaking to ANI, Balwant said that we understand the pain of the mother and CM Yogi Adityanath has taken action against the accused. "I have met the victim's mother. We understand her pain and we also understand what situation the child is going through. The CM has taken action against the accused and I assure the family that justice will be done. We have assured the family that she should not be afraid and strict action will be taken," said Balwant. Meanwhile, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused Akhilesh Yadav and said that he used to talk a lot about PDA but now, after the rape, he is silent. "Akhilesh Yadav is now silent and used to talk a lot about PDA (Picchda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak). But today, when such an atrocity happened with a 12-year-old girl from PDA, he was silent. He demanded a DNA test. Isn't he trying to give a clean chit to the accused? The goons of the Samajwadi Party went to the hospital to threaten the family of the victim," he said. Further, Poonawalla said, "We want to ask what investigation has been done against the accused? It is very clear that the Samajwadi Party is trying to keep the people quiet. Dimple Yadav is also silent on the matter. PDA has been sidelined in front of the vote bank. The Samajwadi Party has made a thing to keep quiet on the injustice against women." BJP member Baburam Nishad also met the victim's family in Ayodhya and said, "We spoke to the victim's mother and we will submit the entire report to the national leadership. Our Uttar Pradesh government is not going to spare the accused who committed this crime. Akhilesh Yadav talks about DNA testing. He talks about PDA but he cannot see or hear the pain of this daughter. We will make sure the people who have committed such crimes in the past will be punished. The government will take such action against them that many generations will remember it. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to increase the financial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and give it to the victim's family." Additionally, JD (U) spokesperson KC Tyagi said that a FIR has been registered against the leaders of the Samajwadi Party and they have been arrested. Speaking to ANI, he said, "An FIR has been registered against the Samajwadi Party leaders and they have been arrested and are being interrogated. Akhilesh Yadav is related to Mulayam Singh Yadav and everybody knows about Akhilesh Yadav's sentiments. He should not try to save anybody until the probe is completed." The Ayodhya district administration on Saturday demolished the "illegally constructed" bakery of Moeed Khan. Moeed Khan and his house help were accused of raping and blackmailing a 12-year-old girl who worked as a daily wage employee at Khan's home in Ayodhya. A case has been filed against the SP leader for allegedly threatening the family of the rape victim to settle the case. Khan was arrested on Thursday for raping the girl for over two months. Later, a case was filed against the SP leader for threatening the family of the rape victim.(ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed condolences to the kin of nine children who lost their lives after a wall collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. In a post on X from the Prime Minister's Office, it said, "The accident caused by the wall collapse in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh is heartbreaking. My condolences to the bereaved families of the children who lost their lives in this. May God give them strength to bear this pain. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured." PM Modi has also announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Rs 50,000 for the injured. "The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," an official statement from PMO said. Earlier, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her grief over the deaths of nine children. Taking to X, Murmu said, "I am saddened by the news of the death of many innocent children in a heart-wrenching accident in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. I pray that God gives strength to the bereaved parents and family members to bear this pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured children." According to officials, the incident occurred around 8.30 am, with initial reports suggesting the collapse was caused by the heavy downpour last night. Additionally, Minister Govind Rajput said that the administration is working actively on the issue. He further added that the Chief Minister has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured family. District Collector Deepak Arya confirmed that local police and rescue teams reached the spot and started a rescue operation. "Nine children have died in the incident. Two others have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment," Arya said. (ANI) On the occasion of the 51st foundation day of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that after the Prime Minister took charge of the country for the third time, many efforts are being made to take the country's economy to third place from fifth position, where the company secretaries can contribute more. While addressing an event in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Patel said that if any company moves forward continuously and pays tax regularly, then the country benefits from it. He said that today all the citizens of the country realised one thing that after the country's economy came to the fifth position, even the smallest man in the country has moved forward, so now everyone has to contribute to take this economy to the third position. Speaking on the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Patel said that the biggest benefit to Gujarat from the Vibrant Gujarat Summit was that today, out of the 500 big companies of the country, about 100 are in Gujarat. On the matter of global competition, CM Patel said that today the central and state governments had been emphasising the quality of everything. He further stated that every company should also emphasise what can be done for global competition and urged them to change 'Make in India' to 'Made in India'. Speaking on GST, Patel said that the GST revenue of Rs 1.88 lakh crore had been received in April, which is going to prove useful for the development of the country. All facilities are being made available to the public under the Ease of Doing Business policy. He further added that PM Modi had allocated a budget of Rs 48 lakh crore to the country, according to every sector, in a planned manner. Patel expressed his confidence that the budget would prove to be a budget that would lay a strong foundation for the development of the country. Taking to X, Patel said, "A programme organised on the occasion of the 51st foundation day of the Ahmedabad Chapter of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) provided an opportunity to interact with leading company secretaries...Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. company secretaries will play a very important role in realising this goal and in building a developed India...Following the success of the Vibrant Summit in Gujarat and the 'Ease of Doing Business' policy of the government, investors from all over the world have become ready to invest in Gujarat on this occasion..." (ANI) Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, announces that the firefighters have collected enough signatures, in a petition drive, needed to force a November vote on a city charter referendum to allow binding arbitration for contract disputes, during a news conference Friday, July 9, 2021 in Houston. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Firefighters with the Houston Fire Department received their long-awaited checks Saturday after a yearslong legal battle between the firefighters union and the city finally came to a close in June. The checks are the result of a pay dispute that has spanned the better part of a decade. The settlement reached in early June allotted $1.5 billion toward pay raises and back pay and was unanimously approved by City Council. Of the nearly 5,000 firefighters who were lined up near the Astrodome, around three-quarters received checks over $100,000, according to previous reporting from the Chronicle. The dispute began in 2016 after union representatives and the city failed to reach an agreement on HFDs contract renewal. The issue went unresolved under former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and the union eventually turned to the courts for relief. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After a legal dispute that saw the case tried before the Texas Supreme Court, a looming decision from a lower court judge in favor of the union forced the city to return to the negotiating table. Mayor John Whitmire, who was endorsed by the union, became mayor in 2024 and shortly thereafter pushed a settlement through the City Council, resolving the dispute and avoiding a judicial ruling against the city. In a post on X, union president Marty Lancton, a champion of the deal, celebrated the victory. The settlement proved controversial among officials and residents alike, some of whom raised concerns regarding the amount and nature of Saturdays payout. Controller Chris Hollins was among those who questioned the deal, and delayed it pending his offices review. Hollins ultimately certified the deal, allowing council to vote on it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During a City Council meeting in June, Whitmire said the deal was inevitable. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the house of Arjun, a lorry driver who went missing in the landslide at Shirur, Karnataka, on Sunday. The Kerala CM also sent a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting the resumption of the search operation for Arjun. "Dear Siddaramaiah ji, today, I visited the family of Arjun, who went missing in the Shirur district of Karnataka. I write this to share the anxiety and sorrow of Arjun's family, as he has been missing for quite a long time. I understand that the search operations to find Arjun were to be resumed today. However, information indicates that the operations have not yet resumed. I request your kind personal intervention for the resumption of the search operations today itself," CM Vijayan wrote in the letter. "Wrote to Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah Ji to share the anxiety and sorrow of Arjun's family, who went missing in the Shirur district of Karnataka. Requested his intervention for the resumption of the search operations, which were scheduled to restart today but have not yet begun," CM Vijayan wrote in a post on X. As heavy rainfall led to massive devastation in southern India, Arjun, a lorry driver from Kerala travelling from Ankola to Kerala, went missing on July 16. The search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad entered their sixth day on Sunday, as several people are still feared trapped in the debris after a series of landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai, Wayanad. Providing details about the rescue operation, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree told ANI that the rescue operation is in full swing, with over 1,300 forces deployed today. "The rescue operation is in full swing. Today, 1,300+ forces are deployed, and volunteers are also present. Yesterday, volunteers who went for the rescue operation got stranded. Today, we are taking precautions to prevent that from happening," the Wayanad District Collector told ANI. (ANI) The Astra Mark1 missiles have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation with BDL as its production agency. The production clearance to the BDL was given during a visit by the Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Hyderabad recently, Indian Air Force officials said. "The IAF Deputy Chief had visited the DRDO's Defence Research and Development Laboratory which is the development agency for the Astra missiles," they said. "The approval for the over Rs 2,900 crore project was granted in 2022-23 by the Defence Acquisition Council and the production clearance has been given for that order now after completion of all tests and developments," defence sources said. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) is the nodal lab for this project. The Astra missiles will be integrated on both the Russian-origin Su-30 as well as the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft after production. The Indian Air Force is helping a lot of indigenous projects for missiles and three to four such programmes are nearing completion including air-to-ground missiles. The Astra programme is being progressed gradually by the DRDO and IAF and they are now looking at testing the Mark 2 of the weapon system at around 130 Kms. The plans are also afoot to test and develop a long-range Astra with a strike capability of 300 Kms. (ANI) Later, the apprehended persons along with the recovered Ganja were handed over to Government Railway Police in Agartala for necessary legal action. In another case RPF team of Lumding while escorting in train no. 12424 UP (Rajdhani Express) apprehended three persons from the train and recovered 110 grams Brown Sugar worth Rs. 22 lakhs (approx.) on July 2, 2024. The apprehended individuals and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Officer-in-Charge of the Government Railway Police in Mariani for further necessary legal action. Notably, From January to July, 2024, the RPF of NFR (Northeast Frontier railway) managed to recover contraband and smuggled goods worth more than Rs. 19.70 crore and also managed to apprehend 261 persons for alleged involvement in the transportation of contraband/smuggled goods, stated an official Press release of the Indian railways. Last year during January - December, 2023, RPF of NFR recovered contraband and smuggled goods worth more than Rs. 25.43 crore and apprehended 392 persons for involvement in smuggling of contraband goods, the release stated. Several steps are taken by RPF of N. F. Railway on regular basis to make the Railways free from being utilised by the drug traffickers. Frequents drives are being conducted by RPF teams at different level in all the suspected trains and passenger areas. (ANI) The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) will provide pilgrims with free accommodation in all their rest houses in case of road blockages during the monsoon season. BKTC President Ajendra Ajay, in a conversation with ANI, said he had issued instructions to officials on Sunday and further added that every possible help would be provided to pilgrims in any emergency. The BKTC has rest houses located at major points along the Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra routes, where accommodation facilities are currently provided to pilgrims at a minimum charge. Ajay further stated that every possible help is being provided by BKTC to the pilgrims stranded in Kedarnath Dham. BKTC is distributing several quintals of fruits brought by a saint, Swami Sanvidananda, for the special worship of Baba Kedar during the month of Sawan. Along with this, a Bhandara is also being organized in collaboration with Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (GMVN). On Thursday, August 1, 15 people lost their lives in a cloudburst and landslides, which damaged the concrete bridge and footbridge along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said around 17,000 people have been evacuated from the disaster-affected areas and affirmed that relief and rescue operations are underway. Dhami further added that efforts are underway to restore bridges, electricity, and telecommunication lines in the area, stating that the rescue operations of the pilgrims are on the verge of completion. "The work of evacuating the pilgrims is almost complete. About 17,000 people have been evacuated. Our effort is to restore the bridges that have been washed away and restore electricity and telecommunication lines. Our entire administration is working on restoration. Our commissioner will play the role of a nodal officer. The departmental secretary will camp there and keep an eye on the situation," Dhami said. As part of the rescue operation, around 400 passengers were sent from Kedarnath to Lincholi, while 110 passengers were sent to the Chaumasi track to reach Chaumasi safely. Further efforts are being made continuously to rescue the passengers stranded on the Kedarnath Yatra route. The CEO of the Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, Yogendra Singh, said that on the fourth day of the rescue operation, 373 passengers, locals, and laborers stranded in Kedarnath Dham had been sent to Lincholi with the help of the NDRF, SDRF, and other security forces. At the same time, 570 passengers, locals, and laborers are waiting to be airlifted at the Kedarnath helipad. Food packets, water bottles, and fruits are being provided to all the people in Kedarnath by the District Administration, BKTC, and Tirtha Purohit Samaj. On the other hand, 110 passengers have been rescued by NDRF and SDRF from the Rambada Chaumasi track and taken to Chaumasi. Security forces on the track continuously provided food packets, water, and medical treatment to the passengers. So far, more than 534 passengers and locals have been rescued from this route. Meanwhile, in the last few days, the monsoon fury has triggered multiple flash floods and landslides affecting several states of the country. Over 300 people have lost their lives in massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad. 47 people are missing in Himachal Pradesh following natural disasters triggered by heavy rain. (ANI) Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party constituted a manifesto committee on Sunday and held the committee's first meeting. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday held the first meeting of the manifesto committee for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking after the meeting, Union Minister and J-K election in charge, G Kishan Reddy, said, "The BJP has constituted a manifesto committee. Today, we conducted the first meeting of the manifesto committee. The committee has been constituted to collect the data from the people of J&K and form the manifesto accordingly." Jammu and Kashmir BJP President, Ravinder Raina said that the BJP's manifesto will be the manifesto of the public. "Given the upcoming Assembly elections in J&K, a manifesto committee meeting of the BJP was held. The BJP manifesto will be the manifesto of the public and will be a commitment of the BJP to provide solutions to the problems of the public. A detailed vision document will be prepared for the public," Rana said. Meanwhile, 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. 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 accused is a resident of DLF Phase-2, Gurugram, Haryana. He was apprehended by a team of Delhi Police Special Task Force (STF) Shahdara. According to the police, a non-bailable warrant has been issued against the accused by the Joint Registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Delhi, in the matter of Execution application No. 83 of 2022, in consumer complaint no. 2489 of 2017, (Rajat Babbar & Anr Vs Ms Parshwanath Developers Pvt Ltd. Four non-bailable warrants and one bailable warrant from the National Commission were pending in Shahdara Police Station against Jain. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Sanjeev Jain on July 18, 2024, but he did not appear before the Ld Commission, the police said. Following being apprehended, Jain was consequently arrested in all the above mentioned cases issued against him. Thereafter, Jain was produced before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on Sunday. Further investigation into the matter is underway in the case and more details are awaited. (ANI) Launching scathing attacks on Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj over his remarks on the shortage of doctors in Hospitals, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said on Sunday that the appointments, postings and transfers are decided by the National Capital Civil Service Authority that is headed by the Chief Minister. In an official statement from the Raj Niwas, it said, "10 years of misgovernance masqueraded by advertisements and propaganda has begun to implode. Now that the system is crumbling, Press Conference Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj is frantically searching for alibis." "The AAP "health model" is there for all to see. The High Court taking suo moto cognizance of the pathetic state of affairs in GNCTD hospitals, personally summoned Bharadwaj. It appointed a committee under Dr SK Sareen to improve things, but its comprehensive report was neither deliberated upon by the PC Minister, who also happens to be the Health Minister. Fraud in Mohalla clinics, no new hospital in 10 years, tenders increasing from 400 Cr to 1100 Cr for construction of hospitals, medicine purchase scam ETC, lie exposed," it added. Further, it pointed out that any service matter- including appointments, postings, transfers, and disciplinary actions is decided by the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) headed by CM, and put up to LG. "CM Arvind Kejriwal has not convened a single meeting of NCCSA for ages. Even when he was out on bail and authorized by the Supreme Court to do so. PC Minister Bharadwaj would have done well to bring these matters to his Boss, Arvind Kejriwal when he was out on bail and asked him to act, rather than writing fig leaf alibis to LG," the statement said. "It will be in the interest of the public health system in Delhi if he indulges in governance rather than doing 3-4 press conferences a day," it added. Earlier today, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said that LG VK Saxena didn't give any order to recruit doctors after he wrote letters to him. "I wrote a letter to LG Vinai Kumar Saxena in April regarding the shortage of doctors. There is a huge shortage of specialist doctors. I again wrote a letter suggesting recruiting the doctors on a contractual basis as the UPSC exam procedure is time-consuming. But still, he didn't give any order to recruit the doctors on contracts." (ANI) After reports mentioned that the Centre is planning to amend the Waqf Board Act, Congress leader Naseem Khan on Sunday asserted that "Once a Waqf, always a Waqf", adding that it will not be tolerated. "The rules of the Waqf Board are very clear. Once a Waqf, always Waqf. The current Waqf Act protects the properties of the Waqf. The Waqf properties can be used for the welfare of the Muslim community. If the central government is planning on intervening in the Waqf board by bringing amendments to the Waqf Act to exercise their right to Waqf properties, it will not be tolerated," Naseem Khan said. The central government is considering making amendments to the Waqf Act which could restrict the power of the Waqf Board said sources. According to the sources, 32-40 amendments are being considered in the Waqf Board Act. Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. Subsequently, it was repealed and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995 which gave more powers to Waqf Boards. In 2013, this Act was further amended to give far-reaching powers to the Waqf Board to designate property as 'Waqf Property'. According to sources the proposed amendments are likely to make it mandatory for the Waqf Board to register its property in the District Collector's office so that the property can be evaluated. "Muslims were asking why the government wasn't making amendments to the Waqf Board law. Only powerful people are involved in Waqf, not ordinary Muslims. There are questions about revenue, no one is allowed to measure how much revenue is generated, and there are allegations of corruption. Neither the state government nor the central government can intervene in Waqf properties. But after the amendment, the Waqf Board will have to register their property with the District Collector's office so that the property can be evaluated", the sources said. The amendments also aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards. "Women will also be included in Waqf and counselling, which wasn't the case earlier. Now, appeals can be made in the high court against Waqf Board decisions, which was not possible earlier," said the source. Reacting to it, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the Government wanted to take away the autonomy of the Waqf Board. "Firstly, when Parliament is in session, the central government is acting against parliamentary supremacy and privileges and informing the media and not informing Parliament. I can say that whatever has been written in the media about this proposed amendment shows that the Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf Board and it wants to interfere. This itself is against the freedom of religion," he said. Calling for a great need for improvement in the Waqf Board Act, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi on Sunday alleged corruption in the board and said that the need of the hour is to bring amendments in the Act. Shazia said, "There is a great need for improvement in this. In our country, after Defence and Railways, the Waqf Board holds the most land. An Act was made in 1954 and amended in 1995, granting it unlimited powers. There are 8,50,000 properties registered under the board's name. Islamic countries like Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon do not have the concept of Waqf." "There is so much corruption in it. The common Muslims are not benefiting from it; rather, only those who have usurped the land are. 77 per cent of Delhi's land is under the Waqf Board. Some people are operating like a mafia in this. There is an urgent need to curb corruption. There are 32 state Waqf boards and one central body under the government, but the way their selection is done leaves a lot of scope for corruption," Shazia added. BJP leader Mohsin Raza said that if this bill is brought, he will welcome it. "There are lakhs of Waqf properties across the country and people are not getting justice. They (Waqf Board) go beyond their powers and harass people. There are many such properties and many such issues which should come directly to the government. Waqf was created for the upliftment of backward Muslims and it has not been used properly, it has just been misused. So it is obvious that there is a need to take out the Waqf properties which have come under the control of a few people and the properties which have been registered in the boards illegally should also be taken out. This is a matter of public interest and it should be brought," Raza said. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), member, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said that the government should consult and take the opinion of the stakeholders before making any amendments. On the other hand, supporting the amendments, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam, All India Imam Organization said that it is the need of the hour to do amendment and there should be no politics over it. (ANI) Additional Director General, BSF (Eastern Command), Kolkata, Ravi Gandhi, on his visit to BSF Frontier Meghalaya, reviewed and assessed the various operational and administrative-related issues along the Indo-Bangladesh border. On August 3, the ADG went to the East Khasi Hills bordering areas to assess the operational and technical issues. He stressed the fact that BSF is managing the Indo-Bangladesh border in a very professional and dynamic manner despite its myriad area-specific issues. The state of Meghalaya is known for its seven-month monsoon season, when it rains insistently. But notwithstanding all these adversaries, border men are valiantly performing their duties. On August 4, ADG chaired a joint meeting with civil administration and police officers of Garo Hills Districts, including DIG Police, DC and SP Tura along with BSF officers. The discussions included increasing mutual trust and the synergy level between BSF and Police. He also inspected the electronic surveillance grid being used to augment border dominance and operations. Further, he stressed the utility of installing the latest surveillance equipment to ensure effective border management. He comprehensively reviewed the matters related to the illegal activities, infiltration and smuggling. Furthermore, the ADG emphasised that the people of Meghalaya are peace-loving and friendly towards security forces. In regards to this, local population does not accept infiltrators who later become a burden on the economy. Expressing his determination to stop infiltration, he provided clear direction and valuable tips. He briefed them to remain extra vigilant and emphasised that security along the Indo-Bangladesh border has been bolstered to prevent any infiltration or illegal entry. He also appreciated the efforts being made by the field commanders and border men to curb attempts of infiltration and other trans-border crimes despite working in adverse climatic conditions and the tough terrain of the state. He stated that, the BSF remains committed in maintaining the integrity and security of the nation's borders. (ANI) The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, K.C. Venugopal, on Sunday stated that they will not succumb to the conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) to sabotage the Congress government. "We will go to the people, explain the facts to them, and fight unitedly," Venugopal added. The Congress leader was speaking to the media after a meeting with ministers at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's residence on Sunday. He said that serious developments in Karnataka state politics were discussed with the state ministers. The Karnataka BJP has a history of toppling governments. In 2018, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government was brought down by a conspiracy led by the BJP central leadership. The Congress leader vowed that the party would fight these attempts to sabotage the government and pledged to raise awareness among the public about the benefits of the guarantee schemes and the opposition's efforts to disrupt them. He instructed ministers and legislators to visit their constituencies and communicate the government's achievements and plans directly to the people. Venugopal accused BJP and JD(S) leaders of trying to protect their interests and family members by creating issues against the Congress government. He mentioned the Prajwal Revanna case as an example of how these parties have been conspiring against the Congress administration. He defended Siddaramaiah, highlighting his long-standing commitment to public service and integrity. Venugopal asserted that Siddaramaiah's political journey and values are well-known and respected by the people of Karnataka. Venugopal expressed concern that the BJP and JD(S) are trying to destabilize the government because of the Congress-led administration's successful implementation of guarantee schemes for the poor. He claimed that these schemes are seen as a threat to the opposition's political interests, prompting them to create controversies and undermine the government's stability. Criticizing the governor, Venugopal described the governor's actions as unfortunate and indicative of BJP influence. He accused the governor of attempting to create a perception of instability by issuing notices to the Chief Minister. The Congress leader dismissed the BJP's claims of corruption as hypocritical, pointing out legal issues involving BJP leaders like Vijayendra and Prajwal Revanna. He assured that any genuine legal concerns would be addressed through appropriate channels and reiterated the Congress party's commitment to supporting the poor and continuing its guarantee schemes. He also criticized the central government for its inadequate support and funding for Karnataka in the recent Union Budget. Venugopal pledged that the Congress would continue to stand united and fight against these destabilization efforts. (ANI) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, paid a visit to the families who were affected by the recent violence that took place in the Ganda Twisa area of the Dhalai district of Tripura on Sunday. Saha first visited the family of Parameswar Reang, who was attacked at a local fair on July 7 in that area, suffering from grave injuries and later dying on July 12 during treatment at the GBP Hospital in Agartala. His death erupted a row of violence in which many houses and shops were either looted or set ablaze around five locations on the outskirts of the main Ganda Twisa market. CM Saha visited the residence of Reang and expressed his condolences to his family. He further announced additional financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to his family after the state government already announced assistance of Rs 6 lakh to the deceased. "On July 7, a youth from Ganda Twisa, Parameswar Reang, was seriously injured in an unexpected incident. He later died during treatment at GBP Hospital in Agartala...Today, I visited the residence of the deceased and interacted with the bereaved family, expressing my condolences. The youth's death is an irreparable loss for the family; it can't be compensated. However, the state government has already announced financial assistance of Rs. 6 lakh for the deceased's family. Today, I have announced an additional assistance of Rs. 4 lakh," he said. Saha also visited the 145 families who were affected due to violence in 33KV areas and personally took stock of the situation there. "In recent Ganda Twisa incident, 145 families were affected at 33KV (6/7 Card & 30 Card) areas. Our government has taken the necessary steps after the incident. Today, I have personally visited Ganda Twisa to take stock of the situation. During my visit, interacted with the affected families," he said. He also announced an additional relief of Rs 2.30 crore in addition to Rs 1.14 crore of financial assistance already announced by the state government to the families there. "The State Government has already disbursed Rs. 1,14,80,000 for the assistance to affected families. After inspection today, I have announced additional relief of Rs. 2,30,40,000," he said. He further announced Rs 239.10 crore for 17 projects for overall development and restoration in Ganda Twisa. "Besides, assured all concerned that stringent action would be taken against those involved in the incident. Also announced 17 projects worth Rs. 239.10 crore for overall development and restoration of peace in Ganda Twisa," he said. (ANI) Calling the deaths of nine children in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district "heartbreaking", Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured victims. Nine children died following the collapse of a dilapidated house due to heavy rains in Shahpur, Sagar district, on Sunday. "The news of the death of 9 children due to the collapse of a wall due to heavy rains in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely heartbreaking. Many people have also been injured. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured victims," Kharge posted on X. The Congress leader also requested that the government and administration provide immediate compensation. "The government and administration are requested to provide immediate compensation and take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents from happening again due to heavy rains and bad weather. Such negligence is unfortunate," he wrote on X. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the deaths of nine children. He announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families from the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the kin of the nine children who lost their lives after the wall collapse in Sagar district. In a post on X from the Prime Minister's Office, it said, "The accident caused by the wall collapse in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, is heartbreaking. My condolences to the bereaved families of the children who lost their lives. May God give them strength to bear this pain. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured." PM Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. "The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. The injured will be given Rs 50,000," an official statement from PMO said. Earlier, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her grief over the deaths of the nine children. Taking to X, Murmu said, "I am saddened by the news of the death of many innocent children in a heart-wrenching accident in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. I pray that God gives strength to the bereaved parents and family members to bear this pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured children." According to officials, the incident occurred around 8:30 am, with initial reports suggesting the collapse was caused by the heavy downpour the previous night. (ANI) Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged on Sunday at a press conference that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena's office is spreading falsehoods and ignoring the acute shortage of medical personnel in Delhi government hospitals. Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj stated that nature seems to repeatedly create opportunities to expose Delhi's LG Vinai Saxena, who is ruling Delhi, and reveal his truth to the whole country. The Delhi Health Minister continued, "The LG continuously hides behind his office and indirectly spreads lies to the public and the media. One such lie was again presented to the media yesterday from the LG's office. I request the LG to stop hiding behind his office and indirectly presenting lies to the public. Instead, he should hold a press conference and write these lies himself to present them to the media and the people of the country so that action can be taken against him for his falsehoods." He mentioned that the poorest of the poor from Delhi and surrounding states come to Delhi hospitals with the hope of receiving adequate treatment. However, due to the significant shortage of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, lab technicians, and OT technicians in Delhi hospitals, these poor people are not able to receive adequate and complete treatment, which is being done deliberately under a conspiracy. Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed his surprise at a news article that stated it is the Delhi government's responsibility to fill the vacant posts of doctors, nurses, and other paramedical staff in Delhi hospitals. He emphasized that everyone knows the 'Services' Department falls directly under the LG of Delhi, making it the responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor to fill these vacancies. The Health Minister presented letters he had written earlier to the LG informing him about these vacancies. He stated that after taking over as the Health Minister of Delhi in March 2023, he wrote his first letter to the LG on April 19, 2023, informing him of a shortage of 292 General Medical Duty Officers (GDMOs) and 234 Specialists in Delhi Government hospitals, and appealed for these vacancies to be filled as soon as possible. No action was taken to fill these vacancies. Instead, doctors holding high positions in Delhi Government hospitals through Central Health Services (CHS) were also recalled by the Central Government, removing them from Delhi Government hospitals. (ANI) He will meet the district administration and other agencies engaged in disaster relief, the sources added. The city has been experiencing persistent heavy rain for the past few days. In response to incessant rainfall in Pune and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Indian Army carried out relief work in the Ekta Nagar area on Sunday. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Pune on Monday, predicting "heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas. Light to moderate rain in plains". The weather department also predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas. Light to moderate rainfall in the plains for August 6, while moderate rainfall for August 7. Earlier on July 25, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited flood-affected areas in Ekta Nagar and Vitthal Nagar of Pune city to take stock of the situation. After the visit, Ajit Pawar said, "There was never such an issue of waterlogging or flooding here in these areas but we don't know why it happened this time. The Revnue Department and the Municipal Corporation will come and do the needful." Earlier in July, the District Fire Brigade rescued 70 people who had been stranded in the flood waters in the Nimbjanagar area of the city following heavy downpours. (ANI) Despite facing the strong arm of Pakistan's security forces, the Baloch people led by the Baloch Yakhjeti Committe continue their sit-in at Padzir in Gwadar. Similar sit-ins are also going on in other parts of the province as the Baloch rise up against the continued oppression by the Pakistan state. "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," the Baloch Yakhjeti committee said in a statement. Baloch activists say that despite ongoing negotiations, the state is intensifying its crackdown on peaceful protesters across Pakistan, leading to increased casualties and injuries among civilians. The BYC alleged that the Sindh police had attacked a peaceful protest organized in solidarity with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee's Baloch Raaji Muchi and in opposition to the brutal crackdown on the movement. Many of the peaceful protesters including women were arrested and detained by the police. "The occupying Pakistani state has kept the market of immense cruelty hot in Balochistan, which has created a humanitarian crisis. In recent days, the Baloch nation has united and protested against the ongoing oppression and oppression, which the occupying Pakistan has tried to sabotage brutally. Gwadar has been under siege for several days and the state has closed the roads across Balochistan and the people are dying from the scorching sun in the open sky. The cruel and oppressive Pakistani state's use of indiscriminate force on peaceful Baloch protesters shows the false face of the occupying state. Many Baloch people have been martyred and injured due to the unbridled firing by the enemy's security forces, while many political workers are imprisoned in illegal prisons," said Zarwan Baloch a representative of the Baloch Students organisation. Meanwhile, the Baloch organisation have kept a line open for negotiations with the government. The Baloch demands include the stopping of the use of force against the participants of the Baloch National Gathering, the release of all arrested participants of the National Gathering across Balochistan and the opening of all highways of Balochistan. Reports suggest that Pakistani forces have imposed a curfew in the region despite the sit-in continuing. A one-day national gathering has now turned into a week-long protest. "Baloch people, this struggle is a patient and long struggle, for which Jihad is necessary and victory in it will be of strong morale and spirit dedicated to sacrifice. We are sure to fight this state at every step and carry forward this struggle and victory will be ours," said activist Mahrang Baloch in a statement. For now, the Baloch protests show no sign of waning, leaving the Pakistani establishment with much to think about (ANI) Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have said that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by Israel using a short-range projectile with a warhead and plans to take revenge "at the appropriate time. The statement by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday also accuses the "criminal government" of the United States of supporting the attack, which Iran blames on Israel. "This terrorist attack was designed and implemented by the Zionist regime (Israel) and supported by the criminal government of America," the IRNA news agency quoted the statement as saying. The statement by IRGC which was televised on the country's state media, came, three days after Haniyeh was killed at his accommodation in northern Tehran following his attendance at the inaugural ceremony of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian. As per the statement, a rocket with a seven-kilogram warhead was used to target the residence of Haniyeh state media IRNA reported. It said the attack caused heavy devastation. The IRGC statement emphasised that it would "avenge blood of Haniyeh", adding that "the terrorist and adventurist Zionist regime would definitely receive severe punishment and a decisive response at appropriate time and in proper place." The Hamas leader and his bodyguard were killed in an Iranian government guest house in Tehran in the early hours of July 31. Haniyeh had gone to the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the killing. Israel, which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has neither acknowledged nor denied killing Haniyeh. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a public funeral ceremony for Haniyeh in Tehran on Thursday, before the coffin was transported to Doha, and threatened "harsh punishment" for Haniyeh's killing. Earlier on Wednesday, he also ordered Iran to strike Israel directly, in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader. Khamenei gave the order at an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Hanieyh's killing came hours after top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli air attack on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on July 30 Iranian news agency IRNA quoted Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV as saying on Saturday that fighters of the Tehran-backed Lebanon group had targeted a building where Israeli soldiers gathered earlier in the day. Air raid sirens went off in 15 Israeli settlements, the Al Mayadeen TV channel reported. Hezbollah said it launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets towards the Beit Hillel settlement in northern Israel, claiming the attack was in response to Israel's targeting of civilians in Lebanon, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Videos showed Israel's Iron Dome defence system being activated over the area. Meanwhile, during a meeting in Doha, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They also discussed Iran's call for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states over the assassination of the Hamas leader, IRNA reported. (ANI) Pakistan's Telecommunication Authority is planning to regulate VPN usage in Pakistan by whitelisting certain proxy networks and blocking others, according to PTA Chairman Maj General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, Samaa TV reported. During the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting, Rehman said that once the policy is in place, only whitelisted VPNs will be operational in Pakistan, while all others will be blocked. In 2024, the use of VPNs among local internet users surged significantly, primarily to access X, which has been banned in the country since February 19, according to the Samaa TV report. Several political parties have extensively used X to present their case. The most notable is the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf, whose jailed leader former PM Imran Khan has used X to present his point of view on various cases against him. The PTI has also used X to call for rallies and protests against the Shehbaz Sharif government. Even on Saturday, the PTI X timeline was abuzz with calls for the national protest rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan has also been able to address election rallies using Artificial Intelligence and pushed his cause effectively on social media. In a statement posted by the PTI's Canada office, the party criticised the move saying the government was scared of informed voices. "First they ban X on flimsy 'national security' grounds, now they're coming for VPNs. The PTA must be terrified of an informed and connected populace. Why is the government so terrified of its own citizens' voices?" the post on X from PTI Canada read. The call to ban VPNs has met with severe criticism by netizens who posted on X about their misgivings on this move. An editorial in Dawn on Saturday said such a move would deprive people of chances to realise their potential. "All of this would suggest that the effort to wall in its people and control their lives virtually may only end up pushing the country even further behind in the global race for digital supremacy. For a nation largely comprising very young people, this would be an unmitigated disaster as it could have repercussions that may spill over generations. Already struggling to compete, the Pakistani people will end up being deprived of even more chances to realise their potential and contribute positively on a global scale," the editorial said. According to the website DataReportal, there were 71.70 million active social media user identities in Pakistan in January 2024. YouTube is Pakistan's most-used social media platform in 2024 with a potential ad audience of 71.70 million. Data published in the ad planning tools of top social media platforms indicates that there were 54.38 million users aged 18 and above using social media in Pakistan at the start of 2024, which was equivalent to 38.9 per cent of the total population aged 18 and above at that time. Meanwhile, according to Samaa TV, the Pakistan government has made previous attempts to regulate VPN usage by requiring registration, but these efforts have not resulted in significant action. In 2022, the PTA asked public and private sector organizations, foreign missions, and freelancers to register their VPNs to avoid disruptions. The PTA also passed VPN regulations in 2010, but enforcement has been inconsistent. (ANI) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused Pakistani authorities of harassing them under the guise of negotiations and threatening mass killings if the sit-in is not ended and not addressing their "constitutional and legal" demands. It urged the United Nations to take notice of the dangerous situation in Balochistan. The BYC said that they have been negotiating with Pakistan through the mediation of the All Parties of Gwadar for the past four days. Speaking about the negotiations with the government, the BYC said that they have consistently urged Pakistan to create a conducive environment by not using force and violence against peaceful protesters and reopening the roads. In a statement posted on X, the BYC stated, "As you all know, we have been negotiating with the state of Pakistan through the mediation of the All Parties of Gwadar for the past four days. During these negotiations, we have consistently urged the state to create a conducive environment by stopping the use of force and violence against peaceful protesters throughout Balochistan and by reopening roads and the internet." "The closure of roads and internet has caused a severe shortage of food and medicines across Makuran. For the past eight-nine days, people have been unable to contact anyone from their homes. However, instead of addressing our constitutional and legal demands, the state continues to harass us in the guise of negotiations and threatens mass killings if the sit-in is not ended," it added. Stressing that Pakistan continues to intensify its use of force and violence, the BYC said that peaceful protesters have been arrested from Quetta and Karachi and subjected to violence. It even accused the state of firing on peaceful protesters in Nushki, which claimed the life of a young man and injured several others. In a statement, the BYC stated, "We have repeatedly told the state during these four days of negotiations to stop the use of force and violence against peaceful protesters throughout Balochistan to allow these talks to progress. Instead, the state has intensified its use of force and violence. Even during these negotiations, peaceful protesters have been arrested from Quetta and Karachi and subjected to brutal violence. Yesterday, the state crossed all limits of barbarism by firing on peaceful protesters in Nushki, killing one young man and injuring several others. This proves that this state has no respect for law and constitution.""On the one hand, the state has sent its administration and ministers to negotiate with us, promising no further use of force and violence. On the other hand, during the ongoing negotiations in Gwadar, force is being used against peaceful protesters in Nushki and Karachi, setting the worst examples of brutality," it added. The BYC accused the state of planning to kill the Baloch with guns and hunger. It said that Pakistan is proving that peaceful protests in Balochistan will not be tolerated despite the constitution allowing peaceful protests. In a statement, the BYC said, "The state of Pakistan is proving at every step that peaceful protests in Balochistan will not be tolerated. Even though the constitution of Pakistan allows peaceful protests, the state is using its full force against the Baloch nation in response to a peaceful sit-in in Gwadar. What kind of law is it that in response to a peaceful sit-in, the entire Balochistan has been completely sealed off for the past ten days? A curfew has been imposed across Makuran." "The state has planned to kill the Baloch with both guns and hunger. We make it clear to the state that by crossing all limits of oppression, you are forcing millions of people across Balochistan to take to the streets. If millions take to the streets against this brutality and barbarism, your power and arrogance will drown in this public flood. We appeal to the United Nations to take full notice of the dangerous situation in Balochistan at this time. Millions of people's lives are at risk across Makuran, including Gwadar. The United Nations' attention can save millions of lives," it added. Speaking about their demands from the government on X, the BYC said that the FIR of the firing incidents in Mastung, Talar, Gwadar, Nushki, and Turbat, where protesters were killed and injured by the Frontier Corps (FC), should be registered against the Corps Commander. It said that the Home Departmetn should notify that there will be no use of force or violence by the state military. The BYC called on the Chief Minister and his cabinet to come to Gwadar and acknowledge in a press conference that the government of Balochistan is responsible for the damages caused during this entire period. It called for the immediate release of all the participants of the Baloch National Gathering who had been arrested or forcibly disappeared from peaceful gatherings and their homes and all FIRs should be quashed. In a statement on X, the BYC stated, "The Chief Minister and his cabinet should come to Gwadar and acknowledge in a press conference with us that the government of Balochistan is responsible for the damages caused during this entire period. They should admit that they attempted to crush this public peaceful program with violence and passed the order for the use of force. The government of Balochistan should condemn the loss of life and property." It demanded the reopening of roads, the lifting of the undeclared curfew in Makuran, including Gwadar, the restoration of water in Gwadar, and the restoration of internet services across the region. In a statement on X, the BYC said, "The Government of Pakistan should notify that no participant or helper of the Baloch National Gathering will be harassed, and no further FIR will be filed in this regard. Moreover, no unnecessary force will be used in any future peaceful program." "The government of Balochistan should compensate the general public for the financial damages caused by the state military and intelligence agencies during the Baloch National Gathering, including breaking into their homes, burning vehicles, or confiscating personal belongings," it added. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1819859967647858921 In an earlier statement, BYC said that Baloch Solidarity Committee Nushki blocked the main highway against state oppression and oppression of the Baloch National Gathering. In a post on X, BYC stated, "Baloch Solidarity Committee Nushki blocked the main highway against state oppression and oppression of Baloch Raji Muchi and firing, harassment and disappearance of peaceful peaceful protesters. And on the other hand, a peaceful dharna has been going on for the past three days in Panjgur and a large number of people are participating." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1819841296980201850 Despite facing the strong arm of Pakistan's security forces, the Baloch people, led by the Baloch Yakhjeti Committee, continue their sit-in at Padzir in Gwadar. Similar sit-ins are also going on in other parts of the province as the Baloch rise up against the continued oppression by the Pakistan state. (ANI) US Central Command's General Michael Kurilla arrived in the region on Saturday amid preparations for a possible attack by Iran on Israel in response to the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, US-based news website Axios reported, citing two US officials. General Kurilla's visit, which was planned before the recent escalation between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah following the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, is now seen as a strategic move. He is expected to mobilise the international and regional coalition that previously defended Israel against an attack from Iran on April 13, Axios reported, citing a US official. Three US and Israeli officials said that they expect Iran to launch an attack on Israel as early as Monday. Iranian and Hezbollah leaders have pledged to retaliate for the killings of Hezbollah's top military commander, Fuad Shukr, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. According to a US official, Kurilla is expected to visit several Gulf nations, including Israel and Jordan. Jordan is a key stop, as it played an important role during the April 13 attack by intercepting Iranian drones bound for Israel and allowing US and Israeli jets to use its airspace for interception. The official said that the US hopes the same will happen again if needed. The US is boosting its forces in the Middle East in preparation for Iran's possible attack on Israel and sending more warships and fighter jets to the region, the Pentagon said on Friday, according to Axios report. US officials expect Iranian retaliation to follow a similar pattern as their previous attack on Israel but may also involve Hezbollah in Lebanon, Axios reported. The US government is concerned that it may be more difficult to mobilise the international and regional cooperation of nations that defended Israel from the previous Iranian attack, as Haniyeh's killing has drawn sharp sentiments against Israel across the region. US and Israeli officials said they do not know whether Iran and Hezbollah will carry out a coordinated attack or operate separately. The officials said that they think Iran and Hezbollah are still working on finalising their military plans and giving them approval at the political level. A US official said the Biden administration wanted to announce the bolstering of US forces on Friday as Iran and Hezbollah were discussing regarding their response with the hope that the announcement will help to deter and influence their military plans. When asked on Saturday whether he believes Iran will back down, US President Joe Biden replied, "I hope so. I don't know." On July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran. In a statement, the IRGC said that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their residence 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. Ismail Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, travelled to Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a Press TV report. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in the Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday (local time).The IDF said Shukr was "responsible for the majority of Hezbollah's most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs" and for the terror group's "force build-up, planning, and execution of terror attacks against the State of Israel," The Times of Israel reported. On July 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his nation has delivered "crushing blows" to enemies in the last few days, CNN reported. He made the remarks hours after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. (ANI) Amidst Chinese bullying of its rivals in the strategic South China Sea and aiming to counter Beijing's continuing violations of international treaty obligations, countries in the region are galvanising their defences. Two warships from the Philippines and Japan each, for the first time ever, conducted a joint exercise in the contested waters. This exercise followed a bilateral defence treaty, termed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), signed between Manila and Tokyo to facilitate joint exercises for closer security cooperation, amid China's growing assertion in the regional resource-rich waters. The Philippine Navy's Jose Rizal frigate on August 2 sailed alongside Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force's Sazanami destroyer and participated in tactical maneuvering, communication and photographic exercises in areas of the South China Sea that the Philippines claims jurisdiction over, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement. "This activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," the Armed Forces of the Philippines said. The Philippines Army stated that duing the joint sailing exercise two vessels -a Jiangdao-class corvette and a Jingkai class frigate- belonging to China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)- were observed tailing the formation. The joint sailing activity formed part of recent similar activities undertaken by the Philippine Navy with the navies of allies like the US, Australia and France that aim to project the commitment of these countries to freedom of navigation and rule of law in the face of China's growing aggressiveness in staking claims in the South China Sea. Recently, the Filipino navy patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the US Navy's littoral combat ship USS Mobile conducted a similar joint sailing exercise in South China Sea waters close to the Philippines. Both the Philippines and Japan are long-time allies of the US, which has been bolstering ties in the region to counter Chinese aggression. China increased its provocations against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea which has led to the Philippines granting the US military access to more bases in the country. Meanwhile, a Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel is on its way to the Philippines for a joint training exercise, in a first such exercise between the two countries as per a report in Vietnamese news agency VNA. The Vietnamese vessel Vessel CSB 8002 will engage in joint training exercises focusing on search and rescue operations and maritime safety together with the Philippines Coast Guard. Vietnam and Phillipines along with other countries in the regions including Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia have made territorial claims in the contested waters of the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of South China sea including the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands as its own. Last week on the sidelines of the ASEAN Meeting in Laos, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over Beijing's "destabilising actions" in the South China Sea during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi According to reports, Wang said the US is stoking tensions on the issue and warned ASEAN countries against allowing the US to get involved. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 36 Chinese military aircraft and 12 naval vessels were operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Saturday to 6 am (local time) on Sunday. Of the 36 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 31 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, southeastern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Bejing's action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor China's military activity. Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "36 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 31 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, southeastern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." So far in August, Taiwan has detected PLA aircraft 71 times and Chinese ships 36 times, Taiwan News reported. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan. According to Taiwan News report, gray zone tactics are "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force." 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. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. On Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported a surge in activity by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait, with 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels detected as of 6 am local time on Saturday. According to the Ministry, 11 of the PLA aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the incursion. In a post on X, Taiwan MND said, "18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." (ANI) An Israeli woman was killed and three others were injured in a terror stabbing attack in Israel's Holon on Sunday morning, The Times of Israel reported, citing police and medics. The terrorist, a West Bank Palestinian stabbed three people at three different places before being shot by a police personnel, the report said. Magen David Adom ambulance service medics said, "This was a complex and difficult terror attack, the casualties were at three separate locations, approximately 500 meters from each other," The Times of Israel reported. MDA said that a 66-year-old woman was declared dead at the site of the incident. MDA said three people were taken to the nearby Wolfson Medical Center, which included a man in his 70s in critical condition, a man aged 68 in serious condition, and a 26-year-old in moderate condition. The first victim was stabbed at the entrance to a park on Moshe Dayan Street, where the woman was killed and the man (68) was seriously injured, The Times of Israel reported. The terrorist then headed to a nearby bus stop next to the gas station, where he stabbed and critically injured the man in his 70s. The last victim (26) was stabbed at a bus parking lot on Dan Shomron Street, according to MDA. Police said the terrorist was shot by an officer, who reached the site of the incident. His condition was not immediately known. A security source identified him as Amar Odeh (34), a resident of Salfit's West Bank city. According to the source, he did not have an entry permit to Israel and had no prior security-related offences. The source said he did not have an entry permit to travel to Israel and had no prior security-related offences. Police further said they were carrying out the search in the area for possible additional suspects who were involved in the area, The Times of Israel reported. On July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran. In a statement, the IRGC said that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their residence 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. Ismail Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, travelled to Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a Press TV report. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in the Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday (local time).The IDF said Shukr was "responsible for the majority of Hezbollah's most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs" and for the terror group's "force build-up, planning, and execution of terror attacks against the State of Israel," The Times of Israel reported. On July 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his nation has delivered "crushing blows" to enemies in the last few days, CNN reported. He made the remarks hours after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. The conflict between Israel and Hamas started after the terrorists entered through the Gaza border into Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 people as hostages. Since then, 24 Israelis, including security personnel, have been killed in Palestinian terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank, including in Sunday's attack, the report said. Furthermore, five Israeli security forces members were killed in clashes with terror operatives in the West Bank. (ANI) Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has urged the United Nations and other rights groups, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) to intervene and stop the "political misadventure by the state of Pakistan." Mahrang Baloch accused the Pakistani authorities of shutting down the internet, blockade of roads and complete media censorship in Gwadar. She said that they have been peaceful despite the state's "brutal crackdown" and blamed the state's actions for turning the national gathering on July 28 into a sit-in. In a statement posted on X, Mahrang Baloch stated, "Dear Baloch Nation and the World, I, along with thousands of others, am still in Gwadar, with the internet shut down, roads blocked, and the city isolated with a complete media censorship imposed. Controlled media is continuously used to portray us as violent and unwilling to negotiate. From day one, we have been peaceful despite the state's brutal crackdown. Our national gathering on July 28 was turned into a sit-in due to the state's actions. State actions included blocking roads and highways, shutting down the internet, arresting peaceful protesters, and firing direct gunshots at them." Mahrang Baloch's statement came at a time when the Baloch Yakjehti Committee's (BYC) sit-in in Gwadar continues for the eighth day with the participation of thousands of people. She called for registering FIRs against forces that used violence in Mastung, Gwadar, Nushki, Turbat, Talar and other parts of Balochistan by killing and injuring peaceful protesters. She demanded the release of all those arrested before, during and after the Baloch National Gathering. In a statement, Mahrang Baloch stated, "Our clear, legitimate demands to create an environment of talks are: A. Registering FIRs against forces that used violence in Mastung, Gwadar, Nushki, Turbat, Talar and other parts of Balochistan by killing and injuring peaceful protesters. B. Lifting the blockade/curfew in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan. State shall guarantee no further use of force or violence by the state security forces will occur. C. Stopping the harassment and arrest of BYC workers, supporters, and residents of Gwadar. Govt should admit it used force to crush a peaceful movement. D. Releasing all those arrested before, during, and after our national gathering." "Bogus FIRS registered must be quashed. E. Compensate the public for financial damages caused by state military and intelligence agencies during the Baloch National Gathering by breaking into homes, vandalising property, burning vehicles and confiscating personal belongings. Instead of meeting our demands, the state is using more force, escalating the situation to find reasons to arrest me, my colleagues, and BYC leadership. The rest of the BYC leadership and I are at great risk and our lives are in serious danger. Now, all government machinery is being used to legitimize a crackdown on us, putting us at greater risk. The situation resembles the events during Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti's time, where negotiation was claimed, but force was used. This is being repeated now. We call on rights groups, @HRCP87, @amnestysasia, @FrontLineHRD, @hrw, @MaryLawlorhrds, @UNinPak, @EUPakistan, and @RKionka to intervene and stop this political misadventure by the state of Pakistan," she added. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1819963816375152874 The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has said that its sit-in in Gwadar has continued for the eighth day with the participation of thousands of people. The BYC said that the sit-in will continue until complete justice is achieved. The BYC accused Pakistan of imposing a curfew in Gwadar and through Makuran by shutting down the internet and mobile networks. It said that all roads, highways, shops, and markets have been closed, causing a severe shortage of food and medicine. It stressed that Pakistan's "brutality and oppression" will result in a severe humanitarian crisis in Balochistan. In a post on X, BYC stated, "Gwadar: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) sit-in continues for the eighth day in Gwadar, with thousands of people participating. This peaceful sit-in will persist until complete justice is achieved. For the past ten days, the state of Pakistan has imposed a curfew in Gwadar and throughout Makuran by shutting down the internet and mobile networks." "All roads, highways, shops, and markets have been forcibly closed, resulting in a severe shortage of food and medicine. Additionally, the water supply in Gwadar has been cut off. This brutality and oppression by the state of Pakistan will lead to a severe humanitarian crisis in Balochistan. We deeply regret that thousands of lives are at risk in Balochistan due to this situation, yet the world remains silent, witnessing this destruction. Your silence could lead to the loss of millions of lives. Raise your voice and help save millions of lives," it added. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1819870940571808003 For now, the Baloch protests show no sign of waning, leaving the Pakistani establishment with much to think about. (ANI) Some of the rockets struck in Israel, including one that hit in the area of Beit Hillel, in the "Finger of the Galilee." There were no casualties. Afterwards, fighter jets of the Israel Air Force attacked the rocket launcher of the Hezbollah terrorist organization from which the launches were detected from the area of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon, and another terrorist infrastructure in the area. In addition, the IDF attacked with artillery to remove a threat in the al-Adisa area in southern Lebanon. (ANI/TPS) Chinese Premier Li Qiang extended a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the landslides in Kerala, that claimed the lives of over 300 people. Li Qiang offered sympathies to the families of the victims and the injured people. In a post on X, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, stated, "On August 3, Premier Li Qiang sent a message of condolence to PM Modi on the landslides in Kerala. Li Qiang said that he was shocked to learn that a landslide disaster occurred in Kerala causing heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government, he expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured." The landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad have resulted in the loss of 308 lives. The search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad have entered its sixth day on Sunday, as several people are still feared trapped in the debris after a series of landslides that occurred in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad. Sharing details regarding the rescue operation, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree told ANI, that the rescue operation is in full swing, and over 1300 forces have been deployed for today's operation. "Rescue operation is going on in full swing. Today, 1,300+ forces are deployed...volunteers are also there...yesterday volunteers who went for the rescue operation got stranded there, today we are taking precautions so that it doesn't happen," Wayanad District Collector told ANI. Meanwhile, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office has informed that night patrolling of the police has been instituted in Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas where landslides occurred. Action will be taken against those trespassing in the houses or areas of the victims at night, the statement from CM's office said. No one should enter the houses or areas of these places at night without the permission of the police for the purpose of rescue operations, it added. On Saturday, the Indian Air Force airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to fasten the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. On the same day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued three personnel stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, located in the landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for contributing Rs 5 crore towards the relief efforts in landslide-hit Wayanad, which claimed more than 300 lives in the state. As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far. (ANI) A massive gathering by civil society activists took place at the streets of Karachi on Saturday, against the state crackdown on Baloch protesters in Sindh and Balochistan, Dawn reported. The protestors chanted slogans against the government's "cowardice" and "hypocrisy", and also called out the state to "stop the siege of Gwadar." Their voices, the loudest among the three demonstrations underway in the area, were undeterred even as the city's humidity levels peaked. "We won't back down until and unless the oppression stops," said Virsa Pirzado, one of the protesters and a member of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women. "The state clampdown is unacceptable, the way they arrested them is unacceptable, the way they beat up Baloch women and children is unacceptable," Dawn quoted the protestor as saying. "The issue of missing persons is genuine." Earlier on Friday night, several workers of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were arrested when they gathered near the Arts Council roundabout to stage a rally in protest over incidents of alleged torture and detention in Gwadar, as reported by Dawn. The BYC accused the police of manhandling participants of the rally and alleged that around 50 workers, including women, were detained, when they tried to march on the KPC. On the other hand, the police claimed that organisers violated the ban on holding any unlawful assembly in the Red Zone, adding that 14 male activists were booked under the relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code while women protesters were released immediately. But activists who gathered for the release of these detainees today claimed that the number of those arrested was largely underreported. "Last night, around 150 Baloch protesters, including students, were subjected to a baton charge and arrested for nothing. They were just lodging a peaceful protest," Riaz Ahmed, a Karachi University professor, said. "Several of those arrested have not yet returned home; their names are not in the first information reports and we fear they will be declared missing persons," he said. Ahmed highlighted that peaceful Baloch protesters were being pushed into a corner. "Where is the civilian government? All these political parties only speak up when they are benefiting. But what about the public? Who will listen to them?" he questioned. The professor, who has spearheaded several protests in the city, added that he was prepared to be arrested today. Ahmed's sentiment was shared by other protesters as well. Senior journalist Mujahid Barelvi also lambasted the Pakistani authorities for imposing a four-day ban on holding public gatherings and rallies within the city's Red Zone. "I have written an application to the KPC's governing body and I have demanded that as long as their ban remains, the Press Club be declared a Red Zone for any government official," he stated as his fellow demonstrators cheered him on. According to Dawn, what started as a small protest soon expanded into a crowd. Soon, the demonstrators decided to march towards the Artillery Maidan police station -- which is located a short distance from the Press Club -- and check on the status of the detainees. They were, however, stopped by a large contingent of police, both men and women officers, who held batons in their hands. The protesters expressed their objection to this. Iqra Baloch said: "How is it possible that the police are never present anywhere but at a protest, especially when it concerns the Baloch people?" she asked. On the other hand, activist Anum Khan emphasised that the protest in Gwadar was being held to speak up against the chronic problem of 'enforced disappearances.' "But the response by the state in the form of intimidation and force...this shows their weakness, not their strength," she added. (ANI) A report by the Pakistan Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs disclosed that the previous government led by the Pakistan Peoples Party has borrowed the maximum from International Monetary Fund (IMF), with a loan of over USD 7.72, The Express Tribune reported. This was revealed after the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs released data showing which political party's government in Pakistan borrowed the most from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and which repaid the most loans and interest. In a briefing to the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Saturday, officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs revealed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) borrowed over USD 7.72 billion from the IMF and was on the top of the list. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ranked second, with a loan of USD 6.48 billion, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came third, taking loans amounting to USD 6 billion, just USD 480 million less than the PML-N, according to The Express Tribune. Meanwhile, in terms of repayments, the PTI government topped the list for the most interest paid, having paid USD 791 million in a single term. Meanwhile, the PML-N government returned the most, with over USD 5.92 billion paid back to the IMF, putting it in the first position. Officials informed the Standing Committee that during its tenure from 2008 to 2013, the PPP government borrowed over 5.23 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) from the IMF, which amounts to more than USD 7.72 billion in US currency. Consequently, the PPP is the leading party in terms of borrowing, reported The Express Tribune. The statistics presented to the Standing Committee highlighted that the PPP government repaid over USD 3 billion of the IMF loan and paid more than USD 484 million in interest. Similarly, during 2013 to 2018, the PML-N government borrowed 4.39 billion SDRs, translating to more than USD 6.48 billion. During these five years, they repaid more than 4 billion SDRs, amounting to over USD 5.92 billion. The PML-N paid more than USD 317 million in interest during these five years. However, from 2018 to 2022, the PTI government borrowed over 4.05 billion SDRs, which translates to approximately USD 6 billion in loans. During this time, the PTI repaid 2.72 billion SDRs, equivalent to USD 4.02 billion in US currency. Moreover, from 2018 to 2022, PTI topped the list of interest payments to the IMF, with payments of USD 791 million. (ANI) The members of the US-based Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP) on Saturday, filed an amicus curiae brief against TikTok's vs Garland case, urging the authorities to address the threat of Chinese ownership of the social media platform. "Over 50 lawmakers file a bipartisan amicus brief in defence of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in TikTok v Garland. The brief defends the act to address the threat of Chinese ownership of TikTok," the SCCCP said in a post on X. https://x.com/committeeonccp/status/1819741215870345631 The US lawmakers, John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi, headed the brief filing, underlined in the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACAA). TikTok's mother company, ByteDance, which belongs to China, currently faces PAFACAA in the US, which means it has to either divest itself from the platform (sell US operations of TikTok) or face a total ban as it has been alleged to have stolen the data of its 170 million US users. The brief mentioned that it seeks to protect all Americans from foreign adversary-controlled applications that present a clear national security threat to the US. According to the amicus curiae brief, "Congress determined that foreign adversary-controlled applications that present a clear and significant national security threat should not be permitted to access application stores or web hosting services in the United States." The brief further said that to stop foreign adversaries from targeting, surveilling, and conducting covert repression campaigns against the American people through social media and related applications, the Divestiture Act requires "companies controlled by the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran to divest themselves of that control or face restrictions in the United States." The brief also alleged that China intends to use TikTok against the United States. "The Divestiture Act is backed by extensive legislative factfinding demonstrating that foreign adversary nations seek to exploit applications including social media to target, surveil, and conduct other covert activities (including transnational repression) against the American people," it stated. Additionally, the SCCCP, in its brief, also pointed out that it and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence have held numerous classified briefings and open hearings on the threat posed by the CCP generally and through TikTok specifically. In these briefings, several national security and technology experts testified about the PRC's technology ambitions. The brief added that it also has testimony from the Director of the FBI on the national security threat posed by TikTok during its annual Worldwide Threats hearing. A similar brief was also filed by the Foundation of Defence of Democracies (FDD) on Friday. The 28-page brief by the FDD details how TikTok's current ownership structure has enabled the CCP to infiltrate the company and dictate the kinds of information it obtains from Americans and stores in China, thereby threatening US national security. This data includes information about children, which is protected by federal law; viewers who watch LGBTQ+ material; and even driver's licenses and other personal information of TikTok users, a press statement by the FDD said. "Beyond TikTok's surveilling Americans (including journalists), FDD shows the Court how Beijing uses the platform to manipulate the kinds of news and information users receive at the Chinese government's behest, interfere in U.S. elections, and prepare for "cognitive combat" (psychological warfare) -- reinforcing the argument that a forced sale is constitutional," the statement added. Notably, India was among the first countries to ban TikTok, citing 'security concerns'. The Union government banned TikTok and several other Chinese apps in June 2020 over 'national security concerns'. Before the ban, the app had about 150 million monthly active users in India. Following this, Nepal also announced a ban on the China-owned video-sharing app TikTok, citing its negative efforts on 'social harmony'. Moreover, TikTok is already partially or completely banned in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Afghanistan, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway, concerning the security issues with the video-sharing app. (ANI) The members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) organised a vigil on Sunday to honour the people who had lost their lives due to the brutalities of the Pakistani defence forces on the sidelines of the Baloch Raaji Muchi. The BYC in a post on 'X', stated that the BYC will stand against the ongoing genocide of the Baloch Nation. "BYC Shall recently held a solemn vigil to honour our fallen comrades, who were brutally killed by State forces on their way to the Baloch Raaji Muchi. These brave individuals were part of Baloch Raji Muchi, standing against the ongoing genocide of the Baloch Nation with the dream that one day, this horror would end, and our people would live in peace in their homeland," they stated. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1819825702834942142 The statement further added that the blood of these people will be the guiding light in the fight for justice for future generations. "Tragically, these beautiful souls became victims of the very genocide they sought to resist. Today, we pay homage to these courageous Baloch sons, whose sacrifices in the peaceful struggle for our nation will never be forgotten. Their blood will be our guiding light in the fight for justice for future generations," the BYC stated. In its statement, the BYC condemned the actions of the Pakistani defence forces and called themselves in debt to their late brethren. "The Baloch Nation is deeply indebted to these heroes and will continue this struggle until the genocide ends and peace is restored in our homeland. Their legacy will forever inspire us to strive for a future of peace and freedom," the BYC statement added. Reportedly, these people lost their lives during the open fire incidents orchestrated by the Pakistani defence forces in the Mastung, Nushki, Awaran, Turbat and Kech areas of Balochistan. In a post on 'X' prominent Baloch Rights Activist Mahrang Baloch stressed that they have been sitting in a peaceful sit-in for the past eight days. "All our demands are constitutional and legal, and we have been in continuous negotiations with the government regarding these demands. But why are the Frontier Corps (FC) and state secret agencies continuously using violence and power against peaceful protesters? Journalists, political activists, and human rights organisations should question who issued and why these orders for straight firing on peaceful protesters during negotiations," she said. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1820032968565666233 The statement further questioned, "Despite all the obstacles, when we reached Gwadar and were about to hold our peaceful rally, on whose orders was the rally site fired upon? In this barbarism, one of our friends was killed, seven were injured, and more than 200 people were arrested." It added, "Similarly, when we sat in a sit-in against this barbarism and oppression in Gwadar, presented only two simple demands and invited the government for negotiations, on whose orders were MI personnel sent to kill us that evening? On whose orders did the (Frontier Corps) attack the peaceful sit-in the next morning instead of negotiating, subject people to violence, and burn several vehicles?" (ANI) Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch, hit out at the Pakistani administration for restoring to a brutal and violent crackdown against the protestors, and called the situation in the entire region "extremely critical." She further asked journalists, political activists, and human rights organisations to question who issued these orders to fire upon the protestors. Taking to social media platform X, Mahrang Baloch stated, "The situation in Gwadar and the entire region is extremely critical right now, with millions of lives at risk." "We have been sitting in a peaceful sit-in for the past eight days. All our demands are constitutional and legal, and we have been in continuous negotiations with the government regarding these demands. But why are the Frontier Corps (FC) and state secret agencies continuously using violence and power against peaceful protesters? Journalists, political activists, and human rights organisations should question who issued and why these orders for straight firing on peaceful protesters during negotiations," she added. The Baloch activist said that while they were negotiating with the Pakistani government, fire was opened on peaceful protesters in Nushki, killing one and injuring several more. She questioned on whose orders, the forces fired on a peaceful rally in Gwadar, killing one of the protestors and leaving over 200 people injured. Mahrang Baloch further said that the protestors had assured the Pakistani government that the Baloch National Gathering was just a one-day 'peaceful' event on July 28, but despite that, the roads were blocked, fire was opened on people in Mastung and Talar, and hundreds were arrested. She further alleged that as the protestors sat against the "barbarism and oppression" in Gwadar, presenting their demands and inviting the Pakistani government for negotiations, MI personnel were sent to "kill" the protestors. "On whose orders was a curfew imposed across the Makuran region, roads blocked, shops and markets closed, and a crisis-like environment created against a peaceful sit-in? Who are the people repeatedly issuing orders to kill our leadership during the sit-in, continuously threatening, harassing, and trying to provoke us?" she stated. "If you genuinely want to understand the current situation in Gwadar beyond the narrative of the Pakistani mainstream media and the war profiteers sitting in the parliament of Balochistan, you should consider these questions," Baloch further added in her post. The 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' was announced on July 28 in Gwadar, Balochistan. However, the event quickly transformed into a sit-in protest following a "brutal crackdown" by state authorities, who used force and made multiple arrests to prevent the gathering. The BYC reported that the crackdown involved significant force, leading to widespread unrest. The protests have since escalated and spread throughout Balochistan, evolving into rallies, shut down strikes, and the closure of major highways. These widespread actions reflect the growing discontent and determination among the Baloch people to demand justice and the release of detained individuals. The situation in Balochistan has long been marked by ongoing tensions and conflicts between Baloch activists and Pakistani security forces. The region has witnessed numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. (ANI) The Pakistani defence forces have allegedly issued threats to the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), warning that they will be shot dead if the sit-in at Gwadar is not ended soon, The Balochistan Post (TBP) reported. Reportedly, the Gwadar protest, which was planned as a one-day event on July 28 titled the Baloch National Gathering or the Baloch Raaji Muchi, has now been extended to eight days and is facing state violence and brutalities of the Pakistani defence forces. A government delegation warned BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, that they would be shot if the protest continued, reported The Balochistan Post. The threats were made by an officer from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who has been stationed at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Gwadar and has been given a task to sabotage the Baloch Raaji Muchi along with the sit-in at Gwadar. These threats to the top leadership of the BYC are witnessed when negotiations are being held between BYC and authorities of Balochistan but authorities are using them as delaying tactics to intensify its crackdowns on the Baloch community. The BYC has demanded that First Information Reports (FIRs) be registered against the people who have killed and injured Baloch protestors during the Baloch National Gathering (BNG). The same list of demands also urged for the release of all detained individuals alongside BNG. The BYC leadership has also called for the withdrawal of FIRs against participants and demands assurances of no further harassment detentions and restoration of the internet services. Although authorities have suggested that these demands will be met, recent incidents have once again intensified tensions, The Balochistan Post reported. Earlier on Friday, Noshki, security forces, orchestrated open fire on a BYC rally, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries to the protestors. In another incident in Karachi, the police detained several BYC protesters, including women, during a demonstration against Pakistan. As of now, the BYC has urged the people to continue their peaceful protests against the brutalities of Pakistan's defence forces. Meanwhile, Mahrang Baloch, the central organiser of BYC, declared on Friday that protests and sit-ins would continue across Balochistan until their demands are fully implemented. (ANI) At least 34 people lost their lives while numerous others have been injured as the student protest has intensified across Bangladesh by the non-cooperation movement announced by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement on Sunday, reported Dhaka Tribune. The Bangladesh government has announced a three-day general holiday from August 5 till August 7 to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country, The Daily Star reported. Two people were shot dead and at least 25 including policemen and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were injured in a clash in Sylhet's Golapganj upazila around 2:30 pm today, the first day of the non-cooperation movement called by students. According to the hospital sources, at least 35 people were admitted following the clash. The protests began over the reintroduction of a quota scheme since scaled back by Bangladesh's top court that reserved more than half of all government jobs for certain groups, Al Jazeera reported. This move has disappointed graduates as they are facing an acute unemployment crisis with some 18 million young Bangladeshis out of work, according to government figures. However, the protesters do not intend to quit the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and declared a long march to Dhaka for Tuesday, The Daily Star reported. Asif Mahmud, one of the key coordinators of the platform, confirmed the programme to The Daily Star today. Moreover, a curfew has been imposed indefinitely starting from 6:00 pm today in the Bangladesh capital and other divisional cities, district towns and all city corporations, and it will remain in effect until otherwise directed. Earlier, the Home Minister announced yesterday that curfew would remain relaxed from 6 am to 9 pm starting from Sunday. Bangladesh State Minister for Water Resource Ministry Zahid Faruk's house was also vandalised in Barishal today. According to the Awami League sources, angry protesters entered the house, smashed furniture, and attacked the house staff, as reported by The Daily Star. Moreover, the two widely used social media platforms, Facebook and WhatsApp are reportedly inaccessible in Bangladesh on Sunday. Users across the country have reported issues with accessing both platforms, with complaints of connection failure, reported The Daily Star. Earlier on Saturday, the student protesters were calling for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign until Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government resigns, reported Al Jazeera. The protesters took to the streets to demand justice for the more than 200 people killed in last month's student-led demonstrations over quotas in government jobs. Bangladesh PM Hasina called upon protest leaders to meet her at her official residence Ganabhaban, saying the "door is open". "I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them. I want no conflict," she said, according to local media. (ANI) Asserting that use of violence and force must be stopped against the protestors, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) presented seven demands in front of the Pakistani government to hold negotiations. Mahrang Baloch, the central organiser of BYC, held a press conference on Sunday, lamenting on the state and presenting the demands of the protestors. The protestors have demanded the release of protestors arrested by the forces, the registration of FIRs against officers who opened fire against the protestors and an assurance from the state that no further crackdown will be carried out against them. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1820063353261224260 "The BYC believes that the state prefers the use of force over negotiations. Therefore, on the one hand, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gwadar has been sent to negotiate with us, while on the other hand, the worst kind of force is being used," the BYC said in a statement on X. The organisation said that the use of state force and violence poses a threat to the lives of millions of people in Makuran. It further presented a list of demands, which it said were necessary to hold the negotiations with Pakistan. The first demand by BYC is the registration of an FIR against the Corps Commander involved in the respective firing incidents in Mastung, Talar, Gwadar, Nushki, and Turbat, where several protestors were killed by Frontier Corps. It also demanded that the Home Department immediately notify that "no further use of force or violence by the state military" will take place. BYC has demanded the Chief Minister and his cabinet come to Gwadar and acknowledge that "the government of Balochistan is responsible for the damages caused during this entire period." "They should admit that they attempted to crush this public peaceful programme with violence and passed the order for the use of force. The government of Balochistan should condemn the loss of life and property," it stated. The fourth demand is the immediate release of all participants in the Baloch National Gathering who were arrested or forcibly disappeared from 'peaceful gatherings' and their homes. They have also demanded all the FIRs be quashed. "All roads should be reopened, the undeclared curfew in Makuran, including Gwadar, should be immediately lifted, the water supply in Gwadar should be restored, and internet services should be immediately restored across the region," the next demand stated. BYC has demanded the Pakistani government be notified that "no participant or helper of the Baloch National Gathering will be harassed," no further FIR will be filed in this regard, and no unnecessary force will be used in any future peaceful programme. It has also demanded the Balochistan government compensate the general public for the financial damages caused by the state military and intelligence agencies during the Baloch National Gathering, "including breaking into their homes, burning vehicles, or confiscating personal belongings." The 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' was announced on July 28 in Gwadar, Balochistan. However, the event quickly transformed into a sit-in protest following a "brutal crackdown" by state authorities, who used force and made multiple arrests to prevent the gathering. The BYC reported that the crackdown involved significant force, leading to widespread unrest. The protests have since escalated and spread throughout Balochistan, evolving into rallies, shut down strikes, and the closure of major highways. These widespread actions reflect the growing discontent and determination among the Baloch people to demand justice and the release of detained individuals. The situation in Balochistan has long been marked by ongoing tensions and conflicts between Baloch activists and Pakistani security forces. The region has witnessed numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. (ANI) Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou criticised the current president Lai Ching-te's administration for abandoning the "one China, with different interpretations" position and adopting a "new theory of two nations", Taiwan News reported. Taiwan's former President was giving a speech in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday, where he criticised Lai's administration and called for renewed efforts at cross-strait diplomacy. Ma was invited to speak at the 27th "Zhongshan Lecture" series at the Chinese Association of Thailand, where he shared his views on the current cross-strait relationship, reported UDN. Ma called on the current government to reconsider its position and return to the "one China principle" and previously established agreements and policies governing cross-strait relations. In recent years, Taiwan has increasingly faced military manoeuvres and provocations from Beijing, which views the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under Chinese control. Taiwan has been governed independently of China since 1949. However, Beijing considers the island part of its territory and insists on its eventual reunification, by force if necessary. Earlier, Lai declared that Taiwan would make every effort to thwart China's attempts to alter the status quo of the self-governed island, Taiwan News reported citing Radio Taiwan International (RTI). Taiwan's former President further said that to maintain regional peace and prosperity, countries like the US and other friends of Taiwan should increase efforts to promote dialogue between Taipei and Beijing, as reported by Taiwan News. The former president of Taiwan told the audience that in his April meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, the war in the Taiwan Strait would cause unbearable suffering for people on both sides of the strait. Ma said that it was a pity that Lai would not accept such a concept, adding that he felt sad, disgusted, and worried by the way the current administration displays a "contemptuous attitude" towards Chinese culture, Taiwan News reported. Responding to what he thinks about whether there will be war in the future, Ma said that despite his worries, the chance remains low. Moreover, he called on both Taipei and Beijing to focus energy on rebuilding mutual trust to safeguard peace in the region. (ANI) As many as 76 people have been killed, including 13 police officers and dozens more were injured as a fresh round of violence rocked Bangladesh, Al Jazeera reported. Bangladesh Police fired tear gas and lobbied stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who returned to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police and doctors reported these deaths on Sunday in the capital Dhaka and the northern districts of Bogura, Pabna and Rangpur, as well as in Magura in the west, Comilla in the east, and Barisal and Feni in the south. The Enayetpur police station in the northwest city of Sirajganj was attacked, according to Additional Deputy Inspector General Vijay Basak of the Bangladesh police. The identity of the attackers is unknown. The demonstrators are demanding Hasina's resignation after earlier protests that started with students calling for an end to a quota system in government jobs turned violent and killed 200 people. Hasina said those who were engaging in the "sabotage" and the destruction in the name of protests were no longer students, but criminals, adding that the people should deal with them with iron hands, as reported by Al Jazeera. Authorities have blocked internet access and imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew. At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. Deaths were reported from at least 11 districts, including Bogura, Magura, Rangpur and Sirajganj districts, where the protesters, backed by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), clashed with police and the activists of the ruling Awami League party and its associated bodies. Prapti Taposhi, a student activist who witnessed clashes with police, said the police were engaged in running battles with the demonstrators. "I am on the street right now, and I can see so many people here. This is not just a student protest or a 'quota protest'," she said. The government has now imposed an indefinite curfew that began at 6 pm (local time), although protesters have continued to gather at the Shaheed Minar monument in central Dhaka. Protesters called for "non-cooperation", urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills and not show up for work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, but commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to work, Al Jazeera reported. A 'March to Dhaka' protest has also been moved from Tuesday to Monday, a coordinator for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ASD) said. "This means we are urging students and the public nationwide to start their journey to Dhaka tomorrow to lay siege to the city," the coordinator, Asif Mahmud, said. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government, announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Courts will remain closed for an indefinite period. Authorities also closed schools and universities across the country, as reported by Al Jazeera. Mobile internet service was off on Sunday, while Facebook and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, were inaccessible even on broadband internet. Bangladesh's Junior Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, said mobile internet and messaging services were off to help prevent violence. He added that the government was acting "in a defensive position, not an offensive one." "These miscreants attacked our activists and leaders and unleashed violence," Arafat said, adding that the government has "always opted for a peaceful solution" and "never wanted violence." The deadly protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. As violence intensified, the country's Supreme Court scaled back the quota system to 5 per cent of jobs, with 3 per cent for relatives of veterans. But, despite that, the protests have continued, demanding accountability for the violence the demonstrators blame on the government's use of excessive force. According to Al Jazeera, the ongoing unrest, which spurred the government to shut down internet services, is its biggest test since January, when deadly protests erupted after Hasina's Awami League won a fourth straight term in elections boycotted by the BNP. The protests have now grown into a wider antigovernment movement across the South Asian nation of some 170 million people. At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. Critics of Hasina, along with several rights groups, have accused her government of using excessive force to stamp out the movement. The Awami League, however, denies the charge. "We want the government to resign," Jahirul Islam, a restaurant worker in Dhaka, said. Dhaka-based political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman said that the government would be unlikely to resign "without bloodshed." "For the past two days, peaceful gatherings and demonstrations have taken place across the country demanding the government's resignation," Rahman said, explaining that the protests were peaceful because of the absence of Awami League activists on the streets. However, once the ruling party's activists went to confront the protesters, "they use gun[s] and violence to quell a popular uprising in front of the whole world," Rahman said. (ANI) Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch on Sunday, urged the Pakistan authorities to reopen major highways, restore internet and mobile services immediately and fulfil the other demands of Baloch protesters. Mahrang Baloch is currently protesting in Gwadar, demanding that state authorities fulfil their legitimate demands. The 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' was announced on July 28 in Gwadar, Balochistan. However, the event quickly transformed into a sit-in protest following a "brutal crackdown" by state authorities, who used force and made multiple arrests to prevent the gathering. The BYC reported that the crackdown involved significant force, leading to widespread unrest. Mahrang Baloch lamented that the state authorities have shut down the internet since July 27 and closed all major highways connecting Gwadar to Karachi and the rest of the country. She further said that a narrative is being presented by the rulers of this country that the Baloch Yekjehti Committee is responsible for the chaos and curfew-like situation. "The controlled media is aiding them in constructing this narrative. However, we are peacefully sitting in one corner of Gwadar, demanding that state authorities fulfil our legitimate demands and create an environment for negotiations," she said in a post on X. She said that they have held several rounds of talks with government representatives and the district management of Gwadar. "Despite this, as we sit to talk, hours after the paramilitary frontier corps and secret intelligence agencies arrest more of our colleagues, both within and outside Balochistan," she said. Mahrang added, "The government appears intent on creating an alarming situation, which can potentially lead to a humanitarian catastrophe." She said that the protesters have been and will remain peaceful. "It is up to the state to determine how they handle this situation," she added. These protests have since escalated and spread throughout Balochistan, evolving into rallies, shutdown strikes, and the closure of major highways. These widespread actions reflect the growing discontent and determination among the Baloch people to demand justice and the release of detained individuals. The situation in Balochistan has long been marked by ongoing tensions and conflicts between Baloch activists and Pakistani security forces. The region has witnessed numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. (ANI) The "Bhoto Jatra," a traditional event in Nepal, concluded on Sunday once again without any claims for the jewel-studded vest or "Bhoto," which has remained in the possession of Rato Machhindranath, the Red God of Nepal. in Nepal concluded on Sunday, with another year passing, without claims for the jewel-studded vest or "Bhoto," which has remained in the possession of Rato Machhindranath, the Red God of Nepal. The 'Bhoto' or jewel-studded vest is shown to the public on the last day of Rato Machhindranath Jatra, which symbolises the end of the longest Jatra and the start of the festivities. It is a tradition that has been followed for a long time and the Bhoto has remained unclaimed since then. This year, it also displayed the jewel stud vest to the public, sealed and secured as the Himalayan nation continues to search for its true owner. This age-old tradition, dating back over a thousand years, has continued in the ancient city of Lalitpur following a mythology where Charkat Naag, King of Naag, wife's eyes were aching for a long time. They had tried their best to cure her but were not successful. They then took a 'Jyapu' (Native residents of Kathmandu Valley) working in the field, for treatment; he wasn't sure what he was going to do so he rubbed his armpit and put it into the Queen's eye and it cured the problem, according to the belief. The King then asked him (the farmer) for his wish and asked for a 'Bhoto'. While working in the field, the studded vest was stolen by a "Khyak' (Ghost in Newari). The farmer then came to the Jatra hoping whosoever had stolen the vest would come wearing it and found the ghost. Yagya Ratna Sakya, one of the priests of Lord Macchindranath, said that the "Bhoto" displays the apparel of Naagin, the queen of snakes, adding that it was studded with jewels, which was then given as an award to the farmer who was able to cure the eye problem of the Naagin by the Naagraj, 'King of snakes.' "The farmer once took off the 'Bhoto' while working in the field and the ghost had stolen it. Coincidentally, the farmer and the ghost who stole it faced each other during the Rato Macchindranath Chariot Festival and both claimed possession of the jewel-studded vest. One of the Tantrik came to know the reason for the fight between the two that took place in Jawalakhel and then stated that it would be handed over to whoever could produce the evidence claiming ownership," the priest said. He added, "Till the time it would remain in possession of Rato Machhindranath and has remained with the god since then. In this procession, the Head of State is invited as the judge, who would be assigned to examine the evidence. The Bhoto Jatra is being observed annually." The Bhoto displayed annually at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur has pearls and jewels attached to it. The jewel-studded vest is packed and kept inside the cloth pouch for a year and opened only in the presence of the State head on a particular day fixed by the priests when the Rato Machhindranath Jatra commences. The showing of the vest on that particular day shows it to be safe with the state and who is the owner of the vest to come and claim it. This long-run practice has become an integral part of the month-long festival. Yagya Ratna Shakya highlighted that whoever attends the 'Bhoto Jatra' or witnesses the procession once a year would not face any hardships and troubles in life. "It's called 'Asta Bhaya Maha Kasta Haran' meaning eight fears and great tribulation would divestiture. It would protect people from theft, wind and storm-related calamities, bring more fortune and opulence, which makes it more important and draws people," Yagya Ratna Shakya briefed. (ANI) United States Secretary Antony Blinken on Sunday spoke with G7 Foreign Ministers to discuss diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. "Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke today with the G7 Foreign Ministers to discuss the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East," the US State Department said in an official statement. "The Secretary and Foreign Ministers discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire that secures the release of hostages and allows a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They discussed how a ceasefire in Gaza would unlock the possibility of greater peace and stability in the region, including across the Blue Line," the statement added. Further, the Secretary and Foreign Ministers reiterated their commitment to Israel's security and urged maximum restraint from all parties to keep the conflict from escalating. https://x.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1820135239970378146 Following this, US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller shared a post on X and stated, "@SecBlinken spoke with G7 Foreign Ministers to discuss diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East." The development comes as tensions continue to rise every minute between Israel and Iran, also Lebanon after the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The killing of two senior militants of Hamas and Hezbollah in quick succession raised the temperatures in the Middle East, besides the ongoing war in Gaza, which has been continuing for nearly 10 months. Around 50 rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel on Sunday (local time), SKY News reported, citing Israeli media reports. Videos showed Israel's Iron Dome defence system being activated over the area. Hezbollah said in a statement that it attacked a new Israeli settlement, Beit Hillel, with rockets. This is in response to Israel's attacks on Palestinian villages in Gaza, which hurt civilians. Hezbollah is supporting the Palestinian people and their resistance. In a statement, Hezbollah said, "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honourable resistance, and in response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe homes, especially the attacks that targeted the villages of Kafr Kila and Deir Siryan and injured civilians, the Islamic Resistance included the new settlement of Beit Hillel in its fire schedule and bombarded it for the first time with dozens of Katyusha rockets." (ANI) Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius committed to a defence agreement intended to increase cooperation between their respective defence forces, claiming that they oppose China's expansionist claims in the South China Sea. The crucial decision came while both were present at a meeting held in Manila, Arab News Reported. While commemorating the 70 years of diplomatic relations between both countries, the delegates also showed interest towards establishing long-term relations between their armed forces. And also to expand defence training routines, bilateral exchanges and engage in joint projects. Recently, tensions between Beijing and Manila have increased due to several altercations happening in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. In June this year, Manila claimed that China had rammed Manila's navy vessels during a resupply mission on the Second Thomas Shoal. The incident at that time seriously injured Filipino sailors. Similarly, the defence forces of Taiwan, yet another country facing China's expansionist claims have also reported several interventions by Chinese aircraft in its airspace in July this year. China currently claims its authority over the majority of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague clarifying that Beijing's claims in the area had no legal basis. The decision was based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, it was rejected by China. According to the Arab News report, during a press meeting on the sidelines of the event, Teodoro mentioned, "There is only one cause of conflict in the South China Sea ... It is China's illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most, if not all, of the South China Sea as their internal waters. The Philippines is not provoking China. We do not seek war, yet we are mandated not only by our constitution but as an obligation to our countrymen to protect whatever areas, whether be jurisdiction or rights, that rightfully belong to the exclusive benefit of Filipinos." The move by Manila and Berlin came within days after the US announced USD 500 million military funding to modernize the Philippine army. Pistorius's,visit to the Philippines was the first organized by a German defence minister, the Arab News report claimed. Additionally, Pistorius also mentioned that "This ruling remains valid without any exceptions. It is our obligation to strengthen the maritime order, and we are living up to it. It is important that we support and protect the rules-based international order in what we're doing here. Our commitments and engagements here are not directed against anybody but instead, we're focusing on maintaining the rules-based international order, securing freedom of navigation and protecting trade routes." He also added that countries must contribute to de-escalation efforts by keeping "all channels of communication open," including with China. The same report also quoted retired US Air Force Col. Raymond Powell, a director at Sealight, a project based at Stanford University that focuses on maritime transparency, who mentioned that "For Manila, stronger defence ties with Germany are "important as a symbol of the Philippines' growing security network" at the global level. It carries fewer material benefits than its relationships with established Indo-Pacific powers like the US, Japan and France, but it is important (in) showing the Philippines as an integral member of a strong global community with significant economic resources and military capabilities." Additionally, Aaron Jed Rabena, a senior lecturer at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines, highlighted that strengthening relations with Germany was a strategic move for Manila. He, in the Arab News report, said, "This is part of the Philippines' strategy to broaden its web of security partners and get as much defence and political support from them as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if Germany will soon take part in military exercises and even talk of a VFA (visiting forces agreement) with the Philippines." (ANI) Amid violent protests in Bangladesh India has advised its nationals to refrain from travelling to Bangladesh until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also strongly cautioned its citizens currently living in Bangladesh to be extremely vigilant and limit their movements https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1820154782159384692?t=5QyG_nO4xx8r8HEeQm9IyA&s=08 "In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice," MEA said in an official statement on Sunday. "All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers 8801958383679, 8801958383680, 8801937400591," the Ministry added. Earlier in the day, 76 people were killed, including 13 police officers and dozens more were injured as a fresh round of violence rocked Bangladesh, Al Jazeera reported. Bangladesh Police fired tear gas and lobbied stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who returned to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police and doctors reported these deaths on Sunday in the capital Dhaka and the northern districts of Bogura, Pabna and Rangpur, as well as in Magura in the west, Comilla in the east, and Barisal and Feni in the south. The Enayetpur police station in the northwest city of Sirajganj was attacked, according to Additional Deputy Inspector General Vijay Basak of the Bangladesh police. The identity of the attackers is unknown. The demonstrators are demanding Hasina's resignation after earlier protests that started with students calling for an end to a quota system in government jobs turned violent and killed 200 people. The deadly protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. As violence intensified, the country's Supreme Court scaled back the quota system to 5 per cent of jobs, with 3 per cent for relatives of veterans. But, despite that, the protests have continued, demanding accountability for the violence the demonstrators blame on the government's use of excessive force. (ANI) The U.S. State Department is urging all Americans in Lebanon to book any ticket available to them and get out of the country as tensions boil over in the region. We updated the Travel Advisory for Lebanon to Level 4: Do Not Travel for the entire country, the consulate said in a Wednesday statement. Level 4 is the highest travel advisory issued by the agency. If you are in Lebanon, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate, the statement added. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens who are already in Southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, and/or in refugee settlements to depart. Furthermore, the State Department warned that there is no guarantee the U.S. government will evacuate private U.S. citizens and their family members in a crisis situation. A demonstrator holds up a poster of assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh outside the United Nations offices in Sanaa, Yemen. Khaled Abdullah/Reuters The last time the U.S. evacuated citizens from Lebanon was in 2006 during the Lebanese Civil War. Iranian-Israeli relations went into a tail-spin earlier this week when Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, in Tehran. Iran claims that Israel killed Haniyeh with a short-range projectile, but Israel claims it smuggled a bomb in Haniyehs residence. The day before, Israel conducted an air strike in Lebanon that killed Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander. Mourners carry the coffin of Fuad Shukr in Beiruts southern suburbs Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters The assassinations set off a week of retaliatory threats from Iran and its regional allies. Iranian proxy forces have already begun repositioning in Syria with the aim of targeting the International Coalition bases in Al-Hasakah Governorate, according to the Institute for the Study of War. ISW also warned that Iran is likely considering its ability to maintain nuclear deterrence against Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on July 19 that Iran could produce fissile material within one or two weeks. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech Friday that they consider it our duty to take vengeance for Haniyehs death, according to The Washington Post. U.S. officials fear that Iran may launch a combined drone and missile attack on Israel, akin to to their April attack, according to Axios. If Israel is attacked, we certainly will help, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters Wednesday. The U.S. has deployed additional carrier groups and fighter jets with anti-ballistic missile capabilities, according to officials who spoke with Air & Space Forces Magazine. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh confirmed in a statement Friday, 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. Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday that, Our priority continues to be to promote diplomatic solutions for a more peaceful, secure, and integrated region. And that, of course, includes continuing to engage and work very hard to close the remaining gaps as it relates to a ceasefire in Gaza. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Dissidents freed in prisoner swap vow to keep up fight against Putin, recount details of release TALLINN, Estonia When Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza was suddenly moved to a detention center in Moscow from a Siberian prison, he thought he was being taken there to be shot. Opposition activist Ilya Yashin said he was warned by a security operative that he would die in prison if he returned to Russia. Neither was told they were being freed in a massive prisoner exchange with the West the largest since the Cold War when they were put on a bus to the airport Thursday, some still in prison garb. It is very difficult to shake (the feeling) of absolute surrealism of what is happening, Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who had been serving 25 years in prison, told a news conference Friday in the German city of Bonn. In their first public appearance since their release a day earlier, President Vladimir Putins foes vowed to keep fighting for a free and democratic Russia they could one day return to. They also talked about how their newly found freedom left a bittersweet aftertaste as they were effectively expelled from their own country, where hundreds of other political prisoners continued to languish behind bars. Im not viewing what happened to me ... as an exchange. Im viewing it as an expulsion from Russia, an illegal expulsion from Russia against my will. And Ill say frankly, as it is: The thing I want the most right now is to go home, said Yashin, who had been sentenced to 8 1/2 years for criticism of the Ukraine war. He and Kara-Murza both told reporters no one asked them if they consented to the swap, and emphasized they refused to request a pardon from Putin a formality they said prison officials had insisted upon. Still, Kara-Murza stressed that such prisoner swaps are, in effect, the saving of peoples lives. The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison on February underscores that very terribly, he said. Kara-Murza, Yashin and opposition figure Andre Pivovarov were among 16 prisoners that Russia and its ally Belarus released on Thursday Americans, Germans and Russian dissidents, most of whom were imprisoned on charges widely seen as politically motivated. The historic trade 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. Those released included journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who were greeted by their families and President Joe Biden when they arrived in Maryland on Thursday night. Moscow in return got eight Russians jailed in the West for spying, hacking computers and even a brazen daylight murder. The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that some of them were its security and intelligence officers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that 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, is an officer of the Federal Security Service, or FSB a fact reported in the West even as Moscow denied state involvement. He also said Krasikov once served in the FSBs special forces Alpha unit, along with some of Putins bodyguards. Naturally, they also greeted each other yesterday when they saw each other, Peskov said, underscoring Putins determination to include Krasikov in the swap. Earlier this year, Putin stopped short of identifying Krasikov, but referenced a patriot imprisoned in a U.S.-allied country for liquidating a bandit who had killed Russian soldiers during fighting in the Caucasus. Peskov also confirmed that a couple released in Slovenia Artem and Anna Dultsev were undercover intelligence officers. 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. Yashin said at the news conference in Bonn that it is hard to realize that you have been released because a murderer has been released. It is difficult, it is very emotionally difficult. Its also difficult, he said, because there are other Russians still behind bars. Still, he vowed to continue the fight against Putins rule despite the risks. When we were flying with FSB officers to Ankara, one FSB officer turned to Vladimir and me and said: Well, dont get too carried away there, because Krasikov might come back for you, a comment he said sent chills through his spine. Kara-Murza and Pivovarov echoed Yashins resolve. My friends and I will use all our strength so that our country could become free and democratic, and all those people who are behind bars are freed, said Pivovarov, who had been serving a four-year prison term. Kara-Murza added that there are still hundreds of people in prison solely for their political views, and more and more are on the lists of political prisoners. These are our fellow citizens who, like all of us, oppose the cruel, criminal, aggressive war that the Putin regime unleashed against Ukraine, he said. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial said Friday that 766 people it has designated as political prisoners remain behind bars in Russia. To supporters and relatives of those released, the swap also came as a surprise. Pivovarovs wife, Tatyana Usmanova, told The Associated Press on Friday that when she learned he had disappeared from his prison in northern Russia, she imagined both bad and good outcomes. She started to suspect a possible swap when reports appeared about other prisoners missing from their facilities, she said, but only felt good and clear about an exchange when she heard his voice on the phone Thursday, telling her to fly to Germany. Artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko, convicted last year of an anti-war protest, disappeared Monday night from a detention center in St. Petersburg, her partner Sophya Subbotina said on Telegram. Subbotina told AP on Tuesday that Sasha simply disappeared and we dont know where she is. Prison officials said she probably was in Moscow. Subbotina rushed to Moscow to check detentions centers but couldnt find Skochilenko, who finally called her on Thursday from Ankara, Turkey, where the swap took place. She said she had not known she was part of the exchange until it was underway, Subbotina added in remarks to the Russian news outlet Bumaga. Oleg Orlov, the 71-year-old co-chair of the human rights group Memorial who was also released in the swap, called his wife, Tatyana Kasatkina, from Germany on Friday, and she said he still hasnt processed that he ended up being so far from Russia, the group quoted her as saying. Orlov recounted to her that no one asked for his consent or explained why he was being moved from a detention center, and he only realized he was part of a swap when he got on a bus to the airport. According to Memorial, Orlov also didnt sign a request for presidential pardon. Panama City Beach man arrested for hitting a pedestrian while under the influence PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) On Friday, a local man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and killing a pedestrian on Front Beach Road. Officials said the crash happened shortly after 9:00 p.m on 21905 Front Beach Road West of Kelly Street. According to a news release, a group of pedestrians were crossing from the north shoulder to the south shoulder, outside a marked crosswalk. A Nissan Altima was traveling east on the eastbound lane well above the posted speed limit when it struck and killed one of the pedestrians, officials wrote. Washington County man arrested for arson, aggravated child abuse The pedestrian was a 29-year-old man from Brumley, Missouri and he was pronounced dead at the scene, FHP officials confirmed. The preliminary investigation released the driver was under the influence, officials said. 39-year-old Casey Austin Rattan from Panama City Beach was arrested. Rattan was taken into custody for DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide. The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating 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 mypanhandle.com. Ministers have been urged to carry out an urgent review of defence supply chains in the wake of The Telegraphs revelations about Britains nuclear submarine fleet. The Telegraph disclosed that Britains nuclear submarine engineers are using software that was designed in Russia and Belarus. The software should have been created by UK-based staff with security clearance, but the work was partially outsourced to developers in Siberia and Minsk, the capital of Belarus. 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. Experts have warned that the UKs national security risked being 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. The Telegraph understands that the Ministry of Defence (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. Admiral Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy said he was shocked to read about these extraordinary revelations, and urged the MoD to carry out a review into supply chains to ensure they are secure. This whole area is an area that has been worrying me more and more. If you go back years ago there wasnt the same reliance on coding and software and these sorts of things, he said. Lord West, who served as the First Sea Lord from 2002 to 2006, added that it can be highly dangerous now that everything was so reliant on software. This is a world where software can make such a difference. We have to have mechanisms where we can absolutely be certain that no one has broken into the supply chain, even at the lowest level, and that there is no one who hasnt got the clearance to do the work, he said. I think certainly the Ministry of Defence needs to look very, very closely at this and to make sure that [their supply chains] are absolutely secure. They need to make absolutely sure that every single supplier is secure and has signed the Official Secrets Act. The Telegraph revealed how Rolls-Royce Submarines, which designs and runs 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 at the company working on the UKs submarine fleet. Ben Wallace, former defence secretary, said there must be punitive action for subcontractors who breach the terms of their contracts. There doesnt seem to be a clear enough policy of penalties or punitive action should you not comply, he said. If a company realised they would be stuck off working from government contracts or named and shamed, I suspect they wouldnt do it. Tom Tugendhat, a former security minister who is a Tory leadership contender, said that securing supply chains was important for boosting our resilience and protecting our national security and said the Government must safeguard the defence sector skills, jobs, and capabilities in the UK. 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. 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. 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. 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. HOKKAIDO, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - Bear sightings have been increasing in Esashi Town, Hokkaido, as they wandering through residential areas while scavenging for discarded scallops. This video shows a bear filmed in Cape Town, Esashi, after 7 PM on August 3rd. The bear can be seen slowly crossing in front of a parked truck before moving into a residential area. It was also filmed wandering near houses. At around 9 PM, a worker from a seafood processing company in New Port Town, Esashi, reported to the police that a bear was scavenging for discarded scallops. According to the police, a bear approximately 2.5 meters in length was sighted. A local resident said, 'Its frightening. You cant just walk around at night.' There have been over 30 bear sightings in Esashi Town since last month, and the police have heightened their vigilance. Source: NEWS By Ikenna Ngere The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted multiple shipments of illegal drugs disguised in Cerelac baby food tins and clothing, bound for the United States and the United Kingdom. Naija News gathered that the operations took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier company in Lagos. The NDLEA reported that 36 parcels of a highly potent strain of cannabis, weighing a total of 18.50 kilograms, were discovered in six cartons of Nestle Cerelac baby food tins, with six tins in each carton. The discovery was made at the SAHCOL export shed at Lagos airport on Wednesday. NDLEAs Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed this information in a statement on Sunday. He stated that Salaudeen Suliat Abiola, a freight agent who attempted to export the consignment to the UK, was arrested. A subsequent operation in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday led to the arrest of the sender, Bello Motunrayo Folu. The cannabis was hidden in factory-sealed Cerelac tins, with the bottoms altered to conceal the drugs and covered with loose cereal to evade detection. In addition, NDLEA operatives seized five separate shipments of opioids and psychoactive drugs, such as promethazine, pentazocine, diazepam, tramadol, and morphine. These were concealed in clothing and other items meant for export to the US and UK and were intercepted in Lagos. Babafemi noted that one of the shipments, containing 820 grams of promethazine and pentazocine injections, was headed to the US, while the remaining four parcels, totaling over two kilograms of opioids like tramadol 225mg and NPS, were destined for the UK. These shipments were intercepted on Monday, July 29, at a logistics firm in Lagos. In another operation, NDLEA agents at the Tincan port in Lagos seized 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain, from the body compartments of four imported vehiclesToyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Siennafrom Canada. This operation was conducted jointly with the Customs Service and other stakeholders. The total weight of the seized drugs was 38.5 kilograms. Two suspects, Salami Abiodun Sunday, 34, and Lekan Atoyebi, 33, tasked with clearing the shipments, were arrested. Additionally, Isiagu Sunday was arrested in Mushin Ojuoye, Lagos, on Thursday, August 1, with 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup (totaling 174 liters) and 1,070 molly tablets (weighing 600 grams). In Isuada, Owo Council Area of Ondo State, 50 bags of cannabis, weighing 520 kilograms, were recovered, and five suspects were detained in Itaogbolu Forest, Akure North LG Area. The suspects include Jimoh Omotosho, 63; Donald Obi, 62; Emmanuel Patrick, 21; Kayode Oluwaseun, 39; and John Nsikan, 34, connected to the seizure of 42 kilograms of cannabis. In Edo State, authorities confiscated 22.5 bags of cannabis weighing 220 kilograms in Egbeta Community, Ovia North East Area, on Tuesday, July 30, arresting a suspect, Osayede Aghoma. Another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 55, was apprehended on Wednesday, July 31, with 40 blocks of cannabis weighing 19.2 kilograms along the Okene-Lokoja highway in a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Kano. NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers and personnel from MMIA, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Tincan Commands, and those of DOGI, for their diligence in these arrests and seizures. Marwa praised their efforts in curbing drug trafficking while balancing WADA awareness activities, urging them and their colleagues nationwide to sustain their dedication and momentum. See photos below: By Ikenna Ngere A Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubus recent national broadcast, stating that the President is disconnected from the reality of the everyday Nigerian. The human rights lawyer described President Tinubus Sunday broadcast to Nigerians as a pack of empty words and a time-wasting load of irrelevancies. Effiong argues that the presidents speech underscores his belief that Nigeria is burdened by a political class that is deliberately indifferent to the suffering and needs of its people. Effiongs remarks, shared on his X account, followed Tinubus address to the nation. In his speech, President Tinubu rejected calls to reinstate the fuel subsidy, a key demand of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protesters. Effiong contended that the presidents actions reflect a typical authoritarian approach, ignoring the concerns of the population. President Tinubus speech is just a pack of empty words and a time wasting load of irrelevancies. It is a confirmation of my long held view, that we are dealing with a fatalistic political class that is intentionally deaf and willfully blind to the sufferings and yearnings of Nigerians, Effiong stated. He continued, This president is disconnected from the reality of the everyday Nigerian. Hes living in an imaginary Nigeria that only exists in his head. The speech couldnt have been more meaningless and aimless. Effiong expressed disappointment that Tinubu did not address the protesters specific demands or respond to recent nationwide demonstrations. Those who wrote it, and Mr. Tinubu, who read it out, have succeeded in justifying the reasons for the nationwide protest. It is appalling that despite what we have witnessed across the country in the last three days, the President did not deem it necessary to speak to the specific demands of the protesters. A government is only useful if it serves the interests of the governed. This government is anti-people, he said. Effiong highlighted several omissions in Tinubus address: Tinubu made no mention of electoral reform, no reversal of his horrible and devastating economic policies, he made no attempt to cut down the overbloated size of his government. Tinubu made no concessions. He accused the president of behaving like a despot by ignoring public outcry. Great leaders make sacrifices for their country, but terrible leaders like Tinubu only know how to sacrifice the country for their own interests, Effiong asserted. It is not his voice that people wanted to hear, people wanted him to speak directly to their demands. His call for dialogue is in bad faith. He did not address the mindless killing of protesters by security agencies in any meaningful way. He also did not set up any credible machinery for a purposeful dialogue. Tinubu is preoccupied with the ridiculous idea that the protest is being sponsored by his political adversaries. This provocative arrogance by Nigerian politicians will be ended one day by Nigerians, one way or the other, he concluded. In the Friday, Nov. 18, 1887, first edition issue of the Daily News, the contents one will find are quite a bit different from what you'd see Mauritanian re-elected president Ould Ghazouani gave Algerias proxy and chief of the Polisario separatist front, Brahim Ghali, an indifferent and ultra-quick hand flutter and rejected to pose for a photo with him as he did with all the guests attending his inauguration. The gesture indicates that Mauritania had acted under its bully neighbor Algeria which sent the Polisario chief on board of an Algerian presidential airplane. The moment was captured on camera showing an apathetic encounter and a humiliated Ghali. Mauritania, under Ghazouani, has adopted a neutral stand maintaining good ties with its first African trading partner Morocco, while trying to not cede too much to a military-dominated Algeria. The African Union has recently dealt a painful blow to Algeria and the Polisario in deciding that only UN-member states can participate in meetings involving the Union and its global partners. me to energy transfer Reply Thread Link For fuck sake. Reply Thread Link Oil always wins. Just look at our current climate. It sucks. Reply Thread Link They bring in too much $$$ for governments to actually say anything against them. EVs are no better tbqh, there are much issues around battery disposal since a lot chemicals in old batteries are dangerous. But public transportation is something all governments should get onboard with. A reliable, affordable public transport network can lift so many people out of poverty. Reply Parent Thread Link One of the things that always frustrates me about America is how behind we are in public transportation and especially within TransAm. Reply Parent Thread Link I just need the countries of the world to stop subsidizing them, because part of the reason they're so profitable is that they get so much government coin! Reply Parent Thread Link If the great filter is still in front of us we will definitely meet our end at the hands of our fellow man and its just fucking sad. Reply Thread Link also the common man/woman should be allowed to sue these oil companies for causing global warming or at least redacted their ceo's Reply Thread Link good news: some csos and citizen groups have sued big oil companies and a recent landmark case of the friends of the earth nederlands/eu? sued shell and won. a french cso is suing total i think? bad news: but shell is also suing greenpeace. worse news: that people think that mainstream media (lol), csos and academics are in a conspiracy about anthropogenic climate change at the expense of big oil. like joe smith, bp is not gonna pay you for defending them, they're not going to give a fuck. also in terms of who benefits with misinfo one way or another, like yeah, i too WISH i was being paid to make up stuff about climate change, everyone i know who work on climate including multiple countries' ministries, institutions and csos...we are collectively way poorer than big oil. like wtf. make it make sense. Reply Parent Thread Link my first thought Reply Parent Thread Link I immediately thought of this and glad it was posted. Reply Parent Thread Link I just got done binging the 90's sitcom "Dinosaurs" and it ended on a somber note but an ending still relevant today. Companies more concern with their earnings than their underpaid workforce and the environment. Of course they're pointing the finger at everyone but themselves. Reply Thread Link Gonna be hard to prove defamation when literally everything Greenpeace said (it will destroy the environment, it wont create the number of jobs they said, it is on indigenous land) is true. Not to mention that the pipeline is completed. Reply Thread Link Every person in management working for this company needs to drown in oil. Reply Thread Link Put them in the desert with a can of oil like in Quantum of Solace. Reply Parent Thread Link LET'S DO IT!!!! Reply Parent Thread Link They have some fucking nerve. Reply Thread Link this has terrifying implications for the future... and knowing the amount of $ big oil has behind them, it makes me feel hopeless :( Reply Thread Link And then they don't get why the youth throw paint to make a point. They say "this isn't the way to make your point...." as if Greta Thunberg ain't be using her fucking words for the better part of her life. Fuck, JANE HERSELF has been on this cause for the better part of hers and mama is almost 90. Stop telling activists to use their words in situations like this when you only say that because it makes it easier for you to ignore them. Reply Thread Link Exactly! We've tried civil protest and that still doesn't move the dial, so what are we supposed to do? We can't do the kind of direct action sabotage that eco activists used to engage in because we'll get gunned down by the police before we even try. The world's climate is unravelling bit by bit as a result of our collective harm, and it feels like everyone is just putting off the inevitable and not wanting to really hold anyone responsible. There's too much complacency, meanwhile we're all sat like thisisfine.jpg Reply Parent Thread Link I feel bad for him (although seriously, WHAT a way to lose out). I hope he can take it in stride and make a joke about it if he wants. If other athletes want to participate in #DicksOutForAnthony well bring back the rugby teams President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says it will be unfair to other patriotic heroes if one person is credited for founding Ghana. The president strongly disagreed with the notion that Dr Kwame Nkrumah solely founded Ghana in his 2024 Founders Day address to the nation. But he acknowledges his immense contribution to Ghana's freedom from colonial masters. I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely, the notion that one man founded Ghana. While Kwame Nkrumahs contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that respect that the struggle for our nations freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations, President Akufo Addo said in his broadcast. Adding that: The formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection, the British West African Nation Congress, the United Gold Coast Convention, the work of countless unsung heroes, and the tenacious spirit of our people all played vital parts in bringing us to freedom and independence. Kwame Nkrumah with his charismatic visionary leadership was undoubtedly a major actor in the final lap of our journey to independence and that is why despite the several unfortunate things that happened after independence under his watch, Parliament in 2019, decided to memorialise his date of birth as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, the only Ghanaian so far to be so honoured in our history. In 2019, Parliament passed a law establishing August 4 as Founders Day to honour the collective efforts of those who contributed to Ghanas independence struggle, while designating September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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. Featured Video Development Economist, Dr. Frank Bannor, has lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias digitalization vision and called on the electorate to vote massively for the NPPs flagbearer in the December elections. Contributing to a live discussion on Gordon Asare-Bediakos Bkyer Mu show aired on Wontumi Radio 95.9, Movement TV and MyABC TV on Saturday, August 3, 2024, Dr. Bannor said that the future is digitalization and artificial intelligence as being championed by Dr. Bawumia. For Ghanas economy to be able to compete favourably with the rest of the world, we need Bawumias digitalization. We can only move into the next stage of our development with the kind of vision being espoused by Vice President Bawumia he indicated. The Head of Research at the Danquah Institute further noted that the age of cutlasses and hoes is long gone because Digitalization is the only driving force behind the next Industrial Revolution. Artificial intelligence and digitalization drive the world today. Cutlasses and hoes leaders are relics of the past. Without digitalization and artificial intelligence, there is no economy today. This is why we must all support Dr Bawumia and his vision of digitalization and artificial intelligence He said that Dr Bawumias digitalization agenda is centred on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for the youth to support and vote for the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the 2024 elections slated for December 7. We have since gone past brick-and-mortar leadership. The world has moved 15 years ahead of bricks and mortar. We cannot play catch-up with a leader whose ideas are old-fashioned, a Stone Age leader cannot help the country in its digitalization agenda. We need Bawumia to take us to the world of digitalization and artificial intelligence he said. Bawumias promise to train a million youth in digitalization and artificial intelligence is the surest way for Ghana to be propelled to the next millennium, according to Dr. Frank Bannor. It is for this reason that I am urging the youth, in particular, to embrace the digitalization mindset of Dr Bawumia by supporting, campaigning and voting for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia he stated. 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. Featured Video Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South and former Minority Leader, has described the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration as the worst in the Fourth Republic, citing economic hardship stemming from poor performance and mismanagement. Speaking at the campaign launch of the Member of Parliament for Asawase in the Ashanti region, he vowed that the NDC will work to expose any ill and fraudulent acts of the New Patriotic Party, especially in the Ashanti region. He emphasised the need to police the ballots in the December polls to prevent rigging. Mr. Iddrisu expressed optimism that the Ashanti region would vote massively for the NDC in the upcoming elections, given the NPPs poor performance in the region. He noted that the NDC needs just a little above 35% of the votes in the Ashanti region to win power. He praised Muntaka Mohammed, the NDCs candidate for the Asawase constituency, as a formidable representative who would continue to serve the people of Ghana and the Muslim Ummah well in Parliament. Mr. Iddrisu urged Ghanaians to give President John Dramani Mahama another four years to add to his previous four years, promising that he would deliver for the Ghanaian people. He reiterated that the NPP is the worst government in the history of the Fourth Republic. You saw the crowd this morning and we are seeing the crowd here. I hear the NPP saying that Ashanti is for NPP. Ashanti is only for NPP if they are performing. And Ashanti is only for NPP if businesses are good. Ashanti is only for NPP if unemployment was low. And therefore, we are optimistic that Asanteman will support John Dramani Mahama and support NDC to win. We need just a little above 35% in Ashanti region and we declare John Dramani Mahama the winner of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. That is our aspiration, and we must work towards that. Hon. Muntaka Mohammed is your formidable representative in Parliament. He will continue to do good to the people of Ghana and he will continue to serve the Muslim Ummah better in Parliament. He has done it before, and he will continue to do it. Source: citinewsroom.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The President of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has expressed confidence that the people of Kusaug will reward the flagbearer of NDC John Dramani Mahama for his substantial contributions to the nations development. In a speech read on his behalf, Bawku Naba commended Mr. Mahama for his generosity and visionary leadership. The numerous developmental projects that were initiated by the NDC under your leadership have left an indelible mark in Kusaug. It is my firm belief that the people of Kusaug will reward you adequately for your generosity and vision for our nations growth and prosperity, he stated. The Kusaug area comprises the constituencies of Zebilla, Binduri, Bawku, Pusiga, Garu, and Tempane. I am humbled by your second visit to my palace and Kusaug within a short period of time, Bawku Naba remarked. This is a clear manifestation of your humility and love for the entire people of Kusaug. I therefore wish to warmly welcome you and your entourage to Kusaug. Feel at home as you tour Kusaug to garner their support and votes for the December 7th, 2024 Elections. He said this when the NDC flagbearer paid a courtesy call on him as he began his campaign tour of the Upper East region. Bawku Naba also made specific requests for further development if Mahama is re-elected. He called for the prioritisation of infrastructure development in the kingdom, particularly the construction of a Government Hospital to serve as a major referral centre. Additionally, he urged the elevation of the Savanna Agriculture Research Center to a University for Agricultural Research, enhancing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation. Furthermore, Bawku Naba advocated for upgrading the Kusaug area to regional status, bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources. This, we believe, will bring governance closer to the people, leading to a wider benefit of the national cake by all in Kusaug, he said. Source: citinewsroom.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama has accused executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of stealing building materials that were meant for building the Garu hospital. Speaking at a campaign event in Garu in the Bolgatanga Region, John Mahama mentioned that it was his administration that initiated the Garu hospital project. However, he stated that the project has been stalled because members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly took the building materials intended for the completion of the hospital. "The Garu Hospital was one of the hospitals we chose to be built in the country. We got funding for various hospitals around the country and we started the Garu hospital but for the fact that NDC left office, I am positive that the hospital would have been completed by now he stated "The foundation was being done, work was ongoing; NDC left office, new government comes. You know what they did? They went and took the iron rods and the other building materials and went and sold them and divided the money. No this is shameful he alleged. The NDC Flagbearer further pledged to continue the construction of the hospital when he is voted into power as the next president. I want to assure you that when we come we will continue the hospital and complete it. Source: Salaamat Kuukua Paintsil/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. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In Canada, more than 34,000 cases of sexual assault were reported to police in 2022, representing a 38% increase from 2017. However, it is estimated that only about 6% of sexual assaults are reported to police, making the actual number of sexual assaults in Canada much higher. In a recent study with my graduate student Lauren E. Thompson, we sought to understand jurors' perceptions of the credibility of sexual assault charges when there is a delay in reporting them. Specifically, we sought to understand how jurors' perceptions may be affected by delayed reporting (of two months, 10 years, 20 years) and the reasons for delayed reporting: lack of evidence, fear of retaliation or not wanting family to know. We used a mock-juror paradigm to assess perceptions of the victim and verdict. Victim concern about their testimony There are several reasons why victims of sexual assault may not report or why they might delay reporting sexual offenses. Victims may be concerned that they won't be believed, especially if there is no physical evidence, only victim testimony. Consider the case of E. Jean Carroll who said she was sexually assaulted by former U.S. president Donald Trump in a department store in 1996. When the case was prosecuted in 2023, Carroll testified Trump raped her. Jurors found Trump liable for a lesser degree of sexual abuse, some 27 years from the time of the incident, but also found Trump liable for defaming Carroll over her allegations. Fear of retaliation As well, victims may fear retaliation, especially if the abuser is of higher status. Consider the case of ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who was convicted of criminal sex acts and rapein 2020 after numerous actresses brought assault allegations against him, with some saying he could sabotage careers. The 2020 rape conviction has since been overturned, while another rape conviction from 2022 still stands. Pressure to keep secrets Victims also may want to protect family members, or feel pressured to hold a secret. Consider the case recently made known to the public of Alice Munro's daughter, Andrea Skinner, who was nine years old when she was sexually assaulted by her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin. Skinner reported Fremlin to the police when she was 38. In her recent Toronto Star essay, Skinner wrote that when she was a child, her father knew, but advised keeping the abuse from her mother. When Skinner's mother, Munro, eventually heard the truth, she framed it as a betrayal against herself. Fremlin pleaded guilty to indecent assault. Other reasons for delayed reporting include feeling embarrassed or shameful and not believing the abuser will be held accountable in a court of law. In Canada, it has been estimated that approximately 12% of sexual assaults reported to police result in a conviction, compared to 23% for physical assaults. Rape myths and delayed reporting In our study, 709 mock-jurors read a fictional trial transcript of an alleged sexual assault involving a female victim and a male defendant. Among our key findings were that mock-jurors were more likely to render a guilty verdict and rate the victim's testimony more truthful when the victim delayed reporting due to concerns about her family finding out compared to when she delayed reporting due to a lack of evidence. We also considered whether the endorsement of rape mythsfalse beliefs about sexual assaultwas related to how delayed reporting was perceived. These myths can make victims more reluctant to report assault. Perceptions, verdicts We examined whether mock-jurors who endorsed rape myths influenced their perceptions and verdict. We used the Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression Scale, which consists of 30 statements relating to sexual aggression to determine rape myth endorsement. An average score was calculated for each participant with higher total scores indicating greater acceptance of rape myths. Myths included, "If a woman invites a man to her home for a cup of coffee after a night out, this means that she wants to have sex," and "Any woman who is careless enough to walk through dark alleys at night is partly to be blamed if she is raped." Mock-jurors endorsing several of these myths rated the victim's testimony more truthful if she reported the sexual assault immediately compared to when she delayed reporting. In contrast, for jurors endorsing few rape myths, the speed of reporting did not influence their perceptions of the truthfulness of the victim's testimony. Need to understand various reasons for delay Our research underscores that endorsing rape myths is related to being less likely to consider delayed reporting as legitimate. But, regardless of the reason for delayed reporting, it should not be used as a measure of the veracity of sexual assault. It is imperative that jurors are educated to understand the various reasons for delayed reportingand the fallacy of rape myths. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. OCEAN CITY Christian Angelillo, the citys new superintendent of schools, embraced Red Raider pride in an introductory letter to district families Thursday. As I look around our district, I see the emblem of the red raider everywhere and am reminded of the swift strength and independence this symbol represents, Angelillo wrote in a letter that was also posted to the district website. It is this same strength that will remain a hallmark of our schools and all who inhabit them. The school emblem features a red hawk. After rapid turnover recently, with five superintendents and interim superintendents since 2021, Ocean City seems set for longer-term leadership in the top job. The Board of Education approved Angelillos contract in March. Some in the community had advocated heavily for the district to promote from within, but it appeared that the board reached a consensus around Angelillo. Its wonderful to have a full vote on this without any dissention, school board President Kevin Barnes said after the unanimous vote in March. Angelillo most recently served as the superintendent of Boonton Township, in Morris County, where he started in 2015. He said he has worked in education for 29 years, including more than 10 as a principal. He holds a doctorate degree from Seton Hall University in K-12 administration after earning a bachelors degree in history from Fordham University and a masters in educational administration at Montclair State University. Ocean City appoints new superintendent The Ocean City Board of Education has appointed Christian J. Angelillo as the district's new superintendent. I am eager to embark on this educational journey with you, and am grateful to be joining a vibrant community that values its schools and is dedicated to our students success, Angelillo wrote. I appreciate the Ocean City Board of Education members and the OCSD staff for already making me feel so welcome. I look forward to supporting students and staff as the superintendent, while bringing a wealth of experience in educational leadership that Im excited to share. There was no immediate response to a call and email to the district offices seeking an interview with Angelillo, which included a request for his salary under the approved contract. Former Superintendent Matt Friedman made $190,000 a year before leaving the district for another job. Friedman worked in the district for less than a year. Kathleen Taylor led the district for 15 years, retiring from the job in 2021. She was named New Jerseys Superintendent of the Year in 2017, and her supporters cited improvements during her tenure, but she was a controversial enough figure that several residents picketed her retirement event at The Flanders Hotel with accusations of serious bullying while she was superintendent. After her departure, district employee Tom Baruffi filled in as interim superintendent while the Board of Education searched for a successor. After Friedman left, the district tapped Scott McCartney as the next interim superintendent until the end of 2023, after which he was replaced by former Cape May County Superintendent Terrance Crowley Sr., who led the district until Angelillo formally took the reins lastweek. I believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of building strong partnerships between our schools, families and the community. Together, we can foster an enriching and supportive educational environment that encourages curiosity, innovation and an appreciation for lifelong learning, Angelillo wrote. By working together, we will ensure every student succeeds regardless of ability level. A 35-year-old California man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for his part in an eight-person conspiracy to traffic what authorities said was many pounds of pure methamphetamine to Muscatine. During a sentencing hearing July 30 in U.S. District Court, Davenport, District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Jose Antonio Reyes to 188 months, or 15 years and eight months in prison, for his role in the conspiracy. Reyes also was ordered to spend five years on supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. He will be given credit for the time he has been in custody since his arrest on Aug. 2, 2023. There is no parole in the federal prison system. According to U.S. District Court electronic records, Reyes, an undocumented alien who has been living in the U.S. since he was 16 years old and who has a lengthy criminal record that includes theft of automobiles and convictions for meth, was part of an eight-person conspiracy to send packages of nearly pure methamphetamine from California to Muscatine. Law enforcement officers in eastern Iowa had information in early 2021 that Mackenzie Jacob Belnap, 32; his sister Amanda Marie Belnap, 37; and Cristina Kaye Briones, 39, were dealing pounds of meth across the state of Iowa. All three lived in Muscatine County. The meth was coming from suppliers in California. The addresses to which the meth was mailed were on East 8th Street and Oak Street in Muscatine. Also identified in the conspiracy were Tanya Annmarie Ethridge, 35, and Gina Denise Hendrix, 29, both who had lived in Muscatine County, as well as Salvador Manjarrez Murillo, 54, of California, and Rafael Acevedo, 45, also of California. According to court records, Reyes mailed two packages containing close to 3 pounds of meth from Corcoran, California, to an address in Muscatine. Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of controlled substances on March 15, 2024, during a hearing in U.S. District Court, Davenport. Reyes is the last of the group to be sentenced in the case. As for the the other conspirators: Mackenzie Belnap pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced on June 23, 2023, to 136 months, or 11 years and four months in prison. He must serve five years on supervised release. Amanda Belnap pleaded guilty on Sept. 2, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance-methamphetamine. She was sentenced on Feb. 14, 2022, to 120 months, or 10 years, in prison. She must serve five years on supervised release. Hendrix pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. She was sentenced on Aug. 9, 2023, to 132 months, or 11 years, in prison. She must serve five years on supervised release. Ethridge pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. She was sentenced on Oct. 11, 2023, to 144 months, or 12 years in prison. She must serve five years on supervised release. Briones pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2022, to one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute. She was sentenced April 25, 2023, to 192 months, or 16 years, in prison. She must serve five years on supervised release. Murillo pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of controlled substances. Court records indicate he was responsible for sending about 6.27 pounds of meth to the Muscatine area via the U.S. Postal Service. He was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2023, to 216 months, or 18 years in prison. He must serve five years on supervised release. Acevedo pleaded guilty March 7, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of controlled substances. Acevedo admitted to mailing 5.33 pounds of meth to the Muscatine area via the U.S. Postal Service. He was sentenced on Oct. 11, 2023, to 204 months, or 17 years, in prison. He must serve five years on supervised release. CHICAGO Jordan Parra said he didnt walk across seven countries to be kicked out of his tent in a park in Chicago. The 27-year-old from Caracas, Venezuela, had been staying on Chicago Housing Authority land adjacent to the Near West District (12th) police station with his partner for months. They opted to sleep outside after feeling unsafe in three different city-run shelters, he said. Then in late June, he said, police officers came into the park with a bulldozer and cleared everyone out. What weve found here is worse than in Venezuela, because we came here with hope for a better life and had to deal with the disappointment of not even getting close, he said. Parra showed the Tribune a video he took on his phone of a hostile interaction with Chicago police officers as he and a half-dozen others were forcibly removed from the site. They didnt let us take out our bags. There were suitcases inside, there were personal things, and the police didnt let us take them, Parra said. The encampment clearing was the latest of the citys overall encampment initiative at eight tent cities across Chicago, according to Chicago Department of Family and Support Services spokesman Brian Berg. The empty CHA lot by the police station had become a crowded encampment for migrants, like Parra, who opted not to stay in shelters for safety concerns and other reasons. The city has received close to 46,000 migrants on buses in about two years, sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in an attempt to challenge liberal cities welcoming messages. Most come fleeing violence or poverty in Venezuela, which has seen unrest for days following the announced victory of an authoritarian leader in the presidential election earlier this week. Several countries have called the results of that election into question, including the United States, which on Thursday recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner over President Nicolas Maduro. The encampment clearings havent affected asylum-seekers as most have temporary housing in 17 shelters run by the city and state. But the removal of tents on CHA land on the Near West Side did affect migrants, who said they were not told by police officers why they were being moved. When a major homeless encampment by the Dan Ryan Expressway was cleared on July 17, Maura McCauley, managing deputy commissioner of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, told the Tribune it was fast-tracked in time for the Democratic National Convention in late August. She said there were worries that security officials with the convention could suddenly ask that the tent city be evacuated. Johnson later denied his administrations earlier statements attributing the action to the DNC, scheduled for Aug. 19-22. The removal of the site by the Near West District station had nothing to do with the convention, Berg said. Immigration has been a contentious issue for Democrats leading up to the convention, where the party is set to coalesce around Vice President Kamala Harris, after President Joe Biden stepped down as the nominee in late July. Some city officials estimate that thousands of migrants could be bused up to the city for the convention to wreak havoc, as a visual counterpoint to liberal policies that led to unprecedented border crossings over the fall and winter. The estimate comes as border crossings have decreased significantly following an executive order issued by Biden in early June. But immigration experts say the border closure doesnt affect the root causes of migration, and that more people will continue to make their way to the United States in the next few years at record numbers. City officials denied any other efforts to clear the city of migrants ahead of the DNC. Migrants staying at two shelters near the United Center the site of the prime-time speeches and events of the convention told the Tribune they had been given exit dates to leave before the first day of the convention, though city officials said they had no plans to close shelters before the DNC. And migrants staying at a shelter in the Loop downtown said a few weeks ago that officials put up a fence in the square of Pritzker Park, where dozens of shelter residents typically gathered daily to sell cigarettes or stand in a pack. The city said it was not involved in putting up that fence. About 16 unhoused people identified by the city were cleared from the vacant land by the police station on the West Side, according to CHA spokesperson Matthew Aguilar. Seven people moved voluntarily to shelters, and most of the rest moved their belongings to a smaller CHA lot a few blocks west. A chain-link fence was put up around the first lot. Aguilar said city officials had been conducting weekly outreach at the site since April 1, and that 27 people had already been relocated. Outreach teams provided more than seven days notice before the closure, he said, and followed encampment cleaning protocol. The relocation allowed individuals to better access supportive services and future housing opportunities, he said. Ahead of a plan to combine the city and states migrant shelter system with the legacy homeless system, advocates for unhoused populations are already discussing how the two groups may overlap in the coming years. Many migrants dont have a job and cant afford rent, making them more at risk for homelessness, said Oscar Martinez, director of impact for Street Samaritans, a nonprofit that helps unhoused people in Chicago. Martinez, a native Spanish speaker, said there arent enough bilingual resources among homeless outreach groups to respond to people begging on the street. That will have to change in the next few years as more migrants come to Chicago, he said. Were shifting from crisis response to this is our city now. We are going to be expecting migrants consistently, he said. On a recent morning, Parra and his partner got out of their tent at small park where they are staying nearby and poured some water into a bowl for their cat, Tussi, who they keep tied up to a scratching post so he wont kill birds, they said. Parra said he has been in the U.S. for almost a year and fled his home country to escape political violence. He has had to move four times since arriving in Chicago three times at shelters and again from one CHA lot to another. Luis Linares, a 24-year-old from the Yaracuy state in Venezuela, also sleeps in the cluster of tents on CHA property. He said that whenever he gets work, he wires money home to his family in Venezuela, who need it more than he does. He said he doesnt feel safe in the shelter, so prefers to sleep in a tent. He cant afford rent for an apartment. The men at the encampment said they use the McDonalds bathroom nearby to shower. At night, they sit on folding chairs in a circle. They say theyre tired. We want to leave here, Linares said. Were trying to make enough money to save up. Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 When he used police money to buy pizza for a colleagues farewell party, police Lt. Matthew Guzzetta didnt think he would lose his job. His superiors at the Fairfax County Police Department didnt agree, calling his action deceitful. Guzzetta said he was pushed into retirement. Every few months, officers like Guzzetta fight for reputational redemption before an informal courtroom of veteran cops, sheriffs and prosecutors. Arguing that their punishment was unjust, law enforcement officers like Guzzetta tell their side of the story. In the process, they also offer an inside look into the world of Virginia police departments. Their judges are the executive committee of the state Department of Criminal Justice Services. After questioning a former officer, a majority vote decides if they can reclaim their badge and gun. On July 25, the last public hearings took place. Guzzetta defended his case, explaining how the money had been tapped and then replenished. Was it deceitful? More like a lapse in thinking, Guzzetta told the committee. Guzzetta, who is built like a boulder and stands more than 6 feet tall, cut an empathetic figure as he pleaded his case. I have two little kids, a 4-year-old, Guzzetta told the board. I have to provide for my family. After two hours of questioning, the committee overturned his punishment. Guzzetta cried, thanked the sheriffs and hugged his lawyer. How the decisions are made More often than not, the informal courtroom sides with law enforcement agencies, including sheriffs offices, police agencies and jails. Since the board began holding decertification hearings in 2021, more than 211 officers have been decertified by the board. Many do not fight the decision, but some do and ask the executive committee to hear their appeal. Out of 68 cases ruled on by the committee, 32 were reinstated. Their success tracks roughly with whether their former department decides to appear and explain the decision. If the department does not turn up, its more likely that the committee will side with an officer. For example, in March, the board upheld the decertification of Marcus Schreiber, a deputy sheriff in Appomattox County. Schreiber had gone to the gym while on duty during a late-night shift. His bosses said he lied and tried to cover his tracks. On the basis that he compromised his honesty, integrity and credibility, the board unanimously voted to keep him decertified, meaning that Schreiber cannot work as a law enforcement officer in Virginia for at least five years. That includes working in prisons and jails. Just before Guzzettas hearing, the committee heard the case of William Campbell, a former U.S. Marine charged with driving under the influence. This was out of character for Mr. Campbell, said his lawyer, Caleb Jones, whose client blew a 0.24 in a breathalyzer three times the legal limit. Jones argued that Campbell doesnt regularly drink tequila. Decertification hearings began in earnest in 2021, shortly after a wave of legislative changes enacted by the Virginia General Assembly. The new rules were put in place after the murder of George Floyd and months of civil unrest targeted at police brutality. Decertification is thought to root out the bad apples that even law enforcement agencies say do not believe in the profession. Despite that, Virginia has long decertified police officers only when they were convicted of breaking a state law. From 1999 through 2020, officers who lost their badge and gun were predominantly those who made headlines, either for domestic violence or embezzlement. In that system, the onus fell on the courts to find an officer guilty. The General Assemblys new laws gave much of that authority to the state Department of Criminal Justice Services. It also tightened the guardrails, with new laws emphasizing moral turpitude in the catalog of offenses that could end a police officers career. Lying under oath and falsifying documents, which had always been illegal, suddenly became the primary reason for decertifications. Hearings no longer public The hearings also offer a window into Virginia police operations, which are rare in a state that has strict laws on the publics ability to request police records. For example, while investigating Guzzetta, internal affairs officers flagged a conversation in which he described using Snapchat to advance police investigations. Guzzetta was made to explain that in his decertification hearing. He said detectives would ask for consent to look through a suspects phone, then add themselves as friends on the suspects account without their knowledge. Being a mutual friend allowed the detectives to appear as known or recommended friends to the suspects entire friend list a way to smooth introductions between the detectives and potential dealers. Guzzetta said he used the strategy five times while at the force and stopped using it after a federal court ruled that doing so was unconstitutional. In another instance from March 2023, two sheriffs deputies in Fauquier County were decertified for attempting to unlawfully record two women during a traffic stop. The deputies, Carter Cash and Joseph House, discreetly dropped their car dash camera into the car without the women knowing. Cash and House later justified that they believed the women were ferrying drugs out of state. The live camera would have allowed the deputies to eavesdrop on their conversation from their squad car. The two were quickly fired, according to Fauquier Sheriffs Office spokesperson Jeffrey Long. Cash tried, and failed, to have his decertification overturned this year. The Fauquier County Sheriffs Office was disappointed in the March 2023 actions of those two former deputies, Long said. The Sheriffs Office is committed to upholding our staff to the highest of standards for our community. But because of legislation passed last session, the hearings in which these details are revealed will no longer be public. The bill in question, Senate Bill 88, gave subpoena power to investigators at the same time as it exempted decertification hearings from being public, and exempted decertification records from the state Freedom of Information Act. The bill was supported by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and sponsored by state Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton. The bill had the support of the NAACP and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, a rare combination. Locke said the intent of her bill isnt to provide cloud cover to police departments, but to ensure those who engage in misconduct are decertified, period. The Richmond Times-Dispatch asked Locke if she thought her bill would keep the public from learning about potentially unconstitutional police work. Groups ask EPA to act after state allows Hopewell chemical plant to withhold emissions data A cadre of environmental groups have asked for federal back-up in their transparency push regarding a Hopewell plastics manufacturer. Officers and their supervisors/chiefs know when someone is doing something wrong/illegal and those who have information should be able to speak openly about it without fear of retribution and the information being exposed, Locke said. UVA School of Public Policy professor Brian N. Williams described the private appeal hearings as an issue that may need a better resolution in order to restore public trust in police departments. Williams rested that point on the recent killing of Sonya Massey in Illinois. Massey, a Black woman, was shot in her home by a sheriffs deputy with a history of misconduct and a dishonorable discharge from the military. I think theres an opportunity for us to have a much better type of process where things arent behind closed doors, said Williams, who teaches on the subject of police community relations. Im just thinking about Springfield, Illinois. Im thinking about Sonya Massey, and what is surfacing now; maybe if there was a little more transparency, maybe a life would not have been lost, Williams said. At the decertification hearings last week, a Virginia State Police officer elected to postpone his case until the next hearing, when the new rules established by Lockes bill take effect. From the Archives: Richmond Police Twenty years after switching to an elected-mayor form of government, where are we? Changing the city charter from a council-manager form of government to a strong mayor it was approved via referendum in 2003 was intended to create accountability and a citywide vision for the future. Three mayors in, theres little evidence to show either has been accomplished. Why? Richmond has always been rigged to fail, through segregationist state policies that ensured the city remained landlocked and trapped in economic despair. So, naturally, economic stress over the past 75 years has led to systemic government dysfunction. It undercut the first two mayors L. Douglas Wilder and the Rev. Dwight Jones who swept into office promising to root out corruption, improve financial accountability and streamline government, but left City Hall in a leadership vacuum, still reeling from episodic scandals and operational inefficiencies. The third, Levar Stoney, is about to do the same. To be fair, our three elected mayors have given Richmond a jolt of energy, a political voice that has at times created a measure of clarity and focus. Wilder zeroed in on public safety, hiring an almost-universally beloved police chief, Rodney Monroe, who dramatically reduced the homicide rate through community policing efforts; Jones focused on social justice, building new schools and a jail that was sorely needed. Stoney devoted more resources to schools and pedestrian infrastructure and spearheaded a new comprehensive plan (Richmond 300) that has been widely lauded. Its also true that the citys tax base has grown exponentially over the past 30 years as Virginia Commonwealth University expanded and young professionals, artists and families moved in. The victories, however, have been fleeting. And most of the economic growth has little to do with how the city elects its mayor. The residential surge followed the new urbanism movement in the 1990s as young professionals and families sought more walkable, urban lifestyles. In Richmond, the growth was aided by historic tax credits and abatements that were put in place before Wilder took office in 2005. The switch to an elected mayor also hasnt resulted in stability at City Hall, which has become painfully clear over the past seven months. Most egregiously, theres the meals tax fiasco, which involved the city assessing late fees on meals tax payments from restaurant owners without notifying them, and then rolling over the penalties month to month, leading to exorbitant bills in the tens of thousands of dollars. Then came a whistleblower lawsuit filed by the citys Freedom of Information Act officer, Connie Clay, who accused her boss, communications director Petula Burks, of firing her for refusing to engage in illegal and unethical activities in violation of FOIA. The city, it seems, has a transparency problem that has been purposefully institutionalized. And, most recently, the Richmond Times-Dispatch uncovered rampant abuse of the citys purchasing card program, wherein employees routinely exceeded monthly limits and, in some cases, used the cards to skirt procurement policy. In Richmond, its easy to become inured to incompetence. Which is why the Stoney administrations response is even more problematic: repeated stonewalling, violating FOIA laws and refusing to even feign accountability for what are clear breaches of the public trust. And when city officials do respond, as they did July 24, they strap on the blinders. After weeks of reporting by The Times-Dispatch on the purchasing card bungles, Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders explained how the city is entering the next phase of a three-year administrative turnaround, which aims to shore up staffing in key city departments, establish modern internal controls and begin a Procurement Services Assessment, according to a seven-page news release. Staffing shortages are the primary issue, according to the release. Nowhere are the problems with the purchasing card program even mentioned. City officials have largely refused to answer questions from The Times-Dispatchs Samuel B. Parker, violated FOIA repeatedly and declined to offer anything resembling an explanation for how more than 300 city-issued purchasing cards (essentially credit cards intended for small, high-volume purchases) racked up $11.9 million in transactions in 2023. Or why Burks, former director of the office of strategic communications, was allowed to ignore the monthly $10,000 limit and make $277,000 in purchases during the first six months of 2023, nearly $100,000 of which went to companies owned by a former business partner. Burks card was suspended a year ago. When Parker began asking pointed questions, she stopped communicating altogether, abruptly resigned and received a parting gift from her bosses $14,000 in severance pay. Turns out its always sunny in Stoneys City Hall: The release states that the city continues systematically putting in place the foundational building blocks of a highly-functioning city government. It goes on to explain that the turnaround, headed by Saunders since 2021, has been so successful that it led to Richmond earning its first AAA bond rating last month after years of working to achieve the countrys highest financial standard. Richmond should get kudos for the AAA bond rating, but it should be noted that it has more to do with the citys ability to pay back bonds including $131 million in general obligation bonds for a new ballpark than how the city spends taxpayer money. Bondholders care about getting paid. Problems with p-cards and overbilling restaurants, not so much. Stoney, who has yet to publicly address the recent foibles, offers little of substance: Richmond residents have long called for improvements in basic city services. We want to make this government better than it has ever been. Whats worse? That Stoney, who is currently running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, really believes that his efforts turning around city government are yielding clear results, but declines to make that progress central to his current campaign, or that the best course of action is to ignore the problems and bet that Virginia voters wont even notice? We get it. Good government fixing potholes, improving customer service and billing, spending taxpayer money wisely and efficiently doesnt exactly excite the base, especially in the current political environment. Shiny objects (think ballparks and casinos) are the easier sell. But it points to a larger problem. If an elected mayor gets no political currency out of good government, where does that leave Richmond? The recent effort to revamp the city charter last year, the City Council put together a commission to conduct an in-depth review, which offered one proposal for creating a more balanced partnership between council and the elected mayor, and another that more closely resembles a council-manager system, reducing the number of districts from nine to six and adding the elected mayor as the seventh councilmember; the chief administrative officer or city manager, under this scenario, would report to the full council was a breath of fresh air. The review was comprehensive, and offers a real path forward, but the more substantive changes were quickly pushed to the back burner. Realistically, with three months to go before a new mayor and council are elected along with the citys School Board its a discussion that will have to wait. Its encouraging but hardly surprising that the five candidates for mayor seem focused on the current lack of accountability at City Hall. During a forum hosted by the Richmond Crusade for Voters on Thursday, all five also indicated they wouldnt retain Saunders, the current CAO. A fresh start is needed. Just dont mistake replacing Saunders as an actual solution. Richmond needs stability at the top, a chief administrative officer who isnt under the exclusive thumb of an elected mayor. Three-year turnaround plans arent going to cut it. Implementing long-term solutions to the citys persistent dysfunction and operational deficiencies is a heavy lift that no mayor can accomplish on their own. So lets finally take the blinders off. Strong mayors arent going to save Richmond. Its time to rethink the city charter. Delta to start New Year with Detroit to Tulum flights Tulum, Q.R. Delta Airlines has announced the New Year will kick off with a new direct flight to Tulum. Starting January 11, 2025 Delta will introduce flights from Detroit to Tulum (TQO), a first for the airline. Tulum is celebrated for its stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. The airline says they are also adding other Mexico flights starting the New Year. Those flights include service from Detroit to Tulum and Los Angeles to Mazatlan this winter as Aeromexico launches service from Atlanta and Los Angeles to Manzanillo, Newark to Mexico City and Denver to Monterrey. Month after month, our customers are showing us one thing: They want to get out and see the world, said Joe Esposito, Deltas Senior V.P. of Network Planning. Mexico is one of our most popular destinations for U.S. customers. Thats why were adding four new destinations in Mexico this year, giving our customers even more ways to experience Latin Americas rich cultural heritage. With these new routes, Delta will operate up to 50 weekly flights from DTW to five destinations in Mexico this winter, including other popular spots like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. Together with our existing service from Atlanta and Minneapolis, Delta will offer 10 weekly flights from the U.S. to Tulum, with four flights on Saturdays. Deltas new routes to Tulum and Mazatlan will operate on Saturdays on Deltas Boeing 737-800 and Airbus 319 aircraft, offering First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options. Tulum beach club shooting leaves one dead and one in custody Tulum, Q.R. One person was shot to death and second arrested in a targeted Tulum shooting Saturday. The shooting happed inside a coastal area beach club shortly before 4:00 p.m. The now-deceased is reported to have been a known drug dealer. Police responded to reports of gunfire inside the establishment at Kilometer 6 of the hotel zone. According to available information, municipal police and navy personnel responded to the report, arriving to find shell casings littering the floor around one dead male. Paramedics were called to the beach club, but only officially pronounced the shot man dead. Authorities began a search for the gunman. At the scene, one person was taken into custody. Neither the deceased or the arrested male have been identified. Police and paramedics were at the scene. One person was taken into custody. Photos: August 3, 2024. Local authorities have not made a public statement regarding the Saturday afternoon Tulum beach club shooting. The New River Valley Home Builders Association will host its 9th Annual Touch-A-Truck NRV event on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Uptown Christiansburg mall. The event will take place in the malls back parking lot. For those with sensitive ears, the event will be horn and siren-free from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a news release from the home builders association. Children will get to have a safe and hands-on learning experience by climbing into the drivers seat and exploring vehicles such as squad cars, dump trucks, bucket trucks, construction vehicles and more. Many business and non-profit organizations have plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, local food trucks will be there and there will be the chance for the kids to build their own birdhouse at the event, according to the release. Touch-a-Truck NRV is a family event open to all. Tickets are $3 each or $8 per family ticket (valid for up to four attendees.) Children two years of age and under are free. Proceeds from this event go towards the New River Valley Home Builders Association and the NRVHBA Microgrant fund which provides funding for special projects and/or materials within elementary and secondary classrooms that align with the workforce development interests of the home building and construction industry, according to the release. Early Bird pricing is $2 per person or $6 per family ticket. To pre-purchase tickets and learn more about the event, please visit touchatrucknrv.com. - The Roanoke Times 125 Years Ago O'Brien County Land Case: The recent decision rendered by Judge Shiras in the case of Sterling P. Linkswiler vs. John Schneider et al is of more than usual interest in this section, as the decision applies to thousands of acres of valuable farmlands in northwestern Iowa, and it is quite certain it will apply to all others of a similar nature. The court holds that the bona fide purchasers from the Sioux City and St. Paul Railway are entitled to the land on which they settled under the purchase. The railway company was obliged to forfeit several thousand acres obtained under a land grant, and a great deal of which had been sold to innocent purchasers. Then the land was regarded by many as a subject to entry, and a general scramble ensued. Homesteaders claimed purchasers from the railway had no right to possession. Judge Shiras held with the purchaser in this case and against the homesteader. Rivalry of the Sleuths: The largest sized helmet at the police station, which has been held by Officer Tom Ford since he ran down a bicycle thief, has been turned over to "Dennie" O'Meara for recovering a stolen wheel four weeks before its owner discovered it was gone. Now Dennie is doing the strutting for the force. In the vicinity of the Fourth of July, Dennis spotted a bicycle in the possession of a fellow who didn't look as if he had any right to own a wheel. As Dennis made his way over, the man spotted him and dropped the wheel and struck down an alley. Dennis took charge of the fallen wheel. For four weeks he has ridden on the bike as no owner of the bike appeared, but the owner of the bike finally appeared at the police station, leaving O'Meara to now walk in the mornings. 100 Years Ago $80,000 Hail Damage Done: Hail which fell in the vicinity of Salix during the storm late Friday caused an estimated damage of $80,000 to corn crops, according to a survey made by Sioux City insurance agents D. Seeman and J. Legler. After surveying the storm swept country, the agents reported that farmers residing near Salix, Sergeant Bluff, and Hornick lost an average of 50 percent of their corn crops. Of the loss, approximately 60 percent is insured. On a whole, the agents report the loss will be about one-half of the crops. Those residing near Salix lost more than half their crops in the storm. Officers Fire at Fleeing Man: Two men who were driving an automobile with a Minnesota license plate made a getaway after their car had smashed into another driving by W. F. Manley late Saturday night. The driver of the car crashed into Manley at Peter's park, and the men ran down the street before Manley could speak to them. Officers Philip Nyberg and Jesse Marshall noticed the men fleeing into an alley and fired several shots at them, but failed to capture them. The automobile was taken into police headquarters where it is being held. 50 Years Ago Amputee 'Takes Plunge' to Earn Swim Certificate: "Can't never did anything" is the philosophy of Ms. Georgine Williams of Sioux City, who has both amputated below the knees, and saying her philosophy is about the only time she'll use the word "can't." Just recently she passed a Red Cross beginners swimming test at the YWCA pool. She first became interesting while attending Camp Sunnyside near Des Moines, and when the Red Cross began teaching swimming to the handicapped, she decided it was time to take the plunge. Williams says if she never wins another thing, she's very proud of the card she got for passing the swimming test. Albertson Honored at SIMPCO Dinner: Ernest Albertsen, former mayor of South Sioux City and chairman of Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) for nine years, was honored Friday night at a banquet at the Paddock in South Sioux City. Paul Berger, former Sioux City mayor, and others expressed their gratitude to Albertsen for his years of service to SIMPCO. Berger credited Albertsen with evaporating some of the differences between North Sioux City, South Sioux City, and Sioux City, and said there would not be a second Missouri River bridge without him. 25 Years Ago Arnolds Park is Saved; Drive Hits $7.25 Million: "Saved!" was scribbled with sidewalk chalk in front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park Sunday, and it was the word that said it all. Save the Park campaign fundraisers went over the top to raise the $5.5 million needed in less than six weeks in order to save the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi River; they raised more than $7.25 million. Campaign chairwoman Sue Richter and Maritime Museum Board of Directors Tom Shine made the announcement Sunday during the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Okoboji Spirit Center. Gov. Tom Vilsack surprised the Maritime Museum Board by presenting two donations totaling $1.25 million from the state, coming from the Community Attraction and Tourism Development Program and from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' State Marine Fuel Tax program. Woodbury Fair Opens This Week: The 71st annual Woodbury County Fair will open Wednesday in Moville. Nancy Burright and her husband Jack, who are secretary and manager, respectively, of the fair say the fair had its beginning in Sioux City until the late 1920s, and the first fair was held in Moville in 1927. A special feature of the fair this year is a railroad depot. Burright says the depot is in the process of being restored. The fair received a grant from Missouri River Historical Development to restore the building, and some work has already been done. 1 Year Ago Iowa's Last Ben Franklin Store Lives On: Sheldon will soon be the only place in Iowa you'll be able to experience a Ben Franklin Store in Iowa once the location in Eagle Grove closes in the coming weeks. As Ben Franklin locations dwindle, owner Phil Warnke said he's been marketing happy memories to shoppers who remember when the general merchandise department store could be found in many small to mid-size towns. Warnke and his wife Lori bought the store in 1991. Reynolds Kicks Off Iowa Conference: Gov. Reynolds came to the RE/Max City Centre in downtown Sioux City for the awarding of money to five Iowa small businesses during the Open 4 Business Competition which kicked off the first night of the 2023 Iowa Downtown Conference. The winning business, Keokuk's Tangles Hair Salon, received a $20,000 check to grow the business. Coming in second was Iowa Running Company of Cedar Rapids, which got $15,000 from the IEDA and Main Street Iowa. The third place prize of $10,000 went to HeronKross, a business based in Ottumwa that is focused on historical preservation. 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #31 Posted on 4 August 2024 by BaerbelW, Doug Bostrom, John Hartz A listing of 33 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 28, 2024 thru Sat, August 3, 2024. Story of the week Like a stuck phonograph record, our Story of the Week continues as "the entire Earth's temperature is higher than our species has ever before seen." We think of heatwaves as regional features; here it's our whole planet seeing prolonged bulging temperatues. In a crowded news environment crammed with urgencies (and fluff), this news is largely flying beneath the radar of wide public attention but it is nonetheless (somewhat axiomatically) historic, truly remarkable. Only last week it was phenomenal to see two days in a row exceeding our pevious experience. A few days later and we're in a thicket of multiple new records, four as of the Washington Post's coverage. Other news and analysis of our ongoing planetary fever: Even with current data that is off previous charts and an incomplete explanation for "precisely why now," we'll likely see global temperature simmer down a bit not so long from now, as we've already experienced. Squinting at any graph of Earth surface temperature for the past 60 years will serve nicely to set expectations. Stuck in a related groove, we'll point out yet again that global temperature reliably wavers from year to year, but only a fool would bet against a 5-year run ending cooler than when started. This elevator is headed up. Stories we promoted this week, by publication date: Before July 28 July 28 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #30 , Skeptical Science, Barbel Winkler, Doug Bostrom & John Hartz. A listing of 28 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 21, 2024 thru Sat, July 27, 2024. , Skeptical Science, Barbel Winkler, Doug Bostrom & John Hartz. A listing of 28 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 21, 2024 thru Sat, July 27, 2024. Washington Is Giving Tax Breaks to Data Centers That Threaten the States Green Energy Push, The Seattle Times/Pro Publica, Lulu Ramadan & Sydney Brownstone,. "In 2019, Washington adopted legislation requiring electric utilities to go carbon-neutral in a decade. Yet lawmakers continued to promote the growth of energy-guzzling data centers with generous tax incentives." July 29 July 30 July 31 August 1 August 2 August 3 `This is climate change`: Scottish beach eroding by 7 metres a year, The Guardian, Rachel Keenan. Centuries-old Montrose golf links falling into the sea and town at risk of flooding as coastal erosion accelerates US extends Olympic win streak to 58 games with 87-68 victory over Germany; quarterfinals next A'ja Wilson (9), of the United States, shoots over Luisa Geiselsoder (15), of Germany, in a women's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool) VILLENEUVE-DASCQ, France (AP) The U.S. has incredible depth that no country can match, and it has played a key role in its unprecedented run of seven straight Olympic gold medals. The Americans can wear down their opponents by sending wave after wave of WNBA All-Stars to the court. They did that again on Sunday, beating Germany 87-68 to extend their record streak to 58 consecutive Olympic wins dating to the 1992 Barcelona Games. Were not the USA dynasty without it, coach Cheryl Reeve said of the depth. I think its what defines the dynasty is the depth of talent that the USA has. Jackie Young scored 19 of the reserves' 52 points, helping the Americans clinch the top seed in their pool. Its incredible. I mean thats what makes us legendary, said A'ja Wilson, who had 14 points. Thats what makes us one of the best teams, in the world that we can sub five and five out and theres no drop off. Next up for the U.S. (3-0) is Nigeria on Wednesday in Paris. Germany (2-1), which is playing in its first Olympics, will play France after a draw on Sunday night set the quarterfinal matchups. The Germans got off to a strong start Sunday as they jumped out to a 17-8 lead midway through the first quarter. Leonie Fiebich, who plays with Sabrina Ionescu and Stewart on the New York Liberty, had eight of those points. The U.S. didn't panic. With the starters struggling a bit, Reeve turned to the next five players that included Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas and Young. I mean, I think thats what makes our team special. We have a lot of lineups, a lot of things that we can do, Thomas said. We didnt have the best start and did a line change and jump-started the game. That second group closed the gap to 19-16 after the first quarter. The Americans started the second quarter with a 21-5 run and were up 41-29 at the break. Reeve changed her starting backcourt to begin the third quarter, with Loyd and Ionescu replacing Diana Taurasi and Chelsea Gray. The pair played the first six minutes of the game and didnt return. The 42-year-old Taurasi is chasing a record sixth Olympic gold medal. The coach said the pair was OK when asked if they were fine physically. The Germans scored the first five points of the third and were down 49-41 before the U.S. took control with six straight points by Kelsey Plum. The lead stayed in double digits the rest of the way. The athleticism and the skill level they can bring in off the bench, I mean youre bringing Brittney Griner off the bench, German coach Lisa Thomaidis said. I mean thats just, thats just another level. So yeah I mean theyre the best team in the world for a reason. But it was a great game for us. I thought we showed some good things and flashes and some other things that we need to really clean up and be better. Germany got a scare when Fiebich got sandwiched between two U.S. players in the third quarter and had to be helped off the court. She didnt return and finished with 10 points. Thomaidis said she hadn't talked to the trainers yet, so didn't know the extent of the injury. Satou Sabally scored 15 and Alexis Peterson had 14 for Germany. Germany was once again without Nyara Sabally, who sat for the second consecutive game because shes in concussion protocol after being helped off the court in the Germans opening win. In other games on Sunday, Nigeria became the first African country to advance to the quarterfinals with a 79-70 win over Canada. Belgium also advanced to the elimination round with a 27-point win over Japan. Australia held off France for a 79-72 victory in the final game in group play. ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/biden-asked-netanyahu-to-stop-bullshtting-him-in-call-after-haniyeh-killing---reports-1119633674.html Biden Asked Netanyahu to Stop Bullsh*tting Him in Call After Haniyeh Killing - Reports Biden Asked Netanyahu to Stop Bullsh*tting Him in Call After Haniyeh Killing - Reports Sputnik International Mideast tensions escalated further this week in the wake of an Israeli assassination spree targeting senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh. US President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone Thursday to discuss the situation. 2024-08-04T11:22+0000 2024-08-04T11:22+0000 2024-08-04T11:22+0000 world joe biden benjamin netanyahu us israel palestine tel aviv hamas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119633385_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_9dc604eea1736383aa89b8e55a5655fd.jpg Joe Biden asked Benjamin Netanyahu to stop putting him on during their Thursday phone after the Israeli prime minister told him Tel Aviv was preparing to send a delegation to resume talks with Hamas a day after Wednesdays assassination of the Palestinian side's chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh.The Israeli Prime Ministers Office did not comment on the report, except to say that Netanyahu does not intervene in American politics and will work with whoever is elected president, and expects Americans to also not intervene in Israeli politics.Other accounts of Thursdays call also painted a picture of a Biden grumpy and annoyed with Netanyahu. According to the New York Times, the president told the Israeli leader the Haniyah killing was poorly timed, with Washington seeking an endgame to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Axios said Biden communicated to Netanyahu that he should not expect the US to keep bailing Israel out if it continues to escalate tensions in the region.Biden isnt the first recent US president to express frustration with Netanyahu. In late 2021, about a year after the Israeli leader rushed to congratulate Biden for his highly contested 2020 election victory, former President Donald Trump told Axios that the main reason his dream of an ultimate deal between Israel and Palestine never materialized was because Netanyahu didnt want it. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/biden-says-netanyahu-should-not-count-on-us-anymore-if-he-continues-escalating---reports-1119615418.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20211210/f-him-bitter-trump-bashes-netanyahu-over-bibis-efforts-to-cozy-up-to-biden-1091415003.html israel palestine tel aviv Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov did netanyahu lie to biden, did netanyahu lie to trump, will us support israel forever https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/destruction-of-nato-f-16s-sent-to-ukraine-will-boost-russias-image-1119633955.html Destruction of NATO F-16s Sent to Ukraine Will Boost Russia's Image Destruction of NATO F-16s Sent to Ukraine Will Boost Russia's Image Sputnik International Deliveries of aging F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will play into Russia's hands and improve its image, a UK media outlet has speculated. 2024-08-04T11:38+0000 2024-08-04T11:38+0000 2024-08-04T11:38+0000 military military & intelligence russia ukraine nato su-35 f-16 f-16 fighter jet https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/0c/1100668870_0:44:1024:620_1920x0_80_0_0_041d339eefe3e9959c42bec59f7a2a50.jpg Deliveries of aging F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will play into Russia's hands and improve its image, The Independent has speculated. Russian President Vladimir Putin "would savor the image that destroying F-16s from NATO countries would bring," the UK media outlet noted. Russias Armed Forces will likely "destroy the F-16s on the ground with long-range missiles," the publication further predicted. It went on to underscore that Russias Su-35 fighter jet would be "one of the biggest threats" to the F-16s, and noted that sophisticated air surveillance radars would be used against them. Russias air defense systems would make it too risky for Ukraine to try to use the jets to support its troop movements on the front line, analysts cited by the outlet acknowledged.The fact that Kievs pilots only got a nine-month training crash course on using the F-16s as compared to the typical three-year course Western pilots receive was also noted. Ukraine recently received a handful of F-16s from the Netherlands. Denmark, Belgium, and Norway have promised to provide the Kiev regime with more over the next few months. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the United States and its NATO allies that Moscow sees the presence of nuclear-capable F-16s in Ukraine as a nuclear threat.President Vladimir Putin emphasized that Western-supplied F-16 jets to Ukraine would not have the power to alter the situation on the battlefield. He warned that if these fighter jets are deployed from the territory of third countries, they will be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces. Every previous alleged game-changing weapon has failed to turn the tide of the West's proxy conflict in Ukraine, as Russia has had effective countermeasures ready and waiting for each of them. 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/20240801/no-deus-ex-machina-f-16s-will-become-zelenskys-steiner-counterattack-moment-1119599192.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko f-16 for ukraine, when will ukraine surrender, will f-16s help ukraine, western military aid to ukraine, f-16 ukraine, how will russia destroy f-16s https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/elon-musk-speculates-civil-war-inevitable-as-violence-sweeps-uk-1119632279.html Elon Musk Speculates Civil War Inevitable as Violence Sweeps UK Elon Musk Speculates Civil War Inevitable as Violence Sweeps UK Sputnik International US billionaire Elon Musk has speculated that the UK is heading for civil war. 2024-08-04T06:50+0000 2024-08-04T06:50+0000 2024-08-04T06:51+0000 world united kingdom (uk) elon musk britain southport liverpool labour party keir starmer priti patel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119632104_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f06e922630a1bc5b282cfc0ba4d80f2f.jpg US billionaire Elon Musk has speculated that the UK is heading towards civil war. Musk weighed in on the wave of violence sweeping across the country amid uncontrolled migration and soaring crime, posting on X a succinct post that read, Civil war is inevitable. The Tesla CEO and owner of X made the comment under one of many videos showing scenes of unrest gripping towns and cities in Britain during the past days. The latest wave of interethnic violence was triggered by a recent tragedy in the town of Southport, where a 17-year-old teen of Rwandan origin stabbed three girls to death on July 29. Police arrested dozens of people on Saturday, as projectiles and fireworks were set off, and storefronts set on fire. Footage posted on social media shows crowds chanting anti-immigrant slogans such as stop the boats in Liverpool, in a reference to the dinghies used by asylum seekers to cross the English Channel to the UK. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel denounced Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Party for complacency amid the riots, writing on X that Parliament ought to be recalled from summer break.The UKs newly minted Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has inherited the migrant crisis from his predecessor, faces an uphill battle to tackle illegal migration. The number of people crossing the English Channel is currently estimated to be more than 10,000 this year alone. Previous measures resorted to by the UK government have failed to stanch the tide of illegals. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240803/uk-governments-failure-to-resolve-migrant-crisis-fuels-cycle-of-violence--crime-1119620465.html united kingdom (uk) britain southport Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko elon musk predicts uk heading for civil war, uk's anti-migrant riots, anti-migrant unrest in britain, uk's migrant problems, are there many migrants in the uk, how is starmer trying to tackle the migrant crisis, what is fueling chaos and violence in uk, what happened in southport, what is known about the stabbing in southport, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/german-politician-calls-for-creation-of-european-defensive-union-involving-russia-1119630681.html German Politician Calls for Creation of European Security Architecture Including Russia German Politician Calls for Creation of European Security Architecture Including Russia Sputnik International Bodo Ramelow, the minister-president of the German federal state of Thuringia, called for the creation of a European defensive union with Russia Saturday. 2024-08-04T02:58+0000 2024-08-04T02:58+0000 2024-08-04T05:19+0000 world sergey lavrov russia die linke eurasia brics europe security security cooperation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119630524_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_84460639b31f936052758f15e6ac2877.jpg MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Bodo Ramelow, the minister-president of the German federal state of Thuringia, called for the creation of a European defensive union with Russia Saturday."All participating states must conclude a non-aggression pact and form a defense community that focuses on resolving conflicts on the European continent," he said in an interview with the Funke Media Group. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed Russia is not closing the door to dialogue with Western countries on issues of economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, as well as security and the formation of a new security architecture in Eurasia. However Moscow has increasingly sought cooperation with China and members of the BRICS bloc amid Western hostility and economic sanctions. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240731/finland-military-drills-near-russian-borders-part-of-nato-provocations---russia-1119581773.html russia eurasia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International security architecture, russia europe security, russia europe security bloc https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/head-of-myanmars-largest-party-asks-russia-for-support-in-fight-against-terrorism-1119632454.html Head of Myanmar's Largest Party Asks Russia for Support in Fight Against Terrorism Head of Myanmar's Largest Party Asks Russia for Support in Fight Against Terrorism Sputnik International The chairman of Myanmar's largest party USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party), Khin Yi, in an interview with Sputnik asked Russia to recognize the armed conflict in the country as a manifestation of terrorism and join the fight against it. 2024-08-04T06:30+0000 2024-08-04T06:30+0000 2024-08-04T06:30+0000 asia myanmar russia terrorism counter-terrorism anti-terrorism https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119632552_0:183:2992:1866_1920x0_80_0_0_3a77d94086081ebefc6f64129da95b98.jpg Politician specified that Russian law enforcers could take part in tackling terrorism in his country. According to the politician, the current government of Myanmar aims to ensure all possible security measures at the national level. However, he believes, recently national security issues around the world "have been smoothly moving into regional, and sometimes even global ones." The armed conflict between the central government of Myanmar and a number of armed groups of national minorities resumed with renewed vigor in 2021, after the military accused government representatives of rigging the November 2020 elections and used the constitutional mechanism for the transfer of power to the commander of the armed forces in the event of an emergency threatening national security and the integrity of the country. On July 31, the National Defense and Security Council of Myanmar decided to extend the state of emergency, first declared in 2021, for another six months. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240530/russian-deputy-defense-minister-myanmar-air-force-commander-outline-cooperation-prospects-1118695376.html myanmar russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International myanmar, myanmar unrest, myanmar terrorism, myanmar disturbance, myanmar clashes, myanmar civil war https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/iran-refuses-to-temper-response-to-assassination-of-hamas-political-leader--report-1119638583.html Iran Refuses to Temper Response to Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Report Iran Refuses to Temper Response to Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Report Sputnik International Iran has refused to moderate its response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and is planning to launch a retaliatory strike against Israel, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. 2024-08-04T20:24+0000 2024-08-04T20:24+0000 2024-08-04T20:24+0000 world newsfeed middle east ismail haniyeh iran israel tehran hamas hezbollah palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/18/1119108266_0:253:3168:2035_1920x0_80_0_0_8ad1f83d0698df8664898db493d2a54f.jpg MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran has refused to moderate its response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and is planning to launch a retaliatory strike against Israel, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.Iran has dismissed attempts by the United States and other Arab countries to temper its reaction to Haniyeh's death and Iranian leaders have vowed to retaliate, the newspaper reported, adding that Tehran already told Arab diplomats Saturday that it did not care whether the response led to war. The US has asked its allies to convey a message to Iran to avoid escalating the situation, warning that any significant strike would trigger a backlash, according to the newspaper. Meanwhile NBC News reported that Israel was bracing for a potential multi-day attack from Iran and Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah in the wake of the assassination of Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr last week, citing an Israeli official.Earlier this week the Palestinian group Hamas reported the death of Haniyeh as a result of an Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran, where he arrived to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president. Hamas blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and said the attack would not go unanswered. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240803/america-will-lose-everything-if-it-continues-to-back-israeli-depravity--analyst-1119618297.html iran israel tehran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran retaliation, iran israel response, iran strike on israel, iran retribution, start of middle east war, how did middle east war start https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/major-latin-american-powers-hungary-block-us-eu-push-to-isolate-venezuelas-maduro-1119638367.html Major Latin American Powers, Hungary Block US-EU Push to Isolate Venezuela's Maduro Major Latin American Powers, Hungary Block US-EU Push to Isolate Venezuela's Maduro Sputnik International Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was reelected to a third term in office in a showdown with united opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez last Sunday, taking 52% of the vote to Gonzalez 43%. The US and its allies decried the results, recognized the opposition leader and demanded negotiations for a peaceful transition of power. 2024-08-04T19:17+0000 2024-08-04T19:17+0000 2024-08-04T19:17+0000 americas nicolas maduro josep borrell viktor orban hungary venezuela brussels us european union (eu) organization of american states (oas) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/1f/1119587427_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_dfc72113420e98223a6f07e49b682e0d.jpg Efforts by Washington and Brussels to diplomatically isolate President Nicolas Maduro have failed spectacularly after important members of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union rejected efforts to condemn the Venezuelan election results.In the OAS, major Latin American countries Brazil, Mexico and Colombia abstained from a resolution tabled Wednesday demanding that Caracas release detailed vote tallies and take other steps, including measures to ensure the security of the opposition. The three nations were joined in abstaining from the resolution or being absent from the vote by Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Grenada, Honduras, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. With 11 OAS members abstaining and five members absent, the resolution failed to attain the required majority to pass.Permanent Council chairman Ronald Sanders said a consensus could not be reached over a controversial phrase, without elaborating.Across the Atlantic, Hungary blocked a similar proposed joint statement on behalf of the EUs 27 member countries on purported numerous flaws and irregularities in Venezuelas elections, forcing EU foreign policy czar Josep Borrell to independently issue a statement in the EUs name.Hungarys intransigence is expected to complicate efforts by Brussels to use unanimity among the bloc to justify the leveling of potential new sanctions against Venezuela. Budapest did not explain its motivation for vetoing the EU resolution. US Secretary of State congratulated Gonzalez for winning last Sundays vote, with Russia, China, Belarus, Serbia, Iran, Turkiye, Syria, Azerbaijan, North Korea, Vietnam, Madagascar, Namibia, Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and others recognizing the results and congratulating President Maduro for his victory. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/ghost-of-guaid-past-1119616104.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/us-recognizes-opposition-candidate-edmundo-gonzalez-winner-of-venezuela-election---blinken-1119600265.html americas hungary venezuela brussels Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov did mexico foil us attempt to oust maduro, why is us trying to oust venezuela's maduro https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/over-90-protesters-arrested-in-uk-amid-government-crackdown---reports-1119634574.html Over 90 Protesters Arrested in UK Amid Government Crackdown Over 90 Protesters Arrested in UK Amid Government Crackdown Sputnik International Over 90 people have been arrested amid the wave of protests against the influx of illegal migrants which took place across the United Kingdom on Saturday and grew into mass unrest, the SkyNews broadcaster reported on Sunday. 2024-08-04T12:05+0000 2024-08-04T12:05+0000 2024-08-04T12:43+0000 world united kingdom (uk) illegal migration migrant crisis migrant liverpool https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/03/1119620291_0:79:3362:1970_1920x0_80_0_0_f209bdbbe29ac2c3c5f6c58c11a76836.jpg Protests against the influx of illegal migrants started on in several cities across the UK following a stabbing attack in Southport, England, in which 3 children had been killed. Media reported that at least 35 protests were expected over the weekend. The arrests started following a number of clashes with the police as well as between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, the broadcaster reported. The police expect the further violence to continue in the coming days, according to SkyNews. Among those detained, 14 protesters were arrested in the UK city of Bristol, 20 in Kingston upon Hull, over 20 in Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn, 23 in Liverpool and 10 in Stoke-on-Trent, the media said. Another three people were detained in Belfast and Leeds. On July 29, three young girls were killed and several others seriously injured after a knife attack on a children's dance club in Southport. This sparked mass protests and clashes with police amid unconfirmed reports that the knifeman was a refugee. united kingdom (uk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International protests in uk, uk unrest, uk crackdown, migrants protest uk, illegal migration uk, unrest britain https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/russia-us-managed-to-avoid-escalation-after-talk-between-defense-chiefs---foreign-ministry-1119633826.html Russia, US Managed to Avoid Escalation After Talk Between Defense Chiefs - Foreign Ministry Russia, US Managed to Avoid Escalation After Talk Between Defense Chiefs - Foreign Ministry Sputnik International Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has delivered a signal to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and the sides have managed to avoid another escalation cycle, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Sunday. 2024-08-04T10:31+0000 2024-08-04T10:31+0000 2024-08-04T10:31+0000 world russia-nato showdown russia nuclear weapons nuclear warheads nuclear deterrence us nuclear weapons us nukes https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102010/74/1020107457_0:0:1662:935_1920x0_80_0_0_f6c4d8f2d254fafa36735c54fe27e3c4.jpg Belousov and Austin held a phone conversation about the situation in Ukraine in mid-July. Moscow will not "make concessions" to Washington if they try to impose something that favors only the US, the diplomat added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240618/russia-takes-responsible-approach-to-nuclear-deterrence---deputy-foreign-minister-1119013641.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-nato showdown, ukrainian crisis, nuclear detterence, nukes, nuclear arms, escalation, nukes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/russian-forces-liberate-novoselovka-pervaya-settlement-in-dpr---1119634708.html Russian Forces Liberate Novoselovka Pervaya Settlement in the Donbass Region Russian Forces Liberate Novoselovka Pervaya Settlement in the Donbass Region Sputnik International Russias Ministry of Defense reported on the progress of the special military operation and on the key achievements of the Russian Armed Forces. 2024-08-04T12:23+0000 2024-08-04T12:23+0000 2024-08-04T12:43+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian army russian armed forces ministry of defense ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/1e/1119195370_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_29f4e146e3be0bb466b96bce21332b6a.jpg The units of Russias Center group of forces have gained control over the Novoselovka Pervaya settlement in the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR), the Defense Ministry said on Sunday. The armed forces of Ukraine have lost up to 1,905 servicepeople in clashes with Russian troops in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry added. According to the ministry, Russias North group of forces has repelled two counterattacks, while Ukraine lost up to 190 soldiers in clashes.Russias Center group of forces also repelled a counterattack, while Kievs casualties in clahses has reached 365 in past 24 hours, the ministry said. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukrainian crisis, ukraine conflict, conflict ukraine, russian army, russian army gains, russia operation summer 2024, russia operation srping summer 2024 https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/russian-who-returned-via-prisoner-swap-shares-impressions-of-putin-after-meeting-1119629406.html Russian Who Returned via Prisoner Swap Shares Impressions of Putin After Meeting Russian Who Returned via Prisoner Swap Shares Impressions of Putin After Meeting Sputnik International Roman Seleznev, one of the Russian citizens who returned to his country via the recent prisoner exchange with the US and its allies, shared his impressions of Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting him upon his arrival in Moscow. 2024-08-04T00:45+0000 2024-08-04T00:45+0000 2024-08-04T00:45+0000 newsfeed roman seleznev vladimir putin paul whelan russia germany nato federal security service prisoner swap prisoner release https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103588/77/1035887724_0:223:2794:1795_1920x0_80_0_0_94bb1d30adc1bd01be6c262708328ab8.jpg MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Roman Seleznev, one of the Russian citizens who returned to his country via the recent prisoner exchange with the US and its allies, shared his impressions of Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting him upon his arrival in Moscow.On Thursday Russia's Federal Security Service confirmed that eight Russians detained and held in custody in a number of NATO countries had returned home. A plane carrying them arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport late in the day, where they were greeted by President Putin. Russia, in turn, has released 16 people, including seven Russian and five German citizens."Yes, we exchanged a few words when we entered the airport building. I want to say that he is very humane. I never thought that such a high-ranking official could also be so humane," Selezney told the Izvestia newspaper when asked whether he had spoken with the president after a photo session.Seleznev did not reveal the details of what he discussed with President Putin but said there was nothing secret about it.Seleznev said that meeting the president at the airport meant a lot to him. "First of all the president is a man, and he seems to know all his people who are in trouble. He is a man," Selezney concluded.The United States, Russia, Germany, and other Western countries struck a deal for a 24-person prisoner swap, one of the largest prisoner exchange agreements since the end of the Cold War.A Russian intelligence source said Thursday that the list of Russians returning home included Artem Dultsey, Anna Dultseva, Pavel Rubtsov, Vadim Konoshchenok, Mikhail Mikushin, Roman Selezney, Vladislav Klyushin and several minor children. Russian citizen Vadim Sokolov (also known as Krasikov), who was serving a life sentence in Germany, also returned to Russia, the source said.A Sputnik correspondent later reported that a plane carrying former US Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva had landed in Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240728/putin-russia-will-continue-to-strengthen-support-for-navy-1119540851.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240227/putin-was-right-western-complicity-in-ukraines-terrorism-proves-wisdom-of-special-operation-1117001814.html russia germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International prisoner met putin, russian prisoners returned, russian prisoner met putin at airport, roman seleznev putin https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/settler-dreams-of-israeli-tuscany-in-northern-israel-shattered-by-hezbollah-strikes-1119636879.html Settler Dreams of Israeli Tuscany in Northern Israel Shattered by Hezbollah Strikes Settler Dreams of Israeli Tuscany in Northern Israel Shattered by Hezbollah Strikes Sputnik International Tensions between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah have been on a knifes edge since October 2023, with skirmishes, airstrikes, rocket and drone attacks displacing nearly 200,000 civilians. Israeli threats to kick off a major offensive and the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander this week threaten to plunge the region into a full-scale war. 2024-08-04T18:25+0000 2024-08-04T18:25+0000 2024-08-04T18:26+0000 world benjamin netanyahu middle east hassan nasrallah israel lebanon golan heights hezbollah israel defense forces (idf) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/18/1119085082_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_257a793d453945e307612f959c7c022a.jpg Settlers forced to flee the scenic hills and valleys of northern Israel near the border with Lebanon fear they may never be able to return amid intensifying clashes between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah which have made some settlements virtually unlivable.For the last 17 years we thought we lived in Tuscany, Nisan Zeevi, the resident of a kibbutz less than 2 km from the border with Lebanon, told the Financial Times.Wide swathes of northern Israel were evacuated late last year after the uptick in fighting with Hezbollah, with approximately 95,000 civilians in Israel and, and a similar number in Lebanon internally displaced, and at least 25 civilians in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, 104 Lebanese and 21 Syrians, killed in clashes. Hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and IDF troops have also died. Israel mounted the largest evacuation in its 76-year history last year amid the uptick in fighting in the north, with about 50,000 remaining evacuated and dependent on government support, living in hotels or with relatives.Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been threatening to mount an extremely powerful operation against Hezbollah since early June. Last month, an attack killed over a dozen people in a Druze community in the occupied Golan Heights, sparking a new round of escalation, with the Israeli Army shelling 15 settlements in eastern and southern Lebanon, and assassinating senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, prompting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to warn that Israel will be made to weep for its actions.Others said they would stay put as evacuees until the situation changes.The Israeli government estimates that Hezbollah projectiles have started over 710 wildfires, covering an area equal to about 105 square km, with major local settlements including Kiryat Shmona, a town of about 24,000 before the escalation, now inhabited by as few as 2,000 people. More than 100 of the towns buildings have been damaged. Hundreds of wildfires have also been triggered in the Golan Heights and in Lebanon, with Beirut accusing Tel Aviv of deliberately targeting its cedar, olive, citrus, banana and almond trees, trees and farms using white phosphorous bombs.The escalation of tensions on Israel's northern border began last fall after Israel launched a campaign of airstrikes on Gaza, followed by a ground invasion, after Hamas launched a surprise raid into southern Israel. The Gaza war is set to mark its ten month anniversary this week, with casualties from the conflict nearing 40,000 Palestinians killed and over 91,000 wounded - for a total of roughly 16 percent of the Gaza Strip's pre-war population. Over 700 Israeli soldiers and police officers, and close to 900 civilians, have also been killed to date. Israel has been condemned internationally for its use of heavy bombs in urban areas, and over the deployment of an AI-powered kill list which deems it acceptable to kill 15, 20, or even 100 civilians to eliminate a single suspected Hamas fighter. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/hezbollah-says-response-to-israels-actions-will-be-real-well-weighed-1119594052.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240803/israeli-assassination-spree-has-untied-hezbollahs-hands-for-broader-and-deeper-strikes-iran-says-1119621616.html israel lebanon golan heights Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov is israel safe from hezbollah, why have settlers fled northern israel, what's the geography like in northern israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/trump-says-putin-made-great-deal-on-prisoner-exchange-1119631160.html Trump Says Putin Made 'Great Deal' on Prisoner Exchange Trump Says Putin Made 'Great Deal' on Prisoner Exchange Sputnik International Former US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin made a "great deal" in negotiating a recent prisoner swap with the United States. 2024-08-04T04:54+0000 2024-08-04T04:54+0000 2024-08-04T04:54+0000 americas newsfeed donald trump vladimir putin joe biden russia germany federal security service prisoner exchange https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/1c/1117046662_0:0:2400:1350_1920x0_80_0_0_3d7bdaf8a012c0d0f373d9e5b4c4b9df.jpg WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Former US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin made a "great deal" in negotiating a recent prisoner swap with the United States.On Thursday the US, Russia, Germany, and other Western countries struck a deal for a 24-person prisoner exchange, one of the largest such agreements since the end of the Cold War. At the same time he expressed dissatisfaction with the circumstances of the prisoner swap and said the deal contained "horrible" mistakes on the part of the current US administration. Trump previously criticized the administration of US President Joe Biden for concluding the deal and questioned its content and the likelihood of cash payments to Russia. On Thursday, Russia's Federal Security Service confirmed that eight Russians detained and held in custody in a number of NATO countries had returned home. A plane carrying them arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport from Ankara late on Thursday, where they were greeted by Putin. Russia, in turn, has released 16 people, including seven Russians and five German citizens. A Russian intelligence source said Thursday that the list of Russians who were returning home included Artem Dultsev, Anna Dultseva, Pavel Rubtsov, Vadim Konoshchenok, Mikhail Mikushin, Roman Seleznev, Vladislav Klyushin and several minor children. Russian citizen Vadim Sokolov, also known as Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany, also returned to Russia, the source said. A Sputnik correspondent later reported that a plane carrying former US Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva had landed in Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/prisoner-exchange-involving-russia-us-germany-other-countries-underway---reports-1119593727.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/russian-who-returned-via-prisoner-swap-shares-impressions-of-putin-after-meeting-1119629406.html americas russia germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump putin great deal, donald trump prisoner swap, us russia prisoner exchange https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/ukraine-received-first-10-of-79-f-16s-promised-by-west-on-july-31---reports-1119634956.html Ukraine Received First 10 of 79 F-16s Promised by West on July 31 - Reports Ukraine Received First 10 of 79 F-16s Promised by West on July 31 - Reports Sputnik International Ukraine has received the first 10 of the 79 F-16 fighter jets promised by Western countries on July 31, The Economist reported on Sunday. 2024-08-04T13:27+0000 2024-08-04T13:27+0000 2024-08-04T13:27+0000 military us arms for ukraine f-16 ukrainian crisis joe biden ben hodges denmark netherlands ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/01/1119590305_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_abbed6d440f1c21eceb047edc928e26e.jpg The first batch of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine a year after the Biden administration gave the green light for European allies to send them, the newspaper reported, adding that by the end of 2024, Ukraine should have 20 F-16s in operation. The rest of the supply, promised by Denmark and the Netherlands, is expected to arrive in batches over the next year. Retired US Army Europe Commanding General Ben Hodges has expressed frustration about the delay in getting the aircraft to Ukraine, noting that one of the main reasons for the delay is a lack of training slots for Ukrainian pilots, the newspaper reported. The Netherlands and Denmark were among the first countries to agree to supply F-16s to Ukraine. The White House later confirmed that Kiev would receive the US-made jets from third countries once Ukrainian pilots complete the training to fly them. Western countries have ramped up their military and financial aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's military operation in 2022. The Kremlin warns against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying this would lead to further escalation of the conflict.Vladimir Putin had a talk with Russian military pilots in March and stressed that F-16 would not change the situation for Kiev. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/the-only-answer-is-to-destroy-them-how-russia-plans-to-handle-ukraines-western-supplied-f-16s-1119595320.html denmark netherlands ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, us arms for ukraine, ukrainian crisis, conflict ukraine, f-16 ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/uninterested-in-negotiations-israel-and-us-stoke-the-fire-as-china-pursues-peace-1119628808.html 'Uninterested in Negotiations': Israel and US Stoke the Fire as China Pursues Peace 'Uninterested in Negotiations': Israel and US Stoke the Fire as China Pursues Peace Sputnik International On Thursday, KJ Noh sat down with Sputniks The Critical Hour to discuss Chinas response to the assassination of Haniyeh. 2024-08-04T01:48+0000 2024-08-04T01:48+0000 2024-08-04T01:48+0000 analysis kurt campbell ismail haniyeh tehran israel china the united nations (un) national defense strategy us national defense strategy fu cong https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119629788_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_1bd63e6c07fb935efffc8542408981bc.jpg The Global Times reported Thursday that China firmly opposed and condemned the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh that took place on Wednesday in Tehran. Fu Cong, Chinas permanent representative to the United Nations, said the 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.Fu added that China is deeply worried the incident could trigger further upheaval in the Middle East. KJ Noh sat down with Sputniks The Critical Hour program this week to discuss Chinas response to the assassination of Haniyeh. Noh, who is a political activist, writer and teacher, suggested China is open to peaceful negotiations while Israel and the US appear to be escalating tensions.China's approach is to settle differences through dialogue and negotiation and reconciliation and to develop, to look for win-win solutions, to have mutual respect, to build and not to bomb, Noh explained. And what Israel has done [is] they've essentially toppled any chance of a political settlement by assassinating their interlocutor. [It] can't get any more naked than that.On Tuesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the US is far behind China in Africa and other regions in the Global South and has much more work to do in competing with China. In an opinion piece, the Global Times suggested the US call for more work to do in the Global South is a strategy to manipulate and weaponize these nations, using them as tools against China.The US wants more and it wants to block confrontation and it wants win-lose relations or lose-lose relations. China wants win-win relations and it wants to develop the world on the basis of mutual benefit and equality, he added. That's the foundational difference. And we can see that the US, by appointing Campbell and everything else they're saying and doing is doubling down on this pathway to planetary destruction.The US is at risk of losing in the event of multiple conflicts with adversaries due to a lack of capabilities and capacity reported Sputnik Monday, citing a report from the US Congress affiliated Commission on the National Defense Strategy.The report also found that the US military lacks both the capabilities and capacity required to be confident in its ability to deter and prevail in combat. It added that China remains the preeminent challenge to US interests and the country's most formidable military threat.So, once again, having come to the same conclusions, they do not suggest a way out or a reasonable accommodation with the rest of the world. They still want to double down on US supremacy. They want more war, preferably spending more money, using more proxies and more instruments of death, the activist added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240723/hamas-fatah-reconciliation-china-solidifies-role-as-mideast-peace-broker-1119473091.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240729/us-risks-losing-in-event-of-multiple-conflicts-with-adversaries-defense-commission-finds-1119557228.html tehran israel china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg china, us, the critical hour, haniyeh, israel, iran https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/us-centcom-chief-arrives-in-middle-east-amid-escalation---reports-1119631328.html US CENTCOM Chief Arrives in Middle East Amid Escalation - Reports US CENTCOM Chief Arrives in Middle East Amid Escalation - Reports Sputnik International US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East Saturday and is expected to visit the Gulf states, Jordan and Israel to mobilize a coalition to protect Israel amid preparations for a likely Iranian attack, the Axios news portal reported Saturday. 2024-08-04T05:07+0000 2024-08-04T05:07+0000 2024-08-04T05:07+0000 world newsfeed middle east ismail haniyeh israel iran jordan the united nations (un) security council us central command (centcom) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1b/1118645144_0:170:3072:1898_1920x0_80_0_0_e9e6f4ffc59cb14271015aedccba11cd.jpg MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East Saturday and is expected to visit the Gulf states, Jordan and Israel to mobilize a coalition to protect Israel amid preparations for a likely Iranian attack, the Axios news portal reported Saturday.On Wednesday Hamas reported the death of its political leader Ismail Haniyeh as a result of an Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran, where he had arrived to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president. The group blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and said the attack would not go unanswered. Kurilla's trip to the region was planned before Israel's latest escalation with Iran and Hezbollah but he is expected to try to mobilize the same international and regional coalition that defended Israel from Iran's attack in mid-April, the publication said, citing two US officials. Kurilla is expected to visit several Gulf states, Jordan, and Israel, the officials said, with Jordan being the most important visit given the country's role in repelling the April 13 attacks. Jordan is ruled by a pro-Western monarchy installed by the British empire in the early 20th century.The New York Times claimed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike on Israel in response to Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani later informed the Security Council that Tehran, in accordance with international law, reserves the right to self-defense to respond to Haniyeh's assassination whenever it deems it necessary.Iravani also said the assassination would not have happened without US intelligence support for Israel. Iran's UN mission called on the Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel for acts of aggression on the sovereign territory of its neighbors in the region. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240803/america-will-lose-everything-if-it-continues-to-back-israeli-depravity--analyst-1119618297.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/iran-intelligence-minister-says-israel-killed-haniyeh-after-receiving-ok-from-us-1119609752.html israel iran jordan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us centcom middle east, us military gulf region, jordan us israel ally, us military middle east https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/us-cranks-up-tensions-by-modernizing-its-nuclear-weapon-program-1119635596.html US Cranks up Tensions by Modernizing its Nuclear Weapon Program US Cranks up Tensions by Modernizing its Nuclear Weapon Program Sputnik International Jill Hruby, US Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, laid out the details of the countrys nuclear weapon modernization program. 2024-08-04T16:28+0000 2024-08-04T16:28+0000 2024-08-04T16:28+0000 americas military & intelligence us national nuclear security administration (nnsa) department of energy (doe) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/12/1118000174_0:218:2868:1831_1920x0_80_0_0_197003825e3ef91b86222c8cf5ee55de.jpg Washington is planning to revamp its nuclear arsenal on the pretext of threats from Russia. Driving the narrative of nuclear security challenges allegedly emanating from Russia and in China and "changing the threat landscape," Jill Hruby, US Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, laid out the details of the countrys nuclear weapon modernization program.The National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) administrator claimed there was a fundamentally different nuclear landscape than in the past to justify investment and development plans at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies Peace Through Strength Breakfast on July 30. The NNSA has requested a 2025 budget of $25 billion, including:The US nuclear weapon modernization program will include complete replacement of all components and designs with new military objectives, Hruby said.The agency already delivered over 200 modernized nuclear weapons to the Department of Defense in 2023. The largest one-year delivery since the end of the Cold War was made possible based on investments made by the Obama, Trump and Biden Administrations, it added.The NNSA is modernizing the nuclear stockpile across the nuclear triad at once. New weapons systems are meant to be designed and in production by the mid-2030s and ambitious schedule.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Sunday that escalation by the US and the West would force Moscow to take steps to strengthen its own nuclear deterrence,.Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the SPIEF in June, did not rule out that the country's nuclear doctrine would have to be adjusted. He said changes had been made necessary by the West lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. The president pointed out that Russia is constantly accused of brandishing the 'nuclear stick', but the conditions for Moscow's use of such weapons was clearly set out in its nuclear doctrine. He also warned against not only to the use, but to the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240621/putin-sends-clear-message-to-nato-by-revising-russian-nuclear-doctrine-1119050537.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko us nuclear weapon modernization program, nuclear weapons, what nuclear weapons does russia have, what nuclear weapons does us have, american nukes, russian nukes, nuclear weapons in europe, nuclear weapons around the world, countries with nuclear weapons, russian nuclear weapons, nuclear escalation, us scolds china russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/which-countries-have-condemned-the-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-1119634197.html Which Countries Have Condemned the Killing of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh? Which Countries Have Condemned the Killing of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh? Sputnik International The July 31 assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has met with widespread condemnation in the Arab and Muslim world, as well as Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, and other countries outside the Western orbit. Which countries have unequivocally condemned Haniyehs killing? Check out our infographic. 2024-08-04T16:44+0000 2024-08-04T16:44+0000 2024-08-04T16:44+0000 multimedia ismail haniyeh middle east israel palestine hamas foreign ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/04/1119636190_0:0:2560:1440_1920x0_80_0_0_736c29a2402953dc87fdafbf53225343.png Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dubbed the suspected Israeli killing of Haniyeh a cowardly act and a serious escalation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed harsh punishment against Israel after it martyred our dead guest in our house and made us bereaved.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov strongly condemned the assassination, saying such actions undermine attempts to establish peace in the region and could significantly destabilize an already tense situation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing firmly opposes and condemns any assassination and violent act and is deeply concerned about the potential increase in regional instability due to this incident.Brazils Foreign Ministry in a statement repudiated the flagrant disrespect for Irans sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said Haniyehs violent death further hinders the chances of a political solution to the conflict in Gaza. The South African government similarly condemned the killing, and expressed heartfelt condolences to the Haniyeh family as well as to the leadership and people of Palestine.Qatar Prime Minister Al Thani asked how negotiations could succeed if one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed that Israel would be made to weep after crossing all red lines and killing Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military commander. Syria blasted Israel over the despicable act, pointing out that it followed a years-long string of aggression in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, Lebanon, Iraq, Gaza and the West Bank.Hainyehs assassination came a week before the ten-month anniversary of the Gaza war. During the conflict, the 62-year-old Hamas leader lost nearly two dozen relatives, including at least three sons, multiple grandchildren and a brother. 4 israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov who has condemned assassination of ismail haniyeh, did russia condemn killing of haniyeh, did china condemn haniyeh's murder, did south africa condemn ismail haniyeh's killing https://sputnikglobe.com/20240804/woman-killed-in-drone-attack-on-apartment-block-in-russias-shebekino---governor-1119634418.html Woman Killed in Drone Attack on Apartment Block in Russias Shebekino - Governor Woman Killed in Drone Attack on Apartment Block in Russias Shebekino - Governor Sputnik International A woman has been killed after a Ukrainian drone attacked an apartment block in the Russian town of Shebekino in the western Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Sunday. 2024-08-04T11:56+0000 2024-08-04T11:56+0000 2024-08-04T12:14+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian drone attacks on russia terrorist state counter-terrorism terrorists terrorist group war crimes russia's belgorod shelled by ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0a/1117855994_0:39:1146:683_1920x0_80_0_0_d0ec1ba54b433adddbd4c3f955c9c5ba.jpg The official added that Ukrainian forces attacked three settlements in the Belgorod region with drones. An attack with three drones damaged the glazing and interior decoration of flats in two apartment buildings, the governor said, adding that another two drones hit two private houses, setting the roofs on fire. The fires in the houses have been extinguished, the governor said. In the village of Petrovka, a drone hit a passenger car, causing the vehicle to completely burn up, he said, adding that there was no one in the car at the time of the attack.Russian officials have repeatedly stressed that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure exposes the criminal and terrorist nature of the Kiev regime. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said that war crimes have become a trademark of Zelensky's criminal group. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian drone attacks on russia, ukrainian attacks on belgorod, ukraine terrorism, ukraine terrorist state, ukraine drone terror Nordic Catcher S and Champagne Problems dominated in their respective $333,333 New Jersey Sire Stakes finals for two-year-old trotters at the Meadowlands on Saturday, Aug. 3. In the colt final, Nordic Catcher S (pictured above) was driven to a steady trot early and was saving ground. He took a safe spot positioned on the rail as outsider Onajetplane (Andrew McCarthy) left hard from the outside to rush for the front beside a quick-stepping move off the gate by Hidalgo (Todd McCarthy), who left from post 10. Yannick G Kemp (David Miller) and Sky Legacy (Scott Zeron) sought good spots just as Hidalgo broke stride and bothered favoured Tactical Dynasty (Yannick Gingras), who went into a mild gallop and lost ground. Second choice Go Boom (Dexter Dunn) began maneuvering to attempt taking control by the :27.1 first quarter; he rocketed to the lead between panels and cut the half in :56.1. Nordic Catcher S remained in waiting on the pylons while Go Boom battled Onajetplane passing three-quarters in 1:25.2. Trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt turned a second-over move with Nordic Catcher S into a catapulting 3-1/4-length lead for the youngster's second win, well ahead of Dont Ask For More (Tim Tetrick), who finished second. Back on stride after the early misstep, Tactical Dynasty got up to claim the show spot. Nordic Catcher S paid $7.80 to win. Little E LLC and Svanstedt own Nordic Catcher S, a son of world champion Six Pack out of the Somebeachsomehere pacing mare That Woman Hanover. The colt has now won $192,351 in three starts, setting a 1:53.3 lifetime mark in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final. "He's something special," Svanstedt said, making note that he bought the yearling with no regard to its being bred out of a pacing champion's female bloodline. As well, Svanstedt said he was not concerned with the race activity through three-quarters that found his colt in fourth. "He can race his best from the front or behind." In the filly final, Champagne Problems left well for Dunn over a track turned "sloppy" and settled into second as Kendra (Gingras) left best to take the lead while Lady Landia (Svanstedt) followed her into a :27.4 first panel. Rolling in line up the backstretch, driver Dexter Dunn pulled Champagne Problems from the rail to the outside and flew to the lead, slicing a :56.2 half and a 1:24.4 three-quarters. The Tactical Landing-Miss Caviar filly was gliding to the finish line with ease while Spicy Nice (Andy McCarthy) revved up with late speed to finish best of the rest. Champagne Problem's 1:52.3 mile is a new speed badge. Kendra caught the third spot. Rojan Stables, Family Business, Patrick Hoopes and Caviart Farms own Champagne Problems, who is trained by Nancy Takter. The filly has now earned $206,050 in her first racing season. She paid $5.20 to win. "She is a super nice filly," Takter said. "I like the Tactical Landing-sired horses, and I was surprised [this one] cost so cheap." She said each of the four filly trotters she trains "look good" this season. (Meadowlands) 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: Workers Walor factory in eastern plants that make auto parts worry about the shift to electric vehicles. As France faces a 2035 deadline to phase out new combustion engine cars, workers in the industry worry their days might be numbered too. While there is plenty of optimism in certain regions of France, in particular in the north of the country where a "Battery Valley" is emerging, workers at parts suppliers elsewhere are pessimistic. With the sale of new cars with petrol and diesel engines allowed for only the next decade in Europe, the industry that employs 200,000 people in France faces a forced march to change. "The transition (to electric vehicles), it could have been done when Walor bought us but they didn't invest," said Severine Person, a quality control expert at the company's facility in the town of Vouziers in France's northeastern Ardennes region. Walor bought the facility in 2018. Its production of connecting rods for tractors and trucks is not threatened by the shift to EVs, but demand for transmission differential housings and engine manifolds is likely to see big changes. Walor was bought out last year by a German fund that specializes in turning around struggling firms and is looking to sell the site in Vouziers and another nearby. "Before, Citroen would distribute work to everyone in the Ardennes. They didn't go to the other side of the world to get parts," said Bruno Bodson, a shop steward with the CFDT trade union. Person and her colleagues are resigned to the factory's likely closure given its shrinking order book. Stellantis employees train to work at the Douvrin battery factory. But the mood is different in the north of the country where a number of battery "gigafactories" are being built, including that of the Automotive Cells Company (ACC) in Douvrin. The joint venture includes automakers Stellantis and Mercedes along with French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies. ACC built its massive battery plant on the site of a factory that makes engines for Stellantis, whose cars include storied French brands Citroen and Peugeot. Stellantis said the location was chosen to respond to a "social need" to retrain the factory's employees. Staff numbers have fallen from around 5,000 in the 1980s to 700 today. At the joint venture's battery training center, Stellantis-Douvrin employees receive 12 weeks of training on how to oversee the highly-automated production lines in the battery factory. Opportunity to offshore According to Plateforme automobile (PFA), a trade association which unites the firms in the sector, by 2026 some 17,000 jobs should be created in the gigafactories making batteries and facilities to recycle them. While the intention is to recruit heavily from the sector, it is unclear if it will be enough to avoid many workers being left out in the cold. Citroen's electric C3 hatchback is being manufactured in Slovakia for the European market. The latest study conducted by the French metalworking industry, in 2021, found that the transition to EVs put 65,000 jobs in the sector at risk by 2030. Bernard Jullien, an economist and researcher who is an expert on the French car industry, puts the job losses from shifting from petroleum-fueled to electric engines in the auto parts sector at 40,000 over the horizon of 10 to 15 years. The impact could be reduced by the fact that many workers in the industry are nearing retirement. Ludovic Bouvier, a regional leader of the CGT metalworkers union, worries car manufacturers and their suppliers will follow the playbook of the steel industry. With the industry under fierce pressure to cut costs, "the announcement by Europe of the end of internal combustion engines became the opportunity for manufacturers to offshore their production," he said. Bouvier was mostly targeting Stellantis, which is producing its new Citroen mass-market electric hatchback in Slovakia. Renault is producing its R5 hatchback in France. A recent study by two climate groups found that the lower human labor needed to manufacture electric vehicles could favor making small cars in Europe. But for the economist Jullien it is more likely that the electrification of cars will be accompanied by more offshoring, taking overall employment in the French auto industry down to 100,000 or even less. 2024 AFP (TBTCO) - Theo bao cao tai chinh hop nhat quy III/2024 moi uoc cong bo, Cong ty CP Tong cong ty ia oc Sai Gon (ma CK: SGR) ghi nhan doanh thu gap 3 lan va loi nhuan sau thue tang hon 2 lan so voi cung ky nam truoc. Tuy nhien, du ket qua kinh doanh quy III kha quan nhung SGR van con mot chang uong dai e at uoc muc tieu nam, khi moi chi hoan thanh uoc 13,1% ke hoach e ra. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has signed nine substantial contracts with the private sector worth over SAR1 billion ($266.4 million) as part of its efforts to significantly boost the development of industrial cities across the kingdom. This initiative is strategically designed to establish and enable an industrial and investment environment that perfectly aligns with Modons vision to become the preferred destination for investment growth and the primary partner in the industrial sector, in line with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy and the Kingdoms Vision 2030. The new projects include infrastructure development works for the initial phase in the third industrial city in Jeddah and another for the initial phase of second industrial city in Makkah, along with allocating 4.3 million sq m of land for investment to enhance its investment system, in line with the expectations of local and international investors. A contract was also signed to develop the infrastructure in the third industrial city in Dammam and allocate 2.5 million sq m of land to meet the growing demand for industrial investment in the Eastern Province. Modon also sealed a deal to establish 132 kV overhead lines in the industrial city of Tabuk, with a capacity of 100 MVA, and another contract for the establishment of 115 kV overhead lines in the industrial city of Hafar Al-Batin, also with a capacity of 100 MVA, to improve operational efficiency and fulfil the electrical energy requirements of industrial investors. Modon is dedicated to developing industrial cities that adhere to international standards, supporting Saudi Arabias transformation into a prominent industrial force and logistics hub. At the beginning of 2024, it launched Modon Oasis in Jeddah as part of its initiatives to attract quality industries, promote entrepreneurship projects, and assist small and medium-sized enterprises. Since its inception, Modon has successfully developed over 209 million sq m and has implemented a comprehensive infrastructure system. It currently oversees 36 industrial cities, including six industrial oases across the kingdom, housing over 6,500 industrial facilities that bolster the industrial sector and contribute to significantly increasing national exports.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias total non-oil merchandise exports to Gulf countries have soared to hit SAR10.99 billion ($2.9 billion) in May, a significant increase from SAR8.43 billion in the same month last year, Arab News reported, citing official figures. According to preliminary data from the General Authority for Statistics, during this period, merchandise imports from GCC countries saw a modest rise from SAR6.03 billion to SAR6.24 billion. As a result, Saudi Arabias non-oil trade balance with the GCC saw a notable improvement, climbing to SAR4.74 billion in May from SAR2.4 billion a year earlier, stated the report. The UAE continued to be Saudi Arabias largest non-oil trading partner within the GCC. Non-oil exports from the UAE to Saudi Arabia grew from SAR4.9 billion in May 2023 to SAR6.07 billion this year. Imports from the UAE also increased, rising from SAR3.63 billion to SAR4.54 billion. This led to an improved trade balance with the UAE of SAR1.52 billion, up from SAR1.26 billion last year. Kuwait, however, experienced a decrease in its trade balance with Saudi Arabia, dropping from SAR1.26 billion in May 2023 to SAR571.4 million this year. This decline was largely due to a significant drop in re-exports, which fell from SAR898.2 million to SAR147.6 million, alongside a slight reduction in imports from SAR158.5 million to SAR114.6 million. Oman saw a substantial improvement in its trade deficit with Saudi Arabia, narrowing to a deficit of SAR239.3 million in May from SAR887.1 million the previous year. This positive shift was driven by an increase in Omani exports to Saudi Arabia, which rose to SAR384.4 million from SAR289.8 million, coupled with a reduction in imports to SAR623.7 million from SAR1.18 billion. Bahrain achieved a significant increase in its trade surplus with Saudi Arabia, reaching SAR2.83 billion in May, up from SAR555.2 million the previous year. This improvement was due to a dramatic rise in re-exports from Bahrain, which surged from SAR1.16 billion to SAR3.36 billion, while imports decreased from SAR922.1 million to SAR795.6 million. In contrast, Qatars trade balance with Saudi Arabia declined, falling from SAR204.9 million in May 2023 to SAR56.9 million this year, said the Arab News report . This decline was attributed to a reduction in Qatari exports to Saudi Arabia, which fell to SAR223.2 million from SAR344.4 million, while imports from Qatar increased slightly to SAR166.3 million from SAR139.4 million, it added. The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia flourished in 2023, with 8.6 million visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries injecting over SAR15 billion into the economy, reported SPA citing the annual statistics data from the Ministry of Tourism. The report identified Bahrain as the top GCC source market, with 3.4 million tourists, followed by Kuwait with 2.3 million, the UAE with 1.4 million, Qatar with 1.1 million, and Oman with 455,000 visitors. Overall, in 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed a staggering 27 million international visitors who spent SAR141 billion in the kingdom. The combined number of domestic and international tourists surpassed 109 million, it stated. The Ministry report highlights the strong growth and performance of the Saudi tourism sector, driven by increased visitor numbers from the GCC and other world regions. This has contributed significantly to the Saudi economy, and demonstrated the kingdom's appeal as a premier tourism destination. Saudi-listed ACWA Power has reported a 36% growth in net profi for the six months ending 30 June 2024, reaching SAR927 million ($247 milllion), compared to SAR 243 million in 2023. Operating income before impairment losses and other expenses reached SAR 1,389 million in the same period, with an increase of SAR100 million. As part of its operating income, the company reported a SAR402 million of development business and construction management services gain on partial divestment of its Bash and Dzhankeldy wind projects in Uzbekistan. During the first half of the year, the company has continued to add new projects to its portfolio, including the addition of a record 10.5GW of renewable power generation capacity. In May, the company signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan for up to 5GW Aral Wind with BESS project, which is Central Asia's largest wind farm and ACWA Power's 15th project in Uzbekistan. In June, three PPAs were signed for large-scale PV solar projects at an aggregate total investment cost of SAR 12.3 billion in Saudi Arabia with a combined capacity of 5.5GW as the fourth round of the ACWA Power-Public Investment Fund (PIF) Strategic Framework Agreement. Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power, stated: Our financial results renew our confidence in pursuing our ambitious growth agenda and allow us to accelerate our mission of delivering low-cost and responsible water and power globally. Commenting on the financial results, Abdulhameed Al Muhaidib, Chief Financial Officer, ACWA Power, said: Despite the operational challenges witnessed in few assets, the diversity of our asset base as well as our business model has allowed us to grow our operating and net profit in the first six months of this year. ACWA Power has successfully reached financial close on three major projects, the Taiba and Qassim Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) projects in Saudi Arabia, and the Hassyan IWP project in the UAE, with a total investment of SAR 18 billion for all three. On the operations front, ACWA Power is seeing a steady stream of projects coming fully or partially online. The 1,500MW Sudair Solar PV in Saudi Arabia, Kom Ombo 200MW solar PV in Egypt, and the 909m/day Al Taweelah water desalination plant in the UAE, are now operating at full capacity. Additionally, the 1500MW Sirdarya CCGT in Uzbekistan is currently generating 918MW, with the remaining capacity expected to come online within this year. Meanwhile, the Shuaa Energy 3 company, in which ACWA Power owns a 24% stake, was granted the commercial operation certificate for the 300MW Phase C, the fifth phase of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. On 10 June 2024, ACWA Powers Board of Directors recommended increasing the companys capital by SAR 7,125 million through the offering of a Rights Issue, which will allow the company to anchor its growth strategy of tripling the assets under management to $250 billion by 2030. The company reports that the main driver for this capital raise is that the expected increase in the average annual equity commitments by the company to around $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2030, from an earlier range of $1 billion to $1.3 billion. The capital increase will allow ACWA Power to continue to invest in the growth of its portfolio while maintaining a strong financial position. The Board of Directors' recommendation is subject to approval by the Capital Market Authority and an extraordinary general assembly. --TradeArabia News Service King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has secured the top position for Most On-Time Performance globally in June for the second consecutive month, according to Cirium Diio, a leading company specializing in aviation analytics. These rankings by Cirium Diio, based on extensive flight data and analyses, is aimed at airport and aviation facilities to improve the flight planning efficiency and enhance the travel experience by providing accurate and up-to-date flight information. Riyadh Airports Company CEO Ayman Abdulaziz AboAbah said this achievement reflects the companys commitment to operational excellence. It motivates continued high-quality performance in collaboration with various partners at King Khalid International Airport, aiming to provide the best travel experience and the highest level of service to passengers in line with the strategic goals of the capitals airport, stated AboAbah. He also highlighted the wise leadership's support for the sector in developing airport facilities and associated infrastructure in the kingdom. Additionally, he noted that King Khalid International Airport is one of these national landmarks that reflect the Kingdom's status and its future aspirations in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.-TradeArabia News Service Egypt's Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced plans to outsource the management and operations of the country's airports to the private sector, thus aligning with broader government efforts to boost private sector contribution in the country's economy. In a statement to the cabinet's media office on Saturday, the ministry said the private sector is best positioned to manage and operate airport facilities efficiently. Such a step is expected to attract more investment in the aviation sector and maximise its economic returns while dismissing reports of airport sales to foreign entities, it stated. The ministry has outlined a strategy focused on infrastructure upgrades, advanced security systems, expanding airline networks, and supporting low-cost carriers to enhance airports efficiency and capacity. Currently, all the Egyptian airports are state-owned and subject to Egyptian sovereignty. Over the past two years, the Egyptian government has taken measures to reduce state involvement in various sectors, including transportation, as part of the State Ownership Policy Document approved by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in late 2022. As part of the document, Egypt seeks to double the private sector's contribution to the countrys economic activities to 65 percent within a couple of years. Last year, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly unveiled the plan to privitize airports management and operation, discussing the initiative with representatives from over 20 transportation, logistics, and maritime navigation companies. The countrys airports witnessed a 28% surge in passenger traffic in 2023, reaching nearly 47 million passengers compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of flights passing through Egyptian airports rose by 23%, reaching 365,000 flights. Cairo International Airport, the countrys largest air hub, served over 26 million passengers through 198,000 flights last year. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, popular tourist destinations, welcomed 8.7 million and 5.9 million passengers, respectively. Borg El Arab International Airport handled over two million travellers. Egypt had welcomed a record-breaking 7.069 million tourists between January and June 2024, compared to 7.062 million in the same period last year. Egypt has set an ambitious target to attract 30 million tourists by 2028. A man died despite being under the supervision and care of the Sheridan Veterans Affairs Medical Center for suicidal thoughts and alcohol withdrawal, according to a report by the departments Office of Inspector General. Dean Heyborne was 40 years old when he committed suicide in June of last year. Heyborne had been in the centers care for four days when he committed suicide. According to the Inspector Generals report on the incident, the center failed to remove potentially dangerous items from Heyborne and his room. Also, staff failed to communicate which led to a decrease in the level of supervision. Center healthcare workers also failed to follow protocols when admitting Heyborne such as conducting certain risk evaluations. The Office of Inspector General initiated the investigation after it received two claims that the center has provided inadequate care for a patient. The claims stated that inadequate care was provided in suicide prevention and alcohol withdrawal treatment. The inspector general substantiated the claim in regard to suicide prevention. The OIG did not substantiate that clinical staff provided inadequate care for the patients alcohol withdrawal, said the report. The OIG found that nursing staff made one medication error but otherwise followed the CIWA-Ar protocol and dosing, as ordered, to monitor and treat the patient. Heyborne was born in Cedar City, Utah, where he spent much of his life. According to his Facebook page, he enlisted in the marines in 2000 and served for 12 years. Heyborne had three children, all of whom survived him in death. He was an avid hiker and had completed the Pacific Crest Trail, which is more than 2,000 miles long. Heyborne, who was deployed to Afghanistan, struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder following his service in the military. He was also struggling with homelessness and other medical issues, according to the report and Facebook posts. Timeline of events Heyborne was brought to the Sheridan VA Medical Center on June 2, 2023, after going to the emergency room of a community hospital. He was transferred at his own request for treatment of alcohol withdrawal and suicidal thoughts, according to the report. The report details the state that Heyborne was in when he entered the facility. The report states that he had claimed to not have taken psychiatric medication for 6 months, had previous suicide attempts, was drinking heavily for several consecutive days and that alcohol made him suicidal. Heyborne told the medical office who admitted him that he had not had alcohol before then since 2019. He said that he relapsed due to pain from a car accident that occurred several months prior. Upon being admitted, Heyborne was placed on 1:1 supervision and treatment for his alcohol withdrawal. An admitting nurse then conducted a suicide severity rating test to determine the likelihood that Heyborne might attempt to kill himself. This test asks patients whether or not they have had any thoughts of or taken action in self-harm or suicidal attempts within certain time frames. Heybornes answer, although not specified, resulted in a positive test result. A positive test result means that the patient answered yes to at least one of the high-risk questions. The report says that Heyborne answered yes to 6 of the 8 total questions. A certified nursing assistant completed the inventory of items from Heybornes things. These checks are in place to remove any potentially dangerous objects from the patient. Heyborne was allowed to keep all of his items, including a necklace made out of paracord. During this time, the certified nursing assistant also documented that she removed hazardous items from the patients room. However, the ceiling-mounted chair lift was left in the room. On the second day, a new medical officer was on duty. This officer noted that Heyborne was still on 1:1 observation and alcohol withdrawal treatment. Heyborne met with the psychiatrist on the second day of his admittance via telehealth. The psychiatrist noted that Heyborne was not of imminent harm to self or others and listed him as a low risk for suicide. Although the psychiatrist made these notes, he did not sign the note for 25 hours and other healthcare workers on Heybornes case could not see the note until it was signed. By day three, the medical officer on duty, who was the same as day two, made note that Heyborne was denying suicidal thoughts. Later in the evening, the psychiatrist finally signed his notes and discontinued the 1:1 observation. From this point on, Heyborne was placed on 15-minute check ins. At 2:45 a.m. on June 5, Heyborne was found in his room and pronounced dead. He hanged himself from the chair lift with his paracord necklace. The medical officer on duty from day three pronounced him dead at 3:21 a.m. An autopsy was performed by the Sheridan County Coroner later that day. What should have happened The investigators found that there were several steps and precautions that the center did not take when admitting and treating Heyborne. Upon Heybornes admission and after the positive suicide risk evaluation, the facilitys standard of practice requires a warm handoff of the patient to a licensed independent practitioner to perform a more comprehensive suicide risk assessment. This did not occur, and the medical officer on duty on day one was not aware of this policy. The nurse who performed the original assessment was also unaware that the patient should have been handed off to a licensed independent practitioner. The psychiatrist also admitted to not knowing that the initial evaluation was positive and did not know a more comprehensive assessment was required. The psychiatrist did not document performing a comprehensive assessment, but told the investigators that he did consider all elements of that assessment. Facility standard operating procedure requires the healthcare workers to remove and secure patients belongings when they are on 1:1 care. The nurse who handled Heybornes admittance did not confiscate his personal items because Heyborne said that they had sentimental value to him. The standard operating procedure also states that hazardous environmental items should also be removed to the highest degree possible from patient rooms when the patient presents with suicidal ideations. The report does state that these items would have likely been returned once he was placed on 15-minute check ins, per facility policy. However, the room was still not cleared of all environmental hazards. Nurse 1 documented that an environmental risk check was completed; however, in an interview with the OIG stated, I failed to verify everything. Although staff may not be able to make rooms on the medical unit completely free of hazardous items given that the rooms are designed for medical care and not psychiatric care, staff should have mitigated the environmental risks to the greatest degree possible, even though 1:1 was ordered, said the report. In addition to the failures that occurred when Heyborne was admitted, the staff also failed to properly communicate with one another and admitted that this could have resulted in better care. The medical officer on duty during day two and three said that if they had known the psychiatrist planned on changing the observation status of the patient, they would have stepped in to have a conversation. MOD 2 stated that had the consult note been available, a conversation with the psychiatrist would have occurred to convey the opinion that checks every 15 minutes were not adequate for this patient in the medical unit and to suggest moving the patient to an acute psychiatric unit, according to the report. The psychiatrist told the OIG that knowledge of the MODs opinion would have definitely helped. The aftermath Immediately following Heybornes death, the facility conducted a root-cause analysis to determine what can be done in the future. The report states that a root-cause analysis is team-based and systems-level investigation, according to the Veterans Health Administration. The inspector general agreed with the findings and recommendations of the analysis. The report gives four recommendations based on its findings: The medical center should ensure completion of warm handoffs and comprehensive evaluations within 24 hours. The medical center should ensure that staff reassess a patient prior to changing a one-to-one observation status order. The medical center should ensure that inpatient notes are completed and authenticated as soon as possible, but always within 24 hours. The medical center should ensure staff follow facility policies for removing belongings and environmental risks. Pam Crowell, the facility director, concurred with these recommendations in a response to the inspector general. Recommendations one to three have target completion dates for the end of 2024. Recommendation five has a target completion date of January 31, 2025. Despite clear errors in procedure which directly resulted in Heybornes suicide, Crowell said that there have been no recommendations for any staff removals. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of life of a Veteran under our care and we have taken actions based on internal and external reviews to ensure better outcomes moving forward, said Crowell in a written statement. Over 17% of suicides in Wyoming were committed by veterans in 2021, according to a report by the Veterans Crisis Line. The report did not state where these suicides occurred. The center did not respond to questions about whether or not they still rely on telehealth visits for patients with suicidal ideations or for the reassessment of suicidal patients observation statuses. Tehran Meeting to Discuss Assyrian Civilization Tehran -- The ancient civilization of the Assyrians and their influence in western Iran is set to be the focal point of a meeting that will be held in Tehran next week. A number of historians, archaeologists, and other scholars have been invited take part in the meeting to delve deep into Assyrian history and its impact on the region. Organized by the History and Archaeology Group at the House of Humanities Scholars, the symposium titled "Assyrians in Western Iran" will take place on August 10, Mehr reported. The gathering is aimed to provide insights into a key period in ancient Iranian history through a series of discussions and presentations from esteemed scholars and archaeologists. The meeting will feature several prominent speakers who will cover a range of topics related to Assyrian civilization and its interactions with neighboring cultures: Kamyar Abdi will discuss Assyrians, Elamites, and Persians as well as Assyrian written sources in ancient Iranian history. Mehrdad Malekzadeh will present proposals on the location of Assyrian provinces in Median territory, exploring archaeological and historical evidence that suggests potential sites of Assyrian settlements and administrative regions within the Median Empire. Sajad Alibeygi and Iraj Rezaei will lead discussions on Archaeological discoveries and their significance in understanding Assyrian presence and influence in western Iran. The Assyrian Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires of the ancient Near East, played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of Mesopotamia and its surrounding regions. Originating from the city of Ashur, located on the western bank of the Tigris River in present-day Iraq, the Assyrians were known for their military prowess, administrative capabilities, and monumental architectural achievements. Ashur served as the capital during several significant phases of Assyrian history, including the Old Assyrian city-state (2025--1364 BC), the Middle Assyrian Empire (1363--912 BC), and the Neo-Assyrian Empire (911--609 BC). The Assyrians emerged as a dominant power in the 14th century BC, extending their influence over Mesopotamia, Armenia, and parts of Syria. Despite a period of decline after the death of Tukulti-Ninurta I around 1208 BC, Assyria regained prominence under leaders like Tiglath-pileser I and continued to expand its territory. The empire reached its zenith between the mid-8th and late 7th centuries BC, with formidable rulers such as Tiglath-pileser III, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon uniting much of the Middle East, from Egypt to the Persian Gulf, under Assyrian control. The last great Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal, is remembered for his vast library in Nineveh, which housed thousands of clay tablets and texts. The Assyrians were not only renowned for their military and administrative acumen but also for their contributions to art and architecture. The prevalence of bullying in our school system has become a critical issue that demands immediate attention. Too many students face harassment and intimidation from their peers, which can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. This toxic environment not only affects the victims but also creates an atmosphere of fear that hinders the overall learning experience for all students. Did you know? If you are age 70 or older and have savings in an IRA, you may be able to give directly from your IRA and save even more on your federal and Arizona taxes. If your custodian sends a payment directly from your IRA to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund, you may be able to deduct it as a Qualifying Charitable Distribution on your tax return even if you claim the standard deduction. Consult your tax adviser for more information about how this applies to you. Mikala Jansen, CPA, and Sportsmens Fund officer Congratulations to Laura Conover on winning a bitterly fought primary contest to gain a second term as Pima County Attorney. The reform of Pima Countys approach to prosecuting criminals focusing where possible on rehabilitation over incarceration has not met with universal acclaim, of course, but is necessary and important, and Conover is right to take her lopsided victory as a mandate for the continuation of that change process. While it remains a bit of a head-scratcher as to why Mike Jette decided to stage his run in the primary as opposed to running in the general election when many more voters might have seen things his way, it is evident from Tuesdays result that the outcome would probably have been the same. The result prevented a return to the LaWall-Neely era, and we believe thats a good thing. Judging from her post-election comments, Conover is well aware that there is work to be done in winning more Tucsonans over to her approach. She has pledged a listening tour to hear residents concerns, but also to further educate people about switching from tough on crime to a more rehabilitative model of restorative justice. Fine but listening should be the priority over educating. The campaign was nasty probably needlessly so but it did surface some areas where the County Attorneys Office could better meet community needs. One of those is in domestic violence case work. A disconnect surfaced between the Conover camp and the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse, a terrific nonprofit that has worked hard to help victims rebuild violence-damaged lives. The County Attorneys Office must redouble its efforts to work collaboratively with Emerge and other anti-domestic violence aid and advocacy groups and most of all with victims, who must be able to know that their cases get the consideration they deserve. Conover is rightly proud of her work to reestablish a fraud unit within the office, and her efforts to protect reproductive health care across the state were certainly not overlooked by her base of support. But the biggest win is for the movement away from punitive, punishment-based justice and toward rehabilitation. That, and the reduction in crime it has helped to bring about, is worth celebrating. Harris too liberal? Re: the July 25 letter Kamala Harris was rated most liberal in Senate. Although I disagree to the extent to which you compliment Kamala Harris for being too liberal, I think youve given me all the reasons I need to vote for her. Yes, because she favors a womans right to choose, I choose her. Climate change and the threat it presents to the entire planet we live on, as a chemist, I approve of the action of Kamala Harris in support of reducing this threat. Carbon dioxide and methane buildup in our atmosphere increases the capture of solar heat Greenhouse Effect. Again, thank you! George Girard North side Appreciation In recent months, Ive visited (online or in person) several local governmental agencies and I want to compliment their processes and efficiencies. I used the Pima County Treasurer website portal to pay property taxes for multiple properties and it was an uncomplicated and easy transaction. I researched deed records on the Pima County Recorders website and it was much more accessible since they removed the need to prove youre not a robot. I visited the Pima County Courthouse to obtain a copy of an older marriage license for a family member and it took about 10 minutes. I also visited the Arizona State Government office on W. Congress St. to get an apostille certification and that took about five minutes. I appreciate my tax dollars being spent for these services. Jo A. Griffith Northwest side Church teachings Re: the July 26 letter Men in Black. The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s (hetero and homosexual) filtered into all aspects and institutions of American life. Religious clerical life (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) was not immune. The Catholic Leagues Bill Donohue has written extensively on the topic: The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clarifying the Facts and the Causes. Since the early 2000s, the Catholic Church has addressed the homosexual abuse in the priesthood. After that, credible allegations about homosexual contact by Catholic clergy are dramatically reduced. The words of Christ are providential in Matthew 23:2-3, The Scribes and Pharisees sit on the Chair of Moses (judgment seat), so do what they tell you, but not what they do, because they are often hypocrites. Overall, throughout time, the majority of priests have not been homosexually abusive. Better to remain in the Church, because the teaching is right. Daniel Pryor West side Where is the Democrats outrage? President Biden was just bullied and intimidated out of running for a second term as President and most Democrats have been silent about it. In his place now is VP Kamala Harris, that nobody voted for and who won no primaries. Coronated by Democrat party elites and the liberal news media. And Harris has not said one critical word about what happened. Just quickly adorned the crown. Biden is almost a side note now. Where is the outrage from Democrats and Democrat readers of the AZ Star over this? No empathy or sympathy for Biden or anger at what happened. This was a blatant example of interfering in an election. What was Democratic about it? Nothing. It was a straight out coup that threatens our Democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for unpopular Presidents in office. But all that is overlooked and forgiven because Democrats and their many news media allies will do anything to beat threat to Democracy Trump. Including committing their own threat to Democracy. Gusher Adams Midtown Gun violence in Tucson Re: the July 29 article Sound off on gun violence in Tucson. The event release statement said, Community members 18-and-up are encouraged to attend and learn more about gun violence, offer their suggestions for reducing it, and stay informed about the findings at the conclusion of the grant-related work. Well to begin with, gun violence is a misnomer as it should be people violence. But the former is the narrative of Democrats relieving individuals of responsibility for harming others. I hope Mayor Romero, the Chief of South Tucson Police and the Chief of TPD attend. What should be brought out is that a predominant amount of the homicides and shootings that occur in Tucson are committed by Latinos in midtown and on the southside. No information is ever revealed about their immigration legal status. This gun violence has been ongoing for years. Why have Latino leaders and local Police Departments not addressed it? It is a public safety issue. Teddy Francisco Three Points Presidential candidates What does it say about our country that the leading presidential candidate is a 78-year-old convict who has twice lost the popular vote? Can anybody truly be proud of this? Robert Rees Northwest side Democracy Re: the July 30 article Democracy or Republic? To the letter writer: A republic is type of democracy, it is a representative democracy. A democracy is when citizenry has the right (and I would say duty) to participate in free and fair elections. Democracies have eligibility conditions such as age and citizenship. Kalvin Smith Midtown French healthcare Re: the July 30 letter French health care. In response to the gentleman who had a bad experience in a hospital in Lyon, France: Im sorry you had this experience. However, American hospital horror stories also abound. You suggested that I spend time in France. I have spent three months every year for the past 24 years there, traveling throughout France over eight years, and now have an apartment in Paris, where I spend six months per year. In Paris, my friend was hospitalized with a possible head injury, after a fall monitored throughout the day by several neurologists, CT scan $150. Another time, she had a knee problem went to a clinic, took a number, was seen by a doctor in 10 minutes, knee examined, ultrasound performed, treatment prescribed cost $23. I had a cardiac MRI immediate appointment, scan, 20-minute consultation with doctor, given a folder with enlarged images, two DVDs, five-page report $230. Pharmacist can prescribe for minor problems; cost minuscule for self-pay Americans. The French healthcare system is accessible, affordable, and excellent. Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D. Foothills Legislation prohibiting mill dog sales needed Re: the July 31 article Pet shelters are at capacity, Legislature needs to help. Arizona is a humane backwater in prohibiting restrictions on puppy-mill sales and corrective legislation is long overdue! Current corrupt legislation was inserted by unscrupulous animal-dealer with civil/criminal convictions. Massive numbers of Arizona adoptable animals are routinely euthanized with demoralized and exhausted shelter/rescue supporters. Suffering caused by mill and chronic backyard breeding is too numerous to detail here while draining public funds. Too often wealthy national animal welfare orgs like ASPCA and Humane Societies use animals as disposable fundraising props for lavish executive salaries and gala donor events, instead of legislative lobbying and media campaigns to eliminate factory farms, requiring retailers of shelter/rescue dogs only like other states. Best Friends solicits campaign donations for Craigslist to enforce its policy against commercial puppy listings of mill and chronic backyard breeders without results, collecting oodles of money without legislative results in Arizona either. Donors and corporate sponsors should expect results, not lip-service from wealthy animal welfare orgs with bi-partisan public support for representatives prompt corrective legislation. Candace Charvoz Frank West side Early voting? Im relieved. I thought I was going to have to vote this year. But according to Donald Trump that wont be necessary, as he apparently has enough votes already. I guess early voting began earlier than I realized. Gerry Maggiora Foothills Politicians As an independent conservative I am very interested in politics, but I have a strong dislike for politicians in general. Only 26% of American adults have a favorable opinion of politicians. I believe that all politicians lie at some time and when they dont lie they exaggerate. They misquote their opponents. They vote themselves pay raises and fight efforts toward term limitations. They are obsessed with reelection and focus most of their time on getting reelected They have blind obedience to their party no matter the issue. They spend millions on negative ads. There is a proclivity for politicians to engage in blatantly unethical, self-destructive, behaviors. They bend to whomever can donate most to their campaign and dont follow through on campaign promises. They label their opponents as racist, socialist, communist, Hitlerites, war criminals, whenever someone disagrees with them. Most politicians are self-serving and have no common sense, no love of country, and no moral code. Yes, I love politics, but have a disdain for politicians. Tom McGorray Northwest side Judicial coup Re: the Aug. 1 letter Bracys judicial coup lie. In response to an earlier article, the letter writer says the claim that McConnells refusal to hold hearings on Merrick Garlands Supreme Court nomination amounted to a judicial coup, is a lie. He then makes a big deal of McConnells rule change lowering the votes required to confirm a Supreme Court justice from 60 to 51, as if this was somehow relevant. Since Garland never received a vote, the number of votes required for confirmation is irrelevant not to mention the rule change came more than a year after Garlands nomination. McConnell cited a nonexistent rule barring consideration of a Supreme Court nomination in the last year of a Presidential term as justification for his refusal, yet he rammed through Amy Barretts confirmation just two weeks before the 2020 election with voting already underway. A judicial coup? Absolutely! Roger Voelker Southeast side Who are Trumps vermin? Re: the Aug. 1 article Trump falsely questions Harris race. No revelation or eye-opener that Mr. Trump falsely questioned Vice President Harris race at the NABJ. He is and has always been a misogynist and racist: from his no vacancies for Blacks in the Wilshire Apartments with his father, to his birtherism conspiracies about President Obama, to his current vile, vulgar, and demeaning attacks on Black journalists, Black judges, and Black prosecutors. Trump frequently calls his political opponents and minorities vermin. Vermin in our country are those individuals and media outlets who tolerate, allow, and embrace Mr. Trumps racism and misogyny. Kathy Krucker Midtown Development of Quail Creek This development is not only unnecessary, it is destructive. It is always the same scenario. A development that is not needed in an environment that will be forever destroyed. KnoxAnn Armijo Tubac Shout out to the Stop the Steal crowd I want to send a big thank you to all the Republicans out there who have expressed their concern about Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It warms my heart to hear that the party of Jan. 6, the Big Lie, the fake elector schemes, and The election is only fair if I win is now outraged at the idea that the will of Democratic voters isnt being heard. Better late than never, right? But let me reassure my MAGA friends that we voted for a Biden-Harris ticket and now that President Biden has stepped aside, the Democratic Party wholeheartedly supports VP Harris as our candidate. Jennifer Larson Northwest side Democrats continue their threats to democracy Democrats continue their threats to Democracy. They are the professionals at it, not amateurish Trump. From removing major candidates from ballots, to forcing a President not to run for re-election, to coronating a new Democratic nominee, to rioting in the streets. All threats to our democracy. Now you can add their attacks on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to their ruling on Roe v Wade, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and threatened Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch saying they would pay a price if overturning it. Since then, President Biden and other Democratic politicians have called their rulings illegitimate. Now Democrats in Congress want to impose term limits on SCOTUS members and stack the court with at least four new left-wing Justices. You see, it is only SCOTUS that is standing in the way of Biden-Harris and Democrat politicians left-wing agenda being implemented. They could care less about democracy and are the real threat to it. Dorothy Monroe Ora J. Fox considered himself a champion of old people and used radio, newspapers and direct mail of letters to beg for $1 and $5 donations from old age pensioners, telling them that their pensions were in jeopardy unless he could raise money to save them. Others, such as a House of Representatives committee, had a different opinion of the controversial figure in Oklahoma politics for three decades. That committee accused Fox in 1949 of perjury, chicanery, demagogy and hypocrisy in his dealing with the elderly. Those charges were contained in an eight-page report issued by the panel after a six-week investigation that involved questioning of 40 witnesses. But Oklahoma County Attorney Granville Scanland declined to file criminal charges because, he said, no violation of criminal statutes was shown in six volumes of testimony. The committee also urged that the investigation continue in the next session but that didn't happen. It also urged that a law be enacted prohibiting definite promises in return for money, which the next session did. It wasn't the first time the organizer and president of the Welfare Federation Inc. had been investigated and accused. He was indicted in 1945 on a charge of embezzlement of $10,000 belonging to associates of the committee but was cleared of that grand jury allegation when the prosecuting attorney said there was no evidence to prove that he kept the money. The grand jury had alleged that he received the $10,000 to defray expenses on a lobbying trip to Washington for which his expenses were less than $500 and he kept the balance. Fox organized his Welfare Federation with himself as president in 1936 and began making his appeals for $1, $2 or $5 from old age pensioners, telling them he needed the money to keep their pensions from being stopped or cut. Pension checks at that time ranged from $46 to $50 per month. Fox, born in Tennessee, came to Oklahoma when he was 18. He became a political power in 1931 when he served as marshal of the Corporation Commission and as vice president of the National League of Senior Citizens. Practical politicians in the 1940s and '50s considered Fox's support essential until his poor showing in two statewide races proved otherwise. He finished fourth in a race for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 1948 and sixth in a 1954 run for the Democratic nomination for governor. Most of his support came from counties where welfare was the leading industry. When Sand Springs banker H.C. Jones ran for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1946 he was told his first move should be to give Fox $25,000. "I didn't think anyone's support was worth that much," Jones said later. Fox supported Roy J. Turner, who won the nomination and the election. During his gubernatorial campaign, Fox told voters that he and his wife would not live in the governor's mansion because she would feel uncomfortable there. The mansion, he said, would be used to house visiting dignitaries. He also promised he would knock down the gates of the Turner Turnpike with a bulldozer and would make the highway a free road. He didn't explain how the state would pay the turnpike's bonded debt with no revenue coming in from tolls. Fox continued his campaign for higher pensions for the elderly -- and his pleas for money -- until a few months before his death in July 1962 at the age of 60. Another time when he appeared before a legislative committee, he took the Fifth Amendment 30 times. Fox's bookkeeper testified before the 1949 committee that he had taken in $79,200 the previous year but she said she didn't know where the money went. Fox told her it was "a personal matter," she said. The professional old folks' friend acquired considerable real estate in Oklahoma City and claimed homestead exemption on at least two houses in addition to his personal residence in 1952, although homestead exemption is limited to a taxpayer's personal home. He later told a reporter that if he filed on more than one house, it was by mistake because he wasn't trying to avoid paying taxes. "They don't amount to very much anyway," he added. He said he acquired the real estate by trading and buying while he and Mrs. Fox worked at Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II. Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. News from the Philippines that the country will increase its rice imports for the remaining months of 2024 is seen by Vietnamese businesses and farmers as a significant opportunity for Vietnamese rice. Despite heavy rains and storms, the output and quality of rice grown in the Mekong Delta provinces of Vietnam during the summer-autumn crop are expected to surpass those of the same period last year. According to recent findings by Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper, the price of rice this year is significantly better due to rising demand for imported rice from several nations. Optimistic about rice pricing Nguyen An Thanh, a farmer in My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province in the Mekong Delta, has been cultivating his 10,000 square meters of rice for more than 40 days. It will take him around 60 more days to harvest the summer-autumn crop. While Thanh takes great care of his rice, he is also concerned about potential fluctuations in rice prices. As a farmer whose income primarily depends on two rice crops per year, Thanh is surely thrilled to hear about the Philippines' growing need for imported rice. Nguyen Van Co, another farmer with a 20,000-square-meter rice field in Tran De District, Soc Trang, stated that Vietnamese farmers' rice-growing skills had greatly improved over time. Aside from selecting high-quality rice varieties, the farmers have used numerous contemporary agricultural techniques to assist in cutting CO2 emissions and reducing the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as well. "The Philippines' rising demand for imported rice is good news for our country, particularly its farmers. Aside from the Philippine market, I believe we should consider developing excellent products that can enter other markets, which would assist in adding value to our rice while also increasing farmers' incomes," Co remarked. Huynh Kim Trang, a farmer in Tri Ton District, located in the delta's An Giang Province, has recently sold rice at VND7,500 (US$0.33) per kilogram for the OM18 grain, as agreed upon two weeks ago. Despite the lower rate, Trang's family has already received more than VND60 million ($2,553) for three hectares of rice. "The rice price for the summer-autumn season is higher than it was last year. If other countries buy more, farmers will be able to sell rice at a greater price," Trang said, adding that constant rains have hampered this season's yield. According to Lam, a seasoned rice merchant with 25 years of experience in the Mekong Delta who lives in Chau Thanh District, An Giang, the output and quality of rice during the summer-autumn season are often lower than those of the winter-spring season due to rainy weather patterns. Lam buys about 300-400 tonnes of rice daily as raw materials for resale in the domestic market. Bags of rice are put onto boats during the harvest season in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Photo: Buu Dau / Tuoi Tre More opportunities According to Nguyen Van Van, head of Tri Ton District's agricultural and rural development office, more than 22,000 hectares of rice were harvested early in the summer-autumn season, accounting for more than 52 percent of the total. While the Dai Thom 8 and OM18 varieties fetch VND7,400 ($0.32) to VND7,600 ($0.33) per kilogram, the IR50404 variation is priced at VND7,200 ($0.31) a kilogram. Although costs are VND200 ($0.009) per kilogram lower than the previous month, they remain higher than the same period last year. "Constant rains have affected both the harvesting process and seasonal output. This year's summer-autumn rice crop has yielded good results, with production exceeding 0.2 tonnes per hectare. Although prices have risen somewhat, this has excited farmers. For me, the news that the Philippines will increase rice imports is fantastic for farmers right now," said Van. Dai Duong Xanh firm from the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang primarily exports rice to the United States, the EU, and the Middle East, rather than the Philippines, according to an executive. However, the news from the Philippines has delighted both farmers and exporting businesses. In the domestic market, rice prices range from VND13,000 ($0.56) to VND14,000 ($0.61) a kilogram, with no significant fluctuations. "We only conduct our own business when there are orders, as other companies do not purchase significant quantities of commodities. Even though India has imposed a ban on rice exports, they continue to ship other types of rice at higher prices. I see this as part of their strategy, as they claim it is to ensure food security. With a large population, India often maintains substantial rice inventories," stated a Dai Duong Xanh executive. Pham Thai Binh, chairman of Trung An Hi-Tech Farming JSC in the delta's Can Tho City, told Tuoi Tre that Indonesia's National Logistics Agency (Bulog), responsible for ensuring food security across the country, is set to announce a new tender to purchase 320,000 tonnes of rice for delivery in August or September. According to Binh, this presents a significant opportunity for many nations and highlights the substantial demand for food security, particularly among Vietnam's key rice-importing partners. "The need for rice is exceedingly high. Given this strong demand, it would be inappropriate for us to lower prices. The quantity of rice is decreasing due to the impacts of climate change, so the greater the demand for rice, the more opportunities arise for us," Binh stated. According to Binh, Vietnam has exported over 4.8 million tonnes of rice, generating over $3 billion in revenue. To fulfill the increased demand for rice from the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has aggressively planned for supply. However, the quality of rice during the summer-autumn season is inferior to that in the winter-spring season, according to Binh. He also mentioned the one million hectares of high-quality rice project being implemented in the Mekong Delta, which he believes will create favorable conditions for both farmers and enterprises, thereby enhancing the quality of rice supply chains while also improving the livelihoods of the farmers. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Three 12th graders from Bac Giang High School for Gifted Students in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam have made history by winning gold medals at two recent international Olympiads, a remarkable achievement for the province, according to the school's principal. Among the trio, Than The Cong and Truong Phi Hung secured gold medals at the 2024 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), which concluded earlier this week in Iran. They were part of a five-member Vietnamese team, with the other two members earning bronze medals. The 54th IPhO was hosted by the Isfahan University of Technology in the Iranian city of Isfahan from July 21 to 29, attracting 198 contestants from 46 countries and territories. In addition to Cong and Hung, Giap Vu Son Ha, another 12th-grade student from the same school, struck gold at the 2024 International Chemistry Olympiad, which ended in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Alongside Ha, three other members of the Vietnamese team secured two additional golds and one silver in a competition that featured 327 participants from 89 countries and territories. In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Hung shared that while he was not worried about theoretical questions, he had some concerns about practical skills going into the Olympiad. To prepare, he dedicated much of his free time to honing his lab skills, relying on self-directed learning as well as guidance from his teachers. Hung spotlighted the importance of self-study and careful preparation, which contributed to his success. His close classmate Cong echoed these sentiments, admitting that despite thorough training, he felt anxious because of the Olympiad's lengthy questions spread over many pages. He reminded himself to stay focused during the competition to avoid mistakes and achieve the best possible results. Giap Vu Son Ha (C), a 12th grader at Bac Giang High School for Gifted Students in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam is seen listening to instructions from his teachers in a lab. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre Cong added that when faced with challenging problems, he never gives up but seeks help from teachers and classmates. I always strive to study hard and improve my English to become a physics researcher or electrical engineer in the future, Cong told Tuoi Tre. Ha also emphasized thorough preparation for any contest to achieve top results. After class, I delve deeper into the material by researching related topics from credible online sources and reviewing past lessons, he said. He mentioned the importance of maintaining good health and a stable mental state during the Olympiad to be at his best. Nguyen Duy Phuong, principal of Bac Giang High School for Gifted Students, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the students' achievements, expressing pride and joy on behalf of the entire school community and the Bac Giang education sector. The entire school community, including all the teachers and students, as well as the education sector of Bac Giang, is thrilled and proud of our students' achievements at the Olympiads, said the principal. Phuong attributed these achievements to the emphasis on and investment in education by the Bac Giang education sector and the provincial administration. As a result of their outstanding accomplishments, Cong, Hung, and Ha received certificates of merit and bonuses of nearly VND122 million (US$4,840) each from the chairman of the Bac Giang administration, in addition to other cash rewards and gifts from various organizations and individuals. Two teachers who directly trained the students during their Olympiad preparations also received cash gifts and certificates of merit. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to State President To Lam on his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Xi wrote in his congratulatory message that he was delighted to learn that To Lam had been elected to the position of Vietnams Party General Secretary. On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and in my own name, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to you, Nhan Dan (People) newspaper reported, citing the Vietnam News Agency. The Chinese leader noted that in recent years, the Communist Party of Vietnam has fully embraced the principles of the 13th National Party Congress's Resolution, which has led to significant progress in Party building, advancing socialism, and furthering the renewal and open-door policies. Xi voiced his belief in the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, saying that the Party and the people of Vietnam will successfully realize the objectives and tasks set forth by the 13th National Party Congress, steadily promoting the preparations for the 14th National Congress, and continuously moving toward the 'two 100-year goals' of the Party and the country's establishment. China and Vietnam are socialist neighbors, Xi said, noting that he paid a state visit to the Southeast Asian country in December last year during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, opening a new journey and a new chapter in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries. The Chinese Party chief and president added that he was ready to join Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam in leading the building of the China-Vietnam community in an increasingly substantial and in-depth manner, jointly promoting their traditional friendship, consolidating political trust, deepening strategic exchanges, boosting substantive cooperation, bringing more happiness to the peoples of the two countries, and actively contributing to the cause of peace and progress of all mankind. "Wish you new achievements in your noble position," Xi wrote to Vietnams Party General Secretary To Lam. The 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam elected State President To Lam as General Secretary for the 2021-26 term at a meeting on Saturday. General Secretary To Lam will oversee the responsibilities of the Party Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat, in accordance with the powers and duties prescribed by the Politburo. Earlier, the Politburo had also assigned President To Lam to manage the workload of the Party Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat while priority was given to then-Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs health and medical treatment. Party General Trong passed away in Hanoi on July 19 at the age of 80. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Politics -- Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and Russian President Vladimir Putin have sent congratulations to State President To Lam on his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has agreed to the resignation of four high-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh, secretary of the Party Committee of Quang Ninh Province Nguyen Xuan Ky, and secretary of the Party Committee of Tuyen Quang Province Chau Van Lam, and dismissed them from all Party posts as they were found to have violated the Partys regulations. Society -- Police in Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, on Saturday issued legal proceedings against a 31-year-old woman for tricking her five cousins into taking high-paying easy jobs in Cambodia. -- On Saturday, Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, celebrated the reopening of Cau Pagoda, a historic bridge over 400 years old. The restoration, which began in late 2022, was completed at a cost of more than VND20.2 billion (US$801,272). -- A man in Quang Xuong District, Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam died half a month after eating pig blood pudding on July 19, the districts medical center reported on Saturday. Lifestyle -- Vo Le Que Anh, 23, from Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2024 during the grand finale in south-central Binh Thuan Province on Saturday evening. -- The Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival, Vietnams first international drone light show contest, wrapped up in the namesake city in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam on Saturday evening, featuring the competition of teams from France and the United Arab Emirates. World News -- At least 37 civilians were killed and 212 were injured in an explosion at a popular beach restaurant in the Somali capital late on Friday, Reuters citing the health minister as saying. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities are checking if any of the 643 foreign prisoners serving sentences in detention facilities across Vietnam can be granted amnesty on the coming National Day occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc announced at a press conference in Hanoi on Friday. The Presidential Office held the press conference to announce the 2024 amnesty decision by the state president. Vietnamese State President To Lam signed an amnesty decision to celebrate the 49th National Day (September 2, 1975) and the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954), Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Office Pham Thanh Ha said. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngoc stated that Vietnamese authorities will announce the specific number of foreign prisoners to be pardoned after reviewing their records. A total of 643 foreigners are serving jail terms in Vietnam, he noted, adding that 16 of them received amnesty in 2022, and 21 in 2021. Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quoc Hung added that a detailed list of this year's amnesty beneficiaries will be announced on National Day. Pardoning inmates who have displayed good behavior in prison is an annual tradition in Vietnam, pursuant to Article 3 of the 2018 Law on Pardon. In particular, the state president of Vietnam will issue decisions to parole prisoners who are serving fixed jail terms or life sentences in celebration of the countrys important events, major holidays, or special cases to meet domestic and diplomatic demands. Since 2009, Vietnam has conducted nine amnesties during important national events and holidays, benefiting over 92,000 inmates. This year, prisoners eligible for parole include those serving fixed-term sentences and having completed at least half of their jail terms at the same time. Prisoners who have served at least one-third of their sentences and suffer from illnesses, are regularly sick, are over 70 years old, or are members of families facing difficult circumstances are also entitled to the policy. However, those convicted of treason, riots, terrorism, or preparing, storing, and spreading information, documents, or items against the government are not eligible for the amnesty. In response to a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters question about whether Chu Ngoc Anh, the former Minister of Science and Technology who was given a three-year jail term in January 2024 for his role in a coronavirus test kit scandal, is eligible for pardon consideration, Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quoc Hung stated that Anh would be treated on equal terms with other prisoners. He will be pardoned if he meets the requirements. Hung added that corruption offenders must fully compensate for the consequences of their violations and return corrupt assets to be considered for amnesty. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Three 10th graders from Hanoi who were selected from the The Pride of My Town competition for high school students will join the ninth International High School Students Photo Festival Exchange in Japan from August 19 to 25. They are Hoang Ngoc Khanh from Kim Lien High School in Dong Da District, Nguyen Thao Tien from Doan Thi Diem High School in Bac Tu Liem District, and Hoang Tue Lam from Bao Long High School in Gia Lam District. The trio met and had talks with professional photographers at the headquarters of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography, and Exhibition under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on Saturday afternoon before their trip to Japan. The trio, led by photographer Nguyen Khac Hieu, will compete at the contest held on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, with the participation of 23 teams from Japan and 21 other nations. Hieu was one of the three Vietnamese representatives at the first version in Japan in 2015. Vietnam has sent students to all the nine editions of the contest. During the second festival exchange, the Vietnamese team won the first prize for the entire group, while one of them bagged the third prize. Vietnamese students also claimed several prizes at other editions. These achievements resulted from the For a Future Generation in Vietnamese Photography project implemented by professional photographer Nguyen Ba Han. Han told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he has been dedicating 10 years to the project in a bid to create a useful playground of photography for young Vietnamese people. He also expected to contribute his part to the development of Vietnams photography. Vietnamese photographers are aging and most of them are still persisting with old-fashioned styles, he said. To engage in the global photography scene, photographers should focus on capturing images that tell stories rather than simply creating beautiful pictures to display on walls, he explained. Vietnam is rich with exciting and inspirational stories, providing photographers with ample opportunities to draw from and create their masterpieces. A corner of Vung Vieng Fishing Village, which appears in an album of photos taken by the three Vietnamese students. The album was registered for the ninth International High School Students Photo Festival Exchange in Japan, set to run from August 19 to 25, 2024. Photo: Thao Tien / Tuoi Tre Some international photographers have come to Vietnam to share stories through their lenses. For example, American student Justin Maxon traveled to Vietnam to document the life of a 42-year-old woman named Mui, who lived with AIDS, and her five-year-old son. His powerful photos depicted their experiences living homeless along the banks of the Red River in Hanoi, earning him the 2007 World Press Photo award in the Daily Life category. In contrast, few Vietnamese photographers have previously dedicated their time to capturing similar meaningful stories or the unique lives of individuals. Over the past few years, some young Vietnamese photographers have jumped on the bandwagon of taking in-depth story-telling photos. In 2013, female photographer Maika Elan, whose Vietnamese name is Nguyen Thanh Hai, shot to stardom with her album of photos called Pink Choice. The Pink Choice, a deeply-intimate and sensitive portrayal of the everyday lives of gay couples in Vietnam, made her the first Vietnamese to win the first prize for the Contemporary Issues category at the World Press Photo 2013, organized by the World Press Photo Foundation. To inspire young photographers to create real-life and documentary photos, Han initiated a project to select high school students and take them to the International High School Students Photo Festival Exchange in Japan. Under his guidance and that of other photographers, the chosen students have learned to tell stories through their images. This year, the trio will showcase their artworks depicting the peaceful fishing village and the warmth and affection of fishermen in Bai Tu Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photographer Nguyen Ba Han (L) pictured by his son - photographer Nguyen Ba Minh Hien. A photo of the Pink Choice album by Maika Elan Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The world-renowned culinary website Taste Atlas has updated its list of the 100 best stir-fried dishes globally to include five Vietnamese dishes: stir-fried morning glory with garlic, stir-fried pho, stir-fried glass noodles with crab, stir-fried chayote with garlic, and stir-fried spotted babylon snails. In Taste Atlas list of the 100 Best Stir-Fry Dishes in the World, stir-fried morning glory with garlic ranked 17th, the highest position for any Vietnamese dish. The site describes stir-fried morning glory with garlic as a traditional Vietnamese dish thats suitable for vegetarians and a great accompaniment to white rice. The key to achieving the perfect dish is blanching the morning glory before stir-frying it with garlic and a sauce mixture of salt, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir-fried glass noodles with crab. Photo: Taste Atlas Other Vietnamese entries include stir-fried pho at 31st, stir-fried crab glass noodles at 72nd, and stir-fried spotted babylon snails at 78th. These dishes are well loved by both local and international food enthusiasts, showcasing Vietnams rich culinary heritage. Another Vietnamese dish featured on the list is stir-fried chayote with garlic. Hailing from Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, this dish is honored in the 75th place for its refreshing crunch, combining chayote with garlic, fish sauce, and oil. Stir-fried chayote with garlic The top 10 list also highlights other renowned Asian dishes, including dak galbi (stir-fried chicken and cabbage) from South Korea, phat kaphrao (stir-fried holy basil) from Thailand, nasi goreng ayam (chicken fried rice) from Indonesia, pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) from Thailand, and various stir-fried dishes from China, such as beef, shrimp, and Kung Pao chicken. Founded in 2015 and based in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known for its extensive collection of traditional dishes from around the world. According to Matija Babic, the founder, the rankings are based on the opinions and reviews of culinary experts and food critics, ensuring the reliability and prestige of their awards. Stir-fried spotted babylon snails. Photo: Taste Atlas Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The final night of two beauty pageants took place in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam and the south-central province of Binh Thuan on Saturday night, naming two queens and six runners-up. Pham Thi Ngoc Quynh, 26, from Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam won Miss Tourism Vietnam 2024, which was organized in Quang Ninh. Vo Le Que Anh from Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam is crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2024, August 3, 2024. Photo: Supplied Meanwhile, Vo Le Que Anh, 23, from Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2024 during the grand finale in Binh Thuan. Besting other 40 candidates across the country, the beauty from Hai Duong Province, who is a student from the Faculty of English Language of Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, claimed the most-coveted Miss Tourism Vietnam title. The first and second runner-up titles respectively went to Huynh Kim Anh, from Ho Chi Minh City, and Le Thi Anh Tuyet, from Nghe An Province. Pham Thi Ngoc Quynh, 26, is crowned Miss Tourism Vietnam 2024 after beating out 40 candidates across the country. Photo: Supplied Besides, the panel of judges awarded the Most-favored Beauty, Talented Beauty, Most Beautiful Face, 'Inspirational Beauty, Best Gown, Best Ao Dai, and Fashion Beauty prizes to some contestants during the finale. The contestants participated in three rounds, namely ao dai (Vietnam's traditional dress), swimsuit, and evening gown categories. At Miss Grand Vietnam 2024, Vo Le Que Anh, standing at 1.73 meters with body measurements of 86-62-89 centimeters, triumphed over 35 other contestants to become the beauty queen. Previously, she earned the second runner-up title at a beauty contest for students at Hue University in 2020, made it to the top 40 contestants at Miss Vietnam 2020, and was the second runner-up at Miss Tourism Da Nang 2022. Four other beauties, Le Phan Hanh Nguyen, Vu Thi Thu Hien, Lam Thi Bich Tuyen and Pham Thi Anh Vuong, were respectively named the first, second, third, and fourth runners-up. Nguyen Vinh Ha Phuong claimed the Best Introduction award, while Tran Hong Ngoc was presented with the Best in Swimsuit prize and Nguyen Thi Huong Lan won the Best in Swimsuit by Fan Vote honor. Bui Ly Thien Huong won the Best in Evening Gown prize, while Lam Thi Bich Tuyen bagged the Best Introduction Video prize. Other contestants won the Best Catwalk, Miss Fashion, and Grand Voice awards at the final night of the beauty pageant. Therefore, just in one night, Vietnam announced two more beauty queens and an additional six runners-up. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Samantha Armytage has confirmed her departure from Seven Network after 21 years, set to exit when her contract ends in October. Over two decades Armytage has hosted Sunrise, Farmer Wants a Wife, Today Tonight, Sunday Night, The Morning Show and Bringing Sexy Back. In a social media post she confirmed she was looking towards a new chapter. Seven has confirmed Natalie Gruzlewski will continue with Farmer Wants a Wife in 2025. Angus Ross, Group Managing Director, Seven Television said: After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year. We fully understand and support her decision. Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife. Her genuine affection for the country lifestyle shes grown up with and enjoys to this day has shone through her three seasons with the TV Week Logie Award-nominated series. Its been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded. We wish Sam and her farmer every happiness and success for the future. Natalie Gruzlewski will continue to play cupid for our new crop of farmers and their ladies when the new season of Farmer Wants A Wife arrives on Channel 7 and 7plus in 2025. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images As natural phenomena go, volcanos are one of the most impressive. Caused by a rupture in the earths crust, the hypnotic spectacle of an erupting volcano spewing hot lava is one of the most powerful sights imaginable. While most of the world's volcanos are found underwater, there are more than 1500 active volcanos on Earth, with around 50-70 erupting yearly, according to The British Geological Survey. These conical forms have the power to change landscapes, dramatically creating solidified lava flows, volcanic hot springs and majestic geysers. New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Iceland are just a few countries where the wonderous effects of volcanic landscapes can be witnessed easily, since hiking routes wind right through these spellbinding scenes. But there are cities with panoramic volcanic views and towns towered over by mighty extinct volcanoes too. So whether you want to photograph these enigmatic landforms from afar or get up close, heres where to find the most beautiful volcanic landscapes in the world. Enchanting places where volcanos dominate the skyline Mount Vesuvius, Napoli, Italy Mount Vesuvius, Napoli, Italy Napoli vibrates with an energy like no other Italian town and perhaps thats partly down to mighty Vesuvius looming large in the background. For gorgeous panoramic views of the impressive active volcano that destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii in 79 CE head up to Vomero, a quaint neighbourhood with a handful of stunning restaurants. For an even closer look its possible to hike in and around Mount Vesuvius National Park and even peer into the colossal 300 meter wide crater. Let's Get Lost: the world's most stunning remote locations, 15.99 | Amazon Curated by award-winning travel and lifestyle photographer Finn Beales, Lets Get Lost offers pure visual escapism with over 200 spectacular shots of remote and beautiful places.View Deal Acatenango, Antigua, Guatemala Acatenango, Antigua, Guatemala The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua boasts gorgeous cobbled streets, hundreds of purple-flowering jacaranda trees, colourful markets, beautiful architecture, and top-notch restaurants, and is watched over by not one, but three active volcanos. With two peaks, Acatenango is safe to hike since its last eruption was back in 1972. From the top of the summit, youll be rewarded with sublime views of the city as well as the nearby Fuego Volcano which has been erupting continuously for around 500 years. Mount Tongariro, North Island, New Zealand Mount Tongariro, North Island, New Zealand Three active volcanos dominate the landscape of New Zealands north island including perhaps the most beautiful, Mount Tongariro. Found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tongariro, the sacred mountain peak sits alongside brightly coloured emerald and blue lakes, craters, and incredible trekking paths. Its most recent eruption was in 2012. Misti, Arequipa, Peru Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru Snow-capped Misti, visible from one of Perus prettiest cities, Arequipa, is a dormant volcano in the Andes mountain range. From the city, the volcano looks almost unreal against the uncrowded skyline and provides the perfect photo opportunity. Mistis last eruption was way back in the 1600s meaning today its a popular hiking route but at 5,800 meters tall its not for the faint-hearted and takes at least a couple of days. Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Japan Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Japan Japans most loved peak, Mount Fuji can be viewed from Tokyo on clear days when you cant help but be moved by the almost perfectly symmetrical snow-capped mountain. The popular hiking destination sees tourists, adventurers, and pilgrims from all over the world begin the trek mostly during nighttime, to reach the summit in time for sunrise. Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland Filled with over 100 volcanos, Iceland truly is the country to visit for whimsical landscapes, lava flows, and atmospheric hiking opportunities. One of the countrys most famed volcanos, Eyjafjallajokull halted air traffic back in 2010 after it erupted huge ash clouds into the sky. Today, its possible to explore the area around this 1,650-meter-high ice-capped volcano on a guided excursion that takes hikers to the summit. Nevado Ojos del Salado, Argentina-Chile border Nevado Ojos del Salado, Argentina-Chile border Sitting on the border of Argentina and Chile in the Andes, Nevado Ojos del Salado is special for a multitude of reasons; its the highest volcano on earth, the highest peak in Chile, and plays host to the worlds highest lake - even more reason to visit. Climbable for only true mountaineers, the volcanos difficult terrain ensures only a third of all climbing attempts reach the summit. To get a sweeping overview of Nevado Ojos del Salado from the ground, take the Chile Route 31 highway to Paso San Francisco. Kilauea, Hawaii Kilauea, Hawaii Mighty Kilauea is one of the most active volcanos on earth and not a sight to be taken for granted. As one of five volcanos that originated underwater to make up the island of Hawaii, its possible to visit the national park where Kilauea sits and even see the glowing molten lava inside. Aim to visit before sunrise to catch the lava glowing orange and red, or after sunsets for a similar effect. Tunupa, Potosi, Bolivia Tunupa, Potosi, Bolivia Bolivia boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the world, especially around the worlds largest salt flat known as Salar de Uyuni. Its here you can witness all manner of natural wonders, from bubbling mud, geysers, endless salt flats, and rocks shaped like trees. At 5,300 meters tall Tunupa provides an atmospheric backdrop to Bolivias enthralling salt flats, even more so in the rainy season when the layer of water on the salts provides the perfect mirror image of the impressive mountain. Irazu, Costa Rica Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica Featuring a bright green crater lake, this mighty volcano thats easily visited on a day trip from San Jose is one of the highest active volcanos in Costa Rica. On a clear day, its possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while the surrounding park is home to numerous types of hummingbirds, armadillos, rabbits, and foxes. Mount Shishaldin, Alaska, USA Mount Shishaldin, Alaska, USA The utterly stunning remote Mount Shishaldin, with its perfectly symmetrical cone and constant covering of bright white snow, ensures its one of the world's most beautiful. Located on Unimak Island in the Aleutian Islands chain of Alaska, its moderately active and can often be seen giving off a steady stream of grey smoke. Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia Part of the famous Ring of Fire, Rinjani is a massive 3,726 meters tall volcano that towers over the island of Lombok, providing climbers with one of the most stunning views in the country. The sulfur lake that sits 600 meters below the crater rim offers an equally enthralling view, made all the more exciting by the sights of a new volcano, Mt. Baru, which has been rising from the waters since the 1990s. Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy With an eruptive history that can be traced back 500,000 years, Mount Etna is a true enigma and is now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Erupting on average around once a year, the mighty volcano draws hikers and mountaineers eager to witness lava flows and eruptions at close proximity. And thanks to the richly fertile soil that makes up the land surrounding Etna, Sicilys fruits and vegetables are some of the best in Italy - so dont miss a traditional Italian feast when in town. Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island As one of the worlds most active volcanoes, 500,000-year-old Piton de la Fournaise is revered across the island of Reunion. Rising from the resplendent island, the natural wonder erupts every nine months creating black barren lava fields across the slopes and surrounding countryside. Mount Ararat, Turkey Mount Ararat, Turkey While magical Mount Ararat sits in Turkey, its famed and adored in neighbouring Armenia where it's a sacred symbol of the nation and graces local brandy bottles. From Armenias capital, Yerevan, its possible to see the snow-capped dormant volcano rising out of the clouds where it almost appears to float in the sky, and its owing to this fact that the volcano has been referenced countless times throughout important works of literature and art. As the highest point in Turkey, the majestic mountain is also believed to be the spot where Noahs Ark landed after the great flood giving it spiritual significance to Christians the world over. Cotopaxi, Latacunga, Ecuador Cotopaxi, Latacunga, Ecuador Visible from Quito on a clear day, Cotopaxi is part of the chain of volcanos known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. But whats unique about Ecuadors second-highest mountain is the fact that it has one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. Culturally significant Cotopaxi has been worshipped for centuries as its believed it can send rain to aid the surrounding lands fertility. Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde Pico do Fogo, Fogo, Cape Verde The volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde swirls in stories about eruptions and lava flows and is there any wonder when three volcanoes call the island home? Fogo, Brava and Santo Antao all vie for attention but Pico do Fogo is the most impressive and the most active. Hire a guide to hike to the top of this volcanic giant where youll witness lunar landscape and stunning views. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania One of the most famous volcanoes on earth due to its epic size, Tanzanias Mount Kilimanjaro draws hikers year-round, each eager to reach the summit. But you dont need to be a hiker to appreciate this stunning mountain - to get the ultimate shot, head to Kenyas Amboseli National Park, where views of the mountain are unrivalled. Poas, Costa Rica Poas Volcano, Costa Rica Pretty Poas is famous since it features one of the largest craters in the world and two crater lakes filled with the brightest turquoise water you can imagine. A crater viewing area provides incredible views and you can often witness volcanic activity including steam and smoke rising from the cone provided its not too foggy. Deception Island, South Shetland Islands Deception Island, South Shetland Islands Boasting an incredible name and located in the remote South Shetland Islands, this natural harbour is the result of an underlying active volcano. The curious sight sees around 15,000 visitors a year, each eager to witness one of Earth's most incredible natural phenomena. Hekla, Iceland Hekla, Iceland Hekla has erupted more than any other in Iceland, making it stand out from the crowd in a country of over 130 volcanos. Since the hike to the summit only takes around three hours, its a popular day trip destination for hikers staying in Reykjavik. Mount Pinatubo, Luzon island, Philippines Mount Pinatubo, Luzon island, Philippines A must-visit when in the Philippines, especially to witness the magical crater lake at the summit, this pretty volcano is surrounded by the most exquisite lush countryside providing endless photo opportunities. But its also worth remembering its tragic past when in 1991, 847 people were killed from a large ash and smoke eruption that devastated the area for years. Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo Close to the border with Rwanda, Mount Nyiragongo rises 3,400 meters high and contains a deep red liquid lava pool that has proved fatal in years gone by. These days, its possible to hike to the top in around six hours but a guide is recommended since the volcano is still active. Mount Pico, Pico Island, Azores Mount Pico, Pico Island, Azores One of the easiest volcanos to hike solo and without a guide, Portugals highest peak, Mount Pico, can be summited in around seven hours. Dormant since 1720, Pico has a near-perfect cone and can be seen clearly from the rest of the island should you want to sit back and relax rather than pull on your hiking boots. Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia Highly aesthetic, even verging on extra-terrestrial, are Mount Kelimutus colour-changing lakes - each believed to be the resting place of departed souls. Sometimes blue, red, white, or green you never know what youre going to get until youre up on the mountain itself. As part of the Kelimutu National Park and surrounded by pine forests, the slopes of the volcano protect an abundance of endangered animals and birds. Barren Island, Andaman Islands Barren Island, Andaman Islands As the only confirmed active volcano in the Indian subcontinent, volcano buffs will surely want to witness this true wonder of the world. 2022 marked Barren Islands most recent eruption but since its uninhabited by humans there was minimal damage. The harsh environment of the island means only a few animals thrive here but curiously there is a small population of goats surviving on fresh water springs. Hallasan, Jeju Island, South Korea Hallasan, Jeju Island, South Korea A sanctuary of biodiversity and scientific intrigue, South Koreas Hallasan Mountain is surrounded by stunning national parkland thats ideal for exploring on foot. The mountain can be seen in every spot on the island of Jeju, but since it sits at a height of 1900 meters, its peak is often covered by clouds. Osorno, Chile Osorno Volcano, Chile Marking the beginning of Chilean Patagonia, Osorno is a playground for skiers and hikers, all of which flock to the majestic slopes throughout the year. Nearly perfectly symmetrical the great cone stuns during summer months when its snow-capped peak gives way to lush countryside. Volcano of Santorini, Santorini, Greece Volcano of Santorini, Santorini, Greece Santorinis streets beg to be photographed but the island is also home to one of the most beautiful natural wonders across the Greek Islands - the magical Volcano of Santorini. The craters of the volcano can only be reached by boat since theyre located on two small islands made entirely of black lava, but its well worth the journey for the hypnotic scenery that awaits. Ampato, Peru Ampato, Peru Now dormant, the towering Ampato was previously used as a place for human sacrifice during Inca times according to a paper by Jose Antonio Chavez, which reveals sacrifices were a way to calm mountain spirits during eruptions of the neighbouring volcano, Sabancaya. Its possible to climb this volcanic mountain in around three days provided youre in good physical shape but climb with respect since this is a sacred spot. Krakatoa, Indonesia Krakatoa, Indonesia Famed for its violent eruption in 1883, one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in human history, Krakatoa has been at the forefront of volcanic exploration ever since. These days adventurers and tourists head to the volcanic island to hike the once-deadly peak before cooling off in the marine-rich crystal clear waters that surround the island. Just a few hours from the bustling city of Jakarta, Krakatoa provides an idyllic escape once the city gets too much. Nevado del Huila, Colombia Nevado del Huila, Colombia Covered by a glacier ice cap, Nevado del Huila is Colombias highest volcano and is visible from the bustling city of Cali. Due to its size and unpredictability, its best viewed from a distance or even better, from the air where the impressive peak juts through clouds creating a magical effect. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Bangladesh: Over 60, including 13 policemen, killed in renewed protest After a lull of about a week, students protest in Bangladesh capital and other parts of the country reignited with the death of at least 52 people and 13 policemen Sunday August 4, 2024 9:50 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies [Image posted on X by Al Jazeera English.] Dhaka: After a lull of about a week, students protest in Bangladesh capital and other parts of the country reignited with the death of at least 52 people and 13 policemen. The deaths were reported by the police and doctors on Sunday in Dhaka and the northern districts of Bangladesh including Bogura, Pabna and Rangpur, as well as in Magura in the west, Comilla in the east, and Barisal and Feni in the south. Citing police sources, Dhaka Tribune reported that some individuals attacked a police station in the district of Sirajganj Sundy afternoon. They entered the station, committed acts of vandalism and set fires, and later hacked to death 13 policemen. Anti-government protests in Bangladesh sparked in the country last month with the students organizations and rights bodies demanding review of the quota system or reservation in the public sector jobs. The protesters are demanding reforms in the 1971 law which provides reservation in government and civil services jobs. As per the law, 50% of the government jobs would be filled not based on merit but through affirmative action favoring women and residents of less developed areas. The most controversial section of this quota system is that 30% of civil service positions and public sector jobs are reserved for the relatives of those who fought for Bangladesh's independence in 1971 and are called war heroes. The anti-government protests in Bangladesh last month had killed more than 200 people. Peace prevailed in the country after a court's ruling on the matter. "Civil Disobedience Movement" The students re-started their protest Stureday, declaring a campaign of civil disobedience and demanding resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina said those who were engaging in the sabotage and the destruction in the name of protests were no longer students, but criminals, and said the people should deal with them with iron hands. Meanwhile, students March to Dhaka protest has been moved from Tuesday to Monday, a coordinator for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ASD) told Al Jazeera. This means we are urging students and the public nationwide to start their journey to Dhaka tomorrow to lay siege to the city, the coordinator, Asif Mahmud, said. In the wake of the march of the students and renewed protests, authorities have again blocked internet access and imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew. At least 11,000 people, a large number of them students, have been arrested in recent weeks. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home KEAM 2024 Trial Allotment Today: Key Update As per the schedule released by CEE Kerala, KEAM 2024 First Phase Engineering and Pharmacy Allotment (actual) will be published on Auguust 08, 2024 Sunday August 4, 2024 10:37 AM , ummid.com News Network KEAM 2024 Trial Allotment: The Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) is set to publish today i.e. Sunday August 04, 2024 the Trial Allotment of the students who appeared for KEAM 2024 and are now seeking admission in First Year Engineering and Pharmacy courses for the year 2024-25. Candidates should note that the KEAM allotment result published today will be trial and released for testing and trial purpose. Students should note that the CEE Kerala will release on August 08, 2024 the actual result or First Phase Allotment. Before the final allotment, the CE Kerala will release Provisional Allotment on August 07, 2024. Candidates should also note that CEE Kerala will also publish today KEAM Final Category List. The office of CEE Kerala had published on Friday Provisional Category List. Candidates participating in KEAM 2024 counselling for UG admission in Engineering and Pharmacy courses should note that trial and provisional allotment to be published today and on Aug 07, 2024 are indicative. The Final Allotment of the Phase 1 KEAM Counselling will be published on August 08, 2024. KEAM 2024 Trial Allotment - Steps to check Candidates should note that once published, KEAM trial allotment will be available for download on the official website "cee.kerala.gov.in" through candidates portal. Click here to go to the official website: cee.kerala.gov.in. Click on the given link to go to KEAM 2024 Candidate Portal Log-in using Application Number, Password and Access Code. Click on the given link marked as "Trial Allotment" to check the seat allotment. Candidates should note that the allotment result published today is mock and for trial. It is published so that students become familiar with allotment and admission procedure. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home UK in chaos as riots erupt across multiple cities, towns The rioters continue to rule a number of cities and towns of the United Kingdom with reports of violent attacks on police and security personnel being reported from various places Sunday August 04, 2024 Sunday August 4, 2024 4:42 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies London: The rioters continue to rule a number of cities and towns of the United Kingdom with reports of violent attacks on police and security personnel being reported from various places Sunday August 04, 2024. Tension between far right anti-migrant groups and immigrants in the United Kingdom. The reason behind the latest escalation however is the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, Merseyside Monday. A 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the attack. Police have clarified that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in Wales to Rwandan parents. Despite this, protests by anti-immigration and anti-immigrant demonstrators have continued, escalating into violence, arson, and looting. As of Sunday, reports of protests and counter protests are being reported from various places of the United Kingdom. In Leeds, around 150 people carrying St Georges Cross flags, shouting youre not English any more and paedo Muslims off our street, were greatly outnumbered by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting Nazi scum off our streets, according to The Guardian. Skirmishes and violent clashes are also reported from Blackpool. In cities, including Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and Belfast, amid clashes bottles were thrown, shops were looted and police officers were attacked. Video footage on social media showed a police station in Sunderland in flames even as security personnel in riot gears watch helplessly and fire fighters struggle to contain the fire. Mosques tighten security Following the spread of the false information that the accused in the girls murders was a migrant Muslim, shops and properties belonging to them were primary targets. In the wake of these attacked, mosques across the United Kingdom have strengthened security arrangements for the weekend, the Muslim Council of Britain said following a security briefing with hundreds of representatives from mosques and Islamic centres. The director of Tell Mama, a group which monitors anti-Muslim incidents across the UK, says there has been an increase in reports from British Muslims expressing concerns for their safety, according to BBC. Iman Atta tells BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme that people "are scared to go to their mosques" and she has received "many" reports of Muslim women being targeted in the wake of the unrest across the country. What we're seeing on our streets need to stop, Atta says, adding we need to call it out as it is". Organising tactics of the far-right In an analysis, British broadcaster BBC highlighted how the far right groups, especially the English Defence League (EDL) - a far right and Islamophobic organisation in England, are inciting violence. Merseyside Police have publicly identified the English Defence League (EDL) as a key factor in the violence. The BBC said its analysis revealed a clear pattern of influencers driving a message for people to gather for protests. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. NEW YORK Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN), on August 2 (local time) attended the UN General Assembly High-Level Forum on a Culture of Peace, during which he affirmed that Viet Nam is a peace-loving nation, which always lives in peace and harmony with other nations throughout its history, and was forced to take up arms only to fight against intentions of domination and invasion. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)s honouring Ha Noi as a City for Peace 25 years ago is the international recognition of the Vietnamese peoples efforts and contributions to peace, said Giang. Today, Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, peace, cooperation and development deeply reflects that aspiration, he said, noting that as a partner for sustainable peace, Viet Nam has continuously made efforts to implement the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, and gained many achievements in the process of socio-economic development and improving people's lives. Recently, Viet Nam has adopted the National Action Programme on Women, Peace and Security, enhancing the role and participation of women in the decision-making process on peace and security issues, Giang added. The diplomat affirmed that promoting a culture of peace means ensuring no threat or use of force, and peaceful settlement of disputes, which are also basic principles in the UN Charter. He also called on countries to fully implement these principles, strive to achieve sustainable development goals, and promote a culture of peace for a bright future for current and future generations. At the forum, the majority of participating member states highlighted the importance of nurturing and developing a culture of peace, emphasising the need to strengthen global cooperation and dialogue, solve disputes by peaceful means, and eliminate injustice and all forms of discrimination, especially in the context of increasing conflicts, geopolitical tensions and global crises. VNS WASHINGTON DC Politburo member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang highlighted the comprehensive, rapid developments of the Viet Nam-US relationship during his working visit to the US from July 31 to August 4. While in the US, Thang met with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy John Podesta, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger, and US Department of Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific Robert Kaproth. The Vietnamese official also had discussions with researchers and scholars at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the Heritage Foundation, the US Institute of Peace, and the Wilson Centre; held talks with representatives of the Communist Party USA; and met the staff of the Vietnamese embassy. He used the occasion to thank the US government, agencies, partners and businesses for sending condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State and people over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Regarding the US Department of Commerce (DOC)'s announcement that it has not yet recognised Viet Nam as a market economy, he said Viet Nam is disappointed about the decision as over the past time, the two countries have seen unprecedented strong developments of bilateral trade and investment ties, and made great efforts in elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Viet Nam has met all the six criteria set by the DOC when considering the recognition of the market economy for Viet Nam, Thang stressed, suggesting the two sides continue enhancing exchanges. The US should make objective evaluations, towards recognising Viet Nam as a market economy, he said. Thang also called on the US to increase its investments in potential fields in Viet Nam, as well as exports to the Southeast Asian nation, saying this would help reduce the US trade deficit with Viet Nam. The US representatives shared Viet Nam's concern over the DOCs decision and affirmed that this would not affect the thriving economic ties between the two countries. VNS Vo Minh Quan has been well-known at home and abroad for his book Profit-Driven Digital Marketing, which was classified Top New Releases, and then Top #1 Best Seller in the Global Marketing category on Amazon only a month after its release. The 37-year-old author, also known as Quan Vo, released Profit-Driven Digital Marketing in March this year. It is available in three formats, ebook, paperback and hardcover. The English audiobook version was released by the end of June and is available on various global platforms such as Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Libro.fm, Kobo, and Audiobooks.com. The book has reached readers worldwide, including the US, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany and Canada. This global version has also been included in the libraries of twelve universities in Ireland. The newbie's first book is in Vietnamese entitled Digital Marketing cho nha quan ly (Digital Marketing for Managers) released by the end of 2022. Digital Marketing cho nha quan ly has been available on e-commerce channels, major bookstores in Viet Nam, and was nominated for 'Top 5 Most Loved Vietnamese Business Books' and 'Top 10 Must-Read Business Books of 2023' by Saigon Business magazine. Quan was a student in the advanced Computer Science programme at the University of Science in HCM City, in partnership with the United States Portland State University. He has started ventures in various fields and is currently the CEO of a digital marketing company in HCM City and a visiting lecturer on entrepreneurship at the University of Science. I was not an all-round student in secondary school just was 'average' in literature and 'poor' in chemistry because I was not good at memorising formulas, he told giaoducthoidai.vn: However, from his time as a physics major student until now, he has always maintained curiosity about social sciences. "The older I get, the more I enjoy reading and exploring social sciences, literature and arts because they are interesting. As I grew older, my curiosity increased and I read many books on various topics, both in Vietnamese and English. This applies a lot to my current job and the motivation to write a book that many people would love," Quan said. Of course, making the book global was not easy. Besides the support from the platform in promoting the book, I had to overcome many challenges to write the book to ensure it is not outdated and suits the tastes of foreign readers." For Quan, writing a book is not just about sharing what he knows but thinking about the product seriously, from the title, cover design, price, publicity and more. All these aspects require an investment of time and specialised personnel. Regarding content, he believed it is essential to be engaging and relatable. Readers should find value in the book, relate to the situations they have experienced and apply the lessons in their lives. "I don't have a strong personal brand in the global market, so bringing the book to the international market required careful preparation, treating it as a serious product with market research and having a clear target audience, Quan said. The competition on e-commerce platforms like Amazon is extremely fierce. Buyers partly rely on the author's brand, whether they are famous and trustworthy. While foreign markets are vast and diverse, with countless experts in various fields, the competition for a new author like me is even more complex." Self-publishing platform In Viet Nam, Quan works with the team at Giver Books publishing company. Like other publishers, Giver Books supports authors in content editing, cover design, obtaining publication licences, printing, distributing and promoting the book. However, to publish the English book, instead of seeking a comprehensive support publisher abroad, Quan chose to build his own team to help with cover design, editing and ensuring the book's suitability for the international market. Additionally, he explored the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, an Amazon service supporting self-publishing authors. Established in 2007, KDP is used by many authors worldwide but is still relatively unfamiliar to Vietnamese authors. "Author royalties depend on the book format sold - paperback, hardcover, or ebook - ranging from 35 per cent to 70 per cent of the listed price. Amazon calculates royalties by subtracting printing costs (for print books) and taxes based on the country or territory of origin, he said. If an author wants Amazon to support distribution to retailers, they can pay an additional fee. The profit an author receives per book is not high, but in return, just by uploading the book file and cover design to the platform, Amazon takes care of the rest." Self-publishing on Amazon allows for print-on-demand distribution, which allows authors to control the print quantity according to demand, saving printing costs. Furthermore, Amazon has printing facilities in several countries. The expanding network of printing facilities can profoundly change the publishing industry by eliminating the need for physical transportation of books across national borders. According to author Quan, KDP is breaking down traditional barriers in publishing procedures, paving the way for books to reach readers more easily. Quan also spends a lot of time researching and analysing, choosing keywords to make it easier for buyers to find his book on search engines. Selecting the book's category for classification is crucial, such as the Global Marketing category on Amazon. Additionally, factors like cover design, presentation format and pricing, based on research of foreign books in the same field, are essential for packaging the book as an international product. He also considers price adjustments at different times to help the book compete and become a best-seller. Inspiring his children It is known that one of the motivations for the author to write books is for his children to find their father's achievements online. According to him, personal effort is a way to push boundaries, paving the way for his children. What he achieves can serve as an example for his children to follow. "Like selling books from Viet Nam to the world, not many people thought it was possible before. I strive to make it happen, Quan said. I want my children to understand that when they like doing something, despite difficulties and what others might say, if they try hard enough, they will achieve it. I hope what I am doing, including writing and selling books on Amazon and 'exporting' knowledge from Viet Nam to the world, will give my children more confidence and motivation to live up to their potential and interests and not be limited by any prejudices or barriers society may impose." Quan started from scratch, figuring out each step along the way. He constantly challenges himself with different milestones, overcoming numerous difficulties in the journey of exporting knowledge. "My wish is to contribute to creating a wave of Vietnamese authors daring to 'package' and share their knowledge and experiences with global readers, fostering confidence and pride in Vietnamese intellect," he said. VNS SEOUL Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung paid a working trip to the Republic of Korea (RoK) in early August, aiming at bolstering cooperation between the two countries in the areas of digital transformation and AI. At a working session with Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho, Hung stressed that Viet Nam is promoting economic growth based on digital technology, as well as boosting the development of IT and communications, particularly Artificial Narrow Intelligence and Specialised AI - the areas that need international cooperation in policy sharing and human resources training. The two ministers discussed cooperation measures on the basis of the visions and policies to boost digital innovation for growth, and pledged to enhance cooperation in the domains of ICT, with the focus given to AI research and development, and high-quality human resources training for the semiconductor technology. The Vietnamese minister also had discussions with representatives from the RoKs Digital Platform Government and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)s National Information Society Agency, Korea Internet & Security Agency and National IT Industry, who provided the Vietnamese side with information related to the RoKs ICT policy research and making. During his stay in the country on August 1-2, Hung visited and had a working session with the Seoul Cyber University (SCU) and attended the inaugural ceremony for the coordination training office between Viet Nam's Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology and the SCU. He congratulated the two establishments for their effective cooperation, and highlighted that the SCUs digital university model is an advanced one and an example for Vietnamese universities. On the occasion, the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications joined hands with the MSIT and related associations of the two nations to organise the Viet NamRoK digital forum, drawing the participation of 20 technology firms from Viet Nam, and 150 representatives from RoK associations and enterprises. This was an opportunity for the Vietnamese ICT business community to promote trade and seek international partners in the RoK. It also helped promote coordination and sharing of policies, initiatives and advanced technology measures between the two nations. Hung also had talks with Vietnamese students who are studying ICT, and visited FPT representative office in the RoK. VNS by inh Nhi If youre eager to impress family and friends with a fancy Cantonese-style meal this weekend but lack the cooking skills, Li Bai is the place to go to. Named after one of Chinas greatest poets, the restaurant recently underwent a full-scale renovation, from interior design and food concept to service delivery. Its new ambience has contemporary aesthetics inspired by Li Bais creations and imagination in his poetry. A tranquil landscape with mountain, moon and cherry blossoms creates a pleasing atmosphere right at the entrance, whilst the images of koi fish and stars present a wish for prosperity and happiness when you walk through the entrance. Located in HCM Citys busy downtown area, the restaurant stands out among many other Cantonese dining establishments for its unique Chinese decor that tells guests stories about Li Bai, his life and creations but, more importantly, the artistry that goes into each dish. With its motto of Go local, Li Bai only uses ingredients thoughtfully sourced and sustainably harvested from local farms. The restaurants new menu features Cantonese classics with innovative twists and decadent presentations that spotlight traditional cooking techniques from a variety of Chinese regional cuisines. Food lovers visiting the newly renovated restaurant should not miss the Mekong Delta roasted duck of Peking style or the Peking duck pancake with crispy skin, one of the most exciting and signature dishes at Li Bai. The highlight, and the pride of the restaurant, is the meticulous way the duck is prepared. The ducks are of Mekong Delta origin and cage-free for 10 days before they can be used to make the dish. The origin of the duck and its extraordinary way of cooking make the dish especially aromatic and unique. The roasted duck featured three courses with pancake with crispy duck skin, baby cucumber and spring onions the favourite one. Since we are crazy about dim sum, we could not pass up the tantalising array on offer including some speciality varieties on offer like superior abalone dumplings and superior prawn dumplings with Sacha sauce. Both were standout dishes. Skilfully prepared from the freshest local ingredients, the two dumplings were surprisingly impressive from their look to their natural colours. My first impression of the stunning dim sums was that they were artworks rather than food. And after finishing two portions of three dim sums each, I could say they were the best I ever had from presentation to taste and flavour. The prawn and the abalone were as fresh as they could be. Li Bais new signature dim sum dishes include black pepper wagyu beef buns and wagyu char siu. We however chose black pepper wagyu beef buns in claypot. We really wanted to try both items, but saved room for some other new fascinating spicy delicacies. The wagyu beef bun was fantastic both in the way it was prepared and served, and its flavour was quite different and irresistibly delicious. We next came to some spicy dishes, also our favourites. There was a long list of new sumptuous dishes including black grouper cooked in clay pot with garlic, ginger and Sichuan green pepper, bean curd with Nha Trang lobster made Sichuan style and mixed seafood fried rice with XO sauce. We finished the tasty and spicy lobster with bean curd and left the rest for the next visit. I had never imagined bean curd could be so perfectly married with lobster. It was a truly fascinating dish and one I enjoyed very much. The lobster was very fresh and the bean curd was silken smooth and melted in my mouth. When it comes to desserts, fresh fruits are always my first choice, but this time it was different though I was confused between a recommended trio of egg tarts that had a chocolate flavour, birds nest and pineapple jam. My vote went to the one with pineapple jam, a truly magic treat. Other signature desserts included double-boiled birds nest with red dates and lotus, and silken tofu pudding with homemade pineapple jam and pineapple carpaccio. There were also traditional ones like chilled mango cream with pomelo and sago and sweetened red bean and lotus seed soup that are a must-try for sweet lovers when they visit Li Bai. - VNS Li Bai Cantonese restaurant Address: 2nd floor, Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera 88 ong Khoi Street, District 1, HCM City Phone: 28 38272828 Price: Dim sum dishes from VN149,000/ three-piece basket Comment: Cantonese classics with an innovative twist, outstanding presentations, unique interiors NEW YORK Donald Trump has found tremendous success from the very first moment he stepped onto the presidential stage by stoking racial animus. Democrats expressed new outrage this week at the former president's derisive and false charge that Vice President Kamala Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian heritage, only recently "turned Black" for political gain. Some Republicans even from within Trump's own campaign seemed to distance themselves from the comment. But Trump's rhetoric this week, and his record on race since he entered politics nearly a decade ago, indicate that divisive attacks on race may emerge as a core GOP argument in the three-month sprint to Election Day whether his allies want them to or not. A Trump adviser, granted anonymity Thursday to discuss internal strategy, said the campaign doesn't need to focus on "identity politics" because the case against Harris is that she is "so liberal it's dangerous." The adviser pointed to Harris' record on the Southern border, crime, the economy and foreign policy. In a sign that Trump may not be coordinating his message with his own team, the Republican presidential nominee doubled down on the same day with a new attack on Harris' racial identity. He posted on his social media site a picture of Harris donning traditional Indian attire in a family photo. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Wyoming Republican who has endorsed Trump, was among a number of lawmakers on Capitol Hill who said Thursday that the rhetoric around race and identity is not "helpful to anyone" this election cycle. "People's skin color doesn't matter one iota," Lummis said in an interview. Trump turned to an old tactic against Harris It's been less than two weeks after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. Trump has had to pivot from campaigning against an 81-year-old white man showing signs of decline to facing a 59-year-old Black woman who is drawing much larger crowds and new enthusiasm from Democratic donors. Trump went to the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday. In an appearance carried live on cable news and shared widely online, he falsely suggested Harris misled voters about her race. "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?" Trump said Wednesday. At a Pennsylvania rally hours later, Trump's team displayed years-old news headlines describing Harris as the "first Indian-American senator" on the big screen in the arena. And Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump's running mate, told reporters traveling with him that Harris was a "chameleon" who changed her identity when convenient. Harris attended Howard University, the historically Black institution where she pledged the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and has often talked throughout her career about being both about being Black and Indian American. Trump's team argued that his message on race is part of a broader pitch that may appeal to some Black voters, although very few allies defended his specific rhetoric this week. "What impacts our historic gains with Black voters is President Trump's record when compared to Kamala's," said Trump campaign senior adviser Lynne Patton, pointing to the "cost of living, securing the border, deporting Kamala's illegal aliens, making neighborhoods safe again and keeping men out of women's sports." Veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz said he explored racial politics during a Wednesday focus group with swing voters almost immediately after Trump's interview. He found that Harris may be vulnerable to criticism based on her gender, but race-based attacks could hurt Trump among the voters that matter most this fall. Much has changed, Luntz said, since Trump rose to prominence by questioning the citizenship of Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president. "Trump seems to think that he can criticize her for how she's dealt with her race. Well, no one's listening to that criticism. It simply doesn't matter," Luntz said. "If it's racially driven, it will backfire." Eugene Craig, the former vice chair of the Maryland Republican Party, said that Trump "got what he wanted" at the NABJ convention but that the substance of his argument risked being more offensive than appealing. "The one thing that Black folks will never tolerate is disrespecting Blackness, and that goes for Black Republicans too," said Craig, who is Black and worked as a staffer for conservative pundit Dan Bongino's 2012 Senate campaign. He is now supporting Harris. Trump has a long history of racist attacks Trump has frequently used race to go after his opponents since he stepped into presidential politics nearly a decade ago. Trump was perhaps the most famous member of the so-called "birther" movement questioning where Obama was born. He kicked off his first campaign by casting Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and drug traffickers and later questioned whether a U.S. federal judge of Mexican heritage could be fair to him. While in the White House, Trump defended a white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia, and suggested that the U.S. stop accepting immigrants from "shithole" countries including Haiti and parts of Africa. In August 2020, he suggested Harris, who was born in California, might not meet the Constitution's eligibility requirements to be vice president. And just two weeks after formally entering the 2024 campaign, he dined with notorious white supremacist Nick Fuentes at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Trump won in 2016 but lost reelection in 2020 to Biden by close margins in several swing states. He swept the 2024 Republican primary even while facing a raft of criminal charges. Some Trump critics worried that his racial strategy might resonate with a significant portion of the electorate anyway. Voters will decide in November whether to send a Black woman to the Oval Office for the first time in the nation's nearly 250-year history. "I hope Trump's attacks on Harris are just him flailing about ineffectively. But put together Trump's shamelessness, his willingness to lie, his demagogic talent, and the issue of race and a certain amount of liberal complacency that Trump is just foolish and I'm concerned," Bill Kristol, a leading conservative anti-Trump voice, posted on social media Thursday. The Harris campaign thinks there's little upside for Trump A Harris adviser described the moment as an opportunity to remind voters of the chaos and division that Trump breeds. But the adviser, granted anonymity to discuss internal strategy, said it would be a mistake for Democrats to engage with Trump's attacks on race at the expense of the campaign's broader focus on key policies. So long as the campaign does not get distracted, the adviser said, Harris' team believes there is little political upside for Trump to continue attacking Harris' racial identity. Harris told a gathering of a historically Black sorority on Wednesday that Trump's attack was "the same old show: the divisiveness and the disrespect." On the ground in at least one swing state, however, there were signs that Trump's approach may be resonating at least among the former president's white male base. Jim Abel, a 65-year-old retiree who attended a rally for Vance in Arizona on Wednesday, said he agreed with Trump's focus on Harris' racial identity. "She's not Black," Abel said. "I've seen her parents. I've pictures of her and her family and she's not Black. She's looking for the Black vote." But several high-profile Republican voices disagreed. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro posted on X a picture of a road sign with two directions. One led to, "Attack Kamala's record, lies and radicalism," while the other, "Is she really Black?" "I dunno guys, I just think that maybe winning the 2024 election might be more important than having this silly and meaningless conversation," Shapiro wrote. ___ A bipartisan bill being led by Republican Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and a Massachusetts Democrat will attempt to crack down on the growing threats and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes on digital platforms. As first reported by Politico, Hinson, of Marion, and U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, of Massachusetts, introduced legislation that would carve out Section 230 protections for Big Tech companies that fail to remove deepfake pornography, including that generated by artificial intelligence, from their platforms. The digitally manipulated images and videos falsely depict someone saying or doing something. They often take the form of sexually explicit photos and videos spread online. The digitally altered material frequently merge a victims face with a body in a pornographic video using generative artificial intelligence models to create audio, videos and images that look and sound realistic. In 2023, the FBI warned of a sharp increase in deepfakes being used in sextortion schemes, in which a person threatens to distribute sexually explicit images and videos of a person unless the victim pays. Deepfakes have targeted public figures like celebrities, politicians and influencers. But cases also have sprung up at middle and high schools, where students have fabricated explicit images of female classmates and shared the doctored pictures. Hinsons bill seeks to protect Americans privacy by holding online platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube responsible for cracking down on intimate deepfakes. If not, the companies could lose their legal immunity from lawsuits over content on their platforms. We know deepfakes and other AI-altered and AI-generated content present a significant and growing threat to our ability to trust what we see online, as well as the potential for bad actors to create malicious deepfake content that can cause serious harm to victims, Hinson told reporters during a weekly conference call Thursday. The New York Times reported that students in several states have used widely available nudification apps to create convincing AI porn of their classmates that theyve posted online. What the bill would do The Intimate Privacy Protection Act aims to hold Big Tech accountable for addressing harmful content by amending Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which shields online platforms from legal liability for third-party content created and posted by their users on their services. The bill would strip Big Tech of immunity in cases where platforms fail to combat cyberstalking, digital forgeries and intimate privacy violations. Under the legislation, tech platforms would have a legal obligation to act responsibly in protecting others from harm, which includes having a reasonable process for preventing such privacy violations, which includes a clear and accessible process for reporting, investigating and removing harmful content within 24 hours. The bill also would require data logging requirements to ensure that victims have access to data for legal proceedings, as well as a process for removing or blocking content that is determined to be unlawful by a court. Big Tech companies shouldnt be able to hide behind Section 230 if they arent protecting users from deepfakes and other intimate privacy violations, Hinson said. Hinsons bill comes as Congress and legislators across the country consider how to respond to the emerging problem fueled by artificial intelligence technology and the harms of social media on young people. I think its just become way too easy for these bad actors to not only create this content, but circulate these inappropriate images, these deepfakes, online, Hinson said. As a mom, this really worries me. We are seeing our kids grow up in a totally different time. We are in kind of uncharted territory with the rise of social media and how things can quickly spread. So we have to work together to ensure were protecting kids from these dangers online, while still ensuring that our Big Tech companies are doing their part to keep our users, and particularly minors, safe online. Iowa efforts States, including Iowa, also have moved to crack down on deepfake pornography in recent years. Iowa state lawmakers this year passed and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law legislation criminalizing the dissemination, distribution and posting of pornographic images and videos that have been digitally altered to falsely depict another person. A person who distributes a digitally altered image or video that portrays a person fully or partially nude or engaging in a sex act is guilty of harassment under the new state law. The offense is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up two years in prison and a fine between $855 and $8,540. It also requires anyone 18 years or older convicted of the new crime to register as a sex offender. U.S. Senate bills The U.S. Senate last month passed legislation that would give victims the ability to sue anyone who creates, shares or receives nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes depicting them. Separate legislation passed by the Senate would criminalize the distribution of private sexually explicit or nude images online. On Tuesday, senators overwhelmingly passed a pair of childrens online safety bills designed to protect children from dangerous online content. Under the bill, social media platforms would have to provide minors with options to protect their information, limit other users from communicating with children and disable certain features that increase, sustain, or extend the use of the platform such as autoplay for videos or platform rewards. And it would require companies to give users dedicated pages on which to report harmful content. First Amendment Civil rights, civil liberties and privacy organizations argue the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, would violate the First Amendment by enabling the federal government to dictate what information minors can access online. The American Civil Liberties Union contends the bill will limit minors access to vital resources, and silence important online conversations for all ages. The ACLU also has raised concerns about how the bill could be used to limit adults ability to express themselves freely online or access diverse viewpoints. Hinson said her bill explicitly states that it is not construed to violate First Amendment rights. Theres a lot of bipartisan momentum here when it comes to protecting our kids online, so Ill continue working to build consensus on that and strike that right balance, she said. We were very clear to try to balance that protection with making sure were holding bad actors accountable. Photos: The 2024 Iowa Irish Fest in downtown Waterloo Members of Winnipegs Yazidi community gathered inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) on Saturday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a massacre perpetrated by ISIS militants. The Yazidis are an ethno-religious minority predominately located in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq. In 2014, ISIS swept through Yazidi villages and towns in the region forcing over 200,000 people to flee their homes. Its believed more than 5,000 people were killed during the attack, and thousands more were forced into sexual slavery or recruited as child soldiers. [ISIS] committed a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi simply because of their religious beliefs, Jamileh Naso, president of the Canadian Yazidi Association, told CTV News Saturday. Naso said many survivors are still reeling from the horrors they witnessed a decade ago. Many of them woke up, sent text and calls today saying, I cant believe its 10 years. It feels like yesterday. I can still feel my kids being ripped from my hands and I can still hear them screaming. I could still hear the gunshots and I could still feel the heat of that day, Naso recounted. It is very much ongoing, and although the community has been scattered all across the world, for survivors itsa very hard day. On Saturday, survivors shared their stories at the museum while remembering lives lost and displaced. There isnt really a single Yazidi family who hasnt been impacted in some way by the genocide, Naso said. In our family, we had numerous people who were killed by ISIS during the initial attacks, and weve worked since 2014 to raise awareness about the plight of the Yazidis in Iraq. She said the Canadian Yazidi Association is advocating for enhanced safety throughout northern Iraq. Safety and security in this entire region is a huge priority and its stopping families from returning back to their ancestral homelands, Naso said. The Canadian Yazidi Association is also pushing to reunite more families here in Canada. To date, around 300 survivors have settled in Winnipeg through federal government programs. Meantime, Nasos organization and partners like the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg have privately sponsored 65 Yazidi refugees through an initiative called Operation Ezra. Family reunification is really core for the resettlement success here, she said. A lot of the women here today have family members living in refugee camps [including] young kids. They are trying to push the government on reunifying them. So really, prioritizing survivors is what were working on here. Pull Quote Were going to be out for the next 93 days to make sure we get every volunteer we can to help get out the vote to make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States." - Kimberly Carden, leader of Indivisible Northern Nevada In Reno, the progressive grassroots group Indivisible Northern Nevada rallied at Idlewild Park on Saturday to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Former Democratic Nevada Lieutenant Governor and Biden White House administration advisor, Kate Marshall, energized the crowd. "Because we believe in this country and that we are a nation of laws. And Kamala is going to get us there, is she not? Woo! And we are going to get Kamala there, are we not?! Woo!" The event focused on Kamala Harris and Project 2025, a 920-page plan written by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation to usher in the next Republican president. Kate Marshall Quote "I think the Democratic party is very energized in a way that they haven't been in a while, and very hopeful and excited, and that's part of what you see here. So, what's interesting is they decided this in the last five days, so people are coming together quickly, and that's very exciting," - Kate Marshall, Former Democratic Nevada Lieutenant Governor and Biden White House administration advisor The event follows statewide democratic parties across the nation pledging their delegates to Kamala for the nomination. She will officially accept at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in two weeks. Kamala Harris's popularity reflects in the polls, bringing her neck-and-neck with former president Trump in Nevada and other crucial swing states. It's important to note that Former President Trump and the Republican National Committee have distanced themselves from Project 2025. Additionally, the director of the Heritage Foundation has stepped down due to the controversy surrounding the plan. The Harris campaign has thirteen offices across Nevada and is launching an unprecedented canvassing and door-knocking operation in the Battleborn State. Debby strengthened to the second hurricane of 2024 in the Atlantic on Sunday night as it continued to track northward toward the Florida Gulf Coast, where landfall was expected on Monday morning. The National Hurricane Center said Debby had intensified to a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds late Sunday. Hurricane-force winds begin at 74 mph. Debby also continued to cause heavy rain, coastal flooding and multiple tornado warnings across the Florida Peninsula. Forecasters warned of two things on Sunday: That Debby was expected to rapidly strengthen before landfall, and then once inland it could stall and produce a significant flooding threat in parts of either Florida, Georgia or South Carolina. The hurricane center is forecasting Debby to have winds up to 85 mph by Monday when it makes landfall in Floridas Big Bend region. Hurricane conditions will be possible along the Florida coast by early Monday, forecasters said. Debby is no threat to the Alabama coast. After making landfall, Debby is expected to slowly cross over Florida and the Southeast and cause trouble on the Atlantic coast, and tropical storm warnings have been added for parts of Georgia and South Carolina in addition to the ones for Florida. Flooding is also becoming a major concern farther inland. The hurricane center said potentially historic heavy rainfall will be possible across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning and could cause catastrophic flooding. Significant river flooding is also expected. As of 10 p.m. CDT Sunday, the center of Hurricane Debby was located about 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa, Fla., or 65 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, Fla., and was moving to the north at 12 mph. Debbys winds increased to 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. The intensity forecast shows Debby peaking with 85 mph winds. The hurricane center said that on the forecast path, Debby will continue to track northward in the Gulf tonight and reach the Florida Big Bend coast Monday morning. Debby could bring 10 to 12 feet of storm surge to Florida. 8/4 11pm EDT: There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge from Hurricane #Debby along portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida, with 6 to 10 feet of inundation above ground level expected somewhere between Ochlockonee River to Yankeetown late tonight and Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/P2WPvcuOSa NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) August 5, 2024 Parts of Florida could also get 6 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated spots getting as much as 18 inches. But parts of the Southeast could get even more. The hurricane center said 10 to 20 inches of rain will be possible for southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Isolated areas could get up to 30 inches. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding, forecasters said. #Debby will drop A LOT of rain over the next few days. Potentially historic, heavy rainfall is forecast across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning. This may mean areas of catastrophic flooding. Prepare now for this possibility and follow your local NWS pic.twitter.com/NIMsHo3Exa National Weather Service (@NWS) August 4, 2024 Tornadoes will also be possible tonight in western and northern Florida as well as South Georgia. Here is a look at the watches and warnings for Debby: * A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay, and the Georgia and South Carolina coast from the mouth of the St. Marys River to the South Santee River in South Carolina. * A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the Florida coast from Englewood northward to the middle of Longboat Key, including Charlotte Harbor. * A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida coast from Yankeetown to Indian Pass. * A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown. * A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande, the Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach and Ponte Vedre Beach to the South Santee River South Carolina. Debby is now a hurricane, and it is on a course to hit Florida on Monday, according to forecasters. Debby was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds on Sunday night and was expected to strengthen more before landfall, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to make landfall on Monday morning somewhere in Floridas Big Bend region. Heres the hurricane centers track forecast for Debby as of 10 p.m. Sunday: Debby strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane late Sunday. Above is the National Hurricane Center's forecast track as of 10 p.m. Sunday. Debby is expected to hit Florida's Big Bend region on Monday.National Hurricane Center Will Debby have any impact on Alabama? Southeast Alabama will be the closest to Debbys path and may get some wind and rain from the storm as it makes landfall, according to the National Weather Service. But Alabamas coastal areas will have no direct effects from the storm except for an increase in the rip current risk, according to forecasters. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Mobile stressed that beachgoers not take the rip current risk lightly, saying PLEASE listen to lifeguards and pay attention to beach flags this week. North and central Alabama are not expected to feel any effects from the storm. There were no tropical watches or warnings in effect for any part of Alabama as of Sunday night. Most of Debbys rain is expected to fall to the east of where the center makes landfall. The weather services forecast shows southeast Alabama getting only a half-inch to an inch of rain from the storm: Southeast Alabama is not expected to get a lot of rain from Debby.NWS Rain chances for southeast Alabama are expected to climb starting and it will be breezy. The weather service said winds on Monday could be higher as Debby makes landfall, sustained at 20 mph and gusting up to 30 mph. As Debby approaches tonight there will be an increased risk of rip currents along the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches. A moderate risk went into effect Sunday night and will last into Tuesday night: A moderate risk for rip currents will begin tonight for Alabama and northwest Florida coastal areas.NWS The weather service in Mobile said forecasters are not expecting much from Debby for southwest Alabama outside of increasing waves and rip currents at the beaches. In fact, Debby will help bring some drier air and lower humidity to southwest Alabama as it closes in on the Florida coast. Some isolated rain and storms will be possible through Tuesday for southwest Alabama and the western Panhandle. A new Miss USA will be crowned this weekend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Miss USA 2023, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, will crown her successor at the pageants finale, and Miss USA 2024 will take her first walk on the runway. If you want to watch the Miss USA pageant, heres what you need to know. When is the Miss USA pageant? The Miss USA finals are set for Sunday, Aug. 4. The pageant has been underway for about a week, with preliminary competitions and other events happening in Los Angeles. A companion pageant, Miss Teen USA, also was underway this week and crowned its winner, Addie Carver, on Thursday. Carver competed as Miss Mississippi Teen USA. Addie Carver, Miss Mississippi Teen USA, was crowned Miss Teen USA 2024 at the Peacock Theater on August 01, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) What channel is it on? The Miss USA pageant finals will be televised live on The CW. The broadcast is set for 7 p.m.-9 p.m. CT, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. ET on Sunday. Can I stream it online? Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream carry The CW, but youll need a subscription or a free trial to watch the pageant as it happens. Who are the contestants this year? A total of 51 women are competing for the national title, including Diane Westhoven, Miss Alabama USA 2024. Westhoven, from Vestavia Hills, attends Auburn University and is studying to become a physician assistant. READ: Miss Alabama USA 2024: Miss Southern Plains wins the crown Has Miss Alabama USA ever won Miss USA? Yes. Sylvia Hitchcock, who was crowned Miss Alabama USA in 1967, went on to become Miss USA and Miss Universe later that year. To date, Hitchcock is the only woman to win Miss USA as a representative of Alabama. Hitchcock wasnt an Alabama native she was a student at the University of Alabama when she became Miss USA and Miss Universe but she helped to bring public attention to the state during her pageant days. What else do I need to know about the pageant? The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations have been enmeshed in controversy over the last few months, after both winners for 2023 Noelia Voigt (Miss USA) and UmaSofia Srivastava (Miss Teen USA) resigned their titles in May. Voigts title was assumed by the first runner-up, Savannah Gankiewicz. The first runner-up for Miss Teen USA in 2023, Stephanie Skinner, declined to take over the teen crown when Srivastava resigned, leaving the position open. The double resignation was a first in Miss USA history, rocking the pageant world and resulting in a significant shadow over the Miss Universe organization, which owns both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. Voigt cited mental health concerns when she left her post as Miss USA, and later said a non-disclosure agreement with the pageant prevented her from elaborating on the reasons for her exit. Srivastava, the teen winner for 2023, resigned in solidarity with Voigt, saying my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization. The New York Times, CNN and other media outlets leaked an internal resignation letter Voigt had sent to Miss USAs leadership, which included complaints of a toxic work environment, lack of support, mismanagement and bullying within the Miss USA organization. Followup reports by The New York Times and CNN detailed more complaints against the Miss USA organization and its CEO, Laylah Rose, who took over the Miss USA brand in August 2023. Also, the mothers of the former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA winners, Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava, appeared on Good Morning America in mid-May, speaking out for their daughters and saying both had been disrespected, bullied and badly treated by the Miss USA organization. The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare, Barbara Srivastava said. Rose, the CEO of Miss USA, released a public statement on May 30, defending the pageant and denying the allegations. The allegations of sexual harassment, toxic environment and bullying are not true, Roses statement said. To be clear, such behavior is not accepted, and we can assure you that if such behavior ever occurred, we would take immediate steps to protect our titleholder and provide access to appropriate resources. Maya Rudolph will return to NBCs Saturday Night Live for this falls 50th season to reprise her Emmy-winning role as Vice President Kamala Harris. According to Deadline , the SNL alum will return for several episodes in the run up to the November presidential election. After President Joe Bidens July 21 announcement that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee , fans of Rudolph flocked to social media , hopeful Rudolph would return to her SNL impersonation of Harris. Deadline reports Harris will pause her work in the Apple TV + comedy Loot to return to SNL for several episodes. The series, which was slated to begin filming its third season on Aug. 26, has been paused due to scheduling constraints. On Aug. 2, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced Harris has secured enough delegate votes to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. The DNC is set to make an official announcement of results on the evening of Aug. 5 when the virtual voting process closes for delegates to this months Democratic National Convention , reports NBC. So far, Harris has garnered some big-ticket support, i ncluding the endorsement of Jimmy Carter . Carter, who is two months shy of his 100th birthday, is only trying to make it to his centurion year to cast his ballot for Harris his grandson said Saturday. A 12-year-old boy was injured when he was caught in crossfire at a west Birmingham home. The shooting happened just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The boy is expected to recover. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said West Precinct officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of Avenue Q in the Central Park neighborhood on a report of a person shot. They arrived to find the child at a home in the 1600 block of 49th Street Ensley, which is near the scene of the shooting. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported the boy to Childrens of Alabama. His injuries are not life-threatening. Fitzgerald said it wasnt immediately clear whether the boy was shot or grazed, but he was injured in the upper body. Investigators said an argument took place between two men one of them believed to be the 12-year-olds father. The two men knew each other. A boy, 12, was shot when an argument between two men led to an exchange of gunfire in Birmingham.(Carol Robinson) The two men exchanged gunfire. One of the shooters was inside the home and the other was outside, firing into the residence which had multiple people inside. Shot Spotter registered five rounds fired. There were several shell casings in the street. Neither of the shooters were struck by gunfire, Fitzgerald said. However, a round may have penetrated the house and grazed or shot the 12-year-old. We know all the parties involved, he said. Its just a matter of our detectives gathering as many facts as they can and presenting this case to the district attorneys office to see if anyone will be charged. It will be a matter of who fired the first shot who was the aggressor, Fitzgerald said. The homeowner remained on the scene and is cooperating with police. The second shooter fled, but Fitzgerald said they know who he is. Its just another situation where two adults have a disagreement, shots are fired and an innocent party is struck by gunfire, he said. The U.S. Supreme Court this fall will take up a case about Alabamas troubled handling of unemployment claims during the pandemic. The high court scheduled oral arguments in the case for Monday, Oct. 7. Petitioners have experienced lengthy delays in receiving unemployment compensation benefits they believe they are owed, the plaintiffs said in their petition for certiorari to the court. A group of Alabamians sued in state court in 2022, arguing they were wrongly denied unemployment benefits and appeal opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a backlog of cases stacked up, Gov. Kay Ivey in 2022 called it outrageous. In their lawsuit, the group argued the system was excessively delayed. Some people who did receive benefits later got notices from the department demanding repayment, sometimes thousands of dollars, without access to appeal. The Alabama Department of Labor declined to comment for this story because of ongoing litigation. In June of 2023, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Labor Department and Secretary Fitzgerald Washington, finding that the plaintiffs had to go through the full administrative appeals process before filing a lawsuit. The department argued that Alabamians who had problems with their unemployment should seek appeals, not by bringing this collateral suit to skip the line. Alabamas appeals were backlogged by several years. According to an analysis of federal data by The Century Foundation. In 2021, Alabama had the greatest delays of any state. The average wait time for an appeal was 566 days. At that time, some states were hearing appeals within 20 days. It just seems so nonsensical, said Larry Gardella, attorney for Legal Services Alabama which filed the lawsuit. They take forever to make a decision, (and) you have to wait for them to make a decision before you can challenge the decision? The U.S. Supreme Court will now weigh in. Gardella said he expects the court will rule on the issue by next summer. In October, the high court will hear arguments from both sides about whether states are required to follow a reconstruction-era law that provides protections for citizens who feel their rights have been violated or whether such claims must exclusively be made through federal courts. Fundamental to our federal system is the fact that state courts as well as federal courts are entrusted with providing a forum for the vindication of federal rights violated by state or local officials acting under color of state law, Legal Services of Alabama stated in its petition for certiorari filed in August of 2023. In its filing before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Alabama Department of Labor noted that between April of 2020 and March of 2022, the state received almost one and a half million unemployment claims, one million of which were COVID related. The department was short-staffed, it said, which amounted to inevitable delays. The state argued that state courts have freedom to decide when they are obligated to intervene in a case against state agency and that plaintiffs still have access to federal courts. There will be little practical difference for plaintiffs whether they are allowed to skip past administrative law judges and head straight to state courts or whether they must follow the state law. Gardella, attorney for Legal Services, said having access to state courts for such claims increases the breath of options for addressing civil rights violations. Aaron Johnson, 68, is one of 26 plaintiffs in the case. He lost his job with the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020, according to the complaint, and tried to get unemployment in October of that year. By January of 2022, no decision had been made on his application, even after he called multiple times to follow up. Christin Burnett lost her job in 2019 and tried to get unemployment. According to the complaint, she was approved and received funds until 2020. But she was not able to get help during the pandemic because of a data error involving her social security number, and because she lost her job before COVID. Ms. Burnett is unable to find new employment because of COVID. She is waiting for (the department) to acknowledge her hearing request and schedule a hearing, the lawsuit said. In its response to the original suit, the department acknowledged that staffing shortages slowed the processing of claims. It said it was doing all it could to improve. The Department is now entering in appeals received in early December 2020, said Thomas Daniel, director of Unemployment Compensation, in an affidavit in the suit in March of 2022. Given the current backlog, it is impossible to provide a hearing date for all claimants within 90 days even if ordered by the court. Sixteen states filed a brief in support of Alabamas right to reject the lawsuit. The Chamber of Commerce of the United States field a brief in support of the rights of individuals to sue in state court before exhausting administrative processes. The chamber said the obligation to file such claims in federal court is costly. Vice President Kamala Harris is meeting Sunday with at least three possible running mates: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, according to people familiar with her plans. The meetings are part of Harris final stretch before selecting who will join her on the 2024 presidential ticket, which she is expected to announce in coming days. The three people are on a so-called short list of possible vice presidential candidates, people familiar with the process said. To be sure, Harris is also speaking with other contenders, just not in person, the people said. Harris entrance has overhauled the dynamics of the presidential campaign. She has quickly raised more than $300 million and has erased some of the lead that former President Donald Trump held in national polls. Her vice presidential pick could determine whether that momentum continues to propel her or simmers down as Election Day approaches. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are among the other names floated to join Harris on the ticket. The Democratic National Committee plans to virtually nominate a ticket by Aug. 7, indicating that Harris vice presidential selection is expected to come by then as well. The party said Friday that she had secured enough delegate votes to win the nomination, while the balloting is open until Monday. Harris plans to kick off a tour of seven battleground states this week, with her running mate slated to join her Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. Most of Harris vice presidential contenders fit a certain profile: White, male and centrist. Her pick could boost appeal to swing-state voters, while simultaneously detracting from Republican attacks calling her a California liberal. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain made a pitch for his favored choice, Beshear, who joined striking UAW workers outside a Ford Motor Co. plant in Louisville, Kentucky, last year. I believe the Harris and Beshear ticket would be unbeatable, Fain said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. He also spoke highly of Walz. Shapiro met with Harris representatives on July 31, though it was unclear whether the interaction was virtual or in-person. _____ (With assistance from Tony Czuczka.) _____ 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Jimmy Carter, just two months shy of his 100th birthday, is only trying to make it past the milestone to cast his ballot for Kamala Harris in Novembers presidential election, his grandson said Saturday. The former Democratic president will ring in 100 on Oct. 1, and a star-studded concert has been planned in his honor, the Carter Center announced on Thursday. The event will take place on Sept. 17 in Atlanta, where artists such as Maren Morris, Eric Church and The War and Treaty will perform tributes celebrating President Carters legacy of service to humanity. But the concert isnt the main event on Carters mind, his grandson Jason told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this weekend. Defeating Donald Trump however is. I think hes a disaster In human rights and in treating people equal, Carter said of Trump back in 2018. Despite no longer being awake every day, as Jason said in June, Carter seems to have been revitalized by Vice President Harris officially challenging Trump. The 39th Commander in Chief, who was moved into hospice care in Georgia in early 2023, has been more alert and interested in politics in the days since Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Biden ended his bid for reelection last month. Though Election Day isnt until Nov. 5, Carter wont have to wait that long to cast his vote for Harris. Georgias early voting period begins Oct. 15, two weeks after the Nobel Peace Prize winner is set to become a centenarian. Absentee ballots are sent out up to 29 days before the election. Back in February, a year into Carters hospice care, Jason assured CBS Sunday Morning that regardless of his grandfathers physical condition, his spirit is as strong as ever, even after the death of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter last November. She was 96. Carter, who made history by nominating the first Black woman to the U.S. Cabinet, has now lived enough to see Harris make history of her own as the first female VP in American history and, as of Friday, the first woman of color to secure the Democratic nomination for the White House. 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In the opening of his speech to thousands of rally attendees in Atlanta Saturday evening, former President Donald Trump took aim at Georgia State University, where he was speaking, for allegedly blocking thousands of people from the venue, resulting, he said, in 500 or 600 empty places. The claim could not be immediately verified. The school administration stopped us from getting another 500, 600 even a thousand people in, Trump told his enthusiastic supporters Saturday. Thousands of people were told no. And that was OK, but we could have fit another 600 people. If theyre going to stand in the way of admitting people to our rally, just imagine what theyre going to do on election day, he added. Were not going to let that happen. At the beginning of the event before the speech, rally organizers told reporters that campus administrators took it upon themselves to not only shut the building down, but push our 5,000 to 10,000 guests that are still outside off the property across the street into the protest zone, leaving organizers inside the building with empty seats to fill. Trump: The school administration stopped us from getting another 500, 600 even 1000 people in.. If they're going to stand in the way of admitting people to our rally imagine what they are they're going to do on election day. pic.twitter.com/IMHFKiSVEl Acyn (@Acyn) August 3, 2024 We as the hosts had to work behind us to move people around and fill sections, the rally organizer told reporters. Our concern is that if local administrators from the college can do that here, during rally, what can they do on election day? By the time Trump started speaking, there were no significant vacancies apparent to observers. However, as Trumps remarks went on, some people began leaving from the upper level. Representatives for Georgia State University, which houses its own security department and fire safety manager, did not respond to the claims Saturday evening. Other agencies that deal with crowds and building capacity in the Atlanta area said they werent involved or referred questions to other agencies. The Atlanta Police Department, which directed traffic near the venue, said there were times when pedestrian traffic may have been halted for several minutes as crowds of attendees tried to walk to the entrance. That was due, however, to safety protocols and because motorcades were arriving and leaving, APD said. People were allowed to cross when it was safe to do so and when there was space for them to cross, according to APD spokesman J. Predmore. Otherwise, the department directed inquiries to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and GSU. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department said it was not responsible for events on state property such as GSU but can assist with crowd management and fire watch, and referred inquiries to the Georgia fire marshal office and GSU. But the Georgia fire marshal was not involved in the planning and not present at the event, said a spokesman for the Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former President Donald Trump and his Republican running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, rallied at Georgia State University in Atlanta Saturday. Its the same venue where Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, spoke earlier this week. The back-to-back campaign rallies offered a dramatic contrast as the rival campaigns scrap over one of the nations most competitive battlegrounds. In his speech, Trump blamed Harris in raw, scathing terms for the brutal killing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student bludgeoned to death on the campus of the University of Georgia. Kamala Harris should not be asking for your vote, Trump told thousands of supporters during a rally at Georgia State Universitys arena in downtown Atlanta. She should be begging Laken Rileys family for forgiveness. He added that Rileys blood is on Kamala Harris hands and that she might as well have been standing there, watching herself the brutal slaying. Rileys body was discovered Feb. 22 in a wooded area near UGAs intramural fields. The man charged in her killing, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, is a Venezuela national who was arrested in 2022 after unlawfully entering the United States, federal immigration officials said. He has pleaded not guilty. Trump and other Republicans have long tried to tap into the fury of his partys conservative base over immigration policies to blame Democrats for her death. And Trumps campaign launched an ad blitz in Georgia and other battleground states this week blasting Harris over immigration. At her Atlanta rally this week, she vowed to revive a bipartisan border security deal that Trump helped scuttle. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former President Donald Trump, speaking Saturday in Atlanta, praised three members of the Georgia State Election Board who have pressed for new rules ahead of the November election - even as he continued to make false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Election board members Rick Jeffares, Janelle King and Janice Johnston have pressed a series of rules they say are designed to increase transparency. Critics fear they are attempting to pave the way for Republicans to reject the results of a Democratic victory in the presidential election. Those three people are incredible, Trump said. The three Republican-appointed board members drew criticism and a lawsuit when they met recently to approve two election rules despite concerns from the Attorney Generals Office that the meeting would violate the state Open Meetings Act. The board later agreed to revisit the rules at another meeting. Trump also took another shot at Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. They dont want the election to be honest, he said. In my opinion, they want us to lose. Trump has made false allegations about voting fraud in Georgia for years, and Saturday was no different. I won this state twice, in my opinion, he told the crowd. State and federal investigators have examined numerous allegations of voting fraud following the 2020 election and found no evidence to support them. Among other things, they have debunked claims that that tens of thousands of dead people voted, reports of counterfeit ballots, allegations of illegal ballot harvesting and tales of election-night ballot-stuffing. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. So much for Republican unity. Even before Donald Trump took the stage Saturday at his Atlanta rally, he took to social media to berate Gov. Brian Kemp and his wife Marty as traitors to the GOP cause. Then, before thousands of supporters packed into a Georgia State University arena, Trump escalated his attacks. Kemp and his allies, he said, want us to lose in November. Under Kemps watch, he added, the state has gone to hell and Atlanta became a killing field. Never mind the lack of evidence supporting the broadsides. Over the course of his 90-minute speech, the former president reopened festering internal wounds within the Georgia GOP and left fellow Republicans baffled and seething at the timing of his tirade. For months, Trump had refrained from publicly feuding with Kemp and other Republicans he wrongly blamed for his 2020 election defeat. And now, with the race in Georgia tighter than ever against Vice President Kamala Harris, he chose to reopen the raw rift? Attacking a successful and popular governor is not only wrong, its politically stupid, said Cole Muzio, a conservative activist and close Kemp ally. The stakes are too high for pettiness and for the candidate to actively undermine his own chances. Within minutes of Trumps fusillades, a full-scale campaign was underway with MAGA loyalists and mainstream Republicans alike who rushed to Kemps defense and to restore some semblance of GOP unity. I wish there was less focus on Gov. Kemp. Hes been part of the MAGA solution, said state Rep. Steven Sainz, R-Woodbine. Kamala Harris is the threat. Thats the Georgia message that will bring us back to full red. Martha Zoller, a conservative commentator, could only cringe at what she described as a massive miscalculation. Enthusiastic Democrats are closing ranks around Harris, and senior Republicans worry they need Kemp and his potent political network more than ever. Trump is under the misconception that MAGA Republicans are a majority of the electorate, Zoller said. And he is alienating people instead of bringing them together. Kemp, of course, is no stranger to the barrage of Trump insults. But dragging his wife Marty into the back-and-forth on the cusp of an election crossed a red line. Kemp made that clear in a scathing response that ended with six words. Leave my family out of it. Very upset Kemps fraught history with Trump is the stuff of Georgia political lore. Trump blamed the governor for his 2020 defeat then embarked on an extraordinary campaign to oust him from office in 2022. He recruited former U.S. Sen. David Perdue to run for the seat and then did more to support his campaign to oust Kemp than any other candidate. Perdue overestimated Trumps sway over the base and underestimated Kemps popularity. He lost by 52 points. After that thrashing, Kemp and Trump eventually forged an uneasy truce. While theirs was no happy alliance, both united behind a common goal in recapturing Georgia, the site of a GOP humiliation in 2020 when Democrats won the state for the first time in decades. Thats what made the timing of Trumps slashing swipes so perplexing. Trump avoided bashing Kemp during earlier rallies in Georgia and held his tongue even after the governor revealed he cast a blank ballot in the states presidential primary. Kemp, for his part, worked to lower the temperature by repeatedly affirming his support for Trump after he secured the nomination. More recently, he eased tensions with the pro-Trump Georgia GOP and traveled to Milwaukee to reinforce his support for the GOP ticket. But on Saturday, the divisions exploded back into the spotlight. Trumps allies said he was infuriated by reports that Kemp planned to skip his rally the governor hasnt attended one since 2020 and that Marty wrote in her husbands name rather than vote for Trump in the presidential primary. Youll do a lot better with a better governor, Trump told rallygoers. I dont want her endorsement. I dont want his endorsement. I just want them to do their job for Georgia. And you know what? Hes the governor and he ought to support the Republican Party. Bill White, the organizer of the Buckhead cityhood initiative, is one of the Trump confidants who pushed the former president to take a sharper stance against Kemp. He said Kemps decision to skip the rally left a bad taste in Trumps mouth. I dont blame him for being very upset, White said. Georgias Republican governor needs to show up and be present and accounted for working every day to help drive out the vote for President Trump and protect America from Kamala. Full stop. Former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, a favorite of the pro-Trump crowd, tried to see a silver lining in the fallout. It is known the president and governor have issues but I believe that all are committed to winning in November and beating Vice President Harris. Still, it was clear there was no papering over the blowback. Some were despondent that Trump had unearthed fissures that once seemed healed, or at least sidelined, at precisely the wrong time. A lot of Republicans like me might just decide not to vote at all in the presidential election because of stupid antics like tonight, said Allen Peake, a former Republican legislator. Trump may have just lost Georgia. And the renewed tensions raise questions about how Kemp, regularly the states most popular Republican in polls of Georgia voters, wields his considerable influence. Over the years, hes built a powerful political network that hes tasked primarily with helping Republicans in swing legislative districts win or keep their seats. The governor has already reactivated the gears of his get-out-the-vote machinery and devoted more than $1.5 million for the cause. Trumps campaign could use that machines organizational muscle to boost him in November, but there seems little chance of a pivot now. As for Georgia Democrats, they are delighting in their swift change of fortune. Just a few weeks ago, they faced a united GOP and mounting internal dissension over President Joe Bidens viability. Now, they are happy to exploit the Republican infighting. Im elated to see the GOP self-implode and devour their own, said Democratic state Rep. Derrick Jackson. Meanwhile, we will continue to expand our tent in Georgia to include those Never Trump Republicans that are interested in saving our democracy. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Leigh Gwathney, Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, listens to the mother of an offender speak on his behalf during a hearing at the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles in Montgomery, Alabama, January 9, 2024. (Tamika Moore/AL.com) AL.com This is an opinion column. Leigh Gwathney cannot be having fun. She is a public servant who is doing us a disservice. And seemingly herself, as well. Shes embarrassing us embarrassing a state that long ago exhausted its quota of public servant embarrassments. And shes getting testy about it. Shes spitting in the face of compassion, damning common sense, and unfairly ruling against too many men and women whove paid enough. Shes mocking justice. Exhibiting the worst of our inhumanity. And she cannot be having fun doing so. So why stay? For the sake of us, those whose lives are in her hands - and herself - the obstinate chair of the Alabama Board of Pardon & Paroles should step down. Now. At minimum, Gov. Kay Ivey should not re-appoint Gwathney to a second six-year term when her current one expires next year. Just let her go. Alas, the governor may not correct this egregious miscarriage since she does not likely see it as such. Because she caused it. Ivey appointed Gwathney, a product of our heartless state attorney generals office, as chair in October of 2019, not long after the state legislatures knee-jerk passage of a new law ostensibly to reform the three-member board by yanking the keys from a nominating commission and handing them to the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore. Reform, however, quickly came to mean: Shove paroles into reversea gross overreaction to the heinous murder of three people by Jimmy ONeal Spencer, who had been paroled the previous year. Almost instantly, the board ground to a toothless halt as we now know, thanks to the groundbreaking reporting of my AL.com colleagues Ivana Hrynkiw and John Archibald in Denied: Alabamas Broken Parole System. Just two years prior, the board, which requires an affirmative vote from two of the three members for parole to be granted, released more than half (54%) of the applicants whose cases came before it. Some were well into their sunset years and were deemed by the boards own guidelines to be a threat to no one and merited release. Some were already participating in a work release program with jobs outside prison walls, safely circulating among us. Yet with Gwathneys arrival, the grant rate plummeted to 31% in the first year. Then 20% in 2020, 15% in 2021, 10% in 2022. And a feckless 8% in 2023just 297 paroles granted in 3,583 hearings. A thumb in the eye of the boards own recommendation that about 8 in 10 applicants should qualify for release. Gwathney overwhelmingly votes no at a much higher rate than fellow board members Darryl Littleton and Gabrelle Simmons, and often favors putting off another hearing for five years, the maximum allowed by the law. Thus, we call it The Gwathney Effect. Yet creating a non-parole parole board was also Iveys Intent. Upon signing the bill, she said, The paramount duty of this board is to protect and instill confidence in public safety. Translation: Close the gates. With Gwathney. No matter that the state would be sued in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Justice, which found our prisons to be unconstitutionally horrific. To be overcrowded, understaffed, and so dangerous our incarcerated men and women are all living on a death row of sorts. The governor and state lawmakers will spend more than $1 billion for a new 4,000-bed prison in Elmore County, almost the amount first allotted in 2021 to build two prisons. The first prison is scheduled to be ready in 2026, while plans for the second one in south Alabama havent been finalized. But the plan will not address overcrowding as other, older hellholes will be shut down and no additional beds will be added. The sardine-can system remains 69% over capacity. And the whole system is headed into a legal showdown with the Justice Department. Last week, some state lawmakers feigned amnesia about the legislatures own role in this mess. At a meeting of the Joint Prison Oversight Committee in Montgomery on Wednesday, citizens shared nightmares of non-sensical rejections of loved ones by the parole board. One anguished mother said, once they put you in there, they throw the key away. Youre stuck for life. Yet members shrugged, deflected, and pointed to Ivey rather than acknowledge the unnecessary law it passed that ceded its powers to the governor. Rep. Jim Hill, R-St. Clair County, said, the day-to-day operations of the parole board are not supervised, they are not directed by the legislative branch of government. He added that the board ought to be here. But fellow committee member Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Autauga County, gave them a no-show pass by apologizing for giving the board only 30 days notice. I will get them an invitation earlier next time, he said. Gwathney appears to be unraveling beneath the harsh light of scrutiny. At a recent hearing over the parole of Willie Conner, who has served over 12 years in prison after stealing a roofing nail gun from a Lowes in Foley, she ignited a grating nails-on-blackboard legal minutiae back-and-forth with former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, whos long backed Conners release, as if he was a first-year law student. People want justice, Moore later said to my colleague Ivana Hrynkiw. They want bad people to stay in, they want people that are worthy of parole to get out. Thats the system. Thats what its supposed to be. But thats not what its been. What its been is a representative of the attorney generals office controlling the parole board in my opinion. Though her control is slipping. Led mostly still by affirmative votes from Littleton and Simmons, the board is finally showing at least a modicum of compassion and common sense. Most months this year, paroles were granted at more than twice the rate (22% in April, 25% in May) as in all of 2023. Thats far lower still than the 87% recommended by the boards reports. At last weeks meeting in Montgomery, Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said: [Paroles] should be based on data, guidelines, and an actual risk assessment of the person thats standing in front of them They wont be until Ivey ends the tenure of the person who stands in judgment of them. Until then, theres hope in the slow rise of paroles granted. Hope for people who deserve a second chance. Hope for people who are less a threat to us than we are to ourselves. Hope for us to do better for those whove earned the right to be better. Better beyond our prison walls. I was raised by good people who encouraged me to be a good man and surround myself with good people. If I did, they said, good things would happen. I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj. English News Compressed air energy storage embraces large-scale industrial application in China Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 30 Juillet 2024 In recent years, China's compressed air energy storage technology has developed rapidly, with research achievements and engineering applications leading the world. From 500-kilowatt experimental installations to 10 MW demonstration projects, 60 MW commercial operations, grid connection of 300 MW units, and the completion of feasibility studies for the first 600 MW project, compressed air energy storage technology is gradually entering large-scale engineering applications. Meanwhile, system efficiency continues to improve, with many power stations reaching 65 percent to 70 percent. By Ding Yiting, People's Daily At a 300 MW compressed air energy storage station in Yingcheng, central China's Hubei province, eight heat storage and exchange tanks are erected. Five hundred meters underground, abandoned salt caverns with over 1 million cubic meters of air storage space are undergoing gas injection and brine discharge testing. The project is expected to start full-capacity operation within this year. "This is the world's first 300 MW compressed air energy storage station, similar to a 'super power bank,'" said Li Jun, deputy general manager of China Energy Digital Technology Group Co.,Ltd. "It can store energy for 8 hours and release it for 5 hours daily, with an annual power generation of about 500 million kilowatt-hour." Li added. Though China's installed capacity of new energy sources like wind and solar power continues to increase, they are relatively "unpredictable," and power supply can sometimes be excessive and at other times insufficient, with fluctuating frequencies. Energy storage is needed to act as a "green electricity manager" to balance the power grid's supply and demand, Li explained. How does invisible and intangible air transform into a "super power bank?" During off-peak electricity hours, surplus power drives compressors to compress air into a high-pressure state. The compressor, similar to a bicycle pump, can push air into a "tire" - in this case, sealed air storage reservoirs like salt caverns or artificial chambers. The heat generated during air compression is stored in heat storage tanks on the ground in forms such as hot water or fused salt. During peak electricity hours, the underground air storage releases the stored high-pressure air, while the heat storage tanks release the stored heat. At this point, the high-pressure air is heated, which gives it tremendous expansive force to drive air turbine generators. This process is similar to wind turning the blades of large wind turbines, generating electricity to supply the power grid. Compressed air energy storage has features such as high power, long lifespan, deep peak regulation, and flexible site selection. A single unit can achieve storage capacities of hundreds of megawatts or even gigawatts, with a typical lifespan of over 30 years. Currently, the construction period for such a power station is usually 18 to 24 months, with a unit construction cost of 6,000 yuan ($827.54) to 8,000 yuan per kilowatt. As economies of scale become apparent and engineering technology matures, construction costs are expected to further decrease. In recent years, China's compressed air energy storage technology has developed rapidly, with research achievements and engineering applications leading the world. From 500-kilowatt experimental installations to 10 MW demonstration projects, 60 MW commercial operations, grid connection of 300 MW units, and the completion of feasibility studies for the first 600 MW project, compressed air energy storage technology is gradually entering large-scale engineering applications. Meanwhile, system efficiency continues to improve, with many power stations reaching 65 percent to 70 percent. Zhang Jian, vice president of China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute, said that from an industry chain perspective, compressed air energy storage mainly includes key components and equipment such as compressors, heat storage and exchange equipment, air storage facilities, and expanders. This is similar to thermal power and power equipment industries, with a high degree of independent control. Currently, compressed air energy storage still has shortcomings such as relatively low energy storage per unit volume or mass, room for efficiency improvement, and relatively complex systems. Zhang suggested that to promote large-scale industrial application of the technology, efforts are needed in technological innovation and efficiency improvement, reducing construction and maintenance costs, expanding application scenarios, policy support, and talent cultivation. This year, China's National Energy Administration officially released a list of 56 new energy storage pilot demonstration projects, 11 of which are compressed air energy storage projects. "As the technology continues to improve and more projects are implemented, China's compressed air energy storage industry is expected to embrace broader development prospects, providing strong support for building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system," said Wan Mingzhong, chief expert of China Energy Engineering Corporation and chairman of China Energy Digital Technology Group Co.,Ltd. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Prospering telemedicine a reflection of China's rapid internet development Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Globally, protesters have supported the Muslims who kidnapped, murdered, mutilated, raped, and tortured hundreds of individuals in Israel on October 7, 2023. To understand what they supported, we need to examine the Koran, the foundation of Islam. Muslims believe that the Koran has always existed in heaven on a stone tablet and that before Muhammad, every community received the Koran. From 610 to 632, the Angel Gabriel again revealed the verses of the Koran to Muhammad. When a verse was revealed, it was called a revelation. The foundation of Islam is dependent on the answer to the question, Did the stone tablet always exist, or did Muhammad create the revelations on an as-needed basis? One way to address the question is by examining how the Koran assisted Muhammad with his sex life. Muhammad had a male slave named Zayd, whom he freed and adopted, proclaiming Zayd his son. Later, when Muhammad wanted his followers to abandon Arab customs and replace them with Islamic beliefs, Muhammad told Zayd and Zaynab to get married. Before Islam, it would have been unthinkable for a lower-class former slave, such as Zayd, to marry an upper-class woman, such as Zaynab. And whereas Zayd was unskilled and unattractive, Zaynab was accomplished and beautiful. Because of their differences, neither wanted to get married. However, a revelation [1] stated that when Muhammad decreed a matter, Muslims had no choice except to obey. With their options to get married or go to hell, Zayd and Zaynab got married. Shortly after the marriage, Muhammad saw Zaynab scantily attired. He was so moved that he started mumbling that her beauty and body made mens hearts flutter. Although Zayd offered to divorce Zaynab, Muhammad knew that prophets shouldnt be arranging doomed marriages, so he told Zayd to keep his wife. Then a revelation [2] stated that the Islamic god had blessed Muhammads marriage to Zaynab. After praising Muhammad for telling Zayd to keep his wife, this revelation rebuked him for his reluctance to marry Zaynab, fearing the reaction of his followers. Within Arab culture, it was illegal for a father to marry his sons ex-wife, and whereas Muslim males were restricted to four wives, Zaynab would be wife number six. The revelation concluded that the commands of the Islamic god must be followed. With his wife betrothed to his father, Zayd divorced Zaynab. To remove the criticism of a father marrying his sons ex-wife, a revelation [3] proclaimed that adopted sons are not real. Even though revelations had stated the Koran was clear [4] and easy to understand [5], some found this revelation neither, since sons adopted or not are real. Thus, a clearer revelation [6] stated that Muhammad was not the father of any of your men. With Zayd no longer the son of Muhammad, the next step was to remove any barriers to marrying Zaynab, Muhammads first cousin, the daughter of a paternal aunt. Fortunately, a revelation [7] with the list of women Muhammad was allowed to marry included paternal aunts daughters. Another revelation [8] quickly added that Muhammad should not be blamed for doing something the Islamic god had made legal and that this was the way with previous prophets. After numerous revelations, the wedding took place. However, at the wedding reception, some of the guests lingered, thus preventing Muhammads fluttering heart from moving to the conception part of the marriage. Hence, another revelation [9] instructed Muslims not to linger when having dinner with Muhammad. Aware that some of his followers were upset that he was exempt from the four-wife rule, another revelation [10] stated that after this, it was unlawful for Muhammad to marry other women, even though their beauty may attract him. When he died, Muhammad had nine to eleven wives. These marriages were legal because other women referred to women males were prohibited from marrying, such as a mother or sister. A backup revelation [11] stated that Muhammad could marry any woman he wished, a privilege for him only. Next is an event with Aisha, Muhammads favorite wife. Muhammad took Aisha with him on the raid of a peaceful Jewish community. After conquering the community and leaving to return to Medina, Aisha was left behind, perhaps upset that from the captives, Muhammad had taken a young, beautiful Jewish woman as a wife or sex slave. A young, handsome Muslim found Aisha and brought her home. Soon, there were accusations of adultery, which would have damaged Muhammads credibility as a prophet and meant that Aisha would be stoned to death. Conveniently, a revelation [12] proclaimed Aishas innocence. Although Aisha had been declared innocent, Muhammad must have recognized the possibility that a wife could develop a fluttering heart, especially since, in their presence, he often met with young and handsome men. Thus, a revelation [13] stated that if any of his wives committed adultery, their torment in hell would be double that of other adulterous women. Finally, there was an event that dealt with men with multiple wives. A revelation [14] required husbands to treat their wives equally. Initially, Muhammads wives were equally assigned nights with him. Then he began spending his nights with Mary, one of his sex slaves who was known for her beauty. His wives tolerated this behavior until his wife Hafsa found Muhammad and Mary in her hut, on her night, and in her bed. Muhammad swore Hafsa to secrecy, but she told Aisha [15]. Muhammad then received several revelations, which started by asking him why he was denying and restraining himself from something the Islamic god had made lawful to him [16], which was raping Mary. It continued that Muhammad did not have to obey the equality revelation [17]. Then Hafsa was chastised for disclosing something to Aisha that Muhammad had told her to keep secret, and both were told to repent and stop opposing what Muhammad liked. The revelations continued that if Muhammad divorced his troublesome wives, he would be given more compliant and loyal wives [18]. Muhammads wives were told that if they stayed married to him, it would be on his terms, and as an added rebuke, they could not remarry after his death [19]. Additional revelations [20] stated that annoying and ungrateful wives went to hell. Have the revelations always existed on a stone tablet, or were they created by Muhammad as needed? The answer is not obvious based on only three episodes in Muhammads life. But what is obvious is that in the Bible, Christ died for our sins; in the Koran, Muhammad got laid for his. The author taught at the university level for 50 years, during which he watched the once proud discipline of sociology transform into a cesspool of liberal lies, indoctrination, and propaganda. As a result of this transformation, he is in a recovery program for sociologists, which, unlike programs with a set number of steps, is a perpetual walk of shame. Fortunately, the program includes wine. In addition to some articles, the author has written books on gerontology, running, Inuit art, and Islam. He is finishing a book, Islam: The Evil Among Us. Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. [1] The Noble Koran 33:36 [2] 33:37 [3] 33:4 -5 [4] 3:7, 16:103, 24:46, 43:2, 44:2, 65:11, 75:19 [5] 54:17 [6] 33:50 [7] 33:50 [8] 33:38 [9] 33:53 [10] 33:52 [11] 33:50 [12] 24:11 [13] 33:30 [14] 4:3 [15] 66:3 [16] 66:1 [17] 66:2 [18] 66:5 [19] 33:53 [20] 33:57-58 There are events that an astute student of history will ascertain as turning points. One such event is at the root of the debacle we see now in the Mideast. In 1939, after years of Jewish-Arab fighting, the British government all but cut off immigration to the Palestinian Mandate in what was called the MacDonald White Paper. For each of the next five years a quota of 10,000 Jewish immigrants will be allowed on the understanding that a shortage one year may be added to the quotas for subsequent years, within the five year period, if economic absorptive capacity permits. In addition, as a contribution towards the solution of the Jewish refugee problem, 25,000 refugees will be admitted as soon as the High Commissioner is satisfied that adequate provision for their maintenance is ensured, special consideration being given to refugee children and dependents. This was supposed to limit subsequent immigration to the Mandate to 75,000 more Jews, and then it was to stop. After that Jewish immigration stopped, and things settled down, the Jews were expected to be a one-third minority in the mandate. The British asserted that this was viable. His Majestys Government ... objective is self government, and they desire to see established ultimately an independent Palestine State. It should be a State in which the two peoples in Palestine, Arabs and Jews, share authority in government in such a way that the essential interests of each are shared. Why did the British do this? They feared a coming war with Germany, and the last thing they wanted was for the Muslims in their empire to rise up over the issue of Jewish immigration to the Holy Land. This was a real sore point, and the Arabs had already been fighting an Arab Revolt in the mandate from 1936 to 1939. The British had been thoroughly brutal in suppressing the revolt, and the locals were angry But the real issue was that a lot of British oil came from an Iraq-to-Haifa pipeline an oil supply the British would need if war broke out which they did not want disrupted by Arab rebels. The Jews would never support Hitler, but the Arabs might. So the British placated the Arabs demands. And it worked. For the most part, the Arabs in the Palestine mandate kept quiet during the world war. And why not? The White Paper of 1939 gave the Arabs what they wanted: an end to Jewish immigration and it promised the delivery of an Arab majority state in 1949. The objective of His Majestys Government is the establishment within 10 years of an independent Palestine State[.] Of course, the Jews were furious. Ben Gurion famously said, We must help the [British] army as if there were no White Paper, and we must fight the White Paper as if there were no war. While the leader of the Arabs, Hajj Amin al-Husseini, rejected the White Paper as not enough, other Arab leaders agreed to it. In July 1940, after two weeks of meetings with the British representative, S. F. Newcombe, the leader of the Palestinian Arab delegates to the London Conference, Jamal al-Husseini and fellow delegate Musa al-Alami, agreed to the terms of the White Paper, and both signed a copy of it in the presence of the prime minister of Iraq, Nuri as-Said. The White Paper had gotten a veneer of legality. The Palestinian Arabs thought they had won. But for the Jews of Europe, this was a disaster. They needed a place of escape, as the Holocaust was about to start, and the British had shut them out. And now you understand why the Irgun (Etzel) and the Lehi (Stern Gang) starting fighting the British. They saw the British as no less evil than the Nazis at the very least, accomplices. Boats of refugees were turned back from Palestine. Hitlers initial plan had been to relocate the Jews, but by 1942, at the Wannsee Conference after the Germans realized that no one would take the Jews in the Germans planned for industrial genocide. The Jews held the British partly responsible for this, when they cut off immigration. By 1944, some Jewish terrorists had killed Lord Moyne for his anti-Zionist stance. They also tried to kill Harold McMichael when he was high commissioner of Palestine. Had the British not imposed the White Paper, possibly a million more Jews could have made it to the Mandate during the war. Certainly not all Jews would have been saved, but enough would have made it that the Jews could have established a working majority in the mandate. Would the Arabs have risen up? Probably, but as the Iraqi coup in 1941 showed, such uprisings might have been easily quashed. After the war, the Jews in the mandate were only one third of the population, and many hated the British. The Arabs, however, appealed to the British to honor the White Paper. Right up to the last minute, the White Paper was causing problems. Menachem Begin was so furious at the British that he tried to arm the Argentine junta during the Falklands War as revenge. And his views were not unique. A lot of Israelis hold the British to be accessories to the Holocaust by their restriction of immigration. What can be ascertained is that had the White Paper not been implemented, probably a million more Jews might have survived WW2. These would have formed a majority in the land. The West has forgotten this. From what I read, most Israelis have not. Image via Raw Pixel. Listening to snippets of all the government agency personnel who have testified in the Trump assignation attempt curdles ones blood. Does any of them have an I.Q. in three digits? It boggles the imagination that so many morons are responsible for protecting the life of a past president who just happens to be a current presidential candidate. Listening to all of the government personnel trying to explain their disaster is akin to trying to understand an alien life force. These representatives use tons of words that signify nothing. They are all awful. Hemming and hawing, with the worst answers to questions that merit a simple yes or no answer, is an excruciating exercise of witnessing bureaucratic no speak. Plain and simple, there are too many agencies, with no central command control, producing chaos or nothing. We are admonished to not become bait for conspiracy theories. But these government empty heads give nothing to assuage our deep sense of malaise. A twenty-year-old math wiz outsmarted the myriad array of government and local toughie guys and gals, armed with one drone and a gun. Again, it boggles the imagination. Tiring is listening to agency testimony filled with going forward, assets, we made a mistake not covering the roof, etc., etc., etc.! Has anyone been fired? How did such a screw-up happen? Why did the assassin have a drone, but none of the security forces thought of using one? In corporate America, heads would have already rolled. What is the big mystery? They need until December to issue a report? Perhaps the entire agency should be shut down. If one saw the aftermath of the shots, the inanity of DIE hiring was in full display. After the first shot that grazed Trumps ear, he quickly fell to the floor. But while he was lying in the floor behind the podium, his full face was exposed. As he stood up and agents surrounded him, the woman in front was at least a head shorter than Trump, causing Trumps head to be fully exposed. So if any other bad actor was positioned to take a kill shot, he would have succeeded, because Trumps entire head was exposed. After a few seconds, a taller male agent ran over and covered the shorter woman. That Trump is still alive is a miracle. Image via Picryl. Sparked by British people daring to stand up to the governments unlimited Third World (and deeply pro-Islamic) immigration policies, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant riots are raging across the UK. This post will provide context for whats happening, along with videos of the riots. England has had a few mass immigration experiences: In the first half of the first millennium, the Romans slaughtered and subjugated the Celtic population or sent them to the Isles geographic fringes. The remaining Romano-British population was replaced in the second half of that millennium by waves of Nordic invaders. In 1066, the Normans overran the Anglo-Saxons, who became subordinate in their own land. Until recently, that was the last conquest of that small collection of islands in the Atlantic. In the 16th and 18th centuries, small numbers of French refugees arrived, escaping, first, religious violence and, second, the French Revolution. During WWII, the British repelled an attempted Nazi conquest. After WWII and the collapse of her empire, Britain began to welcome more people from the former empire. But mostly, for the more than 900 years between 1066 and Tony Blair, the UK was predominantly the ancient mix of Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and the descendants of refugees from decades or centuries earlier. Tony Blairs government inaugurated thirty years of mass immigration, whether legal, illegal, or flowing from Angela Merkels welcome mat to the Muslim world in 2015. Floods of Central Europeans often changed Englands dominant Christian culture in some areas from Protestant to Catholic, and hordes of Muslims changed the most active faith from Christian to Islam. From 2001 to 2011, 70% of Britains population growth was due not to Brits having babies but to immigration. In 2021, almost 15% of the UKs population was immigrants. Then, in the single year from 2022 to 2023, England and Wales added over 600,000 people. Many of these immigrants have come from the EU, with sites such as Wikipedia implying that theyre Europeans whove brought Western culture with them. But, going back to Merkels floodgates, we know many of these EU immigrants are Muslims who had first made their way to the continent before heading for Britain. And about those Muslims: India and Pakistan accounted for 15% of the migrants. We can guess that all the Pakistani migrants are Muslim, although we dont know how many of the Indian ones have been. What we do know is that, as of 2021, Islam was the second-largest religion in the UK, at 6.5% of the total population (and note that this was before three more years of mass immigration, which included those 600,000 who came in 2022/2023). Also in 2021, Muslims were 15% of Londons population, close to 10% of the Midlands population, and 8% of Yorkshires population. Those percentages have surely grown, too. Muslims, unlike British Christians, are religiously active. They attend their mosques and block streets with their prayers. In the most recent elections, Muslims won political offices across the UK, especially in Yorkshire. One of the first things the new Labour government did was to re-fund UNRWA, which is Hamas, and to prepare an arms embargo against Israel. According to Peter Hammond, who studied what happened as Muslim populations growing within a country, at 2-5% they proselytize among gangs and prison populations; at around 5%, they push to change a countrys culture; and as they near 10% they rely on open lawlessness. Before today, we saw that lawlessness most recently during mass riots in and near Leeds, a formerly stalwart old British town. The non-Muslim British responded passively. However, on July 29, a man attacked a childrens party at Southport, Merseyside, killing three little girls and injuring ten other people, mostly children. This is a region that is second only to London when it comes to Muslim population density, so people, based on past mass attacks in the UK and elsewhere, assumed the attacker was Muslim. They later learned that that police arrested Axel Rudakubana, the child of Christian Rwandan immigrants. Axels religious affiliation is unknown. For many British people, this attack on children was the final straw, and thats true even though Axel is apparently not Muslim and is British-born. They havent forgotten the Islamically-inspired violence thats been practically normative in Great Britain and Ireland since 9/11. The chart below is culled from The Religion of Peaces comprehensive list of Muslim-inspired violence and terrorism in Europe: (See here for more data about Islamic crime in Great Britain.) Nor have Brits failed to note that, in their urban area, immigrant populations are responsible for a great deal of the crime that occurs in what was once a remarkably crime-free Europe. Theyve also noticed, after the sex exploitation scandal in Rotherham, that Muslim and immigrant crime in Britain often goes unreported for reasons of political correctness.) All of the above is a necessary set-up to understand whats happening in Great Britain and Ireland, which is that ordinary people are taking to the streets to go after all foreigners, and Muslims are mobilizing to engage in full-out warfare with the English. Heres a summary, which Ill follow with tweets and videos to close out this post. The riots are spreading throughout the UK, especially in the north. Antifa is siding with the Muslims and other immigrants. Newly installed Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is vowing to use all those wonderful powers the government acquired during COVID to put the UK into lockdown to stop the riots. In the most interesting development, in Ireland, the Catholics and the Protestants, whose fierce enmity goes back hundreds of years, are uniting against immigrants, especially Muslims. Truly, as the old saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. With that, heres visual evidence of the civil war thats raging in the UK as those with roots in the land, those who love England as she is, and those, like the Sikhs, with a reasonable fear of Islams growth push back against their governments efforts to replace them. In this first video, note the Israeli flags amongst those pushing to save a traditional England: England belongs to English patriots. pic.twitter.com/JO7UlBjMR3 RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) August 4, 2024 Crowds are gathering in Manchester City centre. The protesters sing we want our country back #FarRight #FarRightThugs pic.twitter.com/2PCcmfDiWR Ashlea Simon (@AshleaSimonBF) August 3, 2024 Civil war has broken out in England 3 children were brutally murdered by a migrant and the police did nothing, so half the country has erupted into mass riots. The migrants are also throwing acid and hitting people with hammers in counter protest. The police are overwhelmed pic.twitter.com/rsTw9KckQT Lord Miles (@real_lord_miles) August 3, 2024 Bristol, England On Aug. 3, Antifa (on the left side of the video) brawled with people protesting outside a migrant hotel. pic.twitter.com/Kb9Py3ZFDY Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 4, 2024 Muslims in Bolton arrested carrying weapons to attack protesters. You happy @Keir_Starmer ? You've created a false rhetoric and turned the public on each other! pic.twitter.com/B551B1UK2I Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) August 4, 2024 Bolton, Manchester, England: Breaking: A large Muslim patrol group has mobilized today to try to attack people protesting in the enough is enough anti-mass migration protest. They are shouting, Allahu akbar. pic.twitter.com/0s52tofTKV Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 4, 2024 Its the Allahu akbar chant thats the tip-off that theyre not engaged in peaceful pushback against yob violence. They view their role in the UK as a jihad: Mirroring scenes across the country, masked Muslim mobs chanting "allahu akbar" come out against the people protesting following the brutal murder of 3 little girls by Axel Muganwa Rudakubana in Middlesbrough. pic.twitter.com/HFaNhEEaqa Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) August 4, 2024 BREAKING: Large armed gangs of masked people are roaming the streets of Britain shouting "allah akhbar" in response to anti-open border protests. SHARE - The media is hiding thispic.twitter.com/0UYKkCCibH PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) August 3, 2024 Social breakdown, of course, is following the violence: There are riots going on in UK. British Nationalists are fighting with Islamists in UK. Amidst all this chaos, Britishers can be seen stealing from shops vandalised in riots. These thieves are white people, not Asian or Black. In the times of crisis, real nature always comes pic.twitter.com/QNN7GkyZt6 Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) August 4, 2024 MP Starmer vows huge new police powers: It didnt have to come to this. This is what the British government created. Its no surprise that, in Rotherham, a mob is doing something incredible foul, which is to try to burn down a hotel in which people are located because the government turned it into a refugee center for Muslims: This is what happens when a government imports people who are antithetical to the citizens and, as in the case of Rotherham and the grooming and rape scandal, does nothing to stop the immigrants depredations against the existing population. With luck, the newly installed Labour government will fall. Without luck, Starmer will use this unrest to consolidate his hold on power; his government will go after the pro-British protesters with the ferocity of Biden going after the J6 protesters, even while ignoring the Muslim protests; and the government will speed up replacing a non-compliant British population. Image: X screen grab. Scarcely a week goes by we dont hear about more known terrorists caughtmost are never caught--at the border, like these: Border Patrol agents took three suspected Palestinian terrorists into custody earlier this month after they illegally crossed the border from Mexico into California, the New York Post reported. One of the men reportedly had a salacious photo of a masked man holding an AK-47 rifle, the article states. Graphic: X Screenshot Just another day at the border, just another batch of Islamist terrorists who happened to stroll across the Atlantic or Pacific on their way to our southern border. Nothing to see here; move along, move along. As one might expect, our Department of Homeland Security consistently avoids making our homeland secure: The Department of Homeland Security has refused to follow a law mandating it take DNA samples from illegal immigrants taken into custody, which would identify violent criminals and child traffickers, employees told the U.S. Senate this week. Speaking to senators on Tuesday, three former officials presented evidence that DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had blocked their efforts to comply with a 2005 law, then retaliated against them when they sounded the alarm about the lawbreaking. Given the enormous potential of DNA collection to facility solving crimes, we took our job seriously, Fred Wynn said. But DHS leadership doesnt. One terrorist attack vector ignored by the Bidennow HarrisAdministration is electromagnetic pulseEMPattacks. Such weapons, which can be quite small, have the potential to return parts of America to the pre-industrial age in a millisecond. Properly employed, they fry anything electroniccars, watches, cell service, electric generation and dispersal, medical devices, refrigerators, computers, anything electronic within range of the detonation will be instantly destroyed. Ironically, electric vehicles would be scrapped. There would be no rebooting of unshielded electronics. All would have to be replaced or repaired. Repairmen would be overwhelmed, and the supply chain shut down. The destruction of everything that makes modern life possible would kill hundreds of thousands, even millions, while leaving the trappings of civilization intact. And oh yes, we do need to worry about this: "Iran has rushed to supply Hezbollah with electromagnetic bombs that can paralyze communications and disable radars as the risk of the border confrontation with Israel turning into a full-scale war grows," according to a Jerusalem Post summary of an Al-Jarida report. Why should we care about what Iran is doing on the other side of the planet? If Hezbollah gains the ability next week or next year to effectively hit Israel with EMP weapons, it will be the week or the year after that some other terrorist organization hits the U.S. with them, too. It's safe and easy to predict that far more people would have died after a swarm of EMP drones upon New York City than died in the Twin Towers on 9/11. That's why I clap and cheer every time I read that Israel has killed another Hezbollah leader or destroyed another Hamas unit. Every terrorist they kill over there is one less to attack us here. Iran and their Islamist terrorist proxies, consider America the great Satan, and Israel the little Satan. They hate, and want to murder, us no less than they do Israel and the Jews. Were just less accessible, though they have sent terroristslikely thousandsacross our wide-open borders. If they can, with cartel help, smuggle AKs, RPGs and explosives across the border, they can do the same with EMP devices. Israels war against terror is our war, but the Democrat Party nominee, Kamala Harris, isnt on our side. The Cartels helping Islamist terrorists and the Chinese Communists are also preparing, and theyre already here too: Graphic: X Screenshot I last wrote about this issue in July in Terrorist attacks in America: just a matter of time? That article suggested a number of reasons the thousands of terrorists already in Americamore are arriving dailymight bide their time. Waiting for EMPs might be another, more destructive reason to wait. With Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee, the Biden/Harris open border policy will only get worse. Joe is already emasculated; he just doesnt know it. Heres an example of what we can expect: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released two illegal Jordanian aliens who tried to breach Quantico after they posted bail. TheyIslamist terrorists--posted a small bail and promised to show up for their court date. Authorities arrested Hasan Yousef Hamdan, 32, and Mohammad Khair Dabous, 28, on May 3 for trespassing after they tried to breach Marine Corps Base Quantico when they approached the gates in a box truck. Real terrorist attacks are coming, and were ruled by America-hating useful idiots. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. In an unexpected twist of fate that has left political pundits scratching their heads and reaching for their thesauruses, U.S. vice president Kamala Harris has stumbled into the spotlight for...not knowing what she does. Yes, you heard it right! In a recent appearance on CBSs The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Harris found herself in a pickle, trying to articulate her daily duties like a contestant on a game show where the prize is a lifetime supply of awkward silence. Emily Compagno, co-host of Fox Newss Outnumbered, jumped at the chance to roast Harris harder than a marshmallow at a summer camp bonfire. She declared that Harris is a drag on the administration, which is a bold claim, considering that most people think a drag is just an excellent costume party theme. Compagno suggested that Harriss responsibilities may include perfecting the art of invisibility, because when defining her role, Harris seemed more elusive than a cat at bathtime. The Outnumbered panel, notorious for their sharp wit and sharper critique, echoed Compagnos sentiments. They speculated that Harris might moonlight as a magician, making her duties disappear faster than your motivation to exercise on a Monday morning. Clearly, the vice presidents ability to communicate her responsibilities has become a national mystery, rivaling only the Bermuda Triangle and why we still cant find a decent parking spot at the mall. Another Fox News contributor, David Webb, jumped into the fray, implying that Harriss career has been as remarkable as a beige wall in a poorly lit room. Who knew that the vice presidency could be such a snooze-fest? Webbs comments have even led to speculation that Harris might be the first vice president to hold a secret identity as a background character in a sitcom always there but never quite part of the action. The criticism has sparked a national debate: what exactly does a vice president do anyway? Is it just a glorified title that comes with an extra seat at the table? Perhaps Harriss daily responsibilities include perfecting her role as the Vice President of Not Quite Sure, or maybe shes just waiting for her real job title to be revealed on the next episode of The Bachelor. As the criticism rolls in, many Americans wonder if Harris has a secret superpower were unaware of like the ability to make her duties vanish into thin air. Meanwhile, the Biden administration probably wish they had a magic wand to make this situation disappear, too. Watching Harris talk makes us feel as though she stumbled upon a secret language only she and her hand gestures understand. One moment, shes delivering what sounds like a TED Talk on The Importance of Being Unclear, and the next, shes conducting an orchestra. You half-expect her to break into a spontaneous interpretive dance about the importance of infrastructure complete with jazz hands and a dramatic spin that would make any Broadway star jealous. If hand movements were an Olympic sport, shed bring home the gold while the rest of us are left scratching our heads, wondering if we should be clapping or calling for a translator! And lets not even get started on that smile! You know the one its a mix between I just solved world hunger and I have no idea what Im talking about. Its as if her hands are auditioning for a role in a silent film while her words are auditioning for a part in a horror movie. You can almost hear the crowd murmuring, Is she talking about policy or trying to order a pizza? Ultimately, her speeches are like abstract art: you can stare at them for hours, trying to find meaning, only to walk away thinking, Well, I guess I just dont get it. As Vice President Kamala Harris navigates the tricky waters of defining her role, Emily Compagno and her colleagues at Outnumbered serve up commentary hotter than a jalapeno popper at a summer barbecue. So what will happen next in this saga of political ambiguity? Will Harris finally declare her duties, or will she remain the enigma wrapped in a blazer? Only time and perhaps a few more late-night talk show appearances will tell! Image: Mobilus In Mobili via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). In the third and final segment of his July 29 exclusive sit down interview with FOX News prime time host Laura Ingraham, broadcast on her program on Friday August 2, President Trump was asked about his spiritual beliefs for the first time that I can recall in any major MSM interview. Ingraham introduced the Q & A by noting Trump has a tough guy image but theres a side of him we dont often see. President Trump discusses his religious faith with Laura Ingraham, broadcast on FOX News August 2, 2024 Screenshot by Peter Barry Chowka used with permission of FOX News Media Excerpts from the interview transcribed by me: LAURA INGRAHAM, FOX NEWS HOST: What do you pray for? I know you really dont like to talk about this. But people across the country see you as an important figure, a critical figure at a desperate time for the country. And they want to know that you believe that theres something more than just this world. FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I do. I think one of the reasons that our country has lost, sort of, everything it's lost so much is we don't have religion to the same extent. I mean, you look at those charts. They're so sad. I mean, it's just going bad, and the Democrats were violent and ruthless to religion during COVID. What they did during COVID people weren't even allowed to meet outside, and they were 10 feet apart in some big field. Theyd arrest everybody. They were fascists, they were horrible. That was a very bad time for organized religion. But, you know, religion it gives you some hope. You know, If Im good Im going to heaven. INGRAHAM: Do you believe in heaven? TRUMP: I do! You know, if Im good, Im going to heaven. And if Im bad, Im going to someplace else like over there, right? But it gives you theres something thats so good for a country. INGRAHAM: When you pray, what do you pray for? TRUMP: Well, I pray for our country. Obviously. I pray for the same things you [do] I pray for our family and our country. We have a family and we have a country. And I guess we have a world, too. I pray for our world. Trump then pivoted to his view on the dangerous international situation under Biden, with wars or the potential of wars on several fronts. TRUMP: When you look at what's going on with Russia-Ukraine, we're spending billions of dollars. Now they want offensive weapons so we can go in and hit Moscow. Let me tell you, we're very close to a world war. The Middle East is ready to blow up. The Russia-Ukraine thing is much more serious than you even know. Video of President Trump discussing these issues with Laura Ingraham can be accessed here. It should be obvious to readers of American Thinker that during Trumps administration (2017-2021), peace was breaking out in the Middle East with the Abraham accords. Iran was prevented from funding Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis because of Trump-imposed sanctions and denying the Ayatollah more billions of dollars that were given to Iran by Obama and Biden. China was not overtly threatening Taiwan and North Korea was not firing missiles across the Sea of Japan. Maybe the faith of many of our leaders then, including President Trump during his administration, had something to do with this. Peter Barry Chowka has been reporting on national elections since 1964, starting in high school. Later, he reported from several national political conventions and traveled around the country with presidential candidates. Peter is a frequent invited guest on the BBC, the largest broadcaster in the world (his July 27 appearance is here). He has been a frequent contributor to American Thinker since 2007. New mum Amber Rutters joy at becoming Britains first female Olympic shooting medallist was topped off by a surprise appearance by her husband and three-month old son. Ms Rutter, 26, claimed silver in a sudden-death shoot-off after a gripping womens skeet final in the scorching heat of Chateauroux. It was tinged with controversy after she missed her sixth extra shot, despite television replays appearing to show that she had clipped the target. Instead of watching her on TV at home, Ms Rutters husband James and baby Tommy made the surprise trip to France. Amber Rutter with her son Tommy after winning a silver medal in the womens skeet (Isabel Infantes/PA) Mr Rutter said: I dont really get too nervous but that was probably more than the wedding day to be honest, a rollercoaster. We kept it on the down-low, she didnt want anyone here, so we respected that, but last night me and Tommy hopped on a plane and came down a bit incognito and we managed to sneak in and surprise her. We flew from Heathrow to Paris and drove down last night. We decided two days ago and thought shed love to look round, see Tommy and hopefully me. Golfer Tommy Fleetwood said that winning an Olympic medal had never been his childhood dream but that clinching silver will be a memory etched in my heart forever. I honestly never had this as a dream as a kid but it definitely became one in recent years. Golf is a beautiful sport. The passion, the emotion and the energy felt out there today was magical thank you!!I couldnt be prouder to contribute to @teamgbs medal count and represent pic.twitter.com/XOTZq1B1mY Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) August 4, 2024 The 33-year-old from Southport finished one stroke short of US world number one Scottie Scheffler who finished on 19 under par after equalling the course record of 62 while Japans Hideki Matsuyama claimed bronze. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: I honestly never had this as a dream as a kid but it definitely became one in recent years. Golf is a beautiful sport. The passion, the emotion and the energy felt out there today was magical thank you!! I couldnt be prouder to contribute to @teamgbs medal count and represent the nation this week. Being on that podium with Scottie and Hideki will be a memory etched in my heart forever. Meanwhile, on Sunday Charlotte Fry described winning her first individual Olympic medal in the dressage Grand Prix Freestyle as crazy. Fresh from winning bronze in the team event on Saturday, Fry and her stallion Glamourdale achieved a mark of 88.971% to secure another bronze, behind German riders Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth. Let's go Lottie!! A brilliant bronze for Lottie Fry & Glamourdale in the individual dressage to add to her team bronze yesterday #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/b5e0sSDZV8 Team GB (@TeamGB) August 4, 2024 Gymnast Harry Hepworth, 20, from Leeds, won Britains first Olympic medal on the vault. He finished third in his Olympic debut, with what TeamGB described as a magical vault that put him on the podium with gold medallist Carlos Edriel Yulo of the Philippines and Armenias Artur Davtyan, who took silver. Fellow gymnast Beckie Downie, 32, had to settle for a difficult seventh in the uneven bars final, after losing her grip and crashing to the floor. She later said that 99.9 per cent that was probably my last performance. She wrote online: The amount of love I have received today has been unbelievable. I always believe everything happens for a reason & Olympic medalist wasnt in my cards. Against all the odds I made it back. Not only that but I made it to my 3rd Olympics/ first Olympic final & and have absolutely no regrets going after my dream. It might not be the ending Id hoped but Im so proud of the fight. She had dazzled on Tuesday as Britains women missed out on a team medal. The day was especially poignant for her as it fell on the birthday of her brother Josh, who died suddenly at the age of 24 in 2021, as she was preparing to try for a place in the team for Tokyo. Amber Rutter held her nerve to win a silver medal in the Olympic womens skeet shooting final in Chateauroux just over three months after giving birth. Rutter was surprised by her husband James and baby son Tommy after the dramatic final showdown, in which she was edged out by Francisca Crovetto of Chile. The final moments of the showdown were not without controversy as Rutter appeared to strongly argue that her crucial miss had in fact clipped the side of the clay. Great Britains Amber Rutter (right) celebrates winning silver in the womens skeet (Isabel Infantes/PA). Nevertheless Rutter showed evident delight at clinching a medal that capped a remarkable career resurgence after she missed out on a place at the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive Covid test. Rutter had blazed through qualifying in joint first place but ranked second after a qualifying shoot off behind American Austen Smith. With just one miss from her first 20, Rutter reached the first elimination stage in first place, with Slovakian Danka Bartekova the first to fall by the wayside. Great Britains Amber Rutter during the womens skeet final (Isabel Infantes/PA). Rutter missed one of the next 10, placing her second behind Crovetto and remained in a strong position when the field was reduced to four by the removal of Emmanouela Katzouraki of Greece. Another miss in the next set did not matter for Rutter, with another Slovakian, Vanesa Hockova missing two out of four, leaving the Briton punching the air with delight after guaranteeing a medal. Smith was next to go, and two late misses by Crovetto lifted Rutter into the sudden death shoot-off, in which she was narrowly denied. Belgium have withdrawn from Mondays mixed relay triathlon at the Paris Olympics citing an illness for athlete Claire Michel amid reports it is a case of E. coli. The health of athletes competing in the triathlon events at these Games has been a hot topic following concerns over the water quality of the River Seine. On Sunday Olympic organisers cancelled the swim familiarisation session for Mondays race as the water quality levels had dropped back below the required standards following heavy rain. The mens triathlon was postponed by one day earlier in the week to Wednesday and took place on the same day as the womens event. Michel finished 38th in the womens race on Wednesday. Belgiums Claire Michel (far right) has fallen ill after taking part in the womens triathlon on Wednesday (John Walton, PA) It is not yet certain that Mondays event will take place as scheduled. A joint statement from the Belgian Olympic Committee (COIB) and Belgium Triathlon announced their withdrawal from the mixed relay. It said: The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and the entourage. Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and has to withdraw from the competition. Belgian media reported that Michel has contracted E. coli. The team statement did not confirm that, but notably added: The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games. We are thinking here of the guarantee of training days, competition days and the format of the competitions which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes, the entourage and the supporters. Meanwhile, Switzerland have made a change to their line-up after Adrien Briffod also fell ill, with Simon Westermann taking his place. I dont really know if my condition is linked to the quality of the water in the Seine, Briffod told Le Matin. Heavy rain hit Paris on Wednesday and Thursday, causing levels of bacteria in the water to rise. Heavy rain has hit Paris during the Olympics (PA) Prior to the mens and womens events taking place on Wednesday, athletes had been unable to train in the river because the water quality had not passed the required tests. Britains athletes are all understood to have avoided any ill effects from swimming in the water but all nations have faced disruption to their preparations. Organisers issued a statement on Sunday morning which said: (The) decision has been made to cancel the swim leg of the triathlon familiarisation, which was due to be held on August 4 at 8am (7am BST). Given the heavy rain over the nights of July 31 and August 1, which had been particularly intense upstream of Paris, we still see impact on the water quality in our venue. We are expecting an improvement on the conditions in the next hours, but not to a level to which the swim familiarisation planned for (Sunday) can take place. Speaking at Sunday mornings IOC briefing, Paris 2024 director of communications Anne Descamps added: We are expecting improvement regarding the weather forecast. As weve seen the sun and the heat have a very positive impact. Hopefully we can organise the competition tomorrow. Well take the decision as planned tomorrow morning regarding the latest samples. Britain won gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed relay in Tokyo and will be among the favourites to secure another medal. In Wednesdays triathlons, Great Britains Alex Yee won a gold medal in the mens race and Beth Potter won bronze in the womens competition. Charlotte Fry described winning her first individual Olympic medal in the dressage Grand Prix Freestyle as crazy. Fresh from winning bronze in the team event on Saturday, Fry and her stallion Glamourdale achieved a mark of 88.971 per cent to secure another bronze, behind German riders Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth. The competition went down to the final rider, with Cathrine Laudrup-Dafour scoring 88.093 per cent to ensure Frys position on the podium, although she admitted she was unaware of her win until the very last moment. Fry, who is also known as Lottie, said: Im speechless, its absolutely amazing and I am so proud of Glamourdale. I knew he was capable of it but to be able to pull it off in there today and get the bronze is just incredible. Great Britains Charlotte Fry aboard Glamourdale during the dressage individual Grand Prix Freestyle (John Walton/PA). The support from the crowd was amazing and the prizegiving was just insane that feeling of going round with Jessica and Isabell, two idols and huge inspirations in our sport, was just incredible. I didnt watch any of them, I knew they were all very good, I kind of didnt want to disappoint myself and I was happy with my ride. We were on way back to the stables and thought wed better check the scores before we started packing up and suddenly a lot of screaming was going on! To get the team bronze yesterday was amazing and I think it was so well deserved and then to get an individual medal is crazy. Fellow Brits Carl Hester and Becky Moody also competed, finishing sixth and eighth respectively. Frys late mother Laura also competed for Britain, riding alongside Hester at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Great Britains Carl Hester aboard Fame during the Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle (John Walton/PA). Shes always in my thoughts but especially at an Olympics, said Fry. She was also on the team with Carl in 92, so the fact Im on teams with him now is very special. I think she is with me all the time and I hope she would be proud of me. Following Saturdays team achievement, Hester indicated retirement from the saddle could now be on the horizon and after achieving a mark of 85.161 per cent aboard Fame, he felt it could be a perfect way to sign off his Olympic era. He said: Theres two ways of looking at it either Im getting better because today was my best day or I should stop now and not watch the downfall like so many. I also have a life, Ive got other things to do. Im not getting out of the sport, I would just train and teach more. I love still training and riding and I love training people, thats my passion. The riders are accompanied by music of their choosing during their tests and Hesters routine concluded with Those Were The Days, of which he added: Ive loved that song all my life and because of how I thought it might end up or how I feel, I thought that is a great song to finish the test on. Great Britains Becky Moody aboard Jagerbomb after completing her Olympic debut in the Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle (John Walton/PA). For Moody, her eighth place concluded her Olympic debut after stepping into the team at the last moment following the withdrawal and provisional suspension of Charlotte Dujardin. She performed to a Tom Jones Medley aboard Jagerbomb and after Snoop Dogg watched her performance on Saturday, actors Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes witnessed her Sunday spin. Snoop Dogg is quite cool isnt it? Its just great for the sport, we need all the positive publicity we can get so lets embrace it, she said. Its been quite the experience. I go back to Yorkshire now, arrive home tomorrow and I have a full day of teaching booked on Tuesday and Wednesday. Because I was expecting to have a lovely holiday here, Im fully booked for work when I get home. Dozens arrested as disorder continues, with fears of more violence to come Dozens of arrests were made following scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland on Saturday, with police warning that further violence is likely in the coming days. Multiple towns and cities saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured, and many more arrests promised. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes will pay the price and that criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britains streets. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his full support to take action against extremists attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. The far right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool came before Saturdays violence. Police in Liverpool (James Speakman/PA) Arrests have been made across the country with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told ministers the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible, a Downing Street spokesperson said, which could see courts sitting for 24 hours a day as they did for the 2011 riots, according to one report. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. A protest in Sunderland city centre (Scott Heppell/PA) Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said anyone who attacks police should be ashamed. She wrote on X: I cannot thank our local police enough for everything theyre doing to keep people safe. They were among the first on the scene when the horrendous incident unfolded in Southport. They run into danger to keep us safe, and those who attack them should be ashamed. Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Let's be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 3, 2024 Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said violence is not acceptable. Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it, she posted on X. Lets be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said about 300 people were involved in violent disorder on County Road, Walton, which included community facilities being set on fire. The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage to the ground floor. Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the fire, throwing a missile at the fire engine and breaking the rear window of the cab. A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with the disorder in Southport. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields. A strong & visible police presence remains in Hull City Centre tonight as 20 arrests now made for various public order offences. ACC Mike Walker:"Enforcement action will continue as we will not tolerate mindless violence & disorder in our city." More here: https://t.co/QA8xG8g3l4 Humberside Police (@Humberbeat) August 3, 2024 Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the behaviour of protesters deplorable, adding: The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise that we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice. Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man has been charged with two offences following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday. Derek Drummond of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday, August 5, police said. In Hull, Humberside Police said there were 20 people arrested, three police officers injured and shops looted and burned after a mob attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers. Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: The right to lawful protest is a part of democracy, which my officers upheld, however, we will not accept the senseless vandalism, antisocial behaviour and sheer violence that has been brought to our streets. Businesses were targeted in Belfast where police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast (David Young/PA) In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre, which Avon and Somerset Police described as completely unacceptable. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. And Staffordshire Police said 10 people were also arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. Further protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said. We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready, said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs Council. There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. So if youre planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple well be watching you. Former Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman has revealed he and his fiancee Celinde Schoenmaker are expecting their first child together. On Sunday the 35-year-old, who played Craig Harris on the British soap in the noughties, reposted a video showing his partners visible baby bump. The clip, which the Dutch actress shared to Instagram, was captioned: Weve not met you yet, but never been more in love. I dont think Luna (the cat) realises shes not gonna be cutest in the household for much longer. @rfleeshman so many new adventures ahead. In a follow-up post shared to her Instagram story, she said: Thank you for all your gorgeous messages, our hearts are completely overflowing and we feel so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives. Among the celebrities congratulating the couple were Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore and former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher. Podcaster and author Giovanna Fletcher said: I love this for you all while musical theatre star Carrie Hope Fletcher told Schoenmaker: What a journey youre about to embark upon! Motherhood already suits you so well. Love you!. Fleeshman announced his engagement in 2022 in a photo to Instagram captioned: Went to Africa with my girl. Ill be heading home with a fiancee. Couldnt be happier. Alongside his role in Coronation Street, Fleeshman has credits in TV series The Sandman and The Ark and has also starred in West End theatre productions. British gold medal favourite Keely Hodgkinson cruised through to Mondays womens Olympic 800m final after finishing fastest of all the semi-finalists at Stade de France. The Tokyo 2020 silver medallist laid down one minute 56.86 seconds in the last of the three semis, quicker than a personal best for Ethiopias Tsige Duguma who was second of the overall 24-woman field in 1:57.47. Hodgkinson had not ruled out all three British women making the final, but it was not meant to be for Jemma Reekie, the Tokyo 2020 fourth-place finisher who was fifth in semi final two and eighth overall in 1:58.01. Keely Hodgkinson en route to semi-final victory in the womens 800 metres (Martin Rickett/PA). Phoebe Gill, the 17-year-old Olympic debutant, was 13th-fastest of the field in 1:58.47. Great Britain will have two men in the mens 1500m final after Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley both made it through from Sundays semis. Kerr, the reigning world champion, was up against his Norwegian arch-nemesis and defending Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen in a first heat set to ominous, percussive music worthy of a Star Wars soundtrack. The pair seemed to exchange a glance as the crossed the finish, Ingebrigtsen first in 3:32.38 then Kerr in in 3:32.46 as they closed the curtain on the dress rehearsal for their final showdown, one of the most hotly-anticipated finals of these Games. Kerrs fellow Scotsman Gourley was the third man to finish in the second group, the quicker of the semis, to claim the last place available in 3:32.11. Matthew Hudson-Smith booked his place in the Olympic mens 400m semi-final after winning the first heat at Stade de France. The Wolverhampton runner was the fastest finisher in 44.78 seconds, ahead of the United States Christopher Bailey who also booked a spot in 44.89 alongside Norways Havard Bentdal Ingvaldsen. Hudson-Smith, who was forced to miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after a series of injuries and setbacks, has courageously come back from a mental health crisis. Great Britains Matthew Hudson-Smith in his mens 400m heat (Martin Rickett/PA). He said: It was an easy run, I was just going for the win and trying to make it as easy as possible and get ready for the semi-finals. I just wanted to execute my race plan as comfortably as possible. Preparation has been really good, so now I just go for the win. The former Wolves academy product, at one point American world sprint champion Noah Lyles housemate for a year, picked himself up from rock bottom and revealed the depths of his struggles after collecting world bronze in 2022. A year later he upgraded to world silver, and at the London Diamond League meeting two weeks ago ran a world-leading 43.74, lowering his own European record to send an emphatic statement to his Olympic challengers. Great Britains Charlie Dobson won his 400 metres heat at Stade de France (Mike Egerton/PA). There was major news ahead of the fourth heat, when it was announced that Bahamian defending Olympic champion Steven had dropped out of the heats. Great Britains Charlie Dobson also made it through as top man in the sixth and final heat, battling through the final stretch to see off the rest of the field in 44.96. Dobson, who was up against Gilles Biron, running in lane four for hosts France, said: Really pleased to get started, weve been here maybe two weeks now and its felt like a long wait. That felt comfortable and the atmosphere was amazing, particularly when you have a French guy in your race! Hudson-Smith and Dobson will look to book their place in the final during Tuesday evenings semis. Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust at those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. Irelands premier spoke with Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill on Sunday after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. Protesters waving both the union flag and the Irish tricolour took part in the protest at the front of Belfast City Hall. Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke with Michelle ONeill on Sunday (Brian Lawless/PA) There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock in north Dublin, which has been the scene of recent anti-immigration protests in the Republic of Ireland. A statement from Mr Harriss office said he had agreed to stay in contact with Ms ONeill. It said: They discussed the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island. The Taoiseach spoke of Belfast as a city and society that has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace, and build respect and inclusivity. The Taoiseach also expressed disgust at those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents. There have been a series of anti-immigrant protests and incidents of related violence in the Republic of Ireland in recent months. Michelle ONeill urged anyone with information about violence in Belfast to bring it to police (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill said: I briefed An Taoiseach on the totally unacceptable racist attacks on people and businesses in Belfast yesterday. We are agreed that co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination and intimidation anywhere in our society. I remain resolutely committed to a shared, modern and inclusive society. The Olympic triathlon mixed relay began on Monday in Paris but without Belgium, who have withdrawn citing an illness for athlete Claire Michel amid reports it is a case of E. coli. The health of athletes competing in the triathlon events at these Games has been a hot topic following concerns over the water quality of the River Seine. Olympic organisers cancelled the swim familiarisation sessions over the weekend as the water quality levels had dropped back below the required standards following heavy rain. But on Sunday evening it was announced the mixed relay would take place as scheduled on Monday morning. The latest test results confirm that Seine water quality levels at the triathlon venue have improved in recent hours, with forward-looking analysis indicating that water quality will be within the levels acceptable by World Triathlon, read a statement. The mens triathlon was postponed by one day earlier in the week to Wednesday and took place on the same day as the womens event. Michel finished 38th in the womens race on Wednesday. Belgiums Claire Michel, far right, has fallen ill after taking part in the womens triathlon on Wednesday (John Walton/PA) A joint statement from the Belgian Olympic Committee (COIB) and Belgium Triathlon announced their withdrawal from the mixed relay. It said: The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and the entourage. Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and has to withdraw from the competition. Belgian media reported that Michel has contracted E. coli. The team statement did not confirm that, but notably added: The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games. Games organisers did not confirm or deny the E. coli reports, but did state that the 35-year-old has not been hospitalised. We are thinking here of the guarantee of training days, competition days and the format of the competitions which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes, the entourage and the supporters. Paris 2024 wishes the athlete involved a quick recovery and will seek regular updates on their health, a spokesperson said. Paris 2024 wishes to remind everyone that the health and well-being of athletes is our top priority. Meanwhile, Switzerland have made a change to their line-up after Adrien Briffod also fell ill, with Simon Westermann taking his place. I dont really know if my condition is linked to the quality of the water in the Seine, Briffod told Le Matin. Heavy rain hit Paris on Wednesday and Thursday, causing levels of bacteria in the water to rise. Heavy rain has hit Paris during the Olympics (PA) Prior to the mens and womens events taking place on Wednesday, athletes had been unable to train in the river because the water quality had not passed the required tests. Britains athletes are all understood to have avoided any ill effects from swimming in the water, but all nations have faced disruption to their preparations. Britain won gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed relay in Tokyo and will be among the favourites to secure another medal. In Wednesdays triathlons, Great Britains Alex Yee won a gold medal in the mens race and Beth Potter won bronze in the womens competition. Yee and Potter will compete along with Georgia Taylor-Brown and Sam Dickinson. Beach parasols at Madonna del Ponte on the Adriatic coast near Fano. Photograph: imageBROKER/Shutterstock Almost every morning, Daniele Montini and his wife, Alfreda, take a stroll in the shallow waters of the Adriatic Sea. The ritual, followed by many residents in Fano, a coastal town in Italys central Marche region, is advised by doctors to stimulate blood circulation and maintain a healthy respiratory system through breathing in the salty air. It is 7.30am and the outside temperature is already a muggy 29C. The couple, who were born in Fano, know that their summers, and their winters, are being transformed by global heating. What they are not quite used to is the stagnant, much warmer sea. On a number of days in July, the sea temperature along Italys Adriatic coastline, which stretches from Trieste in the north to Capo dOtranto in the south, reached a record 30C, and in some areas slightly surpassed that figure. The water feels very hot, almost like a bath, said Daniele as the couple finished their walk. A lot has changed in 50 years. I remember the sea was a lot wavier, now its mostly flat. Alfreda added: The quantity of the fish has changed too, and the species, some dont even exist any more. Moreover, the seas heat and weak currents have contributed to this summers widespread proliferation, especially in the northern and central areas of the Adriatic, of mucillagine, or mucilage, a thick, slimy white-yellow substance formed of various microalgae that accumulates on the seabed or the surface. The mucilage is relatively unique to the Adriatic on the Italian side, and tends to amass more when the sea is not receiving enough nutrients from the Po, the countrys longest river, which stretches from the Alps before spilling into the Adriatic in the north. The last time the substance made such a significant appearance was in 1989, especially in the waters off the coastal towns in the Emilia-Romagna region, causing beachgoers to flee. But while the mucilage is an unsightly annoyance for bathers, it is not dangerous to their health. It is, however, detrimental for fishing. Speaking at Fano port late at night after returning from two days at sea, fisher Alessandro Ciavaglia said the mucilage is everywhere. It causes problems for the boats engine, but also blocks off fishing nets, and once this happens it is impossible to fish, he said. While most types of fish can escape the mucilage, it can suffocate shellfish such as clams, which are also under threat from the blue crabs thriving in the warmer Adriatic, particularly in the northern parts. Related: Astounding ocean temperatures in 2023 intensified extreme weather, data shows Ciavaglia has been a fisher in the Adriatic for 40 years and said he has never experienced such a high sea temperature, and as a result, so much mucilage. Were talking 30C even out in the open sea, he added. The Adriatic is becoming tropical. We are starting to see species of fish that were not previously there, such as swordfish, whereas various types of white fish, such as turbot, are almost extinct. There is no doubt that the [climatic] change is happening and its pointless trying to deny it. Ciavaglia is managing to get by, but smaller independent fishers further up the coast in places such as Pesaro, as well as neighbouring Cattolica in Emilia-Romagna, are faring much worse. Anna Franchini, who represents a co-operative for small fishers, said: Fishers here have not been able to work for a month. Its really sad to see activity so reduced, and there is a lot of anger, also because of the high costs and heavy bureaucracy that people have to deal with at the same time. Andrea Bacchiani, a fisher in Cattolica since 1996, said: Each day is different, but once the mucilage affects the nets you just cant do anything. In the past, it might have been a problem for a day or two, but not like this, for more than a month. Related: Save our seas: five ways to rewild and conserve the ocean Luca Cavallieri, who works in Pesaro, managed to get a decent overnight catch, which is sold fresh at the port by his mother, Stefania. But business has been a struggle. The temperature is increasingly high, and the sea increasingly warm. I have never experienced it as tough as this before, he said. My biggest worry is not having the money coming in to pay people, to pay the mortgage. Fishing associations in the regions most affected, including Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Marche and Abruzzo, have urged the government to declare a state of emergency, which essentially gives it power to quickly push through policies that would help to sustain the fishers. The Adriatic which is part of the Mediterranean and the seas arounds Sicily are Italys biggest producers of fish. There is activity all along the coast, said Tonino Giardini, a coordinator for Gruppo Pesca, a fishers co-operative in Fano. Right now, the biggest challenge is surviving. The first sighting of mucilage in the Adriatic was officially recorded in the early decades of the 17th century. It is a phenomenon closely linked to the climatic conditions and which in recent times reappeared in a very significant way since 1989, said Maria Lucia De Nicolo, a historian at the University of Bologna and expert on the Mediterranean. We are in an alarming [phase] right now, but there have always been warnings about climatic changes, and not for nothing. There was some hope on Thursday when tests showed the sea temperature had cooled to about 28C. But were not out of danger, as we have not yet reached the peak temperature, which is usually around mid-August, said Roberto Danovaro, a marine biologist at the University of Ancona. Danovaro added that while the Adriatic has become much cleaner over the last 20 to 30 years, it has also become more depleted. It produces less, and receives less nutrients [from the rivers], and then it suffers from these heatwaves. We are experiencing an anomalous situation and it is starting to become more evident, he said, pointing to the killing off of sea sponges and other organisms. The Adriatic is becoming as tropical as the Maldives, but without the same colour. Ruben Balagtas, president of a local senior citizens association, says: I know she was kind. Photograph: Rebecca Ratcliffe/the Observer Alice Guo was a mayor like no other, say her supporters. At Christmas, she would hand out gifts of ham and spaghetti to local people. When school term started, she would give notebooks and bags to children. She wasnt from a prominent political family, as is often the case in the Philippines, yet she rose to become the first female leader of the town of Bamban in Tarlac province. On social media, Guo seemed fun and friendly. In a day in the life YouTube video, she showed off her white fluffy pomeranian, revealed her preferred shampoo brand and cheerfully told viewers that her favourite colour is pink her campaign colour. Under her leadership, the quiet, little-known town of Bamban suddenly seemed to attract investment. A branch of McDonalds and of the popular Filipino chain Jollibee opened for the first time, and a new supermarket was on its way. The town was progressing, says local resident Juliet Buquiran. Shes kind and sweet to the children. Outside her home hangs a sign that reads: Mayor Alice, We Need You Here in the Town of Bamban. Yet Guo is nowhere to be seen. Instead she is at the centre of a scandal that has gripped the Philippines. She is now suspended from her role and being hunted by the authorities while questions about her true identity baffle and captivate the country. It began in March, when officials from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided a sprawling office compound that stands 100 metres from the municipality building, where the mayors office is based. Inside, they found almost 1,000 workers, including victims of human trafficking, and evidence of financial scams. Within the 20-acre compound were luxury villas, expensive cognac and wines, tortoises, high-end cars and a large swimming pool. Investigators also found a panic room and three underground tunnels an escape route for those wanting to evade the authorities. It led to a vacant plot owned by Guo, said Winston Casio, spokesperson for the PAOCC. The tunnels werent the only sign pointing to the now suspended mayor. In the compound, investigators found an electricity bill in Guos name, while a car parked there was registered as belonging to her. Guo had owned 50% of Baofu, the compound where the criminal operation was taking place, though she says she had sold it prior to becoming mayor. She has also said she had sold the vehicle that was found at the premises during the raid. As senators have probed the issue, other questions emerged. There was confusion over Guos birth certificate, which was not registered until she was 17 and displayed contradictory information to that of her siblings. A Filipina called Amelia Leal was listed as her mother but appeared not to exist, according to birth records. Her father was listed as Filipino, though Guo stated he was Chinese. When Guo appeared before senators, she seemed unable to answer questions about her childhood, which she said she spent growing up on a farm in Bamban. Schooling records found by a senator also seemed to contradict her claims about where she was educated. Were puzzled where did she come from? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr remarked in May. He knew all the politicians in her province, Tarlac; none of them knew Guo. Then the election commission found that the fingerprints on her election records matched those of a Chinese citizen. Senator Risa Hontiveros asked at one hearing: Is this mayor who was born on a farm, taught by literally one person from kinder to high school then didnt go to college a Chinese spy? A big-time money launderer? An enabler of scams and human trafficking? None of the above, one of the above or all of the above? Guo has denied wrongdoing and says she is not a spy but a Philippine national who was born as the lovechild of a Chinese man and his wifes helper, who was a Filipina. She was raised in Bamban on the familys pig farm and homeschooled by a teacher named Rubilyn, she has said. Guo has stopped attending senate hearings into the matter, with her lawyer saying she had been traumatised by the experience, including the reaction on social media, where her responses have been widely mocked. The story has erupted at a time when tensions between Beijing and Manila have soared, with the latter repeatedly accusing China of aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea. Guo is now the subject of a senate arrest warrant due to her non-attendance. The PAOCC has filed human trafficking charges, now under consideration by the office of the prosecutor. Ruben Balagtas, who lives near Guos pig farm, said the senate hearings were painful to watch. I know she was kind because as mayor she helped a lot of people, said the local president of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association. Balagtas had known the mayor since she was 14, he said, and she had always donated groceries. Shes the only one that did good things for the town, he added. I know she was kind because she helped a lot of people. She is the only one who did good things for the town Ruben Balagtas He doesnt know whats true any more, he said. We cant believe shes capable of that. It was information from the Malaysian embassy in Manila that led to the raid at Baofu in March. Embassy staff said a Malaysian man was trapped inside and in danger. The compound was then home to Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, a Philippine offshore gaming operator, or pogo a type of online gambling service that caters to customers abroad, primarily in China, where gambling is illegal. Speaking to the Observer from a facility where he and other freed workers are being held, the man, known by the pseudonym Dylan, explained how he travelled to Bamban in February to visit an old colleague and celebrate the lunar new year. When he arrived at the office complex to meet his friend, he was told he had been sold for 300,000 Philippine pesos and would be required to work, carrying out online scams, for his freedom. His task was to target Chinese women whose profiles had been listed online by parents looking for son-in-laws. He needed to message and call them, build trust and eventually convince them to invest in an online scam. Bosses set monthly targets for workers; those who did not reach their goals would be physically punished forced to do hundreds of sit-ups or beaten. On the day of the raid, Dylan contacted embassy staff, who had tracked his location, to tell them he had been beaten as punishment for not meeting his targets and that he needed to escape urgently. I sent a photo [of his injuries] to the embassy I told him I already got tortured, he said. Officials arrived the same night. Baofu was hardly discreet. It dwarfs everything in its surroundings. Today it is empty of people and in the custody of the PAOCC, but the price tags for luxury alcohol whisky priced at thousands of dollars a bottle can still be seen in the windows of the compounds shops. The acting mayor of Bamban, Leonardo Anunciacion, declined to be interviewed but had told local media that his predecessor is a kind person and that Bamban would respect the outcome of the election commissions probe. The support Guo had received in Bamban was unsurprising, Casio said. She has a Robin Hood persona. This is the Philippines a good number of the people live below poverty level. Here comes a local chief executive who is able to afford to dole out these types of things. In the run-up to her election in 2022, Guo flew to a campaign event in her helicopter (black with a pink stripe) while crowds were treated to a huge firework display and DJ set. Operations like that run at Baofu have proliferated across south-east Asia in recent years. Research by the United States Institute of Peace estimated so-called pig-butchering scams where victims are gradually lured into making increasing investments generate $63.9bn a year in global revenue, the vast majority of which ($39bn) is generated in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos alone. In the Philippines, pogos have long been plagued by reports of such criminality, and last month President Marcos Jr announced a ban on the industry, saying disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Related: South China Sea: a visual guide to the key shoals, reefs and islands The scandal in Bamban has also underlined fears about the countrys vulnerability to foreign interference. Senators have warned that a policy that allows individuals to register births belatedly, as in Guos case, has been abused by bad actors. The National Bureau of Investigation recently said it had identified 200 individuals, mostly Chinese nationals, who acquired falsified birth certificates from the civil registry in a single municipality a document that could allow them to obtain a Philippine passport, or to potentially vote or assimilate themselves into politics. Its not only through illegally acquired passports that criminals can evade authorities, but there is also growing concern over the presence of underground clinics offering cosmetic enhancements to those who wish to adopt a new identity. A clinic in Pasay City, in Metro Manila, was raided in May, and two similar facilities are under surveillance. According to immigration records, Guo has not left the country, Casio said. We get leads every once in a while. Our military and our police are on her, but we have yet to find her. Gou has been spotted in Metro Manila, he added. She is not believed to be in Bamban any more. For now, in Bambans mayors office, there are only traces of the former leader: plastic chairs, a toaster oven and a shirt worn by a staff member. All, of course, are pink, her trademark colour. The Institute of Alcohol Studies says ministers should keep drinks manufacturers and trade-funded groups at arms length. Photograph: Ian West/PA Ministers are being urged to exclude the alcohol industry from helping to draw up plans to reduce drink-related harm because of its past interference with such initiatives. The plea, from public health campaigners, comes soon after deaths directly due to alcohol hit a new record high of more than 10,000 fatalities a year in the UK. Drinks manufacturers and industry-funded groups such as the Portman Group and Drinkaware should be kept at arms length because their desire to maximise sales involves a serious conflict of interest, according to the Institute of Alcohol Studies thinktank. Dr Katherine Severi, the IASs chief executive, said: Just like tobacco companies, alcohol companies have a long history of disrupting and delaying health policy, which is why the World Health Organization advises governments to protect against undue influence from the alcohol industry. Alcohol companies, trade bodies and industry-funded front groups should be treated in a similar way to the tobacco industry, with all interactions a matter of public record and discussions limited to implementation of policies that have been developed in the public interest. Severi pointed to how the Scottish government was unable to introduce minimum unit pricing of alcohol for five years after legal challenges by the alcohol industry. The IAS and public health experts have drawn up new guidance to advise the government how to deal with the drinks industry. It recommends that ministers minimise interactions with industry, do not form partnerships with it and ensure good governance processes exist to minimise the risk of alcohol industry interference or obstruction of health policy objectives. If followed, the guidance would mean that government departments would not collaborate with the alcohol industry on health promotion campaigns, such as Drinkawares drink-free days initiative in conjunction with Public Health England, and would forbid educational materials it has produced to be used in schools, like those provided by the Talk About Trust, formerly known as the Alcohol Education Trust. It would also see the Commons health and social care select committee no longer taking evidence from groups such as Drinkaware, the Portman Group and the British Beer and Pub Association. Senior figures from these organisations attended an oral hearing with the cross-party group of MPs in February during its inquiry into preventing ill-health. Related: Moderate drinking not better for health than abstaining, analysis suggests The bill for alcohol harm in England alone comes to an estimated 27.4bn a year as a result of NHS treatment, lost productivity and other costs, the IAS says. Labour in opposition warned the drinks industry that it had to do better at preventing its products harming consumers. Last year, Andrew Gwynne the public health minister in the new government voiced concern at its self-regulation of marketing practices, another of the key issues highlighted by the IAS. He said: If they as an industry are advocating self-regulation but at the same time incentivising higher-risk drinks through placement and advertising, do not expect the next Labour government to sit on its hands. And Ive issued this warning directly to them already. We are considering a wide range of different interventions. If they dont shift, the next Labour government will make them shift. Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, the chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance and ex-president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: Over 10,000 people a year in the UK die due to alcohol-related causes. Yet the industry that profits from these products is given a say in how they are regulated, priced, marketed, and made available. The fox should not be in charge of the henhouse. The Portman Group rejected the IASs guidance. Matt Lambert, its chief executive, said: This is a narrow-minded suggestion put forward by an organisation funded by the temperance movement, and it completely fails to take into account the longstanding, tangible work of initiatives funded by the alcohol industry in tackling alcohol harms, encouraging moderation and enforcing responsible marketing. For over 30 years the Portman Groups self-regulatory system has effectively ensured that the industry has protected consumers from irresponsible marketing, and partnership working with the government has helped ensure that the vast majority of adults now choose to drink moderately, accompanied by sustained declines in underage drinking, antisocial behaviour and binge drinking. He added: It is vital to listen to a range of voices on these important issues and it would be counterproductive to exclude the expertise of the alcohol industry and self-regulatory bodies which do a huge amount to encourage responsible consumption. Asian men join the disturbance in Bolton on Sunday - Phil Taylor / SWNS Violent clashes broke out between far-Right rioters and Muslim counter-protesters on Sunday in a sixth day of unrest on Britains streets. The disorder that has spread since the Southport killings showed no sign of abating over the weekend amid escalating community tensions. In Rotherham, a hotel used to house asylum seekers was set ablaze, and another in Tamworth was targeted by anti-immigration protesters. In Bolton, Muslim groups shouting Allahu Akbar clashed with far-Right rioters. A mob in Middlesbrough shouted smash the ps and there aint no black in the Union Jack while targeting the homes of migrants, while footage on social media from elsewhere in the city appeared to show groups of Asian men attacking white men. In an emergency address from Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer warned the rioters would regret taking part and vowed to do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible. Police stand guard against counter-protesters - Belinda Jiao/Reuters He said: The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder. Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves. He added: This is not protest. I wont shy away from calling this what it is far-Right thuggery. The Prime Minister was warned not to be selective in his response to the groups involved in the disorder. Robert Jenrick, a frontrunner to become the next Tory leader, said the Prime Minister must not show any squeamishness or selectivity in tackling all those responsible. He said the streets should be flooded with tens of thousands of police, with all leave cancelled and officers diverted from unaffected areas to riot hotspots. The ringleaders should be arrested, swiftly prosecuted and jailed for the longest possible time, the former immigration minister told The Telegraph. Groups that gather in town or city centres that become violent must be immediately dispersed, with violent thugs arrested. If force is needed to achieve this, it should be used. There must be no squeamishness or selectivity whatsoever to robust law enforcement. Law breaking is not the answer Nadhim Zahawi, the former Chancellor, also warned that there must be zero tolerance for anyone taking part in riots, including those taking matters into their own hands. He said: There needs to be a clear, consistent message for all those rioting, even if they think they are taking matters into their own hands; law breaking is not the answer and there must be a zero tolerance response. The Government needs to realise that there is legitimate frustration and pain felt in communities across the country, with recent murders and other violence becoming emblematic of people feeling that their society is becoming unrecognisable. But the violence must be punished. Similarly, the Government needs to say to those thugs who hijack Islam that it will not be tolerant of intolerance. If you settle in Britain like I did, you respect its values and traditions, integrate and be proud of this country, otherwise you must go somewhere else. Protests broke out in the wake of the Southport killings after false information was spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker. On Sunday, around 700 rioters descended on the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, which has previously been used to house asylum seekers. After smashing several ground floor windows, the attackers then attempted to set the hotel on fire, torching bins and then using them to blockade the exits. Mosques have been targeted on previous days of the unrest and the Home Office on Sunday announced that extra police and security forces will be deployed to protect mosques after they were targeted by far-Right rioters. Amid escalating community tensions, in Bolton there were scuffles on the towns streets between anti-immigration protesters and Muslim counter demonstrators. By early afternoon the counter-protesters, who were mostly Asian and many in Muslim dress, outnumbered the anti-immigration protest by two to one. Footage on social media also appeared to show groups of Asian men attacking white males in Middlesbrough. Counter-protesters outnumbered the anti-immigration protest by two to one - Belinda Jiao A reporter for Channel 4 News said groups of Asian and white men were on the streets of the town looking for trouble. Tommy Robinson, who is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a judge after failing to turn up to court last Monday, was reported to be stoking the riots through his social media posts while on holiday in Cyprus. He denies encouraging or orchestrating violence. Sir Keir is under increasing pressure to bring the violence under control. In his statement on Sunday, he opened the door to tougher prison sentences for rioters and announced suspects will be held on remand and locked up immediately after being charged, mirroring action to tackle the 2011 riots when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. The Prime Minister will lead a meeting of the Governments emergency Cobra committee on Monday alongside Cabinet ministers and senior police figures. However doubts have been raised over whether there are enough jail places available for Sir Keir to mount a 2011-style response to the unrest. Labour inherited a system that is running at almost full capacity, with only around 700 spaces available in male prisons around the country. Around 150 arrests have been made across England since Saturday evening, the National Police Chiefs Council said, with that number expected to rise. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, on Sunday night warned rioters they would face a reckoning and that police have the Governments backing to take the strongest possible action. Writing in The Times, she said: Make no mistake, there will be a reckoning for the individuals who took part in this violence, those who whipped them up on social media and in online chat forums and those who have felt emboldened by this moment to stir up racial hatred. Cassia Rowland, a researcher at the Institute for Government, said locking up all the rioters was not an option unless more prisoners are released. She said: The situation in prisons is desperate. We simply dont have the prison spaces available for mass arrests like we saw in 2011. The Government has announced that, as of Sept 10, thousands of prisoners will be freed when they have served 40pc of their sentence to free up cells. But that date has been written into law, meaning the scheme could only be brought forward if Parliament were recalled from recess to amend the legislation. Government sources insisted that internal modelling of prisoner numbers showed there would be enough space to lock up all the rioters. No 10 was forced to scotch rumours that Sir Keir was planning to go on holiday on Monday insisting he would be working at Downing Street all week. The Prime Minister is now facing demands to recall Parliament so that MPs can debate his response, as Lord Cameron did at the same point during the 2011 unrest. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader, added that Sir Keir needs to bring people back to explain what hes doing. Meanwhile officials were forced to dampen down speculation they could call the Army in if police forces are stretched to breaking point in the coming days. Humza Yousaf, a former Scottish first minister, and Tobias Ellwood, an ex-Armed Forces minister, were among those urging Sir Keir to use the military. Mr Yousaf warned the UK was experiencing far-Right race riots which amounted to pogroms against the Muslim community, against people of colour. Neil Basu, a former assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard, said the riots had made him feel afraid to be black for the first time in decades. He said: I was born a few weeks before Enoch Powell made a speech that changed my parents lives. I am the son of immigrants and I am not a white person. I spent 30 years as a police officer feeling pretty secure in my ability to handle myself, I dont feel like that this week and that is a terrible thing for a man in his 57th year to say. But I remember growing up in the 1970s, I watched the National Front march down streets, and this feels very much like that. A goat-to destination: Patrick Vaughan-Fowler and Sam May of Goat on the Roof. Photograph: Sophia Evans/The Observer Goat on the Roof, 1 Bridge Street, Newbury RG14 5BE (01635 580015). Small plates 3.80-9.50, bigger plates 9-18, desserts 4-7.50, wines from 29 I might as well get my second apology to Newbury in now. Its more than warranted. Back in 2011, I was asked to contribute a short piece in support of a favourite cheese. I chose emmental. I said emmental was at first sight, the Newbury of cheeses: its solid, workmanlike, but very, very dull. I went on to say that this shouldnt be misunderstood; that, just like Newbury, emmental is a reliable and important workhorse, but by then the damage had been done. Historically, possibly Newbury was dull, the outraged chair of the Newbury Society told the BBC. But its changed a lot in the past two years. Spool forward five years and I am booked to perform one of my brilliant shows in Newbury. As my agent said at the time, Why the hell couldnt you have been rude about Slough? Theyre used to it. So, I posted an apology to Newbury. Shockingly, some suggested it was motivated by a mercenary desire to flog tickets. As if. Though happily it did sell a few tickets. Anyway, its time to say sorry all over again. Because seated in the crowded dining room of Goat on the Roof, a terrific, wine-led restaurant overlooking the River Kennet in the centre of town, it feels like being in a cross between fin de siecle Paris and Renaissance Venice. Or at least the closest thing Berkshire can offer in 2024. It is a romping wave of bubbling chatter, clinking glasses, laughter and impressive food. And all at 6.30pm on a wet Tuesday. Goat on the Roof is the brainchild of Patrick Vaughan-Fowler. He started his career with Louis Latour, worked as a sommelier in London and ran a local pub, before coming across this banking hall turned Japanese restaurant. He opened a wine bar upstairs, installed a long counter for eating at, bistro chairs and tables, and hung the walls with paintings of goats. A lot of goats. I ask him where the name came from. I was drunk in Portugal once, he says, as if that explains everything. The wine side of the business manages the neat trick of being serious, without taking itself too seriously. The list runs to about 130 encouragingly priced bins, only a handful of which break three figures. It wanders Europe, much like a Georgian gentleman on a dizzying Grand Tour. Worry not. The staff know this list. Tell them what you like. Theyll see you right. We have a 2021 Se Canta Colombard-Gros Manseng from the Cotes de Gascogne for 39. Its grassy and fresh and tastes of high summer. As to the food, prepare yourself for a tableside speech involving words like local, seasonal, foraged and youre a good person for eating here. Perhaps the last one is only implied. Its one of the curious elements of the modern restaurant experience that you first have to receive absolution for choosing to spend your money on a nice time out. Lets just accept that the chef, Sam May, cares about his ingredients. This is a good thing. The kitchen then takes all this local stuff and turns it into a wanderlust of small and medium plates, which romp about the world much like the wine list. Theyre especially good at glossy, emulsified dressings. Theres a skewer of a quails egg with a liquid yolk, a mushroom, a radish and a shiny bead of cherry tomato that you are encouraged to take in one mouthful. Theres another of scallop, salmon and a smoky piece of haddock. Both come under a slumping and herb-speckled lawn-green sauce. Marmitey crispbreads accompany a rough and raging dip of locally made nduja, and theres a plate of crunchy fermented vegetables, the right side of festering, with a mayonnaise giving us a full horn section of wild garlic. From the specials, there are slices of a delicate halibut sashimi, dribbled with herb oil, and partnered by separate quenelles of grated beetroot and horseradish, so you can mix your own bespoke-strength condiment. Theres also a savoury doughnut filled with a whipped and hyper-smooth chicken liver parfait, which squeezes its way out of the centre as you cut in as if its auditioning to be caramel sauce. On the side is a pot of sweet-sour rhubarb compote. And if youre reading this and not now making a quiet, helpless, keening sound, like a shivering kitten needing a hug, really, how were we ever friends? Even if youre not a meat eater? Brisket is slow-cooked for 48 hours, then served in room-temperature slices with a cooling heap of smoked mascarpone with the pleasing autumnal tang of bonfire. Impeccable tomatoes lie atop a poky salsa verde; golden cubes of potato are so crisp more than one trip through the fryer had to have been involved and they loiter on a mess of tomatoes and garlic mayo. We have salt-baked beetroot on a mound of snowy goats curd with chilli and black garlic, and a brick of slow-cooked pork belly with vinegary chimichurri to show the soft fat whos boss. Each dish is a couple of simple ideas, brought together with good taste. If I was being picky, Id whinge about the thin crackling strips with the pork belly, rather than a full-on crunchy slab. But then Id remember I am still trying to make friends with Newbury, and shut up. Because this cooking is not just smart and thoughtful. Its also well priced, like they really want your business. Everything is in the low teens or below, apart from a steak which gets to a lofty 18. Nothing dull about that. We finish with loops of torched Italian meringue, topped with strawberries and basil, and a chocolate mousse with both caramel and a hit of coffee. We spoon these away while talking wistfully of the choux bun, encased in the thinnest of crisp craquelin and filled with a sharp lemon curd. Its a lemon tart re-engineered as a ball. Its an orb of dessert cleverness. This chatter is lubricated by a lightly sparkling Les Chants Jumeaux dessert wine from the Loire, because we have now given ourselves to Patricks wine list. I wander back to the train station, dwelling upon how poor a judge of character I had once been. Had I found excitement in Newbury? Or had it simply been there all along? News bites The Italian food delivery company Pasta Evangelists, which already runs a few dozen takeaways, has opened its first eat-in restaurant and plans to open 20 more over the next five years. The new site is in Richmond, southwest London, and has a menu including truffle manncheese, slow cooked beef and chianti ragu and lobster tortellini. A second outpost is planned for Greenwich (pastaevangelists.com). Lake District chef Ryan Blackburn of the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House, has closed his Ambleside restaurant Kysty and will open two new businesses. One will be a small plates bistro called the Schelly, the name of a freshwater fish found in the area. It will occupy a space immediately above the Old Stamp House. The second will be a development kitchen and private dining room for up to eight people called The Workshop (oldstamphouse.com). A new company selling rum, vodka and gin has promised to channel all and any profits to environmental causes. Evrythng, which is the brainchild of James Law, says it has just one employee who will be paid per bottle sold, up to a ceiling of 85,000 and that anybody can review their accounts to check money isnt being spent on air travel and corporate lunches. Find out more at evrythng.cc Jay Rayners cookbook, Nights Out at Home: Recipes and Stories from 25 Years as a Restaurant Critic, is available to preorder now at the guardianbookshop.com. Email Jay at jay.rayner@observer.co.uk or follow him on X @jayrayner1 No country in the world would send people back to Gaza at the moment so we have to work through what happens as the visas that people are currently on expire, Tony Burke says. Photograph: Jeremy Piper/AAP The new minister for home affairs, Tony Burke, has confirmed he is looking at ways to allow Palestinians who fled to Australia to stay longer, saying no country should send people back to Gaza right now. Burke said it was understandable that the government used visitor visas as its first response to the crisis, but acknowledged action was needed because the visas were expiring and the Israeli offensive was continuing. Certainly no country in the world would send people back to Gaza at the moment so we have to work through what happens as the visas that people are currently on expire, Burke told Sky News on Sunday. Youve got lots of people who have experienced serious trauma, theyve suffered great loss of family and friends with the killings that have occurred over there, and theyre also in a situation where for many of them the homes where they used to live are now rubble. The Palestinian community, refugee advocacy groups and the Greens are urging Burke to offer those fleeing Gaza a special humanitarian pathway like those offered to Afghans in 2021 and Ukrainians in 2022. The Nine newspapers reported that a special visa pathway would be created for Palestinians, but Burke declined to reveal the details on Sunday on the basis that the government had yet to make the decision. Burke, a veteran Labor frontbencher who was appointed to the combined portfolio of home affairs and immigration last week, said he was committed to security checks for visa applicants. He said he would not put any other issue ahead of community safety. Related: Labor clearly afraid of backlash after taking Islamic community for granted, Muslim Votes Matter says But the Coalitions defence spokesperson, Andrew Hastie, said the idea looks quite reflexive from the government, it looks hurried. Hastie said Burke and some of his Labor colleagues in western Sydney were under immense pressure over the governments response to the war in Gaza. He could have a pro-Gaza independent run against him and so I think this is where this has come from, Hastie told Sky News. I think its right for the Australian people to have transparency and accountability on this issue. And we want to see as much detail as possible. We dont want to see hurried visas issued out of political expediency. Hastie said it was very important that the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, had travelled to Israel last week to affirm our important bilateral relationship. When asked directly whether there was any aspect of the way the Netanyahu administration has conducted this war that makes you uncomfortable, Hastie refrained from any specific criticism of the Israeli government. Hastie said war was very, very messy and no one wanted to see deaths of civilians on both sides. No one wants to see the death of innocents and thats why this tragedy could have been avoided if Hamas had not raised the sword on October 7 in the first place, Hastie said. At least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli military offensive on Gaza since 7 October, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The offensive was launched in response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October in which about 1,200 people were killed. In newly published comments, the federal Labor minister Ed Husic said Australia should be open to levelling sanctions against the Israeli government, including its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Husic told the Sunday Telegraph the Israeli prime minister would need to be held to account for the conduct of the conflict. The tenor in the campaign is set from above, the minister for industry and science told the paper in an extended interview. People will have to be held to account for the scale of that killing. Related: The bombshell legal ruling that made it impossible for Australia to delay sanctions against Israeli settlers Husic added that he was firm in the need to hold Hamas to account for its actions, including killing and hostage-taking. Ive always put myself in the shoes of Israeli parents who can never see their kids again after what Hamas did, he told the Sunday Telegraph. But equally, I dont think Palestinian mums and dads and particularly kids should cop the brunt of the retribution. Burke, when asked about Husics calls for sanctions on Sunday, said he believed the most important priorities were to make sure that we get an immediate ceasefire, that civilians are protected, that the dire humanitarian crisis is dealt with, and that international humanitarian law [is] be kept to and respected. Police clash with right wing protesters in Piccadilly Gardens on 3 August in Manchester. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Rioters will pay the price for the wave of violent clashes that has spread across the UK, ministers warned on Saturday, after a day in which police battled rival groups of demonstrators in the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain for more than a decade. Dozens of arrests were made after the scenes of disorder, with police warning that further violence is likely in the coming days. Multiple towns and cities saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured, and many more arrests promised. The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said the police would have the governments full support to take the strongest possible action. Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britains streets, she said. Related: Rioting flooding across major cities and towns as police brace for further disorder across UK live Anyone who gets involved in criminal disorder and violent thuggery on our streets will have to pay the price and they should expect there to be arrests, prosecutions, penalties and the full force of the law including imprisonment and travel bans. There are consequences for breaking the law. The widespread clashes pose the first big challenge to Keir Starmers new government, which is facing demands to introduce emergency powers to stop further violence and to recall parliament. On Saturday bricks were hurled at police officers in Stoke-on-Trent, fireworks were thrown amid tense exchanges between an anti-Islamic group and an anti-racism rally in Belfast, and windows of a hotel which has been used to house migrants were smashed in Hull, where three police officers were injured and four people arrested. Later video footage on social media showed shops on fire. Several officers were also injured during serious disorder in Liverpool city centre, where bricks, bottles and a flare were thrown and two officers needed hospital treatment and six arrests were made. Greater Manchester police said a dispersal notice had been authorised for the city centre. Scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other in Nottinghams Old Market Square with bottles and other items thrown from both sides. About 150 people carrying St Georges Cross flags, shouting youre not English any more and paedo Muslims off our street, were greatly outnumbered in Leeds by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting Nazi scum off our streets. Skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and punks in town for a festival in Blackpool, with bottles and chairs thrown. In Bristol, police kept protesters and counter protesters apart before a group headed to a hotel used to house asylum seekers. The need for urgent political intervention was stressed by the governments independent adviser on political violence and disruption, Lord Walney, who told the Observer that new emergency powers may be needed. The system isnt set up to deal with this rolling rabble-rousing being fuelled by far-right actors, he said. I think home office ministers may want to look urgently at a new emergency framework perhaps temporary in nature that enables police to use the full powers of arrest to prevent people gathering where there is clear intent to fuel violent disorder. Keir Starmer held a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday in which he said police had been given full support to tackle extremists who were attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities. He made clear that the right to freedom of expression and the violent scenes over recent days were two very different things. Last weeks riots followed the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday. Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims were spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. In the wake of these messages, far-right protesters guided by social media gathered in cities across the country. A key factor in this spread of online disinformation involved Elon Musks decision to allow rightwing activists such as Tommy Robinson back onto his social media platform X, said Joe Mulhall, director of research at Hope not Hate, the anti-fascism organisation. The initial disinformation and anger was being perpetrated by individuals on Twitter, for example, that have been previously deplatformed, he said. And now theyve been replatformed. Robinson was permanently banned from the platform (then called Twitter) in March 2018, then reinstated in November last year, after Musk bought it. We hadnt seen any significant numbers at any demonstrations since 2018, Mulhall added. An example of the danger posed by the misuse of social media was revealed in Stoke-on-Trent, where police were forced to deny there had been a stabbing, countering claims made on social media. There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media, police said. The danger of such intervention was stressed by Ben-Julian BJ Harrington, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for public order, who condemned social media disinformation as a cause of last weeks disorder. He said: We had reports today that two people had been stabbed by Muslims in Stoke its just not true. Theres people out there, not even in this country, circulating and stoking up hatred, division and concerns in communities that they dont care about, dont know and dont understand. Harrington, who was also the NPCCs gold commander in charge of national strategy for Saturdays disorder, said that yobs and thugs and criminals were responsible. This isnt about protests, he said. This is about violent disorder. This is about people who are descending into communities and causing damage throwing bricks and bottles and things at cops who work within those communities. Forces across England brought officers back from leave to deploy an extra 130 police support units about 2,000 officers, he revealed. Of course there is a limited number of officers, and every one that is taken from a community is not out there solving burglaries. Echoing concerns about the dangers of social media, shadow home secretary James Cleverly called for tech companies to be hauled into Downing Street to ensure they were acting to stop the spread of disinformation on their platforms. However, he was criticised for issuing a statement in which he said Starmer taking the knee had sent completely the wrong message to protesters, adding that there was never a justification for disorder like this. There was also further condemnation of Nigel Farages role in inciting the violence with his comments about the Southport killings, in which he questioned whether the truth is being withheld from us after the attack on Monday. Robert Jenrick, one of the favourites in the Tory leadership race, said that the Reform leaders comments did not make the situation better. Last weeks clashes spread four days ago, when more than 100 protesters were arrested on Whitehall, where bottles and cans were thrown at police, while violence also broke out in Hartlepool and in Manchester. On Thursday, Starmer announced a new national response to the disorder linking police forces across the country through shared intelligence and the expanded use of facial recognition. Then, on Friday, about 500 people, including some parents with their children, gathered in Sunderland city centre, responding to far-right social media posts to turn up and demonstrate. The gathering quickly descended into violence, with masked boys and men throwing missiles, including bricks, stones, beer barrels and scaffolding poles, at riot police. Ten people were arrested and four policemen taken to hospital, one seriously injured. A police station was ransacked and a Citizens Advice Bureau set alight. By Saturday morning, the acrid smell of fire still hung in the air. Shoppers stopped to express their shock at what had happened, with hundreds of residents of all ages gathering on the citys streets with brushes, litter pickers, buckets, bin bags and dust pans. The Sunderland Central Labour MP, Lewis Atkinson, said a link could be drawn between the disorder and the ashes of the English Defence League (EDL), which was founded by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The EDL has disbanded but its supporters remain active, and Atkinson said evidence suggested a neo-Nazi offshoot of the group was involved in Fridays violence. A priest at Sunderland Minster said yobs tried to smash a gravestone to use as missiles during the disorder that gripped the city. Its an act of sacrilege to disturb someones gravestone, said Rev Jacqui Tyson. Its also remarkably lacking in common sense have you tried to pick up a gravestone? Sir Keir Starmer has told rioters they will regret taking part in disorder as unrest continued for a fifth day. In an emergency address from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said that he would do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible amid violence that has spread since the Southport killings. Sir Keir confirmed rioters will be held on remand, jailing them immediately after arrest. Charges will follow and convictions will follow, he added. The move mirrors action taken following the 2011 riots when Sir Keir was Director of Public Prosecutions. His remarks came as the Home Office announced that security is being stepped up around Britains mosques in light of the rioting. 08:43 PM BST Watch: Protest outside Holiday Inn in Tamworth Protesters are gathering outside a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, that houses asylum seekers. Videos posted on social media show dozens of demonstrators confronting riot-shield equipped police outside the building, with at least one police dog seen close to the main entrance. Other footage shows rioters breaking the hotels windows by throwing objects at them. The far-right are protesting outside another hotel that houses asylum seekers in Tamworth. pic.twitter.com/zUrQozVlEo Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) August 4, 2024 08:05 PM BST Rioters start bonfire and throw bins at police near Rotherham migrant hotel Rioters have now started a bonfire in the middle of the road 500 metres from the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham and are throwing bins at police officers, Neil Johnston reports from the scene. Police earlier dispersed rioters outside the hotel, but the agitators have since clashed with officers at a location farther down the road. Dozens more riot police have arrived to stop a fresh assault on the hotel, where migrants are watching from the windows. The mob threw a barrage of fences and fireworks at police, and spooked some of the forces horses. Officers with riot-shields were seen lining up to face the crowd as a fire blazes in the background. Riot police face-off against protesters near a migrant hotel in Rotherham - Neil Johnston 07:38 PM BST Asylum seekers describe experience of Rotherham hotel attack By Neil Johnston A group of men inside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham said they had fled war zones and other hostile countries but did not expect to see violence in the UK which they thought was a safe country. A man speaking on behalf of several asylum seekers including Kurds, Afghans and Iranians told The Telegraph he heard screams as rioters broke in and fire alarms went off. We were told to stay in our rooms, the staff locked the hotel, he said. We then heard them breaking in. We could hear the breaking of mirrors, glass and doors. It was terrible. We only knew the fire had started when the fire alarms went off. It was so terrible for us and this is the first experience weve had like this. These people in here are from all different countries. They are Arabic, Kurdish, Afghanistan, from Iran. We thought we had finally got a safe life here. We saw them running from one side to another. We could not move from our rooms. We were worried, we thought some people would come into the hotel and fight with us. He said that they were terrified what would happen if they made it beyond the ground floor. We were really scared of these people. We did think we could die. 07:31 PM BST 10 police officers injured in Rotherham hotel violence South Yorkshire Police has said that 10 officers were injured in the deplorable acts of violence at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Manvers, Rotherham earlier today. One officer was left unconscious after a head injury, the force said, with other officers suffering suspected broken bones. There have so far been no reports of injuries to hotel staff or residents. Police said around 700 people had taken part in the disorder outside the hotel on Sunday. 07:23 PM BST Watch: Mob attacks man in street in Middlesbrough A Channel 4 news correspondent has shared footage of what appears to be a group of Asian men attacking a lone white male on the streets of Middlesbrough. Police are reportedly playing a game of cat and mouse as groups of Asian and white men roam the streets looking for trouble. Cleveland Police earlier said nine people had been arrested in connection with the disturbances in Middlesbrough. Mobs of Asian men attacking white men now - Middlesbrough pic.twitter.com/L9GDunOD1a alex thomson (@alextomo) August 4, 2024 06:53 PM BST Pictured: Police try to hold back protesters on Weymouth beaches An anti-immigration protest called Enough is Enough is underway in Weymouth, where the BBC reports that 400 protesters from opposing sides are gathered on the seafront chanting at each other. The broadcaster said that police officers have moved people off the beach because some anti-immigrant protesters had pushed through the police line. Police try to hold back anti-immigrant protestors on Weymouth beach - BNPS 06:45 PM BST Pictured: Police officers detain protester in Weymouth Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line in Weymouth - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Europe 06:41 PM BST Pictured: Police dogs attack a man during anti-immigration protest in Rotherham Police dogs attack a man on the ground during rioting in Rotherham - REUTERS/Hollie Adams 06:37 PM BST Rioters attempting to attack Rotherham hotel from different angle We earlier reported that police had removed rioters from the Rotherham migrant hotel that was attacked and set on fire earlier in the day. Our reporter Neil Johnston writes that agitators have now begun to attack again the hotel via a different route: Rioters are pelting police using rectangular riot shields with missiles around 200 yards from the hotel. They were dispersed down the road but are now attempting to attack the hotel from a different angle using fireworks. 06:19 PM BST Man charged after attempting to set fire to police van, Merseyside Police say By Crime Editor Martin Evans Merseyside Police said a man had been charged after allegedly attempting to set fire to a police van during violence in Liverpool on Saturday. The van had been parked on William Brown Street and the flames were quickly extinguished before significant damage or harm could be caused. A police spokesman said: Declan Geiran, 29 years, of Kelso Road, Liverpool has been charged with violent disorder and arson (to a police vehicle). He has been remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court at 9.45am on Monday 5 August. 06:17 PM BST Police remove rioters from Rotherham migrant hotel By Neil Johnston Police have cleared rioters from the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham which was vandalised and set on fire earlier in the day. They are continuing to push back far right protestors who are still in the area. Dozens of police vans are on the scene and a helicopter is flying overhead. Windows are pins the building have been smashed and a family can be seen looking through the remains of one window. 06:08 PM BST Pictured: Prime Minister addresses the nation as unrest continues for fifth day Sir Keir Starmer held an emergency address from Downing Street on Sunday afternoon, where he said rioters will regret taking part in this disorder. He added that the police will be making arrests, individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow. The Prime Minister also vowed that would not shy away from calling the disturbances far-Right thuggery. To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, I know how frightening this must be. I want you to know that this violent mob do not represent our country and we will bring them to justice, he said. Sir Keir Starmer addressing the nation from 10 Downing Street following ongoing unrest across parts of the country - Ben Bauer/PA 05:56 PM BST Nine arrested in Middlesbrough, police say Cleveland Police said officers have arrested nine people so far in relation to the ongoing disorder in Middlesbrough. The force added that the main areas affected by disorder were Parliament Road, Waterloo Road, and the area around the university. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: We are urging members of the public to stay away from Middlesbrough while officers respond to violent disorder in the town. We have a high policing presence responding to the disorder, and the priority remains to protect people and communities. We will continue to make arrests and deal robustly with anyone shown to be intent on committing violence and causing harm. 05:50 PM BST Minority of far-Right extremists have disgraced themselves, says Ed Davey Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: Everyone across the UK was shocked and appalled by the dreadful attack in Southport on Monday, which took the lives of three innocent little girls. Most people have come together to grieve with love and compassion. But sadly, a minority of far-right extremists have disgraced themselves by exploiting this tragedy to commit appalling acts of violence, targeting Muslims, asylum seekers and communities of colour. I am deeply angered by the riots and disorder that we have seen these past few days and welcome the extra protections now in place. This lawlessness is unacceptable and it must be stopped and those responsible must face the full force of the law. And amidst these awful scenes, we should all take heart from the immense compassion, kindness and decency shown by the vast majority, not least those communities who are being specifically targeted. Their example is one we must all follow. 05:47 PM BST Sunak condemns violent, criminal behaviour Rishi Sunak, the Conservative Party leader, has condemned the unrest gripping Britain as violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society. The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law, he added. The shocking scenes we're seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport. This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society. The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) August 4, 2024 05:38 PM BST Rioters target Kurdish businesses in Middlesbrough More from Crime Editor Martin Evans on the ongoing disorder in Middlesbrough: In the Gresham area of Milddlesbrough groups of masked youths smashed the windows of cars and houses. The gang targeted Parliament Rd where some of the shop and restaurant owners began fighting back. A group of Kurdish business owners armed themselves with wooden staves and some rioters were attacked. One youth with a bloodied head was seen being escorted away from the area by a business owner. One Parliament Road shop owner said: were acting to protect what is ours. They have come here to attack our vehicles and our property, we have the right to defend ourselves. 05:22 PM BST Mosques to get rapid response security, Home Office announces Mosques will now be able to request rapid response security under a new security scheme just announced by the Home Office. The plans state that mosques, police and local authorities can ask for rapid security personnel to be deployed, which will allow for a return to worship as quickly as possible. In a statement, the Home Office said the scheme would build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to 29.4 million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for. 05:13 PM BST Pictured: Riot police detain man in Middlesbrough A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport - Owen Humphreys/PA 04:44 PM BST Masked thugs push burning wheelie bins into police By Crime Editor Martin Evans In Middlesbrough some masked thugs set fire to wheelie bins and pushed them into a line of riot police containing protestors on Linthorpe Road. The blazing bins were quickly extinguished without injury and a woman who had been pushing one of them was arrested. The majority of the demonstrators have now dispersed but around 150 people, many in masks and hoods have remained in the town centre. 04:42 PM BST Civil war is inevitable, says Elon Musk Elon Musk, the Tesla and X chief, has said that civil war in the UK is inevitable. Responding to a clip posted on social media showing recent rioting in Britain, Mr Musk wrote: Civil war is inevitable. The comment received over one million views. 04:33 PM BST Rotherham violence utterly appalling, says Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has condemned the attack on a migrant hotel in Rotherham, calling it utterly appalling. South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible, she added. The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible. Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) August 4, 2024 04:29 PM BST Group chanting Allahu Akbar clashes with protesters and police in Bolton The BBC reports that a group of around 250-300 protesters chanting Allahu Akbar has clashed with police and Right-wing demonstrators in Bolton. According to the broadcaster, the group charged towards Bolton Town Hall, where protesters waving England flags had gathered. On a further cry of Allahu Akbar, the group began throwing eggs at the police before charging around streets in the town centre. The two groups of protesters then skirmished on another street, where bottles and fireworks were exchanged, but both sides were kept apart by police lines. Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon in Bolton - Belinda Jiao/REUTERS 04:21 PM BST Houses and cars attacked in Middlesbrough By Crime Editor Martin Evans Houses and cars were attacked at random in Middlesbrough as the demonstrators descended on the Gresham area, home to much of the towns immigrant population. Masked youths used metal and wooden bars to smash the windows of terraced houses and the windscreens of cars. There were chants of smash the p***s as the cheering mob left destruction in its wake. One victim, a white man in his 40s, had his living room window smashed. He said: Im born and bred in Middlesbrough and these morons target my house just for the hell of it. I could hear them yelling about immigrants but they were smashing car and house windows indiscriminately. Theyre the scum of the earth. The protestors returned to the cenotaph where riot police came under fire from bricks and bottles as they tried to force them back down Linthorpe Rd. 04:18 PM BST Malaysia issues UK travel warning Malaysia has issued a warning to its citizens travelling to or residing in the UK, advising them to remain vigilant and to stay away from protest areas. The warning, released on Sunday by the countrys ministry of foreign affairs, also encourages Malaysian citizens to register with the countrys high commission in London in order to receive assistance and information. 04:01 PM BST Humza Yousaf suggests the army should be sent in to quell riots Humza Yousaf, the former first minister of Scotland, has suggested that Sir Keir Starmer should send in the army to quell rioting across Britain. In a post on X, Mr Yousaf wrote: How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in @Keir Starmer? The Police clearly do not have a handle on this situation. This pogrom against Muslims and People of Colour is going to cost lives unless these far-right thugs are stopped. How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in @Keir_Starmer ? The Police clearly do not have a handle on this situation. This pogrom against Muslims and People of Colour is going to cost lives unless these far-right thugs are stopped. https://t.co/U279igA5CV Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) August 4, 2024 03:45 PM BST Two Tory leadership candidates condemn Rotherham riot James Cleverly, the MP for Braintree, and Tom Tugendhat, the MP for Tonbridge, have condemned the attack on a migrant hotel in Rotherham. In a post on X, Mr Tugendhat wrote: This behaviour is abhorrent. We have got to put an end to the violence and disorder plaguing our streets. The government must use all the available resources to punish those responsible. Mr Cleverly wrote: There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behavior like this. This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law. 03:38 PM BST Stand up for our country, our kids and our families, says Middlesbrough march organiser By Martin Evans, our crime editor In Middlesbrough, march organiser Jake Wheatley addressed the crowd before the march began, saying: You are all here today lads for the three kids who were killed in Southport and the future of our country, it is not about race or colour or religion. Lets all keep it right today and stand up for our country, our kids and our families. Despite skirmishes en route with police the march arrived at Central Square without any serious violence or damage being caused. The marchers dispersed into smaller groups and some left the area, although hundreds remained in the town centre. 03:31 PM BST Pictured: Police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham A police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham as rioting broke out at a hotel used to house migrants - Hollie Adams/REUTERS 03:29 PM BST More than 300 protesters march through Middlesbrough More than 300 protesters marched through Middlesbrough after gathering at the citys Cenotaph. Demonstrators were seen carrying a banner saying: Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isnt and chanted We want our country back as they made their way through the city. Police used dogs to keep the group back and at least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. 03:15 PM BST Skirmishes break out in Middlesbrough Our reporter Kevin Donald is on the ground in Middlesbrough. He reports that skirmishes have broken out between police and agitators. As the crowd began to march through the town to chants of we want our country back skirmishes broke out between masked thugs and police. Rocks were thrown and fireworks ignited In the crowd. A number of arrests were made as police were forced to draw truncheons to contain demonstrators who tried break through police lines. 03:02 PM BST Rotherham MP responds to attack on migrant hotel Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham, has described the ongoing riot at a migrant hotel in Manvers, Rotherham as horrendous in a post on social media. This is horrendous https://t.co/sMVjfpqWV1 Sarah Champion (@SarahChampionMP) August 4, 2024 02:52 PM BST Watch: Fire started at Rotherham migrant hotel A fire has started at the Holiday Inn. Rotherham, UK This Holiday Inn. is where the grooming gangs have been praying on young girls, and the crimes were swept under the rug by authorities. pic.twitter.com/vC0p9ts31E (@SaltyGirl09) August 4, 2024 02:49 PM BST Section 60 orders issued in Liverpool and Southport By Crime Editor Martin Evans Merseyside Police said two more Section 60 Orders have been introduced in Liverpool and Southport for 12 hours following the violence and disorder seen in Liverpool city centre and Walton on Saturday 3 August.. The orders were put in place at 2pm today (Sunday 4 August) and will stay active for a 12-hour period until 2am on Monday. They have has been introduced to prevent incidents of disorder and criminality. The Orders, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, give officers enhanced powers to stop and search individuals across areas of Liverpool and Southport and are designed to prevent serious violence. Inspector Al McKeon said: The scenes we saw yesterday in Liverpool and Walton, and on Tuesday in Southport, were despicable. They left dozens of officers requiring hospital treatment and have already led to the arrests of a total of 33 suspects. These orders will give officers on the ground the ability to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality. The ultimate aim of this tool is to prevent violence and disorder and keep the public safe. People across the areas covered will see targeted and highly visible police patrols over the next 12 hours. I hope their continued presence is reassuring for all of our communities, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers. 02:47 PM BST Watch: Police and rioters battle in Bolton Social media footage shows rioters battling with mounted police on the streets of Bolton. Greater Manchester Police earlier issued a Section 34 dispersal notice covering Bolton until 10pm, which gives the force extra powers to remove people causing anti-social behaviour. Battle on the streets of Bolton as enough is enough protest & counter protest clashes on back roads pic.twitter.com/lXmVzG57Fu Tke Media (@TkeMedia) August 4, 2024 02:44 PM BST Pictured: Rioters break into Rotherham migrant hotel Rioters break into Rotherham migrant hotel - Joel Goodman/LNP/London News Pictures Ltd Serious violence and rioting by far right protesters A protestor throws an object towards a Rotherham migrant hotel while flames burn in the background - Stringer/REUTERS 02:32 PM BST Pictured: Police injured during riot at Rotherham migrant hotel A police officer is carried away injured as trouble flares at a migrant hotel in South Yorkshire - Danny Lawson/PA 02:22 PM BST Watch: Riot at Rotherham migrant hotel 02:06 PM BST Pictured: People take cover as objects thrown during protest outside Rotherham migrant hotel A woman and a man take cover as objects are thrown during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire - Danny Lawson/PA 01:51 PM BST Police issue dispersal notice in Bolton Greater Manchester Police said a section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised covering Bolton until 10pm on Sunday. Under a Section 34 notice, officers have extra powers to deal with anyone causing anti-social behaviour in defined areas. The force said officers will be able to instruct anyone who is causing - or very likely to cause - harassment, alarm, or distress to leave an area immediately. Chief Inspector Natasha Evans said: These powers have been authorised in response to increased protest activity. We have been working with organisers of pre-planned protests to help facilitate peaceful and lawful protests, to prevent serious disruption and ensure everyone can go about their lives without fear or risk of harm. We will continue to have an increased police presence around these areas to deal with any incidents that may arise, and with these additional powers, officers are more equipped to intervene early to ensure people feel safe and are safe. 01:46 PM BST Pictured: Protester on mobility scooter outside Rotherham hotel People gather outside The Holiday Inn, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where migrants are housed - Lee McLean / SWNS/SWNS 01:03 PM BST Protesters mass at migrant hotel in Rotherham Protesters have gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, which has been used as an asylum hotel. Both anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters have been pictured outside the hotel in South Yorkshire (see our posts at 12.47pm and 12.07pm). The number of protesters is not as large as was seen during Saturdays protests, but there is a police presence at the scene. 12:48 PM BST Pictured: Saturdays protests Far-Right groups and counter protesters had a tense stand off in Belfast Protesters detained in Nottingham - AFP 12:47 PM BST Pictured: Demonstrators wearing St Georges cross flags stand outside Rotherham migrant hotel Anti-immigration protesters wearing St George's cross flags stand on Sunday outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, which has been used as an asylum hotel - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe 12:17 PM BST Starmer should cancel Nero-esque holiday, says Jenrick Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick has said that Sir Keir Starmer should cancel this Nero-esque holiday. It would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to holiday while parts of Britain are burning, Mr Jenrick added. The comments came after reports circulated that Sir Keir Starmer was set to take his first holiday as Prime Minister at the start of next week. However, sources close to No 10 have suggested to the PA news agency that Sir Keir will not be going on holiday with the prospect of further unrest looming. 12:07 PM BST Pictured: Counter-protesters outside a migrant hotel in Manvers, Rotherham Counter-protesters hold banners outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which has been used as an asylum hotel - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe Counter protesters hold banners outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, which has been used as an asylum hotel - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe 11:53 AM BST Wanton criminals behind attack on a Liverpool library Wanton criminals were behind the riots in Liverpool which saw a library set on fire, the citys council leader has said. Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, north Liverpool, was set ablaze on Saturday evening, and footage showed people laughing as flames consumed the building. Leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson, said: The violence we have seen on our streets is the manipulation of tragic events, an attack on our community by wanton criminals. We cant allow a minority of mindless thugs to win. They are not representative of our city and we will be working with partners to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Our priority is to assess the damage to Spellow Library and to bring it back into use as quickly as possible. I want to pay tribute to Merseyside Police, the emergency services and Liverpool City Council staff for their fast response in cleaning up, and also to those residents who came out to help - it has been heartening to see, and that is the real spirit of our city. 11:51 AM BST Pictured: Syrian shop damaged during rioting in Belfast Syrian shop owner Abdelkader Al Alloush counts the cost of damage to his shop in Sandy Row in south Belfast after last night's rioting in the area. - Pacemaker Syrian shop owner Abdelkader Al Alloush counts the cost of damage to his shop in Sandy Row in south Belfast after last nights rioting in the area Syrian shop owner Abdelkader Al Alloush counts the cost of damage to his shop in Sandy Row in south Belfast after last nights rioting in the area. 11:42 AM BST Police commissioner criticised for justifying riots Britains most senior police commissioner has been criticised for appearing to justify the riots. Donna Jones, who is police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and a Conservative Party politician, said the only way to stop the violent scenes was to acknowledge what is causing it and by understanding the views of the rioters. Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britains sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, in order to do this, stop illegal immigration, she said. She said arresting people was treating the symptom and not the cause and that the Prime Minister had questions to answer about how the new Labour government would tackle immigration and uphold British values. Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal called her comments totally unacceptable and said she was appearing to justify rioting and criminality that police officers are bravely having to deal with right now. Ms Jones is also chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in the UK. 11:35 AM BST Pictured: Damage to a library in Liverpool after rioting Spellow Hub library on County Road in Liverpool was set ablaze during far-Right rioting on Saturday (see our posts at 9.29am and 9.54am). Merseyside Police said that protesters attempted to stop firefighters at the scene putting out the blaze. Spellow Hub library in Liverpool was ransacked during rioting, with books and computers burned. - Joel Goodman/LNP/London News Pictures Ltd Spellow Hub on County Road was ransacked and books and computers burned 11:21 AM BST Street cleaning teams work throughout the night in Hull Street cleaning teams in Hull worked overnight to ensure the city would be open for business on Sunday, the city council said. Volunteers also arrived with brushes early on Sunday morning to assist the council crews. Councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council said: Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best. The cleaning teams have made fantastic progress overnight. The main streets are largely clear and the interchange has reopened. We have already seen the power in our community with volunteers turning up from 7am this morning with brushes to assist council teams. I thank all volunteers and council staff. With the clean-up largely completed and areas clear, the best way anyone can help today is to come together, enjoy our city and support local shops and business. 11:08 AM BST Police deny rumours of acid attack on Muslim woman shared by Labour MP Cleveland Police has denied rumours circulating online that a Muslim woman was attacked with acid in Middlesbrough during unrest on Saturday. The force said it had not received any formal complaint from a victim or anyone on their behalf. It also said it had not received notification from medical colleagues of any such incident. On Saturday, reports of the attack were shared on social media by Nick Lowles, chief executive of Left-wing group Hope not Hate, and Josh Fenton-Glynn, the Labour MP for Calder Valley. Reports are coming in of acid being thrown out of a car window at a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. Absolutely horrendous, Mr Lowles posted on X. In response to Mr Lowles post, Mr Fenton-Glynn wrote: Far right cowards attacking women. When people show you who they are, believe them. Both Mr Lowles and Mr Fenton-Glynn have since retracted their statements. 10:46 AM BST Rioters will receive a knock at their door, says policing minister Rioters who have taken part in the unrest on Britains streets will receive a knock at their door and there is room for them in jail, the policing minister has said. Dame Diana Johnson insisted there will be consequences for those responsible for looting after far-Right supporters clashed with police in cities across the country. People need to be aware [that] if they were looting, there will be a knock on their door, they will be brought before the police and the court and there will be consequences, Dame Diana told Times Radio. I want people punished for causing mayhem and disruption to our communities. We need to stamp on that small minority who have engaged in dreadful violent disorder on our streets. Despite plans to release prisoners being released less than halfway through their sentences to ease the jail crisis, Dame Diana said there were places available for offenders. The MP for Kingston upon Hull North added: I am absolutely appalled about what happened in my city yesterday. That people felt they could rampage through the city, could throw bricks and missiles at police officers. That is not the Britain I know and has to be dealt with quickly. 10:34 AM BST Pictured: Vape shop owner watches footage of business being looted The owner of King Vape Store on County Road in Liverpool reviews CCTV footage of looters swarming around his shop and ransacking his stock. Looters ransack a Vape shop in Liverpool - Joel Goodman/LNP/London News Pictures Ltd 10:23 AM BST Cafe and supermarket burnt out in Belfast A cafe and a supermarket in south Belfast were badly damaged following unrest in the city on Saturday. Cars were also set on fire as police attempted to deal with disorder in the Donegall Road area, which lasted through the night and into Sunday morning. The supermarkets manager, Bashir, said that the Islamic community was being targeted. People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community, he said. He added: All of that happened and the police did nothing, I am telling you the truth. What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down? 10:06 AM BST No need to bring in the army, says Home Office minister There is no need to bring in the army to deal with unrest in parts of the UK, a Home Office minister has said. Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, told BBC News: There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that. As I say, the police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment... they have the powers that they need. Asked about the spread of misinformation online, Dame Diana added: Obviously we need to do more because youre absolutely right there has been that spread of misinformation which has caused problems this week. 09:54 AM BST Rioters set fire to library of the future in Liverpool Far-Right rioters set fire to a library in one of the UKs most deprived areas, leaving parts of it completely destroyed. Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, north Liverpool, was set ablaze on Saturday evening, and footage showed people laughing as flames consumed the building. The library, which was reopened last year by the citys Lord Mayor, was hailed as the library of the future and helped provide routes into education and employment for the community. The area lies in the third most deprived ward in the UK. Speaking about the damage to the library, a spokesperson for Liverpool City Council told The Telegraph: Its such a shame because its such a community asset. Its really sad. Elements of it are completely destroyed. Even the bits that look ok, there will probably be some smoke damage. Council officials were visiting the library on Sunday morning to inspect the damage. Inside Spellow Hub library after it was torched by protesters - X The library before it was destroyed - X 09:46 AM BST An abhorrent, senseless act of violence against our police officers A police leader has condemned the recent rioting and violence against police officers. Tiffany Lynch, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, said on BBC Breakfast: It is an abhorrent, senseless act of violence against our police officers, towards our public buildings who are there to serve the community. [These acts are those of] a small minority and it doesnt represent the community of Great Britain. It is absolutely abhorrent. Ms Lynch also said that everyday crime fighting would suffer due to police officers being redirected to tackle the riots (see our post at 9.41am). 09:41 AM BST Crime fighting will suffer while officers tackle riots, police leader says Police forces across the UK will struggle to attend everyday crime incidents while officers are redirected to tackle rioting, a police leader told the BBC. Tiffany Lynch, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, said on BBC Breakfast: Were seeing officers that are being pulled from day-to-day policing to... go out there and essentially protect our communities. But while thats happening, the communities that are out there that are having incidents against them - victims of crime - unfortunately, their crimes are not being investigated. Were not going to be able to attend all of the incidents that are coming in on the 999s because were having to direct the priorities of whats happening on the streets. 09:29 AM BST Pictured: Rioters torch a library in Liverpool Rioters torched Liverpools new Spellow Hub Library in the Walton area of the city on Saturday. Merseyside Police said agitators prevented firefighters from putting out the blaze. Rioters torched the city's new Spellow Hub library, which opened last year - TikTok 09:24 AM BST Arrests made across Britain Police forces across the UK arrested more than 90 people in connection with anti-immigration rioting on Saturday. Merseyside Police said a total of 23 people were arrested, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two in connection with the unrest in Southport. In Hull, Humberside Police said they had arrested 20 people. In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. Staffordshire Police said 10 people were arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. An oil storage facility ablaze in Hodeida, Yemen, after Israeli airstrikes in retaliation for a Houthi drone attack that killed a civilian in Tel Aviv. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images If Irans newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was hoping for a honeymoon period after his inauguration last week, he must be sadly disappointed. Less than 12 hours after Pezeshkian was sworn in, an explosion, reportedly caused by a remotely controlled bomb, shook an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) compound in central Tehran. The target: Ismail Haniyeh, Hamass political leader, an honoured guest at the inauguration, and one of the Middle Easts most wanted. The bomb under the bed killed Haniyeh instantly. Honeymoon over. Pezeshkian was the surprise winner of last months presidential election. Edging out a conservative hardliner favoured by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, he promised to repair tattered ties with the US and Europe. Many hoped his victory would herald a more open, more progressive era and defuse social tensions, especially over the enforced wearing of the hijab, which triggered huge unrest under his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. The Haniyeh assassination, attributed to Israel and not denied in Jerusalem, has scrambled all those hopes. Pezeshkian finds himself in the eye of an international storm that analysts warn could lead to all-out war, engulfing the Middle East. Infuriated by an audacious attack that humiliated him, his country and its elite armed forces, Khamenei Irans ultimate authority is said to have ordered preparations for direct military retaliation against Israel. Avenging Haniyehs death was our duty, Khamenei said. Pezeshkian had no choice but to meekly go along. Now the world waits to see what Iran will do. So much for a fresh start. The Middle East has frequently tottered on the brink of catastrophe in the fraught months since Hamass 7 October attacks, launched on Israel from Gaza, that killed about 1,200 people. In April, after Israel assassinated top IRGC commanders at Irans consulate in Damascus, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones in its first head-on attack on Israel since the 1979 revolution. An ad hoc international coalition comprising the US, UK, French, Saudi and Jordanian airforces helped Israel intercept and destroy most of the projectiles, but it was a close-run thing. Irans next step may be decisive in determining whether the Middle East plunges into chaos Reports in US media suggest the Pentagon is now rushing to mount a similar multinational operation, but some countries may not agree to participate again. This apparent reluctance reflects deep anger at Israels government and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose unacknowledged killing of Haniyeh, coupled with last weeks assassination of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, is widely viewed as recklessly provocative and escalatory. The killings have again dashed hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza which seems to suit Netanyahus nefarious purposes. Irans next step may be decisive in determining whether the Middle East plunges into chaos. Its pivotal position should come as no surprise. Its gradual emergence as the regions pre-eminent power has accelerated in the wake of 7 October. Irans anti-Israeli, anti-American axis of resistance, embracing militant Islamist groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and ever more openly backed by China and Russia, is now a big force challenging the established western-led order. Two other linked developments are driving the Middle East towards the precipice. One is the unprecedented, self-destructive antics of Israels aggressively hard-right governing coalition, which includes fanatical ultra-religious Jews and nationalist extremists. Long before the war began, Israeli society was in tumult, split by Netanyahus high-handed attempts to curb the independence of the judiciary and other self-serving, anti-democratic actions. Maximalist policies pursued by far-right ministers to advance West Bank settlement expansion, de facto territorial annexation, and unchecked anti-Arab settler violence in the Occupied Territories have proceeded in parallel with the merciless conflict in Gaza. The killing of more than 39,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, has alienated traditional supporters in the west and outraged the Muslim world. In international courts, Israel stands accused of genocide and its leaders of war crimes. Yet this woeful descent into global pariah-dom seems only to goad Netanyahu and his allies to ever greater displays of defiance. That defiance was on show in Washington last month, where Netanyahu delivered an unrepentantly bellicose address to Congress. He also made a point of meeting the presidential hopeful Donald Trump, the like-minded rightwing Republican retread. His recalcitrant behaviour underscored the third development now undermining Middle East stability: the decline of US power and influence in a region it once dominated. Joe Biden entered the White House in 2021 hoping to resurrect a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme but otherwise determined to freeze the Palestinian question and bypass Middle East troublespots. China and Russia were his top overseas priorities. Yet the exact opposite happened. Khamenei and Raisi blocked meaningful nuclear dialogue. Then the Hamas atrocities forced Biden to engage personally on Israel-Palestine. In effect, he gave Netanyahu a free hand in Gaza a terrible mistake, still uncorrected. As a result, US regional standing, already damaged by the Iraq, Afghan, Syria, Somalia and Libya debacles, has plummeted further. Now, traumatised and inflamed by Gaza, transfixed and entrapped by the Iran-Israel confrontation and lacking effective American leadership, the Middle East and its many heavily armed protagonists are moving inexorably closer to the full-scale war they all claim not to want. Hezbollah in Lebanon Hezbollah in Lebanon, a militant Shia political and military organisation sponsored by Iran, is reputedly the most powerful non-state actor in the world. Israel estimates it has about 45,000 trained fighters and up to 150,000 missiles, plus numerous unmanned aerial vehicles. Experts say Hezbollah could fire between 2,500 and 4,000 missiles a day anywhere in Israel for three weeks and potentially overwhelm Israels Iron Dome air defence system. Iran has hitherto been reluctant to commit Hezbollah to a full-scale offensive, regarding it primarily as forward defence against Israel. Although there have been regular cross-border exchanges of fire since 7 October, Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah chief who answers to Khamenei, has not offered Hamas full, active support. That calculation could change after Israels confirmed assassination last week in Beirut of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollahs top military commander. Iraq Iraq has taken an uncompromising stance on the Gaza conflict from the start, condemning Israels invasion and refusing to criticise Hamas. This reflects the countrys historical support for the Palestinian cause, rather than the political influence of Iran, which is nevertheless considerable. Iraq is home to Iran-allied Islamist militias that have repeatedly targeted US forces there and in Syria. After at least 165 post-7 October militia attacks, Biden ordered airstrikes in February to avenge three US soldiers killed in Jordan. Fears that a region-wide war could draw in these Iraqi militants, plus similar groups in Syria, have been heightened by three attacks on US forces in recent days, marking a renewed intensification of hostilities. In response, the US launched airstrikes south of Baghdad last Tuesday. About 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq and around 900 in Syria, assigned to counterterrorism. The government in Baghdad wants them to leave. Today, they look like sitting ducks. Houthis in Yemen The Houthis in Yemen are a fundamentalist Shia militia allied to and armed by Iran that fervently opposes the existence of the state of Israel and whose motto includes the phrase Curses to the Jews. Following Israels invasion of Gaza, the Houthis began firing missiles at Red Sea commercial shipping with links to Israel and close allies such as the US and Britain. That, in turn prompted a western military response, including the bombing of Houthi launch sites. The Houthi threat dramatically escalated last month when it succeeded in hitting an apartment building in Tel Aviv with an armed drone, killing one man and wounding others. Israel launched punitive retaliatory airstrikes on the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Houthi forces have also clashed with the US ally Saudi Arabia in the course of Yemens long-running civil war, and recently targeted UN workers. They would definitely be up for a showdown with Israel. The US and Europe The US and Europe could quickly be drawn into a full-scale Middle East war. The US maintains large air and naval bases in the Gulf, and is now expected to make new defensive deployments in the region. American officials reportedly anticipate a bigger Iranian attack than in April, including the activation of proxy forces in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. But Americas leverage is diminished. Netanyahu did not give Washington warning of the Haniyeh operation. Biden complained, correctly but feebly, that it was unhelpful to Gaza ceasefire talks. Biden has not abandoned his plan for a grand bargain linking a Gaza ceasefire and Israeli discussions with the Palestinian Authority on a two-state solution to additional US regional security guarantees. Such a deal would aim to finally defuse the ticking time-bomb that is Palestine and defang Iran. Right now, it looks like an impossible dream. Qatar and Egypt Qatar and Egypt have played central roles in efforts to mediate a halt to the Gaza slaughter. Both expressed dismay and foreboding over last weeks developments. Referring to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, wrote on X: Political assassinations and continued targeting of civilians in Gaza while talks continue leads us to ask, how can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side? Warning that peace needs serious partners, he sounded close to giving up. Egypt bluntly accused the Israeli government of sabotaging peace. The coincidence of this regional escalation with the lack of progress in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza increases the complexity of the situation and indicates the absence of Israeli political will to calm it down, a Cairo foreign ministry statement said. Like neighbouring Jordan, Egypt has particular concerns about possible spillover from Gaza and consequent radicalisation and domestic unrest. Turkey Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stunned Israel last week with an explicit threat to invade the country in support of the Palestinians. Just like we entered Karabakh [in Azerbaijan], just like we entered Libya, we will do [something] similar exactly to them [Israel], Erdogan said, referring to past Turkish military interventions. Furious, Israels foreign minister, Israel Katz, compared Erdogan to Saddam Hussein. Turkey replied that genocidal Netanyahu was a second Adolf Hitler who would meet the same fate as the Nazi Fuhrer. These less than mature diplomatic exchanges aside, war between Turkey, a Nato member, and Israel appears unlikely at this point. But the row added to a sense of regional unravelling. Maverick Erdogan is an outspoken supporter of Hamas and styles himself a leader of the Muslim world. He is also currently mending fences with Syrias Iran-aligned president, Bashar al-Assad. Syria has mostly kept out of the Gaza crisis so far. Israel must hope it stays that way. Hayley Mills was a Disney sensation as a child in the Sixties but film roles dried up in her teens - Scarlet Page/CAMERA PRESS Hayley Mills, the former child star, said that she did not think she would make another film, but now she has returned to Hollywood at the age of 78. The actress, who rose to fame after appearing in a string of Disney movies in the 60s, said she did not believe she would ever get the chance to star in another film again. After her hugely successful career as a child, memorably playing a set of twins in 1961s The Parent Trap, she disappeared from the silver screen until renowned director M. Night Shyamalan sought her out for his new production, called Trap. She said: [It was] completely unexpected, I wasnt sure if Id ever make another movie I wasnt shedding any tears. People often look at you and think, This is a Disney actress, isnt it? Its a part I would have never expected to be considered for. It was lovely to be on a movie set again. Theres more space, you can take deeper breaths And certainly, on a movie of Nights, you dont rush. Hayley Mills plays a detective forced to come out of retirement in Trap - Warner Bros. Pictures via AP Mills, the daughter of actor Sir John Mills, became a worldwide star at the age of 12 after her performance in Whistle Down the Wind. Following the films success, Disney signed her up for a number of other hit movies including The Parent Trap and Tiger Bay. But after her success as a child, which included hit albums on both sides of the Atlantic, she found it difficult to get roles in Hollywood as a mature actress, despite a successful theatre career. She undertook a number of jobs in television which included 1980s series The Love Boat, and Good Morning, Miss Bliss, and more recently Wild At Heart and a brief blink and you miss it appearance in the long-running BBC series Death in Paradise this year and a similar brief cameo role in ITVs Unforgotten. When Shyamalan the man behind The Sixth Sense, Signs and The Last Airbender approached her and asked her to star in Trap she said she could not refuse. Hayley Mills gets up to mischief playing a set of twins in The Parent Trap - Entertainment Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo She plays FBI profiler Dr Josephine Grant who is coaxed out of retirement to hunt down a psychopathic serial killer played by Josh Hartnett. After a meeting with Douglas Aibel, Traps casting director, she travelled to Toronto to meet Shyamalan, Traps writer and director. She said: Hes the complete movie maker, from the beginning, middle and end. He understands the characters so very well. He knows their thought process. If youre not thinking what he thinks your character should be thinking, he spots it instantly. Its a movie thats written, directed and funded by one man. Its his movie. The sound, the music, is wonderful. And for somebody who shoulders so much, hes so relaxed and funny and lovely and warm and encouraging and appreciative on the set. Hayley Mills alongside Peter McEnery, in Disney's 1964 mystery The Moon-Spinners - Allstar/Cinetext/DISNEY Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter she said: Dr Grant is brought in out of retirement to track down a serial killer. Shes been lecturing and writing books and things about killers and I think her age is a relevant factor in the movie for the protagonist. Mills move away from being a child star saw her suffer from bulimia along with feelings of failure, self loathing and depression. She once said: There was also the fear that I was growing up something I felt no one wanted me to do and that, if I stayed small and thin and looked like a child, maybe people would be more prepared to accept me. They didnt want the new Hayley: they wanted the charming and appealing child, not the chubby, introverted adolescent. Kamala Harris arrives for a campaign event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 23 July. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Of all the lessons Kamala Harriss campaign will have learned from Hillary Clintons botched run for president eight years ago, among the most important is that its better to talk about jobs than guns in the three rust belt states that hold the key to the White House. The peculiarities of the USs electoral college will almost certainly see Novembers presidential election decided by voters in just seven states. Four Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia lie in the southern sun belt. But it is the three to the north the rust belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin that Democratic strategists are focused on. They are, in many ways, the real battleground within the battleground. Related: Who is Tim Walz, the governor who could be Harriss vice-presidential pick? Shortly before Joe Biden dropped out the presidential race two weeks ago, his campaign team wrote a memo laying out victory in the rust belt swing states as the clearest pathway to defeating Donald Trump. If Harris, the presumed Democratic presidential candidate, can win the blue wall alongside the states that can be relied on to support her then that should deliver the 270 electoral college votes required to take the White House whatever the outcome in the sun belt. But while some of the early signs are good for Harris, the rust belt can be tricky electoral ground, as Clinton found. Dan Kannien, the director of Harris campaign in the battleground states, claimed on Monday that they are not focusing on one region over another. We already have 600 staff on the ground in the blue wall and were adding another 150 to that region in the first two weeks of August, he said. The vice-president is strong in both the blue wall and in the sun belt and we are running hard in both. But its clear that both campaigns see the rust belt as decisive. Trumps choice of JD Vance, the Ohio senator and author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir about the struggles of the white working class, as his running mate was a move to win over a key constituency, although Vances failure to connect with audiences at recent rallies may be causing the former president some regret. Harris is expected to reveal her vice-presidential running mate before a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The location has fuelled speculation that it will be that states governor, Josh Shapiro, although Harriss aides have cautioned against reading too much into the connection. Two other state governors, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, are also reported to be serious contenders for the post. Either would probably play well in key rust belt constituencies. But the appeal of Shapiro lies in his strong approval ratings even among some Republicans and his defeat of a Trumpist rightwinger, Doug Mastriano, by a wide margin in the governors race two years ago. Harris has also made Michigans governor, Gretchen Whitmer, a campaign co-chair after she ruled herself out of the vice-presidential contest. Whitmer will be a valuable asset in keeping the campaign focused on the issues that matter to midwestern voters after she defeated a Trump-backed candidate by 11 points in 2022 while Democrats took control of the Michigan state legislature for the first time in 45 years. All of this is a tacit acknowledgment of how badly wrong Clintons campaign got it in 2016. She was the first Democratic presidential candidate since the late 1980s to lose the three blue wall seats. Her defeat can in part be attributed to a mix of hostility to elitism in general and the Clintons in particular, a perception compounded by controversies surrounding her speeches to Wall Street firms and other wealthy groups. Her campaign focused on urban voters and too often neglected rural and working-class whites who felt left behind by globalisation and free trade policies that saw jobs exported. Union officials complained that Clintons team failed to listen to advice to talk more about protecting jobs from unfair competition by China and less about gun control. Trump, on the other hand, tapped into rust belt grievances by promising to renegotiate trade deals, bring back manufacturing jobs and drain the swamp of Washington politics. On election day, voter turnout among key demographics in the rust belt, including Black voters, was lower than expected for Clinton in contrast to real enthusiasm for Trump. Four years later, Trumps vote went up substantially in all three states but he lost them because voters who stayed away when Clinton was on the ticket came out for Biden. But as Bidens disastrous debate performance in June shifted the focus on to his health and fitness for office, there was a real risk that enough voters would stay away again to deliver Trump back into the White House. Harris has been the presumptive nominee for less than two weeks but has already gained ground against Trump in all but one of the seven swing states. One poll shows her doing better than Biden in the rust belt and as neck and neck with Trump in the three key states. Another poll puts Harris 11 points ahead in Michigan and two in Wisconsin although she trails Trump by four points in Pennsylvania. Harris is also doing as well as Biden, if not better, among older voters and white men without a college degree, two key demographics in the rust belt states who could decide the election. It remains to be seen how enduring the shift is once the Republicans start blasting out negative advertising accusing Harris of responsibility for the crisis on the Mexican border after Biden appointed her to look into the root causes of the flood of migrants from Central America, a key issue for many voters even in Wisconsin, 1,500 miles from the frontier. But for now, Harris has injected new life into the campaign where it matters. The shift from a shuffling, hesitant Biden to a vigorous Harris has re-energised Democratic campaign workers who were increasingly demoralised about the prospects of defeating Trump. The first Black, female vice-president looks more likely than Biden to draw Black voters to the polls, a key to winning Michigan in particular but also of significance in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. She is also expected to prove a more effective advocate for abortion rights than Biden, a major political issue after the supreme court struck down Roe v Wade. Reproductive rights is the most important political issue for 15% of voters in Wisconsin, where the issue decided an election to the state supreme court last year in favour of a judge committed to upholding abortion rights. Those voters alone could decide who wins a state that Biden took by fewer than 21,000 votes, just 0.6% of the ballot, in 2020. The Harris campaign is already blitzing the blue wall states with messaging emphasising Trump and Vances support for a national abortion ban. Harris could also prove an additional advantage in Michigan, where Bidens support for Israels war in Gaza did him damage with the states significant number of Arab and Muslim voters. More than 100,000 people voted uncommitted in the states Democratic primary in February in a protest against the man widely derided as Genocide Joe. Biden won Michigan in 2020 by only 154,000 votes. Harriss record on the Gaza war is less contentious. She has spoken in support of Israel but has been more open than Biden in her criticism of its military strategy in Gaza and condemned the deaths of too many innocent Palestinians. Harris also snubbed Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress last month, although she did hold a meeting with him and Biden. Afterwards Harris said she told the Israeli prime minister of her serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent, she said. Trump responded by accusing Harris of running away from Israel, but her statements will do her no harm among younger voters who have become alienated from the Democratic party over Bidens position on the war. An Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a hospital complex in central Gaza early on Sunday - Reuters Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told a cabinet meeting on Sunday. Tensions in the Middle East have soared following the assassinations last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamass top political leader in Tehran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel for the attacks and threatened retaliation. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario as its allies attempt to contain the conflict. Jordans foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts while the Pentagon has moved significant assets to the region. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC on Sunday. 05:52 PM BST Thats all for now Thanks for following our live coverage on the crisis in the Middle East. This blog is now closed. 05:51 PM BST IDF uncovers Gaza tunnel large enough for vehicles Israels military has uncovered an unusually large Hamas tunnel close to the Gaza-Egypt border that is big enough for a truck to drive through. The IDF said the three-metre-high tunnel along the so-called Philadelphi Corridor was being investigated and would later be destroyed along with other large-scale routes that were found. Footage showed the huge concrete-fortified underpass less than 100 metres from the border fence, with a combat vehicle easily passing through its high walls. Since the beginning of Israels ground offensive, its forces have been working to locate and blow up Hamass vast tunnel network that spreads for miles beneath the Gaza Strip, where scores of terrorists are still believed to be hiding. The IDF has uncovered a large tunnel on the Gaza-Egypt border area, big enough to drive a truck through - Telegram/IDF 05:27 PM BST Houthis resume attacks by striking container ship with ballistic missile Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi movement said on Sunday that it targeted a Liberia-flagged container vessel in the Gulf of Aden, claiming its first attack on shipping lanes in two weeks. The Houthis offered no explanation for the two-week pause in their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which have seen similar slowdowns since the assaults began in November over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement that the MV Groton container ship was attacked by ballistic missiles. The rebels separately claimed to have shot down another U.S. military spy drone, without offering evidence. Saturdays attack hit the vessel just above its waterline, causing minor damage, after an earlier missile attack missed the vessel, maritime authorities said. No water entry or oil leaks were observed. 05:02 PM BST Netanyahu: Israel is already in a multi-front war Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, told a cabinet meeting Sunday. Tensions have soared following the killing last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario, while US and allies prepare to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told ABC. 04:32 PM BST Israeli strike on two schools in Gaza kills at least 30 Gazas civil defence agency said an Israeli strike hit two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, while the military reported it had struck Hamas command centres. These bring to at least 11 the number of schools in Gaza to be struck since July 6, killing around 150 people, based on a tally of tolls previously given by officials in the Hamas-run territory. The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nasr schools bombing has risen to 30. Dozens were also wounded, civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Mr Bassal said most of the dead and wounded were women and children and that the schools were housing Palestinians displaced from their homes in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants. The schools were used by Hamas Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centres, Israels military said in a statement. Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people on August 4 - Reuters Palestinians injured in the strike are brought to Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City - Anadolu 03:59 PM BST Israel to start maritime shuttles to return stranded Israelis Israels transport ministry is set to begin maritime shuttles from Cyprus to help Israelis stranded abroad to return home following a series of flight cancellations due to an anticipated Iranian attack, Channel 12 news reports. Israelis who are abroad and are interested in the service are asked to contact the Israeli embassy in the country they are staying, or call the Foreign Ministry hotline. There they will receive the necessary information for registration, departure times, and the port of departure, the transportation ministry said in a statement. 03:53 PM BST Top US official will visit Israel to complete defence plan - report A top US defence official is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday to help complete preparations for a possible Iranian attack, according to an Israeli official. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), is set to recruit regional allies to help defend Israel from a military response expected to be larger than Irans April 13 attack, the unnamed official told Israels Walla news site. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), attending a meeting with Gen. Herzi Halevi, israel's army chief, in June - AFP 03:23 PM BST Lebanon marks four years since Beirut blast Four years ago, hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a Beirut Port warehouse. The gigantic blast tore through the Lebanese capital, killing at least 218 people, wounding more than 6,000 others and devastated large swaths of Beirut, causing billions of dollars in damages. The port blast anniversary comes as the region braces for retaliation after an Israeli strike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and an explosion in Tehran, widely blamed on Israel, killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. For many, the fears of a new escalation come as wounds of the port explosion four years ago remain raw. Years of obstructions by top officials to dodge accountability and stall the probe have hampered hopes for justice. Four years later, there is not a single detainee, said Helen Ata, a Beirut resident, said. There is a crime, and there are accused, but there are no criminals. Ms Ata, who lost her twin brother in the explosion, added: We will never feel safe again, she said. The rubble and ruin in the aftermath of an explosion at the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon on August 4, 2020 - AP 02:57 PM BST Gallant: If our enemy dares to attack, it will pay a heavy price As Israel braces for a retaliatory military response from Iran, Yoav Gallant, the countrys defence minister, said Israel is prepared and that any enemy who dares attack will pay a heavy price. We are prepared very strongly in defense, on land, and in the air, and we are ready to move quickly to attack or to respond, he said during a visit to the IDFs Ground Technological Division. We will exact a price from the enemy, as we have been doing in recent days. If it dares to attack us, it will pay a heavy price. Yoav Gallant, Israel's defence minister, has warned that if an enemy attacks, it will 'pay a heavy price' - Reuters 02:46 PM BST 25 killed in Israeli strike on Gaza schools - Palestinian media At least 25 Palestinians were killed and several others injured on Sunday in an Israeli strike targeting two schools that were sheltering displaced people near Gaza City on Sunday, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it was targeting militants who were operating there. The IDF and ISA struck terrorists operating inside Hamas command and control centers that were embedded within the Hassan Salame and Nasser schools in Gaza City, the IDF said in a statement. 02:40 PM BST Watch: Israeli airstrikes hit school and hospital tent camp in Gaza An Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a hospital complex early on Sunday, killing at least five and injuring 18, Gazas authorities said. Footage showed men rushing to the scene inside the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the main medical facility in central Gaza, to help the wounded and retrieve bodies as a blaze tore through tents. On Saturday, an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, the Hamas-run ministry said. Read the full story here. 02:28 PM BST Houthi rebels say they downed US drone and hit ship Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi rebels downed a MQ-9 US drone over the countrys northern Saada province, two sources from the group told Reuters on Sunday. The Houthis also claimed to have targeted the Liberian-flagged MV Groton merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden which was hit by a missile on Saturday. All the crew were reported as safe by the UKs maritime agency (UKMTO). The attacks are the first to be claimed by the Houthis since Israel carried out a retaliatory airstrike against the militants in the port of Hodeidah on July 20 after one of their drones hit Tel Aviv. Houthi supporters hold pictures of late Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr during a protest against their deaths in Sanna, Yemen - Shutterstock 02:09 PM BST US moves in Middle East are defensive - White House The US is telling its citizens to leave Lebanon, while deploying more military might in the Middle East as preventative and defensive measures, Jonathan Finer, White House National Security Council deputy adviser, said on Sunday. Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel, Mr Finer said in an interview with CBS. 01:31 PM BST Pictured: IDF uncovers huge terror tunnel close to border The IDF has uncovered an unusually large tunnel in the Gaza-Egypt border area known as the Philadelphi Corridor - Telegram/IDF The tunnel was big enough for combat vehicles to pass through - Telegram/IDF The IDF said the tunnel was under investigation and would later be destroyed - Telegram/IDF 01:24 PM BST Cairo ceasefire talks fail to deliver progress A high-level Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday for an attempt to resume Gaza ceasefire negotiations, but returned home later in the day, Egyptian airport authority and Israeli media said. On Sunday, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Hamas had yet to agree to the terms of a proposed outline for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. He said disagreement remained over Israels insistence on being able to return to fighting if needed, on Israel retaining control of the Rafah crossing and Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, and on the need for a mechanism to check for and prevent weapons and militants from returning to northern Gaza. Hamas has blamed Netanyahu for the lack of progress, saying he is not interested in agreement. Things about the agreement have gone beyond the details, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said. Netanyahu is dragging the region into an unprecedented clash. 12:59 PM BST Watch: Police attend the scene of the stabbing spree near Tel Aviv 12:50 PM BST Biden voices hope Iran will stand down but is uncertain President Joe Biden has expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamass leader in Tehran as fears mount of a wider war breaking out across the Middle East. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Mr Biden said on Saturday: I hope so. I dont know. Seeking to bolster defenses in the Middle East in response to threats from Israels foes, the Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region. 12:34 PM BST France tells its citizens to get out of Iran and Lebanon France has urged all its citizens in Iran and Lebanon to leave the countries due to risk of military escalation in the Middle East. The French foreign ministry told its nationals living in Iran to temporarily leave due to the risk of Iranian airspace and airports being closed, while also calling on its citizens in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible. The new warnings came two days after all French visiting the Islamic Republic were told to leave. Air France said on Saturday it and its affiliate Transavia were further extending their suspensions of flights between Paris and Beirut until at least August 6. 12:07 PM BST UK repeats call for citizens in Lebanon to leave now The UK foreign office has repeated its call for British citizens in Lebanon to leave, following its travel alert on Saturday. British nationals in Lebanon should leave now. Tell your family and friends in Lebanon to register for the latest information, it wrote in a statement on X. On Saturday, the FCDO issued told all UK citizens to leave the country, adding: Border Force, consular officials and military personnel are being deployed to the Middle East to support British embassy staff. British nationals in Lebanon should leave now. Tell your family and friends in Lebanon to register for the latest information. Click the link to send a WhatsApp: https://t.co/eHj1cvSBXs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) August 4, 2024 11:51 AM BST Two dead, two wounded in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv A Palestinian attacker killed two civilians and wounded two others in a stabbing spree in central Israel on Sunday before being shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said. The stabbings took place during morning rush hour in the city of Holon, just outside Tel Aviv, in three different locations, including a petrol station, bus stop and park. The attacker, identified by Israeli media as Amar Odeh, 34, from the West Bank city of Salfit, was quickly neutralized by one of our officers at the scene and prevented him from carrying out an even worse attack, police spokesperson Eli Levi said on Israels Channel 12. A man aged around 80 and a 66-year-old woman were killed, a 68-year-old was in serious condition and a 26-year-old was moderately wounded, medical officials said. This was a complex and difficult terrorist attack, with the victims located in three different places, around 500 metres (yards) from each other, The Magen David Adom emergency service. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's national security minister, is flanked by bodyguards and police officers as he arrives at the scene in Holon - AFP An Israeli emergency responder stands guard at the scene of a stabbing attack in Holon, Israel - Reuters 11:15 AM BST Iran claims Haniyeh killed by short-range projectile Irans Revolutionary Guard said a short-range projectile was behind the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and accused the US of supporting the attack which it blamed on Israel, state TV reported Saturday, state TV reported. The televised statement said a 7kg rocket warhead was used to target the residence of Hamas political leader in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, adding it caused heavy devastation. It didnt share details of the residences location. Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the killing of Haniyeh. An investigation by the New York Times detailed how Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device planted in the Tehran guesthouse he was staying and then detonated remotely. The report was later confirmed by Iranian officials to The Telegraph. An image of the Tehran guesthouse where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed last week 10:46 AM BST How Hamas fights When Israel bombs Gaza its military often publishes drone footage showing huge explosions levelling entire buildings it claims are used by Hamas to hide deep among the civilian population. And in the aftermath of bloody street-by-street battles, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) routinely turns on the cameras to display what it says is evidence of weapons storage, tunnels and hidden bases. But Hamas also records the war from a different perspective. The terror group has published dozens of videos on the Telegram social network that show exactly how and, crucially, where it fights. The Telegraph reviewed some 80 videos and spoke to experts to find evidence of a hardened but weakening guerilla group. Read the full special report here. 10:38 AM BST Watch: Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at Israel 10:28 AM BST Stop bulls----ing me: Biden tells Netanyahu in hostage deal talk - report A tense exchange between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden reportedly took place this week as the two leaders clashed over the ongoing, but stalling hostage and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. We are making progress with the negotiations; send a delegation, the Israeli prime minister told his US counterpart, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12. President Biden then is said to have bluntly replied: Stop bulls----ing me. President Joe Biden meets with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, in the Oval Office on July 25 - Getty Images North America 10:17 AM BST GPS jamming reported in Tel Aviv Residents of Tel Aviv have reported widespread disruptions of GPS systems in various navigation apps on Sunday morning as the country braces for a possible retaliation from Iran. Google Maps, Wise and Mobit are all said to be affected, with some users locations showing them in Iran or Lebanon, Israeli outlet Globes reported. GPS disruptions have become frequent in Israel since October 7 as Israels military jams the signals to disrupt any possible incoming GPS-guided drones or missiles reaching their targets. Regional tensions have spiked following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, on Wednesday, which came a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander from the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the Haniyeh killing and pledged to retaliate. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it. 10:08 AM BST Israels president tells world not to turn blind eye at stabbing attack Isaac Herzog, Israels president, told the country he grieves with them over the stabbing attack near Tel Aviv, that left two dead, as warned told the world not to turn a blind eye at Israels suffering. In a statement on X, he wrote: On this difficult morning, which brought such tragic news, I grieve, along with the entire nation, for the innocent victims of the terrible attack in Holon. I send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families whose world has been shattered this morning, and I pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. The world cannot turn a blind eye as our enemies attack us repeatedly with hate-filled terrorism, targeting innocent Israeli civilians whose only crime was wishing to live as a free people in their own land. On this difficult morning, which brought such tragic news, I grieve, along with the entire nation, for the innocent victims of the terrible attack in Holon. I send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families whose world has been shattered this morning, and I pray for the swift Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) August 4, 2024 10:00 AM BST Jordans foreign minister to hold talks in Iran Jordans foreign minister Ayman Safadi will travel to Iran on Sunday in a rare visit to discuss regional developments following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Mr Safadis visit to Iran follows continued diplomatic contacts by the US and its partners including Britain, France, Italy, and Egypt on Saturday to prevent further regional escalation. Iran and Jordan are seeking to improve their relations following accusations of pro-Iranian militias in Syria of smuggling narcotics into the country and Jordan taking part in the interception of Irans first ever direct attack on Israel last April. 09:45 AM BST Detention of IDF troops accused of sexually abusing Palestinian prisoner extended The detentions of five reserve Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers suspected of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee have been extended following a hearing at a military court. They will now remain held until Wednesday, to carry out further investigative actions, the IDF says. Ten soldiers in total were detained in the case, three suspects will be held for a few more hours to complete necessary investigative actions and two more are no longer being held, following new evidence in the case. Their arrests last week sparked riots outside of two detention camps in Israel, with Right-wing protesters briefly overrunning both Sde Teiman and Beit Lid facilities as they called for the suspects to be released. Israelis and relatives of the soldiers stage a protest against the arrest of the reservist accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman detention facility on July 30 - Anadolu 09:37 AM BST Israeli drone kills prominent Hezbollah operative An Israeli drone strike in the southern Lebanon town of Bazourieh, killed a prominent operative in Hezbollah on Saturday. Hezbollah confirmed on Sunday that Ali Abd Ali was killed in the strike, which Lebanese media reported wounded two other people. The Israeli military described the slain operative as a central terrorist in Hezbollahs Southern Front, the equivalent of a regional command, which is responsible for activities in all of southern Lebanon. 09:17 AM BST Pictured: Aftermath of stabbing spree in central Israel Israeli emergency responders work at the scene of a stabbing attack in Holon, a city close to Tel Aviv - Reuters Two senior citizens were killed in the stabbing spree, a man in his 70s, and a 66-year-old woman - AP Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's national security minister, is flanked by bodyguards and police officers as he arrives at the scene - AFP 09:12 AM BST Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at Israel, IDF intercepts most Hezbollah says it has launched dozens of rockets from Lebanon, as fears grow that a full-scale war with Israel could soon break out following the assassination of Hamass political leader in Tehran. The Iran-backed group said it was acting in response to Israels attacks on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon which, it said, had injured civilians there. It comes amid reports that 50 rockets have been fired from southern Lebanon towards upper Galilee alone, according to Israeli media. Video footage revealed Israels Iron Dome defence system being activated and the Israel Defense Forces later confirmed most of approximately 30 projectiles fired on Saturday night had been intercepted. No one was injured, the IDF said. The crisis in the Middle East has intensified following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamass top leader, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. The escalating tensions have prompted Britain, the US and Australia to tell their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. Travellers are also being advised to avoid Israel. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 4 - AFP 07:32 AM BST Stabbings terrorist came from West Bank: security source A terrorist who carried out the stabbings in the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon has been identified as Amar Odeh, 34, from the West Bank city of Salfit, Israeli media reported. He did not have a permit to enter Israel, according to a security source, but had no prior security-related offences. 07:11 AM BST Full assault on Israel expected as early as Monday: report Officials in Washington and Jerusalem expect Iran and its proxies could attack Israel in force as early as Monday, according to the US Axios news site, but they did not speculate on whether Iran and Hezbollah would co-ordinate their actions or operate separately. The US general in charge of American forces in the Middle East, Michael Kurilla, had arrived in the region on a planned trip and was expected to try to mobilise the same international and regional coalition that defended Israel against an attack from Iran on April 13, a US official said, according to the site. 06:58 AM BST Nothing new after more Gaza talks in Cairo An Israeli delegation in Cairo for talks on a Gaza ceasefire and other issues led by Mossad chief David Barnea had left the city, an Egyptian official said on Saturday. The delegation, which also included Ronan Bar, chief of Israels internal security agency Shin Bet, was to meet Abbas Kamel, head of Egypts General Intelligence Service, for talks on the Philadelphi corridor along the border with Egypt and the Rafah crossing point, the official said. The delegation arrived on Saturday but left Cairo hours later and there was nothing new, said the Egyptian official, who has direct knowledge of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorised to brief reporters. There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials. Benjamin Netanyahus office late Friday said he ordered the negotiation delegation to leave for Cairo on Saturday or Sunday. 06:52 AM BST Israel says nine militants were killed in the West Bank Two Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed nine Palestinian militants on Saturday, Israels army said today, as violence flared again in the Israeli-occupied territory.. The Israeli army said its forces first struck a vehicle in a rural area outside the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank,early in Saturday, killing the five occupants. The army said they were on their way to carry out an attack. Hamas identified all five as militants with the group, including a local commander. According to an Associated Press journalist and witnesses, the blast took place along a road connecting the Palestinian villages of Zeita and Qaffin. Later on Saturday, Israels military said it killed four other Palestinian militants in the Tulkarem area shortly after they opened fire on Israeli troops. No further information was immediately available. Over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in Gaza in October, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. 06:47 AM BST Elderly woman killed in Tel Aviv stabbings Israeli police and medics say a woman in her 70s was killed and three other people were wounded in the stabbing attack in a suburb of Tel Aviv. The police said the attacker was a resident of the West Bank, suggesting that early Sundays attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant. They said the attacker was neutralised and that a search was under way for other suspects in Holon, where the stabbings occurred. The police initially said four people were wounded. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service later confirmed that the woman had died. It said a 70-year-old man was in critical condition, a 68-year-old man was in severe condition and a 26-year-old man was in moderate condition. 06:44 AM BST Several airlines cancel more Lebanon flights Amid urgent advice to foreigners by their governments to leave Lebanon, several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain halted until at least Tuesday, their parent company said Saturday. Turkish Airlines on Saturday cancelled its night-time flights to Tehran for the second night running, AFP correspondents reported. 06:27 AM BST Suspected terror incident unfolding Four people have been wounded in a stabbing attack in two different locations in the central Israeli city of Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv. One person was fatally wounded, according to the Haaretz news site which cited information from Magen David Adom emergency services chief Eli Bin. A police officer reportedly shot dead the attacker. 06:06 AM BST France encourages citizens to leave Lebanon France has become the latest country to advise its citizens to leave Lebanon. In a highly volatile security context, we once again call the attention of French nationals, particularly those passing through, to the fact that direct commercial flights and ones with stopovers to France are still available, and we invite them to make their arrangements now to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, the foreign ministry said in its travel advice notice for Lebanon. 05:56 AM BST Video: IDF strikes Hezbollah rocket launcher , -30 . . , . >> pic.twitter.com/WO2cpNjRkW (@idfonline) August 4, 2024 05:55 AM BST No one injured in Hezbollah attacks: IDF About 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon overnight and most were intercepted, the Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram. Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel overnight, approximately 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array, the IDF wrote. One projectile was identified falling in the area of Beit Hillel, and several fell in open areas. No injuries were reported. Shortly after, the IAF struck the Hezbollah launcher from which the projectiles were launched and additional terrorist infrastructure in the area of Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. IDF artillery fired to remove threats in the area of Odaisseh, the statement added. 05:18 AM BST Hospital hit An Israeli strike has killed four people, including a woman, and injured dozens of others in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, Gaza health officials said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene on Sunday morning to help the injured and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. The hospital in Deir al Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. 03:05 AM BST Canberra: Take whatever option to leave Lebanon Penny Wong has advised Australians in Lebanon to leave immediately while commercial airlines are still flying out of Beirut. Please take whatever option is available, said Ms Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, in a social media update. She added: This may not be the direct route. 02:52 AM BST Canadians told to avoid Israel Canada has told its citizens do not travel to Israel. The security situation can deteriorate further without warning, the Canadian government said in its updated travel advice notice. If the armed conflict intensifies, it could impact your ability to depart by commercial means. It may result in travel disruptions, including airspace closures and flight cancellations and diversions. You should not rely on the Government of Canada for an assisted departure or evacuation. In the event of an evacuation, Government of Canada assisted departures would only be available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as their accompanying spouse and dependent children. 02:41 AM BST Death toll from Israeli strike on school An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza City killed at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday, latest reports indicate. Numerous schools turned into humanitarian shelters have been hit across Gaza in recent weeks, with Israel insisting the sites had actually been used by Hamas terrorists. Hamas has denied using civilian infrastructure for its activities. Earlier on Saturday, two strikes in the occupied West Bank killed nine Hamas members including a local commander of the group. The Israeli military said the first of two West Bank airstrikes hit a vehicle in a town near the city of Tulkarm, targeting a militant cell it said was on its way to carry out an attack. A Hamas statement said one of those killed was a commander of its Tulkarm brigades, while its ally Islamic Jihad claimed the other four men who died in the strike as its fighters. Hours later, a second airstrike in the area targeted another group of terrorists who had fired on troops, Israels military said, during what it described as a counterterrorism operation in Tulkarm. Palestinian news agency WAFA said four people had died in that strike, and Hamas said all nine of those killed in the two Israeli attacks in the West Bank were fighters. 02:36 AM BST Biden hopes Iran will stand down but is uncertain Joe Biden, the US President, has expressed hope Iran will stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for killing Ismail Haniyeh, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Mr Biden said: I hope so. I dont know. Washington said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East. 01:37 AM BST In photos: Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon Projectiles fired from the Israeli Iron Dome air defence system to intercept missiles fired from southern Lebanon Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel, 01:34 AM BST Dozens of rockets target Israel Hezbollah said late on Saturday night that it launched dozens of rockets at Israel. Video footage revealed Israels Iron Dome defence system being activated. In a statement, the Iran-backed group said: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honourable resistance, and in response to the Israeli enemys attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe homes, especially the attacks that targeted the villages of Kafr Kila and Deir Siryan and injured civilians, the Islamic Resistance included the new settlement of Beit Hillel in its fire schedule and bombarded it for the first time with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Israel is yet to comment on the incident. 01:32 AM BST Good morning Follow this live blog on Sunday for the latest updates from the Middle East. Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff, who has admitted having an affair in his previous marriage with his children's nanny - Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Kamala Harriss husband admitted to an affair during his previous marriage following reports that he embarked on a relationship with his childrens nanny. Doug Emhoff said he had caused his family some tough times after being unfaithful to his first wife, Kerstin. The 59-year-old made the admission amid media scrutiny after Ms Harris entered the presidential race. If she beats Donald Trump in November, he would become the first US First Gentleman. During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions, Mr Emhoff said, in a statement to CNN. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side. Doug Emhoff speaks at a roundtable discussion in the White House Campus in 2022 - Patrick Semansky/AP It comes after the Daily Mail reported that Mr Emhoffs marriage to Kerstin fell apart when he got their daughters nanny pregnant an allegation he did not comment on. Ms Emhoff is said to have ended their 16-year marriage when she learned of the affair in 2009, while their daughter, Ella, was 10, and son, Cole, was 15. The woman is reported to have become pregnant and, according to a close friend, did not keep the child. The extramarital relationship took place years before he met Ms Harris, and he is said to have told her about the affair well before they married in 2014. Brian Fallon, a spokesman for the Harris campaign, told CNN that he would not comment beyond the initial statement that had been released. Nevertheless, Ms Emhoff has been a supporter of her former husband and the vice-president. When JD Vance, Donald Trumps running mate, characterised Ms Harris as a childless cat lady, Ms Emhoff said she had been a co-parent of their children. She did not comment directly on the affair on Saturday, saying: Doug and I decided to end our marriage for a variety of reasons, many years ago. He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have built together. Joe Bidens campaign is said to have learnt of the affair four years ago while vetting candidates for his running mate which ultimately ended with him selecting Ms Harris. Kerstin Emhoff with her former husband and their daughter Ella. The couple split 'for a variety of reasons' The news comes as the vetting process for Ms Harriss own running mate concludes, with the vice-president meeting with hopefuls on Sunday for a final chemistry test before an announcement next week. Josh Shapiro and Tim Walz, the Pennsylvania and Minnesota governors, and Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator, were all expected to meet with her on Sunday, following an examination of their personal and political lives by a Washington-based law firm. They were scheduled to talk with Ms Harris at her residence at Washington DCs Naval Observatory, several sources told The New York Times. It was unclear whether Pete Buttigieg, the transport secretary, and Andy Beshear, the Kentucky governor, who are also on the shortlist but seen as less likely picks, would join her. Ms Harris is expected to put considerable stock in the face-to-face meeting, with aides saying that she would prioritise a personal rapport with whoever she picks as the vice presidential nominee. That could favour Mr Shapiro, whom she has known for almost two decades after both were tapped as rising political stars in 2006. However, some have voiced disquiet about the Pennsylvania governor joining the ticket. Some fear that, as an outspoken supporter of Israel, he could isolate Muslim and Arab American voters in key states such as Michigan. John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania senator, has lobbied against Mr Shapiros selection, according to Politico, with his advisers telling the Harris team that he is too focused on his personal ambitions. The governor has had a meteoric rise in recent years, running to become Pennsylvanias attorney general in his first term as a county commissioner, before leaving early in his second term when he was elected governor. He hasnt even been in office two years and hes looking to run for another office, Charlie Gerow, a Pennsylvania-based Republican strategist, told The Telegraph on Sunday. Kamala might want to take a look over her shoulder. New figures from Ofqual show more students taking A-level maths than ever - Chris Ryan/Caiaimage A record 100,000-plus students are taking A-level maths, new figures show. It is an 11.4 per cent increase on last year and continues a dramatic turnaround for the subject, which once trailed English as the most popular choice for sixth formers. Just 56,745 pupils are taking either English language or literature close to half the 101,230 studying mathematics, according to Ofqual, the exams regulator. Psychology, biology and chemistry have, respectively, the second, third and fourth highest number of entries at A-level this summer. Further maths, which deals with more complicated subject matter than a maths course, is the fastest-growing subject, up 20 per cent in a year to 17,420. Attitudes changing Simon Singh, a best-selling author who has written about number theorems and codes, said the data showed that attitudes towards maths were changing. He told The Times: This is a trope, that we are bad at maths. It gets rolled out all the time that it is OK in Britain to say maths is boring. But if you are good at maths you should have the chance to apply it to the highest level. Mr Singh praised YouTube channels and websites that encouraged children to take an interest in maths. He also emphasised the need for specialist maths schools for 16 to 18 year-olds, linked to universities, and said any university without one should hang their heads in shame. University admissions fall His comments came as universities faced a fall in admissions for the second year running, with more young people deciding against a degree because of high student debt and poor job prospects. The Ucas admissions service said just 41.9 per cent of 18 year-olds in the UK had applied to university by the end of June this year, down 2.1 per cent on the same time last year. In 2022, the figure was 44.1 per cent. As their popularity declines, universities have started to cater to the demands of students, reducing arts courses in favour of subjects such as maths, computing and sciences. But the decline in the teaching of the humanities has been criticised by academics, including Dame Mary Beard, professor of classics at Cambridge. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter, last week: If you ask: what is the value of the humanities? I would say that it teaches you to read with acuity, to analyse wild claims, to argue responsibly to questions to which there are no right answers. Do we need the humanities? Lets hear it for yes! Harry and Meghan attend event marking the World Mental Health Day in New York last October. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters The Duchess of Sussex has spoken about her struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts as she and her husband launched an initiative to tackle child safety online. Meghan, who revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey three years ago that she thought of taking her own life while a working royal, said she hoped by speaking out she could help others. When youve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey certainly part of mine is being able to be really open about it, she said on Sunday in a joint interview with Prince Harry on the US network CBS. And you know, I havent really scraped the surface on my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed. So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everythings OK, then thats worth it. Ill take a hit for that. The duchess, 43, was speaking as the couple, parents to Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, launched the Parents Network, in association with their Archewell Foundation, to provide an online community and resources to help combat social media harm. The No Child Lost to Social Media campaign was set up after a two-year pilot programme with families whose children had felt the harmful effects of social media. Prince Harry said the grief these families had suffered could happen to anyone. We always talk about in the olden days if your kids were under your roof, you knew what they were up to. At least they were safe, right? And now, they could be in the next-door room on a tablet or on a phone and can be going down these rabbit holes. And before you know it, within 24 hours, they could be taking their life. In the couples 2021 interview with Winfrey, Meghan told the chatshow host: Look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he suffered. But I knew that if I didnt say it, that I would do it and I just didnt want to be alive any more. That was a clear, real, frightening and constant thought. Speaking of the Parents Network, she told CBS on Sunday: I think you have to start somewhere, to look at it through the lens of, What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son? My son, or my daughter who comes home, who are joyful, who I love, and one day, right under my roof, our entire lives change because of something that was completely out of our control? She said that, for a parent, the only way to look at the problem was to try to find a solution. Nobody Spoke, an installation comprising 17 chairs, alogram on canvas over plywood with acrylic and mixed media, 2013-14. Photograph: Ken Adlard/Courtesy Lisson Gallery In November 2014, an exhibition called Nobody Spoke opened at the Lisson Gallery in London. The show took its name from its centrepiece, an installation of 17 small chairs, each made of 10 canvases painted in black and white with haphazard images and texts. Some of these reappeared in drawings on a nearby wall; the chairs themselves starred in an adjoining 40-minute video, this time occupied by members of a German artists collective who debated the nature of ekphrasis (the description of pictures in words). It was, and was meant to be, very confusing. The work had all been made by a group called Art & Language, one of whose last two remaining members, Mel Ramsden, has died aged 79. If Ramsden was of the last, he had not been of the first. When Art & Language was founded in the late 1960s in Coventry, he was living in New York. Born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, Melvyn was the son of Emily (nee Howe) and Ted Ramsden, a hosiery mechanic. When still a young boy, his family moved to Australia, where he was sent to school near Melbourne. His father died when he was 14, and two years later Mel returned to England to live with an aunt while he studied at the Nottingham School of Art and Design (1961-63). There, he made friends with a fellow student, Roger Cutforth. On finishing, Ramsden went back to Melbourne, to spend a year at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School, studying with an Australian named Ian Burn. By 1967, Ramsden, Burn and Cutforth were all living in New York, where they formed an early group of what are now known as conceptual artists. This they called the Society for Theoretical Art and Analysis. In August 1969, the trio exhibited their work at the Melbourne gallery Pinacotheca. Unable to afford to travel to Australia to curate the exhibition themselves, they instead posted it to the gallery in a small black box, with instructions on how the works inside should be shown. Ramsdens contribution, Six Negatives, was a bound book of printed pages and photo lithographs, the text on the former explaining what the latter were about. This was very much of its day. The year before, 1968, had seen youth and leftwing protests worldwide, for civil rights and against war and capitalism. Part of the impulse of conceptual art was to make work that was intangible and, therefore, unsellable. In Britain, the newly formed Art & Language had declared a block of air above Oxfordshire an artwork. The work itself was less the point than was the argument justifying its existence. This process was known, broadly, as dematerialisation. Ramsden, trained as a painter, brought a painterly aesthetic to these new strategies. In 1967-68, he made Secret Painting, a black monochrome canvas with, next to it, a rather larger gelatine print, the words on which spelled out the works meaning. The content of this painting is invisible, the rubric read. The character and dimension of the content are to be kept permanently secret, known only to the artist. At least part of the point was satirical, mocking the artist-as-hero hype that surrounded monochrome painters such as Robert Ryman. In 1970, Ramsden joined the New York chapter of Art & Language. By this time, the group numbered some 50 members, in the US, Britain and Australia. With his American wife, Paula Eck, whom he married in 1974, Ramsden helped produce the groups publication, Art-Language: The Journal of Conceptual Art (1969-85), as well as working on the groups most celebrated piece, Index 01. An installation made up of eight filing cabinets filled with papers that recorded the history of the works own making, this was shown to acclaim at the five-yearly German art exhibition, Documenta, in 1972. Ramsden and Eck also began a series of collaborative performances with a Texas psychedelic band, Red Krayola. The first of these was in 1973, the last an album, Five American Portraits, including ones of George W Bush, John Wayne and Wile E Coyote in 2010. The bands leader, Mayo Thompson, called Art & Language the baddest bastards on the block. This seemed an unlikely description of Ramsden, who was unfailingly mild-mannered and amiable. When Art & Languages American and British sections bad-temperedly fell out in the early 70s, he refused to be embroiled in the feuding. In 1977, he and Eck moved to Middleton Cheney, a village in West Northamptonshire, where they would live for the next 47 years. There, Ramsden shared his studio and practice with Michael Baldwin, one of the original founders of Art & Language at Coventry College of Art in 1968. For nearly half a century, the two men worked in collaboration, each refusing to take ownership of their art. When Michael paints a good bit, I paint it out, Ramsden cheerily said. And when I paint the good bits, he paints mine out. Burn died in 1993, Cutforth in 2019. In the end, Ramsden and Baldwin were the only surviving members of their once sizeable group. For all their insistence on anonymity and self-effacement, time inevitably brought them the kind of heroism Art & Language had been set up to defy. In 1986 the group was nominated for the Turner prize; in 1999, PS1 MoMA in New York held an Art & Language retrospective, and the collectives work is held in major institutions internationally, including Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Pompidou Centre, Paris. The pages of Six Negatives, made to short-circuit ideas of monetary worth, themselves became objects of value, displayed individually framed. In 2013, the boxed contents of the 1969 exhibition at the Pinacotheca in Melbourne were reassembled and shown at the University Art Gallery, Sydney. Ramsden accepted all this with customary fatalism. Paula survives him, as do their daughters, Anne and Katie, and two grandchildren, Molly and Edward. Melvyn Robert (Mel) Ramsden, artist, born 27 December 1944; died 23 July 2024 Maeve Boothby-ONeill on her 18th birthday. She died with ME/CFS. Photograph: Family Handout/PA Alastair Miller claims there have been years of well-funded research into ME (Maeve Boothby-ONeills harrowing case highlights clashing NHS narratives on ME). We disagree. UK research funding for myalgic encephalomyelitis has been demonstrably insufficient compared with the high symptom burden and with other diseases. From 20152020, just 6m was committed in funding for ME research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and UK Research and Innovation, compared with 53m for Parkinsons disease and 22m for multiple sclerosis. There has been an increase worldwide in research funding for long Covid, including some investments in the UK. As Dr Miller points out, the two conditions overlap considerably. Yet this has been nowhere near sufficient to recover lost ground from decades of underfunding. Since 23 July, 1,400 patients and carers have signed our open letter calling for 100m annual funding for ME and long Covid biomedical research. #ThereForME, a patient and carer-led campaign backed by 18 organisations, is calling for an NHS thats there for people with ME and long Covid. Our report, drawing on experiences from over 300 people affected, emphasises the need to leverage the UKs science and technology expertise to accelerate treatments. Now, more than ever, we should heed Boothby-ONeills words: My only hope lies in biomedical research, and adequate funding for this requires the medical establishment to set aside the inaccurate idea that behavioural treatments can cure ME. Doctors rely on high-quality research studies for the evidence base that good medicine depends on. Karen Hargrave and Emma Gore-Lloyd, Founders of #ThereForME Alastair Miller is correct to say that the NHS needs to provide rapid access to multidisciplinary clinics where diagnosis can be confirmed and guidance on management provided. This was recommended in the new (October 2021) Nice guideline on ME/CFS. However, some of the key recommendations on management, especially the removal of graded execise therapy, were opposed by the Royal College of Physicians. Around 25% of people with ME/CFS are severely affected often resulting in constant pain, severely reduced mobility, hypersensitivity to light, sound and touch and problems with eating, swallowing and digestion of food. At the severest end of the spectrum are a group permanently bedbound who may require tube feeding to prevent life-threatening malnutrition as was the case with Boothby-ONeill. The Nice guideline on ME/CFS contains clear recommendations on care and management in the home and in hospital. Sadly, many health professionals remain unaware of them; a significant proportion of specialist referral clinics are still not able to provide a care and management service or plan for those with severe ME/CFS; and there are no longer any hospitals with dedicated medical units for those who require specialist in-patient care. Health service commissioners must urgently review their specialist care of people with severe ME/CFS to make sure this is consistent with the Nice recommendations. Where no care at all is provided, this can no longer be ignored. Otherwise, there will be more unnecessary deaths. Dr Charles Shepherd, hon medical adviser, ME Association; member, Nice guideline committee on ME/CFS Gawcot, Bucks Strictly fun I agree with Sonia Sodha that Strictly needs another format (The perfect feelgood TV, did Strictlys sparkle blind it to flaws in its format?). The highly strung, well-trained professionals need to be aware this is a fun show, not a competition between other professionals but amateurs daring to enter their world of gruelling training and performances. The professionals should make allowances for lack of stamina, as well as the ability to learn things. I worked in the NHS as a medical secretary and had a few sharp encounters with highly strung doctors who expected ancillary staff to have the same knowledge as them. It was fortunate that I was experienced and old enough to stand up for myself. Irene McWatt Littlehampton, West Sussex Times up for polluters Stewart Lee notes that Nuremberg-style trials will ensue due to the mass killing of all life on Earth (The end is nigh. For insects, bats, protest, the planet). That will be sooner than he may realise. The UK Youth Climate Coalition has a case at the international criminal court against BP, and Climate Genocide Act Now has a case there against five senior UK politicians. The legal profession is doing what it can to stall the inevitable, but justice is coming. Jon Fuller Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex Abolish all prisons I appreciated Eva Wisemans column about the urgent need for prison abolition for the roughly 3,600 women in prison in the UK (Womens prisons have served their time. They should be abolished). However, I did wonder why she stopped short of calling for the abolition of mens prisons. Although there are more violent offenders in mens prisons than in womens, the majority of men are there for non-violent offences. There were 92 suicides in prisons in the UK in the year to September 2023, of which 91 were men. This makes the suicide rate in mens prisons nearly four times higher than men in the general population. Men are also cut off from their children, and children from their fathers. Only 38% of men were offered a phone call to their family on their first night in prison, compared with 73% of women. During my medical training, I shadowed the healthcare teams in womens and mens prisons. I was shocked by the terrible living conditions, very high rates of mental ill health and pervasive violence and substance misuse. Women and men in prison deserve comfort, safety and the opportunity to build a better life. Lets end prisons and build better systems for all. Dr Charlie Wilkinson Hotwells, Bristol Discrimination is diverse James Baldwin wrote eloquently and perceptively about white American racism (James Baldwin taught us that identities can help us to locate ourselves. But they trap us too). But he was less attuned to the forms of discrimination of others, including his own. It is often forgotten that Baldwin spoke at times in condescending and ignorant ways of Africans. It was not their colour that offended him; it was what he perceived utterly wrongly as their lack of culture. Chinua Achebe gently critiqued Baldwins ignorance of African culture, ancient and modern, even as he honoured Baldwins many critical contributions to American literature and life. We should be mindful of the diverse ways in which racism and discrimination manifest. Anti-African racism is not always based on colour but also on contempt for African culture and civilisation and disregard for their depth and diversity, let alone their existence and rich history. In that regard we must read Achebe alongside Baldwin and incorporate African voices unmediated by the American experience in our studies of racism and discrimination. Dr Noam Schimmel University of California, Berkeley Hungry? I have a solution James Tapper writes about children going hungry (Will the kids eat or not? In Keir Starmers constituency, families struggle with poverty). Despite your coverage of hunger, I have not seen an article offering a solution. As a Sikh, I am well aware that a gurdwara offers a free, hot and healthy meal throughout the day to visitors all delivered by volunteers. Regardless of religious affiliation, visitors are welcome, so long as they are respectful that they are in a holy place. Food banks are not the only place to alleviate hunger in this country. Amritpal Singh Gill London E7 As a people we are really wedded to the idea that things should be fair. And this just isnt fair: Katy Colley in Hastings. Photograph: Perou/The Observer There are many of us across England and Wales who have opened our water bills and glanced at the payment breakdown only to be jolted into annoyed sarcasm. Really? you say to the water companys logo. Im paying you to dispose of sewage, am I? And how is that working out for us all? In 2023, sewage spills in England increased by 54% from the previous year, according to the Environment Agency. A study also released in 2023 showed that enough raw sewage to fill 4,352 Olympic swimming pools was released from 30 water treatment works in one year. And yet shareholders must still be paid: analysis conducted by the Financial Times showed that UK water companies paid out 1.4bn in dividends in 2022, up 540m from the previous year. There are news items every day: swimmers are told to sign up for water-quality alerts; paddling children and triathletes contract vomiting bugs. Local Facebook groups such as one for the River Severn, near where I grew up share stories of vile smells and videos of strange froths. When I see talk online about its condition it feels like a personal affront: how could someone do this to my river? Meanwhile, the River Lea, the Thames tributary closest to where I live now, is described as dangerously polluted with high levels of faecal E coli. The river valley is one of my favourite parts of London, but I wouldnt want to fall in, let alone swim. For most of us, the direct debit leaves our bank account and we go on with emptying the washing-up bowl and flushing the loo, feeling powerless or just forgetting. But a number of people are looking at their water bills and deciding that theyve had enough. That they wont pay any more. We are paying for a service that we are just not getting; a service we absolutely have to have, says Caz Dennett, founder of the Dont Pay for Dirty Water campaign. We dont have a choice in creating the sewage in the first place and we dont have a choice in who we take the service from. People are really aware that theyre being ripped off. Campaigners such as Dennett see refusing to pay their water bills as the only way to do something. I would call it a developing and growing movement, because of the inherent injustice, says Katy Colley, a founder of Boycott Water Bills. As a people we are really wedded to the idea that things should be fair. And this just isnt fair. Colley and her family run a campsite in Hastings. Her local water company is Southern Water and she has been withholding wastewater charges since December 2022. (Southern Water is majority-owned by the Australian investor Macquarie, which has been criticised for its stewardship of Thames Water and in July came under fire for awarding its chief executive a 183,000 bonus.) A friend had previously mentioned the idea to her, but she forgot about it until she was galvanised by a bout of E coli. It was summer and Colley and her family had been hanging out at the beach. We were having a great time in the water, she says. And then that night I got ill. You wouldnt wish E coli on anyone. Its just awful. It really affected me. When my next water bill came I thought, Im going to do it and Im going to complain at the same time. Im going to see how far I can take this. Colley found a group of withholders in Whitstable. They teamed up and launched Boycott Water Bills in May 2023. So far more than 13,000 people have visited the site for advice. One of the Whitstable withholders is writer Julie Wassmer, who ceased making payments in 2021, alongside friends, including Emma Gibson, a former Greenpeace campaigns manager, Green party councillor Steve Wheeler and then-Conservative councillor Ashley Clark. We did so, not as a campaign, but as a group of committed individuals who wanted to make a stand, she says. News of their action hit the local press and was amplified by Bob Geldof, who lives in nearby Faversham. Wassmer notes that since starting Boycott Water Bills with Colley, Weve been contacted by thousands of people from across the country, as well as other groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, and we now have boycott action in all 11 wastewater areas. Jim Murray is an actor, known for playing Prince Andrew in The Crown. He began fly fishing some years ago, finding that it helped him after the death of his baby daughter in 2009. Nothing had really helped me get through the trauma, he says, but fishing did, for whatever reason. He started to become invested in the health of rivers, especially his local Hampshire chalk streams. I vowed to give the rivers back what they had given me, he says. They saved me and I felt I needed to save them. Murray also falls into Southern Waters catchment area and is currently only paying the supply part of his bill because I genuinely believe were not getting the service for the wastewater part. He has leveraged his celebrity to found the group Activist Anglers, create the podcast The Last Salmon and get into talks with Southern Water. I am very clear with them, he says. Just because were talking doesnt mean I trust you. It would be absolutely remiss of me if I suddenly gave up my activism and protesting. Rivers saved me and I felt I needed to save them Jim Murray In Weymouth, Dennetts water is supplied by Wessex, who typically bill six months in advance. And, like a good little citizen, for 15 years I did that, she says. And then I just thought, Im not going to pay for this. I paid, in advance, for all those years only for them to take that money and give it straight to their shareholder. (Wessex Water has just one shareholder, the Malaysian multinational YTL Corporation Berhad.) By late July this year, after two years of non-payment, Wessex served Dennett with a legal action notice for the total of her unpaid amount. She says she intends to defend her case and possibly counter-sue if she can compile the needed evidence. Dennett has joined with Extinction Rebellion to make Dont Pay For Dirty Water a national campaign. The group says their aim is to sign up 10,000 boycotters. There are some who are withholding independently, without a group or campaign around them. Devon-based Imogen May is probably the best known. She has been withholding her water bill since 2019. In June, when her non-payments to South West water totalled 2,809, the company seized a stake in her home via the Land Registry (weeks after an outbreak of diarrhoea caused by a parasite in Devons water supply led to some customers having to boil their drinking water). I am using this house, she says. Im in a position of privilege and this is a tool. My children have their own homes now and Im doing this on my terms. Unless people stand up and say no, this will continue. I swim in the rivers. I swim in the sea. And it hurts, what they are doing, what they are getting away with. It actually hurts. She is currently deciding if she can risk the expense of going to court. There are, however, many stages a non-payer will reach before legal action or loss of property. Domestic users cannot, by law, have their water supply cut off or restricted. Non-payment will escalate through several levels, starting with the reminder notices familiar to anyone with a bad memory, especially before the days of direct debit. The water company will then send a notice for each unpaid bill, giving the customer seven days to pay. That should be followed by a telephone call and then the debt will be passed to a debt-recovery agent. Then, says Citizens Advice, The company can take you to court to get a county court judgement to recover the money you owe. You may then get a notice of enforcement from a firm of bailiffs telling you they are going to come round. If they come, they could take goods to sell to pay the money you owe. In practice, this can take several months. To begin with, I didnt even write to them and complain, says Dennett about Wessex Water. I thought I would just see how it played out and how long it took them to catch up with me. However, her experience talking with non-payers around the country has shown that the timing and severity of the response can vary from company to company, and sometimes how you are treated can even be down to the customer service rep you speak to on a given day. There are varying levels of engagement and various ways to make the process longer. The first level of disrupting the supply of what Dennett calls free-flowing money is to stop paying in advance and switch to monthly payments. Following that, some activists have chosen to cancel automated payments and to stop paying all or a portion of their bill. The most popular action seems to be to continue paying for supply, but withholding the wastewater charges. On their website, Boycott Water Bills say people should complain to their water providers in writing. They continue: Insist in your communication that while you are disputing this part of your bill they should not chase you for payment or refer your case to a debt-collection agency. Not paying a bill can adversely affect your credit score and receiving a county court judgement will affect it even further. Those who have previously built up good credit, particularly those who own homes, could be more insulated from the worst aspects, but there will be an effect for everyone. Both Boycott Water Bills and Dont Pay For Dirty Water acknowledge that refusing to pay can create difficulties. Our advice is always not to risk your financial good name, says Dennett. Dont do this if you are in a precarious financial position. Each non-payer has a personal tipping point, but the main source of anger is that, as they see it, a stated service is not being provided adequate sewage management and that both the environment and public health are being degraded. You look at how these water companies are run and you dont just feel great about boycotting, you feel absolutely ethically OK, says Murray. The ethics are so barren and thin on the ground. The institution cares not one jot about the destruction its bringing on the assets, in this case the waters in the river. All it cares about is profit. The water companies call us customers, but were not really customers have the choice to take their custom elsewhere, says Dennett. Because of the monopoly companies have, a bill-payer dissatisfied with the service from, say, Thames, cannot switch their supplier to Severn Trent. Then there is the issue of where the money is going. Data released by the Labour party at the beginning of this year showed that the chief executives of nine water companies received a total of 25m on top of their salaries since 2019. Money is just leaking out, says Colley, referring to executive pay and shareholder dividends. And, while this happens, bills rise and infrastructure crumbles. Its raw profiteering, says Dennett. For Julie Wassmer, its infuriating that companies have been allowed to borrow irresponsibly, racking up debt of 60bn, while rewarding executives and shareholders over 70bn. There is some hope for change. This July, the Manchester Ship Canal Company won a Supreme Court ruling against United Utilities, allowing them to seek redress for unauthorised discharges of foul water. This is the first ruling of its kind and there is now potential for further legal action by the owners and users of waterways. The companies want to charge customers all over again for infrastructure work they failed to do in the first place Julie Wassmer On 11 July, following the general election, Defra were quick to release a statement that promised, among other things, that new funding for infrastructure would be ring-fenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefitting customers and the environment and that nothing can be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. The money talked about by Defra included 88bn from water companies, but that also meant there would be bill increases. In the raft of new legislation recently announced by Sir Keir Starmers government there is a new Water (Special Measures) Bill, which gives powers to levy criminal liability on water company heads for pollution, ban bonuses if environmental standards arent met and introduce a new code of conduct. There will also be powers to impose automatic fines for polluting companies and a requirement for them to install real-time monitors on sewage outlets. To those who have been invested in the cause for a long time, the promises feel hollow. The fact that water company shareholders refuse to invest any more money into their own assets should be plenty enough warning that theres a serious flaw in the business model but, instead, toothless Ofwat insists on us, the customer, paying for these mistakes. Again, says Murray. The industry is a huge con and with Ofwat ruling over it, it will most certainly take the real threat of a national boycott to clearly show government that were not as stupid as they think we are and that we demand a fairer system. The companies want to be allowed to charge customers all over again for infrastructure work they failed to do in the first place, while we customers are adamant they wont receive a penny until they do what they were originally paid to do, says Wassmer. Let them go instead to those who profited from what has become not only a national, but an international, disgrace. For now, more and more eyes turn towards the practices of our water companies and the activists remain resolved and their bills unpaid: They can whistle for it, says Wassmer. Senator JD Vance, seen speaking to reporters onboard a private jet at the Phoenix airport this week, has got off to an awkward start as Republicans vice-presidential nominee. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images It all started with a tweet about a couch. Within hours of Donald Trump announcing the Ohio senator JD Vance as his running mate in the presidential race, a rather lurid accusation cropped up on social media. The user of a since-deleted X account wrote last month, cant say for sure but he might be the first vp pick to have admitted in a ny times bestseller to fucking an inside-out latex glove shoved between two couch cushions (vance, hillbilly elegy, pp. 179-181). The fake page citation from Vances bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy lent credibility to what turned out to be a baseless claim, as detailed in a now-removed fact check from the Associated Press. Soon, the internet was awash in memes mocking Vances relationship with various pieces of furniture. I did not have sectional relations, one X user joked, paraphrasing Bill Clintons infamous quote about his extramarital affair. Another user added: Who hasnt been excited by the thrill of the chaise? Related: JD Vance is the baby of Big Tech and Big Oil. Hes no working-class populist | Jan-Werner Muller Even Kamala Harriss newly launched presidential campaign appeared to get in on the fun, tweeting: JD Vance does not couch his hatred for women. The couch debacle only underscored Vances overall dismal introduction to the country after his somewhat forgettable speech at the Republican national convention last month, prompting some to wonder if Trump should make the historic decision to ditch his running mate just three months before election day. Vance enters the final 100-day stretch of the election season as one of the most unpopular running mates in recent history. According to a CNN analysis, Vance is the least liked non-incumbent vice-presidential nominee since 1980. And the backlash goes deeper than couch memes. Critics have dug up his past comments supporting a nationwide abortion ban and attacking women without children. In a clip from 2021 that has circulated widely over the past two weeks, Vance told the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the US was managed 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. That comment struck many Americans as so out of touch that it sparked censure from some surprising figures, including the generally apolitical celebrity Jennifer Aniston. Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day, Aniston wrote in an Instagram post. I hope she will not need to turn to [in vitro fertilization] as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too. The Harris campaign cast an even brighter spotlight on the controversy with a statement titled, Happy World IVF Day To Everyone Except JD Vance. The turmoil has intensified questions over whether Trump might replace Vance as his running mate, a strategy that has not been pursued since 1972. One unnamed House Republican told the Hill last week: I think if you were to ask many people around this building, 9 out of 10 on our side would say hes the wrong pick Hes the only person who can do serious damage. But many of Vances vulnerabilities were apparent well before he joined Trumps ticket. Vance won his Senate seat in 2022 after emerging victorious from a heated and closely contested Republican primary in Ohio. Vance only won the primary by eight points, even after securing Trumps crucial endorsement. The endorsement surprised many, as Vance had sharply criticized Trump in the past. Vances primary opponents repeatedly attacked him as a fake Trump supporter, reminding voters that he once described the former president as Americas Hitler. After advancing from that ugly primary fight, Vance went on to defeat the Democrat Tim Ryan by six points, even though Trump had carried Ohio by eight points just two years earlier. (In comparison, Mike DeWine won re-election as Ohios governor by 25 points that same year.) Ryan was able to keep the race competitive enough to force outside Republican groups to spend tens of millions of dollars in Vances defense. The Senate Leadership Pac, which has close ties to the top Senate Republican, Mitch McConnell, spent more than $32m in the race, according to OpenSecrets. Since joining the Senate last year, Vance has become one of Trumps most loyal supporters in Congress and embraced the former presidents agenda on everything from foreign policy to election denialism. In one illuminating interview with CNN in May, Vance suggested pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses should face criminal charges. So you agree that people who break in and vandalize a building should be prosecuted? asked the CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins. Exactly, Vance said. Collins replied, Im just checking because you did help raise money for people who did so on January 6. Related: This one weird trick might win Democrats the election | Arwa Mahdawi All of this baggage has come to the forefront right as Vance is trying to introduce himself to a much larger audience of voters, and the search for a Democratic vice-presidential nominee has only exacerbated his troubles. The Democrats vying to become Harriss running mate have taken to publicly lambasting Vance at every turn, offering a preview of a potential vice-presidential debate. The Kentucky governor, Andy Beshear, who is reportedly on Harriss shortlist of options, has accused Vance of caricaturing Appalachian residents in Hillbilly Elegy. In the book, Vance leaned into his family roots in eastern Kentucky, even though he was raised in an Ohio city near Cincinnati. I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, because let me just tell you that JD Vance aint from here, Beshear told MSNBC last week. The governor added at a fundraiser in Des Moines, Iowa, last weekend: This is somebody who exploited us who used to come for weddings or funerals or a couple weeks in the summer to see his kin, and I respect that. But to claim that you know our culture and then to insult our people is just wrong. Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz, who is also on Harriss shortlist, has mocked Trump and Vance as weird, an attack line now echoed by other prominent Democrats. The fascists depend on us going back, but were not afraid of weird people, Walz said last weekend at a Harris campaign event. Were a little bit creeped out, but were not afraid. As of now, Trump has given no public indication that he intends to drop his running mate, and Vance is trying his hardest to shake off the damage of the past two weeks. I knew that when I came out of the gate there was going to be a couple of days of positive media coverage and then immediately they would go and attack me over everything that I had ever said in my life, Vance told NBC News on Tuesday. The price of entry of being on the national ticket and giving me an opportunity to govern is you have to ... take the shots, and so I sort of expected it. But in a less than stellar review of Vances performance so far, Trump reminded voters that elections are not generally decided by the vice-presidential nominee. This is well-documented, historically, the vice-president in terms of the election does not have any impact, virtually no impact, Trump said on Wednesday during his contentious interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. You can have a vice-president that is outstanding in every way, and I think JD is, I think all of them would have been, but youre not voting that way. Youre voting for the president. Youre voting for me. Trumps best hope for the moment is that voters will start forgetting about Vance. And after the month hes had, Vance might not mind some obscurity either. Sir Keir Starmer will lead the Government's response to the far-right riots across the UK - HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS Sir Keir Starmer is not going on holiday this week, Downing Street has insisted amid reports he was set to jet off as rioting sweeps the country. The Prime Minister will be working from No 10 all week as his Government faces its biggest crisis since he won his election landslide last month. It comes as Sir Keir faces demands from senior MPs to recall Parliament so that they can debate the Governments handling of the disorder. Reports emerged that Sir Keir was planning to go on holiday on Monday, which sparked fierce criticism, including from a frontrunner for the Tory leadership. Towns and cities across the country have been hit by far-Right riots fuelled by misinformation about the identity of the suspect for the Southport stabbings. More than 90 people were arrested on Saturday over violent unrest in Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast. It was claimed on Monday morning that, despite the escalating situation, Sir Keir was still planning to jet off on a family holiday this week. But it is understood that the Prime Minister will be working in Downing Street and that there were never any plans for him to go on leave on Monday. It is not clear whether Sir Keir has a break booked for later in August. Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister who is a frontrunner to win the upcoming Tory leadership contest, was among those to react to the reports. He told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: It would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to holiday while parts of Britain are burning. This is a very serious situation and we need the Prime Minister to be leading the country. The police need our full support and they need to know that he is there supporting them, making sure that this situation is being handled from the very top. This is a situation that is so serious that it needs the Prime Ministers personal attention. Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick - DARREN STAPLES/GETTY A source close to Mr Jenrick described such a break as Nero-esque a reference to the Emperor who reputedly fiddled while Rome burned. Sir Keirs reported plans to take a break were defended by one of his own backbenchers, however, who said the Prime Minister has to have family time. Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said that Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, would be able to stand in for Sir Keir. He told LBC: Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday. The reports came after Dame Priti Patel warned the Government risks being swept away with events rather than maintaining control of them. The former home secretary said that Sir Keir should recall Parliament so that MPs from across the political divide can condemn the rioting. She said: As home secretary I brought forward much stronger protections against disproportionate protest and disorder, in the teeth of fierce opposition. But it was the right thing to do and those powers must be used to their maximal extent now. Now is a moment for national reflection and solidarity, to pull back from the wave of violence we have seen, to call it out for what it is, without fear or favour, and for Parliament to speak with one voice in condemnation. We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not. That is why Parliament must be recalled immediately. Lord Walney, the Governments independent adviser on political violence and disruption, said that Sir Keir may need to recall Parliament. He told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: If this continues and we are into the space where potentially an emergency suite of powers or changes may be considered, then of course I think Parliament will want to be recalled in those circumstances. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader, also said Parliament should be recalled. He told The Telegraph: It does seem to me that if these riots are going to go on, which it looks like they are, he needs to bring people back to explain what hes doing. It looks like he hasnt done anything so far, and the questions will be what are you doing? There need to be serious questions about the advice they have received. Frankly it wouldnt be a bad idea at all. There seems to be foreign government hands in this, and that therefore requires that we find about this and Parliament is recalled. Nigel Farage has released two videos since three children were murdered in Southport last week. Photograph: PRU/AFP/Getty Images The Commons standards watchdog should hold Nigel Farage to account over his dangerous comments following the weeks violent disorder in the wake of the Southport murders, a Liverpool MP has said. Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said Farages comments cannot be left to fester and should be examined by the parliamentary standards commissioner. Farage has released two videos since three children were murdered in Southport last week. In the first, he questioned whether police were withholding information about who was responsible for the murders. It came at a time when false information was circulating on social media that a Muslim asylum seeker was responsible, which fuelled disorder at a mosque in Southport. In a second video, Farage challenged Keir Starmers argument that the violent protests were the fault of the far right, saying it was a reaction to fear, to discomfort, to unease that is out there shared by tens of millions of people. Lee Anderson, the Reform MP and former Tory deputy chair, made a similar argument, writing on X: This problem has been caused by smug politicians who have refused to listen to the concerns of British people. It has festered and now it has boiled over. Parliament must listen, parliament must act but it must not blame the British people. He also referred to the prime minister as Keir Stalin in a reference to the Russian dictator. Related: Putting a stop to far-right violence is an early, defining test of Keir Starmers mettle | Andrew Rawnsley Senior politicians have held back from being too critical of Farage, although the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, said on Wednesday that there was a level of responsibility and its not to stoke up what conspiracy theories or what you think might have happened. However, several members of the public claim on social media to have submitted complaints about the Reform leader to the parliamentary standards commissioner, who can investigate any behaviour that brings parliament into disrepute. Johnson said: Nigel Farages dangerous comments cannot be left to fester. He is the voice of the EDL [English Defence League] in parliament, using his platform to spread fear and misinformation. Tensions are high and our politicians should be doing everything in our power to advocate for peace and unity, and support our communities standing resolutely against the racism and hatred displayed over the last few days. With so much at stake, we need urgent action from the Commons standards committee and the police to hold him to account. Related: The Observer view on the riots after the Southport killings: extremists have launched an assault on the rule of law A Reform spokesperson said Farage had no communication about any complaint. The parliamentary standards commissioner does not confirm whether complaints are being looked at unless they become a formal investigation listed on his website. Daniel Greenberg, the commissioner, this week highlighted that he had previously cautioned politicians to choose their language carefully. Farage has previously said he was asking legitimate questions about the Southport tragedy. Reform on Sunday also criticised a Labour MP, Josh Fenton-Glynn, who posted that a Muslim woman had been subject to an acid attack by a violent protester, and then removed it because police said it was not true. Ive removed the post about acid attackers following police saying it wasnt true. It was from someone whos generally a good but its important we correct misinformation where we see it. Josh Fenton-Glynn MP (@JoshFG) August 4, 2024 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK chair, wrote to Starmer accusing the MP of spreading inflammatory disinformation on social media only added fuel to an already burning fire and calling for a public apology. Takaya, the Canadian sea wolf, left behind a legacy reflecting the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Photograph: Cheryl Alexander/Wild Awake Images Ever since he was killed by a hunter in 2020, the Canadian sea wolf Takaya has appeared all over the world. Paintings, poems, sculptures and statues including a 150lb (68kg) mixture of driftwood, sea shells and dried kelp have memorialized a wolf whose legacy reflects the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. But photographer Cheryl Alexander, a relentless advocate against government-sanctioned wolf culls, was shocked to see her most famous image used to advertise a big game hunting company. Related: Canada mourns Takaya the lone sea wolf whose spirit captured the world I shocked and a bit horrified. And it really pissed me off that company was using Takaya as an advertisement to come up to Canada and kill a wolf, she told the Guardian. It hurt too because Takaya has become, in many ways, an international image for positive coexistence with humans. The unlikely story of the wolfs years of self-imposed isolation captivated residents of Vancouver Island, some of whom would paddle by the rocky outcrops and windswept trees hoping to glimpse the animal. But one day in late March, a hunters rifle brought an untimely end to the wolf. Alexander recently found British Columbia-based Terminus Mountain Outfitters was using her photo to advertise its wolf hunting package. She soon posted to her Instagram page, appealing to her 33,000 followers to share news of the companys decision to use the photo. The owner of Terminus said in a statement he didnt mean to offend anyone with the image. [A web design company] chose some live wildlife photos to use on the [website]. July 27th I was contacted by a disgruntled person upset about a wolf picture that they recognized as a wolf named Takaya. I had no idea of the story behind this wolf or even which of the three pictures on my website was of Takaya. I asked my web developer to simply remove all three of the photos. July 29th they were removed. Neither I nor my web developer meant to offend anyone, he said. Unfortunately, because of the media attention we are now getting emails that are threatening and quite angry when we had nothing to do with the live pictures chosen. We are a legal family-run business. Both the image, and the page on wolf hunting, have since been taken down. In British Columbia, hundreds of wolves which are seen as vermin that must be eradicated are killed for sport each year. Hunters usually only take the pelts, discarding the remains. Channelling growing outrage and changing perceptions Alexander and local conservation groups have started a petition calling for a moratorium on wolf hunting in British Columbia that has so far received more than 65,000 signatures. Alexander has also founded the non-profit Takayas Legacy which works to support wolf protection initiatives. While Takayas legacy has aligned with the aims of conservation groups, his curiosity or lack of fear also raised difficult questions about the relationship locals had fostered with the wolf that led to his demise. I was angry about the photo, but theres a silver lining, because it actually allows word to get out there about whats happening in Canada regarding trophy hunting the whole range of wild animals that are hunted in Canada is quite disgusting, said Alexander. Were grappling with loss of biodiversity. That trophy hunters are continuing to hunt them just for fun and for recreation is not acceptable. Mel Stride, a Tory leadership contender, says he is worried when one group is set against another. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Observer Progressive voters who oppose the Conservatives should still want the party to recover to ensure British politics does not lurch towards populism based on negativity and division, a Tory leadership contender has said. Mel Stride, the former cabinet minister who emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Rishi Sunak, warned that attempting to jump to a magical ideological square after the partys disastrous general election result would fail to solve its problems. It comes amid anger over Nigel Farages response to the Southport atrocity. The Reform UK party leader was accused of helping spread a conspiracy theory about the attack by questioning whether the truth is being withheld from us after three children were killed. Stride would not comment on Farages statement but said in an interview with the Observer: I worry about populist politics. You see it around the world. Its a fairly strong phenomenon. Theres nothing wrong with populism to the extent that it means that there are serious issues that people feel should be addressed, because thats politics. Thats right and proper. But I do get very concerned when I see populism through the lens of setting one group against another, setting up the bogeyman, not really coming up with solutions but trading on negativity and division. That worries me a great deal, and I dont want to see my country go that way. Even people who did not back the Tories had a stake in wanting to see mainstream parties that adopted a set of basic common values, he said. Thats one of the reasons why its absolutely vital that we have a strong Conservative party, whether youre a Conservative or not. There are mainstream parties that hold those kinds of values common to each other. And thats one of the reasons why its really important that the Conservative party recovers and prevails. Stride, who was influential in questioning Liz Trusss spending plans during her shortlived premiership, is seen as a moderate figure in the race. He said he adhered to a type of politics that was deeply conservative and deeply inclusive, generous and open hearted while being realistic about the problems and challenges we have. He said the remaining parliamentary party would quickly have to unite to win the next election, suggesting he was well placed to bring together competing factions that have caused years of infighting. Stride also warned his party and effectively his fellow leadership contenders against making rash commitments that would appeal to the partys membership, who will ultimately decide the identity of the new leader, but divide MPs. Tom Tugendhat, regarded as the favourite of the One Nation wing, suggested last week that he was willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it doesnt serve our interests. Such a move is also backed by the leadership frontrunners Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch. I understand the temptation to take stark positions on that among some, because there is an appetite among the membership around those issues, Stride said. But I think it would be a mistake to take too stark a position on it. Whoever wins this contest will need to return to a parliamentary party that has its own views, and they do differ. The first role of any new leader is to bring that party together. If youve painted yourself into stark positions on things like that, that will be immeasurably more difficult. Secondly, we have time. Weve got five years until the next general election. History rolls on and the terrain will change. We have plenty of time to feel our way into the right solutions on things like that. Thats not the same thing as saying I dont have a view generally on that space, and I do. I sign up to the argument that we should not allow something like the ECHR, for example, to get in the way of us being able to provide an appropriate deterrent [to Channel crossings]. But I do think we should work towards the details in a measured way, and bring the parliamentary party with us on those kinds of issues. Stride said the loss of a reputation for economic competence was critical in the election defeat, citing significant damage by Truss. The partys priority should be to have a credible, persuasive plan on the economy that differed from the command and control approach adopted by Labour. To have fought a general election in which the Labour party was quite comfortable to take us on in the economic sphere is very telling, because we are a party which rightly, over many years has prided itself in being economically competent, he said. Youve got to make fiscal space and then use that to free people up to go out and seize opportunities, create wealth. Thats a tough journey. The new leader of the Conservative party needs to be somebody that can take the parliamentary party on that journey. This idea that the answer is to leap on to some magical ideological square that suddenly solves all main problems is just not realistic. What is actually needed is a consistent approach. Stride is one of six candidates in the race, alongside Jenrick, Badenoch, Tugendhat, James Cleverly and Priti Patel. MPs will whittle them down to two candidates before a final vote of members in October. Downing Street is expected to hold a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday after thugs tried to storm hotels housing asylum seekers on the sixth day of escalating disorder. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed rioters would regret engaging in far-right thuggery and promised those involved in unrest would face the full force of the law as he addressed the nation on Sunday. Mondays meeting is due to involve relevant ministers and police representatives who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure there is no repeat of the violent scenes. The Home Office announced on Sunday that mosques would be offered greater protection under a new rapid response process designed to quickly tackle the threat of further attacks on places of worship. A large crowd gathered outside a mosque in Middlesbrough on Sunday night and others have also been targeted. In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires. (PA Graphics) At least 10 officers were injured, including one who was knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police confirmed later, saying one person had already been arrested and others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles, and sprayed fire extinguishers at officers outside after some 700 people gathered. A similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth into Sunday evening, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed. People threw projectiles, smashed windows, started fires and targeted officers, Staffordshire Police said. A group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers on Sunday afternoon, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. There were 43 arrests, and significant damage was caused to the Crown Court and the University, Cleveland Police said. A chair is launched at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) Greater Manchester Police issued a Section 60AA order amid disturbances in Bolton, requiring people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. Violence has broken out in several parts of England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls in Southport last week. The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Sir Keirs premiership, with MPs including Ian Byrne and Dame Priti Patel saying Parliament should be recalled as it was in 2011 so the Commons could debate the riots. The former first minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf said the army should be called in to stop thugs causing disorder on the streets. Ministers have so far insisted police have the resources required to respond and have rejected calls to bring in the army. Sir Keir said he wanted those who feel targeted because of the colour of their skin to know this violent mob do not represent our country. In his message to rioters, the Prime Minister said: I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves. Dame Sara Khan, who was Rishi Sunaks independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience until May, blamed the Conservative government for leaving the country open to far-right violence. The writing was clearly on the wall for some time, she told the Guardian. Writing in The Times, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said there will be reckoning for people who took part in the unrest and those who whipped them up on social media and in online chat forums. Whatever they and some of their political supporters may tell us, these are not patriots standing up for their communities, she said. They are thugs, criminals and extremists who betray the values our country is built on. She said those responsible would be paying the price for years to come. Shadow minister for security Tom Tugendhat, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservatives, described the violence as abhorrent acts with no justification. Writing in the Daily Express, he called on the Government to get a grip by offering police all available resources. A fundraiser launched by Stand Up To Racism, which it called an Emergency Unity Fund to stop the far right raised 7,910 in its first 11 hours. Cresting the waves at speeds of up to 40 knots the equivalent of 46 miles per hour kitesurfing is set to breathe new life into the Olympic regatta after making its long-awaited Games debut in Marseille on Sunday. Executed at a pace that could leave even sprint cyclists standing, the sports introduction has split traditionalists and those who believe it can follow the likes of breaking and skateboarding and inspire a new generation to get out on the water. British kitesurfing coach Stevie Morrison, a former Olympian and two-time world champion in Fireball and 49er categories, is firmly in the latter camp and believes its mind-blowing spectacle can take the Games even almost 500 miles from its Paris epicentre by storm. Kitesurfers can travel at speeds approaching 50 miles per hour (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) They are achieving high speeds while they are essentially balanced on a tea tray, connected to a kite that is 15 metres up in the sky, Morrison told the PA news agency. Visually its stunning. The three-dimensional aspect is mind-blowing. I think people are going to be mesmerised a lot by the ballet-type skills the athletes show on the board. Kitesurfers race equipped with helmets, goggles and impact vests to mitigate the possibility of dramatic crashes. Conversely, a sudden drop of wind will bring the kites out of the sky and leave athletes floundering in the water. Ellie Aldridge, one of two British kitesurfers and a genuine medal contender having won the European title and finished second in the Olympic test event last year, said she became gripped by the sport after switching from more traditional craft. Ellie Aldridge has a shot at a kitesurfing medal for Great Britain (Andrew Matthews/PA) Its crazy how something can take over your whole life, Aldridge told PA. It can be scary because youre going so fast and the risks are quite high. Its a case of having to switch that scary part of your brain off. Its a bit like going on a rollercoaster, without the G-forces. But you are so locked in that you dont notice the speed. It doesnt feel like you are going as fast as you are on other, slower boats. The introduction of kitesurfing is intended to bolster an Olympic fleet that has always been able to evolve in accordance with latest trends. At the first Paris Olympics in 1900, the sailing programme including a 20-ton-plus class, which was won by Britains Cecil Quentin. Morrison believes the sight of athletes zipping around at high speed just off the Corniche in Marseille making it the closest thing to a sailing spectator sport will appeal to a whole new demographic. I grew up in Exmouth, and if you go down to the seafront there now, there might be a few traditional dinghies out there but there are 60 or 70 kitesurfers doing jumps and tricks, said Morrison. Kiting is the lure that is getting 10-year-old kids out on the water. It has captured the attention of the youth and this is the showcase it needs to get it to the next level. The Olympics is for young people, not for 40, 50, 60-year-old men like us. Its about inspiring kids and getting them out on the water. And that is exactly what having kitesurfing at the Olympics will do. Police have resources they need, says minister as unrest threatens to persist Police have all the resources they need to deal with riots and disorder, a minister has said amid concerns over the prospect of further violence sweeping across parts of the country. Courts could sit overnight to ensure thugs who maraud our streets are brought to justice, while forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to tackle potential unrest, Dame Diana Johnson has indicated. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his full backing to take any action necessary to respond to extremists attempting to sow hate after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland this week. But concerns have been raised that officers may be left unable to deal with other incidents as a result of the need to focus efforts on the prospect of ongoing rioting, with the Police Federation warning: There is a cost to all this. Masked anti-immigration demonstrators smashed windows at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Sunday. Greater Manchester Police said a Section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised covering Bolton until 10pm on Sunday, where a protest is expected later. Teams worked through the night to reopen streets in cities like Hull, where volunteers armed with brushes turned up from 7am to assist council crews. Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best, councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council said. Asked whether enough is being done to respond to the disorder, policing minister Dame Diana said the Government has been reassured that forces are able to meet the scale of the challenge. The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment they have the powers that they need, the minister told BBC News. There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said the police have the resources they need (PA) (Police) have long-standing plans in place for mutual aid if they need to put extra police officers into certain parts of the country. Despite the Government recently announcing the early release of some offenders to ease prison overcrowding, Dame Diana said there is jail capacity to hand custodial sentences to those marauding our streets. Asked whether courts could be forced to sit overnight to fast-track prosecutions as they did for the 2011 riots, she said the Government will do whatever it takes to ensure people are brought to justice. Deputy national chair of the Police Federation, Brian Booth, told the PA news agency that forces can handle the unrest in the short-term, but it will likely put further pressure on already-stretched resources. Criminal violence and thuggery on our streets will not be tolerated. Police forces have my full support in ensuring that those who engage in criminal disorder face the strongest possible penalties. pic.twitter.com/ZqoOHVXnVR Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) August 3, 2024 There is a cost to all this, he said. Every day this continues means a certain amount of officer hours are being taken away from other policing duties. It has a massive effect on already significant under-resourcing. Some areas may see a diminished police presence as a result of less robust preventative patrols because officers cant be in two places at once, he said. Scanning CCTV and other footage in incident rooms to identify suspects and deploying to the scene of disorder means fewer staff on the beat, Mr Booth warned. Officers taken out by injuries will also deplete forces, he said, adding: Its truly awful. These are the images I never want to see, of colleagues being battered just for doing their job. Riot police form a line on the Lower Ormeau Road amid unrest in Belfast (PA) The far-right has drawn widespread condemnation as the organising force behind scenes of disorder in multiple towns and cities in the wake of the killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. False claims had spread online that the suspect, later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. Bricks, chairs and bottles have been pelted at officers, mosques have been attacked, and a police station along with a number of community facilities across the country, including a library, have been torched in the violence. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes will pay the price and that criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britains streets. Riot police were deployed on the streets of Liverpool (James Speakman/PA) At least 90 arrests have been made across the country and some charges have been brought, with police warning of more to come once footage has been scoured. Sir Keir held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday over the unrest, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling colleagues the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured. A protest in Sunderland city centre (Scott Heppell/PA) In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said about 300 people were involved in violent disorder on County Road, Walton, which included community facilities being set on fire. The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage to the ground floor. Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the blaze, throwing a missile at the fire engine and breaking the rear window of the cab. A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with disorder in Southport. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields. A strong & visible police presence remains in Hull City Centre tonight as 20 arrests now made for various public order offences. ACC Mike Walker:"Enforcement action will continue as we will not tolerate mindless violence & disorder in our city." More here: https://t.co/QA8xG8g3l4 Humberside Police (@Humberbeat) August 3, 2024 Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the behaviour of protesters deplorable, adding: The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise that we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice. In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre, which Avon and Somerset Police described as completely unacceptable. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. Staffordshire Police said 10 people were arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast (David Young/PA) Further protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said. We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready, said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs Council. There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. So if youre planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple well be watching you. First Minister John Swinney has warned against unhelpful speculation relating to the stabbing of a woman in Stirling. The woman, 21, was treated in hospital for a non-life threatening injury on Saturday and a 29-year-old man was arrested in relation to the attack, which took place at about 8.20pm on the towns King Street. Social media reports on Saturday suggested three people had been stabbed and the attacker had appeared to be Muslim. The 29-year-old is currently in police custody. He is described as a white man and local to the Stirling area. This is being treated as an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public. Enquiries are ongoing. Police Scotland Forth Valley (@PSOSForthValley) August 4, 2024 However, in an unusual move for the force, Police Scotland said the man arrested was white and from the local area. The rumour had been promoted by Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League (EDL). The claim, described by police as false, comes amid unrest across England and in Belfast in recent days after the murders of three young girls in Southport on Monday. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed in the attack, with 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana appearing court charged with the crime. This is a serious incident and my thoughts are with the victim. This is an isolated incident and I have been advised there is no wider threat to the public. I would encourage everyone to refrain from unhelpful speculation on social media. https://t.co/dKP3hSnh41 John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 4, 2024 A statement from Police Scotland said: We are aware of speculation and false information circulating on social media regarding this incident. Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we would urge people not to add to this speculation online. While Mr Swinney, who stressed there was no wider threat to the public, said: This is a serious incident and my thoughts are with the victim. This is an isolated incident and I have been advised there is no wider threat to the public. I would encourage everyone to refrain from unhelpful speculation on social media. How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in @Keir_Starmer ? The Police clearly do not have a handle on this situation. This pogrom against Muslims and People of Colour is going to cost lives unless these far-right thugs are stopped. https://t.co/U279igA5CV Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) August 4, 2024 But Mr Swinneys predecessor, Humza Yousaf, urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call in the army to quell violence in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, after a hotel reportedly housing asylum seekers was attacked. On X, formerly Twitter, he said: How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in @Keir_Starmer? The police clearly do not have a handle on this situation. This pogrom against Muslims and people of colour is going to cost lives unless these far-right thugs are stopped. Later, speaking to BBC News, the former first minister described the violence as race riots and pogroms against Muslims and against people of colour. He went on to challenge the framing by the broadcaster and other media outlets of the disorder as being protesters versus counter-protesters adding: That is not right. Were seeing violent race riots and those who are protesting against those race riots. From the new age requirement to expenses, Miss USA 2023 Savannah Gankiewicz talks with PEOPLE about all the rules contestants have to follow MediaPunch/Shutterstock Miss Hawaii 2023 Savannah Gankiewicz at her coronation as the new Miss USA 2023 The Miss USA pageant is airing on Aug. 4, and this year, it will feature several new rules. The pageant was first held in 1952 and has gone through various changes in the years since. Speaking with PEOPLE exclusively, Miss USA 2023Savannah Gankiewicz, who took over the title after Noelia Voigt resigned in May 2024, emphasizes the major difference between Miss USA and other beauty pageants. Miss USA has always brought glamour and fashion, but also being such a force for good and using their platform to do community service, Gankiewicz explains. She adds that this years competition in particular is breaking boundaries as it allows even more women to compete for the title, including divorced women, married women and women with kids. That's just a power force in pageantry, she says of the various rules changes for the Miss USA 2024 competition. No other pageant ... at that high caliber can you do this. That just goes to show the transformation that pageantry has. Ahead of the competition, PEOPLE spoke with Gankiewicz about all the rules people might not know Miss USA contestants have to follow. From the age requirement to covering expenses, heres everything to know. There is no longer an age requirement Getty Miss USA 1972 Tanya Wilson As stated on the official Miss USA website, contestants in the 2023 pageant year were required to be born between the years 1995 and 2004, meaning that only women between the ages of 18 and 28 could compete. However, that rule has been eliminated this year. While there is still an age minimum of 18 (separating Miss USA contestants from Miss Teen USA contestants) there is no maximum age. Miss Universe first announced the rule in September 2023, and the Miss USA pageant followed suit the following January. Gankiewicz notes its an exciting change as Miss USA breaks barriers in the pageant industry, allowing more women the opportunity to compete, including the current Miss Arizona USA, K Johnson, who made history as the oldest woman crowned Miss Arizona USA at 41 years old. Moms are now allowed to compete Getty Miss USA pageant in 1972 In addition to eliminating the age cap, the 2023 season saw the end of restrictions on contestants who are moms. Miss Indiana [Stephanie Sullivan] is a mom of three boys, Gankiewicz points out. That's amazing that we have all these women who couldn't compete last year that are coming in and making history. Gankiewicz foresees that the rule change will not only inspire people watching at home but also women hoping to compete for Miss USA. When they see people, it's all about feeling relatable, she says. When they see a woman that looks like them or speaks like them they'll feel inspired to do this as well. Because when you go up on that stage, you're having so much fun, you feel confident, sexy, beautiful. I think every woman likes to feel that way. There are no rules when it comes to marital status David Becker/Getty Miss USA 2012 Olivia Culpo Additionally, there are no restrictions when it comes to marital status this year. You can be married, divorced, a mom, and you can compete at Miss USA and Miss Universe, Gankiewicz explains. She provides Miss Utah USA, Alyssa Chandler, as an example of one of the first divorced women competing in the Miss USA competition. She's such a trailblazer, Gankiewicz says of Chandler. She let me know in our Zoom interview, I'm recently divorced. I'm here now. I can compete. Ahead of the competition, Chandler reflected on the honor in an Instagram post, saying she was honored to be representing so many different women not only as one of the first Japanese American contestants, but as one of the first divorced women to be able to compete on the Miss USA Stage. Im so grateful for the rule change in the Miss Universe organization, because it demonstrates that we have second chances, she added. You are not chained to your past. You can be better not bitter. You can turn trial into triumph. You have to be a United States citizen Ethan Miller/Getty Miss USA pageant in 2013 Since the pageant is called Miss USA, it stands to reason you have to be a United States citizen to apply. However, this can be done through various means, including naturalization. As Gankiewicz points out, Miss Texas USA 2023 Lluvia Alzate was born in Colombia before her family immigrated to the United States when she was 5 years old. They don't have to be born in the U.S. but they have to have an American passport, Gankiewicz clarifies. You need to be a permanent resident of the state youre representing Ethan Miller/Getty Terrence J and Julianne Hough and Miss District of Columbia USA 2017 Kara McCullough In addition to being a United States citizen, you also have to be a permanent resident of the state youre representing. Three options apply for this scenario which are listed on the official Miss USA website. One is that you must live in your state permanently and will have lived there for at least three months prior to the date of the pageant. The second is that you must be a full time student in your state and will have completed one entire semester or session by December 31. Lastly, you can be considered a permanent resident if you work full time in your state. Doing charitable work is encouraged for applying contestants, but is not required Thomas Concordia/Getty Miss USA 2023 Savannah Gankiewicz As listed on the Miss USA website, one of the organizations main initiatives is giving back. Charity and community engagement are at the core of all that we do, so get ready to meet the people that make our work truly profound, the website states. From exciting fund-raising events, to heart-warming visits, and adventures in awareness, at Miss USA, each of our initiatives matter. While previous charitable work is encouraged, its not a requirement for those applying to the Miss USA competition though Gankiewicz notes that it certainly helps to include that information in your bio as well as during your interview. The pageant has changed its rules to be more inclusive of transgender women Bryan Steffy/Getty Miss Nevada USA 2021 Kataluna Enriquez In 2012, the Miss USA pageant changed its rules to be more inclusive of transgender women, as previously reported by NPR. As the official pageant website states, those hoping to apply must represent and warrant that you are a female (recognized medically and legally as a female in the United States). Former Miss Nevada USA Kataluna Enriquez made history in 2021 as she became the first openly transgender Miss USA contestant. "It was an honor just to be able to represent my community and be an example for young queer children who now know they don't need to be limited by society's standards," Enriquez told Yahoo Life about the experience. This years pageant also features Miss Maryland USA Bailey Anne Kennedy, who recently made history as both the first transgender woman and first Asian American to win the title. There isnt a dress code for evening gowns (but there is a limit) Ethan Miller/Getty Miss USA pageant in 2016 When it comes to picking the perfect evening gown, Gankiewicz notes that there isnt a specific dress code that contestants have to follow: As long as you feel beautiful, confident, and graceful and can portray that in a gown, its free will. However, she points out that there is a limit to the amount of gowns you wear. While last year contestants could only have one gown, Gankiewicz says the Miss USA pageant is slightly tweaking the rules this year, allowing women to have a prelim gown and a final gown. Contestants have to cover their own expenses Lee Celano/Getty Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan Of course, pageant gowns don't come cheap, and contestants are expected to foot their own bill, which is why having sponsors is so important; as Gankiewicz notes, one of the most surprising parts of the competition for her was how much money it costs to be a pageant girl. You're getting your nails done, your hair done, the gowns, the outfits, the appearances, she says. So you have to work really hard to get that sponsorship. Usually, your state will give you good ones, but if you want [specific] ones, you have to work for it. As she competed in the pageant, she budgeted by saving money from her job and relying on sponsors, family and friends to donate to her pageant fund. She notes that the average cost for a gown is $12,000 to $15,000, but she was able to save by getting hers from the Philippines. Mine was only $6,000, but even that was expensive for out of the country. Contestants have free range on social media posts (to a point) Getty Miss USA 1960 When it comes to sharing content on their social media profiles, Gankiewicz notes that contestants have free range of what to post, within reason ("Of course nothing inappropriate, she says.) She says this is further emphasized during orientation for Miss USA, noting that you never know who the judges are and who is watching. She adds that judges love seeing contestants engage with the organization online. Since we live in a world full of social media and influencing, they want to see someone who could do just that. If you win at the state level, you cannot compete for Miss USA in the future Stacy Revere/Getty Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez One big rule that people might be surprised to learn is that your time on the Miss USA stage is one and done. Once you compete in one state and win that title, you can't compete again, Gankiewicz clarifies. So once you hit that Miss USA stage, this will be your last time. Amid all the various rule changes for 2024, Gankiewicz says she hopes one day this rule will be lifted. In "other countries, you can keep competing in your country until you win that title with Miss Universe, she explains. That's why girls who have dual citizenship, they go to their countries, which is so nice because you can go to Miss Universe Philippines numerous times until you win that country, she adds. So I hope one day [theyll change the rule]," she says. " Maybe I'll come back in!" For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. New York, US (PANA) - Top UN officials on Friday called for a stand against bigotry wherever and whenever it appears, paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Roma and Sinti brutally murdered during the Second World War by the Nazis A teenage girl, who is nine months pregnant, and an 18-year-old man were hospitalized Friday night after the tent they were in was struck by lightning, officials in Indiana said. The unidentified victims were inside their tent, which was in the back of their residence in Country Squire Lakes, Indiana, when the lightning strike happened, the Jennings County Sheriff's Office said Saturday. MORE: Teen speaks out from hospital bed after surviving lightning strike First responders rushed the pair to a hospital where they were listed in serious but stable condition. "We have received information that the baby is ok as well," the sheriff's office said. The relationship of the victims was not immedaitely known. 2 teens, including 9-month pregnant girl, struck by lightning in Indiana originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel These brunch recipes are perfect for a relaxing Sunday morning. With some inspiration from nostalgic classics and new flavor combinations, there are plenty of delicious breakfast options to try whether youre in the mood for something sweet or savory. Whip up dishes like our Sticky-Bun Baked Oats and Crustless Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche, and youll have yet another reason to look forward to the weekend! Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel This weekend-worthy dish features cauliflower steaks flavored with Italian seasoning and topped with sauteed kale, a poached egg and pesto-flavored hollandaise. No need to fret over finicky homemade hollandaiseour blender method simplifies the process, bypassing the stovetop hassle with a creamy stable sauce that wont break or separate. Look for medium heads of cauliflower with compact florets for the best steaks. The center-cut slices hold their shape best. Use any extra florets from the sides to make cauliflower rice or roast them separately for a salad. View Recipe Sheet-Pan Lemon-Blueberry French Toast Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel When youre catering to a weekend crowd, having a recipe like this one up your sleeve can be a game-changer. Instead of laboring over the stove, you can whip up 8 servings of delightful fruity French toast infused with zesty lemon flavor, all in one shot thanks to your oven and a single baking sheet. View Recipe Sticky-Bun Baked Oats Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel If you like the idea of a little something sweet for your weekend breakfast, this sticky-bun baked oats recipe could be the breakfast-dessert mashup youve been waiting for. View Recipe Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel Bites Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel These savory cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel bites coated in everything bagel seasoning will steal the spotlight at your next brunch. Whether you opt to make them in the air fryer or oven, they're bound to be a hit. The salmon and cream cheese center is best if the rolls are properly closed. Make sure when you gather the dough, you pinch it closed before rolling it into a ball. View Recipe Breakfast Stuffed Peppers Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel End your weekend with these breakfast stuffed peppers filled with eggs, hearty beans, kale and taco seasoning. If the pepper isnt laying flat when you are about to fill it, shave off a small piece from the back side (but not all the way through) to help the filling stay in place. View Recipe Crustless Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Let this weekend-worthy quiche elevate your next brunch spread. Youll love how easy it is to pull together without the fuss of baking and filling a crust. We love the convenience of prewashed baby spinach, but any dark leafy green, from kale to Swiss chard, can work well in its place. View Recipe Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake This healthy pound cake recipe isn't just deliciousit also only requires one bowl to make. Serve with brunch or alongside a cup of coffee in the afternoon. View Recipe Lemon Pancakes Caitlin Bensel Lemon zest and juice add zip and brightness to these easy lemon pancakes. Top them off with honey or maple syrup, butter and a pinch of lemon zest for an added citrusy kick. View Recipe High-Protein Peanut Butter Baked Oats Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless This brownie-baked oatmeal is a protein powerhouse, made with a blend of peanut butter, strained yogurt and chocolate pudding mix. Pudding mix adds moisture to the oats, making them less dense and chewy, and it adds a sweeter, richer chocolate flavor. View Recipe Eggs Benedict Casserole An eggs Benedict casserole is not only delicious, hearty and filling, but it also gives you the ingredients and taste you love from eggs Benedict in an easy, make-ahead form. View Recipe Spinach-Mushroom Frittata with Avocado Salad Frittatas are like omelets, only easierand they taste great hot, warm or cold. This vegetable-packed version is paired with a cool salad of lemony cucumbers and tomatoes with creamy avocado. View Recipe Strawberry Sheet-Pan Pancakes Sheet-pan pancakes feed a crowd, without your standing over a hot skillet or griddle for long periods of time. This easy pancake recipe calls for sprinkling strawberries on top of the batter, but you could personalize toppings for guests with a variety of fruits or nuts. View Recipe Egg, Hash Brown & Bacon Breakfast Skillet This breakfast skillet is reminiscent of the hash-brown bowl at Waffle House. It's filling and delicious while being lower in calories. Be sure to use a large skillet because although it may seem too big for the amount of ingredients, you need the surface area to get your potatoes crispy. View Recipe High-Protein Peach Muffins Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling These peach muffins feature one of summer's finest fruits. A sprinkle of sugar adds a delightful crunch on top, while strained yogurt keeps the muffins moist inside. Combined with almond butter, the yogurt also adds protein, making these muffins the perfect choice for a satisfying breakfast. View Recipe Cheesy Zucchini Quiche This cheesy crustless zucchini quiche has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor. Serve it for brunch or anytime you have extra zucchini on hand. View Recipe Blueberry-Lemon Crumb Muffins Blueberries and lemon are a natural pairing in these light and airy muffins with a delicate brown sugar crumble. If you like an extra blast of lemon flavor, use lemon extract rather than vanilla. These muffins are best with fresh blueberries, but you can substitute with frozen. Don't thaw them before you stir them into the batter. View Recipe Strawberry-Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless These baked strawberry-oatmeal bars combine sweet summer strawberries with nutty, fiber-rich oats for a perfect addition to a brunch spread. Or enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferable here, as they absorb just the right amount of liquid while baking. View Recipe Vegan Pineapple & Coconut Baked Oatmeal This dreamy vegan baked oatmeal is full of tropical flavors from coconut and pineapple, and it couldn't be easier to make. It's a satisfying family breakfast but also feels special enough for a Sunday brunch with company. View Recipe Carrot Cake-Inspired Loaf Bread Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf Protein in this carrot cakeinspired loaf comes from cashew butter and Greek-style yogurt, which also helps keep it moist and tender. Carrots, nuts and raisins provide texture and flavor, while applesauce adds a subtle sweetness. Use regular or golden raisins or any combination of small or chopped dried fruit. Pecans or even chopped hazelnuts can be used in place of the walnuts. View Recipe Savory Dutch Baby with Arugula & Parmesan Also called a German pancake, this breakfast or brunch dish is delicious served with sweet or savory ingredients. Here, we make this Dutch baby savory by topping it with a fresh salad, cheese and fried eggs. View Recipe Read the original article on Eating Well. By Rich McKay (Reuters) -More than 6,000 firefighters in California's Central Valley continued to battle the largest blaze in the U.S. on Saturday, which burned its way into the history books as the state's fourth-largest conflagration on record. There was barely a taste of rain on Saturday from thunderstorms that brought wind and rainfall of zero to one-tenth of an inch, forecasters said. The heat of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) along with winds up to 25 mph or more in some spots, offered little relief to the firefighters trying to contain the Park Fire, scorching the wilderness terrain some 100 miles (161 km) north of Sacramento, the state capital. "We had some thunderstorms that just brought us down-drafts, that's a problem," said Christopher Young, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. "Lightning is a factor we worry about." Blazes from the Park Fire, started by an alleged arsonist who pushed a flaming car down a 60-foot gully near Chico, California, on July 24, has since burned more than 400,000 acres (162,200 hectares) or more than 600 square miles, an area larger than the city of Los Angeles. The 42-year-old man arrested had not entered a plea as of Saturday, but was charged with arson and held without bail, officials said. More than 560 homes and other structures were destroyed since the blaze started 11 days ago, feeding off of downed timber and tinder-dry grass and brush. The fire was 27% contained on Saturday, officials said. More than 4,000 people were evacuated in the Park Fire including retiree Jim Young, 65, of Red Bluff, California, where he lived in a trailer home with his dog, a black Labrador Retriever named Sparky. He and the dog spent the last eight days camped out with some other families in a gravel lot at a wilderness trailhead about 6 miles from his home, worrying every day if it was safe. "We just found out we can go home," Young told Reuters on Saturday evening. "Our property is safe. So many lost everything. But me and Sparky can go home now." The rough, wilderness terrain means it takes two to three hours to reach the fire lines, officials said. Some firefighters are being flown to the front lines by helicopters, with some expected to stay there for days with supplies also flown in. The national wildfire season has had an intense start, raising the risk of stretching firefighting resources too thin. The National Interagency Fire Center has already requested help from firefighters in Australia and New Zealand, who will arrive starting Aug. 7 and deploy to Oregon and Washington. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) Police and protesters squared off in several UK cities in the latest round of unrest fueled by the far right, following a stabbing attack in northwest England this week. Dozens of people were arrested on Saturday, as scenes of violent crowds and burning storefronts spread on social media. Since the stabbing in Southport, which left three children dead during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class, tensions have been ratcheting up across UK cities. Far-right activists have been accused of using social media platforms to spread disinformation, most notably falsely claiming that the Southport attacker was an immigrant who had arrived in the UK illegally. UK police have confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, was born in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, taking the unusual step of naming him despite being under 18. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with senior ministers of his cabinet on Saturday to discuss the unrest, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities. The right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things, Starmer said, according to his spokesperson. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also denounced violence acts by the protesters, warning that thuggery has no place in the country. A protest in Manchester on Saturday following the stabbing in Southport earlier in the week. - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Protests in Manchester, Belfast, Liverpool and other cities On Saturday, videos posted on social media showed crowds of anti-immigrant protesters assembled along Liverpools riverside, shouting slogans, such as Stop the Boats a reference to the dinghies used by asylum seekers to cross the English Channel to the UK mainland. City police meanwhile said a number of officers had been injured dealing with serious disorder. In the UKs third largest city, Manchester, crowds of protesters marched through the city center on Saturday carrying placards with slogans, such as Save our Kids. They were also met by a counter-protest of anti-racism campaigners who carried signs with slogans, saying No to Fascism and No to Racism. Riot police were deployed to the Northern Irish capital Belfast after protesters set off projectiles and fireworks near the City Hall. Tense exchanges took place between the far-right demonstrators and protesters involved in a pro-Palestinian counter-protest. One woman from the counter-protest was injured after a firework exploded next to her, the Irish national broadcaster RTE reported. Belfasts anti-immigrant protest managed to unite protesters from two of the regions traditionally most divided groups, Unionists and Nationalists. Anti-immigrant protesters from both communities gathered together in significant numbers on Saturday, brandishing both English and Irish national flags and anti-immigrant placards. Stand-offs were reported at several other cities and follow similar incidents this week. Anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate estimated as many as 35 protests were due to take place on Saturday and Sunday under a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-Government agenda. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today program on Friday, Chair of the National Police Chiefs Council Gavin Stephens said police chiefs had agreed to step up resourcing over the weekend. The UK Crown Prosecutor Service will also deploy 70 extra lawyers this weekend to support police out-of-hours with charging advice to help maintain public safety; the prosecutor service said in a post on X on Saturday. According to the respective police departments of each city and county, there were at least 20 arrests in Hull, at least 11 arrests in Liverpool, at least 12 arrests in Sunderland, two arrests in Belfast in Northern Ireland, and multiple arrests in Bristol on Saturday. Fears of racial and religious targeting Saturdays scenes were only the latest wave of ongoing violence. Earlier in the week, the Muslim Council of Britain urged mosques to be vigilant and strengthen security measures following deeply disturbing scenes of mobs targeting mosques in Southport and Hartlepool. Ten people were arrested and four police officers were injured during the previous round of violent protests in Sunderland, northeast England, on Friday. Those detained are facing a range of offenses, including violent disorder and burglary. Hundreds of rioters pelted police with stones, shouted anti-Islam slogans and targeted a local mosque, PA Media reported, in scenes police called completely unacceptable. Demonstrators hold banners and flags during a protest in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Saturday. - Amanda Ferguson/Reuters Southport the scene of the stabbings has also seen disorder. Earlier this week, police said they believed a crowd in Southport took to the streets over unconfirmed reports speculating on the identity of the suspect. The 17-year-old suspect appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday and was named after a judge lifted the reporting restrictions that normally apply to minors. He has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, as well as possession of a bladed article. Starmer has promised to tackle the uptick in far-right violence, holding a meeting with police chiefs on Thursday to draw up a national plan of action. Reporting contributed by CNNs Max Foster and Radina Gigova. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) slammed a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia negotiated this week, claiming the move helps Russian President Vladimir Putin and encourages U.S. enemies to falsely arrest Americans. Graham said in a Fox New Sunday interview with Jacqui Heinrich that the deal absolutely helps Putin. Weve got a cycle here. You have trumped up charges against Americans, he said. You accused them of things they didnt do. You put them in jail, and you only release them when we have to release Russian spies and killers. This cycle needs to stop. The large-scale prisoner swap freed multiple Americans held in Russian captivity, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan. Released Russians included notable hitman Vadim Krasikov and multiple accused spies. A dozen Germans held in Russia were also released in the deal. It was the largest swap since the end of the Cold War. At the end of the day. I think the Iranians see this is yet another sign of weakness, Graham said. The more thugs like Putin get rewarded for doing bad things, the more bad things you will get. So Im worried that the Iranians and the Chinese are watching, and this is making all of our enemies more provocative, not less. The most notable American still detained in Russia is schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug trafficking charges. White House spokesperson John Kirby said Sunday that while the Biden administration attempted to include Fogel in the swap, negotiations were unsuccessful. It was hailed by the White House as a legacy builder for the president. The deal was struck just hours before Biden decided to leave the 2024 campaign. Todays exchange is a feat of diplomacy that honestly could only be achieved by a leader like Joe Biden, Biden spokesperson Jake Sullivan said 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. As Kamala Harris closes in on her selection of a running mate this weekend, a renewed focus is being placed on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, people familiar with the search told CNN, even as the vice president continues to weigh whether Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro or Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly would help deliver a victory in their battleground states. Harris is conducting face-to-face interviews with the final contenders, two sources said, with Walz poised to meet with her on Sunday. She will also interview Shapiro and Kelly on Sunday, according to a source familiar. In the final days of the accelerated vice presidential search, after teams of lawyers finished their exhaustive vetting work and preliminary interviews with contenders, Harris was most concerned with what one senior Democrat close to the process described as three Cs: competence, chemistry and core values. Harris was weighing the decision with her husband, Doug Emhoff, and a small circle of confidants. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, along with Harris brother-in-law Tony West, were central advisers throughout the process. West served as a top lieutenant to Holder at the Department of Justice in the Obama administration. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly were also said to still be under consideration, people familiar with the process said, with Harris intent on not making her final decision known this weekend or too far in advance of her Tuesday night rally with her running mate in Philadelphia. Harris was expected to meet with her vetting team Saturday for a series of in-depth presentations on each of the finalists, according to a source familiar with the process. Each briefing was expected to last about 60 to 90 minutes. According to multiple sources, the presentations Saturday were expected to reduce the number of candidates whom Harris would invite for final interviews Sunday. Harris top consideration is electability, sources familiar with her thinking told CNN. She will be looking at what does a person bring to a ticket? Will it help in battleground states? And will it balance out the ticket? one source said. And she will ask questions. She will press and press which is her (modus operandi). CNNs Aaron Pellish contributed to this report. This story and headline have been updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PHOENIX - Mark Kellys first campaign for office was decided by a coin toss. His twin brother, Scott, also wanted to be student congress president at their suburban New Jersey high school. It was Scott who ended up vice president that time. Fast forward four decades and it could be Mark Kellys turn to serve as vice president of the United States. Arizonas junior senator, a Garden State native who was pushed into politics after personal tragedy, is being vetted as a possible second-in-command as Democrat Kamala Harris makes a bid for the White House. Kellys resume led Arizonans to send him from Tucson to Washington, D.C., in elections in 2020 and 2022: Navy combat and test pilot, astronaut, gun control advocate, husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. Americans followed along in newspapers and television spots as Mark and Scott became the first sibling astronauts, let alone identical twins, for NASAs shuttle program in the mid-1990s. The nation watched after a 2011 shooting left Giffords gravely wounded, and six others dead, and as Mark Kelly helped her recover. But Mark Kellys path from a New Jersey township to Navy captain from rambunctious kid to a decorated aviator is less well known. Its a course that friends and former classmates said tested Kellys leadership ability in the most competitive environments. I've literally had my life in his hands hundreds of times, and I trust him absolutely, said Paul Fujimura, who flew with Kelly in Operation Desert Storm. 'Favorite sons' of West Orange The Kelly twins watched men land on the moon when they were five years old at their family home in West Orange, New Jersey, a township of about 39,000 wedged into a patchwork of suburbs commuting distance from Manhattan. Mark Kelly has often said his parents taught him about the importance of public service. His father, Richard, was an Army paratrooper and police officer in West Orange who rose in rank to captain. His mother, Patricia, worked as a secretary but put herself through rigorous training in the familys backyard to become the townships first female police officer. The boys dont fear being astronauts, because they were born into a family of risk-takers, Kelly has recalled his mother saying. Its in our blood. Kelly was not available for an interview for this story. His own account of growing up is taken from numerous public speeches and two books he co-authored with Giffords: Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope, published in 2011, and Enough, from 2014. The accounts show an injury-prone and adventurous boy that some may have considered borderline juvenile delinquents, he wrote. Scott and I were rowdy kids, he wrote in "Enough." We fought with each other and our neighbors. We had our run-ins with the local cops, who let us off but made sure our parents knew what we were up to. He was hit by a car in kindergarten after he didnt follow his mothers direction to cross a street at the corner. He broke his knuckles in a fight in 9th grade. I guess I had a habit of coming out swinging in part because I was the son of a hard-charging, hard-drinking, hardworking New Jersey detective, he wrote. In Scott Kellys 2017 book, Endurance, he describes their father as an alcoholic who once left the family without food and money for a weekend. Scott Kelly recalled violence and arguments at home. Mark Kelly wrote that his parents also taught him and demonstrated for him the importance of a strong work ethic. His father told the boys they could join the welders' union, he had a contact there. Mark Kelly became "nearly a straight-A student" from then on, he wrote. Politics werent a prominent part of their childhood. Kelly wasnt all that interested in local or national politics and didnt know his parents partisan affiliations. His own have shifted over the years. Now a Democratic senator, he voted in a Republican primary while an astronaut in Texas and records show he spent many years not affiliated with either major party. Kelly graduated from West Oranges Mountain High School in 1982. Yearbook and family photographs show the Kelly twins as skinny boys under mops of brown hair. They were captains of the swim team, and on the track team. Decades later, and donning the iconic blue flight jackets synonymous with astronauts, the Kelly brothers returned to West Orange to see their elementary school renamed for them. Pictures of Earth that Scott Kelly took on his shuttle flights line the walls of what is now Kelly Elementary School. Local leaders read dictionary definitions of hero and pioneer during an invite-only ceremony that drew former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey. The pair was deemed favorite sons of West Orange and Mark Kelly not so subtly told the children in attendance to do their homework. 'Hes a pretty down-to-earth, normal person' From West Orange, the teenage Mark Kelly went to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. A career at sea was part of his family history: His paternal grandfather served in the Navy during World War II, and his maternal grandfather served as a merchant mariner. After three years at the intensely hierarchical academy, school leaders chose Kelly to serve as regimental executive officer during his senior year. He was the student second-in-command of the whole academy, and Mark Baden was the No. 1. Baden recalled that in other years students balked at being second in charge. They wanted to be commander. Being the No. 2 guy, there's no glory in that, Baden said in an interview. You're there to implement policy. You don't make policy. So it's just more work and no glory. And I mean Mark has always been very selfless that way, and I saw that there at school. Kellys role was to lead indoctrination of first-year plebes. Think of a routine like basic training as depicted in the movies: Marching, running, calisthenics, shining shoes, shaving heads. If a student faltered to the pressure, Kellys job was to correct them, Baden said. Indoctrination that year included a uniquely Kelly twist. Scott Kelly, who was across the East River at the State University of New York Maritime College, visited. He put on one of Mark Kellys uniforms and headed to a square on campus. The seemingly two Mark Kellys flanked an underclassman doing drills, asking him who was in charge. When the student answered Mark Kelly, he was ordered to about-face and turned 180 degrees to find another Mark Kelly who asked the same question, as Baden recalled. All the freshmen were seeing double, said Jack Griffin, who also graduated in Kellys class. Griffin said it showed Mark Kelly didnt take himself too seriously. Hes a pretty down-to-earth, normal person, he said. Griffin, the son of a Boston firefighter and telephone company clerk, saw Kelly as a peer who also came from a working-class family. Kelly graduated with a dual degree in marine engineering and nautical science, one of about 30 students known as dualies who earned both degrees offered at the academy. Destiny is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice, was the quote he chose for his senior yearbook. Oct 24, 2022; Phoenix, AZ, U.S.; Sen. Mark Kelly talks to the Arizona Republic editorial board about his run for US Senate. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic 'Mark knows his duty and he will not hesitate' Kelly went on to the U.S. Navy and became an aviator the following year. By his account, he "wasn't a particularly good pilot" to start, but it taught a lesson hes talked about often in years since. How well you perform when you start trying something difficult is not a good indicator of how good you can become, he wrote in "Gabby." "Looking back, Im a prime example of someone who was able to overcome a lack of aptitude with persistence, practice, and a drive to never give up. Two years later he married his first wife, and they had two daughters who are now adults. They divorced in 2004. Court records show the case dragged out for years, though, because of custody issues. As a Navy pilot, Kelly trained on an A-6 Intruder, a low-altitude attack aircraft used for decades in combat. Baden flew the same planes, which were not the rockstar Tomcats of Top Gun fame, but the workhorses. Kelly deployed twice on the USS Midway aircraft carrier and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, according to his NASA biography. For most of those, Fujimura was by his side as bombardier-navigator. In an interview, Fujimura remembered an attack on an Iraqi patrol from just 200 feet in the air. Kelly and Fujimura came up with the mission plan and ordered another aircraft to come along. This was our duty, Fujimura recalled, calling it a courageous decision to order others into a dangerous situation. Mark knows his duty and he will not hesitate. He prepares. Studies. That experience, that cauldron or pressure, that helped crystallize all of our characters, but his character especially, to be a great leader. Kelly earned a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in California and he finished test pilot school. And two years later, he got the call: NASA inviting him to join a coveted astronaut class. Kelly flew to space four times, twice as a shuttle pilot before NASA elevated him to commander of his final two missions. To his longtime friend and merchant marine classmate, Baden, it was another example of Kelly in a competitive environment. NASA thought enough of him then that they upgraded him to commander and he did two missions there, Baden said. Again, he doesn't just do an adequate job, he excels. The competition, it's greater and greater as you move up the chain. And hes still coming out on top. Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mark Kelly's life, military and NASA careers prepared him for politics New York, US (PANA) - The United Nations has strongly condemned a suicide attack at a popular beachfront in the capital, Mogadishu, that claimed dozens of civilian lives "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Meghan Markle celebrates her 43rd birthday today, August 4! She's not the only royal woman with an August 4 birthday: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, also celebrated her birthday on the 4thand this fact delighted King Charles when he discovered the coincidence during a summer vacation in 2018. Shop Now Spare amazon.com $16.00 "Towards the end of summer 2018 we went to Scotland, the Castle of Mey, to spend a few days with Pa," Prince Harry writes of the moment in Spare. "The bond between Meg and Pa, always strong, grew even stronger during that weekend. One night, over pre-dinner cocktails, Fred Astaire playing in the background, it emerged that Meg shared a birthdate with Pas favorite person: Gan-Gan. August 4. Amazing, Pa said with a smile. At the memory of Gan-Gan, and the link between her and my bride, he suddenly became buoyant, telling stories Id never heard, essentially performing, showing off for Meg." Growing up, Charles was close with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and he inherited her property, the Castle of Mey. Per royal biographer Sally Beddell Smith, "Since her death in 2002, Charles has spent the first week of every August [at the Castle of Mey] honoring her birthday on the 4th and carrying out royal engagements as well as finding solace in personal pursuits." In fact, at the Castle of Mey this weekend before he heads to Balmoral. One story that Charles reportedly told Meghan that evening in Scotland was about selkies, or Scottish mermaids who take the form of seals. "When you see a seal," Charles told her, "you never can tellSing to it. They often sing back." Harry says he replied, "Oh, come on. Youre telling fairytales, Pa!" Charles responded, "No, its absolutely true!" Harry then shared that while staying at the Castle of Mey, the Sussexes went to the beach, and they did indeed see seals. Prince Harry ran to the water, per Charles's instructions, and sang to them. He writes, "Meg joined me, and sang to them, and now of course they sang back. She really is magic, I thought. Even the seals know it." The chapter, however, ends ominously: "It had been such a lovely fairytale, I thought. How did it get so dark so fast?" You Might Also Like Donald Trump addresses the crowd at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters Donald Trump addressed a fully-packed venue in downtown Atlanta on Saturday, with thousands of people waiting in the Georgia heat outside to enter, or to protest his appearance in a city he has condemned repeatedly. His remarks were consistent with the tenor and comportment of restraint and probity Atlantans are used to hearing at this point. She happens to be a really low IQ individual. We dont need a low IQ individual, Trump said of the vice-president Kamala Harris. They love dealing with low IQ individuals Shes Bernie Sanders but not as smart. Trump highlighted a handful of recent murders in the city, saying Atlanta is like a killing field, and your governor should get off his ass and do something about it. Related: Trump says he would debate on Fox News but Harris insists on ABC Trump rattled off a set of crime statistics in Atlanta that bear no resemblance to the actual change in crime over the last two years. Crime spiked in Atlanta in the last year of Trumps term and peaked in 2022. It has subsequently fallen back to 2019 levels. But crime and particularly crime involving immigrants has been central to his appeal to Republican voters. Trump invoked the murder of Laken Riley, a college student murdered on the campus of the University of Georgia. Police have charged an undocumented immigrant with her murder. Lakens blood is on Kamala Harriss hands, Trump said, as though she was standing there watching it herself. Trump is trying to tie this to Harriss role as border czar early in the Biden administration. Harris should not be asking for your votes. She should be begging Laken Rileys family for forgiveness. Trump made a point of highlighting the work of three Republican appointees to Georgias board of elections, who have been entertaining changes to election rules that critics say are setting the stage for a legal contest in case of a Trump loss in November. Of President Joe Biden and the debate that led to his withdrawal from the race, Trump said He was choking like a dog! He was choking. And that was the end of him they did a coup, but he doesnt know it. Trump said, without any evidence, that 40 or 50 million illegal aliens will enter the United States if Harris wins, he said, claiming that suburbs will be overrun with savage foreign gangs. He also claimed, falsely, that Harris wants to replace all gas cars with electric cars, to ban meat, to increase taxes by 70 to 80% and more claims that can only be taken as hyperbole because they are so far divorced from fact. He also reiterated claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Trump repeatedly called Harris a lunatic. Trumps appearance in Atlanta is at the same venue Harris filled on Tuesday in her first Georgia rally since Bidens dramatic withdrawal from the race and her ascension as the presumptive Democratic nominee. The contrast between Trump and Harris in the space was stark. Harriss multiracial crowd Tuesday was peppered with the pink and green of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters. Red Maga hats and Trump mug shots or the now-iconic shot of his fist in the air after the assassination attempt dominated the mostly white sea of support for Trump. Trump opened up his appearance in Atlanta lying about the Harris event in the same place, falsely claiming that people left the event early and that there were empty seats. Both events packed the room. Notably, the upper stands began to empty out about an hour into Trumps comments. The refrain, repeated by speaker after speaker at the rally, was that Trump took a bullet for Republican voters, and they should return the favor with powerful turnout in Georgia. He took a bullet for you, and in that moment, we found out who Donald Trump is, said Marjorie Taylor Greene, a representative, in a speech before 10,000 Trump supporters at the Georgia State Convocation Center. He stood up, put his fist in the air and said Fight! Fight! Fight! And thats what we will do. JD Vance, Republican vice-presidential nominee, took note of the emerging Democratic labeling of Republicans as weird as he warmed up the crowd. Weird is how Kamala Harris comes to Atlanta and speaks with a fake southern accent even though she grew up in Canada, Vance said. Go watch the clips; she sounds like a southern belle. Vance also linked the people who tried to bankrupt and impeach Trump to the attempted assassination. America is never going to elect a San Francisco liberal who is so far out of the mainstream, Vance said. Despite this assertion, polls increasingly suggest that Harris may be ahead of Trump today, with the Democratic national convention coming in two weeks. Before Bidens withdrawal, Trump had been consistently ahead of Biden, so much so that political discussion here had been about whether the Biden campaign would capitulate in Georgia in order to focus its resources on Rust Belt races. Too few polls measuring Harris and Trump in Georgia have been conducted to read the race here, but both campaigns have begun treating Georgia as a battleground state once again. The road to the White House runs through Georgia, Greene said, almost word for word what Rev Raphael Warnock, a Georgia senator, told Harris supporters five days earlier. In long, rambling comments, Trump lambasted Brian Kemp, the governor, and Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state, for disloyalty: In my opinion, they want us to lose. If we lose Georgia, we lose the whole thing and our country goes to hell. TEAHUPOO, Tahiti (AP) Cracked helmets, sutured skin and checks for concussions have been all been part of the Paris Olympics surfing competition, as surfers go head-to-head on the treacherous waves of Teahupo'o, Tahiti on their quest for gold. While the competition has had big waves and wipe outs, surfers said it's thanks to the water safety patrol a team of highly-skilled, local workers patrolling with jet skis, helping to operate boats and constantly assessing oceans conditions from a watch tower that they've been able to enter the heavy, barrel-shaped waves with more confidence that they'll emerge unscathed. The waves of Teahupo'o can be deadly, having claimed the life of at least one surfer. A jagged coral reef lies just below the ocean surface, often extremely close to where the waves break and within eyesight of surfers. Its super dangerous. People dont realize its the most dangerous place in the world ... so Im just really happy to be in one piece, surfer Jack Robinson from Australia said after his round three win. Its crazy. There are some huge waves out there. While there have been no severe injuries so far during the Paris Olympics surfing events, several athletes have gotten stitches, bloody scrapes or large bruises from their heats. And there's been many times in the competition when surfers are pulled out of the water or off the reef by water safety patrollers on jet skis. Theyre like guardian angels, said local French Polynesian surfer Michel Bourez, who has surfed Teahupoo for years and previously competed in the Tokyo Olympics. They actually put their life on the line as well to come and rescue you. The jet ski patrols are just a small part of the water safety crews duties, according to safety officials. Every day starts with a staff briefing on the days ocean conditions. As the competition gets underway, the water crew is in constant contact with a water patroller on the tower, which is positioned out in the ocean by the wave. Workers are constantly watching the ocean's conditions, whether its the wind changing direction, shifts in underwater channels or how the tide is impacting the waves, said Puatea Ellis, 42, a water safety worker at the Paris Olympics in Tahiti. I constantly need to keep my focus on people, because if people get scared, they panic. And then it's more likely an accident is going to happen." Ellis told The Associated Press. The help of water safety patrol can also be strategic for winning heats, as it's not uncommon for powerful waves to wash surfers far away from where waves can be caught during their limited heat times, said International Surfing Association president Fernando Aguirre. If you need to paddle back out, it will take you 15 minutes, said International Surfing Association president Fernando Aguirre. Then you'll find yourself out of time and out of the competition. The water safety patrol has also helped others in the water like camera operators providing a broadcast of the competition stay safe as well, even helping them search for equipment lost in the rough waves. Water safety isn't just for the surfers, said Ellis. It's my job to keep everyone safe. ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) said she has no concern about Vice President Harriss reversals on policy issues, saying the Democratic nominee is a human being. In an interview on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, anchor Dana Bash pressed Butler on how voters should view Harriss policy reversals in just the last four years on issues including defunding the police, Medicare for All and a ban on fracking, all of which she once supported. She now also supports President Bidens tougher approach to border policy, a pivot from once supporting decriminalizing border crossings. Voters should think that shes a human being who learns new things every single day and has the ability to take the time and effort to hear the concerns of all people, Butler, a former Harris aide, said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union. I think that they should be certain that she is a fighter and a leader whos going to do the work on their behalf to ensure that there is an economy that ensures that no one is left behind, that were going to continue to address the climate crisis in a way that ensures that there is an Earth here for young people and for next generations of leaders, she continued. I think that they should absolutely believe that she is a leader who cares about people, whos going to put them first, as she has done her entire career. Pressed on whether she has concerns about flip-flopping, Butler said, No, no concern about flip-flopping. Our country changes every single day. The conditions of our country change every single day, Butler said. The vice president has been consistent in her values, and there are lots of different ways to solve the challenges that are in front of us. Weve got to make sure that we have a candidate who is listening, and a candidate and a leader who, frankly, again, puts the people first. Since Harris became the clear front-runner for and then confirmed Democratic presidential nominee, her campaign has sought to distance herself from a series of policy positions she took when she was a candidate in the 2020 presidential primary. Republicans say the policy pivots give them another arrow in their quiver for the three-month sprint to 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 The Hill. This pie took me by surprise. Sara Haas In big cities, thick-crusted, rectangular pies have been all the rage in recent years. But as a restaurant critic, Ive noticed the opposite trend emerging as Detroit-style mania dies down: Bar pizzas, or tavern pies, are bringing thin, crunchy crusts to the cutting edge. I grew up in Southern Connecticut, where Colony Grill has been serving up skinny pies with cheese that goes all the way to the edges since the 1930s. Elsewhere in New England, the crackling thin-crusts are known as South Shore bar pizza, thanks to their plenitude in Boston. Chicago has its own version, and locals are divided on whether tavern pies or deep-dish should really be the citys signature pizza. But can you take advantage of the trend if you live outside a big city? To find out, I tried the thin-crust offerings at the big-four pizza chains. While the cracker-like bases arent exactly bar pies, they might be the closest youll find without booking a flight. Since I tried pies, Pizza Hut has even introduced a tavern-style pizza to show their devotion to the trend. Besides an appealing crunch, enjoying a thin-crust pizza is also the leanest way to bite into a pizzaa slice of a large thin-crust pie at Pizza Hut, for example, has almost half the calories of a pan pizza. You wont lose any weight dining on thin-crust pizzas, but you might not mind reaching for an extra slice or two. How I Chose and Tested the Thin-Crust Pizzas Choosing pizza purveyors was no sweatfour big national chains are likely in your backyard, just as they are in mine in Northern Virginia. Assessing the options was another matter. I picked up and ate in the car or dined in (as was the case at Pizza Hut) at each location in order to get pies at their freshest. From there, I took crusts into consideration above all else. Both texture and flavor were important factors. But thats not to say the sauce, cheese, and doneness of the pizzas werent also deeply important. All of the above, as well as price, were among my criteria. The Best Fast Food Thin-Crust Pizzas, Ranked 4th Place: Papa Johns Sara Haas The experiment didnt start with promise when I picked up my 14-inch large pizza at Papa John's. At $17.49, the crust was indeed crisp, but not in a good way. It was more stiff than crunchy or chewy. In fact, the more I forced the dry bites into my mouth, the more its flour-y flavor reminded me of a low-quality frozen pizza. The overly sweet sauce only amplified the effect, as did the stretch-less cheese. Points in Papa Johns favor? The spicy peperoncino thrown in the box went well with the cupping pepperoni that I chose as my single topping. 3rd Place: Dominos Sara Haas Most pizza, even thin crust, needs sufficient sauce for reasons of both flavor and texture. Though I detected a bit of the Dominos signature Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce on some slices, the pie was as arid as they come. Its a shame, because the oddly named sauce is well balanced between tart and sweet. This crust was the thinnest of the buncheven thinner than most crackerswhich made for a fun, ultra-crispy texture with a hint of stretch. At $16.98, the 14-inch large pie started out on the expensive side, but a carry-out coupon brought it down to $7.99, the cheapest of the bunch. 2nd Place: Pizza Hut Sara Haas Matters improved when I saw the substantial 14-inch large pie offered at Pizza Hut. It was no surprise that at $19.09 for one topping, this heavyweight was also the most expensive. But on occasion, Id be willing to pay extra for the sauciest, cheesiest contender of them all. The edges of the buttery-tasting crust bubbled up, leaving the impression of a bowl of pizza, which is a dream I didnt even know I had. Theres nothing quite like the heavily seasoned marinara that I remember from my childhood, especially paired with a thick, stretchy layer of mozzarella. 1st Place: Little Caesars Sara Haas Ive never considered myself a Little Caesars fan, but factoring in both price and pure palate appeal, I was shocked to realize that this is the pizza Id be most likely to order again. I loved the gush of tangy sauce beneath a blanket of brown-pocked cheese that went all the way to the edges, but what sealed the deal was the crispy crust with just a hint of chew. At $9.99, the 14-inch pie is a steal, which cemented its status as the winner. At home, I drizzled the square slices (known as party cut or tavern cut) with hot honey, which added the bit of pizzazz that the pizza was missing. But even eaten plain, my pick is worthy of your order. Read the original article on All Recipes. by Joseph Masilamany Christian Churches take the same stand after a video that could be used to create new tensions went viral. For interfaith council, religious groups should be ethical when propagating their faith, and respect the house of worship of others. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism has urged a Surau (prayer hall) committee in Malacca (Melaka) to file a complaint with police against an unidentified group promoting a free Bible course outside its premises. Such action could be exploited politically in a country that cannot afford more religious misunderstandings after the recent issue of socks with the word Allah written on them. The Interfaith Council, in a statement, said it is wrong for any religious group to propagate its beliefs outside the house of worship of another faith. Council President Tan Hoe Chieow said that religious groups should follow an ethic of respecting others in propagating their faith. The case became public after a 16-second video was posted on social media and began spreading around the country. It shows a small group of people sitting and standing near a book trolley with a sign that reads "Free Bible Course. Tan speculates that those involved may belong to some "deviant sect" since the country's traditional Churches do not break the country's laws by proselytising among Muslims. He called on Churches and Christian leaders to identify the group. While the federal constitution provides the right to profess and practice any religion, it is prohibited to propagate other religions to Muslims, Tan explained. Cassel Krishnan, a leading member of Democratic Action Party (DAP), strongly condemned the promotion of free Bible classes outside a surau, calling the incident irresponsible, but also warned against politicising the incident. Respect and tolerance are not optional, they are imperative, Krishnan said, adding that Churches and Christian groups in Malacca have always been prudent and wise when conducting their activities in public. Malacca City was the gateway through which the first seeds of the Gospel were brought to the Malay Peninsula by the Portuguese conquerors in the 16th century. After them came the Dutch. While Terengganu is said to hold the earliest evidence of the coming of Islam in the Malay Peninsula, Malacca in the 14th century was an important trading centre and a regional bastion of Islam due to the many Muslim traders who proselytised to locals. ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. At the Angelus, Francis expressed concern for the possible widening of the conflict after Hamas political bureau chief is killed in Tehran. The pontiff also called for justice and truth in connection with the deadly Beirut Port explosion. His prayers and expression of closeness also go to floods victims in the Indian state of Kerala. Vatican City (AsiaNews) In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis said that Attacks, even targeted ones, and killings can never be a solution. They do not help to walk in the path of justice, the path of peace, but generate even more hatred and revenge. While the Middle East crisis is coming dangerously close to a wider conflict after Israel killed Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamass political bureau, in Tehran, and, Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollahs foremost military commanders, in Beirut, Pope Francis clearly expressed his opposition to this path at the end of the Angelus, urging all parties to stop. "I pray for all the victims, especially for innocent children," the pontiff said, a reference to the Druze community in the Holy Land, after last weeks deadly attack in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights. The pope extended his sympathy to the Druze community in the Holy Land and the populations in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon. In another reference to an Asian country at wear, he said: Let us not forget Myanmar. Likewise, Let us have the courage to resume dialogue so that there is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and on all fronts, the hostages are freed, and the people are helped with humanitarian aid. In a heartfelt appeal, Francis said: Enough, brothers and sisters! Enough! Do not stifle the word of the God of Peace, but let it be the future of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the entire world! War is a defeat! The pope also mentioned Patriarch Istifan (Estephan) al-Duwayhi, who was beatified on Friday in Lebanon. A teacher of the faith and an attentive pastor, he was a witness of hope always close to the people. Even today, the Lebanese people suffer so much! In particular, I think of the families of the victims of the explosion at the Port of Beirut. I hope that justice and truth will soon be done. May the new Blessed sustain the faith and hope of the Church in Lebanon, and intercede for this beloved country. Today is in fact the fourth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion that cost the lives of more than 200 people in 2020. The tragedy has been compounded by the fact that Hezbollah is hindering the quest for the truth about happened since accusations have been made against the Shia movement for turning a warehouse in the port into an explosive depot. In addition to the situation in the Middle East, Francis also expressed concern about the "critical situation" in Venezuela. I make a heartfelt appeal to all parties to seek the truth, to exercise restraint, to avoid any kind of violence, to settle disputes through dialogue, to have at heart the true good of the people and not partisan interests. The pontiff then expressed his closeness to the people of the Indian State of Kerala, severely affected by torrential rains and landslides that killed and displaced hundreds of people. I invite you to join me in my prayers for those who have lost their lives and for all those affected by such a devastating calamity, Francis told the faithful. Before the Marian prayer, the pope gave his thoughts on the Gospel passage in today's liturgy, in which Jesus reflects with the disciples on the meaning of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Material things do not give fullness to life, Francis said. They help us go forward and are important, but they do not fulfill our lives. Only love can do that (cf. Jn 6:35). And for this to happen, the path to take is that of charity which keeps nothing for itself, but shares everything. Love shares everything. Citing the experience of families How sad [. . .] when they fight over inheritance, the pope urged the faithful to ask themselves: What kind of relationship do I have with material things? Am I a slave to them, or do I use them freely as instruments to give and receive love? Finally, citing today's liturgical memory of the Cure dArs, which in some countries is also the "feast of the parish priest," Francis expressed his closeness and gratitude "to all those parish priests who with zeal and generosity, at times amidst much suffering, offer themselves for God and the people. 4 August 2024 11:07 (UTC+04:00) The Embassy of the United States of America expressed its pleasure in participating in the opening of the new Monterey Park in Lankaran, built in partnership with Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by the US Embassy in Azerbaijan on X. "We were thrilled to join the celebration of Lankarans new Monterrey Park, a collaborative effort with their sister city of Monterrey, California. Monterey Park not only offers more recreational opportunities but also strengthens U.S.-Azerbaijan friendship and cooperation. Heres to more shared celebrations! If youre in the area, stop by and check it out!" Exciting News! We were thrilled to join the celebration of Lankarans new Monterrey Park, a collaborative effort with their sister city of Monterrey, California. Monterrey Park not only offers more recreational opportunities but also strengthens U.S.-Azerbaijan friendship and pic.twitter.com/Edk0sEaxws U.S. Embassy Baku (@USEmbassyBaku) August 3, 2024 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 14:39 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations, Azernews reports. According to the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the signing took place during the visit of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ahmet Gurbanov, to the Philippines. During the visit, political consultations were held between the foreign ministries of the two countries. There was an engaging exchange of views on all key areas of the bilateral agenda, including political-diplomatic interaction, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian partnerships, and practical content development. The sides affirmed their commitment to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, with a focus on developing trade, economic and humanitarian ties and improving the legal framework. As part of the consultations, Gurbanov has met with the Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Theresa Lazaro, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo, and the Vice President for International Affairs of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jude Aguilar. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Uzbekistan and Cassa Depositi and Prestiti (SDP S.p.A, Italian bank) discussed projects in the mining industry, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan. This topic was discussed during a meeting with representatives of the bank at the Ministry. The parties also discussed the possibilities of establishing bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties determined further plans for interaction. To note, the volume of Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Italy amounted to $502.5 million in 2023. Tthis figure increased by 30.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($385.4 million). The volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Italy amounted to $430.3 million in 2021 and $348.4 million in 2020. This figure amounted to $408.8 million in 2019. However, Uzbekistan's total trade turnover with Italy reached $2 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. Total exports from Uzbekistan to Italy amounted to $218 million, while imports to Uzbekistan reached $1.8 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 16:55 (UTC+04:00) The $12 billion national debt is extremely dangerous for Armenia. Azernews reports, citing Day.az that this was stated by the Chairman of the Chamber of Auditors of Armenia Nairi Sargsyan. According to him, in Armenia, where more than half of the population is poor, 13% of expenses are spent on debt servicing. He noted that this is a huge amount of money that could be used to solve economic and social problems. Sargsyan said that the main problem is that the funds raised through debt are not being implemented in profitable areas that could both cover the debt and create additional income. "At this rate, the time will come when Armenia will be forced to compensate for the debt by transferring state property," he emphasized. The Chairman of the Chamber of Auditors noted that all those who call on Armenia to join the European Union are against Armenia since its economy is not competitive there. "Armenia is not welcome in the EU. Has the EU opened a place for Armenia? No," he concluded. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 17:26 (UTC+04:00) Police officers have been taken to hospital after violent protests across the UK which saw them being pelted by bricks, chairs, and bottles, Azernews reports, citing i-news. Officers clashed with protesters in major UK cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Belfast, Stoke, and Hull, in the latest rallies organised in the wake of the Southport stabbings earlier this week. They were attacked and forced to draw their batons as they struggled to control violent protesters. Some of the worst violence was seen in Liverpool where one officer was hit on the head with a chair, and another was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator. Merseyside Police said two officers had been taken to hospital, with one suffering a suspected broken nose, while another is thought to have a fractured jaw. The force said a number of officers were injured during serious disorder in Liverpool city centre, with one officer being hit on the head by a chair, and another officer kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 20:41 (UTC+04:00) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is on an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Azernews reports. Hakan Fidan visited the Egyptian port and the Rafah border crossing point in connection with the humanitarian aid sent from Turkey to Gaza. Speaking to the press, the Turkish minister stressed the importance of the immediate elimination of tension in the region and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. It should be noted that bilateral political, economic, and cultural relations and the latest events in the region will be discussed during the visit, which will take place at the invitation of Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Egyptians Abroad, Bedr Abdulati. The ministers will also exchange views on the issues of preparation for the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which will be held during the planned visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to Turkey, and will evaluate the current situation regarding about 20 agreements that are expected to be signed at the meeting. During the meeting, it is expected to discuss the possibilities of long-term cooperation in the fields of energy, healthcare, tourism, and defense industry, as well as the goal of increasing the trade volume between the two countries, which is close to 10 billion dollars, to 15 billion dollars. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 4 August 2024 22:36 (UTC+04:00) US authorities still believe in the possibility of the release of hostages and the conclusion of a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip. White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby told Fox News. "We believe that an agreement is possible," the White House spokesman said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be? 8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become. By Adam Dooley Christian Action League August 2, 2024 The unprecedented nature of the upcoming presidential election cannot be overstated. In one corner you have a former president, Donald J. Trump, who lost his previous reelection bid and survived a recent assassination attempt. In the other stands a replacement candidate, Kamala Harris, who garnered a meager sixth place finish in her 2020 presidential run before signing on as Joe Bidens running mate. For the Democratic Party, the current presidents abrupt withdrawal from the race really has no historical parallel. Though incumbents Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson also chose not to seek reelection due to failing support within their own party, each did so before the end of March, a full seven months before election day. Bidens exit just 107 days before the nation chooses its next leader ultimately means that Democratic delegates, rather than voters, determined who will ride their donkey into November. Only time will tell if the American people affirm or reject their tactical moves. Added to the aforementioned oddities is the incessant drama surrounding what many are calling the most important election in our lifetime (a common refrain every four years). Admittedly, each party represents a dichotomous vision for our country that cannot be reconciled. While political pundits continue to talk about undecided voters being the determinative factor in the next few months, it is difficult to imagine that anyone whos paying attention doesnt already know who will receive their vote. Rest assured, no matter who wins, half of our citizenry will be warning about the end of democracy as we know it. My opinions are just as strong as yours, I assure you. In fact, my temptation to panic is real and my sporadic anger over todays political realities reveals an uncomfortable inconsistency in my faith. Yet, even during a divisive season like this, the Spirit continually pulls me back to the reality that God is hardly intimidated by that which causes me anxiety. With that in mind, allow me to share a few certainties to keep in mind no matter the outcome on November 5th. First, God is Sovereign Over All Governments, No Matter Who Leads Them. God establishes all governmental authority in order to accomplish His purposes (Rom. 13:1). Sometimes He raises up godly leaders to be a conduit of His blessings on a nation. Or, He may choose a wicked ruler as a means of judgment on a people. Our tendency to believe that God loses when an unbeliever wins an election or makes bad decisions is patently false. The Bible doesnt suggest that God tolerates wicked leadership despite His desires otherwise, but that He ordains leadership according to His greater plan. Thus, a wicked Pharaoh became a testimony of Gods glory throughout the earth (Rom. 9:7). God appointed the first king over Israel as an act of judgment against them (1 Sam. 10:1; 10:18). Thankfully, the same God later chose David (1 Sam. 16:12) to establish the throne of the Messiah and bless the nations forever. But in both instances, the Lord can, and did, use good and evil leaders to achieve His goals for history. These biblical examples are not an anomaly. When the Northern Kingdom of Israel rebelled against Lords covenant, an evil Assyrian power became the rod of Gods anger and the staff of His indignation, which He sent and commissioned against His own people (Isaiah 10:5-6). Nearly 150 years later, God also positioned a depraved Babylonian Empire to correct Israels Southern Kingdom (Judah) for their spiritual idolatry (2 Kings 20:17). Remarkably, God describes the ruler of Babylon, the degenerate King Nebuchadnezzar in very purposeful terms. Daniel 2:37- 38 reads, You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory; and wherever the sons of men dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the sky, He has given them into your hand and has caused you to rule over them all. You are the head of gold. What does this glowing review communicate? No panic in heaven whatsoever. But why? Because in Israel long ago and in America today, God establishes all authority that exists. Or, to use scriptural language, He changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings (Dan. 2:21). No matter who our next president might be, the Lord remains thoroughly purposeful and perfectly in control. Do you remember what Jesus said before Pilate? No governmental atrocity in history compares to the reckless, shortsighted decision to crucify the Son of God. Yet, Jesus refused to wilt in the face of the injustice unfolding before Him because He understood God the Father was sovereign and the cross was necessary. Therefore, with confidence our Savior declared to Pilate, You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin (John 19:11). Dont be fooled by the corruption of Washington, D.C. or the genuine disappointment you feel toward our politicians God is still in control. I refuse to tremble in the shadow of a misguided electorate when the Lord of heaven and earth reigns on high. The kingdom of Christ marches on even as the nations of the earth rise and fall. Even when the principles of liberty and freedom are in jeopardy, Gods plan and purposes are not. Second, this World is Not Our Home. Without question, Christians should use our energies and rights as citizens to build a nation that honors the Lord. Much of the current outcry against Christian nationalism is nothing more than the efforts of secular progressives to shame those seeking to be salt and light into silence. Believers have a sacred obligation to live out our faith in the public square. In doing so, however, we should always remember that we desire a better country that only eternity can provide (Heb. 11:16). Like Abraham, we are looking for a city whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:10). I dont ever want to be so at home here that there is no longing in my heart for the world that is to come. We must be sure that our current lament over the direction of our nation is not a reflection of misplaced treasure rather than a biblical love for country (Matt. 6:19-21). My heart breaks for America, but it does not belong to it. So, I will vote according to Scriptural principles, even as I use my influence to encourage others to do the same. I will pray for the nation that I love and seek to live out my faith without apology. I will work with my whole heart for the betterment of my community and my country. But I will rest knowing that Gods agenda is bigger and better than mine. And I will trust that no matter what this next election brings, the Lord is not shaken. Dr. Adam B. Dooley is pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, and author of Hope When Life Unravels. Contact him at adooley@ebcjackson.org. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBDooley. Janette Manrara was a professional dancer on Strictly and co-hosted the 2023 spin-off series It Takes Two (Suzan Moore/PA) Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara has said it would really be sad if a couple of incidents destroy the 20 years of happiness the show has brought. The popular BBC One programme has faced recent controversy over allegations around the treatment of contestants on the show. Among the celebrities who have spoken about their experience is Manraras 2019 dance partner, Paralympian Will Bayley, who has claimed there was no duty of care on the show after he suffered a serious injury while performing during rehearsals. Janette Manrara and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec (Ian West/PA) Bayley told The Sun that producers were instructed his jump from a table during a routine was too dangerous, but said he was encouraged to do it anyway and then made to feel like it was his fault. A BBC spokesperson said: We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required. Speaking about the incident, Manrara told the Sun on Sundays Fabulous magazine: I think sometimes people get frustrated. It was an unfortunate incident and obviously had repercussions. You never control peoples emotions and reactions. I messaged him (Will) because we are really good friends. He immediately said, Im so sorry, its not meant to look like that. I dont want you to feel like its you and I (responded), Its OK. Will Bayley with his dance partner Janette Manrara in 2019 (Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA) I enjoyed dancing with him so much. Its the only time Ive actually ever cried on Strictly, when we did our couples choice. It was a dedication to Great Ormond Street Hospital. It comes after actress Amanda Abbington, who was a contestant on the show in 2023, made a formal complaint to the corporation about the behaviour of her dance partner Giovanni Pernice. She alleged in an interview with ITVs Lorraine that she was subject to inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying and a toxic environment while on the programme. Italian dancer Pernice has always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. In a Channel 4 News interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who also appeared on the 21st series of the show, she said that she knows of three other women who went through something similar during their Strictly experiences and there are potentially more people coming forward. Last month professional dancer Graziano Di Prima revealed his exit from the show following allegations about his treatment of his 2023 celebrity dance partner, former Love Island star Zara McDermott. Elsewhere, Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Pernice on the show in 2016, told the Irish Times she felt gaslit when she first raised concerns about her experience on Strictly. Manrara, who is married to Aljaz Skorjanec, was a dancer on Strictly between 2013 and 2021 and has co-hosted spin-off series It Takes Two. Reflecting on what the show means to them, she told Fabulous Magazine: (Aljaz and I) have no family here. The Strictly lot are our family the (dancers) and the people behind the cameras, the producers, the hair and make-up are our extended family. So for me its always been a beautiful thing. I think there is more of that in the show than negativity. For a lot of the celebrities, its their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something special. The professionals know that. They want them to have the best time. Its just such a shame that sometimes the matches dont work. You dont always get along with everybody that you work with, and things happen. I can only speak for myself and my experience, but you have to be a bit of a chameleon. You have to really pay attention to the needs of your partners and play to their strengths and watch for their weaknesses. Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington in 2023 (Ray Burniston/BBC/PA) I cant speak for the people involved (with the allegations). Of course, they should speak out. You should never feel like you cant say something, especially as a woman. Maybe the mix of people didnt work and maybe some lines were crossed in the desire to win, but ultimately the essence of the show is still there. It would really be sad if a couple of incidents destroy the 20 years of happiness that Strictlys brought. All of my (celebrity) partners and I are still really good friends. Aljaz is still really great friends with his partners. There are a gazillion stories of all the happiness that Strictly has brought, not just to the contestants but to the fans, too. Theyve been posting on social media saying, Oh, I really hope the show carries on. And it will carry on, because it brings so much joy to people. Reflecting on whether she was shocked when the allegations came out, she said: Yes and no. I was shocked, because you just never want to hear that. But it is a dance show, it gets physical and it is a competition. There is intensity that sometimes happens in the rehearsal rooms. Everybody wants to do their best. Every professional pushes themselves, but it should always be in a positive way. The results of an investigation, launched by the BBC following the allegations, have not yet been published by the corporation. Last month the broadcaster announced new measures to strengthen welfare and support on the show, including a chaperone who would be present during training room rehearsals at all times. Four arrests made with more to follow as PSNI probe violenceBusinesses and cars torched with deputy FM pleading: Stop it now First Minister and DUP leader also condemn thuggeryUK towns and cities see clashes as missiles thrown and shops looted The manager of a supermarket on Donegall Road, which was badly damaged by fire, at the scene on Sunday morning. Image: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire People protest in Sunderland city centre following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, The Unity Over Division event is taking place at City Hall. Photo: Kevin Scott. An anti-immigration protest takes place in Belfast City Centre on August 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) A bin on fire in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road area (Photo: Liam McBurney) Firefighters at the scene of a building on fire in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road area (Photo: Liam McBurney) Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Bash Cafe on the Donegall Road was gutted during anti-immigration protests (Presseye) A day and night of disorder saw Belfast businesses attacked, petrol bombs thrown and police officers injured The First and deputy First Ministers have slammed the night of violence in Belfast after a cafe and shop were set on fire while cars and bins were also torched in the Sandy Row area. Four people have been arrested after the disorder unfolded on Saturday evening. In a statement, Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly noted the right to protest, but said there was no place for racism or violence. The political leaders also called for those involved in the violence to be brought to court. Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) "Whilst people are entitled to peaceful protest, there is no justification for racism or the violence and intimidation that occurred on Saturday, they said in a joint statement. "Those involved should be quickly brought before the courts and we appeal to anyone with information to provide that information to the PSNI. "We reiterate our joint commitment to a shared, peaceful and inclusive society." In an additional post on X, formerly Twitter, Emma Little-Pengelly said she had spoken with the Chief Constable and will continue to engage with him amid social media posts suggesting further protests are planned. "I have spoken with the Chief Constable and will be engaging with him again tomorrow. Our priority remains the safety of all, she posted. "Violence, thuggery, racism or criminal damage has no place in NI. It doesn't advance any cause or argument. Unacceptable then, it remains so now. Earlier today, a senior police officer said thugs behind violence which flared in Belfast brought shame on themselves and the city. Three PSNI officers were injured and at least 13 reports of criminal damage were made to police. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable David Beck (Pacemaker) Petrol bombs were thrown and an apartment block evacuated at one stage Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said. He said police will use every tool at our disposal to identify those involved. Fresh trouble flared on Saturday night after rival groups faced off in the city centre earlier in the day, as unrest following the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport spread to Northern Ireland. At one stage police formed a large cordon around the Islamic Centre on University Street as an anti-immigration march headed towards the area. Police guard the Islamic Centre in Belfast (Pic: Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) There has been widespread condemnation, with political leaders saying those responsible must face heavy punishment. First Minister Michelle ONeill said she had spoken to Taoiseach Simon Harris on the matter. She said: We are agreed that co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination and intimidation anywhere in our society. I remain resolutely committed to a shared, modern and inclusive society. Justice Minister Naomi Long said the demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division. "They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community, she said. "This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level. Gavin Robinson, the DUP leader, said: The scenes of violence, thuggery and destruction in Belfast yesterday are totally unacceptable. Lawlessness and violence was and is always wrong. Those intent on such behaviour must face the full rigours of the law. This afternoon, the PSNI released further details of the trouble. They said a protest involving 600 people formed in the City Hall area yesterday morning, with police preventing attempts to march to the Belfast Islamic Centre. Sporadic violence broke out in parts of south Belfast, with further disorder reported in the Sandy Row area on Saturday night. Some nearby roads were closed by police. Mr Beck added: As a result of yesterdays disorder, we are today, Sunday, dealing with a number of reports of criminal damage, assault, and arson as well as other related offences. So far we have made four arrests for a number of offences including disorderly behaviour, assault on police, taking part in an un-notified procession, riotous behaviour and possession of fireworks without a licence. There were four reports of assault made to police involving members of the public. Serious injuries, thankfully, were not reported. Three police officers also sustained injuries as a consequence of this disorder, two officers remained on duty and one officer was relieved from duty after suffering concussion. Police in riot gear deployed at City Hall. Photo: Kevin Scott. Mr Beck said attacks on officers were totally unacceptable as he praised the professional actions of police who dealt with yesterdays events. To date we have received 13 reports of criminal damage but we expect to receive more as the days progress. We are continuing to engage with communities across Belfast in this regard, he added. Some of these reports included extensive damage caused to local businesses with windows being broken and damage also caused to vehicles parked in the local community some of which were burnt out. There were also five reports of arson including a bin being set on fire, youths throwing petrol bombs and fire damage to business premises in the Donegall Road area. It was necessary to evacuate an apartment block in a building set on fire, such was the recklessness of the disorder. "Nothing left just ashes" - Businesses destroyed during night of racist disorder in south Belfast Mr Beck said police are working hard to identify all those responsible and those involved "will be dealt with using the full force of the law. This disorder, violence and destruction has no place in Belfast or anywhere else across the streets of Northern Ireland, he added. I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterdays rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and the devastating impact this has had on local communities. Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and Belfast city. Their actions are completely inexcusable and we will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Let's be very clear - violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Cars on fire in the Wellwood Street area of Sandy Row (Photo: Liam McBurney) Secretary of State Hilary Benn posted on X: "Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today. Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe." UUP leader Doug Beattie called the scenes absolutely appalling, adding: "Those who incited this, not just the perpetrators, must be held to account. SDLP South Belfast MLA Matthew OToole said: "To see far right thugs - many of whom had no connection to the area - rampage through Botanic Avenue and the Holyland, areas proud of their diversity, was appalling. "There was nothing legitimate about their actions. They had no cause other than hate and no agenda other than destruction. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Hundreds of people had gathered for the peaceful Unity Over Division rally, in support of Muslim communities. Some in the crowd held banners saying no to racism and refugees are welcome. Soon afterwards, anti-Islamic protesters also gathered near City Hall. Some chanted "Islam out" while others carried a Coolock Says No sign, in reference to a site in Dublin that was being renovated to accommodate asylum seekers. While the anti-Islamophobia rally ended shortly before 1pm, anti-immigration protesters moved on to south Belfast, arriving on Ormeau Road where around 100 local residents turned them back. Several businesses around Botanic Avenue were targeted. Bash Cafe on the Donegall Road was gutted during anti-immigration protests (Presseye) Windows were smashed and furniture broken at the Sahara shisha cafe. Its owner Rahmi, who has been in Belfast for 35 years, said he did not "know how to explain" what happened to his children. Thugs also smashed windows at the Holiday Inn and Dukes at Queen's Hotel on University Street. Then, on Saturday evening, cars and bins were torched in the Sandy Row area. The owner of one supermarket targeted, Bashir, said Muslim businesses were being deliberately targeted. Firefighters also attended Bash Cafe, which was ablaze. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said four appliances and two officers attended the cafe on fire. The cause was determined as deliberate. NIFRS then received reports of a shop on fire on Donegal Road shortly after 10.50pm. Four appliances attended before leaving the scene just after midnight. The case was also determined as deliberate. Watch: Cars burn during night of disorder in south Belfast Deirdre Hargey, a local Sinn Fein MLA who attended the anti-racism rally, said there was shock that the anti-immigrant protest had been allowed to reach south Belfast. She told the Belfast Telegraph: Our understanding is the fascist mob that had gathered at City Hall this morning made their way up towards University Road in south Belfast. Ms Hargey said it was very concerning that the procession was able to march from the city centre to south Belfast. She added: "We warned about this yesterday and I spoke to the PSNI and said there was refugee and asylum seeker accommodation the whole way up this route. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Anthony Flynn, a local Green Party councillor, posted on X: Absolutely disgusting scenes from the far-right thugs throwing fireworks, stones, and other missiles towards a peaceful anti-fascist rally. These people are not Belfast. They will exploit any situation to spread their vile hatred." Read more NI traffic alerts: Three vehicle crash causing delays in east Belfast Multiple UK towns and cities saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured, and many more arrests promised. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were killed in the Southport attack The victims were Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes "will pay the price" and that "criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets". Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his "full support" to take action against "extremists" attempting to "sow hate" by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. Arrests have been made across the country with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester and Blackpool which saw several police officers injured. Watch: Cars burn during night of disorder in south Belfast A police officer walks past a fire during clashes between police and rioters in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) Anti-immigration demonstrators have attacked police and smashed the windows of a hotel, as unrest across the country continues. Masked rioters launched lengths of wood and sprayed fire extinguishers at police officers outside a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Videos from social media appeared to show demonstrators storming into the hotel, with reports of a fire inside. A police helicopter circled overhead, and at least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away as the atmosphere turned febrile. Elsewhere, Greater Manchester Police said a Section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised covering Bolton until 10pm on Sunday, where a protest is expected later. Merseyside Police have introduced two section 60 orders giving officers greater stop-and-search powers covering Liverpool and Southport. The orders were put in place at 2pm on Sunday and will stay active for a 12-hour period until 2am on Monday. Inspector Al McKeon said: The scenes we saw yesterday in Liverpool and Walton, and on Tuesday in Southport, were despicable. They left dozens of officers requiring hospital treatment and have already led to the arrests of a total of 33 suspects. Police have all the resources they need to deal with riots and disorder, a minister said earlier. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his full backing to take any action necessary to respond to extremists attempting to sow hate after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland this week. A protester uses a fire extinguisher on police officers as trouble flares outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) Teams worked through the night to reopen streets in cities like Hull, where volunteers armed with brushes turned up from 7am to assist council crews. Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best, councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council said. Asked whether enough is being done to respond to the disorder, policing minister Dame Diana said the Government has been reassured that forces are able to meet the scale of the challenge. The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment they have the powers that they need, the minister told BBC News. A chair is thrown at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) The far-right has drawn widespread condemnation as the organising force behind scenes of disorder in multiple towns and cities in the wake of the killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. False claims had spread online that the suspect, later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. Sir Keir held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday over the unrest, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling colleagues the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured. Faith leaders across Merseyside have called on communities to remain calm and peaceful in the aftermath of the Southport killings, saying some people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate. The joint statement signed by several faith leaders said: Division can destroy the very relationships and environment that we depend upon every day of our lives and there is no place for hate in our communities. It can and has left communities in fear and has put people in danger. First Minister John Swinney has warned against unhelpful speculation relating to the stabbing of a woman in Stirling. The woman, 21, was treated in hospital for a non life-threatening injury on Saturday and a 29-year-old man was charged in relation to the attack, which took place at about 8.20pm in the towns King Street. Social media reports on Saturday suggested three people had been stabbed and the attacker had appeared to be Muslim. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content However, in an unusual move for the force, Police Scotland said the man arrested was white and from the local area. The rumour had been promoted by Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League (EDL). The claim, described by police as false, comes amid unrest across England and in Belfast in recent days after the murders of three young girls in Southport on Monday. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed in the attack, with 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana appearing court charged with the crime. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content In a statement after the man was charged, Chief Inspector Liam Harman said: We fully appreciate the impact this incident has had in the local community and appreciate the support provided to our investigation. This is being treated as an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public. We are aware of speculation and false information circulating on social media regarding this incident. I would urge people not to add to this speculation. Meanwhile Mr Swinney, who stressed there was no wider threat to the public, said: This is a serious incident and my thoughts are with the victim. This is an isolated incident and I have been advised there is no wider threat to the public. I would encourage everyone to refrain from unhelpful speculation on social media. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said she and the First Minister were being kept updated by the Chief Constable over the course of the weekend as violence unfolded in England and Northern Ireland, while the force remains in constant contact with police across the UK. She added: The violence we have seen is the product of criminal far-right thuggery, it will not be tolerated, and Police Scotland have the appropriate powers to deal with public protection to keep communities safe. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content But Mr Swinneys predecessor, Humza Yousaf, urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call in the army to quell violence in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, after a hotel reportedly housing asylum seekers was attacked. On X, formerly Twitter, he said: How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in @Keir_Starmer? The police clearly do not have a handle on this situation. This pogrom against Muslims and people of colour is going to cost lives unless these far-right thugs are stopped. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content While Mr Swinney said: The latest incident in Rotherham, just like other events in recent days, is the product of far-right racist thuggery. Racism must be confronted whenever and wherever it appears. Later, speaking to BBC News, Mr Yousaf described the violence as race riots and pogroms against Muslims and against people of colour. He went on to challenge the framing by the broadcaster and other media outlets of the disorder as being protesters versus counter-protesters adding: That is not right. Were seeing violent race riots and those who are protesting against those race riots. How my quest for a story on the IRA led me to Edna OBriens childhood home Revered novelists parents put me up as I scoured Co Clare for the protagonists involved in a possible Provo truce Edna O'Brien in later years Ivan Little Sun 4 Aug 2024 at 10:18 The death of the legendary Irish writer Edna OBrien last week took me back 50 years to the time I slept in her home after going in search of the IRA. Which I admit does need a little by way of explanation. Judge warning for accused A Belfast man who twice met up with a vulnerable young girl despite being warned not to do so has been convicted of abducting her from a childrens home. Belfast man sexually assaulted woman while she slept Suspended sentence for creep who fondled victims genitals on two different nights out Jordan Heaney John Toner Sun 4 Aug 2024 at 08:40 A sex pest who groped a womans privates while she slept in two separate incidents has been given a suspended sentence. It was just bar banter when I said I dont serve Prods: John Bittles breaks silence over equality row Colourful Belfast publican defends himself over remark which led to 6.5k payout John Bittles outside his landmark bar of the same name on Friday. Picture by Peter Morrison Christopher Woodhouse Sun 4 Aug 2024 at 08:37 The publican who paid 6,500 in damages to a man for telling him we dont serve Protestants is adamant there isnt a sectarian bone in his body. 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Dealerships in Berkshire County are just now getting back to pre-pandemic volume of new car supply. For consumers, this means more deals on new cars. BOSTON House and Senate negotiators sent an agreement on a policy-filled $5.16 billion housing bond bill to Gov. Maura Healey Thursday morning around 9:30 a.m., potentially salvaging a priority for the House, Senate and governor. A number of policies sponsored by both branches were left on the table, including the House Speaker Ron Mariano-backed proposal to authorize $1 billion for the expansion of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to the South Shore, and Ipswich basin a measure the Quincy Democrat hoped would drive housing production. "Lots of minor stuff is not in there," Sen. William Brownsberger, one of the lead negotiators, told reporters when he filed the compromise at 6:30 a.m. after 19 hours of open sessions in both branches as lawmakers tried to find compromises on a swath of bills. The housing bill was one of the only major proposals to advance before formal sessions drew to a close, as relations between the branches seemed to rapidly deteriorate throughout the night of July 31 into the morning of Aug. 1. The compromise does not include a Senate proposal to make landlords pay for broker's fees, instead of tenants, nor does it feature Senate-backed grants: $50 million for rural and small-town housing, $50 million for mid-sized suburban town housing for communities with under 40,000 residents, and another $50 million for seasonal communities, which face unique housing challenges from the second home market that inflates housing prices. The law also left out an apprenticeship program that the construction industry has long sought. Industry leaders say young people aren't entering the workforce in order to build the new housing Massachusetts desperately needs. In addition to the MWRA expansion, a number of House-backed ideas also faltered in negotiations, including an idea to steer $150 million towards converting unused commercial spaces into residential properties and $50 million for a so-called Healthy Homes program to provide grants to address lead paint and other housing health issues, and a veteran's program. "It didn't include the MWRA expansion, it also does not include a lot of Senate initiatives as well. So, we put, from a financial standpoint, we did a smaller bill," Brownsberger said. The House wanted a $6.5 billion bill, which included the $1 billion water resource expansion, while the Senate's bottom line was about $1 billion lower at $5.4 billion. Both were larger than the $4.1 billion base bill Healey filed. The final bill features a high bottom line, but not all of that borrowing capacity will actually get used. The state's plan for actual capital spending released last month dedicates $2 billion for housing over the next five years, and $400 million in fiscal 2025, a 30 percent increase over fiscal 2024. "At the end of the day, we took an approach that was focused on the financial elements that were in common between the two bills," Brownsberger said. He said most of the financial proposals the governor originally had in her bill survived in the final compromise, such as $2 billion for public housing and $800 million for affordable units, as well as some policy provisions such as expanding seasonal communities designation, and expanding a condo conversion law to cover smaller two- and three-family units. The compromise also includes an eviction sealing measure that was in Healey's bill, Brownsberger said. With the backing of the House, Senate and Healey, allowing accessory dwelling units by right in single-family zones across the state made its way into the final agreement. This change, allowing the smaller additions placed on larger single-family homes, could create 10,000 new units across the state, according to the governor's team. Also included: Senate language that would prohibit most home purchase offers that are conditioned on the buyer waiving or limiting their right to a home inspection. The compromise report secured its final passage in the House on a 128-24 vote. It wasn't split exactly on party lines. Republican Reps. Marcus Vaughn, David Vieira, and Steven Xiarhos joined the Democrats in supporting the bill. All other Republicans voted "no." Democrat Reps. Colleen Garry and David Allen Robertson voted with Republicans to oppose the bill. Independent Rep. Susanna Whipps voted in favor. In the Senate, the roll call was 37-2, with Republican Sens. Peter Durant and Ryan Fattman in opposition to the bill. ARCHIVE - Israeli soldiers search a tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip which, according to the military, was used by Hamas militants. Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP/dpa Keystone According to the Israeli military, it has discovered a three-metre-high tunnel under the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. This was discovered in the border town of Rafah while searching for underground passages, according to the armed forces. A few days ago, soldiers came across this particularly well-developed tunnel. SDA The Islamist Hamas, which controlled the entire Gaza Strip until the start of the war on October 7, 2023, had even been able to send vehicles through this underground passage, it said. The military destroyed these facilities and took precautions to ensure that they could not be rebuilt, the army explained. The information could not initially be independently verified. Underground passages leading from the coastal area to Egypt are said to have enabled Hamas to obtain sufficient supplies of weapons, ammunition and other goods. After almost ten months of war, Israel has so far only managed to destroy a fraction of the tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Over the years, Hamas has criss-crossed the entire Gaza Strip with a network of tunnels with a total length of hundreds of kilometers. It is suspected that the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Jihia al-Sinwar, is also hiding in these tunnels. On October 7, terrorists from Hamas and other groups attacked southern Israel. In the unprecedented massacre, they killed around 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. It was the trigger for the Gaza War, which continues to this day. SDA Meghan Markle said it is worth voicing how she overcame her experience of suicidal thoughts, at the height of her crisis in the British monarchy, to save lives. Meghan and Harry appeared in a pre-recorded interview for US programme, CBS Sunday Morning, about a new initiative supporting parents of children affected by online harm. Advertisement I think when youve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it, she said. 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 Advertisement And I havent really scraped the surface on my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed. Advertisement So, if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everythings okay, then thats worth it. Ill take a hit for that. It comes three years after she confessed she had contemplated taking her own life, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying: I just didnt want to be alive any more. Advertisement Meghan during her interview with Oprah Winfrey which was broadcast in the US in 2021 (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions) Meghan was surprised by the question relating to her own experience of suicidal thoughts, redirecting her hand to Harrys knee before answering the question. She told host Jane Pauley: I wasnt expecting it, but I understand why you are because there is a through line. The televised interview, broadcast on Meghans 43rd birthday, marked the launch of The Parents Network, in association with the couples charitable Archewell Foundation. Advertisement The initiative seeks to provide parents with a safe and free-to-access support network to help those whose children have been harmed by social media, and is available for parents to join in the US, UK and Canada. Meghan said about her eldest child, Archie, and daughter Lilibet: Our kids are young, they are three and five, theyre amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see whats happening in the online space, we know that theres a lot of work to be done there and were just happy to be able to be a part of change for good. Harry and Meghan (Yaroslav Sabitov/PA) In a reference to how the mental wellbeing of young people can be affected by experiences online, Harry said: At this point weve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder, and even the best first responders in the world wouldnt be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this. He said one of the scariest things is the fact it can happen to absolutely anybody. We always talk about the olden days, if your kids were under your roof, we knew what they were up to, at least they were safe. And now, they could be in the next room on a tablet or on a phone and going down these rabbit holes and before you know, within 24 hours they could be taking their life. Harry and Meghan have raised the issue numerous times since their move to America, and are also due to focus the spotlight on the topic during their official visit to Colombia following an invitation by vice president Francia Marquez. The Sussexes trip to the South American nation will be their second official tour of the year after they visited Nigeria in May, taking part in a range of activities over three days. While details of the couples itinerary have not been released by the Archewell Foundation, the vice president said they would engage in several activities related to safeguarding young people online and in physical spaces. A business was set on fire in Belfast on Saturday night as fresh disorder broke out in the city following anti-immigration protests. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was maintaining a presence in the Donegall Road area in the south of the city where several cars and a number of bins were also set alight. Advertisement During violence earlier in the day, businesses were attacked after an anti-immigration protest moved through the city. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast on Saturday night (PA) Giving an update on Saturday night, a PSNI spokesperson said: Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight. Advertisement This disorder has resulted in a business premises being set on fire. The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. Earlier in the day, police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. Advertisement Damage to a hotel entrance in Belfast (Peter Morrison/PA) People taking part in the anti-Islam demonstration then travelled towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area. A business was attacked in the Botanic area of the city and windows were smashed at a hotel. A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport. Advertisement Stormont leaders have condemned the violence in Belfast. A cafe is attacked in the Botanic area (Peter Morrison/PA) First Minister Michelle ONeill said Belfast is a progressive and inclusive city. Advertisement She wrote on social media: Years of dedication and hard work from people across our community have transformed it for the better. Together, we will keep moving forward toward a brighter future for Belfast. A city that flourishes, free from hate and division. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Lets be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said those trashing our city and attacking businesses should be ashamed. She added: They should also face the full legal consequences of their actions. Unlike those working to build businesses and a better future, these hatemongers offer nothing but division and destruction. In a post on X, Northern Secretary Hilary Benn said: Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today. Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe. Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust at those flying the Irish Tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. The Taoiseach spoke with First Minister Michelle ONeill on Sunday after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. Advertisement Protesters waving both the union flag and the Tricolour took part in the protest at the front of Belfast City Hall. Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke with Michelle ONeill on Sunday (Brian Lawless/PA) There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock in north Dublin, which has been the scene of recent anti-immigration protests. Advertisement A statement from Mr Harriss office said he had agreed to stay in contact with Ms ONeill. Advertisement It said: They discussed the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island. The Taoiseach spoke of Belfast as a city and society that has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace, and build respect and inclusivity. The Taoiseach also expressed disgust at those flying the Irish Tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents. Advertisement There have been a series of anti-immigrant protests and incidents of related violence across Ireland in recent months. Michelle ONeill urged anyone with information about violence in Belfast to bring it to police (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill said: I briefed An Taoiseach on the totally unacceptable racist attacks on people and businesses in Belfast yesterday. Advertisement We are agreed that co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination and intimidation anywhere in our society. I remain resolutely committed to a shared, modern and inclusive society. Nearly 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured on Sunday as renewed anti-government protests swept across Bangladesh. Protesters called for the prime minister to resign and he accused them of sabotage, cutting off mobile internet in a bid to quell the unrest. Advertisement The countrys leading Bengali-language daily newspaper, Prothom Alo, said at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in the violence. Channel 24 reported at least 85 deaths. The military announced that a new curfew, including in the capital, Dhaka, and other divisional and district headquarters, was in effect from Sunday evening for an indefinite period. The government had earlier imposed a curfew with some exceptions in Dhaka and elsewhere. Protesters have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Advertisement At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. Protesters called for non-co-operation, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills and stay off work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, while commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to work. Meanwhile, thousands of members of the ruling Awami League party and its associate bodies took to the streets for counter-protests, raising the risk of violent confrontations. A protest against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to demand justice for those killed in the recent deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Rajib Dhar/AP) Advertisement Protesters attacked Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, a major public hospital in Dhakas Shahbagh area, torching several vehicles. In Dhakas Uttara area, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who blocked a major road. Protesters attacked homes and vandalised a community welfare office in the area, where hundreds of ruling party activists took positions. Some crude bombs were detonated and gunshots were heard, witnesses said. Advertisement At least 20 people were hit by bullets. Jamuna TV station reported violence clashes in more than a dozen districts including Bogura, Magura, Rangpur and Sirajganj, where the protesters backed by the countrys main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party clashed with police and the activists of the ruling Awami League party and its associated bodies. Junior minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said mobile internet and messaging services were off to help prevent violence. The government also announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday, and courts will remain closed for an indefinite period. The protests were initially held to demand an end to a quota system for government jobs (Rajib Dhar/AP) Advertisement The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence against Pakistan in 1971 As violence crested, the countrys Supreme Court scaled back the quota system to 5% of jobs, with 3% for relatives of veterans, but protests have continued, demanding accountability for violence the demonstrators blame on the governments use of excessive force. The quota system also includes quotas for members of ethnic minorities, and disabled and transgender people, which were cut from 26% to 2% in the ruling. Ms Hasinas administration has blamed the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and now-banned right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami party and their student wings for instigating violence, in which several state-owned establishments were also torched or vandalised. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition party, repeated a call for the government to step down to stop the chaos. Ms Hasina offered to talk with student leaders on Saturday, but a co-ordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation. The PM repeated her pledges to thoroughly investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence. She said her doors are open for talks and she is ready to sit down whenever the protesters want. The protests have become a major challenge for Ms Hasina, who has ruled the country for over 15 years, returning to power for a fourth consecutive term in January in an election that was boycotted by her main opponents. Israel is already in a multi-front war with Iran and its proxies, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday, as the US and allies prepared to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. Tensions have soared after nearly 10 months of war in Gaza, and the killing last week of a senior Hizbullah commander in Lebanon and Hamas top political leader in Iran. Advertisement Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was ready for any scenario. Palestinians inspect the damage at a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Advertisement Jordans foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, was making a rare trip to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts, and the Pentagon has moved significant assets to the region. We want the escalation to end, Mr Safadi said. We are doing everything possible to make sure that this situation does not boil over, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said. In Israel, some prepared bomb shelters and recalled Irans unprecedented direct military assault in April after a suspected Israeli strike that killed two Iranian generals. Advertisement Israel said almost all the drones and ballistic and cruise missiles were intercepted. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes have killed 18 people in Gaza, including four who were sheltering at a tent camp housing displaced people inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb. A woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man were killed in the stabbing attack, according to Israels Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were injured. Police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was neutralised, and a search was launched for other potential suspects. They later ruled out the possibility that anyone else was involved. Advertisement Israeli police inspect the scene of the knife attack (Tomer Appelbaum/AP) In Gaza, an Israeli strike earlier on Sunday hit a tent camp housing displaced people in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, health officials said. They did not say whether those killed were civilians or fighters. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to help the wounded and retrieve bodies, while trying to extinguish the fire. Advertisement The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, indicating the presence of weaponry in the area. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza, and thousands of people have taken shelter there after fleeing their homes in the war-ravaged territory. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital. Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the ministry, and another three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City. The Gaza health ministry said at least 25 people were killed and 19 others injured when Israel struck two schools in Gaza City. AP video showed at least one child among the dead. Israels military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command centre. Israeli national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, second from right, visiting the scene of the stabbing (Mahmoud Illean/AP) Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage in their surprise attack into southern Israel last October. Israels massive offensive launched in Gaza has killed at least 39,550 Palestinians, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Heavy air strikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gazas 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hizbullah has regularly traded fire with Israel along the Lebanon border since the start of the war, in what the militant group says is aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas. The continuous strikes and counter-strikes have grown in severity in recent months, raising fears of an even more destructive regional war. More than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Located on the wild and rugged coastline between Otago and Southland in NZs deepest south, the Catlins arent any fair weather travellers dream destination. Picture instead a windy, desolate coast where the countrys biggest waves break (bring your surfboard if youre a hero, waves up to five-metres high break here), where seals and sea lions patrol, and where barely a thousand people live, spread across 2000 square kilometres of prime Aotearoa. Take at least two days to really see this spectacular region, exploring giant sea caves and massive waterfalls cascading straight out of thick, unspoilt temperate rainforest, beside rolling green pastures and rocky bays. Book a farm stay or a cottage by the sea, but think rustic; forget luxury. This piece of the country bulging out of the east coast of the North Island offers one of the best road trip options in the whole country and yet, its also one of the most skipped routes. Out here north of the east coasts second most populated town, Gisborne youll find New Zealands best beaches, the longest wharf in the country, where youll meet eccentric locals gone fishing, oodles of Maori culture to study (such as carvings in the tiny local churches) and the highest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island. There are some great wilderness accommodation options and some of the best camping grounds in the country. There are fewer dining options and tourism operators but limitless adventure opportunities here in the shadow of Mt Hikurangi, from hiking mountain trails to bay-hopping by mountain bike. Marlborough Sounds Loading Theres so much more to this region than its world-famous sauvignon blanc yet few tourists ever go beyond its wineries (if they even make it here at all). The Marlborough Sounds are a collection of ancient sunken river valleys now filled with the Pacific Ocean, home to 1500 kilometres of pristine, mostly deserted coastline equal to about one-tenth of the length of the entire NZ coastline. Its sparsely populated, with some of its small settlements only reachable by boat. Made up of many long sheltered inlets, surrounded by forest with clear water for swimming and kayaking, this is also one of the best regions in the country for hiking (the iconic 70-kilometre-long Queen Charlotte Track runs through its heart). Hire a boat or kayak or even charter a yacht though youll also find some stunning luxury lodges and more down-homey options with plenty of charm. Youre never far from nature the region has more than 50 reserves. Forgotten World Highway Do it in three hours or three days. Whatever you do, dont forget NZs Forgotten World Highway (as most travellers do). Running for 155 kilometres in the North Islands central-west, this highway is more like a trip through time on the countrys oldest heritage trail. Youll drive through tunnels hand-carved by pickaxes through subtropical rainforest as you climb three saddles on the most scenic of New Zealands world-famous scenic roads. And this one took a staggering 50 years to build. Get set for misty panoramas among slow-moving rivers and deep gorges and waterfalls that plunge straight down by the roadway (such as Mt Damper Falls, one of the countrys highest). Youll either finish or start in Stratford, a Shakespearean-inspired town whose streets are named after Shakespeares best-loved characters. Also consider visiting Egmont National Park right next door, NZs most accessible wilderness area. An aerial drone photo shows the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bo) 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. 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. Visitors taste food from Belarus at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) "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. Robots weld bodyshells of cars at a workshop of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) 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. Western Australias environment watchdog is poised to recommend Woodsides $30 billion-plus Browse gas export project not go ahead, forcing the federal government into a potential choice between environmental protection and its commitment to long-term gas supply to Australias trading partners. Threats to endangered whales and turtles and the risk of an oil spill are driving the stance of the independent WA Environmental Protection Authority, a body that rarely rejects projects, instead usually giving a green light with conditions to lessen the environmental impact. It is a setback for Woodside, which discovered the giant gas fields more than 50 years ago in the ocean off the Kimberley, where Scott Reef provides a unique oasis for marine life. Sea fans at Scott Reef, 270 kilometres off the Kimberley coast. Credit: Alex Westover / Greenpeace The EPAs position was revealed by a freedom of information request from this masthead. The FOI application was rejected, but the decision referenced a February letter to Woodside titled EPA preliminary view to the proponent that the proposal was unacceptable. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has slammed what he says is a deliberate lie from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that power prices have risen $1000 on Labors watch, as the Albanese government prepares for a critical battle over hip-pocket policies before the election. Dutton has amped up his attack in recent weeks on the governments 2022 election commitment to cut annual power bills by $275. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has hit out at what he says are Peter Duttons lies about power price spikes. Credit: James Brickwood. Since then [the May 2022 election], power prices have gone up by $1000, Dutton said in a speech last week to the Victorian Liberal Party state council. He has made this claim repeatedly in the past fortnight. But this claim is false, compared to the annual price caps set by the regulator. Annual power prices have, in fact, increased by less than $450 since May 2022. The primary driver of higher electricity prices has been a global energy crunch, sparked by sanctions on Russian gas supply since Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Madrid: 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. Professional restorers have described the refurbishment as crude and cartoonish. Credit: @soriapatrimonio 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 social media platform X. DHS Suspends Migrant Program Amid Fraud Concerns (Photo: DHSgov / Public domain) The Biden administration announced the temporary suspension of a humanitarian entry program that allows citizens from four countries to enter the United States. This pause comes amid concerns about fraudulent sponsor applications and a need to strengthen vetting processes. The program, which aims to provide a legal pathway for up to 30,000 people per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, has been a critical part of the administration's strategy to curb illegal border crossings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated on Friday that the issuance of travel authorizations under this program had been halted "out of an abundance of caution." This decision is part of an ongoing review to ensure the integrity of the sponsor application process, according to a DHS spokesperson. A DHS official, who requested anonymity, disclosed that new approvals have been on hold since mid-July. This suspension is intended to enhance screening and vetting procedures. The application portal remains open, and the official indicated that such pauses are routine, with expectations that approvals will resume in the coming weeks. The program, known as CHNV, was initially implemented to provide legal entry routes and deter illegal immigration from the crisis-stricken nations. Since its inception, approximately 520,000 individuals have entered the U.S. under the program. The CHNV policy also includes returning migrants to Mexico if they attempt to cross the border illegally, a measure credited with significantly reducing illegal entries. However, concerns about the integrity of the sponsor process have emerged. Reports surfaced of multiple sponsorship applications listing the same address and the use of fake Social Security numbers. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, an organization advocating for lower immigration levels, highlighted these issues, prompting further scrutiny. The DHS clarified that its screening of U.S.-based sponsors is distinct from the vetting of program participants and that no significant concerns have been identified regarding the screening of beneficiaries. As of June 30, about 495,000 people from the designated countries had entered the United States under this initiative. Despite the program's temporary suspension, the application portal remains operational. DHS continues to investigate potential fraud, with instances referred to the Justice Department for possible criminal prosecution. This development has sparked a strong reaction from various quarters. Tennessee Representative Mark Greene, a Republican and chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, stated, "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." Since its establishment, the program has faced criticism from Republicans who argue that it is overly permissive. They contend that it allows too many individuals to enter the country without sufficient oversight. Conversely, the Biden administration and its supporters argue that the program provides a necessary legal avenue for migration and helps to manage border security more effectively. The CHNV initiative has also been legally contested. Republican-led states have challenged it in federal court, claiming it violates the humanitarian parole law. Earlier this year, a federal judge in Texas dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the states had not demonstrated harm from the policy. The states are currently appealing this decision. Hypocrisy or Heroism? Prince Harry Faces Backlash for 'Airing Dirty Laundry' in Media Blitz (Photo: REUTERS) Today, Meghan Markle celebrates her birthday, and as she enters another year of her life, she appears to be at a crossroads in her professional life. A royal-style four-day visit of Colombia is scheduled to take place this summer, and it was just this week that it was confirmed that she and Prince Harry will be touring the country. Additionally, she is scheduled to make an appearance on a television program in the United States later today, when she will be accompanied by her husband, to discuss their new initiative that aims to assist children in maintaining their safety while using the internet. When it comes to her lifestyle company American Riviera Orchard, on the other hand, there have been very few updates since the website and Instagram account were made available to the public in March. There have only been a few social media posts made by some of Meghan's pals concerning the jam that they received with the brand's name on it. It is possible that this is a hint that the couple's life plan has run into significant difficulties, according to royal author Tom Quinn. "[Prince] Harry has never had any real idea about becoming an entrepreneur or a businessman in his own right. He is trained from birth to do one thing only to be a royal and he has thrown that away, he told The Mirror. "His one hundred per cent support for his wife and her business ventures has never wavered but it hasnt been enough to make a success of her company. Meghan is proof that self-belief wont always guarantee success. It won't always make you a great entrepreneur and businesswoman, Tom added. There is no information available regarding how Meghan will celebrate her birthday today; however, the big day will be commemorated by her and Harry's appearance on television in the United States. Later on today, they will be broadcasting an interview that they have pre-recorded for CBS Sunday Morning. The discussion will be about a new project that is designed to support parents of children who have been touched by online abuse. "Our kids are young, they are three and five, theyre amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so as we can see whats happening in the online space, we know that theres a lot of work to be done there and were just happy to be able to be a part of change for good, Meghan stated about her eldest child Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet in a video released online. At this point, weve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder, and even the best first responders in the world wouldnt be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this, Prince Harry stated, in a reference to how the mental well-being of young people can be affected by experiences online. Meanwhile, with regard to the journey to Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan will travel to Bogota, the capital of Colombia, as well as other locations, with the expectation of receiving an equally enthusiastic response as they did during their tour of Nigeria, which was similar to a state visit. They will arrive by plane because they have been invited to do so by Vice President Francia Marquez, who is also the Minister of Equality, as per Hindustan Times. In preparation for the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is scheduled to take place in Colombia in November of this year, the excursion is scheduled to take place this forthcoming summer. Colombia, which is the only country in Latin America to have participated in the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry organized, is the beneficiary of the bond that the two individuals have established with Colombia. [Prince] Harry and Meghan will carry out a series of engagements aligned to the work of their Foundation and lifelong philanthropic endeavors. The visit is part of their ongoing commitment to global philanthropy, building on their previous work in various countries and continuing their efforts to make a positive impact worldwide, an unnamed source told the publication. Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for comments. Low-cost imports from China into India are impacting steel prices and may hurt the investment plans of steelmakers, Tata Steel managing director and chief executive officer T V Narendran cautioned. The Tata Steel chief told Business Standard that exports were coming in from China and countries like Vietnam, which sometimes is a conduit for materials flowing from China. Its not that Chinese steel companies are making profits at these prices. They are willing to sell at these prices because they have a problem to solve. But why should we get hurt in the process? he asked, asserting With the lead of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate falling to less than 7,000 in Worli in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the MNS senses an opportunity and is likely to field Sandeep Deshpande from this assembly seat currently held by Aaditya Thackeray. A home to some of India's wealthiest residents, Worli, part of Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, is marked by high-rises and thriving business hubs. However, it also contains dilapidated chawls awaiting redevelopment, such as the BDD chawls and police colonies. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Many slum rehabilitation projects are stalled, and some redeveloped buildings have not provided the promised monthly rentals to residents. On Saturday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss issues plaguing Worli. The meeting is significant, given the focus on Worli-related concerns. Following the meeting, Shinde directed officials to prioritise addressing Worli's issues, according to the Chief Minister's Office. MNS leader Deshpande has been actively engaging with Worli residents addressing their concerns. Notably, the MNS did not field a candidate from Worli in the 2019 assembly polls as Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) head and former CM Uddhav Thackeray, was contesting his maiden election. Aaditya, the first Thackeray to enter electoral politics, won by a margin of 62,247 votes, facing no strong opposition. Despite the Shiv Sena (UBT) victory, the Worli assembly segment saw a significant drop in lead during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with party candidate Arvind Sawant leading by just 6,715 votes, the lowest in four of the six assembly constituencies under Mumbai South where he dominated his Shiv Sena challenger. The MNS now sees a potential opening. It remains unclear whether the ruling alliance or the MNS will contest together. The Shiv Sena led by CM Shinde and the ruling BJP are organising events in Worli to strengthen their presence. "In 2017 municipal corporation polls, we (MNS) bagged around 30,000 to 33,000 votes from Worli. We have voters dedicated to MNS in this constituency," Deshpande told PTI. The MNS claimed Aaditya Thackeray- the second in command in the Shiv Sena (UBT) hierarchy after his father Uddhav Thackeray- is not accessible to the common people who need a hands-on MLA. "The question is accessibility here. People need an MLA who is accessible, which is not the case with the incumbent MLA," Deshpande said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sunil Shinde acknowledged the "unexpected drop" in the lead of his party candidate during the Lok Sabha polls, attributing it to overconfidence but expressed confidence of Aaditya Thackeray's return to the fray in the upcoming assembly elections. "The drop in the lead does not mean that people were upset with us. Our candidate was far better than our rival (Shiv Sena's Yamini Jadhav). But in the Lok Sabha polls, it was the Modi factor. We did not get the expected response from high-rises," he claimed. The MLC said that in a three-cornered contest, the MNS might eat into votes of Sena (UBT), but only around 2,500. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has a robust plan to attract voters to the polling booths on election day, he added. Elections to the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are due in October this year. Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban district collectively send 36 MLAs to the state assembly. In a rare sight in the IT and ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) industry, hundreds of employees protested at Freedom Park in Bangalore on Saturday against the proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act to facilitate a 14-hour workday. The proposal was presented in a meeting called by the labour department with various stakeholders in the industry recently. The existing act only allows a maximum of 10 hours of work per day, including overtime, which has been completely lifted in the current amendment. This comes after the controversial draft Bill proposing job quota for locals in Karnataka was put on hold last month following high-pitched industry protests. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The representatives of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) have already met with Labour Minister Santosh Lad and raised their concerns over the move. On Saturday, employees protested, citing the plan as inhuman. This change would enable IT/ITES companies to extend daily working hours indefinitely, said Suhas Adiga, general secretary of KITU. During the protest, the KITU leadership highlighted various studies on the health impacts of extended working hours on IT employees. Adiga stated that the proposed amendment is an attack on workers' basic right to personal life and said that the union will resist any efforts to implement this change. He urged the government to withdraw the proposal and warned that any move to proceed with the amendment would be met with strong resistance from IT and ITES sector employees. In recent years, the intense work culture in the IT industry has come under scrutiny due to its profound effects on employees' health and well-being. Several studies and surveys highlight the detrimental impacts of long working hours, which are prevalent among IT employees in India. According to a Knowledge Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) report, 45 per cent of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression and 55 per cent are facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation. It indicates that 50 per cent of IT employees in India work more than 9 hours a day, averaging 52.5 hours a week. This is significantly higher than the typical 36-40 hours per week observed in other countries. A World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) study says increased working hours will lead to an estimated 35 per cent higher risk of death by stroke and a 17 per cent higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, the union said. The organisation had already conducted gate meetings and street campaigns across Bangalore, with thousands of participants, to build momentum for the protest. "The same study shows that more than half of the IT employees face physical health issues. Common physical ailments among IT employees include back and neck pain, eyesight issues, intense headaches, Vitamin D deficiency, and insomnia," he added. Additionally, 74 per cent of IT employees miss family events due to extended work hours, reflecting a significant work-life imbalance. Microsofts research indicates that longer working hours negatively impact employee productivity, it added. In response to the pressing issues, KITU has actively sought reforms. On March 13, 2024, a memorandum was submitted to the Labour Minister, alleging that IT/ITES companies are not compensating overtime wages and are extending work hours beyond statutory limits. The union urged the government to investigate actual working hours and overtime payments. Extended work hours pose several additional risks. For employees, there is limited opportunity for further learning and upskilling due to time constraints. Women employees may face reduced career advancement opportunities. The lack of sufficient parenting time can also adversely affect the children of IT employees. "Moreover, the negative implications for employment generation could result in a significant reduction in job opportunities and potential layoffs, as companies might streamline operations to manage excessive workloads. The overwhelming evidence from various studies and reports indicates that the current work culture in the IT sector, characterised by excessive hours, has severe consequences for health, productivity, and overall quality of life. There is a pressing need for reform to ensure that employees can achieve a healthier work-life balance and maintain their well-being while contributing effectively to their organisations," Adiga added. A man who allegedly tried to make off with $3,000 stolen from a store in Vallejo was busted Friday afternoon when a GPS tracker led officers right to him, police say. Vallejo Police Department A man who allegedly tried to make off with $3,000 stolen from a store in Vallejo was busted Friday afternoon when a GPS tracker led officers right to him, police said. The man, who has past felony theft convictions and was on probation, appeared to be in the process of robbing a second store when officers arrested him and recovered the stolen cash, according to a Facebook post by the Vallejo Police Department. The incident began to unfold at around 1:38 p.m. Friday when a caller alerted authorities to a strong-arm robbery at a business on the 3600 block of Sonoma Boulevard. The location is near a strip mall that includes fast-food joints and a drugstore. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police said the man entered the first business, jumped over the counter, assaulted an employee and took about $3,000 from an open safe before evading security and getting away. What he did not realize, according to police, was that he had also taken a GPS tracking device. Police said the man was carrying out a second potential robbery at a nearby business, this time on the 3500 block of Sonoma Boulevard, when officers stopped him. He had allegedly asked an employee about the cash register before police arrived. He was arrested and booked after witnesses identified him as the suspect, police said. A spokesperson for the Vallejo police was not immediately available to provide further details. The name of the suspect has not been released. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weaker-than-expected US jobs data has put global markets on a slippery slope. Over the past two days, US, European, and Asian markets have dropped more than 3 per cent. The two-year US Treasury yield has decreased by 15 basis points, and oil prices have also declined. In July, the US, the worlds largest economy, added just 114,000 jobs, falling short of the Streets projection of 175,000. This data has fuelled concerns about a hard landing in the US and fears that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may be behind the curve in avoiding a recession. Indian markets also fell more A crew member falls a tree near a fuel break Saturday near Mill Creek (Tehama County) during the Park Fire. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Sawyer Mario Flores watches as crew boss Robert Foster adjusts a chain saw Saturday during a Park Fire fuel reduction assignment near Mill Creek (Tehama County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle The Park Fire continued to grow Sunday, with triple digits forecast in the region around Chico and critical weather ahead. In Butte County, temperatures were expected to reach 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Chico, where the blaze first started on July 24, was expected to be sunny and hot with a high of 102 degrees. Surrounding areas including Paradise and Forest Hills were expected to see temperatures in the high 90s. Critical fire weather is expected Monday due to dry, gusty winds. The National Interagency Fire Center predicted high temperatures in the low 100s, with relative humidity ranging from 10% to 20% and southwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California fire map & tracker: Latest updates on active fires throughout the state Air quality tracker: Check real-time conditions near you Sundays high temperatures, dry conditions and higher wind speeds were contributed to increased fire activity, Cal Fire said in an update. The fire had burned 401,740 acres and was 34% contained as of Monday morning, up from 28% Saturday night and 25% Friday evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lack of cloud cover will bring more heat and fire activity, Cal Fire assistant chief Brian Newman said at a Sunday news briefing. Within 45 minutes of the clouds breaking Saturday, there was active torching in the timber, Newman said, but the clear air will benefit air operations, he said. An operations spokesperson said the top priority is to finish clearing Mill Creek drainage. Were gonna take this thing on. And then we can all be done and move on to the next thing and our lives and put these folks back home where they belong and hopefully the closest thing to normalcy that we can provide, he said. I need you to perform like champions today. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wet thunderstorms and cloud cover helped firefighters Saturday, with crews concerned about potential thunderstorms, according to Cal Fire. Leftover rainfall prevented flames from spreading in the eastern portion of the fire. On Friday, the Park Fire became the fourth-largest wildfire in California history at 399,000 acres. The blaze surpassed the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex, which torched nearly 397,000 acres of Stanislaus, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. workers move a utility pole in Paynes Creek (Tehama County) in an area damaged by the Park Fire. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Ronnie Stout, 42, of Chico has been charged with felony arson in the Park Fire, which authorities say was sparked when he pushed a burning car over an embankment. Russia's state news agency Tass carried a similar report, saying that Putin told Kim in the message: You can always count on our assistance and support. (Photo: Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin offered humanitarian assistance to help North Korea cope with damages from recent floods, both countries said, in another sign of expanding relations between the two nations. In a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday, Putin extended deep sympathy and support and conveyed his willingness to provide immediate disaster aid to help North Korea recover from the floods, the North's official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Russia's state news agency Tass carried a similar report, saying that Putin told Kim in the message: You can always count on our assistance and support. Ties between North Korea and Russia have been improving significantly amid widespread outside beliefs that North Korea has supplied conventional weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine in return for military and economic assistance. During a meeting in Pyongyang in June, Kim and Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked, in what was considered the two countries' biggest defence deal since the end of the Cold War. Kim expressed his gratitude to Putin over the offer for aid, saying he could deeply feel the special emotion towards a genuine friend in the most difficult period. But Kim said North Korea has established its own rehabilitation plans and will ask for Russian assistance later if it is needed, according to KCNA. Heavy rains in North Korea's northwestern region on July 27 flooded 4,100 houses, 7,410 acres of agricultural fields and numerous other public buildings, roads and railways, according to KCNA. The scale of casualties isn't known. KCNA recently quoted Kim as saying the flood caused a casualty that cannot be allowed but didn't elaborate. On Thursday, rival South Korea also offered humanitarian support to North Korea. Observers say North Korea will likely ignore or turn down the South Korean proposal, as animosities between the two countries are at one of their highest points in years. During a Friday visit to a military unit involved in operations to evacuate residents stranded by the floods, Kim called South Korea scum as he lambasted what he called rubbish South Korean media for allegedly tarnishing the North's image by exaggerating the death tolls from the floods. Kim didn't mention South Korea's offer to provide aid. According to a US official, Kurilla is expected to visit several Gulf nations, including Israel and Jordan. Photo: pexels US Central Command's General Michael Kurilla arrived in the region on Saturday amid preparations for a possible attack by Iran on Israel in response to the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, US-based news website Axios reported, citing two US officials. General Kurilla's visit, which was planned before the recent escalation between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah following the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, is now seen as a strategic move. He is expected to mobilise the international and regional coalition that previously defended Israel against an attack from Iran on April 13, Axios reported, citing a US official. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Three US and Israeli officials said that they expect Iran to launch an attack on Israel as early as Monday. Iranian and Hezbollah leaders have pledged to retaliate for the killings of Hezbollah's top military commander, Fuad Shukr, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. According to a US official, Kurilla is expected to visit several Gulf nations, including Israel and Jordan. Jordan is a key stop, as it played an important role during the April 13 attack by intercepting Iranian drones bound for Israel and allowing US and Israeli jets to use its airspace for interception. The official said that the US hopes the same will happen again if needed. The US is boosting its forces in the Middle East in preparation for Iran's possible attack on Israel and sending more warships and fighter jets to the region, the Pentagon said on Friday, according to Axios report. US officials expect Iranian retaliation to follow a similar pattern as their previous attack on Israel but may also involve Hezbollah in Lebanon, Axios reported. The US government is concerned that it may be more difficult to mobilise the international and regional cooperation of nations that defended Israel from the previous Iranian attack, as Haniyeh's killing has drawn sharp sentiments against Israel across the region. US and Israeli officials said they do not know whether Iran and Hezbollah will carry out a coordinated attack or operate separately. The officials said that they think Iran and Hezbollah are still working on finalising their military plans and giving them approval at the political level. A US official said the Biden administration wanted to announce the bolstering of US forces on Friday as Iran and Hezbollah were discussing regarding their response with the hope that the announcement will help to deter and influence their military plans. When asked on Saturday whether he believes Iran will back down, US President Joe Biden replied, "I hope so. I don't know." On July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran. In a statement, the IRGC said that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their residence 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. Ismail Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, travelled to Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a Press TV report. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in the Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday (local time).The IDF said Shukr was "responsible for the majority of Hezbollah's most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs" and for the terror group's "force build-up, planning, and execution of terror attacks against the State of Israel," The Times of Israel reported. On July 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his nation has delivered "crushing blows" to enemies in the last few days, CNN reported. He made the remarks hours after the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Former Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who won a settlement with the city over her firing, struck two pedestrians while driving in New Orleans, police say. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle 2020 Former Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick struck two pedestrians in New Orleans while driving Saturday, according to New Orleans police. Local news outlets in New Orleans, including NOLA, had reports Saturday about the incident involving Kirkpatrick, who is that citys police superintendent. Kirkpatrick hit a man and a woman around 7 p.m. Saturday, said public information officer Reese Harper. The superintendent was on duty and was returning home from visiting an injured officer when the accident happened, Harper said. Emergency personnel transported the woman to a hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries and was released, Harper said. The man was not injured, police said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kirkpatrick took a breathalyzer and urinalysis, and the breathalyzer returned a zero, according to Harper. The urinalysis results will be returned within a few days. Anne Kirkpatrick, superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, was fired from the Oakland Police Department in 2020 but later won a settlement for wrongful termination. David Grunfeld/Associated Press 2023 Kirkpatrick was the Oakland Police Departments police chief starting in 2017, but the citys Police Commission voted unanimously to fire her in 2020 after months of tension over her handling of federally mandated reforms. Two years later, a jury found that she was wrongfully fired and the city agreed to pay $1.5 million to cover her salary and legal fees. The Oakland mayor, city administrator and Police Commission have the authority to fire the police chief. The commission can remove the chief with cause if it has five votes, according to the City Charter. Without cause, however, the commission needs the approval of the mayor. Kirkpatrick was the departments 11th chief in 21 years. Since then, the agency has seen more turnover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In February 2021, then-Mayor Libby Schaaf appointed LeRonne Armstrong as police chief. He took over from interim Chief Susan Manheimer but was placed on leave in 2023 after a city investigation found he mishandled two officer misconduct cases. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao then fired Armstrong. This year, Thao appointed Floyd Mitchell, a former police chief in Texas, to be Oaklands police chief. FORMER members of Tullow Macra na Feirme took a stroll down memory lane last week as they gathered in Griffins Lounge to share memories of a special, simpler, important time. Margaret Donohoe with Joe and Deirdre O'Toole Founded in 1946, the club had 233 members by 1950. Membership in the 70s was between 60 and 70, almost half from non-farming backgrounds, something former member John Murphy credits with bridging the urban/rural divide. Eddie Donohoe and Larry O'Brien John was joined by Pat OToole in organising the event to celebrate the club's success during that decade. Tullow won the all-Ireland farm task titles in 1971 and 72 and a record five Carlow/Wicklow efficiency finals from 1974 to 78. Farm tasks could be anything from carpentry to bricklaying, to balancing a tractor or driving through barrels, with the ladies taking part in cookery, flower arranging and make and model. While efficiency teams consisted of ten members, each with a different task. In the run-up to competition, practice was held three times a week and on Sundays, under the expert tutelage of Pat ONeill. The efficiency carried a prize of 500, to be used on an educational holiday. IFA deputy president Alice Doyle, John Keogh and John Dawson John says that after winning the first competition, the team and 24 friends headed off on the holiday of a lifetime to Torremolinos, Spain, which was definitely an education!" Eddie Donohoe and Tom Doyle There were opportunities to learn new skills such as swimming, welding, farm accounts and leadership training. John told The Nationalist that he would never have ended up as a manager at Tullow Livestock Sales or as a local politician without his involvement in Macra. I got a lot from it, he said. More than 60 people were welcomed on the night to peruse old photos and articles, share food, reminisce and remember friendships past. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A business was set on fire in Belfast on Saturday night as fresh disorder broke out in the city following anti-immigration protests. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was maintaining a presence in the Donegall Road area in the south of the city where several cars and a number of bins were also set alight. During violence earlier in the day, businesses were attacked after an anti-immigration protest moved through the city. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast on Saturday night (PA) Giving an update on Saturday night, a PSNI spokesperson said: Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight. This disorder has resulted in a business premises being set on fire. The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. Earlier in the day, police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. Damage to a hotel entrance in Belfast (Peter Morrison/PA) People taking part in the anti-Islam demonstration then travelled towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area. A business was attacked in the Botanic area of the city and windows were smashed at a hotel. A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport. Stormont leaders have condemned the violence in Belfast. A cafe is attacked in the Botanic area (Peter Morrison/PA) First Minister Michelle ONeill said Belfast is a progressive and inclusive city. She wrote on social media: Years of dedication and hard work from people across our community have transformed it for the better. Together, we will keep moving forward toward a brighter future for Belfast. A city that flourishes, free from hate and division. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Lets be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said those trashing our city and attacking businesses should be ashamed. She added: They should also face the full legal consequences of their actions. Unlike those working to build businesses and a better future, these hatemongers offer nothing but division and destruction. In a post on X, Northern Secretary Hilary Benn said: Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today. Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Gymnastics star Rhys McClenaghan has described his gold medal success at the Paris Olympics as his redemption story. The Co Down gymnast (25) clinched gold for Ireland with his routine in the pommel horse final at the Bercy Arena on Saturday. It came three years after he fell from the apparatus, when he was favoured to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Supporters of Team Ireland gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, during a watch party at Origin Gymnastics club in Newtownards (Rebecca Black/PA) McClenaghan, who has already won world, European and Commonwealth titles, described his Olympic medal as his favourite one so far. He told Sky News that he slept last night with the medal on his bedside table. He said: Its so heavy and so sharp I was scared I was going to wake up with injuries. It stayed on my bedside table and I was happy to wake up and see it. He added: Youve just seen the redemption story of Rhys McClenaghan there. The upset in Tokyo, straight after that Olympic Games final where I fell, I said I am going to turn this disappointment into motivation and come back better, stronger than ever and that is exactly what I done. I am a two-time world champion, now an Olympic champion and that is the redemption I wanted. McClenaghan was emotional following his success on Saturday. He explained: Its a lifetime of work. It is not just that four years or three years of work, it is a lifetime of work. Everything Ive done since I started gymnastics was demonstrated in that 46-second routine that I showed yesterday. It was all of the emotions, all of them under the sun were being expressed that day and you could see I was switching between hysterically laughing, hysterically crying, it was just overwhelming. The gymnast from Newtownards also paid tribute to his parents, Danny and Tracy, who were in Paris to watch his gold medal victory. He said: I only started getting funding for this sport when I turned 18 years old. I started gymnastics at six years old, that gap between there, that is all my parents, that is them driving me to and from the gym, paying my gymnastics fees, everything they supported and wanted me to pursue that dream that I had. This medal is just as much theirs as it is mine. Supporters also gathered at Origin Gymnastics in Newtownards on Saturday, the club where McClenaghan trains. For many, San Francisco is most known for its doom loop economic spiral and homelessness on its streets. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2022 San Francisco has always been a place with so much culture and counterculture. When we talk about the city today, however, the most common images that come to mind are the doom loop and the masses of homeless people on our streets. People are right to say we have lost the spark, but lets acknowledge what really caused it to fade. When we look at San Franciscos history, this was a place where revolutionaries, artists, queer folks and working-class immigrants flocked for a haven. What the city forgot is how much culture and politics rely on working-class and low-to-middle-income communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When we talk about the missing middle but then provide housing for professionals making over $120,000 (which isnt even close to a teachers salary, lets be honest), we are pushing out the people who made the city vibrant. When we stop prioritizing luxury housing as a solution to the affordability crisis, the same people who built San Francisco will come flocking back. When did we decide to shun and dehumanize the tired, poor, unwashed masses that made the city as unique and memorable as it is to the rest of the world, anyway? Gillian Garaci, San Francisco Advertisement Article continues below this ad Time to speak out While we commonly understand that to keep conversations civil, we leave politics out of them. What do we do when it isnt just politics, but morality? Does our muzzling of politics cause us to deny ethical responsibility? That is the question all of us Christians face. And we are answering it all too often with silence. Its the kind of silence the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. deplored when he said: History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people. Havent we had enough of white Christian nationalism? Where are we when people compare Donald Trump with Jesus? When Trump declares that God saved him from death during the assassination attempt, why dont we remind him that Adolf Hitler survived numerous attempts? Its time to speak up. Millions of Christians dont espouse evangelical nationalism. We need to hear their voices. Loud and clear. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bruce Blackie, San Mateo Take the high road Regarding Why weird is working wonders for the Democrats (Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, July 31): Thank you to Soleil Ho for reminding us of Michelle Obamas inspiring quote, When they go low, we go high. 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 hope that Kamala Harris will avoid personal attacks, including calling Donald Trump weird. He is that, plus a felon, liar, cheater, misogynist, racist and childish name-caller. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harris should not join Trump in slinging insults but instead, appear dignified and statesperson-like at all times. Maybe she could just quote Ronald Reagans zinger to Jimmy Carter, There you go again. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Russia is one of a handful of countries believed to be involved in spying activities in Ireland, a senior garda has said. Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, who is in charge of the unit responsible for State security, said there were some states involved in espionage with malign intent. He said they attempt to create mistrust in government as well as trying to steal secrets from the State and from industry, which undermines the reputation of Ireland. Mr McElgunn spoke to RTEs This Week programme. The Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Security Intelligence Service said: What we are particularly concerned about is a handful of states who are involved in spying activities on sovereign soil with malign intent. The intent to seek to influence, to create distrust in government, to support extremist groups within a state with that same end goal in mind. They will involve themselves in trying to steal secrets from the state, or steal secrets from industry within the state which undermines the reputation of a country. That activity is of concern, we closely monitor individuals who we believe to be involved in that activity. We work very closely internationally in that regard because a lot of these hostile state agents will move and we work with our colleagues to have an understanding of who might be in our state from time to time and to manage entry in and out of the state by people of that nature. Mr McElgunn said he was cautious in what he said because Ireland maintained diplomatic relations with the countries. But he added: However, if we look at the events in Salisbury in the United Kingdom, if we look at other events in the United Kingdom, if we look at events in Europe and we look at the Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine, I dont think too many will be surprised if I were to say that Russia were one of these states. Russia is one of the countries that we have an interest in, in the general space. Asked about the activities of China, Mr McElgunn said it had good relations with Ireland. He said: The EU views China as an economic competitor, as a systemic rival on the world stage. But, I would say China is a huge global superpower as well. Having said that we have good relations with China. Chinas world view is a little different from what it is in the western world and, as a consequence of that, elements of the Chinese Communist Partys foreign policy is of interest to many, if not the majority of western intelligence agencies. Christopher Miller, former acting secretary of defense in the Trump administration, proposes a radical overhaul of the U.S. military in Project 2025. Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto/Getty Images 2023 Christopher Millers Department of Defense chapter in Project 2025 calls for a major drawdown in U.S. troops from Europe. It is not known if Spangdalem Air Base in Germany would be affected. (Photo by Harald Tittel/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance/dpa/picture alliance via Getty I The author asserts that Russian President Vladimir Putins aggressive and militaristic goals would be eased should the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 be adopted in a second presidential term of Donald Trump. Contributor/Getty Images Few Americans in our nations history have demonstrated as poor judgment or dereliction of duty as the Pentagon official who, on Jan. 6, 2021, had the authority to send in the National Guard to defend the U.S. Capitol, but chose not to do so: then-Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller. And yet it was Miller (likely auditioning here for a full-time gig as secretary of defense under a second Trump administration) who was tasked by the Heritage Foundation-backed Project 2025 to draft what could turn out to be the most radical overhaul of U.S. national security and defense policy since the end of the Cold War. Simply titled Department of Defense, Millers contribution to Project 2025 envisions a world in which the U.S. slashes its military commitments and related funding to such draconian levels that we would cease to be a global superpower (a term he never uses). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Central to Millers vision is the rejection of any notion of America being the leader of the free world in favor of a return to the Great Power Competition in which the U.S. is merely one great power among many. Thats the same chaotic world order that ruled the day spawning two world wars and helping bring on the Great Depression before America assumed its leadership role and ushered in an era of unprecedented stability and prosperity. Never before has someone who served at the top levels of the Defense Department suggested something so clearly antithetical to U.S. interests. So, who is this guy, and what makes him tick? First and foremost, it was Miller who spearheaded, against the advice of military commanders, the disastrous drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan during the last weeks of the Trump presidency. Millers gross miscalculation left fewer boots on the ground than would be required to defend their positions, ignoring the overwhelming threat posed by the Taliban (with whom his boss had just signed a deal) proclaiming instead that we were on the verge of defeating Al Qaeda and its associates. Never mind that his strategy was leaving the Taliban in place and that it was the Taliban that had been supporting and offering safe refuge to Al Qaeda all along. Contrary to Millers predictive powers, not only was Al Qaeda not defeated, but under the Talibans protection, its returning to pre-9/11 levels. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Conveniently, in his Project 2025 writings, Miller fails to acknowledge his role in what he refers to, in his opening paragraphs, as our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. He seeks instead to pin the whole thing on the Biden administration, which he had painted into a corner, weakening Americas hand, as if by design, on Donald Trumps way out of office. Miller, a retired Army colonel, has long argued that the Pentagons budget should be slashed by 40% to 50%, declaring that what our country needs is someone with the courage and experience to get in there and get it done. In his Project 2025 document, he reveals just how he plans to get it done: a huge drawdown of U.S. forces overseas, the likes of which weve never seen, and for which hes proven in the past to be such a colossal failure in judgment and leadership. But as is so often the case: The devil is in the details. Fallacies abound in the colonels 40-page meandering diatribe, beginning with his patently and demonstrably false assertion that China is by any measure the most powerful state in the world other than the United States. Any colonel worth his salt, for example, should know that Moscow enjoys more than an 8 to 1 advantage over Beijing in the number of nuclear warheads ready to launch at the U.S. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Is that not a measure? Miller further asserts that U.S. access to the worlds most important market, China, is one of Americas core interests. I respectfully suggest, as someone who served as a graduate professor at the War College where Miller got his masters degree, that he review his old textbooks on the meaning of core interest. Because access to a market doesnt even come close. A core interest is something for which, by definition, the U.S. must be prepared to go to war. Is that what Miller is suggesting? That countless American lives should be spent to keep Chinas consumer market open to our companies? Because that would be a hawk of a feather with which I am not familiar. As for the threat posed by Moscow, Miller seeks to minimize its consideration by simply lumping Russia in with other threats posed by Iran, North Korea and transnational terrorism. Threats one and all, to be sure, but hardly on a par with Russia. In fact, to my eye, Millers only real policy recommendation to counter Russian President Vladimir Putins aggressive and militaristic regime is maintaining the nuclear deterrent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meanwhile, Miller would rework entirely Americas security relationship with our longtime European allies. NATO, for example, is given such short shrift that he mentions it only once by name, and then only in the context of reducing the U.S. force posture in Europe. In other words, hamstringing U.S. support for NATO at the very moment the Atlantic alliance has expanded under American leadership and while Europe and our allies are deeply embroiled in Ukraine the largest ground invasion on the continent since World War II and a war which, by any measure, is knocking at NATOs door. Challenging, and perhaps redrawing, the strategic balance of power on the continent. Remind me whose interests is this meant to serve? In stark contrast to Millers effort to downplay the threats posed by Russia and, with it, Putins challenge to the global order is his central premise that U.S. defense strategy must identify China unequivocally as the top priority for U.S. defense planning. In real terms, what hes advocating for is prioritizing U.S. conventional force planning to defeat a Chinese invasion of Taiwan even if that means denying resources to other missions. This is a false either/or choice he never justifies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What Miller ignores, of course, is what should be obvious to even the most casual observer: that Americas current forward-looking defense strategy based on overwhelming and ever-evolving U.S. military superiority, combined with strong alliances throughout the region, is right now, and every day, deterring such an invasion. Full stop. To believe otherwise is to believe China is doing us and the world some kind of favor by not invading Taiwan. That is obviously not the case. Miller also turns a blind eye toward the former (and perhaps future) presidents gushing admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping, effusive praise for Putin and love letters to North Korean leader Kim Jung Un. Perhaps these glaring omissions explain why there is no mention of the growing alliance among these three dictators as evidenced by their mutual support for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Coincidence? I think not. All of this leads to what I might suggest is really at the heart of Project 2025s military strategy: A denial that global alliances for peace are worthy of discussing, much less defending. The global order for the past 75 years has been based on Americas commitment to defend democracy and the international rule of law against the forces of tyranny that would rule by force and force alone. Meanwhile, the open hostility toward democratic norms and the rule of law within the Republican Party which has reached such a fevered pitch as to full-throatedly embrace bogus claims that the 2020 election was stolen, and the corollary refusal to guarantee that they will accept the 2024 election results should they lose mirrors the rise of other authoritarian movements such as Trump ally Viktor Orban in Hungary. 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 Millers contribution toward this goal is a how-to for realigning U.S. interests away from supporting democratic, freedom-loving countries toward a New World Order of transient, transactional alliances where were just as likely to support Russian aggression toward freedom-loving nations such as Ukraine, as not. Home News Travel: In the middle of nowhere on Lake Superior, a city defined by industry Nobody really comes here, the waiter at my hotel said. People only stop when theyre driving through. I heard that a lot during my recent three-night visit to Thunder Bay on the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada. I chalked the defeatism up to location. There is no denying that Thunder Bay is in the middle of nowhere. And as they say, location is everything. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The closest big city, Winnipeg, Manitoba, is some 430 miles away. The drive takes nearly eight hours, as I discovered when mechanics for the Canadian airline WestJet unexpectedly went on strike, stranding me with no other flight option. Thankfully, Avis had a car that I was able to rent. Even farther away is Toronto, the provincial capital and Canadas biggest city. The 860-mile drive takes just under 15 hours. Thats like driving from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Key West, Florida. Those who make the effort to get here will be rewarded by a place that has a surprising number of things to do and see. Its also an astonishingly good value, thanks to a favorable exchange rate ($1 is $1.39 Canadian at the time of this writing). The city of Thunder Bay with its population of 108,843 souls is a relatively recent creation, resulting from the 1970 merger of Fort William and Port Arthur twin cities that were once bitter rivals for commerce and industry. The downtown in the former Port Arthur felt on the rebound, thanks to revitalization projects like the trendy Goods & Co. Market in a one-time department store. A short walk away and separated from downtown by a main road and still-active railroad tracks is the waterfront at Prince Arthurs Landing, which has been transformed in recent years into a marina and park. What used to be Fort William couldnt be more different. This downtown has a weary look to it, thanks to permanently closed shops and empty buildings. The piazza with a war memorial and fountains in front of City Hall was taken over by street drinkers at 8 oclock on a Sunday morning. A couple blocks removed from this scene is St. Pauls Anglican Church, a 116-year-old red brick edifice. Walking inside the Victorian Gothic interior is like taking a time machine back to when the British Empire was still a thing. The jewel in Thunder Bays crown is its location on Lake Superior, the worlds largest freshwater lake. Having been to the other port cities on the Great Lakes, I cant think of a place with a better view. The natural, deepwater harbor is framed by Sleeping Giant, a mesa formation that looks like something you might see in Colorado or Wyoming. Then, there are the castle-like old grain elevators that today serve as reminders of an industrial past. Thunder Bay also has one of the best forts anywhere in Canada or the United States. Fort William Historical Park is a reconstructed wooden palisade fort a few miles from its original location within the modern city limits. While called a fort, Fort William was never a military outpost. Instead, it was the site of Thunder Bays first industry. Voyageurs, trappers and traders gathered here every summer in the early 1800s at the peak of the fur trade and shortly after American independence created the border some 40 miles to the south. If you go Book a room at the Delta. This Marriott branded hotel faces the waterfront and has rooms with incredible views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. Also at the landing is Bight, an upscale restaurant with outdoor seating and good people watching. Other options for dinner are Red Lion Smokehouse and Nook. For lunch, Goods & Co. Market has a handful of great casual options. Fort William Historical Park has several major annual events, including a reenactment of the fur trade rendezvous. Its open March through November. For those with an interest in history the Thunder Bay Museum is worth a visit. Sail Superior offers several public and private boat tours, including a daily family friendly harbor tour at 4 p.m. Half-day trips from Thunder Bay include Kakabeka Falls Ontarios second-highest waterfall and the gorge at Ouimet Canyon. Both are provincial parks. While the 330 feet deep, 490 feet wide gorge is always picturesque, its best seen during the fall colors. Nearby is Eagle Canyon, a commercial attraction that bills itself as Canadas longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge. Thunder Bays airport isnt served by a U.S. airline. I would avoid booking anything on WestJet, as its an awful airline with horrendous customer service. Instead, either fly through Toronto on Air Canada or Porter or fly into Winnipeg and do the long drive. From the United States, Minneapolis is a six-hour drive. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post. Home News Mother of man whos among 20 Americans still held captive in Russian jails, labor camps slams Biden 'I have not heard anything from President Biden or even anybody in the State Department' Maphine Fogel, the 95-year-old mother of Marc Fogel, who remains imprisoned in Russia, expressed profound disappointment with President Joe Biden as her son was excluded from the recent U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange. Fogel called Thursdays prisoner exchange gut-wrenching, The Daily Wire reported, sharing her video statement on the social media platform X. Marc Fogel, sentenced to 14 years for carrying prescription medical marijuana, has been in a Russian prison for three years, and despite his critical health condition following three spinal operations, he has not received the wrongfully detained status that would trigger stronger U.S. government advocacy. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On Thursday, Russia and the U.S. completed their largest prisoner swap since the Cold War, which saw the release of high-profile detainees like The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. However, Marc Fogel and as many as 19 other Americans remain detained under what the U.S. deems dubious circumstances. The oversight by the Biden administration has particularly stung Maphine Fogel, who noted that while celebrities like WNBA star Brittney Griner have garnered significant attention and advocacy from U.S. officials, ordinary citizens seem forgotten. I have not heard anything from President Biden or even anybody in the State Department, Fogel lamented. This sense of abandonment is contrasted by her interaction with former President Donald Trump, who, during a meeting before a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, reassured her of his commitment to secure Marcs release if reelected. The rally was later disrupted by an assassination attempt on Trump, with Fogel in close proximity, about 25 feet away from the incident. The prisoner swap involved 16 people released by Moscow in exchange for eight Russians held in the U.S. and Europe. Yet, many like Marc Fogel were left behind, a strategy that Benjamin Gray of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation interprets as Russia holding cards for future negotiations, according to the Journal. This is obviously a strategy of the Russian government to not completely clear the decks, to always have some cards to play later, Gray was quoted as saying. The U.S. State Department, through spokesman Vedant Patel, sought to reassure that the governments efforts to free wrongfully detained Americans would persist. To the American citizens who continue to be wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world, let me just be very clear that this government, this administration, is not going to stop working, Patel was quoted as saying. Among those still detained is Andre Khachatoorian, arrested during a layover in Moscow for carrying a declared firearm, and Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen charged with treason for a minor financial contribution to a Ukrainian group. The emotional toll on families is immense. Lisa Hyland, Marcs sister, described the process of piecing together information from news reports as soul-crushing when they realized Marc was not on a plane leaving Russia. The lack of direct communication from U.S. officials only adds to their distress. When asked, they provide general promises and assurances that they are doing everything they can, but those words are not backed by results, the Journal quoted Hyland as saying. Home News This week in Christian history: Roger Williams book burned, CEF founder dies Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance. Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths. Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many people. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include Johannes Megapolensis arriving in America, the death of the founder of Child Evangelism Fellowship, and the burning of Roger Williams book. Home News US, UK urge citizens to leave Lebanon as tensions escalate: 'Book any ticket available' The American and British governments have strongly advised their citizens to evacuate Lebanon immediately due to heightened tensions and the potential for conflict in the region. This follows a series of recent high-profile incidents, including assassinations and attacks, amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. The U.S. and U.K. issued urgent warnings to their nationals in Lebanon on Saturday, stressing the escalating threat level. The U.S. Embassy strongly urged U.S. citizens in Southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border or in refugee settlements to depart immediately, and advised others against traveling to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The U.S. Embassy advised American citizens in Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route. It said they should leave Lebanon using any available commercial transportation options. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear leave now. The advisory aligns with similar statements from other nations, reflecting a growing international consensus on the risks of remaining in Lebanon. Jordan has also issued warnings to its citizens, urging immediate departure and advising against travel to Lebanon due to developments taking place in the region and the overarching concerns for citizen safety, The Times of Israel noted. Amid these advisories, many countries have escalated their travel warnings. Canada has cautioned against all travel to Israel, pointing to the potential dangers posed by the regional armed conflict, which could impact commercial travel options and lead to possible airspace closures and flight cancellations. On July 27, a rocket attack by the Hezbollah terrorist group in the Golan Heights region killed 12 children, prompting Israel to promise retaliation against Hezbollah and heightening fears of broader regional instability. Following the Hezbollah attack, the situation intensified with the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Hamas terror group, in Tehran, according to France 24. The assassinations have significantly escalated tensions, with Iran and Hezbollah vowing to respond. The U.S. has responded by increasing its military presence in the region, signaling strong support for Israel amid these threats. Amid the tensions, at least 18 airlines have canceled flights to both Lebanon and Israel. This includes major carriers like Emirates, Aegean, Air France and Lufthansa. On Friday, the U.S. announced the deployment of a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East, aimed at strengthening defenses against potential retaliation by Iran and its proxies following Haniyehs assassination. The ongoing tensions began after Hamas initiated a series of attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,100 deaths of Israelis and dual nationals, and the abduction of 240 individuals. The attacks signified the onset of a new conflict between Israel and Hamas. Thereafter, Gaza experienced severe bombardment and intense ground conflicts, forcing more than half of Gazas 2.2 million residents to migrate southward. According to the health ministry controlled by Hamas, about 38,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict. Of the hostages taken by Hamas, 120 remain in Gaza and 43 have been declared deceased. Home Opinion Latino American Christians are passionate about Israel US-Israel relations have reached an inflection point. As Israel continues its just war against Hamas in Gaza, and a looming crisis in the north with Hezbollah builds, many Americans worry about whether the United States will remain committed to her closest ally, Israel. With a contentious election just a few months away, American voters are increasingly scrutinizing the foreign policy stances of their candidates. Many seek assurance that the United States will uphold its longstanding support for Israel, recognizing the strategic and moral imperatives of this crucial alliance. Amidst rising global tensions and domestic political divisions, the steadfast support of Latino American Christians may prove crucial in shaping the nation's foreign policy trajectory. This communitys unwavering dedication to Israel underscores a broader commitment to justice, security, and shared values, influencing the broader American discourse in these turbulent times. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Just this week, a group of Christian leaders met with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, during his visit to Washington DC. Among those in attendance were four groups representing Hispanic Americans. Their presence underscored the vital role this community plays in ensuring that the United States remains a steadfast ally of Israel. Many Latino Americans are passionate about Israel. In a survey we commissioned at the Philos Project, we learned that an overwhelming majority of Latino American Christians across six key swing states feel a biblical connection to the Land of Israel. They believe that the establishment of Israel as a nation is a fulfillment of Gods covenant with the Jewish People. Though the Latino American community is long distance away from Israel, many have their hearts in Jerusalem. Latino American Christians are also deeply concerned about the rise in Islamic extremism. As a family-oriented community, they worry about the threats Islamic extremism poses not only to global stability but also to the safety and security of their own families, both in the United States and in Latin America. The violent ideologies propagated by extremist groups like Hezbollah stand in stark contrast to the values of peace, community and faith that are central to Latino American culture. This thriving community is committed to fostering a world where peace and faith triumph over evil. There is much to learn from and about this rapidly growing and thriving community. Our study centered around six key swing states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and surveyed over 1,000 people about their views on Israel, antisemitism, the war in Gaza and more. The findings in this study serve as guideposts as we strive to deepen and enhance our engagement with the Latino Christian community. Latino Americans care about Israel. Half of the respondents believe that the United States has the right amount of involvement with Israel and view Israel in a more positive light than Palestine, whether the comparison is with the nation/state, the government, or the people. Weighing in on the current conflict in Gaza, a clear majority, 63%, blame Hamas for initiating the conflict, while a smaller portion, 19%, blame Israel. Christian theology heavily influences the views of Latino Christians. As noted above, a substantial number (65%) believe that the creation of modern Israel is the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Jewish people. This belief is particularly strong among those who are more religiously engaged. Among those who sympathize with Israel, 38% cite religious reasons, such as the belief that Jews are God's chosen people and Israel is God's land. This religious underpinning underscores the importance of faith in shaping political views within this community. Sadly, however, our survey uncovered negative views toward Jewish Americans in the public square, an attitude shared, perhaps unwittingly, with other groupsincluding those who oppose immigration for ethno-racial reasons. Four in ten Latinos believe that Jews have too much influence in the U.S. This perception is more prevalent among those born outside the U.S., who also tend to be more sympathetic to Palestinians. These views highlight the persistent challenge of antisemitism and the need for greater education and dialogue within the community to address these prejudices. Where do we go from here? How do we better engage with the Latino Christian community? There are a few important avenues. First, we must engage with the community at a faith-based level. Many Latino Americans only have a cultural relationship with Christianity and do not have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Our study showed that even though many of those surveyed identify with their Christian faith, few actively practice; six out of ten Latino Christians have low or zero spiritual engagement, as measured by the frequency they read and study the Bible, attend worship services or pray. That is why we took part in the creation of the Spanish Chronological Study Bible, which gives Latino Americans the tools they need to better understand and relate to the Bible and see its relevance to the present day. Moreover, since our relationship with Israel and the Jewish People stems from the Bible, increased exposure to Scripture will certainly help correct the misguided views promulgated by bad actors in the media. At the Philos Project, we are creating a Certificate on Biblical Sciences to help pastors and laypeople properly approach the Bible and glean its timeless wisdom. This is a vital and important need for this community. Second, it is imperative that we fill the educational gap in the community. Sixty-one percent of respondents said that they dont follow local, national, or international news very closely. Many in the Latino community are simply uneducated about matters relating to Israel and the Jewish People; 42% of respondents, for instance, had heard little or nothing about the pro-Palestinian protests that swept college campuses. We must fill this void with educational content, especially Spanish language content, that offers clear and truthful reporting and commentary. The community yearns for knowledge. Third, we have to facilitate and broker relationships between Latino Christians and Jews. Few things can be as eye-opening and memorable as a Shabbat dinner, where Latino Americans see that they have much more in common with their Jewish neighbors than they differ. Many Latino Americans and American Jews share immigrant narratives and are incredibly family-oriented; facilitating the common ground between these two communities is bound to produce a more tolerant and philosemitic culture. Latino Americans are a complex mosaic of support and skepticism towards Israel and the Jewish People, influenced by both their spiritual beliefs and media consumption. This study reveals opportunities to enhance our engagement through faith-based education, bridging divides with accurate information, and fostering relationships between Latino Christians and Jews. By addressing these areas, we can promote a future of unity and respect, where this community's rich tapestry becomes a guiding light for broader societal understanding and cooperation. Home News Former senior pastor in Texas charged with soliciting prostitute A former senior pastor from Plano, Texas, faces charges for soliciting a prostitute. Terrence Terren Dames, 51, was arrested during a targeted operation by Plano police, which resulted in his immediate removal from North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship due to moral failure. Dames was arrested in May, as part of an ongoing effort by authorities to combat sex trafficking, where he allegedly attempted to engage in a transaction with an undercover officer posing as a prostitute, Fox 4 reported. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Dames contacted the undercover officer through a website frequently used for soliciting sexual services, offering $150 for full service, a term colloquially understood to mean sex. The meeting was set up at a motel, but Dames left the scene after no one answered the door. He was subsequently apprehended during a traffic stop. During his interaction with the police following his arrest, Dames claimed he was meeting a friend at the motel. He then experienced a medical episode, with first responders noting his low vitals, though he refused further medical treatment at a hospital. His cell phone was seized, and he now faces a felony charge for his actions. Many online platforms are used to facilitate illegal activities, including prostitution and trafficking. Bianca Davis, CEO of New Friends New Life, a nonprofit organization that supports victims of sex trafficking, commented on the case. In the vast majority of cases, there is a trafficker or a pimp behind the scenes, Davis said, noting that while some may act independently, the act of selling sex is often not victimless and involves networks of exploitation. The Plano Police Department has reported the arrest of 153 individuals in 2023 and 90 so far this year for solicitation-related offenses. The leadership at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship says they are focused on moving forward. NDCBF leadership remains devoted to the churchs mission of making disciples and vision to empower each member to impact the world by doing the work of Jesus Christ, CBS News quoted the church as saying. Sound, biblical doctrine remains a priority. The churchs leadership continues to invest in teaching biblical subjects, such as victory, hope and unity. With passages that prescribe the wisdom in thought and action, the church is eager to pave the path forward in healing and restoration. As its core values, the church says on its website: We believe Gods standard for His church is holiness. As a community of believers, we uphold Gods standard by being consistent in our behavior both privately and publicly. Gods Word will always direct the way we conduct ourselves morally, socially and financially. We are accountable to our members and the community and we believe in holding those who have partnered with us accountable as well. Home News 19-year-old girl tied up, beaten and burned with flat iron for converting to Christianity NAIROBI, Kenya A Muslim in eastern Uganda burned his 19-year-old daughter with a flat iron on July 21 after learning that she had converted to Christianity, sources said. Naasike Maliyati of Nampologoma, Butaleja District said she attended an evangelistic crusade with a friend in the course of a visit to her grandmother in Lwangoli, Busoba Sub-County, Mbale District, on July 15. When they called people to give their lives to Christ, I also went and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, Maliyati said. 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The following Sunday Maliyati, a student at Noor Islamic Institute in Mbale, attended a church service, and upon returning home found her father, 44-year-old Abdulrahim Kutosi, and uncles angry with her, she said. 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, Maliyati told Morning Star News. I was burned for leaving Islam and converting to Christianity, as my father furiously continued shouting that I had shamed the family. He continued saying that even Allah is annoyed with me as the pain continued inside my body. She heard him order her to stop attending church services before relatives put her on a motorbike and left her near the Namatala River, she said. A Christian on a motorcycle driving by, Nicolas Ndobooli, rescued her. I saw someone yelling for help and calling, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Ndobooli told Morning Star News. Being a Christian, I decided to stop and took the risk and put her on my motorbike to the clinic. He paid 30,000 Uganda shillings ($8 USD) to admit her for medical treatment, he said. Area Christians have condemned Kutosis cruel treatment of his daughter, sources said. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. Originally published by Morning Star News Church and faith leaders issue urgent call for peace after riots The Archbishop of Canterbury has added his voice to urgent appeals for peace after days of rioting and violence across the UK. Over 100 arrests have been made after far-right protesters clashed with police and vandalised buildings over the weekend. Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, Hartlepool, Sunderland and Belfast are among the towns and cities that have been affected by the riots, which were sparked by the deaths of three girls at a dance class in Southport on Monday. Appealing for calm, Archbishop Justin Welby condemned anyone using Christian symbolism or the name of God to justify violence. "Britain has a proud tradition of free speech and peaceful protest those must always be protected. But violence and hatred targeted at minority communities is never justified and always abhorrent. It is completely unacceptable that Muslim and asylum-seeker communities are feeling so unsafe and I encourage people to reach out and support them," he said on X. The Archbishop said he was praying in particular for the families of the victims of the Southport stabbing and said that they "must be allowed and supported to grieve, not caused further pain and distress by violence that does nothing to support their healing or their pursuit of justice". He added, "Using Christian symbolism or the name of God to justify violence is offensive to everything that Christ stands for. There is never any justification for this and I urge any Christian doing it to repent." The Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, appeared alongside other local faith leaders in a video message urging calm. "In the midst of this tragedy, as we experience pain, grief and anger, what we need is for the whole community to come together. We need to be really human, be there for one another," he said. The Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, Thomas Neylon, said, "There are other ways of resolving issues which you might feel we don't agree with in our country so let's use those methods to bring about the peace and the healing that we need at this moment." Sarah Clark, the Acting Bishop of Durham, which covers Sunderland, said it was "really distressing" to see such "terrible" images of violence in Sunderland. "Our church communities stand together with all condemning this awful violence and the small minority who incite hatred and intimidation on our streets - our prayers for all affected," she said on X. Rev Marie-Anne Kent, of St Philip and St Paul with Wesley Church in Southport, told the BBC Breakfast programme that churches in the area were opening as a safe space for people. She expressed sadness that "families and young people who have been traumatised by the events of Monday, and yet we've been overtaken by the violence". Despite this, she said she had also seen "so many acts of kindness". "Southport has really pulled together, and every act of kindness is saying we are against this hate, these acts of violence," she said. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi told CBS that she was not a leader of any pressure party behind President Joe Bidens exit from the presidential race. Colin Peck/Special to the Chronicle Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that she was not a leader of any pressure party behind President Joe Bidens exit from the presidential race. I had confidence that the president would make the proper choice for our country, whatever that would be, and I said that, Pelosi said in an interview with Lesley Stahl on CBS News Sunday Morning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pelosi, 84, also opened up about the brutal attack on her husband at their San Francisco home and offered advice to Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Pelosis comments about Biden came in response to news reports that she led a calculated effort to force Biden to drop out of the race against former President Donald Trump after Bidens poor debate performance in June. Pelosi, who said she wanted Biden to prove he was fit for the job and then urged him to make a swift decision on his reelection campaign, said she never called anybody in the days before the president ended his reelection campaign. Asked whether she saw a decline in Biden, 81, and if she believed he needed to step aside, Pelosi said no. My whole point was, whatever he decides, but we have to have a more aggressive campaign, said Pelosi, who called Biden a consequential president deserving of recognition on Mount Rushmore. Her advice for Harris, whom Republicans attack as a far-left liberal from San Francisco, similar to attacks on Pelosi: Just be yourself. Its the same advice I give to women be yourself. She added: Just talk about kitchen-table issues ignore Trump. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi told CBS that she and her husband have not discussed the attack on him because doctors dont want him to revisit it. Karl B DeBlaker/Associated Press Pelosi, a two-time House speaker, also discussed the break-in at her house in San Francisco and the hammer attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, on Oct. 28, 2022. A federal court sentenced intruder David DePape to 30 years in prison for the attack, with credit for time served. My husband and I have never talked about this, Pelosi said. The doctors have supported that, because they dont want him to revisit it. Pelosi, who describes the trauma in her new book out Tuesday, The Art of Power, said the fact that she was the intended target of the attack weighs on her. Imagine the guilt of all of that, she said. Its just a horrible thing. Her family, she said, blames the Republican Party for demonizing her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sad thing about my husbands assault was that they just made a joke of it, Pelosi said. They thought it was funny. So, (Trump) was an instigator of violence and then made light of it. In her book, Pelosi looks back at consequential moments in history during her time in office, including the insurrection and attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In her book, she recalls her thoughts about Trump saying he would march to the Capitol: If he comes, Im gonna punch him out for trespassing on the Capitol grounds. Im gonna punch him out, and Im gonna go to jail, and Im going to be happy. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released a video admitting that he dumped a dead bear cub in New York Citys Central Park a decade ago and staged the scene to look like a bicyclist had run over the animal. Jose Juarez/Associated Press Apparently seeking to blunt the impact of a forthcoming New Yorker article, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released a bizarre video Sunday admitting that, a decade ago, he dumped a dead bear cub in New York Citys Central Park and staged the scene to look like a bicyclist had run over the animal. The female black bear was discovered in bushes and partially covered by a bicycle in October 2014, prompting an investigation into the circumstances that never revealed answers, at least publicly, until Sunday. In a twist, the mystery of the bear carcass was covered in 2014 by then-New York Times reporter Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy. In the video that RFK Jr. posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, he recounted his dumping of the bear to Roseanne Barr, with the two smiling and laughing. He said that, on the fateful day, he was far from Central Park on his way to a falconing excursion in Goshen, N.Y. when he witnessed a woman in a van fatally strike the bear. He said he scooped up the dead bear and put it in his own van, planning to later skin it and eat it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hours passed, Kennedy said, and he ran out of time to take the bear home before catching a flight. As he told Barr, he and some people he was with he said the others had been drinking came up with a plan: abandon the bear and an old bike, which happened to be in Kennedys van, in the park, taking advantage of the fact that there has been a rash of bicycle accidents recently in New York. Kay Magilavy outside her Hayes Valley quadruplex, which she has owned since 2020. Thomas Sawano/The Chronicle Californias insurance crisis has left tens of thousands of homeowners scrambling to find coverage but it seems to have peculiarly singled out one San Francisco woman. Kay Magilavys small Victorian apartment building, which is also her home, has been dropped twice by State Farm Insurance the first time because of an error, the second time in the thousands of property and commercial apartment policy nonrenewals announced in March by Californias largest home insurer. Magilavy inherited the four-unit Hayes Valley building from her sister, moving into it in 2021 while the estate was being worked out. She thought the insurance on the property was safe after clearing up a snafu over the transfer of the policy when the building officially changed hands. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the insurance crisis so far isnt hitting San Francisco as hard as places in the Bay Area with high fire risk, like the East Bay city of Orinda, many properties are getting non-renewed for many reasons, including the pullback on older homes and apartment buildings and condominiums. And Magilavy got an unwelcome surprise after reading an interactive Chronicle story outlining where State Farm was planning to begin a statewide nonrenewal of about 30,000 residential policies. It showed that just one property among 34 insured by State Farm in her 94102 ZIP code was scheduled for nonrenewal. Concerned that it might be hers, she called her agent, who confirmed that she would be losing her policy though she wasnt the lone homeowner in the ZIP code analysis. As an apartment building owner, Magilavys policy is considered a commercial policy, which was not included in the Chronicle story. But its what prompted the unwelcome discovery of her impending nonrenewal. If I hadnt seen that article, I never would have known, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The apartment building with the unit including 433 Linden St. in San Franciscos Hayes Valley neighborhood. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Magilavys home insurance nightmare began in 2021 when she moved from New Jersey to San Francisco and into the Linden Street Victorian thats been in her family since the 1990s, always insured by State Farm. According to Magilavy, she continued to make payments on her sisters policy as the estate was settled and distributed. She discovered belatedly that her State Farm agent made an error when transferring the title from her sisters name to hers, she said. But instead of fixing the error, the company canceled the policy in 2022 just two months after she received her mortgage and notified the bank holding it. Like most lenders, her bank requires customers with a mortgage to have homeowners insurance. Unable to resolve the issue or find a replacement policy from another insurer even though Hayes Valley is not in a high-risk wildfire zone Magilavy turned to the states FAIR plan, which provides insurance to those who cant obtain it elsewhere. Her policy cost about the same but offered less coverage, she said. After many more months of wrangling with State Farm, Magilavy said, the insurer agreed in October 2023 to reinstate her policy retroactively, with no lapse in coverage. She paid her premium and canceled the FAIR plan, which agreed to rebate her payment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then came the discovery that her insurance would not be renewed. She received an official notice from State Farm on May 22, confirming her agents statement. Home insurance was dropped twice for this apartment building with the unit including 433 Linden St. in San Franciscos Hayes Valley neighborhood. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Sevag Sarkissian, a State Farm spokesman, said he couldnt discuss the details of Magilavys case for privacy reasons but said the insurers March 20 announcement of nonrenewals for tens of thousands of homeowners and other property owners also included a wholesale withdrawal from the apartment owners insurance market, including nonrenewal of about 42,000 policies. Apartment owners policies cover building owners. Renters policies are not affected, according to a State Farm statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The May letter from State Farm also said that the company was no longer insuring apartment buildings, including Magilavys, even though its her home. The state Department of Insurance has no say over whether State Farm or any other insurer offers renewals to any of its policyholders, said Gabriel Sanchez, spokesperson for the department and state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. At the end of the day insurers can establish guidelines with whatever restrictions they desire, including what eligibility requirements apply to new business and renewal business, he said. We also do not control or can mandate what State Farm deems to be a new customer. Magilavy wasted no time looking for other options. Working through a Southern California insurance broker, she managed to find liability and property insurance through a company named Bamboo Insurance and earthquake coverage through Palomar General Insurance Agency. She canceled her State Farm policies during the first week of June and is awaiting a partial refund, Now Im insured by two companies I never heard of, and the coverage is less, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Magilavy said the experience was frustrating and time-consuming and left her with little confidence in the large insurers that sell themselves as businesses that have your back. Students shout slogans during a protest march as they demand justice for victims arrested and killed in the recent nationwide violence over job quotas, in Dhaka on August 3, 2024.(Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images) At least 43 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. The government declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Sunday, the first time it has taken such a step during the current protests that began last month. It also announced a three-day general holiday starting from Monday. The unrest, which has prompted the government to shut down internet services, is Hasina's biggest test since January when deadly protests erupted after she won a fourth straight term in elections that were boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Critics of Hasina, along with human rights groups, have accused her government of using excessive force to stamp out the movement, a charge she and her ministers deny. Demonstrators blocked major highways on Sunday as student protesters launched a non-cooperation program to press for the government's resignation, and violence spread nationwide. "Those who are protesting on the streets right now are not students, but terrorists who are out to destabilise the nation," Hasina said after a national security panel meeting, attended by the chiefs of the army, navy, air force, police and other agencies. "I appeal to our countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a strong hand." Police stations and ruling party offices were targeted as violence rocked the country of 170 million people. At least five people were killed and dozens injured amid fierce clashes in several places in the capital, Dhaka, police and witnesses said. U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, U.S., July 29, 2024. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope Iran would stand down despite its threat to avenge the assassination of Hamas' leader in Tehran, as fears mounted that Israel's war against Palestinian militants in Gaza could escalate into a wider Middle East conflict. Regional tensions have soared following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' top leader, on Wednesday, a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander from the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for Haniyeh's killing, and they, together with Hezbollah, have vowed revenge. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility. Asked by reporters whether Iran would stand down, Biden said on Saturday in response to a shouted question, "I hope so. I don't know." Seeking to bolster defenses in the Middle East in response to threats from Israel's foes, the Pentagon said on Friday it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region. Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the Gaza war nears its 11th month, and it fuelled concern that the conflict in Gaza was turning into a wider Middle East war. Hamas said it had begun a "broad consultation process" to choose a new leader three days after the assassination of Haniyeh, who was the face of the group's international diplomacy. The U.S. and international partners including France, Britain, Italy and Egypt continued diplomatic contacts on Saturday seeking to prevent further regional escalation. The U.S. urged its citizens who wish to leave Lebanon to start making plans immediately, and the British government advised its nationals to "leave now." Canada warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, saying the regional armed conflict endangered security. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, applauds as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., July 24, 2024. A political action committee backed by billionaire Elon Musk is being investigated by the Michigan secretary of state's office amid efforts to collect voter data. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has said he created and helped fund the America PAC, which is supporting former President Donald Trump. Musk has a net worth of over $225 billion, according to Forbes. The committee has been acquiring detailed voter information from those living in Michigan and other battleground states after people submit their personal data through a section on the PAC's website that says "register to vote." After clicking on the "register to vote" tab on America PAC's website, users in states like Michigan can submit a ZIP code, address and phone number. People with a Michigan address are brought to a page that says "thank you" and asks users to "complete the form below" to help wrap up the voter registration process. As of Sunday afternoon, though, there was no other form to complete below the words "thank you." "Every citizen should know exactly how their personal information is being used by PACs, especially if an entity is claiming it will help people register to vote in Michigan or any other state," a spokeswoman for the Michigan secretary of state's office said in a statement to CNBC. "While the America PAC is a federal political action committee, the Department is reviewing their activities to determine if there have been any violations of state law. We will refer potential violations to the Michigan Attorney General's office as appropriate," the spokeswoman added. CNBC first reported on the group's efforts and how the site does not directly register people to vote for those with an address in a swing state. A person with direct knowledge of the PAC's operations told CNBC that, at one point since the group registered with the Federal Election Commission in May, the links on the website were functioning properly but admits now they're not. The group is planning to launch a new website in the coming weeks, this person explained. The person declined to be named in order to speak freely about private matters. A spokesman for the America PAC declined to comment. Musk did not return emails seeking comment. Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, is Michigan's secretary of state and the lead election official in the state. She has been a vocal opponent of election-related misinformation and taken on such statements made by former President Donald Trump. The Republican National Committee has sued Benson and other Michigan Democrats at least twice this year, according to legal records. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defence, in Tel Aviv, Israel on December 17, 2023. TEL AVIV Israel is bracing for a potential multiday attack by Iran and its ally Hezbollah following the assassination of two senior militant leaders last week, an Israeli official told NBC News. The official said Israel fears waves of missiles and drones could be fired over several days in response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. "They'll just try to wear us out," the official said. This tension marks yet another escalation in the Middle East during the 10 months of the Israel-Hamas war, characterized by a series of heightened stress points amid worries that an all-out regional conflict is on the horizon. Israel killed Shukr in a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut last Tuesday. The strike in the largely Shia neighborhood also killed three civilians, including two children, and injured 74 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel's military blamed Shukr for an attack in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that killed 12 children, saying there was no price too high for the "blood of our people." Hezbollah denied responsibility for that attack. Hours later, news broke that Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in the early hours Wednesday morning. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the day after Haniyeh's assassination. The president has said publicly that the killing was not helpful to U.S. efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza. The call was "tense," according to the Israeli official. "There is strong U.S. pressure to reach a cease-fire," the official said. "Biden wants it to happen during his time in office." Israeli negotiators were in Cairo on Saturday for continuing negotiations but left without a breakthrough, the official said. Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against Israel, though the country has not publicly taken responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination. Hezbollah's leader also told his followers that Israel would hurt for the attacks. When Iran attacked Israel on April 13 in response to the bombing of its embassy in Damascus it fired 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in tight volleys so the different projectiles would reach Israel simultaneously. The vast majority were intercepted by Israeli and U.S. forces, while Hezbollah largely stayed out of the fight. This time, the Israeli official said the attacks could come over several days, with Hezbollah attacking Israel from the north while Iran's longer-range weapons are fired from the east. It would mark the second time that Iran has made a direct attack on Israel this year, a rare head-on assault for a regime often believed to be acting through its proxies in the region. Diplomats have been working to avoid a larger regional war in the Middle East since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in which 1,200 were killed and some 250 kidnapped. But those efforts have not stopped Hezbollah and the Houthis, two Iran-backed militias, from escalating attacks on Israel in what its groups describe as support for the Palestinian cause. Meanwhile the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, with the latest estimates from officials in the enclave nearing 40,000 dead. Family members of hostages who remain in Gaza have pleaded with Netanyahu to secure a deal that would see their loved ones brought home. Some of the hostage family members were detained last month for protesting during the prime minister's address to Congress during a visit to the U.S. Raf Sanchez reported from Tel Aviv. Doha Madani report from New York City. If you're considering leaving your job, here's Dogen's best advice to follow in his footsteps. That's what Dogen did more than a decade ago. Rather than leaving, he engineered a layoff that netted him three months of his base salary plus a low six-figure severance check. That money, combined with the $80,000 a year he was earning in passive income at the time, allowed him to transition into early retirement. That he stayed only four months at the new gig is its own story but it's also worth noting that by leaving so abruptly, he bucked a piece of his own advice: "Never quit your job," Dogen says. "Get laid off." Dogen, 47, has lived as a retired, stay-at-home dad since 2012, boosting his annual passive income to about $380,000 by 2023 through a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate and other investments. He returned to work late last year after selling a big chunk of his portfolio to fund the purchase of a new home. For one, it was his first gig since 2012. For most people, that wouldn't be much of a story, but for the millionaire founder of Financial Samurai, a couple of details stand out. How you manage leaving your job is going to depend on your specific circumstances. For Dogen, 2012 marked the end of his rope after 13 years in the investment banking industry. He'd built enough passive income outside the office to feel comfortable leaving, and he knew he wanted to go. DON'T MISS: Achieve Financial Wellness: Be Happier, Wealthier & More Financially Secure He also knew the kind of power he wielded as an employee on his way out the door. "As a previous boss myself, the worst thing that can happen is when an employee of value quits and gives you two weeks notice or less," he says. Here's how to leverage that power into the job departure you want. Communicate your unhappiness Get the ball rolling by letting the right people know that you are unhappy with your current role, Dogen says. "You basically have to talk to HR or talk to your direct supervisor, say, 'I'm not happy here, I'd like to make some changes,'" he says. "Ultimately, I'd like to leave if these changes are not met." In doing so, you create a win-win situation, Dogen says, because there's a chance that your superiors are willing to meet your needs. "They might give you a raise. They might give you more flexible hours. Sweet!" he says. "No employer wants someone whose heart is not in it anymore." Offer to ease the transition If your company can't meet your demands, pivot the conversation toward the possibility of you leaving while making life easy on your employer. "Let's figure something out," Dogen says you might say. "I'm willing to stay as long as possible to help make the transition. But in light of that, let's talk about a severance package." Dogen stayed on for two months after having this conversation with his boss in 2012, spending that time training his junior hire and introducing him to his clients. If you're willing to do something similar, "more often than not, your employer will work with you especially if you're a better than average employee," Dogen says. Negotiate a layoff Ask if your company is planning on doing a round of layoffs, and if you can be included. Under the WARN Act, companies with 100 or more employees (fewer in some states) must provide 60 days warning before conducting a mass layoff. In lieu of that warning, firms owe compensation to the affected employees, generally equivalent to 60 days of base pay. On top of any WARN Act pay you may receive, Dogen suggests negotiating further for a severance payment. "The standard is one to three weeks of pay for every year served," he says. And negotiating a layoff, rather than quitting, goes beyond a cash payout, Dogen says. "If you get laid off, you get unemployment benefits. You get a severance package, deferred comp, subsidized health care. You get tons of stuff that gives you a huge financial runway for your next endeavor." 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 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. As weve mentioned before, Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth for those who remembered to pack Tylenol, is chock-full of secrets, including countless hidden Mickey Mouse silhouettes, a labyrinth of creepy underground tunnels and at least one secret club for super-wealthy patrons to eat, drink and hatch schemes to steal enough Dalmatians to make a really nice coat. Well, you can add one more notable Easter egg to the pile. A Disney guest recently noticed something interesting in the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction, which has already transitioned over to the annual Nightmare Before Christmas-themed version of the ride (despite the fact that its literally August and were all melting). Don't Miss Now the ride includes a Jack in the Box with an image of a skeletal Krusty the Clown on the side! It would have been nice to get an animatronic ghost of Frank Grimes, but its still neat. While the undead Krusty may just seem like a minor detail to casual fans, it could have major implications for the future of the theme park industry. Right now, The Simpsons are heavily featured at Universal Studios parks, where you can enjoy The Simpsons Ride, grab a bite to eat at Krusty Burger and fritter your entire life away like Barney Gumble at Moes Tavern. As we all know, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, giving them the rights to the iconic yellow cartoon characters, and also a bunch of other properties that will presumably never get turned into theme park rides (its hard to imagine any long lines for The Cleveland Show Coaster). Advertisement Advertisement Disney is obviously keen to turn its most popular acquisitions into theme-park attractions, hence why they built a life-size Millennium Falcon and a Star Wars-themed hotel that nobody went to, despite Lucasfilms canonical proof that Han Solo and Princess Leia had sex there one time. But although Disney might want to include Homer, Bart, and Surly the dickish Duff Beer guy in their parks, Universal acquired the theme park rights prior to the Fox sale. That contract, however, will reportedly come up for renewal in 2028. And earlier this year, it was rumored that Universal is not planning on renegotiating their contract to keep the (Simpsons) IP in their land, thus opening the door for Disney to utilize the characters. Advertisement Advertisement This also could explain Universal Orlandos proposed expansion, which will include several new areas including a Dark Universe section that sadly wont be themed entirely around Tom Cruises laughably bad Mummy movie. So Krusty the Clown showing up in The Haunted Mansion may seem inconsequential, but it could be interpreted as a corporate shot across the bow, indicating that Disney is planning on bringing the Simpsons characters to the park in the near future. Presumably none of the inevitable Disney-approved Simpsons attractions will feature references to beloved animator Roger Meyer Sr.s controversial film Nazi Supermen Are Our Superiors. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of "Lorelei" at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens including Lorelei the Lucious (Paul Bentley) dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of "Lorelei" at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of "Lorelei" at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens including Lorelei the Lucious (Paul Bentley) dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens including Lorelei the Lucious (Paul Bentley) dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of "Lorelei" at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Thursday, Aug. 23, 1973, was supposed to be a routine evening at the theater. Stage star Carol Channing was passing through town, starring in the musical Lorelei about a wealthy widows luxury cruise to France at the Curran Theater on the way to the shows 1974 Broadway debut. The first drag queen in a blonde wig pulled up at the theater an hour before showtime. Then another. And a limousine with five more. By the time the chimes rang for theater-goers to take their seats, a reported 200 drag queens all dressed as Channing had joined the crowd. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many in the crowd gasped and whistled as the surrogate Miss Channings swept into the lobby, the Chronicle reported, each seemingly more stunning than the last. The performance-within-a-performance, documented in dozens of images by Chronicle photographer Vince Maggiora, is a whimsical and mostly forgotten scene from the past. The queens are seen walking into the theater like royalty, as surprised and delighted non-drag attendees watch. Channing herself would muse about her bond with San Francisco drag queens nearly a half century later. But the most striking takeaway might be the greater publics reaction. In 2024, the mere existence of drag queens are a point of controversy in national politics. But the San Francisco citizenry of 1973, less than a decade removed from having the citys last Republican mayor, seemed remarkably chill about, even enchanted by, the affair. Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens including Lorelei the Lucious (Paul Bentley) dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of "Lorelei" at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle The first word of the stunt in the mainstream media appeared in Herb Caens Chronicle column nearly three weeks earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carol Channing will want to know that 200 of S.F.s most distinguished drag queens, each one dressed like Carol Channing, will attend her performance of Lorelei at the Curran Aug. 23, Caen reported. The clever genius behind this stunt is Luscious Lorelei, Czarina of Folsom St.s Miracle Mile and incidentally owner of the Ramrod Bar. Luscious Lorelei was also known as Paul Bentley, who helped found the Bay Area Reporter LGBTQ+ newspaper in 1971 and knew how the media worked. Two more items appeared in Caens coveted column space before the queens appeared. As you may have learned already, sweets, there is not a blonde wig to be had anywhere in town, Caen wrote two days before the event. Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle Reporter Marshall Kilduff, who worked at the Chronicle until 2021, was assigned the story and covered it like a red carpet Hollywood premiere. His article appeared on the front page with four queens in the centerpiece photo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The camp following arrived in full regalia to cheer, shriek and shout for their chosen lady something of a living legend for drag queens to emulate, Kilduff wrote. The Currans foyer brimmed with sequins and squalls, a mad mix of a Broadway opening and the last call at a gay tavern. Maggioras photos show a huge reception greeting Luscious Lorelei, who wore a crown, sparkling gown and a jean jacket with rhinestone PAUL on the breast. Pat Montclaire, a future Absolute Empress of San Francisco, was one of the queens who bore a striking resemblance to Channing, choosing a blonde bob wig and makeup to accentuate the performers trademark toothy smile. Shes an American tradition shes glamorous and shell never change, Montclaire told the Chronicle. Those eyes, those hands are what we all love. Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle The mood became even more celebratory inside the theater. Once everyone was seated there were at least two Carol Channings in every row. When Channing got on stage, the theater rocked with whistles, whoops and arm waves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weve had big shows here before, a stunned Curran Theater manager Alex Holt said, but this is different, you know? Channing may have been the most delighted. She sent word to the Chronicle through a spokesman that she was simply thrilled with the turnout. Caen reported that the actress stayed up until 3 a.m., moving the party to the Bellevue Hotel to judge the drag queens in a look-alike contest. (The classy Carol Channing wore drag too a mannish St. Laurent tuxedo, Caen wrote.) Aug. 23, 1973: Drag queens dressed as Carol Channing including Pat Montclaire (pictured here) showed up for a performance of Lorelei at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle San Franciscans would likely embrace the event just as much or more in 2024. The citys first drag laureate, DArcy Drollinger, recently announced the popular drag show The Golden Girls Live will make its first Curran Theater residency this December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But its also not hard to imagine conservative commentators or politicians today making national news attacking a gathering of 200 drag performers descending on a family-friendly theater show. (Then raising money off the resulting outrage.) Meanwhile, five decades after the Channing drag queen stunt, theres no record of the event available with an online search. Only two Chronicle photos were published before today, and the negatives remained untouched for more than 50 years. But Channing didnt forget. The performer, who died at age 97 in 2019, talked often about her love for both San Francisco and drag queens. She made a surprise visit to the San Francisco Chronicle in 2014, breaking into song and talking about her childhood in the city. Channing also appeared on RuPauls Drag Race in 2016 to compliment a winners Channing impersonation. And she told Out Magazines Michael Musto in 2013 that she viewed her early stamp of approval from the gay community as a guarantee of success. Originally from Ecuador, Anita Dangi immigrated to the U.S. in 2009 to reunite with the man she would end up marrying. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Anita Dangi, 41, was asleep in her Ingleside home when her husband called at 5 a.m. on June 18, excited. Arun Dangi, 51, a Nepali American and San Francisco restaurateur, was in Portugal on business when he heard President Joe Biden was considering new protections for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. Anita, an Ecuador native who migrated to the U.S. in 2009 to reunite with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, would qualify. Theres no need for you to go back to Ecuador! Anita recalled Arun saying, referring to what was, until then, her only way of obtaining a green card. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anita found herself unable to muster excitement. Yeah, they are always saying that, but until they sign anything, Im not celebrating, she said she answered, speaking to the Chronicle in Spanish through an interpreter. Anita Dangi, right, with her brother Jonathan, prepares breakfast for her children at home in San Francisco. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Later that morning, Biden announced that the Department of Homeland Security would create an easier pathway to a green card for about 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens and have lived in the country for at least a decade. Expected to begin accepting applications Aug. 19, the process allows eligible candidates to apply for an immigration status known as parole in place, which allows people who entered the U.S. unlawfully to temporarily remain. This, in turn, opens the door for them to apply for temporary work authorization and for a green card without leaving the country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The policy came after Bidens border crackdown that included an asylum ban for migrants who cross the southern border without authorization. The presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, has indicated she will continue Bidens border policies and promised to revive a bipartisan congressional deal to beef up border security that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had persuaded Republican leaders to kill in February. Trump has promised to mount the largest deportation project in the nations history if elected, as well as reintroduce a Muslim travel ban and end birthright citizenship. Anita is looking forward to finally being able to visit her mother in Ecuador, whom she has not seen in 16 years for fear of not being allowed to return. But she is also fearful the protections wont be implemented in time if Trump wins. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At least we were together Arun Dangi, left, and Anita Dangi first met in Ecuador in 2006, when she was working as a server at an Indian restaurant that he frequented. Anita Dangi/Courtesy Photo Anita and Arun first met in the Andean foothills of her native Ecuador in 2006. Anita, then 24, was working as a server at an Indian restaurant in Quito, the capital. Arun had become a regular. He would order palak paneer, a dish of spinach and cheese, or lamb curry. He spoke broken Spanish and wanted to improve. Anita, a self-described social butterfly, started conversations with him. At the time, Nepal was embroiled in a decade-long civil war between the Nepalese government and a militant group, the Communist Party of Nepal, known as the Maoists. He would regale her with stories about his home country and his three children he had to leave behind. He eventually wanted to travel to the U.S. and claim asylum. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Having never left Ecuador before, Anita was riveted by him. Three months later, they began dating. Anita Dangi is hugged by her stepchildren Shekhar Dangi, left, and Ambika Dangi at their San Francisco home on July 9. I pray to God to give this type of mom to everyone, Ambika said. Even though she didnt give birth to us. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle I felt good being with him even though the language was very difficult because we didnt understand very much, Anita said. When Arun left Ecuador in 2008 to travel onward to the U.S., Anita missed him so much that she made the difficult decision to leave her family to join Arun in San Francisco, where he had settled and found work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In April 2009, she flew to Honduras, then traveled on foot and by bus to Mexico. She crossed the Rio Bravo, she said, the river known as the Rio Grande in the U.S., despite not knowing how to swim, before reaching the Texas-Mexico border on foot and walking five days to Houston. The dangerous migration route has claimed the lives of at least 5,289 migrants since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migrations Missing Migrants Project. Still, a record number of migrants made the journey in December, with almost 250,000 border patrol encounters that month. My journey here was terrible, she said. I dont even know how, but I did it. Arun was working at an Indian restaurant on Clement Street. For the next four years, the couple lived in a house shared with other restaurant workers, sleeping in a twin-size bed in a small bedroom. Anita kept her clothes in a cardboard box. Without work authorization, she was rejected for jobs at a store and a restaurant. It was difficult to get used to this new life that I was having here, but at least we were together, she said. Under federal law, it is illegal for employers to hire workers they know are undocumented. However, an estimated 8.3 million of the 11 million undocumented immigrants were in the labor force in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center. In California, undocumented workers paid $8.5 billion in local and state taxes in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Anita Dangi, left, enjoys chai tea while having eggs and toast with her stepchildren, Ambika and Shekhar Dangi, at home in San Francisco. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Anita befriended a Nicaraguan woman, Marina Esperanza Diaz, who paid Anita to walk her dog, a labrador mix named Koira Love, and helped her find similar gigs walking her friends dogs. Anita spent the next nine years walking dogs from Ingleside to Stern Grove, making $15 per dog. She would send home $300 to $400 a month, helping her mother, who is now 81, and her aunt, now 88, with medical bills and finances. Her mother has suffered a heart condition, thyroid problem and stomach hernia for many years. As difficult as it has been not to see her family, she said she never has regretted making the journey. I miss my family, but the family that I made is here, she said. That family includes her husbands three children from a previous marriage, who arrived in the U.S. in 2018, and four tiny Pomeranians whom she walks in a baby stroller. Ambika Dangi, 23, the middle child, said she considers Anita her mom, even though they look and act like sisters, shopping and cooking chicken curry and daal, a dish of spiced pulses. Ambika said she worries about her being deported. I want my mom here, with us, because she is the person with whom we feel safe, Ambika said. Arun now co-owns the restaurant where he used to be a delivery worker, Tara Indian Cuisine, as well as other Indian restaurants in the Bay Area. Dreams do come true, Anita said. If the two work together as a team, you can get ahead. Framed photos show Arun and Anita Dangi at their 2019 wedding. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle When Anita and Arun celebrated their wedding in 2019 at a local Nicaraguan bakery, Lelenitas Cakes, she felt torn between happiness and sadness. I didnt have anyone from my blood family, my family family, here, she said. Her mom, aunt and siblings watched live on video as Arun and Anita, in an off-shoulder lace dress and floor-length veil, had their first dance to the Christina Perri song A Thousand Years. In May, Anitas mom and aunt were hospitalized, her mom from stomach pain, her aunt from a broken hip. The fact I wasnt able to go see them, all the stress, basically, this is why this happened to me on my face, she said, gesturing to the partially paralyzed left side of her face. She suffered a stroke in June. A green card would be her ticket home. As a prerequisite to obtaining one, she applied for what is called a provisional unlawful presence waiver, which forgives ones illegal presence in the country. The average processing time is 3 years. The hands of Anita Dangi and her stepchildren Ambika and Shekhar. Ambika said she became close to Anita long before they met in person, over phone calls when the siblings still lived in Nepal. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle While theyre waiting, they remain with no status, said Laura Sanchez, director of the immigration legal program at CARECEN SF, a nonprofit serving Latino, immigrant and low-income families in the Bay Area. They have no work authorization; theyre just waiting. It is typically a population that has long ties in the U.S. and its a population that hasnt gone home for years. The group is helping Anita with her immigration case. Even after obtaining the waiver, immigrants must leave the U.S. and travel back to their home countries to apply for the green card, where there is always the risk that their application gets denied or delayed, stranding them outside the U.S. If Anita succeeds in obtaining a green card through Bidens new policy, the first thing she plans to do is fly home. And still the squalid, witless and dangerous violence persists. Good people can and do clear away the physical mess, but the damage done to peace of mind and security cannot just be swept up or hosed down. Britain suddenly seems a less settled and reasonable place, thanks to these outbreaks. As for the injuries to police officers, these are shocking and disgraceful. We, the citizens of this country, rely on these men and women to guard us while we sleep. Those who launch physical attacks on them and hurl dangerous missiles at them, who burn down police offices and overturn police cars, are showing a dangerous contempt for civilisation itself. And they are forgetting the key principle of policing in this country, that these officers are citizens in uniform, not some ironclad regiment of lethally armed repression. Rioters let off flares in scenes of violence in Sunderland city centre on Friday evening MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: Britain suddenly seems a less settled and reasonable place, thanks to these outbreaks of squalid, witless and dangerous violence Those who launch physical attacks on them and hurl dangerous missiles at them, who burn down police offices and overturn police cars, are showing a dangerous contempt for civilisation itself. They have families, children, private lives and feelings. They do not, any of them, have to stand in the angry darkness in outnumbered groups, fighting off the forces of stupidity and thoughtlessness, taking blows and kicks and being pelted with chunks of masonry. They do it out of duty to us. We have a similar duty to them. This is not Russia or China, or some other despotism where the ordinary citizen has no voice or redress. Attacking the police of a free country is a stupid, criminal self-indulgence, and the excuses these morons make for their behaviour are empty and worthless. The prisons will never be so full that there is no room for those convicted of these crimes. The Prime Ministers response has been mixed at best, missing the point of much that he has seen. He still tends to view events as cases to be prosecuted, rather than as problems to be solved. The police can probably cope with violent disorder without any special new measures or so-called national capability. The original plan for British policing that it should remain as local as possible is good for both effectiveness and democracy. The radical police force mergers of the 1960s did not in fact lead to significantly greater effectiveness, and nor has the creation of Police Scotland north of the border. Governments should be careful about this issue. But there is a fundamental political problem, in which a general mistrust of the state has grown like an infestation of weeds. The actions of the mobs in Southport, London, Sunderland and elsewhere are inexcusable, and we condemn them without any reservation. But the London elites refusal to grasp the dangers of its migration policies has, alas, created circumstances in which dangerous internet rumours and crude rhetoric can spread and ignite. Sir Keir Starmer and his woke Cabinet are ill-equipped to cope with this because their metropolitan attitudes are so far removed from those of ordinary people. Police remove a badly beaten man rounded on by violent protesters in Manchester on Saturday Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet are ill-equipped to cope with this because their metropolitan attitudes are so far removed from those of ordinary people The vast majority will continue to cope peacefully with levels of immigration never previously seen in this country. But they need to know that their worries are understood in Downing Street. Are they? This discontent found its democratic voice in the Leave victory in the 2016 referendum, and then in Boris Johnsons 2019 electoral triumph, later squandered by Tory infighting. By contrast, Sir Keir and his party have remained complacent through this whole period. Even now they show no sign of seeking any effective answer to the migration crisis, legal or illegal. As Gordon Brown showed so clearly in his scornful dismissal of the fears of the Labour voter Gillian Duffy in 2010, calling her a bigoted woman when he thought she was out of earshot, the Left-wing upper crust despise their own voters. This was always an arrogant, foolish attitude, bad for democracy and bad for the Labour Party. Now it is bad for the nation as well. It's often dubbed one of the important moments of your life - so when this man decided to propose to his girlfriend, he settled on a picturesque lake as his perfect location. But while it may have made the ideal background for an Instagram engagement announcement afterwards, there was one thing he didn't consider: the chance of his fiance losing her ring in the water. Earlier this year, McKenna Hiller (right) - who is a New York-based model - was asked by her future brother-in-law (left) to film the proposal on her phone. The video opens with her sister's boyfriend - who was dressed smartly in a red shirt and cream chinos - getting down on one knee as they stood together on a jetty. After caressing her boyfriend's face, McKenna's sister (centre) says 'of course I will' and spins round to see her family's reaction - but accidentally knocked the ring box out of her partner's hand by mistake. The mom was panicked and had to rush to the hospital to get it out A woman has revealed she is 'lucky to be alive' after she accidentally swallowed a 20cm toothbrush while on vacation - leaving her terrified of brushing her teeth. In July, Amber Hunt, 38, was on vacation in Croatia visiting her in-laws with husband Amir Dervic, 41, and their two children - aged eight and one - when she felt the tool go down her throat. The mom-of-two, from Ohio, was brushing the back of her mouth when the 20cm toothbrush slipped out of her fingers and down her throat. She attempted to grab the toothbrush, however, she was unsuccessful and began panicking - prompting her spouse to rush her to the hospital to have it removed by experts. Now, Amber is recalling the incident that left her 'afraid' to use the oral hygiene product ever again. Amber Hunt, 38, has revealed she is 'lucky to be alive' after she accidentally swallowed a 20cm toothbrush while on vacation - leaving her terrified of brushing her teeth Once the mom arrived to the hospital, doctors 'didn't believe' she had a toothbrush in her stomach and performed an upper endoscopy. When she arrived, she explained what had happened and doctors performed an ultrasound but Amber claims they couldn't see the toothbrush at first. She said: 'They didn't believe me as they couldn't see the toothbrush. They were calling my father-in-law to check the bathroom to make sure I hadn't thrown it. 'We went home for the evening and came back the next day. They performed an upper endoscopy and they found the toothbrush in my stomach and transferred me to another hospital.' A doctor was unable to get the toothbrush out so Amber was taken to KBC Split Hospital in Split, Croatia, for a 45-minute procedure to have it removed. Medics put a string around a camera inserted it down her throat and used it to get a hold of the toothbrush and pull it up out of Amber's throat - all while Amber was awake. Amber said: 'I am happy to be alive, I am worried to use a toothbrush again. I have to be very careful, I do it slowly and make sure my hands are dry so it doesn't slip out. 'It was so scary, it shocked my family. It hadn't ruined my vacation but it would have if something seriously bad happened.' She was on vacation in Croatia visiting her in-laws with her husband, Amir Dervic, 41, and their two children when she felt the tool go down her throat The mom-of-two, from Ohio, was brushing the back of her mouth when the 20cm toothbrush slipped out of her fingers and down her throat Amber said: 'Luckily I didn't choke and it went down to my stomach. 'The feeling when I swallowed it was 'oh my gosh, I am going to die. I kept swallowing, I knew I could still breathe - I kept trying to grab it but couldn't. 'I have muscle spasms, I have my throat stretched every few months so I think that is why it didn't get stuck.' The mom revealed that she is lucky to be alive and said that she is now 'wary' of using a toothbrush.' Princess Rajwa, the wife of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, gave birth to a girl on Saturday, the couple's first child and the first grandchild of King Abdullah II, the country's royal court said. In a brief statement, the royal Hashemite court said the baby was named Iman. In a video posted on Rajwa's official Instagram page on Saturday, Hussein was cradling his newborn daughter to the soundtrack of You Are My Sunshine. Sweet photos also show the new parents cuddling their newborn, with Iman meeting her grandparents and aunt for the first time too at the King Hussein Medical Centre hospital, in Amman, Jordan. The birth of Princess Iman came about a year after Hussein and Rajwa's extravagant wedding, which drew a star-studded guest list including the Prince and Princess of Wales. Rajwa, 30, was born in Riyadh to a prominent and wealthy Saudi Arabian family distantly related to the country's current ruler, King Salman. Princess Rajwa, the wife of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, gave birth to a girl on Saturday, the couple's first child named IMan Queen Rania is pictured holding her first grandchild, Princess Iman Hussein, also 30, was named crown prince in 2004, at the age of 15, after Abdullah stripped his own half-brother, Prince Hamzah, of the title. The prince is the eldest son of Abdallah II, 62, who has ruled Jordan as a reliable western ally and voice of moderation through more than two decades of turmoil in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Syria and Iraq, all of which border the small, resource-poor kingdom. According to Jordanian law, only males can inherit the Hashemite throne. 'The royal Hashemite court extends its sincere congratulations and best wishes to their royal highnesses and to their majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah on this happy occasion,' the statement read. Princess Salma Bint Abdullah (daughter of King Abdullah and Queen Rania) holding her first niece, Princess Iman (Bint Al Hussein), born to her brother Crown Prince Hussein (or Al Hussain), and Princess Rajwa King Abdullah II ) holding his their newborn granddaughter Iman next to his wife Queen Rania ) in Amman In June, the Queen of Jordan, 53, shared a gushing post to her 10 million followers to mark her son turning 30, showing Hussein and Rajwa beaming in formal attire. Rajwa, 30, was glowing in an off-white dress with the fitted silhouette revealing her blossoming baby bump; she added lavish accessories to the outfit - including a diamond bracelet. The couple - who wed in a prestigious ceremony last year at Zahran Palace - appeared in high spirits as they posed in nature, glancing away from the camera. Rajwa, 30, was glowing in an off-white dress with the fitted silhouette revealing her blossoming baby bump; she added lavish accessories to the outfit - including a diamond bracelet. Queen Rania holds their newborn granddaughter Iman in Amman The joyous announcement comes after Rajwa's tragic loss of her father in February - just months after she married into the Jordanian royal family . Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif died at the age of 71. In a heartfelt post on Instagram , Prince Hussein shared a picture of him embracing Khaled, who became his 'beloved' father-in-law after marrying Princess Rajwa last June. 'With profound sadness and sorrow, we bid farewell to my beloved father-in-law. We will always remember his kindness, generosity, and integrity. May God bestow mercy upon him and grant us patience and strength,' he wrote. Hussei, and high-flying architect Rajwa, were married in June last year at Zahran Palace in Amman. Following a short service, Abdullah II and Rania hosted a lavish reception at the Al Husseiniya Palace, which was attended by more than 1,700 guests - including the Prince and Princess of Wales . Rajwa dazzled in a white gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, which featured a lengthy train embroidered with flowers, and a sparkling diamond tiara. Abdullah II and Rania proudly watched as their son was wed during an Islamic ceremony known as a 'katb ktab' held in a gazebo and conducted by the Royal Hashemite Court Imam Dr Ahmed Al Khalaileh. Kate Middleton, who lived in Jordan for a short period during her childhood, led the glamorous guests at the event in a blush pink lace dress also by Elie Saab. Remember that scene in the film version of Interview With The Vampire where the little girl vamp and the redhead she chooses as her mother are incinerated by sunlight? Thats me in a heatwave. Midlife makes my anathema to the broil so much worse. On the hottest night of the year I rested my head on a Crufts Cooling Gel Mat (6.50, tesco.com) for dogs. Not bad, and it didnt steal my skincare like a normal pillow. Heres my six-step, chill-out guide to cooling, depuffing and reviving our midlife meno faces in rather more glamorous fashion should the sun show its face again this summer... Face tools you can chill in the freezer help to depuff and sculpt Cleanse Gel cleansers feel refreshing in a swelter. Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (from 10 for 50ml, spacenk.co.uk) is the top-selling luxury cleanser in the US, with one sold every 30 seconds. Packed with superfoods, it clarifies (removing surface build-up while reducing excess oil) and purifies (eliminating pore-clogging toxins and pollutants) without stripping. Or opt for CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (10 for 236ml, boots.com) for bang for your buck. Cool There are legions of freezable face tools. My latest is the Aussie Contour Cube Ice Facial Tool Mini (14.40, asos.com). You fill it with water, freeze, then rub the resulting clear ice lolly over your complexion to depuff. Still, nothing betters a Gua Sha massage via a version with a good dip to angle your jaw and cheekbones into try the Premium Stainless Steel Gua Sha Stone (5.99, amazon.co.uk) followed by a once-over with an ice cube. Celebrities go wild for cooling moisturisers and eye gels to give them instant oomph Hydrate Dr Brandt iD-Stress Icy Gel Moisturiser (49, drbrandskincare.uk) and the accompanying iD-Stress Fatigue Fighting Eye Gel (38) promise to battle the visual effects of stress, exhaustion and low mood (vampiric heat phobia included). Both are cooling, peachily gleam-enhancing affairs; jet-lagged celebrities are going wild about their ability to wake up the face. Use overnight, or as a primer for instant oomph. Zap To zap the odd, passing heat pustule, deploy Clean & Clear Advantage Rapid Gel (now 3.37, boots.com). For more lasting oil and boil-prone areas, The Inkey List C50 Blemish Night Treatment (16, also boots.com) will lessen the look of blemishes, enlarged pores and redness. Glow Sun and sweat, even without sea and sand, do not make great bedfellows with make-up, so even a slap addict such as myself will go minimal. Use a sunscreen with a spot of a tint, such as the vague beige sheen in Heliocare 360 A-R Emulsion SPF50+ (now 26.39, lookfantastic.com). Its brilliant at keeping a light layer of foundation intact. MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation (now 39, boots.com), is a gorgeous skincare/slap hybrid in 56 hues. Line inside the upper lid rather than on top of it to avoid smudging, then apply Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara (members 12, non-members, 28, beautypie.com). Crayon on your favourite bold lip as emphatically as possible, dabbing some on the Jones Road Blush Brush (34, libertylondon.com) to double as rouge. And, behold! Low-key yet smouldering heatwave glam. Fix Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (from 20, charlottetilbury.com) promises no melting, fading or creasing, plus pore-blurring and airbrushing effects. Add a spritz of Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Make-up Super UV Mist SPF50 (8.67, boots.com). I also sport a Golden Girls-style visor because, in resisting sun damage, I harbour no shame. My icon of the week Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffet in Friends, celebrated her 61st birthday last week Lisa Kudrow, the Friends star, turned 61 last week. For Friends: The Reunion make-up artist Brett Freedman prepped with FarmHouse Fresh Moon Dip Facial Mousse (50.23, amazon.co.uk). Then he buffed Face Atelier Ultra Foundation (36, also amazon.co.uk) into her skin, dusting with Jouer Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette in Rose Gold (26, cultbeauty.co.uk). Cosmetic craving No one washes their brushes enough, especially at this most festering time of year, when spots and eye irritations abound. Morphe Quick Switch Dry Brush Cleaner (6, Boots.com) offers a speedy refresh, billed as dry-cleaning for your tools. This reusable brush-cleaning pad removes pigment and build-up without damaging bristlesno soap or water required. Perfect for travel purposes, or for a nifty colour switch. Simply rest bristles on the cleaning pad and swirl in a circle. Then clean the pad every now and then by removing it, and rinsing with soap and hot water. Meghan Markle has said she has 'only scraped the surface' of discussing the suicidal thoughts she had while a working member of the royal family, three years after she told Oprah Winfrey she 'didn't want to be alive anymore' while living in the UK. The Duchess of Sussex, who turns 43 today, has launched a campaign alongside her husband Prince Harry, 39, to tackle child safety online. In an interview for American broadcaster CBS, the royals discussed the launch of the Parents Network with anchor Jane Pauley and hugged and spoke with parents who lost their children to suicide, which in many cases was linked to social media usage, with Harry and Meghan saying they want to be there so they have a place to come for help'. Meghan first said spoke of her suicidal thoughts while being a working royal in an bombshell interview with Oprah in 2021. She now says she hopes her candour will help others and will encourage people to check in on their friends. Harry and Meghan have released a new CBS interview about cyber abuse, with the Duke saying parents have to be 'first responders' Meghan said that 'opening up' is part of the healing process and she hopes her candour will help others 'I think when you've been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it,' the duchess said while wearing 12,800 Cartier necklace and 1485 Ralph Lauren coords.. 'And I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. 'And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed. 'So, if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everything's okay, then that's worth it. 'I'll take a hit for that.' The Duchess of Sussex told Oprah in 2021 she 'couldn't be left alone' and told her husband she 'didn't want to be alive anymore' before claiming the Buckingham Palace HR department ignored her plea for help because she wasn't a 'paid employee'. 'I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he suffered. But I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it and I just didn't want to be alive anymore,'. Describing how she considered ending her life believing it 'was better for everyone', Meghan said: 'I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it. I just didn't want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. I remember how he just cradled me. 'I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that 'I've never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere'. And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldn't be good for the institution'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation is launching The Parents Network to support parents of children affected by online bullying. Jane Pauley talks with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and to parents in the foundation's pilot program. https://t.co/ah9e8kMkWO pic.twitter.com/rZpmvGa7le CBS Sunday Morning (@CBSSunday) August 4, 2024 The video also featured a clip of Meghan hugging bereaved parents She said that after confiding in her husband, she was forced to go to the Royal Albert Hall for a charity event in January 2019, claiming photos from that night 'haunt me'. She told Oprah she later reached out to one of the best friends of Diana, Princess of Wales, because she felt unsupported by the palace. She said: 'When I joined that family, that was the last time I saw my passport, my driving licence, my keys - all of that gets turned over'. Meghan said Harry had 'saved my life' by agreeing to move to Los Angeles. In today's pre-recoreded interview, Harry and Meghan also met with a group of parents who lost their children to suicide. Host Jane Pauley said the pair were 'no strangers' to online bullying', with footage showing the couple hugging bereaved parents with Meghan saying she is 'so happy' they came. Harry also spoke of the 'scariest thing' about social media being 'absolutely anyone' can lose a loved one. 'We always talk about in the olden days, if kids are under your roof, you know what they are up to. At least they're safe. 'But now, they could in the next room, in a tablet or phone, going down these rabbit holes, and within 24 hours they could be taking their life'. Meghan and Harry met with other parents near their home in Santa Barbara Meghan first said spoke of her suicidal thoughts while being a working royal in an bombshell interview with Oprah in 2021 Meghan also discussed their own experience with their children, Archie and Lilbet. 'Our kids are young, they're three and five, they're amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them,' the Duchess said. 'And 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.' When the broadcaster adds 'you hope that when your children ask for help, someone is there to give it' the Duke adds only 'if you know to help.' 'At this point we've got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,' he said. '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.' Responding to host Jane Pauley saying it was a 'modest beginning, Meghan added: 'You have to start somewhere. Anyone watching this or anyone able to make change needs to look through the lens of 'what if this was my son or daughter?'. 'Your son or daughter who comes home who are joyful, who I love, and one day, right under my roof, our entire lives change because of something that's completely out of my control. And if you look at is as a parent, there is no way to see it any other way than to try and find a solution'. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have launched an initiative aimed at tackling child safety online. The interview comes as part of a new campaign the couple have launches with their Archwell foundation. Called The Parents' Network, Harry and Meghan have joined a group of parents have come together, to help offer a 'safe and supportive community is available to all parents and caregivers navigating the complex digital world'. This group includes those who 'have first-hand knowledge of the pain and destruction caused by social media use'. A description of the network on the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation website says: 'Each of us have been through something no parent should ever have to experience, and our mission is to prevent anyone else from suffering the way we have. Throughout the interview, Meghan also spoke about her 'amazing' children - Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three 'For anyone who has a child affected by social media harms, we are here to support you. Our safe and supportive community is available to all parents and caregivers navigating the complex digital world.' As part of the campaign, which carries the slogan #NoChildLostToSocialMedia, a video featuring parents who have lost their children to suicide because of online harm has been posted on the Foundation's website. In addition, a list of three guides has been posted on the site, each tackling a social media platform, including Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The guides are described by the site as being 'repurposed in partnership with The Social Media Victims Law Center'. Compiled using information from the Center's online social media guides, they include information about what each platform is used for, and how caregivers can 'improve their child's safety' while they are using them. One of the couples featured in the interview was Donna and Chris Dawley whose heir 17-year old son, C.J., died from suicide after what they believe was depression fuelled by social media use. They told Jane they believed he had a 'demon in his bedroom'. 'We had no idea what happened to our son,' said Donna. 'You know, he had a beautiful car. He had a job he liked. He was happy kid'. 'Sisters that loved him, parents that adored him,' said Chris added. He added that he was so addicted to his phone, he died with it still in his hand. 'He still had it in his hand, the phone; that's how addicted he was,' said Donna. 'He couldn't even kill himself without posting about it first,'. Group facilitator Leora Wolf-Prusan said the important thing about the group is that they will talk to each other. 'We're gonna stop expecting you to be 'done' with your grief in a year,' she told Jane. 'We're gonna stop telling you that we're tired of hearing the stories of internet harm. Like, we will say your kid's name over and over again, because they existed, and they mattered. And that we know that it wasn't your fault. That's it, right? It wasn't your fault. This happened to you. And now we as a community get to create something with you.' Taj and Selene Swanson-Jensen also joined Harry and Meghan in the interview. Their son, Tanner, died from an overdose of drugs were pushed to him online. Also in the interview was Brandy and Toney Roberts, who daughter, Englyn, died by suicide following online bullying. Perla Mendoza, also spoke to Harry and Meghan. His son Eli, died when a painkiller he bought online was actually a lethal dose of fentanyl. Members of The Parents' Network are pictured meeting in person for the launch of the new initiative Harry and Meghan were shown embracing parents from The Parents' Network as they met in person for its launch When asked by Jane why they 'do all this' Taj said: 'Simple answer: So others don't have to live what we've lived, and will continue to live.' Perla said, 'I don't expect anything from anyone. This is just a labour of love in honour of my son and all the other children that have lost their lives to fentanyl. This is for the mother who cannot get out of bed, for the dad that won't leave his house. I stand here for them, too. And I hope that one day, when it's my turn to go home, I'll see my son, and he'll tell me, "Good job, Mama.'' Harry and Meghan have raised the issue numerous times since their move to America, and are also due to focus the spotlight on the topic during their official visit to Colombia following an invitation by vice president Francia Marquez. The Sussexes' trip to the South American nation will be their second official tour of the year after they visited Nigeria in May, taking part in a range of activities over three days. While details of the couple's itinerary have not been released by the Archewell Foundation, the vice president said they would 'engage in several activities' related to safeguarding young people online and in physical spaces. Meghan opted for a 12,800 Cartier necklace and 1485 Ralph Lauren coords in the interview. She previously sported the yellow gold choker with 57 diamonds to the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony. Adding more American brands, Meghan looked summery in matching Ralph Lauren coords. The Duchess paired the 570 Adrien relaxed fit broadcloth shirt in mauve with the brand's 915 evanne Trouser in the same colour. Opting for her signature natural look, Meghan wore her hair in loose waves and highlighted her beauty with a light layer of make-up. The mother-of-two fluffed up her eyebrows with a dark pencil while adding highlighter and a creamy foundation to her skin. A deep pink creamy lip finished off the look while black eyeliner and mascara highlighted her eyes. For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org for details; In the US call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) King Charles battled a gust of wind while exiting a Church service at Caithness in Scotland today. His Majesty attended the Canisbay Parish Church near the Castle of Mey this morning. Although the monarch's outfit of a brown thick tweed jacket, matching waistcoat and kilt were appropriate for the unpredictable temperatures; it appears the strong weather got the best of him, forcing him to steady himself. At one point the King - who is continuing to receive cancer treatment - was pictured grabbing the back of his head in an apparent attempt to ground both his hair and himself. The moment made for a slightly comical one as the parish priest and surrounding guests lit up with laughter while the King was almost swept away. Although the monarch's outfit of a brown thick tweed jacket, matching waistcoat and checkered kilt were appropriate for the unpredictable temperatures; it appears the strong weather got the best of him, forcing him to steady himself King Charles has been photographed battling a gust of wind while exiting a Church service at Caithness in Scotland His Majesty was snapped having a bit of trouble today outside Canisbay Parish Church near the Castle of Mey The Sunday service forms part of the royal's annual summer break in Scotland. Today he took some time to mingle with other churchgoers outside the Church, which is the most northerly parish church in mainland Scotland. For the service he donned a traditional Scottish kilt in red, brown and green tartan. To accompany the look he sported a checkered red and brown blazer and waistcoat, along with with a stripy tie and thick green knee-high socks. Despite the ferocious wind knocking him back a step, he appeared delighted and even paused to speak with the parish priest and various guests. In one image, one churchgoer appears to hand the monarch a gift, after which they are both seen beaming and erupting with laughter. His appearance today follows one made at a Church service in Sandringham last Sunday, where he seemingly looked frustrated. The monarch, 75, has been seen in a series of 'cranky' displays as of late - including snapping at an aide on a trip to Jersey with Queen Camilla, and growing cross at a page boy at the State opening of Parliament. As he left St Mary Magdalene Church, Charles was spotted speaking to his companions - thought to be aides - and seemed slightly disgruntled as he did so. Despite the ferocious wind knocking him back a step, he appeared delighted and even paused to speak with the parish priest and various guests Charles is spotted waving to the crowd after leaving Sunday Service In one image, one churchgoer appears to hand the monarch a gift, after which they are both seen beaming and erupting with laughter As he left St Mary Magdalene Church, Charles was spotted speaking to his companions - thought to be aides - and seemed slightly disgruntled as he did so. The King seemed to be tense and made several short-tempered hand gestures as he paused before making his way to the awaiting crowds, although the cause of the conversation is unclear. After looking around, he appeared to be venting his frustrations to those he was with before walking on. But just moments later Charles was back to his usual self, greeting well-wishers with his typical good cheer and humour. Meghan Markle opted for a 12,800 Cartier necklace and Ralph Lauren coord as she appeared in a new interview today. The Duchess of Sussex, who celebrates her 43rd birthday today, has appeared on US TV channel CBS in her first joint interview with Prince Harry in three years. In the video, the former actress wore her Cartier juste un clou necklace, which she has sported several times before. She previously sported the yellow gold choker with 57 diamonds to the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony. Adding more American brands, Meghan looked summery in matching Ralph Lauren coords. The Duchess paired the 570 Adrien relaxed fit broadcloth shirt in mauve with the brand's 915 evanne Trouser in the same colour. Harry and Meghan have featured in a new CBS interview about cyber abuse, with the Duke saying parents have to be 'first responders' Throughout the interview, Meghan also spoke about her 'amazing' children - Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three Opting for her signature natural look, Meghan wore her hair in loose waves and highlighted her beauty with a light layer of make-up. The mother-of-two fluffed up her eyebrows with a dark pencil while adding highlighter and a creamy foundation to her skin. A deep pink creamy lip finished off the look while black eyeliner and mascara highlighted her eyes. Meghan and Harry spoke about child online safety in the interview, with the prince saying parents have to be 'first responders'. The Prince went on to say that 'terrifyingly' many parents do not know to 'tell the signs of possible suicide'. The segment unveiled the launch of the couple's new initiative, The Parents Network, which focuses on tackling cyber abuse and child safety online. Speaking with host Jane Pauley, the couple, who are parents to Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, said they have spoken with parents who have lost their children to suicide, which they said in many cases were linked to social media usage. In the interview, Meghan said she was 'just happy to be able to be a part of change for good' Meghan - who has also been a victim of online trolling - says she hopes discussing her suicidal thoughts will 'help others' feeling the same way. In the interview, released today, she said: 'There is a through line, when you've been through any level of pain or trauma. 'Part of your healing journey, certainly part of mine is to be open about it. 'I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience. I would never want someone else to feel that way. I would never want someone else to be making these plan. I would never want someone else not to be believed'. 'So if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them, not assume the appearance is good, not assume everything is okay, then I'll take that'. The Duchess of Sussex told Oprah in 2021 she 'couldn't be left alone' and told her husband she 'didn't want to be alive anymore' before claiming the Buckingham Palace HR department ignored her plea for help because she wasn't a 'paid employee'. Describing how she considered ending her life believing it 'was better for everyone', Meghan said: 'I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it. I just didn't want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. I remember how he just cradled me. I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that 'I've never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere'. And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldn't be good for the institution'. The full interview has been released three years on from their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. Throughout the interview the couple speak about how parents need to protect children from online harm - reflecting on their own experiences with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. The Duchess said: 'Our kids are young, they're 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 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'. Harry and Meghan have released a new CBS interview about cyber abuse, with the Duke saying parents have to be 'first responders' Meghan said that 'opening up' is part of the healing process and she hopes her candour will help others When the broadcaster added: 'you hope that when your children ask for help, someone is there to give it' the Duke said only 'if you know to help.' 'At this point we've got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,' he said. '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.' The news comes after it was announced that the Californian-based royals will will visit Colombia for a tour later this year where they will 'engage with leaders, youth and women'. They will head to the South American country at some point this year after accepting an initiation from the country's president Francia Marquez. The exact date of the tour has not been disclosed at this time. Throughout this time - in keeping with their latest interview - the couple will 'engage in several activities' related to 'cyberbullying, online exploitation and the mental health impacts of these threats'. Ms Marquez's office said the couple would 'experience the rich heritage of Colombia' and help 'illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation'. She added that the visit would precede the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which will be in Colombia this November. Ms Marquez said: 'As the vice president of Colombia and minister of equality and equity, 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.' She added: '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. During their visit, The Duke and Duchess, as well as The Archewell Foundation, will engage in several activities related to this important topic. 'We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation.' The couple's interview on CBS Sunday Morning will reflect on the same issues surrounding cyber abuse. A note about the interview accompanied the clip on social media. It said: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk with Jane Pauley this Sunday about a new program supporting parents of children affected by online harm.' For help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org It causes a racket and often disrupts the sleep of both the snorer and their partner. But persistent snoring doesn't just wreak havoc on relationships. Ignoring snoring could put you at risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, experts say. That's because sleep apnoea can cause an interruption in airflow, fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, putting strain on the cardiovascular system, Mr Pavol Surda, Consultant ENT and Rhinology Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital told MailOnline. And with an estimated 15million snorers in the UK, about one in five people, according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association, it's no small issue. There are about 15million snorers in the UK, yet, about 30million in the UK are affected by it, according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA) So, what causes snoring in the first place? The coarse sound of snoring occurs when the tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrate as you breathe. This happens when the air cannot flow freely. This is, in part, caused by how when you are asleep these parts of the body relax and become narrower. Although this reduction in breathing space isn't a problem for most of us, snorers may have an additional obstruction somewhere between the Adam's-apple and the tip of the nose. This blockage can be swollen tissue, congestion or a deformity, says BSSAA. People who smoke, are overweight, drink too much alcohol or just sleep on their back are more likely to snore, according to the NHS. WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA? Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the walls of a person's throat relax and narrow during sleep, blocking their airways. This interrupts normal breathing, with symptoms including loud snoring, noisy and laboured breathing, and repeated episodes when breathing is interrupted by gasping and snorting. OSA affects between four and 10 per cent of people in the UK. In the US, around 22 million are affected. During an episode, the lack of oxygen triggers a sufferer's brain to pull them out of deep sleep so their airways reopen. These repeated sleep interruptions can make the person very tired, with them often being unaware of what the problem is. Risks for OSA include: Being overweight - excess body fat increases the bulk of soft tissues in the neck Being male Being 40 or over Having a large neck Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol Being in the menopause - hormonal changes cause the throat muscles to relax Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as loosing weight, if necessary, and avoiding alcohol. In addition, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices prevent the airway closing by delivering a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) can also be used, which is like a gum-shield that holds the jaw and tongue forward to increase the space at the back of the throat. Untreated, OSA increases a person's risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks and type 2 diabetes. Source: NHS Advertisement However, there can be more serious causes of snoring. 'While occasional snoring is generally not a cause for concern, habitual snoring can be indicative of underlying health issues that could warrant attention,' Mr Surda said. Is it snoring or is it sleep apnea... Waking up frequently during the night, feeling sleepy in the day, and experiencing morning headaches are some of the signs of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes your breathing to temporarily stop making you snore very loudly. Mr Surda said: 'It is important to recognise the signs that snoring may require a specialist's intervention. 'Persistent loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches, chest pains, and nasal congestion are red flags that should not be ignored.' There are two distinct types of sleep apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), he explains. CSA is caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep whereas OSA is caused by the upper airways being obstructed, Mr Surda said. More people are affected by obstructive sleep apnoea than central sleep apnoea. Similarly to regular snoring, sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become partially or fully blocked. However, this interruption in airflow can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, putting strain on the cardiovascular system. If left untreated it can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, Mr Surda said. He said: 'If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnoea, seeking help from a sleep specialist is crucial. 'Specialists can conduct a thorough evaluation, often involving a sleep study to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during sleep. 'Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or in some cases, surgery.' It could decrease your sleep quality... We all want a good night's sleep, but sharing a bed with a snorer probably means you're not getting a restful night. This reduction in sleep can have an array of consequences from increased stress levels to high blood pressure and even potentially increase the risk of some cancers, according to a 2017 review published in Nature and Science of Sleep. If your snoring is affecting how much rest you, or your partner, are getting talking about your symptoms with a doctor could help. There are several ways to help manage snoring depending on the cause, according to the NHS. A CPAP (pictured) machine is a mask that gently pumps air into your mouth and nose while you sleep. It's designed to improve your breathing while you sleep by stopping your airways from becoming too narrow If the tongue partially blocking the back of your throat is the problem, a device worn in the mouth called a mandibular advancement device, can solve this problem by bringing your tongue forward. Snoring can also be cause by your mouth falling open while you sleep. This can be remedied by using a vestibular shield, a device that you put in your mouth while you sleep that forces you to breathe through your nose. A chin strap that hold's your mouth shut can also help. If your snoring is caused by blocked and narrow airways, wearing strips that hold your nose open while you sleep, is another method to stop snoring. Although sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink, many people need to use a device called a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is a mask that gently pumps air into your mouth and nose while you sleep. It's designed to improve your breathing while you sleep by stopping your airways from becoming too narrow and, by extension snoring. TruScreen Cervical Cancer Screening Test Outperforms traditional Pap Smear in Saudi Arabia Study Highlights 507 women tested from 2021-2022, results published in July 2024 High Sensitivity and Specificity: TruScreen demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 95% for detecting cervical lesions (neoplasms), compared to 66.7% and 98.2% for Pap smear, respectively1. Real-Time Results: The TruScreen device provides immediate screening results, eliminating the need for laboratory equipment and pathology staff. Practical and Reliable: The study confirmed that TruScreen is a practical and reliable screening tool, suitable for use in various healthcare settings. TruScreen Group Limited (NZX/ASX:TRU) is pleased to announce the preliminary publication, on 25 July 2024, of a study titled Beyond Tradition: Investigating TruScreens Performance Versus Pap Smear in Cervical Cancer Detection on Research Square1 Link. The preliminary publication is subject to peer review. Sensitivity Truscreen 83.3% Pap Smear 66.7% Specificity Truscreen 95% Pap Smear 98.2% The authors concluded that TruScreen represents a reliable, practical screening tool for cervical neoplasms and that their results provide an evidence-based approach for policymakers when selecting the optimal cervical cancer screening strategy in countries without an established national screening program. This study reinforces TruScreens commitment to providing innovative and accessible healthcare solutions. The positive results validate TruScreens technology and opens new opportunities in the global healthcare market. 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Related News: TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024 October 2nd Morning Report Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024 SCL - Settlement of orchard sales The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024 September 27th Morning Report Spark announces departure of Finance Director Childbirth and the first few weeks with your baby are meant to be the most magical moments for a new mother. But Prisha Mosley, 26, 'feels like a monster'. Her breasts were cut off at 18 after she was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, meaning she cannot feed her new son naturally. In fact, her entire chest area is numb, robbing her of the sensation of cradling her son who she has not named publicly and forming that essential skin-to-skin contact that helps fuel the mother-baby bond. Ms Mosley was born female. But the hormone drugs she was prescribed as a teen blocked her natural puberty and put her at risk of being sterilized indefinitely. To her amazement, she became pregnant with her son last year. But the drugs stunted the growth of her hips and vagina, making them dangerously narrow for childbirth. Her son's shoulders became stuck in the birth canal and Ms Mosley had to undergo an emergency C-section to get the baby out safely. Prisha Mosley, 26, beams with joy as she cradles her baby boy Ms Mosley, who is also an ambassador for the Independent Women's Forum, told DailyMail.com: 'I had to take this medication to stop my body producing milk that also suppresses a hormone linked to bonding with my baby. 'It makes me feel like a monster, it makes me feel like a bad person. But I didn't have a choice.' Ms Mosley is one of a growing number of so-called detransitioners, those who transitioned to a different gender but then returned to their original one. During her childhood, she struggled with mental health issues and claims doctors told her that transitioning to be a boy would solve her problems. But nearly a decade later, Ms Mosley changed her mind and decided to detransition saying what she had really needed was therapy all along. Now, she is dealing with the repercussions of the hormone therapy and surgery that have irrevocably changed her body, put her son's life at risk during birth and severely limited the way she can care for him as a new mom. She is pictured above holding her son, who has not been named. She says her transition is affecting not only her, but also her now two-month-old boy In an interview with this website, Ms Mosley revealed how her now two-month-old boy could have suffocated during birth. She also said how after birth she was deprived of the first crucial skin-to-skin moments between mom and newborn that bond them because the top surgery had left her chest numb and left her unable to breastfeed. Ms Mosley said: 'I feel nothing there. The nerves were completely severed.' She added previously: 'I know he'll feel me, but my chest isn't soft and pillowy the way it's supposed to be. And when he's there, I won't feel anything. 'I try not to but I think a lot about the fact that if I held my baby or if I set myself on fire, it would feel like the same exact thing. Nothing.' The World Health Organization recommends skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby as soon as possible after birth and for eight to 24 hours per day thereafter. Previous studies have shown that it boosts the survival chances for babies with a low birthweight or who were preterm, and suggest that it helps the mother and infant bond with each other. The breast tissue that does remain in Ms Mosley has swelled with milk since the birth, making her chest appear like it has small rocks underneath it. In places, the swelling is so severe that scars have opened up, revealing raw skin underneath. Ms Mosley is pictured above in the hospital after giving birth via C-section. It was not possible for her to have a vaginal delivery because of the shape of her hips Mosley, pictured left after the testosterone started causing her to grow facial hair and right as she was trying on men's clothing Ms Mosley gave birth to her son June 3, 2024, and he weighed 7lbs 5oz. He was scheduled to be delivered in early June but Ms Mosley went into labor early and was rushed to the hospital. She was in labor for four hours before doctors ordered a C-section, saying her son's head was not in the proper position and that without it, he would have suffocated. The C-section had been pre-planned because of her smaller hips, but was meant to take place a day later. Ms Mosley was anorexic from the age of 12 years, meaning her hip bones had not developed and widened properly before she started to take testosterone injections which could have further disrupted her growth. Her vagina has also atrophied as a result of the testosterone injections, or shrunk, and is now 'small' leaving her struggling to use normal tampons. There were concerns over whether it could have also accommodated a baby. The female pelvis reaches its full shape to accommodate a child between the ages of 25 and 30 though this may be disrupted by gender-affirming care, which messes with hormones and disrupts development. The University of California, San Francisco, says online that testosterone from masculinizing hormone therapy can cause fat to shift from the hips and thighs to the abdomen. The institute also said that those who start the therapy in their late teens or early twenties may see subtle changes in bone structure in their face, suggesting the hormones can also cause changes to the pelvic bone. Because so few people have detransitioned, there is limited conclusive evidence as to what starting and stopping testosterone does to the female body. Ms Mosley told DailyMail.com her baby was 'sick' when he came out and was coughing excessively because his lungs were full of amniotic fluid. During natural childbirth, this is normally forced out by the contractions of the uterus which compress the babies chest. Because the new mom did not have breasts, she could not feed her newborn and the baby refused to drink formula milk, repeatedly throwing it up. It was 24 hours before the panicked new parents were able to secure donated breast milk. Doctors recommend beginning breastfeeding as soon as a baby is born to help with bonding between mother and baby and to stimulate milk production. Ms Mosley's remaining breast tissue became swollen after birth as her body naturally tried to feed her baby. But the tissue is not connected to her nipples, which she described as decorative, meaning there was no way to get the milk to him. She said: 'I had milk that I couldn't give to my baby that came every time he cried and screamed, that was trapped under scar tissue. 'And it is the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. I could see [the swelling] with my own eyes, and my boyfriend could see it, and it was so bad, it was like rocks under my skin. And some of my scars tore and there was dark red under them.' Her little boy is now being fed on a combination of formula and breast milk donations. Ms Mosley said that while she understands why some women only use formula, she was upset that she was not able to make this decision for her own child. Her son now also has to use a pacifier to strengthen the muscles in his jaw, which usually comes from suckling during breast feeding. She also spoke about the heartbreak of not feeling her son when he was pressed against her chest because of the top surgery, which she said damaged her nerves. The medication she took to stop milk production, called cabergoline, also numbs the chest. 'Last night, I kept pressing my fingers in really hard into my chest, I eventually did it so hard that it hurt my rib bones,' she said. 'But I didn't know I was doing it. I feel nothing.' Doctors say it is essential to have skin-to-skin contact after delivering a baby, which is scientifically proven to boost bonding between mother and child. Mosley bitterly regrets having both her breasts removed when she turned 18 Ms Mosley also has higher testosterone levels than normal for a woman, which she believes is linked to her gender treatments when she was younger. There are concerns that these could have affected her son's development, although this has not been substantiated. Ms Mosley said he is a healthy and happy baby. For female babies, if a mother has high testosterone levels, studies suggest this may raise their risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Ms Mosley suffers from borderline personality disorder, a mental health disorder that leads to instability with moods, behaviors and self-image. She decided she wanted to become a boy at age 16 years, when her name was Abigail, after struggling with her emotions for years. It took her about a decade to find a therapist willing to work with someone with her disorder, but only two years for her to achieve a gender transition and switch her name to Charlie. She was put on masculinizing hormone therapy, which pumped her body full of testosterone at age 17 years causing the appearance of facial and body hair and for her voice to deepen. And shortly after turning 18 years old, she was then approved for her breasts to be removed in order to masculinize her chest. She moved to Florida to live with a friend who had transitioned, but after a couple of years began to realize that she hadn't needed to transition at all. It was only when she started to get dialectical behavior therapy that she began to unpack what had happened, with this therapy focusing on talking through emotions to help those who experience then very intensely. Estimates suggest there are 300,000 children aged 13 to 17 years old in the US who identify as transgender. Many states have now blocked these youngsters from treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapies amid concerns over youngsters making irreversible decisions about their bodies. In June 2022, Ms Mosley moved to Michigan to start a new job which was where she met her now boyfriend. The pair were unsure whether she could get pregnant because of the gender-affirming care she had received, and had not planned to have a child. But after she started taking birth control to bring her estrogen and progesterone the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle back up, she unexpectedly became pregnant. Prisha Mosley, now 24, is suing the clinicians who put her on cross-sex hormones Mosley suffered from mental health problems before seeking answers in transgender ideology Ms Mosley first revealed her pregnancy journey as part of the Independent Women's Forum series called Identity Crisis. She said the pregnancy was extremely hard, and that she was constantly nauseous and throwing up which she blamed on a shift in hormones. The Mayo Clinic says that early in pregnancy changes in hormone levels can cause morning sickness. It is possible that because Ms Mosley already had too much testosterone due to gender-affirming care, she felt this much more intensely. Her morning sickness started in week nine, and then continued for every day and night until the birth. On the operating table for the C-section, she said she vomited 20 times. She also had to take several drugs during the pregnancy, like the hormone progesterone, because the gender-affirming care had 'ruined' her endocrine system. Ms Mosley who is an ambassador for the Independent Women's Forum is currently involved in a lawsuit against the doctors and health organizations that administered her gender-affirming care in North Carolina. In the suit, she accuses them of fraud and civil conspiracy among others. Her case, filed in July 2023, has now been allowed to proceed by a court judge. Revealing why she is speaking out, Ms Mosley said: 'I don't like doing this and I am not having fun, but I know I am not alone. 'It just hurts so bad to know that other people feel like this and they can't do anything. That's why we are on the phone. It's for them.' An NHS trial will attempt to find the most effective treatment for debilitating drug-resistant bladder infections. The 2million study will involve more than 400 women who struggle with urinary tract infections (UTIs) which repeatedly return. Often causing pain or a burning sensation while peeing, as well as lower stomach or back pain, UTIs are common nearly half of all women in the UK will have one in their lifetime. Most can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but some prove more difficult to clear up. About half a million women in the UK get recurrent UTIs defined as at least three repeated infections per year or two in six months. These can be disruptive to daily life and can sometimes require a catheter to medicate the bladder. An NHS trial will attempt to find the most effective treatment for debilitating drug-resistant bladder infections (Stock image) Most UTIs can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but some prove more difficult to clear up (Stock image) The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust trial will examine three treatment options. Patients will be randomly allocated to different courses of treatment for six months. Some will be given gentamicin a strong antibiotic applied directly to the bladder while others will receive a standard low dose of antibiotics. The third group will receive an experimental treatment called glycosaminoglycan (GAG) a sugar compound applied to the lining of the bladder to stop bacteria from sticking to it. The trial will also examine the types of bacteria found in the bladder and their resistance to antibiotics. 'Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and we need to continue to explore alternative options,' says Professor Chris Harding, consultant urological surgeon at the Freeman Hospital and the study's leader. 'We hope that this trial will provide much-needed information on the best treatment for recurrent UTIs and help determine which is the most cost-effective for the NHS.' Almost half a century ago, a Labour government led by Jim Callaghan presided over the so-called Winter of Discontent. Now, barely weeks after winning power, our shiny new Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, faces what can only be described as a Summer of Discontent. In no particular order: Huw Edwards, erstwhile Voice of the Nation, turns out not only to be Aunties creepy uncle, but also a paedophile, plunging the BBC into yet another existential crisis. A man throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport BBC newsreader Huw Edwards turns out not only to be Aunties creepy uncle, but also a paedophile, plunging the Corporation into yet another existential crisis The idea the man who announced the death of our Queen, presided over the coverage of her funeral and then the Coronation of King Charles was at the same time part of a WhatsApp group sharing the most depraved images of young children is beyond repulsive. God only knows what his poor wife and five children must be going through. The 17-year-old accused of killing three young girls in Southport turns out to have once starred in a BBC Children in Need Doctor Who Special, aged just 11 In Southport, a knife-wielding madman storms a playgroup, slaughtering tiny children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class and bracelet-making workshop. In a bizarre twist, the 17-year-old accused turns out to have once starred in a BBC Children in Need Doctor Who Special, aged just 11. At Manchester Airport, a man resists arrest; a clip of the altercation is circulated on social media showing a police officer kicking the man in the face and stomping on his head. All hell breaks loose in the mans hometown of Rochdale and angry protests ensue. Its not until a few days later that a second video emerges, showing the build-up to the incident in which the man, Muhammad Fahir Amaaz, is seen first incapacitating one officer with a barrage of blows, before punching a female colleague in the head and another in the face, breaking her nose. As the first officer staggers to his feet, Amaaz hits him again, grabbing him in a chokehold. Protesters take to the streets of Rochdale after a clip of an altercation at Manchester Airport is circulated on social media showing a police officer kicking a man in the face In Southend, a machete fight between rival gangs plays out in full view of families enjoying the unseasonal sunshine. In Kent, a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Engineers (same rank and regiment as my late grandfather) is attacked by a man wielding two knives and only saved from death by the quick actions of his brave wife. In Leeds, police are routed by rioters angry at social services intervention at the home of a Roma family. A bus and other vehicles are set alight, and for several hours the situation rages out of control. Back in Southport, several knuckle-dragging thugs get the wrong end of a thick stick thanks to misinformation posted online by various parties (including Russian bots), attack officers with bricks and bottles, set fire to a police station and vandalise a mosque, injuring 53 police officers. in Southport, several knuckle-dragging thugs attack officers with bricks and bottles, injuring 53 police officers They set fire to police vans and a police station, and vandalised a mosque Yesterday, egged on by social media, there were more violent clashes. Pathetic. What kind of a moron uses the memory of those poor little girls killed in Southport to stir up sectarian hatred? Meanwhile, our new Chancellor declares the country bankrupt (neglecting, conveniently, to mention that almost half of the 22 billion black hole she blames on the Tories is actually the result of her decision to give public-sector workers a 5 per cent pay rise), removes the winter fuel allowance for pensioners not on benefits (having excoriated her Tory predecessors for even daring to consider doing so), and scraps the social care cap before handing junior doctors a whopping 22 per cent pay increase. New Chancellor Rachel Reeves declares the country bankrupt, removes the winter fuel allowance for pensioners not on benefits and scraps the social care cap before handing junior doctors a whopping 22 per cent pay increase Sometimes you must take a few steps back to realise whats really going on. And, having been away for two weeks, observing dear old Blighty through the prism of a chilled glass of Aperol Spritz, its become abundantly clear that, far from uniting a divided nation in glorious and grateful celebration of a new political dawn, the arrival of Sir Keir and his team has been a bitter disappointment. I wonder how many of those enthusiastic first-time Labour voters in Blue Wall seats are feeling a twinge of buyers remorse. After all, its not exactly been an electrifying start. Even with the help of Labours usual BBC and Civil Service cheerleaders, the overall impression is not one of an impassioned political team with a mission to level-up the country, but of a lukewarm band of slogan-spouting self-apologists whose only agenda is to shift blame on to the previous administration, while systematically rowing back on election promises. So far, all weve seen is a policy of appeasement towards the unions and pet pressure groups, coupled with a cold indifference towards the middle classes, savers, taxpayers, pensioners and struggling small businesses. As for a reforming agenda, the only one in evidence seems to be ensuring a Labour government in perpetuity by, among other measures, introducing votes for 16-year-olds and handing up to 90,000 asylum-seekers leave to remain in the UK. This week, ministers are expected to repeal anti-strike legislation, a move that will further lock in loyalty to Labour across all unionised industries, and the Employment Rights Bill will revoke minimum service levels across all public sectors, meaning public-sector workers will have disproportionate rights compared with private-sector ones, who will no doubt see their taxpayer-funded services schools, transport, NHS further compromised. And in case you thought competence was a requirement in return for such public sector largesse, think again. Sir Matthew Rycroft, permanent secretary at the Home Office, has been paid a 30,000 bonus on top of his 190,000 salary for presiding over unprecedented numbers of small boat crossings and what has been described as two-tier policing. Nice work if you can get it. But none of these things matters, because its increasingly apparent that having achieved power, all Labour really cares about is holding onto it by hook or by crook. Unlike the Conservatives, who have always been notoriously useless at securing any advantage (largely because theyre too busy arguing among themselves, the dolts), Morgan McSweeney, architect of Starmers election victory and Labours Dominic Cummings, is already working on ensuring another Labour victory in 2029. Starmers main focus is not running the country; his priority is destroying the Conservative Party which remains, even in its diminished state, Labours main obstacle to permanent political dominance. Hence last weeks dirty tricks campaign by Labours house rag, the Guardian newspaper, attacking Kemi Badenoch, one of the leading contenders to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservatives. Labours house rag, the Guardian newspaper, attacked Kemi Badenoch, one of the leading contenders to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservatives They know this tough, uncompromising, brave, plain-spoken mother of two is the best chance the Tories have of holding their feet to the fire, and they want rid of her. In much the same way that they wanted (and got) rid of Boris Johnson. Thats where Labour will focus its efforts: playing politics, not the responsibilities of power. But shouldnt the emphasis be on achieving good governance first? On earning, rather than strong-arming, a second term in office? Britain is in crisis social, cultural, economic. The country needs leadership, vision, courage; someone who can unite and heal, not further entrench divisions with tribal politics. Labour still dont get this. They talk of cracking down on thugs, and blame everything on the Far Right, not realising that it goes much further, is far more complex, than that. Whereas most people would never dream of taking to the streets or acting like hooligans, the truth is many people are deeply worried about the deteriorating state of our nation. Britain is facing an existential crisis, and all Home Secretary Yvette Cooper can do is spout first-year undergraduate platitudes. So far, all weve heard is cliches and excuses. Meanwhile, our cities burn, our children die and the anger, paranoia and hatred only continue to grow. Fallen star: Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards The BBC should take a leaf from the book of corporate Britain over stripping Huw Edwards of his salary. Many TV licence-payers will be scratching their heads over why the disgraced newsreader was still paid 200,000 after his arrest on child sex offences in November last year. The director-general, Tim Davie, has said the Beeb will look at all options to recoup some of the cash, but that this will be 'legally challenging'. That phrase sounds as though Davie has given up before he has begun, but he should attempt to claw back the cash with vigour. Relieving errant chief executives of money they should never have been paid in the first place has become a welcome fact of life in the FTSE 100. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, new rules of 'malus' and 'clawback' were introduced to stop bosses swanning off with millions they did not deserve. Clawback, as the name suggests, means taking back incentives and bonuses that have already been handed over, and cancelling ones that have not yet paid out. Malus is the opposite of a bonus basically a reduction or forfeit of a performance-linked reward. One of the biggest losers of recent times under these provisions is ex-BP boss Bernard Looney, who was found to have knowingly misled his board over personal relationships with colleagues. It cost him more than 32m. Sebastien de Montessus, the former chief executive of Endeavour Mining also paid a heavy price. His former employer said earlier this year it wants to recoup more than $29m (23m) in pay and other awards after it fired him for alleged serious misconduct over an 'irregular payment.' An indiscretion at dinner cost Alison Rose, who was the head of NatWest bank, 7.6million in payouts she would have received had she not chatted to a BBC editor about Nigel Farage's bank account. In the US, the financial punishment can be very painful indeed. Ask Steve Easterbrook, the British born ex-CEO of McDonald's. He returned cash and shares worth $105m (82m) after an investigation found he had secret relationships with staff. Obviously, the BBC is not the same. In boardrooms, pay is comprised of a relatively small cash element though it is often seven figures plus a string of much bigger bonuses and incentive schemes. Some of these take several years to mature so it is fairly easy to scrap those that have not yet borne fruit. Wrestling back money that has already been paid is much harder. There are no share incentives on offer for BBC staff so in the case of Edwards, it would mean pursuing him for cash or trying to shame him into paying it back, as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has suggested. His pension is almost impossible to seize. Fred Goodwin, the man behind the downfall of RBS, kept his huge retirement nest-egg, despite almost bringing down the UK financial system. He receives around 545,000 a year. It is, to use Davie's phrase, 'legally challenging' for companies to pursue rich, litigious and well-connected CEOs for malus and clawback. These former bosses are multi-millionaires and can unleash legal attack dogs on their erstwhile employers. But FTSE 100 companies are becoming more assertive about retrieving unmerited rewards from disgraced bigwigs. This is changing the culture in corporate Britain for the better. The BBC should follow suit. Leading firms including McDonald's and Currys believe apprenticeship reforms are key to unlocking economic growth. Businesses are desperate for an overhaul as money collected from the current levy ends up wasted while the country faces shortages of workers. Big names such as Tesco, B&Q owner Kingfisher and Halfords want more flexibility. For example, bosses want course length rules axed so they can train older workers in digital skills in less than a year. Since 2017, a combined 2billion of funds have been returned to the Treasury because firms are constrained by stringent rules surrounding the apprenticeship levy. The number of entry level apprentices has plunged. Labour pledged to reform the levy in the King's speech and last month Sir Keir Starmer launched his new Skills England body to reduce an 'over reliance' on overseas workers. Reforms: Since 2017, a combined 2billion of funds have been returned to the Treasury because firms are constrained by stringent rules surrounding the apprenticeship levy Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald's in the UK and Ireland, told The Mail the levy 'needs to be more flexible.' 'Allowing for more money to be spent on a wider range of courses and ensuring more of the costs associated with employing an apprentice are covered by the levy would be a good start,' he said. One example of a cost is when an apprentice has to take a day off their job to be educated and a business needs to hire cover. Although McDonald's wants to use unspent levy money to fund 500 youth work qualifications, Macrow says this is 'difficult because of the barriers created by the existing levy.' Firms also want devolved nations to be able to use the cash pot. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted she will steer the most 'pro-growth' Treasury ever. But she faces an uphill battle in convincing swathes of 'economically inactive' individuals back into the workforce. Currys believes reforms will help recruit older people. And Kingfisher said it will help with a shortfall of tradespeople, which is set to cost 98bn in missed economic growth by 2030. Over two decades after a Tennessee mom and her two-year-old daughter vanished without a trace, her family believe they are finally on the cusp of cracking the case. Jennifer Wix, 21, was living with her boyfriend Joey Benton and his parents in Robertson County at the time of her disappearance in March 2004. Joey is believed to have been the last person to see Jennifer or Adrianna alive, claiming he dropped them off at a gas station. But after sticking to this story for 20 years, he shocking agreed to sit down with Jennifer's sister Casey Wix Robinson and her mother Kathy Nale earlier this month to share more about what happened. In an interview with DailyMail.com, Casey revealed that during this conversation he chillingly referred to their 'remains' for the first time - and reportedly claimed he had been lying for 20 years. Young mother Jennifer Wix is pictured with her baby daughter Adrianna before they disappeared in late March 2004. The Wix family remains steadfast in their commitment to find out the truth behind what happened to them Pictured: Casey Wix Robinson, Jennifer's younger sister and Adrianna's aunt. Robinson was 16 when her 21-year-old sister vanished. She now claims there could be bodily remains of her missing family members somewhere in Robertson County For the first year-and-a half of Adrianna's life, Jennifer lived with her mother and two younger sisters in their family home in Springfield - about 30 miles from Nashville. Casey, then a teenager, has fond memories of this time and recalls helping care for her niece while her older sister worked night shifts. She told Fox 17 Nashville that she was 'very close' with Jennifer and Adrianna - and has been desperate to find out what happened to them since they vanished. Casey said that when she had her first phone call with Joey a few months ago, he stuck by the gas station story. But in a second meeting on July 2, she claimed he told her 'everything I told you on that first phone call is a lie. It's been a lie for 20 years.' Casey added: 'During this meeting he told us what he supposedly remembered from that day. He said that it was Jennifer and Adrianna's last day on Thursday, March 25, and then gave a potential location for their remains'. Casey also hinted that Joey revealed 'extreme details' about what happened to them, but declined to say what she heard out of a desire to protect the ongoing investigation being led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Robertson County Sheriff's Office. Jennifer and Joey Benton had started dating in the summer of 2003. Less than a year later and only a few months after Jennifer and Adrianna moved in with Joey's parents in Springfield, the young mother and daughter vanished and were never heard from again. Casey recalled the days leading up to the disappearance of her sister and niece in March 2004. At the time, Casey was 16 and an audibly distressed Jennifer called their mother, Kathy, at home on Wednesday, March 24. During this call Jennifer reportedly told her mother about an intense argument between her and Joey Benton's parents, Joe Benton Sr. and Cindy Benton. 'Adrianna was in the other room. [My mother] could hear her crying and screaming,' Casey said. Casey explained that in the days prior to the phone call, baby Adrianna had been sick and was taken to the ER Pictured: Joey Benton in his 2008 interview with FOX 17 Nashville. He told the local station: 'I miss them both, and I would do anything to know where she's at' During the call, Casey recalled Jennifer said Cindy was acting 'weird' and was angry that Joey was acting like a father to Adrianna under her roof. Joey was not Adrianna's biological father. That night, the couple was trying to sleep train the baby, and this apparently didn't sit well with Cindy, according to Jennifer. Nale also spoke to Dateline NBC about this call, saying she tried to assuage her daughter's anxiety about her fraught living situation. 'I just said, "Everybody will be everybody will be calmed down tomorrow. Things will be better in the light of day, you know? And if not, you just call me tomorrow,''' Nale recalled telling Jennifer. Nale remembered her daughter telling her she would call tomorrow. 'I never heard from her again,' Nale said. DailyMail.com made multiple attempts to contact the Benton family. Kathy Nale, mother of Jennifer and Casey, was one of the last people to speak to Jennifer. Her daughter, who was living at the Benton home in Springfield, told her she had a fight with the Bentons. Nale recalled Jennifer telling her she would call the next day. She never did Kathy Nale, left, pictured with her daughter Jennifer at an unspecified time before her disappearance in 2004 Lisa Fierro, Nale's sister and Jennifer's aunt, instead got a call from Jennifer the next day, Thursday, March 25. Casey told DailyMail.com that this was recently confirmed as the last contact Jennifer ever had with her family before going missing. According to Fierro, Jennifer said she didn't want to live with the Bentons anymore and told her she was planning on moving out after talking to Joey about it. She also said she wanted to come to Fierro's house for the time being. Fierro said she left a spare key for her. 'She never came, needless to say,' Fierro told NBC. Her family began calling around for her, and the first people they turned to for help were the Bentons, as they were the last known people to see her. But to their chagrin, Joey and his parents didn't pick up their phones. 'I just remember everyone in my family panicking,' Casey said. When they finally reached Joey, Casey said he told the family: 'I don't know where she is. We broke up. I dropped her off at the gas station.' Joey added that someone in a white car picked Jennifer and Adrianna up, but declined to give a more specific description of the vehicle or driver. Adrianna Wix was born on January 14, 2002, and unlike her mother had brilliant blue eyes. Jennifer had brown eyes. This difference was something the Wix family constantly marveled at This is one of the last pictures ever taken of Jennifer. Casey claims it was probably taken at the home of Joey Benton's grandparents or aunt The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children rendered these aged up photos of what Jennifer, left, and her daughter Adrianna, right, might look like today if they were found On Saturday, March 27, 2004, Jennifer's family reported her and her daughter missing, and soon after, the Robertson County Sherriff's Office searched the Benton home. The police have never identified any suspects, nor have they corroborated Joey's story about dropping Jennifer and Adrianna off at the gas station. Today, Jennifer would be 41 years old and Adrianna 22. In December 2013, the eve of the 10th anniversary of their disappearance, the Sherriff's Office upgraded the case from a missing person's case to a homicide investigation. At that time, investigators were under the impression that Jennifer's father, Michael Wix, was the last known person to speak to her on Thursday, March 25, not her aunt. Michael told investigators Jennifer said a lot of same things she told her mother a day earlier. She was fighting with the Bentons, though she added she was excited to see him the following Sunday. Like everyone else in the family, Michael said he has not heard from Jennifer since this phone call. 'No one, including Joey Benton, has been eliminated as having potential involvement in the disappearance of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix,' the Sheriff's Office wrote in its case update. It also made clear that county investigators approached this case as a homicide from the very beginning because there were 'strong implications of foul play.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the Sheriff's Office for comment. The last time Joey Benton spoke publicly on the case was in 2008. 'I miss them both, and I would do anything to know where she's at,' he told FOX 17. Joey Benton, pictured, claimed he dropped Jennifer and Adrianna off at a gas station on March 25, 2004. After that, he said he saw them get picked up in a white car. Police have never independently verified his story Jennifer, pictured, began dating Joey Benton in the summer of 2003. She moved into his family home in December 2003. About three months later, she and her daughter disappeared without a trace Jennifer's family have spent two decades searching for answers. They've assisted authorities in countless searches, held vigils, put on fundraisers to hire private investigators and even had some confrontations with the Bentons. But none of these tireless efforts dredged up any new information. All of that would change on March 27, 2024, when the sheriff raided the Benton home where Jennifer and Adrianna were living. The raid came '20 years to the day that we reported Jennifer and Adrianna missing,' Casey pointed out. However, the sheriff was there to bust Joe Benton Sr., Joey's father, on 40 unrelated charges for illegally possessing weapons, explosives and the sexual exploitation of a underage family member. While the raid didn't uncover anything new in the unsolved murder of her sister and niece, Casey is hopeful it will lead to more answers. She also told DailyMail.com that after the raid, pressure from the district attorney was what forced Joey to set up that meeting with her and her mother to finally talk about what happened to Jennifer and Adrianna. 'My hope of them actually being alive, that all kind of died a couple months ago, before we started getting all of this new information after [Joey's] father went to jail,' Casey told DailyMail.com. 'I already knew that they were deceased prior to that meeting, but just hearing it from him solidified it, and it's very difficult because they've lied to us for 20 years.' Now that Casey has this grim confirmation, her family and investigators have been digging out multiple wooded areas in Robertson County based on what they've been told by Joey. Nothing has been found yet. 'I feel like we're getting closer,' she said. Pictured: The booking photo of Joe Benton Sr. after he was arrested on charges unrelated to the disappearance of Jennifer and Adrianna Casey is also launching her own podcast about the case next month, called 'Missing in Hush Town.' She has teamed up with true crime podcast producer Jules Thorp, and the pair are in the process of re-interviewing as many people connected to the case as they can. Some are coming forward with new information, though many others who have knowledge are choosing to stay quiet. 'We've had a lot of people come forward and say, "I wish I could tell you what I know, but I'm too scared," Thorp told FOX 17. But judging from the podcast's tagline - 'Small towns talk, and we're listening' - Casey and Thorp appear confident they will get the answers they're looking for. The podcast will premiere on all major platforms on August 16, Jennifer's birthday. Casey has also started a GoFundMe to raise money for legal counsel as the homicide investigation appears to be reaching a fever pitch. Close to 80 donors have given a total of $6,110, as the family closes in on its $10,000 goal. Although Casey said it was often frustrating at how slow progress was on the investigation into her sister's disappearance, she thanked county police for staying on top of it for all these years. 'We have way more information now, in the last few months, than we have had in the 20 years that this has been a missing persons case,' she said. 'I definitely attribute it to [the police] and to us for staying on top of it and working so hard to do our own investigation.' An Indonesian couple are at breaking point as they try to bring their Australian-born son to the country after he was denied entry because of his disability. Lily Lumintang, 43, and her partner have been fighting to bring Jonathan Down Under for four years. Jonathan, who is now 14, was born with cerebral palsy and was denied residency because his condition was considered to be too costly for taxpayers. Their son has been in the care of Ms Lumintang's father and mother-in-law while the couple try to appeal the decision. Ms Lumintang, 43, is unable to visit her son because she is on a bridging visa - with one of the conditions prohibiting applicants from re-entering Australia if they leave. She was recently dealt another devastating blow after her father died, and was forced to make an impossible choice - stay here and fight for her son or return to Indonesia for the funeral and risk never returning to Australia. 'I can't leave the country because of one family member, otherwise the future of the whole family would be destroyed,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'It would break my heart to leave Australia. We have community ties here: church, friends and employers. Jonathan, 14, (pictured right) has been looked after by his grandparents recently in Indonesia - but the family (left) were dealt a devastating blow when his grandad died 'We're both working full-time and all our support system is here.' Ms Lumintang came to Australia from Indonesia on a student visa in mid-2009 to study a Masters of Accounting. She gave birth to Jonathan in 2010 and he lived in Australia for a couple of years before he was sent back to Indonesia in 2012 so Ms Lumintang could focus on her studies and set up a home. Poll Should the Albanese Government grant Jonathan entry to Australia? Yes No Should the Albanese Government grant Jonathan entry to Australia? Yes 453 votes No 599 votes Now share your opinion After graduating and gaining full-time employment, the construction company she worked for offered her sponsorship for a permanent residency pathway in 2016. As part of the ENS visa, Ms Lumintang could then apply for permanent residency for her and her family after a certain amount of time. Ms Lumintang and her partner provided the necessary documentation to the Australian Government in 2019, but the Covid pandemic slowed the process and their application was ultimately rejected in November, 2021. Jonathan was able to come to Australia for just three weeks during this period on a holiday visa. 'My son didn't pass (the visa application process) because of significant costs,' Ms Lumintang said. Jonathan (pictured as a young boy), didn't pass the Australian government's health requirement because of his cerebral palsy. If one family member is rejected on a permanent residency application, they all are. The Lumintang's are facing an uncertain future 'They said he would cost $1.2million over 10 years due to things like the NDIS and special education.' 'On a family visa, if one person is denied, everyone is denied.' Ms Lumintang lodged an immediate appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal but wasn't contacted until this year. However, the family's application was refused again in June, with authorities advising them Jonathan would now cost cost taxpayers $2.3million. The family were given 35 days to leave Australia unless they lodged a ministerial intervention application - which Ms Lumingtang has done. 'We've been told it will take between six to 12 months to process,' she said. 'It's devastating. We have to stay while Jonathan can't come here. 'We don't know how long it will be, but the bridging visa is our only option.' The couple also applied for Jonathan's citizenship in May 2021, but this was rejected three months later. Ms Lumintang said if the family's income will be drastically reduced if they are forced to return to Indonesia. Despite being born in Australia, Jonathan's citizenship application was denied because he had spent too much time overseas - but some of this was due to Covid and not being able to get back to Australia (pictured Jonathan at a younger age) 'It's challenging to find a job over there. There is an age restriction and it would require local experience in the field, which I don't have,' she said. Ms Lumintang said she feels like she is 'under the pump' and that the family was at 'breaking point'. 'It's hard. Last year Jonathan ended up waiting for us outside the house because he thought we would be coming straight back for him,' she said. 'He was sad.' This is the moment three men stole from a small business in a card machine scam which made them thousands. The trio, from Brent, London, can be seen in CCTV released by Avon and Somerset Police telling shop workers in Bristol they need to input their pin to pay for goods. However, instead of entering a pin, one of the gang uses a card to authorise refunds to several different bank accounts, while the others distract the person at the till to buy time. The three men were caught after police stopped a car using false number plates on the M4 and found a slew of debit cards and expensive clothing. One of the fraudsters, Omar Said-Baker, 30, is on the run after failing to attend a sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court where Abdullah Said-Ahmed, 29 and Tahir Mohammed, 30, were handed suspended sentences for the scheme. This is the moment three men managed to steal from a small business in a card machine scam which made them thousands. One can be seen tampering with the machine so it refunds the card rather than charges it, while his accomplices distract a cafe worker One of the fraudsters, Omar Said-Baker, 30, is wanted after failing to attend a sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court where Abdullah Said-Ahmed, 29 and Tahir Mohammed, 30, were handed suspended sentences for the scheme. They are all seen on CCTV footage from Edna's Kitchen in Bristol In one clip, one of the fraud gang appears to ask a member of staff at Cafe Revival in Bristol to fetch a stirrer his coffee before asking another question as his accomplice plugs away at the machine to steal thousands of pounds. The other clip released by police is taken from a camera at the back of Edna's Kitchen, also in Bristol, and shows the shop worker going to and from the fridge while the fraud is committed. The three men were caught after police stopped a car using false number plates on the M4 - which runs between their homes in London and Bristol, where they had been targeting stores. After searching the vehicle, officers found a large quantity of expensive clothing and multiple credit and debit cards, four of these were in Said-Baker's name. Further enquiries linked the three men to the refund scam and CCTV was recovered which showed how at least one of the men would distract the shop worker while the refunds were carried out. A number of small independent business were targeted between February and March 2019 around Cabot Circus and the surrounding area. Said-Ahmed and Mohammed pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to commit fraud last month. Said-Ahmed was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work while Mohammed was jailed for 23 months, suspended for 18 months and must do 200 hours of unpaid work. Pictured: Said-Baker and Said-Ahmed distracting an employee at Cafe Revival in Bristol as they steal thousands of pounds However, a warrant for Said-Baker has been issued after his failure to attend the hearing at Bristol Crown Court. Detective Sergeant Louise Sinclair, from Avon and Somerset Police's Complex Fraud Team, said: 'These three men brazenly stole thousands of pounds from small shops and cafes. 'On one occasion, they refunded more than 5,000 from an independent cafe. 'I hope this investigation reassures small business owners that no matter how complex an investigation might be, we will do everything we can to ensure those who harm people's livelihoods will be held to account. 'I also hope this case reminds shop workers of the need to be vigilant, to not allow customers to handle PDQ machines and the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour or criminality to us.' It comes after shop CCTV from across the country exposed a 'gold swap hustler' for scamming jewellers by swapping real and fake gold out of sight while they paid him. Footage emerged from stores in Hailsham, East Sussex, and 230 miles away in Stoke-on-Trent showing a man getting real gold valued, but swapping it for fakes before running off with cash and the valuables. It comes after shop CCTV from across the country exposed a 'gold swap hustler' (seen) for scamming jewellers by swapping real and fake gold out of sight while they paid him Ashley Adams Jewellers in Hailsham was left 1,100 out of pocket with only 'two lumps of brass' to show for it after thinking the shop worker thought they were getting their hands on some pharaoh head pendants. Hundreds of miles north months later, the man was joined by a female accomplice when he came to the Church Street Gold Pottery and Furniture wanting to sell 9-carat gold, which a businessman examined and confirmed was genuine. After managing to switch the bags, the pair fled the scene with the pawn shops money. Sussex and Staffordshire Police both said they were investigating and encouraged witnesses to call police on 101, quoting incident number 396 of June 20, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. It's a picturesque island where the likes of Bill Murray, Reese Witherspoon and the Obamas frequently flee to escape the stresses of life. But the clear blue waters of Martha's Vineyard belie a murky civil war. A century ago, two wealthy families with oceanside mansions carved out the beach overlooking Oyster Pond, claiming land rights to large slices of the shoreline. But the tides of time have changed the picture - quite literally - as erosion, storms, and rising sea levels have gradually pushed the private beach into public territory. Richard Friedman, a resident at the center of the dispute who is also a famed Boston real estate mogul, is now pushing to liberate the beaches to the general public. Wealthy homeowners on Martha's Vineyard (pictured) are embroiled in civil war over private stretch of beach Wealthy Martha's Vineyard residents are battling it out for a private stretch of beach Friedman's fight began in the 1980s when he purchased property in Edgartown, believing his deed gave him the rights to a barrier beach straddling Oyster Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. His neighbors disagreed, arguing that the land was theirs, and the Massachusetts elite took their civil war to the courts where they hashed it out for decades. But 2016 marked a watershed moment in the dispute. Though still locked in a legal stalemate with his neighbors, Friedman's perspective shifted with the sands. He decided that, since the private beaches had by this point moved north to rest between two bodies of water considered 'public' under Massachusetts law - Oyster Pond and Jobs Neck Pond - no private entity should be able to lay claim to them. Friedman escalated his argument to lawmakers, pushing for legislation defining a barrier beach which moves on to public land as public property. The fiery dispute has come to a head in recent weeks after the passing of a bill which seeks to clarify access rights, and redefine what counts as public land. 'I believe the biggest win about this bill is that this is a win for the public,' Friedman told the Boston Globe. Richard Friedman, a resident at the center of the dispute who is also a famed Boston real estate mogul, is pushing to liberate the beaches to the general public Pictured: Various waterfront homes at sunset along coast in Woods Hole Cape Cod MA Pictured: Waterfront in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts Jeff Flynn, one of the trustees opposing Friedman's bill, said 'any suggestion' that it's about expanding access for the broader public is 'simply not credible'. 'There is no public interest in this legislation,' he told the Globe. 'Rather, there are only nice sounding but confusing words that, once carefully read, are trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.' Jim McManus, who also represents the wealthy neighbors, said the bill would 'wreak havoc on the property rights of thousands of people in Massachusetts' and expose taxpayers to suits for land takings. Friedman hit back, saying the bill simply clarifies the public would have a beach that 'has been masquerading as private'. 'For me, this is not a personal vendetta or an ego trip, it is simply great public policy that benefits citizens across the Commonwealth,' he told the Globe. 'Due to global warming, sea level rising, etc., there is a need to address and clarify this issue,' he said. 'I am proud to have played a role with others in these efforts.' If the bill reaches the Senate, it would need to be passed by Governor Maura Healey. Friedman's team estimates that if it passes, 28 similar beaches in Massachusetts will then be considered private property rather than public. Climate change is set to reshape American cities over the next few years as people increasingly abandon flood, heat and wildfire 'danger zones' for calmer climes. Scientists told DailyMail.com that several cities are 'slowly dying' due to residents fleeing popular waterside destinations which are prone to flooding - with many metros predicted to look 'dramatically different' in just a few decades. Areas of Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Providence and Las Vegas are named as the top metro regions forecast to experience the biggest proportional exodus due to flood risk. Meanwhile, relatively 'safe zones' such as Jefferson County in Louisville, Kentucky, are seeing an influx of new residents. Dr Jeremy Porter, who is head of climate implications at First Street Foundation which produced the peer-reviewed report, told DailyMail.com that people are increasingly basing their relocations on climate factors. 'Over the past five years, people have really started to pay attention to the climate data as something that impacts their moves,' he said. 'If you couple flood risk with what we are already seeing from population projections from NASA, we are seeing there are going to be some places that do look dramatically different'. Climate change is set to reshape American cities over the next few years. Areas of Minneapolis (pictured), Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Providence and Las Vegas are named as the top metro regions forecast to experience the biggest proportional exodus due to flood risk Scientists told DailyMail.com that several cities are 'slowly dying' due to residents fleeing popular waterside destinations which are prone to flooding Polls back this up. A recent Zillow report found 80 percent of Americans consider climate risks when searching for a new home, while Forbes released a study showing that 30 percent of homeowners say climate change was the reason for their move. The First Street study identifies America's top ten 'climate abandonment areas' - metro areas where people are leaving in droves due to the increasing risk of climate events disrupting their lives and businesses. Dr Jeremy Porter is head of climate implications at First Street Foundation Dr Porter said this first report focuses on flooding only as a driving force - but researchers added that there are definitive signs that wildfires and extreme heat are also major drivers of domestic migration. Two counties in Minneapolis, Minnesota took first and second place due to their proximity to the Mississippi River which regularly bursts its banks. Climate change is adding to the problem. A warmer atmosphere means big storms can dump more rain and overwhelm sewer systems. Researchers identified the Hennepin County and Ramsey County, which cover much of the city center, as areas predicted to have the greatest population decline by 2035. The number of blocks defined as 'climate abandonment areas' in Hennepin County are projected to increased from 23 percent today to 56.9 percent by 2053. Meanwhile, Ramsey County is set to suffer an increase of 29 percent, bringing the percentage of blocks in the area where people are leaving in droves to 54.3 percent by 2053. Dr Porter told DailyMail.com these regions are struggling with job losses and fewer resources too - but flooding is accelerating the exodus. Pictured: A father and son road their bikes on the flooded sidewalks around Lake Nokomis on Sunday June 15, 2014 in Minneapolis Scientists told DailyMail.com that several cities are 'slowly dying' due to residents fleeing popular waterside destinations which are prone to flooding. Areas of Indianapolis (pictured) were named within the top five at-risk areas for climate abandonment in the report The US was struck by 23 disasters over an eight month period in 2023, which came at a loss of at least $1 billion each (mapped) - eclipsing the previous annual record of 22 events with a 10-figure price-tag in 2022 'They are already seeing out-migration from lack of jobs and social economical issues. But climate risk is also impacting the moves... Slowly the town is dying,' he said. In West Alton, a frequently flood-ravaged town on the bend of the Mississippi River, the number of residents has nose-dived from 3,900 in 1970 to 360 this year. All three churches in the town have closed, and many of the remaining homes have been raised on stilts to keep them safe from ever-encroaching floodwaters. Patrick Nunnally, a retired lecturer at the University of Minnesota and a Mississippi River expert, said towns which were previously thriving on the river are now 'barely standing'. The First Street report identified Marion County in Indianapolis as number three in the rankings of counties most negatively impacted by climate out-migration. The number of blocks defined as 'climate abandonment areas' in the county are projected to increase from 15.3 percent today to 39 percent by 2053. Meanwhile, Milwaukee County in the center of Wisconsin's biggest city, comes in fourth, followed by Providence County in Rhode Island, and Las Vegas' Clark County in sixth. Though some of these cities might seem surprising due to being far from the closest to a major river or coast, Dr Porter explained that they're prone to 'pluvial flooding' caused by rainwater overwhelming sewage systems. Pictured: Flooding turns roads into rivers in Minneapolis after a torrential rainstorm A man helps two people walk through flood water after their car got stuck on Vandeventer Avenue underneath I-64 (Hwy. 40) in St. Louis, Mo., on Thursday, July 28, 2022 'For instance in Las Vegas, you see the patterns on the disconnected streets which are driven by heavy rainfall in the area,' Dr Porter said. 'This is especially true in mid-to-large cities where the infrastructure in the area is often under-specced given the fact that the federal government does not include climate change in the storm-water predictions.' But domestic 'climate migrants' tend only to move a few dozen miles to escape extreme weather events. 'Most moves driven by climate change are hyper local,' Dr Porter told DailyMail.com. 'In fact, out of all domestic moves, only 15 percent are across state lines. People tend to stay within their state.' Meanwhile, as Americans leave certain areas, others are experiencing an influx. People are flocking to locations like Jefferson County in Louisville, Kentucky; Macomb County in Detroit, Michigan; Newark County in Passaic, New Jersey; Oakland County in Detroit; and San Mateo County in San Francisco, California. Dr Porter said there are a mix of factors moving people to these places, but mostly its because they're relatively 'safe' zones located close to a climate-risky area where people are fleeing. The First Street report isolates economic, social and other factors from climate change as the driver of migration by using complex mathematical equations. But the data translates simply enough - and people are becoming increasingly considering climate risk when they make a move. 'We are seeing property value decrease in climate risky areas. As the data becomes more and more available, the more we will see this,' Dr Porter said. 'The climate knowledge has exploded over the past five years and we are starting to see people responding to that,' he added. 'This is just the start.' August 3, 2024: Russian threats to develop space-based weapons have united the major nations of the world against such efforts. The Russian threat, if carried out, could prevent anyone from using space based resources. This is seen as possible because Russian space efforts are currently inoperable. For example, the Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system is dying quickly. The problem is a familiar one, too many GLONASS satellites are ending their service lives, usually seven years, and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, does not have the money to replace the GLONASS satellites. The cash shortage means the program to build improved GLONASS satellites, like GLONASS-K, is dead. It would be the first GLONASS satellite that is unpressurized and weighs much less at 750 kg while also having a longer service life of ten years. The current GLONASS-M weighs 1,450 kg and has a service life of seven years. Currently most of the 24 GLONASS satellites in service are past their seven year service lives and, as expected, operate erratically with some entirely out of service. Maintaining the worldwide GLONASS satellite network does not have a priority because Russian personal, commercial, and military satellite navigation users have long used satellite navigation equipment that contained GLONASS and American GPS receivers. This combination provides more accurate location information and a more reliable system because the two satellite systems contain about fifty satellites. Keeping GLONASS active with a full constellation of 24 satellites with the latest technology is expensive and used to depend on a steady supply of high-tech components only available from the United States and its allies. Imports of those have been blocked since March 2022 by Western sanctions for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Recently China has also become a major supplier of electronics needed for navigation satellites. Russia has the option to buy the components it used to obtain from Western countries. Depending on China for components does not solve the fundamental problem that Russia does not have the money to maintain GLONASS. Since the American GPS system began operating in 1993, several other similar systems have appeared. GLONASS went online in 2011 and the Chinese Beidou came online in 2020, at the same time as the European Galileo system. Creating and maintaining these global systems is expensive and only the United States and China have been able to finance continuous operation and upgrades. Galileo, which is paid for by a coalition of nations, has had problems getting coalition members to provide the needed funds. Russia tried to compete but ran out of money. Multiple global positioning satellite systems increase the accuracy and reliability of the signals, as well as provide redundancy and interoperability in case of disruption of service. Multiple systems can also create problems involving spectrum congestion, signal interference, and coordination complications. By 2020 it was believed that current anti-jamming efforts were sufficient to keep American military GPS use viable for a while. That was optimistic because improvements in GPS jamming and spoofing technology were introduced more rapidly than expected. Since GPS disruption it has become increasingly obvious that Russia has been regularly jamming or spoofing GPS signals. In the last five years there have been thousands of incidents where Russia has been jamming or spoofing satellite navigation signals used by the American GPS, Chinese Beidou, Europes Galileo and Russian GLONASS when used by foreigners. Most of this activity was not obvious jamming but the more difficult to detect spoofing. Russia used this to conceal the true location of key Russian government officials and Russian military units. The spoofing was particularly common for Russian military forces in Ukraine and Syria. Spoofing replaced the actual satellite signal with a false one that rendered smart bombs or planned attacks on targets inaccurate. Spoofing can introduce false signals gradually and sometimes delay a navigation system's realization that it is being deceived. Foiling the latter is an important function of INS (Inertial Navigation System), to act as a monitor for GPS as well as a backup. Current INS tech relies on receiving an accurate GPS location initially and periodically thereafter to keep both GPS and INS location data in sync. GPS depends on continuous satellite signals to operate and the INS is only used to step in and replace GPS when its satellite signal becomes temporarily too weak, or absent. When an accurate GPS signal is achieved, INS goes back into standby mode. Spoofing can now mimic these momentary disruptions and evade detection as a false signal by the INS, which is completely self-contained. This is sometimes a problem for American guided weapons sent to Ukraine that do not have the latest anti-jamming tech installed. American INS researchers are not the only ones seeking an INS that is accurate and persistent enough to replace GPS for extended periods. INS has long suffered from the inability to provide as accurate a location as satellite navigation systems as the gyroscope and acceleration capabilities now performed by microelectronics of the chip-based INS cannot maintain as continuously precise location as the space satellite-based system can. This is no longer seen as an insurmountable problem, nor is the large cost difference between GPS and INS tech. Israel apparently feels it is closer to a solution than anyone else. Meanwhile, spoofing satellite navigation systems has become more popular and practical because it does not require expensive or high-tech equipment. While American weapons and military navigation systems have a backup in the form of unjammable INS systems, these are useless if the spoofing is not detected. American systems are supposed to detect spoofing and revert to INS, but the Americans do not disclose details of how these systems work in order to make it difficult for spoofing systems to be modified to be less detectable. That is one reason why the U.S. has not released detailed information on spoofing incidents because some of them may have evaded the INS spoofing detection tech. To further complicate the issue there have also been instances where mandatory AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders that all large ships must carry are more frequently reporting instances of getting no GPS signal at all. Large ships usually carry two AIS units, in case one malfunctions so AIS failure can be ruled out as a cause. Something outside the ship is manipulating the GPS signal. This demonstrates how it is possible to deceive the unjammable INS and new INS systems are sought that will eliminate that risk by replacing GPS most of the time. The new INS technology has attracted a lot of attention in the military where backups are always appreciated because when equipment fails in combat, or for commercial users like aircraft or ships, its literally a matter of life or death. Meanwhile, the U.S. is building and testing more compact GPS anti-jamming systems for smaller 200 kg UAVs. This is part of a program to equip all American UAVs, even the smallest ones, with more secure GPS. While all UAVs can be flown by the operator, the GPS makes it a lot easier for the operator to keep track of exactly where his UAV is at all times, and sometimes the UAV is programmed to simply patrol between a series of GPS coordinates. If the GPS jams or fails, the operator can usually use the video feed to find landmarks on the ground and bring the UAV back to where it can be seen and landed. Other UAVs have a failsafe system for the GPS. When it is no longer available the UAV turns around and heads back in the general direction of the operator. This is better than just allowing the GPS-less UAV to keep flying randomly until it runs out of fuel and crashes somewhere, GPS reliability threats are coming from a few suppliers like Russia, China, and North Korea. These nations have developed all manner of GPS jamming technology, and over the last decade it has become increasingly obvious that these nations were using new GPS spoofing technology to conceal the true location of senior personnel and mobile combat units. Developers and users of GPS jamming gear tend to keep quiet about what they do because this sort of thing is illegal in peacetime, especially when civilians experience GPS disruptions themselves. When the United States tests military GPS jamming, it does so at sea or in remote areas and warns nearby civilians who might encounter GPS problems to be aware of the tests and act accordingly. This warning policy has been in use for decades because of the growing number of new electronic equipment designs that could cause problems for civilians if the disruptive effect extended farther than expected. Other nations are not as secretive in complaining and often the culprit is Russia. In 2018 Finland and Norway went public with their accusations that Russia deliberately jammed GPS signals in northern Finland and Norway from a location near the Russian military bases in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea. The jamming took place as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but, when Russia refused to admit any involvement, Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment that might be useful to them. China is seeking to monetize its Beidou satellite navigation (satnav) system. Beidou is the Chinese version of American GPS. Beidou finally became fully operational, providing worldwide coverage, in January 2020. There are three competing systems: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The full Beidou network was open for business as a world-wide service in early 2020. The American GPS has been operational since 1978 while the Russian GLONASS achieved that status in 1995. Unfortunately, Russia had problems, mostly financial, in keeping GLONASS operational. The European Galileo became operational worldwide in 2020. Each of these systems cost about $10 billion to create and get into service. The American GPS cost $12 billion, mainly because it has been around for so long. China is determined to do what none of the other three satnav systems have done; become profitable. China has not revealed how they expect to do that and the other three major satnav providers remain silent on the profitability issue. Currently the main reason for building a satnav system is national prestige and an alternative to dependence on the Americans, or any single satnav provider. China has also invested heavily in trying to obtain favorable press coverage for Beidou and somehow establish it as a preferred satnav service. That has cost over half a billion dollars but has not created any acceptance of Beidou as a superior satnav provider. China has a long-range plan for Beidou that includes adding new features and somehow achieving market dominance by 2040. China likes to announce long range goals like this, then quietly forget about it when the promised future never arrives. Meanwhile, Chinese state-controlled media have provided a global audience with unprecedented details of this Chinese technological effort. People got their first experience with Beidou in late 2012 when the first few satellites were made available to anyone with a Beidou receiver. China expected Beidou to become a major competitor for the existing global navigation systems, at least with civilian users. China made it clear its initial goal was to grab a major share of the satnav market from the original U.S GPS system and do it by 2030. Progress has been slow so far. The reality is that China has had a difficult time getting Beidou fully operational. By 2020 worldwide Beidou service was available and the rest of the world was not impressed. Beidou incorporates the best features of the GLONASS and Galileo systems, as well as items planned for the next generation American GPS satellites. With all that, no one has found a way to make a profit, at least not directly. There are plenty of ideas but no one has yet turned any of those ideas into cash. Moreover, there are disputes between the Beidou, Galileo, and GLONASS organizations over who should use what frequencies. Since GPS got into service first no one is contesting the frequencies GPS uses, but the three other players have some problems. The success of the original GPS satnav system has generated all this competition. But so far, these other efforts have found the work much more difficult than expected. A European consortium went forward with Galileo despite growing costs and technical problems. Initially Galileo was to be funded with private money. But the costs climbed beyond the most optimistic estimates of future income, so now Galileo is being paid for with tax dollars, as was GPS and the competing Russian and Chinese systems. Galileo came about because the Europeans didn't like being dependent on an American system and didn't believe the Russians would be able to keep their GLONASS system viable. Galileo became operational because the European nations were purportedly willing to pay for a system that anyone could use without charge. Dual GPS and Galileo receivers cost about 20 percent more than GPS only receivers. Having two separate sets of signals makes for more reliable and accurate receivers. Also, the way Galileo is being set up will provide improved reliability in higher latitudes and in built-up areas. GLONASS was at full strength in 1996, shortly after the Cold War ended. But the end of the Cold War in 1991 meant the end of the regular financing for GLONASS. Maintaining the system required launching replacement satellites every 5-7 years. By the end of 2002, only seven GLONASS satellites were still operational. However, the Russian economy recovered and provided funds for a series of launches in 2003 that increased the number of active satellites to twelve. That went to 18 by the end of 2007 and Russia had 24 GLONASS satellites in orbit by 2011 with the system again fully operational by 2012. As a result, GLONASS was the first real competitor for GPS. However, GLONASS was not completely functional until 2016 because of delays in building all the ground control stations. The money for GLONASS is coming from a Russian government that does not want to be dependent on the American controlled GPS system. But the money is only there because of high oil prices. Most GLONASS receivers in use are actually combined GPS/GLONASS receivers. Russia will have to put billions of dollars into GLONASS over the next few years to keep the system fully operational and then spend even more money to maintain the satellite network. The costs of the Ukraine war are consuming the investment capital needed to maintain Russias civilian infrastructure, including GLONASS, its railroad system and oil production. GLONASS is widely used in conjunction with GPS. In other words, many systems, including cell phones that already used GPS, added GLONASS and Galileo to provide better coverage and fewer instances where the signal was unavailable. Beidou is a more restricted system. Services available to anyone are less accurate than other systems but Beidou also has a more accurate military messaging mode that is only available to the Chinese and Pakistani military. China continues trying to monetize its GPS service, which really would make it unique compared to the others, but few nations are willing to pay for a military grade satnav service provided by China. It will take more than a multi-billion dollar propaganda effort to change global suspicion of Chinese motives and reliability in such matters. One of the reasons why there are so many global positioning satellite systems is that they have both civilian and military applications. GPS was originally developed by the US Department of Defense to provide precise navigation and timing for its armed forces and allies. GPS also became widely used by civilians for various purposes, such as mapping, geocaching, tracking, and recreation. Similarly, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo have dual-use capabilities that can enhance the economic, scientific, and security interests of their respective countries or regions. For example, GLONASS can support Russian oil and gas exploration, Beidou can facilitate China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Galileo can improve European autonomy and resilience in the face of external threats or disruptions. Use of multiple global positioning satellite systems can also increase the accuracy and reliability of the signals, as well as provide redundancy and interoperability in case of failures or attacks. Having too many systems can also pose challenges, such as spectrum congestion, signal interference, and coordination difficulties. Moreover, some countries may use their systems for strategic or political purposes, such as denying access to rivals or asserting territorial claims. Therefore, it is important to establish international norms and regulations for the peaceful and responsible use of global positioning satellite systems. Republicans are outraged that the Biden administration is focusing their efforts on banning single-use plastic utensils as wars rage and the 'world is on fire.' Earlier this month, the White House announced a plan to phase out single-use plastics for government facilities. The scheme will also add tougher regulations to plastic manufacturers in the U.S., the administration said. The 'laughable' move will 'raise costs' and hurt the U.S. plastic suppliers, Republicans charge, saying this effort is absurd and will surely backfire. 'The world's on fire and he's worried about plastic forks,' Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., told DailyMail.com, adding that policy is 'par for the course' for the administration. President Joe Biden's administration announced a plan for the U.S. government to phase out purchasing single-use plastic. The directive will force government locations, like military bases, to find alternatives for plastic utensils and other single-use products The Biden administration's plan seeks to outlaw the purchasing of single-use plastics by 2027 'Look, I certainly understand that plastics are a pollutant, we need to do a better job with it,' Rounds continued. 'But I'm a little bit hesitant to say that this plastic ban will be a good thing.' 'Black and white mandates like this typically backfire. I think there's things that we could do as a government, as well as individuals, to keep improving our environment.' Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told DailyMail.com Biden's effort is 'absurd' and 'laughable.' 'I mean, first of all, what is so bad about plastic forks and spoons? I mean, I assume the biggest impact this will have will be at government workplaces, military bases, things like that,' Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, speculated. 'Does that mean that they're going to have to have, like, stainless steel silverware everywhere, with a lot of people washing dishes, and what about people who need things to go?' He said the effort to phase out single use plastics is misplaced, and that if the White House meaningfully wants to reduce waste, it should shrink the size of the government, the consumer, rather than outlawing plastic, the product consumed. 'They should shrink the government if they want it to be less of a consumer. The reason it's the largest consumer is because it's it employs so many people, and it's doing so many things it was probably never intended to do.' 'So if they want to reduce the impact of the U.S. government environmentally, they should right-size the government.' Lee continued: 'Now, I hope this isn't a step toward banning them, like a public facing ban of general applicability.' Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said that solving plastic pollution in the world's oceans is a pressing issue, but expressed skepticism over the ban. 'Well, I'd like to deal with plastics in the ocean problem. But I'm not so sure this is the answer,' he told DailyMail.com. The ban would impact federal cafeterias like those on Capitol Hill, shown above during a pro-Gaza protest in April 2024 The new administration plan seeks to outlaw plastic utensils at government facilities by A cash register attendant looks at a sign that reads "Plastic Bags Ban" in a grocery store in New York on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Many types of plastic bags will be banned starting March 1, 2020 in New York state in an effort to reduce pollution The central feature of the plan is to phase out single-use plastics for food, packaging and events purchased by the federal government by 2027. The goal is to eradicate all single use-plastics from federal operations by 2035. 'It's more messaging and ridiculousness, and it's a direct shot to that whole industry,' Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'It's also clearly not where everybody is. It's going to raise costs for a lot of folks so it seems to be just irrelevant on deficit issues.' Lankford, who served in the House from 2011 - 2015, recalled a previous attempt to ban plastic dinnerware on Capitol Hill, noting how efforts to ban the products generally get overturned by new administrations. The controversial move to ban plastic spoons, forks and more first outraged Republicans years ago when former Speaker Nancy Pelosi first forbid them in 2007. Once Republicans regained control of the House later in 2011, they scraped the deal, citing how the nearly half a million dollars spent trucking the compostable utensils. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi outlawed plastic utensils in the U.S. Capitol from 2007-2011 before Republicans took power and overturned the rule, Sen. Lankford noted Military bases would also be impacted by the ruling, Sen. Mike Lee speculated 'We've been through that here at the capitol as you know, when Speaker Pelosi said we're going to have digestible silverware everywhere, and everyone went crazy for it, until they started using it to realize you're eating your spoon as well and it doesn't taste great,' Lankford said of Pelosi's 2007 'Green the Capitol' initiative. Pelosi's plan introduced biodegradable utensils, to Capitol Hill before being overturned by Republicans in 2011. Styrofoam cups and plastic forks returned to Capitol cafeterias once the GOP, led by former Speaker John Boehner, retook the chamber. A humble 1950s bungalow has gone on the market for 6 million - 20 times the average UK house price. The three-bed single-storey home - known as Rigi - overlooks the beach at celebrity holiday hotspot Polzeath in Cornwall and is described as an amazing development opportunity. The 2,170sq ft house - currently let out for more than 1,000 per week to holidaymakers - is being sold alongside a neighbouring chalet-style house. The properties sit just a few feet away from neighbouring caravan pitches, separated by a hedge. Estate agents Savills said the property already had planning permission for redevelopment and described it as: An unbelievable opportunity to develop two frontline properties set in just under an acre on Tristram Cliff overlooking the phenomenal Polzeath beach. A humble 1950s bungalow has gone on the market for 6 million - 20 times the average UK house price The three-bed single-storey home - known as Rigi - overlooks the beach at celebrity holiday hotspot Polzeath in Cornwall It is described as an amazing development opportunity The archetypal seaside bungalow with white rendered concrete block construction and tiled roof enjoys stunning views of the coastline The archetypal seaside bungalow with white rendered concrete block construction and tiled roof enjoys stunning views of the coastline. The village in this affluent part of Cornwall has also been a favourite with the likes of David Cameron, who enjoys trips there with his family and has been seen bodyboarding at the beach. The former PM, who left Downing Street in 2016, owns a 2million holiday home in the village of Trebetherick, less than a mile from the beach. The area is known for its numerous A-list and royal connections with chef Gordon Ramsay having a holiday home in nearby Rock while Gwyneth Paltrow is also looking to buy in Polzeath, according to reports. The large sandy beach has also been popular with Royals over the years. Prince William surfed at Polzeath on his stag do, while Prince Harry took Meghan Markle for a romantic weekend there. Estate agents Savills said the property already had planning permission for redevelopment The properties sit just a few feet away from neighbouring caravan pitches, separated by a hedge In recent years the beach has become a haven for anti-social behaviour But in recent years the beach has become a haven for anti-social behaviour as teenagers descend at night and have been seen drinking, taking drugs, having sex and littering. Last year infra-red CCTV cameras captured hundreds of kids as they started fires, dumped broken bottles and caused mayhem. The problem gets worse when top private schools such as Marlborough, Eton and Harrow break up for term as kids from nearby luxury holiday homes come to party. Andy Stewart, a former police officer who now works as a community-funded Beach Ranger tackling anti-social behaviour in the area hit out at the parents of the children, many of whom own million-pound homes in the village of Rock nearby, saying they 'haven't got a clue' what actually goes on. 'They think they are sending their kids to this utopia, where they are sitting on the beach, playing guitar and swapping phone numbers,' he says. 'They don't realise there is excessive drinking, cocaine, nitrous oxide, underage sex and big fires.' In June, a five-bed townhouse in Polzeath went on the market for 2.75million. Gwel Tresla has incredible floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the surf mecca of Polzeath, Cornwall, and even has a sky hammock to take full advantage of the panoramic views. Progressive Squad member Rep. Cori Bush is in real danger of losing her reelection bid as her Democratic challenger has surged in recent polling. The Missouri Democrat is in a hotly-contested race against a centrist challenger who has been hammering Bush for her record of supporting pro-Gaza protests and causes. A shocking survey one week out from the primary race shows Bush's campaign trailing by a massive six points as she looks to avoid being the second progressive Squad member ousted this year. If Bush loses her primary next week it would make her the second Squad member to lose reelection this year after Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., lost his primary to a more moderate Democrat earlier this summer. Rep. Cori Bush, D-mo., a progressive 'Squad' member and former Black Lives Matter organizer, was six points behind her Democratic primary opponent Wesley Bell in a poll released just one week before the scheduled election. If she loses to Bell, she will be the second Squad member to lose their primary elections this year The Mellman Group on behalf of the Democratic Majority For Israel PAC released a poll this week showing Bush's challenger St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell ahead of her 48 percent to 42 percent. Similar to Bush's race against Bell, Bowman's race in New York hinged on a key issue: the Israel-Hamas war. Bowman, a fellow member of the Squad (at least for now before he leaves Congress this winter), fiercely defended Palestinians and decried the Israeli's actions as 'genocide.' His reward for repeatedly attacking the Jewish nation's wartime conduct: a pro-Israel SuperPAC coming after him. AIPAC, a pro-Israel political group, spent massively against Bowman, pumping millions upon millions into the campaign of a local county executive. With the support of the group, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a moderate Democrat, sailed to an easy primary win, securing over 59 percent of the vote compared to Bowman's 40 percent. Meanwhile in Missouri, Bell has had a much tamer tone on the Israel-Hamas war while Bush has loudly advocated for pro-Gaza policies and has thrown her support by anti-Israel protestors, a difference that is expected to impact the race. St. Louis County Prosecutor, Wesley Bell gives remarks during the Ferguson mayoral inauguration. He has beat Bush in consecutive polls from the Mellman Group, possibly indicating he could unseat the incumbent And AIPAC is clearly looking to replicate their maneuver against Bowman to strong arm Bush out of office. 'AIPAC's grassroots members are proud to support strong pro-Israel progressive Democrats like Wesley Bell,' an AIPAC wrote statement recently. 'Cori Bush has been one of the most hostile critics of Israel since she came to Congress in 2021 and has actively worked to undermine mainstream Democratic support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.' In the spring Bush even hosted an event for anti-Israel protestors that were removed by police from George Washington University for squatting on campus property in an encampment for a week. She and fellow Squad mate Rep. Rashida Tlaib celebrated the students's heroics at a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol. More recently Bush skipped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress last week. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., accompanied by George Washington University students speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Washington, after police cleared a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University early Wednesday and arrested demonstrators. (L-R) US Representative Rashida Tlaib, Democrat of Michigan, and US Representative Cori Bush, Democrat of Missouri, hold signs reading 'Stop Sending Bombs' and 'Lasting Ceasefire Now' as US President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2024 Bell has had a much tamer tone on the Israel-Hamas war than Bush, an issue that proved to be damning for Jamaal Bowman, who critics believe lost his race, in part, because of his loud support of Gaza and condemnations of Israel The prosecutor has beat Bush in recent polls for months, showing the former Black Lives Matter organizer consistently behind him. The poll, which was conducted from July 21-24 among 400 in-district voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%. The bad news for Bush is that this poll is a major improvement for her opponent Bell. In June a poll from the same group found him leading the incumbent by a narrow one point margin, up 43 percent to Bush's 42 percent. In addition to Bush and Bowman, Squad founding member Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is also facing a difficult Democratic primary challenger who she narrowly beat in 2022. The Democratic primary between Bush and Bell is scheduled for August 6. Republican South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, 58, is finally off the market. The longtime single senator wed his interior designer fiancee Mindy Noce, 47, on Saturday during a fabulous Charleston bash. Their wedding comes months after critics said they only got engaged in January just before the New Hampshire primary because he was gunning for Donald Trump's vice president slot at the time. Scott dropped out of the presidential race last year before the Iowa caucuses and has been a strong ally of the MAGA movement. But despite the adversity, the Scott and his blushing bride, the mother-of-three, made it official Saturday in a Charleston bash featuring local small businesses and filled with family and friends who danced the night away. A source told DailyMail.com that the loved up pair were married by Pastor Greg Surratt in Mt. Pleasant at their home chapel at Seacoast Church. The longtime single senator wed his interior designer fiancee Mindy Noce, 47, on Saturday during a fabulous Charleston bash The pair were married by Pastor Greg Surratt in Mt. Pleasant at their home chapel at Seacoast Church The wedding party included Scott's brother Ben and Mindys best friend Joni and the reception featured local Charleston small businesses Creechs Florist, Rian Fuller Photography and local cuisine from Halls Chophouse. The newlyweds started off their marriage by dancing to Swayin' to the Music (Slow Dancing) by Johnny Rivers in front of a crowd full of political stars, DailyMail.com can reveal. Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., James Lankford, R-Okla., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., along with former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and former Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam rounded out the crowd. Noce recently opened up about her 'heaven-sent' love story with the Republican senator and how she deals with the critics. Scott proposed to interior designer and mother-of-three Noce in January just before the New Hampshire primary. Noce, a Charleston-area designer, has three grown children with her ex-husband. Scott has never been married and is thrilled about becoming a stepfather. The wedding bash featured local small businesses and filled with family and friends who danced the night away A source told DailyMail.com that the loved up pair were married by Pastor Greg Surratt in Mt. Pleasant at their home chapel at Seacoast Church During a Fox News interview in June, Noce revealed how mutual friends tried to set them up on a pickleball date, before they went on a Bible study together. She thought their bond was 'heaven sent.' Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt then asked Noce how she knew Scott was 'the one.' 'God shows you the path,' Noce responded. She added that she ignores critics who say they got married because he was a presidential nominee and are 'upset he is a black man.' Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt questioned the couple about the criticism they've received - particularly from ABC's The View, who suggested the senator only got engaged to be in the running for vice president. 'They are ridiculous period. It is not just comments about me, they get paid to tear people down,' Scott replied. He added he 'goes into prayer' when the negativity about their relationship surfaces. Scott said that he had been 'praying for years' to find a wife. And he knew she was the one from their first conversation. 'She laughs and understands love of country and love [of] the Lord,' he explained. She's 'attractive, family, devoted to the country. It's a pretty good deal.' The pair went on to detail the romantic nature of Scott's proposal on 'one of the coldest days in January.' Hall's Chophouse provided the food for the wedding bash on Saturday evening Senator Tim Scott with Mindy Noce in a photo posted to Scott's Facebook profile on February 15, 2024 with the caption 'My forever Valentine' They took a stroll along the beach, admiring the beautiful sunset when Scott asked Noce to take off her gloves. 'I said no,' Noce replied...'until I saw him get the ring.' 'I went to my knee, I felt this wave of emotion hit me like a ton of bricks. I really want to spend the rest of my life with this woman. And what a blessing,' Scott gushed. 'I'm a good listener, I pride myself on that. I'll pray and do a lot of prayer, being a prayer warrior for him, supporting him, being a listener and loving on him is my role. 'He is devoted to his lord and savior, to his family. He is devoted to his friends and his country.' Scott and Noce are set to get married on August 3 at the Seacrest Church in Charleston. The GOP senator recently gushed about becoming a stepfather once the pair weds. Scott, 58, proposed to Noce, 47, in January just before the New Hampshire primary. The pair is getting married on August 3 in Charleston, South Carolina VP-hopeful Tim Scott will become a stepfather on August third when he weds Mindy Noce, an interior designer and mother of three He had been notoriously quiet about his love life before meeting Noce, and even admitted he was a virgin for years. Scott and Noce are set to get married on August 3 at the Seacrest Church in Charleston He had been notoriously quiet about his love life before meeting Noce, and even admitted he was a virgin for years. Scott ended months of speculation about his love life by bringing his girlfriend on stage after the Republican presidential debate in Miami last November. He posed for photos with the mother-of-three behind his debate lectern and briefly held her hand in a touching moment after a tense night in the GOP primary. At the time, Sen. Scott's team confirmed to DailyMail.com that the pair had been dating for 'several months' after eagled-eyed views spotted Noce smiling for the cameras. This is the shocking moment a gang of 'feral children' appear to throw punches at a man, before dragging him to the ground and stamping on his head. The sickening viral footage emerged on X on Saturday night of scenes filmed just metres away from Zandi Barbers in Cowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne. In the 25-second clip, a group of around youths can be seen gathering around a man and throwing punches at him. A man wearing a red top is pulled away from the group by a second man wearing light-coloured trousers and a dark top. The violence continues between a youth wearing a blue hoodie and a third man wearing a red top and black trousers. This is the shocking moment a gang of 'feral children' appear to throw punches at a man, before dragging him to the ground and stamping on his head In the 25-second clip, a group of around youths can be seen gathering around a man and throwing punches at him. A man wearing a red top is pulled away from the group by a second man wearing light-coloured trousers and a dark top A man wearing a red top continues to exchange blows with a youth in the clip, which was filmed in Cowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne As the pair fall to the ground, the youths clamber around them and shout to one another. Several of the youths then appear to kick at their victim repeatedly, at least five times. A voice off-camera shouts, 'that's enough, enough!' before the clip ends. When approached by MailOnline, the owner of the barber shop in Ponteland Road, denied the altercation involved any of his colleagues. He added that it happened 'a couple of days ago'. A series of social media posts on Facebook commenting on the video suggest that the youths had just moments before had an altercation with employees at a nearby pizza shop. According to a woman who witnessed the incident, the youngsters boarded a bus at a stop just outside the barber shop. They were then followed by two men wearing red tops who 'stormed' onto the bus. It is alleged the men started 'punching the young boys' before turning on the partner of the witness, who had asked them to leave the bus. According to the witness, the bus driver remained at the stop while the police were called out to the scene. The video has attracted thousands of views across social media platforms, with many calling out the behaviour of the young boys. In a shocking moment towards the end of the clip, the youths seem to round on their victim and repeatedly kick him in the head One described their conduct as 'disgusting', while another said they were, 'wrong, so very very wrong'. Another said, 'I'd be ashamed if they were my kids, I'd hand them in to the police myself, there's just no need for this kind of behaviour'. A fourth said: 'Feral and absolutely shocking behaviour'. MailOnline has contacted Northumbria Police for further comment. A Vermont man who decided to take his own life shared his final moments surrounded by his loved ones while having a beer. Bill Mares, 83, was told last July he had lymphoma, a form of cancer, and was given a terminal diagnosis. Refusing to let the cancer take his life, Mares opted to use the state's 'death with dignity' law and passed away on Monday. His final moments were chronicled in a heart-rending snap shared by Mares' family after his death. Close friends paid final visits to Mares, who had been receiving hospice care, before he took the drugs that would kill him mixed in his favorite Vermont beer, Conehead. Vermont was the first state to allow assisted suicide, with religious groups testifying against it - causing a debate that lasted years. Close friends paid final visits to Mares, who had been receiving hospice care, before he took the drugs that would kill him mixed in his favorite Vermont beer, Conehead. He is seen here alongside his family Mares came to the decision with his wife of 53 years Chris Hadsel, who backed his decision Speaking with WCAX, Mares said the law was a gift to him saying: 'Its time to choose. Ive got to choose, and this is what Ive chosen. 'God bless the people of Vermont who have given us all the right to make this choice.' He added: 'I am living the results of the right that I want everyone to have, which is a right to decide. I am happy Ive had this wonderful life.' Mares came to the decision with his wife of 53 years Chris Hadsel, who backed his decision. He said she kissed him before saying, 'Fine it's your decision. I love you'. Hadsel added: 'He really didnt want to end up in the hospital, didnt want a lot of tubes and lingering. 'Its going to be bad to not have anybody in the house. You know, if Ill come in the door, theres the dog, theres Bill. But Ill manage.' Refusing to let the cancer take his life, Mares opted to use the state's 'death with dignity' law and passed away on Monday Mares spoke to the outlet in hopes of sharing his story that would help a national death with dignity law be introduced in Congress, adding: 'I'm on a crusade'. Prior to his passing, he spoke with Vermont Senator Peter Welch who told the outlet: 'I support what we did in Vermont and Id advocate for it in Washington. 'But I do think that the state-by-state approach is what is going to be essential before youd get a national piece of legislation.' Last year, the state became the first in the country to change their assisted suicide law to allow terminally ill people from out of state to travel and make use of the law. Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill that removes the residency requirement for the decades-old law. Donald Trump is 'upset and annoyed' that Vice President Kamala Harris has stolen the campaign spotlight and aides fear his incendiary comments on her race will hurt his election odds, sources say. Harris' expected nomination has upended the presidential race and caused a major shift in the polls compared to when President Joe Biden was still the Democratic nominee -- and Trump had a significant advantage in swing states. Trump's aides were left gasping when he told the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago that he 'didn't know' Harris was black and thought she was 'Indian all the way,' insiders told The Wall Street Journal. 'A strategy of racism, I dont think, is healthy for the Republican party, for America in its civil engagements, nor do I think it will be helpful for the Trump campaign,' Rick Tyler, a GOP strategist who was the spokesman for Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign, told The Journal. People close to the former president said he was been frustrated by the positive attention and whopping amounts of cash Harris has brought in. Trump insiders said the former president is frustrated by all the attention his new opponent has received Harris is the first black, female, and South-Asian-heritage vice president, but Trump suggested her embrace of black culture was phony Harris' presidential campaign announced it raised $81 million in its first 24 hours after President Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed the vice president. The Trump campaign had planned to paint the vice president as an opportunist and inconsistent on policy. But the mercurial former president changed course drastically by bringing his new rival's racial identity into the mix on Wednesday. Trump insiders said that he had been thinking Harris was inauthentic with how she presented her race. Harris is the first black, female, and South-Asian-heritage vice president, but Trump suggested her embrace of black culture was phony at the Chicago conference. He said: '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? Aides were left gasping when Trump said he 'didn't know' Harris was black and thought she was 'Indian all the way' at the NABJ conference in Chicago 'And you know what, I respect either one but she obviously doesn't. Because she was Indian all the way and all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person. I think somebody should look into that.' Trump then doubled down on Truth Social saying, 'Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity!' The Trump campaign has been trying to court black voters but political strategists fear he will isolate them if he continues to attack Harris over he identity. Scott Jennings gave a blunt assessment on CNN NewsNight when host Abby Phillip pressed him about the strategy behind Trump claiming that the vice president just 'happened to turn Black' a few years ago. 'He did crap the bed today,' the pundit and political strategist said, before offering an applicable metaphor. 'The only question is whether he's gonna roll around in it or get up and change the sheets.' A mother-of-two claims she has been living in torture every day after she was prescribed an antibiotic by her doctor. The 35-year-old woman from Adelaide, Allison*, suffered from a skin rash and was given Ciprofloxacin during a telehealth consult in November. She claimed she was only advised to stay out of the sun while she was taking the medication. Allison took five of the pills over the course of two days and started to feel nauseous before experiencing intense side effects that have continued to linger. She said she is constantly anxious and depressed while experiencing insomnia and 'burning sensations' in her hands and feet, known as peripheral neuropathy. She said she would wake up as much as 10 times per night with the burning feeling and that there is 'no medication' to treat the sensation. The mother claims her doctor didn't return her calls regarding the side effects and was forced to consult with other professionals to seek treatment. Allison's condition was recognised in May by an internationally renowned doctor as long-term fluoroquinolone-associated disability (FQAD). A mother-of-two from Adelaide has reported experiencing horrific long-term side effects after taking common antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin (stock image) Some experience the condition after taking fluoroquinolone - the active ingredient in Ciprofloxacin - which is used to treat ailments such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. While she is one of over 500 people worldwide to have been diagnosed with FQAD, there is minimal treatment options and Allison is still dealing with the effects. 'I can't explain to you the torture it will put your body through for a very, very long time,' she told The Advertiser. 'Every night I go to bed, my whole body is alive with tingling sensations and there's no medication that takes it away.' Ciprofloxacin was developed by German pharmaceutical company, Bayer Pharma AG, and approved for use in the United States in 1987. The US Food and Drug Administration in 2015 placed their strongest warning, a 'boxed warning', on fluoroquinolone products after finding a number of side effects. 'These medicines are associated with disabling and potentially permanent side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system that can occur together in the same patient,' the warning reads. The administration also warned doctors to only give to 'patients who have no other treatment options ... because (of) the risk of these serious side effects'. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) launched an investigation into the potential side effects of fluoroquinolone in 2020 following a 'safety signal'. Ciprofloxacin and similar medications norfloxacin and moxifloxacin, were found to have caused a 'rare but serious potential adverse event of aortic aneurysm and dissection'. The 35-year-old took the antibiotic to treat a skin rash (stock image) but has since felt anxious and depressed while experiencing insomnia and 'burning sensations' in her hands and feet A TGA spokesman said it was not responsible for regulating the practice of medical professionals and entrusted them with being transparent with patients (stock image) A TGA spokesman said it was not responsible for regulating the practice of medical professionals and entrusted them with being transparent with patients. 'It is important to understand that the TGA does not regulate the clinical practice of health professionals,' he said. 'The treating clinician is responsible for obtaining informed consent from their patients following discussion of the benefits and risks, including consideration of any other treatment options available. 'All medicines, including fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin), carry potential risks. 'Most of these are minor, but sometimes they can be serious. 'If the TGA identifies a safety concern relating to a medicine, we can take regulatory action to address it.' A Bayer AG spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that they 'We sympathise with Allison' and have been in contact with local health authorities regarding her condition. 'Although Bayer no longer supplies Ciprofloxacin in Australia, there are a number of other manufacturers who continue to supply the market,' the spokesperson said. 'It is listed on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines and is frequently prescribed in Australia to treat infectious conditions.' 'All medicines have benefits and risks that need to be considered by prescribing doctors to ensure they are the right therapy for the right patient. 'The risks associated with Ciprofloxacin are listed in Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information documents, which are available to doctors, pharmacists and patients in the public domain via the TGA website. 'These can be reviewed between a doctor and patient at the time of prescribing or with a pharmacist when the medication is dispensed.' *Name changed Chelsea Clinton is reportedly eyeing up a highly regarded ambassador gig if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election in November. Her parents - Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - were quick to endorse the vice president after Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from the race. Harris is quickly gaining momentum in the polls and bringing in heaps of cash for her campaign - while Former President Donald Trump is growing 'frustrated' with all the positive attention she is receiving. The former first daughter, 44, is said to be angling for the ambassadorship to the United Kingdom if Harris wins and her parents are allegedly helping her get there. 'Chelsea really wants to be the ambassador to the UK,' a source close to the Clintons told The New York Post. 'There's a reason why Bill and Hillary came out in the first five minutes to support Kamala's presidential bid they were currying favor.' Chelsea Clinton is reportedly eyeing up a highly regarded ambassador gig if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election Insiders said Chelsea angling for the ambassadorship to the United Kingdom if Harris wins and her parents are allegedly helping her get there Her parents - Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - were quick to endorse Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped down from the presidential race 'She is 44 and has a long-held ambition for this. It's important for her to have her own legacy. She has always wanted to spend more time abroad, much like Caroline Kennedy.' Sources said the Clintons have been 'working on this idea for a long time' and that Chelsea would also consider an ambassadorship in France. 'I can well imagine that the UK ambassadorship is an aspiration for Chelsea, although she is a bit junior still and London usually goes to a massive donor or fundraiser,' a longtime British embassy official told The Post. Chelsea was 12 when her father won the presidency, but took on a public profile after she graduated from college. She joined the family foundation and campaigned for her mother on the campaign trail. In 2013, the former first daughter was paid $600,000 by NBC to do a smattering of reporting. The Clintons vehemently denied endorsing Harris to pull strings for their daughter and get her a gig in the state department. 'Among stupid things said by clueless people, that's pretty high up there,' a representative for Hillary said. The Clintons vehemently denied endorsing Harris to pull strings for their daughter Hillary Clinton claimed she laid the groundwork for Kamala Harris' presidential bid in a New York Times opinion piece A representative for Chelsea also denied any ulterior motives for her endorsement. 'There is no truth here. Chelsea is proud to support Vice President Harris and is committed to doing everything she can to ensure she is elected in November,' the rep said. Donald Trump Jr. posted about the reporting of Chelsea hoping for an ambassadorship on X with the caption 'shocking' and three eye-roll emojis. Chelsea clapped back saying, 'Must be the same people who said I would run for Congress, get married years before I actually did, and have an alien sibling. 'Cant wait to elect Vice President Harris as our next President of the United Statesand keep living in New York City.' He will face court for committal hearing on Thursday An upcoming court hearing over the alleged murder of Samantha Murphy might finally provide some answers into the mother-of-three's disappearance. Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, is set to face court for a committal hearing on Thursday over the alleged murder of Ms Murphy. Ms Murphy vanished without a trace after she left her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East, Victoria, on the morning of February 4. The 51-year-old set out for her morning run at 7am, through the nearby Woowookrung Regional Park - a 14km route she had done countless times before. In early March, almost five weeks after Ms Murphy's disappearance, police charged Stephenson with her alleged murder despite her body never being found. On Sunday, Ms Murphy's family, friends, and the wider Ballarat community marked six months since her disappearance. Many are hoping this week's hearing will begin to answer questions as to why Stephenson allegedly killed her. Questions remain as to whether Stephenson will appear in court, what his lawyers will argue and the location of Ms Murphy's body. Samantha Murphy, 51, vanished without a trace after she left her home in Ballarat East, Victoria, for her morning run on February 4 (pictured) Her family, friends and the wider Ballarat community are hoping a committal hearing on Thursday will begin to answer questions into her disappearance and alleged murder (pictured, Ms Murphy's husband Mick (left) and daughter Jess (right)) 'Everyone's on edge for the case to see where things go from here,' a former schoolmate of Mr Stephenson told the Herald Sun. 'It's a big "small town". If you're not somehow connected to any part of the case, someone you know is. 'People are talking about it, but come next week the whole town will be going wild about it again.' The case is one of the highest priority criminal investigations for Victoria Police, with the missing persons squad working tirelessly to compile compelling evidence for the trial. A breakthrough in the case came after police searched a dam at a property south of Buninyong, approximately 14km from her home, on May 29. Officers located a mud-splattered mobile phone in a wallet at the water's edge, believed to have been found by a police tech detector dog. In a statement issued shortly after the mobile phone was found, police said they had located some 'items of interest' during the search for the missing mum. The phone, along with other items found in the search, underwent forensic testing with sources confirming the device belonged to Ms Murphy. Many were hopeful the phone would lead to Ms Murphy's body, however, police have remained tight-lipped on the evidence found on the device. Police launched a series of 'targeted searches' in bushland and on properties across the area, with hopes of locating the missing mum's body or finding crucial evidence to strengthen the case. In early March, almost five weeks after Ms Murphy's disappearance, police charged Patrick Orren Stephenson (pictured) with her alleged murder A breakthrough in the case came after police searched a dam at a property south of Buninyong, approximately 14km from her home, and found Ms Murphy's phone Police allege Stephenson 'deliberately attacked' Ms Murphy in Mount Clear, about 7km into her run. Stephenson, who has no connection to the Murphy family, was charged with murdering the mother-of-three on March 7. He is the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, who played 15 games for Geelong and Richmond between 2012 and 2014. It is understood Stephenson, who remains in custody, has reserved his right to silence. August 3, 2024: Russia, the country with the longest arctic shoreline, has long been the largest producer and user of icebreaking ships. Currently there are 179 icebreakers in service worldwide, with 29 being built and 35 on order. This degree of activity not only replaces older icebreakers nearing retirement age but is also increasing the worldwide icebreaker fleet. Russia operates 85 icebreakers, the largest number of any nation. While Russia is the largest builder and user of icebreakers, they owe much to Finland. Since World War II Finland has led the world in developing more efficient icebreaker designs. One icebreaker innovation Finland did not develop was the armed combat icebreaker. Russia has already built one armed icebreaker, the 9,000-ton Papanin, with two more under construction and another planned. The Papanin began sea trials in July 2024 and is expected to join the Northern Fleet, near the Arctic Circle, by the end of 2024. Construction of the Papanin began in 2017. Armament consists of a 76mm gun, four 12.7mm machine-guns and two 30mm multi barrel Close In Weapons (CIWS) for defense against missiles or small surface vessels. There is also space onboard for Uran anti-ship and Kalibr land attack missiles. The Papanins have a top speed of 33 kilometers an hour and a max range of 19,000 kilometers at a speed of 19 kilometers an hour. These ships are designed to break through ice up to 1.7 meters thick. Maximum endurance on internal fuel and crew supplies is 70 days. The ship crew is 60 with accommodations for another 50 specialists and observers. A helicopter is carried, with a hanger to shelter the helicopter from harsh Arctic weather. There are also two small Raptor class patrol boats that can carry 23 people or just the crew of three and over a ton of supplies or equipment. Some small drones can also be carried. There is room for adding sonar and anti-submarine torpedoes. Papanin is similar to current unarmed Norwegian and Canadian icebreakers. Papanin is armed to protect traffic on the 5,600 kilometer long Russian Northern Sea Route that links East Asia with Northern Europe. This arctic sea lane passes along the exclusively Russian northern coast. Russia wants to maintain control of this corridor even though large parts of it are in international seas, outside Russian coastal waters. Russia also has several land bases along this route. These bases are controlled by the Russian Northern Fleet which has assigned over 10,000 troops, more than a hundred aircraft and several dozen warships and submarines to protect the Northern Sea Route. As of 2024 the Northern Sea Route can accommodate over 500 merchant ships a year and that capacity is steadily increasing. Because of the ice and Arctic storms, this route can be treacherous. Safety is achieved if the Russians can maintain enough land bases and ports along the route to monitor weather and sea conditions and provide ports if commercial ships must seek temporary refuge. The Northern Sea Route cuts the time required by a third for ships carrying cargo between East Asia and Northern Europe. China and Russia are two major users of this route and Russia wants to increase the safety and security of this route to encourage heavier use. Russia does not charge a fee to use the Northern Sea Route even though Russia has spent billions of dollars to build and maintain this route. The BBC has been accused of 'smearing' a Conservative leadership contender by suggesting that his party's 'stop the boats' rhetoric was linked to the riots breaking out across the country. Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, was questioned about the violence when he appeared on the Radio 4 Today programme yesterday. Presenter Mishal Husain asked him: 'Do you look back at rhetoric you've used, your party has used, and look at any of it in a different way, particularly the idea of putting forward 'stop the boats' as a slogan.' Mr Jenrick responded: 'No, absolutely not, Mishal. I think you are looking at this in completely the wrong way.' An ally of Mr Jenrick told The Mail on Sunday: 'The idea that wanting to stop the boats is in any way linked to recent disorder is ludicrous and offensive. If successive governments delivered on their immigration promises, there would be far less space for the Far Right to operate in. The BBC has been accused of smearing Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick after he was questioned about riots on the Radio 4 Today programme He was asked by Mishal Husain if he 'looked back' at any rhetoric he or the party had used including the 'stop the boats' slogan 'It just shows how out of touch the BBC is when it comes to confronting the issue of immigration and integration. They instantly recoil and seek to smear politicians speaking hard truths.' The source added: 'I don't remember the BBC interrogating the complete breakdown in law and order in Harehills, Leeds, two weeks ago.' Mr Jenrick said in the interview: 'I unequivocally condemn violence and disorder of this kind, and back the police to the hilt. 'But there are concerns among millions of people in our country legitimate concerns about mass migration, about illegal migration. You do not channel those concerns through violence, obviously. 'But neither should we as politicians, or indeed, you as the media, brush those concerns under the carpet, because that only makes the problems worse.' It came as the Prime Minister faced pressure to recall Parliament to deal with the unrest. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel, who is also running for the party leadership, said: 'The Government is now in danger of appearing to be swept away with events rather than maintaining control of them.' Mr Jenrick said the interview showed how 'out of touch' the BBC was on immigration and integration She urged ministers to use their powers to 'their maximal extent'. 'Now is a moment for national reflection and solidarity to pull back from the wave of violence we have seen, to call it out for what it is, without fear or favour,' she wrote on X. 'And for Parliament to speak with one voice in condemnation. We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not. That is why Parliament must be recalled immediately.' Separately, Mr Jenrick also rebuked Reform MP Nigel Farage for questioning whether police were withholding the truth about the Southport stabbings. After police said the attacks on Monday were not terror-related, Mr Farage said in a video message: 'I just wonder whether truth is being withheld from us I don't know.' But Mr Jenrick said yesterday: 'I don't think any of us should be doing anything to make the job of the police more difficult at this time.' Tory leadership candidates have been ordered to fundraise 200,000 for the party amid concerns it is 'broke'. Sources from two rival camps said they have been asked for the sum by the party, which they have to find on top of the money they raise for their actual campaigns. It is understood the 200,000 amount will apply to the contenders who reach the final two. However, all six candidates are tapping up donors as they hope to progress. One source said the amount is 'much higher' than the usual paid for leadership contests: 'It is because they are broke.' The party has been struggling to draw in donations since before the General Election. Tory leadership contenders Kemi Badenoch , Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat Tory leadership contenders Dame Priti Patel , James Cleverly and Mel Stride The leadership contenders are Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat, Dame Priti Patel, James Cleverly and Mel Stride. But party officials rejected the idea that the high amount reflected a gap in the finances, and said it was down to the length of the contest, which will run until November. A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'This is nothing to do with CCHQ finances. 'It is usual precedent for leadership contenders to give a contribution to CCHQ to pay for the process of balloting the party membership and other events that will be hosted by CCHQ, such as hustings. As always, this approach has been decided by the party board.' A government department is embroiled in a peculiar row over whether staff can wear 'fetish gear' to work following complaints from civil servants about a transgender colleague, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Employees in the Department for Work and Pensions are objecting to the 'highly inappropriate' workwear of a fellow official which last week prompted a Tory peer to ask the Government about its 'policy on civil servants wearing fetish clothing in the workplace'. It is understood that Baroness Jenkin of Kennington tabled the unusual question to reflect her general concerns about the dress code and also in response to the specific issues raised by civil servants about one Whitehall diversity ambassador. Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale, a trans woman who works for the DWP, has previously come under fire for saying that trans children's demands for puberty blockers should take precedence over their 'parents' will'. The civil servant, who co-chairs the Civil Service LGBT+ network, has also been criticised for linking women's rights groups to the far-Right and suggesting they are calling for trans genocide Colleagues of Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale (pictured), a trans woman who works for the DWP, have complained over her work attire, as she is known to wear fishnet tights, low-cut black corsets, high heels and a gothic choker with a pentagram to work Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale (pictured) has previously come under fire for saying that trans children's demands for puberty blockers should take precedence over their 'parents' will' It is understood that Baroness Jenkin of Kennington (pictured) expressed her general concerns about the dress code at the DWP and also in response to the specific issues raised by civil servants about the Whitehall diversity ambassador Now Tweedale, 58, is facing fresh controversy as fellow staff members say their colleague regularly wears fishnet tights, low-cut black corsets, high heels and a gothic choker with a pentagram to work, which they have described as looking 'almost like fetish gear'. One well-placed source told the MoS: 'At a stretch it looks like gothic evening wear but really it's very strange. If you had a female member of staff coming into work everyday like that you would have to have a conversation. 'If you worked in a bank or any office job you couldn't wear that kind of stuff whether you're a woman or a man, the sex is relevant really but it's a highly inappropriate attire to wear.' They added: 'It's taxpayer money that funds him and he's representing civil servants. There is an expectation that people in their role represent their department and that they would look appropriate to that role.' DWP staff are expected to dress in a professional and business-like way and any complaints about staff are subject to a review process. It comes following a long-running dispute between the DWP and some civil servants after they wrote to the permanent secretary Peter Schofield in August 2023 warning of the 'chilling effect' of gender ideology and the 'unlawful imposition of these beliefs throughout the department'. Signage outside the entrance to Caxton House at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Tothill Street, London, SW1, England, UK The letter, seen by this newspaper, says that they are made to feel 'cruel, prejudiced and transphobic' for not agreeing 'that any man who says he is a woman is actually a woman'. It adds: 'Lesbians and women generally in the department are being silenced in the workplace and our rights are being undermined.' The letter also raised issues with Tweedale specifically, who they claimed had 'played a key role in the attempted ideological takeover' of the department and 'states that any disagreement with gender identity theory is far right, transphobic and exclusionary'. One key concern was Tweedale's apparent position as the National Diversity Ambassador on Trans Issues for DWP which the civil servant has advertised on online profiles and uses to give training on 'trans issues' throughout the Civil Service. In response to the letter, the permanent secretary's office confirmed in an email that 'we do not have a National Diversity Ambassador on Trans Issues for DWP role'. Responding to their other concerns, the email said: 'I can reassure you that my team and I work closely with Peter and our Departmental Diversity and Inclusion Champions to ensure that everyone in the workplace is treated with respect, regardless of differing backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, and in line with our DWP Values.' Last month Tweedale was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bradford in recognition of a career which has 'helped people through trade unionism' and also 'her diversity and equality work'. A DWP spokesman said: 'We don't comment on individual staffing matters.' Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale was repeatedly approached for comment. A female-led carjacking gang led police officers on a dangerous chase that ended with them trapped, shot - and an unborn baby dead. The incident happened on June 20 when officers attempted to stop a stolen Chevy SUV after it was wanted in connection with two armed robberies earlier that day. After the car fled, officers gave chase and filmed as it weaved in and out of traffic, clipping at least two other cars and almost causing crashes. The vehicle then entered a construction lane on a freeway and collided with a cement truck. When the driver of the vehicle reversed into a squad car officers opened fire, hitting Ashley Patterson, 18, and killing her unborn child. Prosecutors have since charged Patterson alongside her boyfriend Calveyon Jeans, 17, Semira Dean,18, Tyrone Rogers, 17, and two other youths with a combined total of 20 crimes. One of the male teens was left in a serious condition, while Patterson suffered life-threatening injuries. She has now been released from hospital. The incident happened on June 20 when officers attempted to stop a vehicle after it was wanted in connection with two armed robberies earlier that day After the vehicle fled, officers gave chase when the vehicle entered a construction lane on a freeway and collided with a cement truck According to a complaint seen by WISN, Dean is said to have been to the ringleader of the group who called themselves the 'Crash Out Dummies'. Prosecutors say they would rob people and steal vehicles in downtown Milwaukee, with Dean having stole the car earlier in the day. The complaint says that Dean also made off with '$200 and some marijuana' from a drug dealers, admitting to cops she stole vehicles for expecting buyers. Dean, seen here, is said to have been to the ringleader of the group who called themselves the 'Crash Out Dummies' The teenager told officers she had stolen four cars the day before, with the group having attempted to steal one rental car earlier on June 20. The complaint said that one woman was approached by three teenagers who demanded her keys and grabbed at her, before she managed to fight them off. Less than 30 minutes later another person was approached by two teens while sitting in his vehicle. Prosecutors say a young female knocked on his window and asked about restaurants before a young male pulled a gun on him. The two demanded the man out of the car before they drove away in the vehicle. Prosecutors say Dean, Jeans, Patterson and Rogers watched from another car. After officers managed to stop the gang, they found a county sheriff's deputy firearm inside the vehicle. The gun was linked with a stolen vehicle belonging to a Waukesha County sheriff's deputy in September of last year. He had left his badge and weapon inside the car. When the driver of the vehicle reversed into a squad car officers opened fire, hitting Ashley Patterson, seen here, and killing her unborn child Prosecutors say they would rob people and steal vehicles in downtown Milwaukee, with Dean having stole the car earlier in the day Police recovered the vehicle in January, but the duty weapon was missing from it. Jeans admitted to officers that he, Dean and another stole the gun last year. Investigators say the gun was used in numerous other carjackings before it was recovered from the crash site. Calvin Jeans, the father of Calveyon, told reporters his son had a history of run ins with the law, and that he had exhausted all way to try and get his own son help. The youth has prior convictions of driving a vehicle without consent, with all teens charged have 'extensive records' involving stolen vehicles. Police had released the body cam footage after pressure from families of the alleged and activist group Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. The 25-year-old officer who fired shots was placed on administrative duty, per department policy. The teenager who was paid 35,000 by disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards for sexual pictures has called on BBC boss Tim Davie to stand down over the corporation's handling of the affair. The now 21-year-old accused the BBC of 'trying to protect' Edwards after it emerged he was allowed to keep his job and six-figure pay packet despite being arrested back in November. Edwards, 62, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court this week to receiving 41 indecent images of children, seven of which were in the most serious category. The young man told the Mirror: 'It's absolutely unbelievable that he remained on the payroll.how does that even happen. 'It feels like the BBC are trying to protect Edwards. Mr Davie needs to quit.' He added: 'This can't be allowed to happen again. Mr Davie was aware of the arrest yet I feel it was almost as if the BBC turned a blind eye.' Huw Edwards arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London on Wednesday Tim Davie defended the decision not to sack Edwards, saying the BBC had taken 'difficult decisions in a fair and judicious manner' The teenager (stock image) who was paid 35,000 by disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards for sexual pictures has called on BBC boss Tim Davie to stand down His comments come after Mr Davie defended the decision not to sack Edwards, saying the BBC had taken 'difficult decisions in a fair and judicious manner'. 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.' But added that when the charges became public this week: 'We were very shocked. No one knew about the specifics of what we heard over the last few days, which have been deeply disturbing.' '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.' Mr Davie also revealed that Edwards would still receive his 300,000-a-year pension despite the criminal charges against him. The young man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was just a teenager when he first began messaging the 62-year-old newsreader and exchanging sexual images for money. Former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to receiving 41 indecent images of children, which included two sexual videos of a boy under nine 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 Edwards paid the man, who was 17 at the time, a total of 35,000 and then allegedly asked him to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The boy's mother and stepfather complained to police in April 2023, but three months later detectives declared that no crime had been committed between the pair. However the 21-year-old has said he felt 'groomed' by the disgraced presenter. 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. Speaking to the Mirror earlier this week, he said: 'I've stayed silent for so long to protect Huw, but I feel sick at what has happened.' 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.' However, it all came crashing down, when the then teenager's mother found the messages between the pair for a rendezvous at Cardiff train station. Recently released footage shows the stepfather confronting Edwards at a train station as he waited to meet the teen. The mother then contacted her son to say his stepfather was on his way to confront Edwards. It is understood that this message was relayed to Edwards who then made a swift exit on the next train back to London without their meeting taking place. The footage taken in May last year shows Edwards on the platform of a train station waiting to meet man for a secret rendezvous Court artist drawing of Edwards. The veteran news broadcaster pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, between December 2020 and August 2022 Recalling the events, the stepfather told The Sun: 'I was so angry. I just wanted to confront him and tell him to stop doing what he was doing. 'I didn't even care if I got arrested I wanted everyone to know what was happening.' The stepfather then attempted to make an official complaint to the BBC nearby regional office where he was given a number to call BBC London instead. The stepfather claims this number did not work but eventually the family managed to get in touch with the BBC's Audience Service who sent the case to the organisation's Corporate Investigations team. The family then went to The Sun newspaper who broke the shocking claim that Edwards had paid for explicit photos. Before the scandal broke last year, Edwards was one of the BBC's most famous stars where he covered major events for BBC News including the Queen's death and King Charles's coronation. The Director General was summoned to meet Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on Thursday to explain the BBC's role in the scandal, including who had knowledge of Edwards' arrest in November last year. Lisa Nandy is now calling on Edwards to hand back his huge 200,000 salary which he was paid after the arrest and while he was suspended from the BBC. MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. Fears over marriage laws being 'watered down' mounted last night after Labour raised the prospect of legalising humanist weddings. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones made clear that the non-religious marriages recognised in law in Scotland but not in England and Wales could be included as part of wider wedding law reform. However, the move has sparked fears that the institution of marriage could be weakened by such an action. Tory MP Martin Vickers, a member of the Christians in Parliament all-party group, said: 'I would be concerned about any proposal that watered down the current meaning of the institution of marriage. 'Marriage is the bedrock of our society and we must tread very carefully about any changes to the existing law.' Fears over marriage laws being 'watered down' mounted last night after Labour raised the prospect of legalising humanist weddings (stock image) There have also previously been fears that allowing the rule change would lead to 'other sects' having legally recognised weddings including Star Wars-themed Jedi ceremonies. However, that was dismissed as 'scaremongering' by the Humanists UK organisation last night. It says that thousands of couples across England and Wales tie the knot each year with specially tailored, non-religious humanist ceremonies. Spokesman Richy Thompson described the weddings as 'non-religious ceremonies conducted by a celebrant who shares the couple's non-religious beliefs, spends a long time getting to know them and creates a completely bespoke, unique ceremony which reflects who they are'. Tory MP Martin Vickers, a member of the Christians in Parliament all-party group, said: 'I would be concerned about any proposal that watered down the current meaning of the institution of marriage' But unlike in Scotland, which legally recognised the ceremonies nearly 20 years ago, couples in England and Wales must then have their marriage recognised in a Register Office or other approved venue. Calls for a change in the law in England and Wales have fallen on deaf ears, with a Tory government source in 2013 claiming that such proposals 'seek to undermine and dilute the institution of marriage'. However, the new Labour Government signalled a potential change last week after Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper asked about the 'potential merits' of the move. Ms Davies-Jones told her: 'We are aware that weddings are an important issue for humanists.' She noted that a Law Commission report in 2022 had called for wholesale change of weddings law, adding: 'We will take the time as a new government to properly consider this issue.' There have also previously been fears that allowing the rule change would lead to 'other sects' having legally recognised weddings including Star Wars-themed Jedi ceremonies (stock image) That report concluded that imposing unnecessary restrictions meant that 'weddings law is not working for many couples'. It set out reforms to ensure that 'the same legal rules apply to all weddings, whether the wedding consists of a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony or (if permitted by government) a non-religious belief ceremony, for example, a humanist ceremony.' Last night, Mr Thompson said that as well as in Scotland, these non-religious marriages were recognised in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and had proved hugely popular. He dismissed the idea that legalising humanist weddings would weaken marriage, saying that 'in Scotland, couples who get married through humanist marriage are less likely to end up getting divorced'. The Ministry of Justice was approached for comment. A pilot was preparing to take off from a Texas airport when he was suddenly arrested on a disturbing charge -- forcing a cancellation. A Frontier Airlines pilot was taken into custody by Houston police on board a plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Saturday night. The airman, later identified as 45-year-old Seymour Walker, was removed from Flight 3195 before takeoff due to an outstanding warrant for assault-family violence. Law enforcement timed the arrest for when Flight 3195 reached its assigned gate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport around 4 p.m. Officers boarded the empty plane and took the pilot into custody without any problems. A pilot was preparing to take off from a Texas airport when he was suddenly arrested on a disturbing charge -- forcing a cancellation A Frontier Airlines pilot was taken into custody by Houston police on board a plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Saturday right Frontier Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the pilot was arrested before boarding began for Flight 3195, bound for Dallas-Fort Worth. Due to the immediate lack of a replacement crew, the flight was canceled. To make up for the inconvenience, passengers who were going to board Flight 3195 were offered a full refund, credit, or a spot on the next available flight. 'Airlines report incidents such as this to the FAA office that oversees them, and we investigate all pilot-related issues,' the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The Frontier incident comes on the heels of another in-flight disturbance involving Air Canada. A recent video captured a heated exchange between a flight attendant and a passenger who had simply requested a blanket. The attendant's behavior escalated to threats of removing the passenger and calling the police, prompting other passengers to consider leaving the plane in solidarity. Footage of Air Canada flight AC73 has gone viral showing the altercation between the airline employee and the female passenger who requested the blanket The airline employee is heard saying: 'You will behave or we will get off!' and 'I'll tell the captain right away. Yes or no?' When passengers told her to call the captain, the flight attendant said, 'I don't want no bullying against my crew.' It remains unclear what happened beforehand. The female passenger who asked for the blanket has not been identified or come forward. A record number of female prison guards were fired for having sex with male inmates in the past three years - with 29 given the sack. The figure compares to just nine who lost their jobs for the same offence between 2017 and 2019. Some of the prison guards had even cut holes in their uniforms to make sexual acts easier, The Sun has reported. New figures from the Ministry of Justice show that a shocking fifty out of 124 investigations into 'inappropriate relationships' in Britain's jails were upheld. Some of the prison guards involved were not fired and instead suspended to moved into a different role. The huge rise in figures comes as a married HMP Wandsworth prison officer who had sex with an inmate on video accused prisoners of blackmailing her into filming the x-rated clip. Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, admitted having sex with serial burglar Linton Weirich in his cell at the scandal-hit jail - but says she only agreed to take part after lags threatened to expose her career as an amateur porn star. Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, was filmed having sex with serial burglar Linton Weirich in his cell at HMP Wandsworth She said she only agreed to take part after lags threatened to expose her career as an amateur porn star Pictured: The outside of HMP Wandsworth in London De Sousa Abreu, who claims she has since 'found faith in God', pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office at a hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday. Close friend Hayley, who only wanted to give her first name, told MailOnline that the circumstances surrounding the incident will become public when De Sousa returns to court for sentencing in November. She said: 'There's a lot more to this story than people think. Some of the prisoners had got hold of Linda's personal details. 'They knew her address, her husband's name and that she had an OnlyFans account. She was put under a lot of pressure and there was a lot of coercion involved.' Hayley continued: 'Linda was going through a very hard time at work because of all this. And she was also having problems in her marriage. 'She's absolutely devastated by what happened and is full of remorse. It's absolutely devastated her and she's trying to rebuild her life.' De Sousa Abreu lives on a sprawling council estate in Fulham near where Weirich grew up. Hayley added: 'It wasn't hard for the other prisoners to get Linda's details and find out things about her personal life.' De Sousa Abreu, who holds Portuguese citizenship, is still married to her husband with whom she shares an eight-year-old daughter. Linda De Sousa Abreu (right) had sex with an inmate on video in HMP Wandsworth She was filmed on a mobile phone having sex with prisoner Linton Weirich (pictured) De Sousa Abreu (pictured in a court artist sketch) pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office and was bailed ahead of her sentencing in November Hayley said: 'They're a lovely couple and working hard to save their marriage. It's not been easy for them. People are trying to make out that Linda is some kind of sex monster but that's 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 shouldn't be so quick to judge her.' The encounter on June 27 was filmed by another inmate and went viral on social media. MailOnline later revealed that De Sousa Abreu has appeared on TV swinging programs and has an OnlyFans account. She was subsequently identified by HMP Wandsworth staff and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow Airport attempting to fly to Madrid. And previously prison guards Aleesha Bates, 30, was sentenced to two years, eight months in jail and Jodie Wilkes, 27, given a 12-month suspended sentence for a three-way intimate relationship with an inmate at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale. Bates was first to strike up a relationship with the man, who had been jailed for drugs trafficking offences, Bolton Crown Court heard earlier this year. She became 'completely infatuated' with him, sent him X-rated messages and naked photos of herself, and even planned for a future together for them once he'd been released. Operational support grade (OSG ) Wilkes did not accept she had engaged in a relationship with the prisoner, who had a 'track record' of befriending female prison staff, but had engaged in 'an improper association' with him. Prison officer Bates (pictured) was first to strike up a relationship with the man, who had been jailed for drugs trafficking offences, Bolton Crown Court heard Operational support grade (OSG ) Wilkes (pictured) did not accept she had engaged in a relationship with the prisoner, who had a 'track record' of befriending female prison staff Bates was questioned but initially denied having a relationship with the man while Wilkes admitted giving him her number and contacting him - and both subsequently resigned Brian Berlyne, prosecuting, said Bates's relationship with the man, which she conducted between December 2019 and June 2020, came to light after prison authorities received information they had become 'close'. He was a prisoner on the wing where she was stationed and when his cell was searched a mobile phone was found concealed in a stereo. Mr Berlyne said phone records showed contact between the man and Bates along with photos of them together and 'sexually explicit messages' they'd exchanged. The phone records also showed the prisoner had been in contact with Wilkes. Both women were arrested in June 2020 and their phones were seized by police. A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Staff corruption is not tolerated. The overwhelming majority of our prison staff are hardworking and honest, and we are dedicated to rooting out those who are not.' At first, the sound of children screaming and shouting barely registered with John Hayes as he sat at his desk last Monday morning. Certainly, it wasn't unusual. The noise came from kids spilling out of a dance class - this one Taylor Swift-themed - held in the studio below his Southport office. 'They're always excitable when they leave, so it seemed normal,' he said. What wasn't normal, he later noted, was how the cries gave way to something more 'sinister' - prolonged high-pitched screeching. Quite simply the screaming never seemed to stop. It prompted one of Mr Hayes's colleagues at his legal services company to look out of the window onto the car park below. 'There's a girl on the ground bleeding out', she shouted. Some force compelled the 63-year-old father of three and grandfather to sprint the length of his office. 'I just wanted to help,' said Mr Hayes. 'I went round the corner and opened the doors to our office, which are at the top of a staircase.' In doing so he crossed into a nightmarish landscape. Panic, terror, confusion. A knifeman on the rampage. Two young girls already dead, another fatally wounded. At first, the sound of children screaming and shouting barely registered with John Hayes as he sat at his desk last Monday morning Police officers and a police van block the vehicle entrance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court as suspected knifeman Axel Rudakubana appeared in court on Thursday 'I was confronted by a young girl who was heavily bloodstained and looked like she'd been catastrophically injured - and this guy with a bloodstained knife stood in front of me, ' said Mr Hayes. 'He then came at me with the knife, and I tried to put my hands up. He took a swipe towards my head and he just caught me very slightly on my right arm and I went backwards.' 'And it was really quite surreal because he was in this sort of tiger pose. At this point the knifeman and Mr Hayes were 'grappling' just inside his office - while his oblivious colleagues continued looking out of the window. 'I tried to grab the knife from him, but he stuck it in my thigh. I didn't even realise he'd stabbed me at first. It was only when I tried to kick him with my right leg that I fell over because my left leg had been quite badly injured.' An artists impression of Axel Muganwa Rudakubana appearing in court Mr Hayes has to use crutches after the suspect stabbed him as he tried to disarm him Emergency services at the home of 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana in Old School Close, Banks, near Southport on Thursday The blade plunged nearly five inches into his thigh, narrowly missing his femoral artery. 'The scary bit is, [if he'd hit the artery] that would have killed me probably.' By all accounts Mr Hayes is a modest, equable man not normally given to even minor confrontations. But here he was fighting for his life - and the lives of others. Later it would be said that but for his actions the outcome might well have been more catastrophic. Still, he insists he's no hero. Others would beg to differ. He went on: 'I shouted and one of my colleagues came around the corner and the attacker has then bolted it back towards the area where the class was taking place and I got the impression he was holed-up in there.' Next he recalled the arrival of armed police shouting 'get on the floor'. The blade plunged nearly five inches into his thigh, narrowly missing his femoral artery Grieving locals looking at flower tributes for the three girls killed in the attack Although some children were able to flee into the car park, Mr Hayes believes the knifeman may have locked the external doors to the building from the inside because when officers had to 'smash their way in'. 'Whether I helped prevent him from hurting anyone else I don't know,' he said. 'At that stage I wasn't thinking straight to be honest. 'Thinking back I would have liked to have done more but trying to wrestle a knife from an attacker isn't the easiest thing to do, particularly when he's already stuck it in you. 'You'd like to think you were a bit more Bruce Willis about the whole thing. 'Hopefully, what I did allowed people to get out of the building. If I have saved someone's life that's great.' But his wife Helen, 57, said: 'A police officer told me that 100% he helped save Leanne's life.' By all accounts Mr Hayes is a modest, equable man not normally given to even minor confrontations. But here he was fighting for his life - and the lives of others Leanne Lucas, 35, was the yoga teacher and one organisers of the dance class who was seriously injured as she tried to protect children. Mr Hayes says the real heroes were the police and paramedics. 'And there was a nurse who was really comforting. 'I just wanted somebody to hold my hand because I thought I might bleed to death and I was in quite a bit of pain. She was just so comforting.' Meanwhile his colleague Josh applied a tourniquet using a strap from some sailing equipment that was stored in the loft of their office. As he was stretchered out of the building he recalls thinking it was a 'lovely, sunny day' and how it contrasted with the 'blue, flashing lights and paramedics all over the place'. Messages of support from around the globe because of his actions have both comforted and bemused him. 'It's struck me how far this incident has resonated. 'Some people have said to me, 'We've got two daughters and we'd be really glad if someone like you was around if something similar happened to them which is quite heartwarming. But it won't bring those kids back. He was angered about disorder in the town following the tragedy, with bricks and other objects thrown at police as they tried to protect a mosque. 'I think it's bizarre that the very people who were helping injured people one day were getting bricks hurled at them the next.' When sisters Amy and Grace Battison each needed a lifesaving kidney transplant eight years apart, their parents stepped up without hesitation. Mum Elaine and stepdad Paul Brewin each donated a kidney as the girls were struck down in turn by a rare disease which causes end stage renal failure by around the age of 13. First, Amy, now 26, received her mothers kidney in February 2014 - then, just last September, Grace was saved after her stepdad donated his kidney to a kidney pool so she could have her transplant too. Now the family is celebrating by taking part in next months (AUGUST) Transplant Games in Nottingham. Mrs Brewin, 45, a civil servant, from the Wirral, said: Neither Paul nor myself hesitated. Amy especially struggled on dialysis, so to her get her life back was incredibly emotional. (L to R) Amy Brewin ,26, mum Elaine,45, stepdad Paul and Grace Brewin,13, pictured at their home in Moreton, Merseyside. When sisters Amy and Grace Battison each needed a lifesaving kidney transplant eight years apart, their parents stepped up without hesitation. Mum Elaine and stepdad Paul Brewin each donated a kidney as the girls were struck down in turn by a rare disease which causes end stage renal failure by around the age of 13 Amy Brewin in Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool,Merseyside, in Feb. 2014 (L to R) Grace Brewin, Sam Battison, Izzy Battison, Eva Brewin, Elaine and Paul Brewin on holiday at Centre Parcs, Cumbria, in Sept.2022 Luckily. Grace was caught earlier thanks to Amy, so we knew what it would mean for her if she hadnt had a transplant when she did. To see them so well now means such a lot to both of us. Amys became sick eleven years ago, suffering pain in her legs. Mrs Brewin said: Id been back and forth to the GP for several months who said it was just growing pains. But she started being very sick too, and was missing a lot of school and going out with her friends. I took her back to the GP who said she didnt think anything was wrong, until she got on the scales and weighed her. She could see how much weight she had lost, and told us to take her straight to the A and E department at Arrowe Park Hospital. The doctors there initially thought it was the eating disorder bulimia, but then blood tests showed there was a problem with her kidneys. Her levels were so high that no-one could understand how she had walked into the hospital without collapsing. Sisters Amy,26,(R) and Grace Brewin,13, (L) pictured at their home in Moreton, Merseyside, who both have been saved by a kidney transplant from their parents Elaine and stepdad Paul Amy Brewin ,26,(R) and her mum Elaine,45, (L) pictured at their home in Moreton, Merseyside. Elaine donated her kidney to save her daughter Amy was diagnosed with an incredibly rare kidney disease called Juvenile Nephronophthisis. Mrs Brewin said: Instinctively I had known something was the matter with Amy, but I never imagined how serious it actually was. Amy was only 15 and she was in end stage failure. They told us that her only chance of survival was a kidney transplant. It was such a shock. Her kidney proved a good match, and the took place in February 2014 at Manchester Childrens Hospital. Mrs Brewin said: I was nervous as it was major surgery for both of us, but mainly I was excited that Amy was going to get her life back. When the wheeled me down to see her, it was so emotional. We both couldnt stop crying. She looked so healthy straight away, with lovely pink skin. It was totally different to how shed looked when she was ill. Amy went on to pass her GSCE and A Level exams. She graduated from university too. The family thought they had put their nightmare behind them, until February 2022 when Grace, then only 11, started complaining of pains in her legs too. Mrs Brewin said: I asked for a blood test because of what had happened to Amy. It showed she was in kidney failure and needed a transplant too. This time, Mr Brewin, 48, stepped in. But he wasnt a good enough match. Instead, he donated his kidney into a paired scheme, which meant that Grace was given another kidney in a swap. The transplant in September, also at Manchester Childrens Hospital, was also a success. Mrs Brewin said: Pauls kidney went to save someone in London, and because of that a donor gave one to save Grace. We know that he was a man in his 20s who had donated altruistically, and we cant thank him enough. Grace has made a full recovery and the family are about to participate in the British Transplant Games. Grace is taking part in the tug of war. (MUST LEAVE) Mrs Brewin added: Paul and I are both competing in the onesie race, where all the competitors just have one kidney because of donating. We are just so glad that we could help our daughters like this and give them their lives back. August 4, 2024: American military analysts believe that the successful Ukrainian use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels) against Russia in the Black Sea provides a realistic solution to the problems Taiwan faces in defending itself against an attack by the Chinese navy. As a major supplier of military aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainians share details of their experience with new weapons against the Russians. The problem is that the United States refuses to adopt the Ukrainian designed USVs and instead sticks with similar, but much inferior, systems developed in the United States. Among the U.S. Navy-developed USVs is the Remus 100 that the navy successfully used in the Persian Gulf during 2008. Remus 100 is a 37 kg vehicle that looks like a small torpedo. It is 1.6 meters long and 190mm in diameter. Carrying side-scanning sonar and other sensors, a Remus 100 can stay underwater for 22 hours, traveling at a cruising speed of five kilometers an hour. Top speed is about nine kilometers an hour. Remus is actually a UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vessel) that can operate up to 100 kilometers from its operator and dive up to 100 meters. The UUV keeps costs down by using GPS, in addition to inertial guidance. The UUV surfaces every hour or two to get a GPS fix, and then goes back to doing what it was programmed to do. Ukraine could use them to find and eliminate Russian bottom mines in shallow coastal waters but that has not been a problem for Ukraine because the Russians have already been defeated by Ukraine designed and manufactured USVs. Worse, the U.S. proposed Remus 100 was designed mainly for civilian applications like inspecting underwater facilities, pollution monitoring, underwater survey, or search. In theory there are similar military and police applications, notably searching for naval mines. Russia did try to use naval mines, the floating kind, not the ones that lie on or are chained to the sea bottom. Russia tried to block Ukraine from importing or exporting goods via their main port of Odessa, which is in western Ukraine near the costs of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria. Those mines were cleared in 2023 using conventional methods, plus the USVs that forced the Russian navy to move over a thousand kilometers away, to the distant Sea of Azov in the northeastern portion of the Black Sea. Even there, Ukrainian USVs continue to threaten and attack Russian warships taking refuge in ports there. The Ukrainian USVs prevent Russia from importing or exporting any goods via the Black Sea route. Remus is not an offensive weapon, which the Ukrainian designed USVs are, and it was with these USVs that Ukraine defeated the Russian Black Sea fleet. That was quite an accomplishment for a country that does not have a navy. The Russians were not only defeated, but they were also humiliated. If the United States wants to give Taiwan useful advice and assistance, they must adopt what worked for the Ukrainians, not try to create something new that can be described as made in America. Currently the US Navy established USVRON (Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron) 3 at a navy west coast base. The squadron operates USVs known as GARCs (Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft). These are small, 1.6 ton, 4.8 meter long USVs with a top speed of 65 kilometers an hour. Range varies depending on cruising speed. At 54 kilometers an hour max range is 750 kilometers. At 11 kilometers an hour the range is 1,300 kilometers. GARCs are designed to handle 2.5 meter waves and moderate winds. Any more than that and a GARC will be blown off course until the seas return to normal. GARCS were developed to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance missions and transmit their video images back to another ship or land station for a human operator to monitor if needed. GARC can also carry sonar and use that to detect submarines. Any contacts are reported to a warship which can then use anti-submarine torpedoes or dispatch helicopters equipped with one or more anti-submarine torpedoes. GARC is also well suited to detecting and destroying naval mines. GARCs autonomous behavior and sensors make it ideal for port patrol and identifying and reporting any actual or potential threats. GARCs have been successfully used this way in the Persian Gulf to protect ports where American ships are berthed. In addition to GARC and Remus, there are several other autonomous vessels including surface and underwater craft that can spend months at sea monitoring and recording conditions. These vessels include surface vessels like the 7 meter long Saildrone Explorer that stay at sea for a year while moving along at a speed of 5.6 kilometers an hour. Speed depends on how much wind there is because Explorer actually has a small sail. This includes conditions underwater, which are valuable to submarines, especially USN nuclear submarines that remain underwater for months at a time. What the U.S. Navy has not been able to produce are the cheap, effective, armed UAVs and USVs the Ukrainian used to cripple the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The problem is situational and political. The American situation is peacetime, not wartime. When you are at war things are done quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. Ukraine demonstrated that with its domestic UAV and USV programs. In the United States peacetime defense procurement is a lot more expensive and takes longer than it would in wartime. That means the Ukrainian type UAVs and UUVs will cost the USN far more than the Ukrainian models and take years to reach the U.S. Pacific Fleet. If China goes to war over Taiwan, that situation will change overnight. Meanwhile you go to war with what you have when war is declared. Right now the American navy has none of those clever and effective Ukrainian UAVs and USVs. Keep in mind that it took the Ukrainians over a year after the Russian invasion to come up with their brilliant and effective UAV and USV designs and tactics that crippled and defeated the mighty Russian Black Sea Fleet. The United States knows what Ukraine did in the Black Sea but that knowledge does not quickly translate into similar American weapons. The primary problem is so few American naval commanders understand exactly what the Ukrainian did and how to replicate that for the American Pacific Fleet, where such Ukrainian technology is needed. Shopping too often and spending too much? Your furry friends could be to blame. For those who own cats or dogs are more impulsive when it comes to retail therapy because of the 'emotional support' they get from their pets, research suggests. Cats were found to be the most supportive, with their owners the biggest spenders. Japanese researchers looked at the effects of pet ownership on 'impulsive purchasing' the sudden, unplanned urge to buy immediately. They also looked at the link with 'hedonistic spending' defined as buying items associated with fun, pleasure and fantasy. For those who own cats or dogs are more impulsive when it comes to retail therapy because of the 'emotional support' they get from their pets, research suggests (Stock image) Cats were found to be the most supportive, with their owners the biggest spenders (Stock image) The study, from Kansai University, found that cat owners are a third more likely to shop online every day and twice as likely to buy clothes. Researchers wrote in the Journal of Business Research: 'When consumers have a high level of wellbeing, they are inclined to impulsively purchase and spend more on hedonistic products, thereby maintaining their satisfaction.' They added that interactions with cats give more 'emotional support' than the physical activity of a dog hence why cat lovers shop more. The owners of a proposed swingers club at the centre of a neighbourhood dispute have hit back at locals who have opposed its opening. The two-storey building on City Road in South Melbourne, once home to an IT business, will soon be transformed into a swingers club called Pineapples Lifestyle Bar with a capacity for 200 people. The 'adult lifestyle meeting place' describes itself as 'Melbourne's premier adult playground' and plans to operate between 10am and 2am every day, offering drinks as well as live music. The planned venue has whipped locals into a fury with concerns over safety issues, parking problems and how the venue might impact the suburb's character. The owners of the club have hit back and said they're creating a 'boutique, inclusive, respectful and discreet venue for mature consenting adults'. A spokesperson for the venue said it would be 'complimentary' to the area and that the location was decided following consultations with the 'lifestyle community'. They added that guests cannot pay other guests or staff for sexual acts as it is not a brothel, strip club or massage parlour. Its classification as a sex-on-premises venue means guests instead pay an admission fee to enter and engage in sexual activities with others. The owners of a proposed swingers club at a building in South Melbourne (pictured) have claimed the venue will be 'complimentary' to the local neighbourhood The spokesperson said the venue will 'entice guests' from across Australia to visit the area and boost other local businesses. 'There are very few parallels to our niche, destination business,' they told 7News. 'This will entice guests to visit the region, creating new employment and generating benefits for the staff we hire and other businesses in the local area.' 'We expect people will travel from all over Victoria and Australia-wide, utilising local overnight accommodation, restaurants, cafes, daytime activity centres such as the South Melbourne Market, and public transport, taxi services/ride-share services for transportation.' Visitors will be required to purchase tickets in advance and they will be vetted. Local architect Tony Baenziger has led the charge against the venue and started a petition with more than 400 people signing and demanding the venue not open. 'It's really important for people to understand that we don't have a problem with the business - even though it's not my cup of tea,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'We just don't want it here, it's not the right place.' The petition claims the venue is 'entirely inappropriate ... given its proximity to residential areas, schools, and family-oriented businesses'. Locals have protested the opening of the club due to its close proximity to schools, 'family-friendly' businesses and its potential effect on the area's character 'Despite numerous objections from local residents and business owners, the Council has granted a permit that disregards the character and values of our neighbourhood and what the area should try to aspire to in the future,' the petition reads. 'We are appealing Council's decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).' The proposal to VCAT will also be based on potential parking issues in surrounding areas, an 'excessive' 200-person capacity, safety concerns and a 'lack of waste management plan'. Regarding parking issues, the spokesperson said each patron will be provided with a 'map' of allowed and prohibited parking areas alongside any ticket purchased. They added that the venue will continue to push forward with plans to open despite the community backlash. 'We will be fighting for our vision to create Melbourne's premier purpose-built adult playground for the growing number of mature, consenting adults who would like to experience something more than a vanilla lifestyle,' they said. Daily Mail Australia has approached Pineapples Lifestyle Bar for comment. The belligerent woman who tried to rope off a public beach outside her stunning California home while hurling abuse at a shocked family is being hit with hefty fines. Viral video showed the woman screaming at a family with small children to 'get outta here! now!' while they back away as she unrolls white string to separate her $6 million property from Laguna Beach. The California Coastal Commission, a state agency that oversees more than 1,000 miles of coastline, found the 'Karen of the week' violated the California Costal Act. Under California law, the state owns the beach waterward of the mean high tide line, meaning the public can use all areas between this point and the sea. According to documents viewed by KCAL-TV, the commission argued the homeowner 'was verbally harassing those beachgoers.' The woman dubbed 'Karen of the week' for trying to rope off areas of a public beach will face a hefty fine The woman hurling abuse while attempting to rope off the sand in front of her house in Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach The Coastal Commission also said using ropes to block off the sand is 'not legal, and she must remove them.' The woman has two weeks to comply or she could face fines of up to $11,000 per day. 'Park Rangers spoke with the residents, informing them that such behavior is unacceptable regardless of property boundaries and reminding them that any beach related issues should be reported to the city for mediation,' the City of Laguna Beach said. The video starts with the homeowner shouting 'there goes the fence!' as she bundles out of her home equipped with a spool of white string. She throws the spool toward the sand, shouting at the tourists to leave. 'I can say whatever I want to, so get f***ing moving,' she screams. The woman screamed at a family with small children to 'get outta here! now!' while they back away as she unrolls white string She throws the spool toward the sand, shouting at the tourists to leave. 'I can say whatever I want to, so get f***ing moving,' she screamed 'I'm not joking around. It's not harassment on the beach, it's harassment in my home property.' 'This is not an Instagram moment-place,' she adds while sectioning off her part of the beach. 'You're in my property, get moving now. Now you're in my property line. Move it.' 'Ma'am, we're f***ing walking,' one woman can be heard retorting, as the homeowner replies: 'Pretty f***ing slow' The rhetoric escalates as the tourist hits back, saying: 'Jesus Christ... shut the f*** up!' before branding her 'Karen of the week.' An enraged woman was so angry at missing her Frontier airlines flight she hurled a computer at staff during a departure hall brawl. The female customer, which netizens quickly dubbed a 'Karen,' got violent with the Frontier Airlines front desk after she allegedly missed her flight departing from Chicago O'Hare airport last week. In footage captured by a bystander waiting to check in with the front desk, the airport Karen quickly hops over the luggage scale to confront the group of Frontier employees gathered together. She then throws jabs at one of the employees before another puts himself in between her and the rest of the huddled employees. One Frontier employee starts to pick up a blue bin - ordinarily used to hold items scanned through security - in an apparent attempt to throw it at the Karen, but was held back two other coworkers. A woman hurled her computer at Frontier Airlines staff after missing her flight The female customer, which netizens quickly dubbed a 'Karen,' got violent with the Frontier Airlines front desk after she allegedly missed her flight from Chicago O'Hare airport As the man who originally got between her and his coworkers turned around, that's when the Karen grabbed a computer from behind the counter and chucked it at him. She then slammed the monitor face down on to the desk before coming back in front of the check-in counter. TikTok user Cinn (@cindyhalasova) who observed, filmed and posted the entire encounter to social media, revealed that the post was removed for 'violent and graphic content.' Cinn revealed more details about the incident in the comments of a newly posted TikTok. She said the Karen was late to her flight and missed it, and took it out on the Frontier Airlines employees. Frontier pilot Seymour Walker, 45, is pictured being arrested at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Saturday on domestic abuse charges '[Chicago Police Department] took their time getting there, so they fleet by train, but they had her passport.. she in trouble for sure by now,' said Cinn. Meanwhile, a second incident involving Frontier Airlines saw a pilot hauled off a flight at a Houston airport on assault charges. Seymour Walker, 45, was pitched being frog-marched off the jet at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Saturday night. He was arrested shortly after the plane he'd been flying arrived at its gate on an outstanding family violence warrant. Further details of Walker's alleged crimes have not been shared. A subsequent Frontier flight was canceled as the airline struggled to cover his abrupt departure from their rota. An Officeworks manager who refused to serve a Jewish customer was also involved in another anti-Semitic incident just weeks earlier. The manager first sparked outrage after she was filmed refusing to serve a Jewish customer at an Officeworks store at Elsternwick, in Melbourne's east, on March 4. The customer, who had been wearing a yarmulke, wanted to laminate an article from the Australian Jewish News newspaper. 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 serve and stated: 'I'm pro-Palestine.' It is understood the employee later apologised and visited the Melbourne Holocaust Museum to improve her understanding of Jewish issues. However, it can now be revealed she had also been involved in a separate anti-Semitic incident just weeks beforehand on January 28, The Australian reported. The manager is understood to have told a Jewish woman it was 'impossible' to print pictures in the size she wanted 'because the Jews had used all the paper'. The manager first sparked outrage after she was filmed refusing to serve a Jewish customer at an Officeworks store at Elsternwick, in Melbourne 's east, on March 4 She was ordered by Officeworks to visit the museum - which coincidentally landed on the day after the second incident that occurred in March. The customer involved in the latest scandal lodged a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming Officeworks discriminated against his race and religion by refusing him service. 'This incident has caused my family and me significant distress and has raised concerns about whether it is safe to visit our local stores and conduct our usual activities,' he said. 'None of the staff intervened during the situation with the manager, and the embarrassment and harassment we experienced have left a lasting impact.' Officeworks has since apologised and said they have 'taken this matter extremely seriously', but will not fire the manager. 'In this particular incident, our policies were incorrectly applied and in accordance with our Officeworks' policies, the laminating should have taken place,' an Officeworks spokesperson said. 'Additionally, we have provided ongoing training and education to our team members so they are aware of the legal requirements in respect of discrimination and of Officeworks' policies and procedures.' Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has since weighed in on the issue telling Sky News on Sunday that residents should not be 'refused service for who they are' and that he had spoken to Jillian Segal - the government's envoy for anti-Semitism. He confirmed that Ms Segal had been 'quite directly' dealing with the issue and that the employee had been given a 'formal, final warning'. 'When I look at the process that's been followed by Officeworks, I look at the change in view of that particular worker in terms of the circumstances and her depth of understanding and the good work that's been done by the anti-Semitism envoy,' Mr Burke said. The customer involved in the March incident lodged a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming Officeworks discriminated against his race and religion by refusing him service 'I actually think throughout all of this, for the horrific video that we saw, we've in fact moved forward in that long process which is so important of stamping out anti-Semitism.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Officeworks for comment regarding the first incident. Footage from the second incident showed the Officeworks manager explain she could refuse a customer because of the store's policies. Officeworks clarified that was incorrect. 'I'm not comfortable proceeding with it (the job),' the manager told the man. The customer asked: 'Maybe there's another staff member that's comfortable doing it.' The worker replied: 'You can wait for (another staff member) and see if she's comfortable doing it, but I know I'm not. 'I'm pro-Palestine and, for political reasons, I'm not comfortable.' The customer questioned whether Officeworks' policies gave workers the discretion to refuse service based on their personal beliefs. Embarrassingly, the staff member failed to find the words to justify her position when asked to explain her actions. 'We have the right to deny jobs, because I'm not comfortable proceeding with it,' she said. 'Israel and Judaism can be completely separate. A terminally ill man who captured hearts after 'bravely' choosing to die via euthanasia was a career criminal who spent years locked up in jail over a series of brutal attacks - including hogtying one victim and holding another up at knife point. Scott Hollingshed, 58, from Newcastle, made national headlines this week after choosing to end his own life under NSW's new assisted dying laws. He was given a lethal injection on Friday after spending the past two months documenting his battle with stage four lung cancer on Facebook, urging Aussies in a touching final video to 'just love each other and be there for each other.' His plight tugged at the heartstrings of followers who dubbed him 'courageous' and 'inspiring', with Aussies forking out more than $6,000 to support his cause. But while Hollingshed may be seen as 'inspiring' to some, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that, to others, he was a violent thug who committed shocking attacks that left his victims scarred for years. Over the past four decades, he was constantly in and out of prison after racking up convictions for weapons, drugs, assaults, robberies, burglaries and driving offences. In 1993, he was sentenced to six years in jail - with a minimum term of four and a half years - after committing two armed burglary offences in Canberra, which were described by the judge as being of the 'utmost seriousness'. His first victim *George was watching television in his Braddon home when Hollingshed, along with two other men, broke in on the evening of January 15. Scott Hollingshed, 58, (pictured) died on Friday under NSW's new assisted dying laws The group, disguised in balaclavas, hog-tied him and stole his wallet before using his card to withdraw $200 from an ATM to buy cannabis and amphetamines. 'It was awful. They gagged me with a sarong and tied my hands and legs behind my back with rope,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They threatened to cut off my fingers. I was in there [like that] for an hour.' George said the group appeared to be high on drugs at the time and bizarrely ripped his two telephones from the wall and put them in the oven before turning it on. After they fled the scene with his belongings, he managed to spit out the gag and scream for help - alerting neighbours who rushed to his aid. While he remained largely physically unharmed (suffering just bruises around the neck and head), George said the attack left him traumatised for years. 'For a while afterwards, I couldnt go use public transport. I was nervous walking everywhere. I didnt feel safe,' he said. Two days later, Hollingshed and another associate were looking for fresh victims in Glebe Park when they spotted 18-year-old law student Danyel Kynaston sitting on a bench with his girlfriend during the early morning hours of January 17. Hollingshed approached Mr Kynaston with a knife, held the weapon to his throat, and demanded he hand over his wallet, which contained his bank cards and drivers license - including personal details such as his home address. 'They took my debit card and said "we have your address and we will come back and find you if you don't give us the correct pin",' Mr Kynaston told Daily Mail Australia. 'I gave them a fake pin number and the ATM swallowed my card and police were able to get their fingerprints from the ATM and they were arrested.' On the night of the attack, Mr Kynaston was on his first date with his wife, who he remains with to this day. Danyel Kynaston is pictured with his wife in the 1990s, around the time they were attacked by Hollingshed The couple were in Glebe Park, Canberra, when they were approached by Hollingshed and another male Hollingshed spent his adult life in and out of jail for a range of offences Luckily, the couple were not physically harmed or traumatised by the attack. 'Fortunately for us, it hasnt impacted us psychologically,' he said. 'We were young and we didnt realise how much danger we were in. It made an interesting first date story though. Thirty one years later, and we are still married.' Several months after the mugging, Hollingshed - who was on parole at the time of the attacks - pleaded guilty to burglary, robbery and making a demand with a threat to inflict grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to prison. During the Supreme Court proceedings, Chief Justice Jeffrey Miles noted that Hollingshed had previous convictions dating back to 1984 for two burglaries, two assaults, and stealing. He said Hollingshed had only been released from Cooma jail in July 1992 and moved in with a married couple, but had to relocate to ACT for parole purposes after having an illicit relationship with the woman. He also noted that Hollingshed - who had struggled with drug addiction since leaving school - had 'numerous opportunities to respond positively to counselling and treatment over a number of years, but so far has been unable to do so'. After his release from jail in the late 90s, Hollingshed continued to spiral further down a nefarious path. In 2010, former police officer Darren Pickavance made a workers compensation claim against the NSW government after developing PTSD while on duty - including a run-in with Hollingshed among the list of traumatic experiences that contributed to his condition. In the lodgement, Pickavance described Hollingshed as a 'standover man and drug dealer' who 'liked firearms' and had many prior convictions for the possession of and use of guns to commit violent crimes. He said he was left traumatised after he was involved in the tracking then arrest of Hollingshed in 2003, who was wanted after placing a sawn-off shotgun to someone's head and making threats. 'All cars in the area were on the lookout for him. I had informed the radio that I knew the offender and that he would shoot to avoid apprehension,' the claim reads. 'Whilst driving through Cardiff South I saw Hollingshed in a phone box outside of the butchers. 'I knew he was armed. He hadnt seen me, so I drove on, informed the radio and started to set up a perimeter, keeping the offender in view. 'It was then that I saw a police vehicle skid to a holt outside of the phone box jump from the car and run 10 metres to arrest Hollingshed. 'They were the longest 10 metres in history. I was too far away to assist. My anxiety levels during this entire incident were extreme. I had chest pains, quickened heart rate and began sweating. 'This incident had a profound impact on me.' Documenting his cancer journey online, Hollingshed said he hoped his story would be an inspiration to others to make live life to the fullest and turn negatives into positives After spending decades in and out of jail, he had just bought a yacht with his partner when he began noticing chest pains that led to a lung cancer diagnosis Further court records obtained by Daily Mail Australia reveal that Hollingshed continued to commit crime up until 2020, including being jailed for driving offences in 2016. More recently, he had been living on a yacht with his partner Kat, before being diagnosed several months ago with cancer. Since his death, hundreds of Aussies have flocked to his social media page to praise him for 'courage' and 'bravery'. 'Rest in peace to a brave man who began his new journey on his own terms,' one person said. Another wrote: 'Rest in peace my brother going to miss your daily posts. Fly high bro your an inspiration.' However, others who appeared to have known Hollingshed were unmoved by the story of his death, with one woman claiming he was a 'woman basher'. 'Karma came and got you finally,' another woman wrote on Facebook. 'You got everything you deserved.' *Names have been changed to protect identity The Barefoot Investor has urged Aussies to double-check how much they're paying after a man was accidentally charged more than $1,000 for a sandwich. Scott Pape, 46, said that he like many others simply tapped his card when buying and left without double-checking the price or even getting a receipt. But he was shocked to read a letter from Natasha, whose husband was accidentally charged $1,300 for a $13 sandwich at a local bakery. She said he 'did his usual routine' of ordering, tapping his card, entering his PIN and picking up the chicken sandwich before going on with his day. Days later when he noticed the eye-watering cost, Natasha's husband contacted the bakery to try and get a refund. However, she claimed the owner 'accused him of being a scammer and refused a refund' for the charge while their bank said entering the PIN legitimised it. Mr Pape was left shocked by the story advising the woman's husband to set up a feature on his phone to avoid future mistakes. 'Thankfully my bank flashes up the transaction on my Apple watch and phone after I leave the store,' he wrote in his column the Herald Sun. The Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape (pictured), has urged Aussies to check how much they have been charged on their bank app or by receipt after a man spent $1,300 on a sandwich 'Your husband should definitely get that feature.' Mr Pape added the couple should 'gather the evidence' and get the bank to verify the merchant was the bakery and to ask 'very politely' to reverse the transaction. 'And if they refuse, Id tell them that your next stop is to the police station where youre intending to press charges for theft,' he wrote. Mr Pape said the story was a wake-up call and admitted he generally turns down the offer to grab a receipt when asked by staff working behind the register. 'After all, most receipts are a waste of paper and ink,' he wrote. 'And I know that if I do take one, just to be nice, Ill shove it in my pocket and itll invariably end up going through the wash and Liz will yell at me. 'In fact, if Im buying something cheap these days I dont even hang around to get asked the question. Im tapping, and Im going!' The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) urges Aussies with an issue over a purchase to first contact the business. 'Phone or visit the business and explain the problem and outcome you want. Do this as soon as possible,' the ACCC website reads. The man's wife said the bakery where he got the sandwich was refusing to refund the charge and 'accused him of being a scammer' without the proof of purchase (stock image) 'It can also be useful to set out your complaint to the business in writing, by an email or letter. 'That way theyre clearly aware of the problem, what you want, and you have a record of your contact.' If contacting the business fails to resolve a dispute however, a customer can bring legal action against the business. The ACCC urges Aussies to seek legal consultation before escalating the issue and to take individual claims to state-run small claims courts or a tribunal. CNN anchor Michael Smerconish shared an insult that branded black men who feel that Kamala Harris is not really black 'low information voters.' During his show on Saturday, Smerconish played a clip from CBS affiliate WHP filmed at a central Pennsylvania barber shop late last month asking black men what they thought about the vice president. In the clip, a local journalist was speaking to black men at a barber shop when some said the didn't think Harris was black. Smerconish then said he'd heard from African-American callers to his radio show who'd dismissed the views of the men in the barbershop. 'When I played that audio on my SiriusXM radio program on Thursday, many callers who self-identified as African American were quick to tell me that those men were the exception, not the rule,' Smerconish said. 'Some describe them as low-information voters no different than you'd find among whites.' CNN anchor Michael Smerconish said African-Americans are calling black men who discussed Kamala Harris's race 'low information voters' A local news station asked men at a central Pennsylvania barber shop what they thought about the vice president taken before Trump's remarks on her race Harris was born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, with Donald Trump last week suggesting that she had only leaned into the black part of her identity relatively recently Left-wing journalist Glenn Greenwald condemned Smerconish for the interjection. 'Among the many hilarious parts of this CNN video is that, after the Black men explain their views on Kamala and race, the White Man of Authority calls them stupid, and says that's not how the majority of black people think, which he knows because his black friends told him so,' Greenwald posted on X. Smerconish himself is a former Republican who has been an independent voter since 2010. He recently said that Harris has questions to answer about her ultra-liberal track record as she attempts to pivot to the center for her presidential campaign. The segment played after Donald Trump's decision to question Kamala Harris's racial identity at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago on Wednesday. Trump said he 'didn't know' Harris was black and thought she was 'Indian all the way.' He also said Harris 'happened to turn black' to appeal to black voters, a phrase that is said to have elicited gasps from his own campaign. The clip starts with the local journalist asking, 'Is Kamala going to make you a little more likely or less likely to vote Democrat?' One man wearing a black shirt replied: 'Hold on. Wait. Is Kamala black, yes or no?' 'I'm going to let her speak on it. But to me, no,' said a second man. The man in the black shirt repeated the question to the man wearing a blue hat sitting on one side next to him and another man in a Marvel shirt sitting on the other side. 'I share that same view,' said the man in the blue hat. 'I heard she was. I heard she's half black and half Asian,' the man in the Marvel shirt said. Several of the men said they do not feel Kamala Harris is black Others said they had heard she is half black and half Asian Trump is reportedly 'upset and annoyed' that Harris has stolen the campaign spotlight and had been thinking she was inauthentic with how she presented her race. Harris is the first black, female, and South-Asian-heritage vice president, but Trump suggested her embrace of black culture was phony at the Chicago conference. Her mother was Indian, while her father is Jamaican. He said: '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? 'And you know what, I respect either one but she obviously doesn't. Because she was Indian all the way and all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person. I think somebody should look into that.' Trump said he 'didn't know' Harris was black and thought she was 'Indian all the way' at the National Association of Black Journalists om Chicago Trump then doubled down on Truth Social saying, 'Crazy Kamala is saying shes Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity!' At an Atlanta rally on Saturday, the former president hurled another insult at her suggesting she does not know how to pronounce her own name and that she has a 'low IQ.' Trump has been making an intensive effort to secure black votes and having some success. Black business owners in Atlanta said they related to Trump more now that he has been criminally prosecuted. A Daily Show correspondent was shocked when he gathered a focus group of black voters and half of them revealed they were set to cast a ballot for the former president. Anthony Albanese sparked outrage after saying he was still committed to Makarrata despite Australians overwhelmingly voting down the Voice referendum. The Prime Minister made the comment at the Garma Festival, on a ceremonial site in northeast Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory on Saturday. 'We remain committed to Makarrata, that powerful Yolngu word gifted to the nation, for a coming together after a struggle' Mr Albanese told the crowd. The comment sparked outrage, with many Aussies calling out the failed Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, which saw 60 per cent of Aussies vote No. Mr Albanese clarified on Sunday that his government would not pursue a Makarrata Commission - which was one of the key pillars of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and seen as a path to treaty - and instead supported only the concept of Makarratta. 'We voted NO why is it so hard for you to comprehend?' one outraged Aussie wrote on social media platform X. 'NO means NO! We do not consent to reparations and treaties, we do not consent to division on the basis of race, we do not consent to separatism. We are ALL Australians,' a second commented. 'I can't remember there being a maybe option on the referendum. Pretty sure it was yes and no and we went with no. Weird to be pushing so much against a majority of the population,' a third person chimed. Mr Albanese arrived at the Garma Festival, on the ceremonial site in northeast Arnhem Land, on Friday and was led through the grounds by memebers of the Dhalwangu Clan (pictured) A fourth added: 'You wasted half a billion on attempted virtue signalling - you are a big part of the problem'. Mr Albanese arrived at the Garma Festival on Friday and was led through the grounds by members of the Dhalwangu Clan. The festival is the largest Indigenous gathering in Australia and is used to celebrate the life and culture of the Yolngu people. The prime minister joined the newly sworn-in Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy at the Gulkula site. In an address on Saturday, Mr Albanese said his government's commitment for a 'better future for First Nations people' was 'stronger than ever'. 'We remain committed to Makarrata, that powerful Yolngu word gifted to the nation. It simply means this: coming together after a struggle,' Mr Albanese told the crowd. 'I sometimes get asked by journalists about Makarrata and I say the definition. And I say, surely no one's against the fact that there's been a struggle. 'And no one surely can be against the principle that after a struggle, people should come together. That's all that it means' 'We'll continue to engage in good faith with leaders and communities to decide what the steps should be at a national level,' Mr Albanese aded. Mr Albanese explained his government was committed to confronting the 'legacy of dispossession and take the realities of disadvantage'. 'My colleagues and I came to Garma to renew our commitment to a better future for First Nations people,' Mr Albanese said. 'We will leave here more determined than ever to bring it into being. Let us continue to work together to that better future.' However, Mr Albanese later said his government would not pursue a Makarrata Commission - one of the three pillars of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 'That's not what we have proposed,' Mr Albanese told the ABC's Insiders program at the Garma Festival on Sunday. 'What we have proposed is Makarrata just being the idea of coming together. 'Ongoing engagement is what we do with coming together. Now, that might take forms as it evolves I don't pre-empt it. 'What it means is listening to and respecting First Nations people and then responding. 'We know that what we've been doing up to now where more than half, or more than two thirds, tragically, of the Closing the Gap targets currently aren't on track to being met. 'So we can't just do things the same way. And part of that, of course, involves and must involve listening to people who are directly affected.' He said the process to oversee treaty and truth-telling would take different 'forms' in the future. Mr Albanese said his government would not pursue a Makarrata commission He added treaties were being pursued by the states and territories separately, prior to and following the referendum. with the government not planning a truth and justice commission. 'That's at different stages, and that is appropriate given that there are different views and not one homogenous grouping around the country,' he said. 'We weren't progressing a national treaty before the referendum. What was occurring was that states and territories were acting on that. 'With regard to Makarrata, a Yolngu word that simply means a coming together after struggle, I'm somewhat perplexed at why people see that as being complex. 'Obviously, there has been a struggle for First Nations people. That's why we talk about Closing the Gap, or what is really a chasm in some areas. 'And coming together is a principle of walking together, that engagement. It's not a moment in time. It's a process of coming together after struggle.' School is set to start in a month on Bois Blanc Island, but a critical piece is missing: a teacher. The tiny, four-student schoolhouse is facing an uncertain future as the island community grapples with a statewide teacher shortage that is magnified by its remote location. Just 34 square miles in size, the island is home to a mere 100 residents and Michigan's smallest school district. Its isolation, compounded by harsh winters accessible only by plane, makes recruiting educators a formidable challenge 'I tell everybody, 'We are remote Alaska without the mountains,' Christine Hasbrouck, a local grandparent and teacher aide, told Bridge Michigan. Unlike its more populous neighbor, Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc's ferry service is suspended for much of the year, further isolating the community. School is set to start in a month on Bois Blanc Island, but a critical piece is missing: a teacher The tiny, four-student schoolhouse is facing an uncertain future as the island community grapples with a statewide teacher shortage that is magnified by its remote location. Enrollment at the K-8 school has fluctuated dramatically, dropping as low as two students in 2019. Michigan once boasted nearly 7,000 one-room schoolhouses, but now only a handful remain, according to Rochelle Balkam, chair of the Michigan One Room Schoolhouse Association. The island's school, technically a two-room building, reflects this historic model. Isolated from the mainland for much of the year, Bois Blanc residents face unique challenges. Groceries are stocked up before the ferry ceases operation, and winter travel relies on costly flights. Finding a teacher for the island's four students is an even greater hurdle. 'Our challenge now...not only because of the island, but just because (of) the way that the teachers in this world are now, there's such a lack of,' explains school board president Cindy Riker. 'Getting a seasoned teacher is probably out of the question.' Superintendent Angie McArthur reported on Thursday that the district is interviewing a potential teacher. However, this individual lacks the required teaching certification. To employ them, the district must seek a long-term substitute permit from the state. Just 34 square miles in size, the island is home to a mere 100 residents and Michigan 's smallest school district The school's remote location, compounded by harsh winters accessible only by plane, makes recruiting educators a formidable challenge Additionally, the candidate would need to enroll in a teacher preparation program to remain at the school beyond a one-year term. Michigan has acknowledged the statewide teacher shortage by funding initiatives to bolster the teaching workforce, such as 'grow-your-own' programs. Bois Blanc's teacher wears many hats, serving as educator, counselor, principal, and even purchasing agent, according to school board president Riker. The unique setting allows for personalized instruction, with teachers tailoring lesson plans to each student's pace. School board member Amanda Beugly expressed her desire to make the island her family's permanent home, but said she won't let her fifth-grade son and a seventh-grade daughter, Andrea, return to school there if there isn't a qualified teacher to teach them. 'I do think it's such a challenging position that you do need to have that experiencebecause you don't have the same support structure in a one-room schoolhouse that you would have in a regular school where you have other teachers you could run to for help,' Beugly said. Andrea nor her brother want to leave the island. They've been attending virtual school, but their mother does not want that to be permanent. Superintendent Angie McArthur reported on Thursday that the district is interviewing a potential teacher. However, this individual lacks the required teaching certification. To employ them, the district must seek a long-term substitute permit from the state. Some children on the island don't want to move off of the island, but may have to because the high school is located elsewhere. Daily flights to the mainland would be impractical due to the high cost. Andrea's situation is complicated by the fact that she'll be a high schooler in just two years. Her options are limited. Daily flights to the mainland would be impractical due to the high cost. Chartering a flight to Cheboygan, for instance, would set them back $222 per trip with a minimum of three passengers. Hasbrouck, a former classroom aide, praised the school's previous teacher as 'phenomenal.' Susan Rowell, the teacher herself, echoed this sentiment, describing her teaching experience on the island as 'magical.' Drouare is a longtime visitor to the island, but this is the first year her children will attend the local school. She said she believes 'a year or two [on the island] would just give the kids some perspective and a different opportunity.' The family plans to reassess their situation this fall and decide whether to remain on the island or return to East Lansing, where Drouare's husband and 13-year-old son will stay. If the Drouare family leaves and the Beugly family doesn't return, Hasbrouck's grandson could be the school's sole student. Economic pressures and the trend towards school consolidation are threatening the survival of small schools. Bois Blanc Island School, with a budget of just $245,000, spends a staggering $61,000 per studentnearly triple the expenditure of Detroit Public Schools. Economic pressures and the trend towards school consolidation are threatening the survival of small schools. Bois Blanc Island School, with a budget of just $245,000, spends a staggering $61,000 per studentnearly triple the expenditure of Detroit Public Schools. Despite these challenges, Bois Blanc residents cherish their island lifestyle and hope to retain a full-time teacher. Drouare, who once snowmobiled to school herself, emphasized the unique experience island life offers. 'I would love nothing more than (to) have 10 families with 25 kids move to this island and have that be our problem,' Hasbrouck said. If the district can't find a suitable teacher, they may have to resort to a remote instructor with a classroom aide on-site, a less-than-ideal solution according to Superintendent McArthur. Despite these challenges, Bois Blanc residents cherish their island lifestyle and hope to retain a full-time teacher. Drouare, who once snowmobiled to school herself, emphasized the unique experience island life offers. Hasbrouck expressed her reluctance to homeschool. She believes the school provides essential structure and social learning beyond academics. 'That structure is part of what is important,' said Hasbrouck. 'They're learning more than just the academics. You're learning a routine, you're learning that this is the way life works.' August 4, 2024: In the last few days Russian and Malian soldiers in the north suffered heavy casualties fighting CSP rebels. CSP was formed in 2021 and mainly consists of Tuaregs, a North African Berber group that dominated the region for over two thousand years until European colonial forces showed up in the early 19 th century. The Tuaregs put up a fierce resistance to the French and were not defeated in Mali until 1905. The Tuaregs continued to feud with their North African and sub-Saharan African neighbors. The colonial powers left most of Africa in the 1960s. This was bad for the Tuaregs who were outnumbered by the people of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso, countries the Tuaregs used to dominate. The French colonial governments used the Tuaregs as their enforcers and this backfired on them when the French left and the newly independent governments of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso sought to suppress Tuareg power in the region. This effort is still underway as Tuareg power and influence continues to decline. An example of this continued resistance was the recent clashes with Tuareg militias in northern Mali that left over a hundred Malian troops and Russian mercenaries dead. This past July, the opposition political parties in the landlocked African nation of Mali finally received some cooperation from their transitional military government. On July 10, 2024, Assimi Goita, the interim president of Mali told opposition political parties they could resume operations after a three-month suspension imposed in April. The opposition parties were angry that Goita reneged on his promise to retire from government by March 2024. By allowing a revival of planning for national elections, Mali could finally look forward to the return of democratic government that would be elected and effective. Mali is in northwest Africa just south of the Sahara desert. Its northeastern neighbor Algeria is where drug smugglers move their cargoes to from ports in Guinea or Ivory Coast north via Mali and Algeria and then to markets in Europe and the Middle East. Islamic terrorist groups handle the smuggling that passes through Mali. In 2023 and 2024 the economic and political situation in Mali has gotten worse, with more Islamic terrorist violence and growing areas of northern and central Mali coming under the control of Islamic terrorist groups. The Mali army and a small number of Russian Wagner Group military contractors have been unable or unwilling to carry on with that effort or prevent the Islamic terror groups from crossing the Niger border and advancing into Mali. The terrorists include groups affiliated with al Qaeda, an alliance called JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems), and the more violent groups like ISGS (Islamic States in Greater Sahara), which is one of the two ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups in the region. When they showed up in 2018, ISGS operated mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially the area where the three borders met. Until recently those Islamic terrorists were a problem but now, they are a real threat to the normally well defended capitals of all three countries. Islamic terrorist violence in northern Mali has left over a hundred dead each month the fighting continues as does the advance of the Islamic terrorists into Mali and its capital Bamako In central Mali, the Mopti region, thousands of civilians have been blockaded by Islamic terrorist groups angry over the way locals have cooperated with the army against Islamic terrorists. Back in September 2023 representatives from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso met in the Mali capital Bamako to work out details for forming AES (Alliance of Sahel States). The alliance is meant to improve security for all these nations. Currently Islamic terror groups are attacking all AES members. Burkina Faso is the worst hit, with about 40 percent of its territory controlled by Islamic terrorists. Mali and Niger fear the same fate will befall them. Recently, AES was formally established July 6th, 2024, as an anti-French and anti-ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). The Mali government forced the French and African G5 peacekeepers out by the end of 2021. In 2017 the prior Mali government, Chad, Niger, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso agreed to form a new G5 counter-terrorism force that would work in cooperation with the similar but larger and better equipped French force that had been operating in the Sahel since 2014. The Sahel is the semi-desert area south of the Sahara Desert that covers much of northern Africa. Back then the French concluded that the Sahel was still troubled by thousands of Islamic terrorists and that this situation could not be taken care of quickly. In order to maintain pressure on the Islamic terrorists, France established a special force of 3,000 troops to fight Islamic terrorists throughout the Sahel. In practice this meant just part of the Sahel and included Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. This French force grew to some 4,000 troops equipped with 200 armored vehicles, 20 transport and attack helicopters, six jet fighters and three large UAVs. There were also two twin-engine C-160 air transports available for use within the Sahel. Supplies and reinforcements were regularly flown in using long-range transports like the C-17 belonging to NATO allies, especially the U.S. and Britain. From the beginning the French force included a thousand French troops in Mali and the rest dispersed to other Sahel bases and ready to quickly move anywhere in the region where Islamic terrorist activity had been detected. The G5 nations already cooperated by sharing intelligence and providing quick access to their territory by the French force. In addition, the Americans provided satellite and UAV surveillance and other intel services, especially analysis and access to nearly all American data on Islamic terrorist activities in the region. Each of the G5 member countries contributed 500 to 2,000 personnel consisting largely of special operations troops. Many of these troops had already worked with their French counterparts or been trained by French or American special operations advisors. All this was meant to keep the Islamic terrorists in the Sahel weak and disorganized. That worked until the current Mali military regime ordered the French/G5 force out. AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), which has been around since 2007, was still in business as gangsters smuggling drugs and illegal migrants north and getting support from Islamic terrorists in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Islamic terrorists continued to carry out attacks in Mali, mainly the north and the G5 states to let the world know that Islamic terrorists are still present in the area. Another reminder has been the high casualty rate among peacekeepers in Mali. UN peacekeepers in Mali suffered 26 dead during 2016, the highest number of any UN peacekeeping operation and 90 percent of the UN peacekeeper deaths in 2016, even though the Mali force comprises less than 15 percent of all UN peacekeepers. The Mali peacekeepers had been in this situation three years in a row. Over a hundred peacekeepers (mostly UN, but some French) have died in Mali since they arrived in 2013. This was the highest casualty rate of all the UN peacekeeping operations going on at the time. The Mali population is now over 22 million and the economy is one of the worst in the world, with millions of Malians barely surviving on foreign aid. There is less foreign aid because Mali has not been able to prevent gangsters or Islamic terrorists from stealing the aid to sell on the market for cash to finance their operations. There are other armed groups like, like tribal militias and rebellions soldiers that interfere with foreign aid distribution. This chaotic situation has been going on since 2012, when a separatist rebellion in the north was defeated. Continued high levels of corruption, ethnic rivalries and Islamic terrorism kept Mali from achieving a lasting peace and much prosperity. In 2021 the situation got worse when there was another military coup, The Mali military has staged three government takeovers since 2012. One, in May 2021, was an internal dispute within the military. Since the May coup foreign donors have warned that most of the foreign aid will stop coming if Mali does not carry out a significant reduction in corruption, government ineffectiveness and overall instability. None of these three military takeovers were about corruption, but rather anger at the corrupt politicians stealing money meant to finance operations against Islamic terrorist and separatist minorities in the north. The colonels running the military government are unwilling to step down and are trying to make it on their own, despite the large number of UN peacekeepers and French troops dealing with the Islamic terrorist problem up north. The May 2021 coup was led by the army colonel who had earlier been appointed deputy head of the CNT (National Transitional Council). The colonel replaced the civilian who originally held the job as CNT leader. After that the military-dominated CNT rapidly replaced many existing CNT officials with army officers or civilians known to be pro-military. When foreign donors, including France, criticized this, the army threatened to seek financial aid elsewhere. There was no elsewhere for the Mali coup leaders, at least not one they could afford. The Mali officers threats said a lot about their motives, which was mainly about maintaining their power and helping themselves to a portion of foreign aid. The coup leaders did have one source of wealth, the Mali gold mines. In late 2021 protestors tried to block access to one of the largest mines but that effort only lasted a few days before the security forces cleared the roads. As of early 2024 the chaos remains the same even though some military training detachments from the European Union and Russia operate. Russia is also involved in several economic development projects, like a solar power plant The 15,000 UN peacekeepers were gone by the end of 2023. The Mali government, run by rebellious army officers, doesn't want any UN personnel in the country to witness and record the crimes the military government continues to commit. The only thing keeping the Mali military government operating is taxes from the gold mines. These were developed and continue to be operated by foreign firms and recruit their own security personnel to guard the mines and the convoys taking the gold out of the country. The father of a young Aussie who was left fighting for life in Europe after a freak accident has revealed his son is out of bed and moving. Jordan Theobald, 29, was badly injured after jumping off the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and plunging more than 20m down before hitting the river. Mr Theobald had been on a romantic getaway with his partner Laura Mahoney after the couple had spent years saving up their money. The 29-year-old shattered his spine and was rushed to the intensive care unit where he underwent emergency surgery. Mr Theobald's father Jason shared a heartwarming update on Sunday revealing that his son had been making progress in hospital. 'Today he walked about 50m unassisted. He can get out of bed and back into bed unassisted,' he wrote on Facebook. 'He's in really great spirits. He's off the heavy pain killers and only needs paracetamol when required.' 'Still in ICU, has to remain lying down unless the physios are working with him.' Jordan Theobald, 29, was badly injured after jumping off the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and plunging more than 20m down before hitting the river (pictured, Mr Theobald with his partner Laura Mahoney) Before leaping off the 16th-century Ottoman bridge, Mr Theobald had been trained by the diving club that operates at the popular tourist attraction Jason shared his gratitude for the messages of support that had been sent his way and that his son remained positive. 'He has said the staff at the hospital in Mostar have been amazing and is in good hands,' he wrote. 'They have said it is a true miracle that he has come so far so quickly as he presented to the hospital as a paraplegic. Someone is looking out for him.' Jason thanked those who had supported the GoFundMe that had been created to raise money for Mr Theobald's medical bills and flight back to Australia. The friend added, 'He (Mr Theobald) has said the staff at the hospital in Mostar have been amazing and is in good hands.' 'They have said it is a true miracle that he has come so far so quickly as he presented to the hospital as a paraplegic. Someone is looking out for him.' Ms Mahoney told 7News that her partner had 'great mental strength' and that he was 'remaining positive' and 'hopeful'. The Melbourne couple planned to eventually settle in France at the end of their trek around Europe. Their priority has changed to returning to Australia as soon as possible so Mr Theobald can begin his recovery. Ms Mahoney said the diving club has seen many injuries before, but not to the extent of Mr Theobald's injuries Ms Mahoney said they had only been in Mostar for two days before the tragic accident that shattered his T12 vertebrae. Before leaping off the 16th-century Ottoman bridge, Mr Theobald had been trained by the diving club that operates at the popular tourist attraction. 'When it came to the big jump, a mishap has happened and he's landed incorrectly,' Ms Mahoney said. Mr Theobald was rushed to hospital and placed in ICU with paralysis to the lower half of his body. Ms Mahoney said the diving club has seen many injuries before, but not to the extent of Mr Theobald's injuries. 'Jumping off a bridge that high, there are always going to be risks,' she said. Ms Mahoney said because Mr Theobald is in ICU, she has not been able to spend more than 10 minutes a day with her partner. She said he is grateful to the medical team taking care of him. Ms Mahoney also expressed her gratitude to Aussies who have supported the GoFundMe which has so far raised almost $73,000. 'The generosity, support, and kind messages that we're receiving has not gone unnoticed,' Mahoney said. A Michigan sheriff's department has unveiled a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro as their newest patrol car, after using money from a cartel bust to fund the vehicle. Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel revealed this week that his department had funded the muscle car from a drug forfeiture fund. The fund is made of cash taken from drug dealers, with his team having assisted in a case that involved a Mexican cartel pushing cocaine into Saginaw County. In total, the car cost $29,000 and was bought at an online auction house, before auto shop teams dressed up as a classic patrol car. Federspiel told WNEM that the vehicle would be used as a real-life reminder to drug dealers. The vehicle was purchased with around 50,000 miles on the clock, and it will be put to use as a traditional patrol vehicle. Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel revealed this week that his department had funded the muscle car from a drug forfeiture fund He told the outlet: 'Im not afraid to let drug dealers know that Im coming for them if they want to continue to do that type of work here in Saginaw County. We wont tolerate it.' The vehicle was purchased with around 50,000 miles on the clock, and it will be put to use as a traditional patrol vehicle. While the backseats don't have much room for holding detained people, he said he would position people in the passenger seat. Speaking with MLive, he added that he had been wanting to wait to unveil the vehicle in November while campaigning to retain his sheriff's title. He rushed the vehicle out however to avoid the appearance of an election-season type publicity stunt. Images of the Camaro being worked on had been used in campaign material by his opponents, claiming the money used was taxpayers. He added: 'There is not one dime of taxpayer money that went into this vehicle, or anything with it. Its all drug forfeiture funds.' While the backseats don't have much room for holding detained people, he said he would position people in the passenger seat Images of the Camaro being worked on had been used in campaign material by his opponents, claiming the money used was taxpayers The Camaro represents the latest in a line of vehicles that the department have purchased using the drug fund. In 2010, they brought a Ford Mustang GT into their fleet that they confiscated from a local drug dealer. The door of the car said: 'Taken from a local drug dealer'. Then a 2003 Cadillac CTS received a similar treatment after it too was confiscated, with a decal reading: 'Taken from a cocaine dealer'. The most recent using the drug fund was a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 custom, which has since been sold on. Riots and disorder in England and Northern Wales this week have seen police cars set on fire, shops broken into and pedestrians attacked - with more violence set to come next week. Multiple towns and cities have seen clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with many police officers attacked and injured. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: A young man throws a brick at lines of police in Liverpool on Saturday, as riots in the city close to the stabbing turned violent LIVERPOOL: Rubble lies at the feet of police officers thrown by protesters in Liverpool, amid horrifying violence on Saturday SUNDERLAND: A woman being arrested this morning following the violent disorder SOUTHPORT: A rioter was hit in the head with a brick amid the chaos this week The protester was then hit again in the crotch as he tried to escape the chaos Another protester tried to see if he was alright after watching him get hit by a number of bricks Photos and videos from this week show vehicles set on fire, police officers injured, bricks thrown and violent clashes between protesters and officers. One rioter was hit in the head with a brick before being struck a second time in the crotch as he tried to escape the chaos, in footage that went viral on social media. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes 'will pay the price' and that 'criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his 'full support' to take action against 'extremists' attempting to 'sow hate' by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. The far right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool arrived this week. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told ministers 'the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible', a Downing Street spokesperson said, which could see courts sitting for 24 hours a day as they did for the 2011 riots, according to one report. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said anyone who attacks police 'should be ashamed'. She wrote on X: 'I cannot thank our local police enough for everything they're doing to keep people safe. 'They were among the first on the scene when the horrendous incident unfolded in Southport. 'They run into danger to keep us safe, and those who attack them should be ashamed.' Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said 'violence is not acceptable'. 'Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it', she posted on X. 'Let's be VERY clear - violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now.' In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said about 300 people were involved in violent disorder on County Road, Walton, which included community facilities being set on fire. LIVERPOOL: Riot police are positioned near the scene of a violent disorder on Saturday night BLACKPOOL: An injured man is tended to after a fight broke out between anti-fascists and other people protesting in Blackpool BLACKPOOL: A fight breaks out between anti-fascists (back to camera) and demonstrators in Blackpool BRISTOL: A masked thug throws a beer keg at a police car in Bristol as violence spreads across the country BRISTOL: A vandalised police vehicle which occurred during a protest in Bristol HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage to the ground floor. Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the fire, throwing a missile at the fire engine and breaking the rear window of the cab. A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with the disorder in Southport. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the behaviour of protesters 'deplorable', adding: 'The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise that we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice.' Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man has been charged with two offences following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday. Derek Drummond of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday, August 5, police said. In Hull, Humberside Police said there were 20 people arrested, three police officers injured and shops looted and burned after a mob attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers. LIVERPOOL: People react as a police officer falls while facing protesters throwing bricks and beverage cans outside the Liver Building in Liverpool BRISTOL: Police called into action at the far-right counter demonstration in Bristol last night BRISTOL: People carry beer kegs in Bristol as they cover their faces and a man films them BRISTOL: A person throws a chair in Bristol amid violence on the southern city's streets BRISTOL: A protester throws a can of cider towards counter-protesters in Bristol Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: 'The right to lawful protest is a part of democracy, which my officers upheld, however, we will not accept the senseless vandalism, antisocial behaviour and sheer violence that has been brought to our streets.' Businesses were targeted in Belfast where police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre, which Avon and Somerset Police described as 'completely unacceptable'. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. And Staffordshire Police said 10 people were also arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. Further protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said. 'We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready,' said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs' Council. 'There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. 'So if you're planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple - we'll be watching you.' A portrait of Winston Churchill is going to be hung alongside context of his links to 'racism, slavery and colonialism' after an artwork review by Tory-led Hertfordshire County Council. The depiction of the wartime prime minister - painted in 1967 as a replica of a 1943 print - will remain in view at County Hall, in Hertford, as it awaits a suitable explanation of the ties. Other artwork due to appear alongside caveats following the review include portraits of 19th Century PMs Viscount Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, according to The Telegraph. It is not the first case of Churchill has been controversially linked to colonialism, racism and slavery. The National Trust faced backlash in 2021 when an audit of their properties resulted in information displays at Chartwell, his former home in Kent, noting that the politician served as Colonies Secretary in the 1920s and had opposed independence for India. A 1963 portrait of Winston Churchill is going to be hung alongside context of his links to 'racism, slavery and colonialism' after an artwork review by Tory-led Hertfordshire County Council. The wartime PM is seen in 1954 The picture had been on display in Hertfordshire's County Hall (pictured), but will not be back on show, along with many other historical figures' depictions, until the recontextualisation is complete Though Churchill is regarded as one of the UK's greatest Prime Ministers ever for his World War II triumph, many views and actions which would now be regarded as racist have drawn criticism, especially since the Black Lives Matter movement became more prominent in 2020. Before WWII, in 1937, he said he had no sympathy for Native Americans or black people in Australia, who were enslaved and succeeded by white colonisers. Churchill said: 'I do not admit that a wrong has been done to these people by the fact that a stronger race, a higher-grade race, a more worldly wise race to put it that way, has come in and taken their place.' He took little action in 1943 when a famine in India, then still part of the British empire, killed 3million. The prime minister of the day even appeared to blame Indians for the food shortage, claiming they 'breed like rabbits'. The famine was sparked by the Japanese occupation of Burma a year earlier, which affected rice supplies. Earlier in his political career, Churchill advocated the use of chemical weapons against 'uncivilised' Kurds and Afghans. In a 1919 war memo he wrote: 'I cannot understand this squeamishness about the use of gas. I am strongly in favor of using poisoned gas against uncivilised tribes.' William Lamb, second Viscount Melbourne, is a historical figure whose image will remain in storage in Hertfordshire. His government presided over the First Opium War, which saw British forces protect British trafficking of opium into China against its government's wishes. The conflict saw Hong Kong become a British colony. Viscount Palmerston, Henry John Temple, led the expansion of the British Empire as Prime Minister from 1859 to 1865 and also served as Foreign Secretary under Viscount Melbourne. Palmerston's premiership also coincided with the American Civil War, and though he was a vocal opponent of the slave trade, his government took a neutral stance. Other figures whose portraits will remain in storage until suitable explanation of similar context can be provided are Robert Arthur Talbot, another PM during the empire era, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a 19th-century colonial secretary, and Cecil Rhodes, Prime Minister of the former Cape Colony. Hertfordshire County Council said work to contextualise its art was not a priority, though, and nothing was moved into storage as a direct result of the review. The council - Conservative led since 1999 - is apparently prioritising the conservation of its collection first and foremost. Britain was ablaze again last night as shameless far-right thugs took to the streets to torch buildings and loot shops in another night of violent chaos. Anarchy descended onto the streets of Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast as riots broke out once more, with police forces across the country bracing for disorder again tonight. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. In Hull, a Shoezone was pictured with smashed out windows with a fire raging inside. Those involved were seen carelessly trading Crocs on the side of the road while chaos ensued. Meanwhile, in Belfast stores were shamelessly set on fire and destroyed - with photos from outside one cafe showing yobs smashing their benches on the ground. It comes as the country has been engulfed by a week of violent riots, sparked by the Southport stabbing frenzy at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party left three little girls dead on Monday. LIVERPOOL: Rioters torched the city's new Spellow Hub library. which opened last year LIVERPOOL: The blaze at Spellow Hub reportedly started just after 11.30pm and followed a day of violent mayhem in the city LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder LIVERPOOL: The destroyed interior of the Spellow Hub community library following last night's chaos LIVERPOOL: Rubble lies at the feet of police officers thrown by protesters amid horrifying violence LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters Tensions boiled over after misinformation about the identity of who was responsible was spread, with mass mayhem breaking out in towns and cities across the country, with anti-immigration protesters taking to the streets. Violence last night broke out in Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Protesters tried to kick down police officer's riot gear, while other demonstrators threw objects at their shields. Looters took advantage of the chaos, stealing phones, shoes and wine from the shelves of every-day stores, smashing their windows with bricks and stones. In Liverpool, shameless yobs squealed 'get the phones! Get the phones!' as a group surrounded and battered their way into a phone repair and vape shop in the city centre. Kicking the shutters with the feet and wrenching them up in a wild frenzy, the mob battered at the glass with what appeared to be a bollard before leaving the road outside strewn with packaging after they emptied the shelves. Meanwhile, in Hull a Shoezone was pictured with smashed windows and a raging fire inside, while a Greggs and a Specsavers had also been targeted by men with face coverings throwing stones. In Hull, a Shoezone was pictured with smashed windows and a raging fire inside, while a Greggs and a Specsavers had also been targeted by men with face coverings throwing stones Shoes were strewn in the street outside the store as the fire rages, with the shop gutted An O2 store was also looted in the city, after a yob in an England shirt smashed the windows with a metal stool, before leaving with handfuls of gear. As he left, a young boy could be seen smashing one of the displays in a senseless act of destruction while one man yelled 'this is England'. And in Manchester a Sainsbury's Local was forced to shut after it was 'stormed' by rioters, with eyewitnesses saying they saw the mob 'grabbing items and throwing them' from the city centre store. In south Belfast a cafe and a supermarket were left badly damaged after being set on fire during an anti-immigration protest. A number of burnt out cars were seen on the road as officers tried to deal with the disorder in the Donegall Road area. Supermarket manager Bashir's business was extensively damaged by fire, telling reports the Islamic community in the city was being targetted. He said: 'People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community.' LEEDS: A masked protester raises his arms outside Leeds Town Hall. The protesters were allegedly organised as a response to the killings in Southport A protester throws a can of cider towards counter-protesters in Bristol A person throws a chair in Bristol amid violence on the southern city's streets He added: 'All of that happened and the police did nothing, I am telling you the truth. What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down?' The business owner was clearly emotional when asked about his reaction to the attack on his shop. He said: 'How do I feel? I can't describe it, empty mind, we couldn't even sleep (last night), the words, I can't even describe what has happened to be honest. There is no message for people like this. 'When people do this, when people do something like this, you think they will accept the message?' Emergency services are now bracing themselves for more outbursts today with rallies planned in Rotherham, Rushmoor, Weymouth, Middlesborough and Lancaster this afternoon. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his 'full support' for police to take action against 'extremists' attempting to 'sow hate' by intimidating communities - as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes 'will pay the price' and that 'criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets'. But forces across the country have reported injuries among their ranks - with sick yobs pictured chucking bricks and beating officers as they try to defend the nation's streets. One striking photo showed a shell-shocked officer staring into the camera as her colleagues tended to her, while further video saw a lone cop forced off his motorbike and beaten by a hoard of thugs in Liverpool. A young man throws a brick at lines of police in Liverpool, as riots in the city close to the Southport stabbing turned violent A vandalised police vehicle which occurred during a protest in Bristol A fight breaks out between anti-fascists (back to camera) and demonstrators in Blackpool Running clashes between the mob and officers in the Merseyside city left two officers in hospital with a suspected broken jaw and broken nose, while families visiting to see a Disney Princess cruise ship fled in terror from gangs of thugs. A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with the disorder in Southport. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields. The community living around Spellow Lane Library Hub this morning were heartbroken to see the asset destroyed. Around 300 people descended onto County Road in Walton - a few miles away from the city centre - around 8pm, with officers later arresting 23. One officer was knocked off his motorbike while other demonstrators kicked riot shields. Spellow Lane Library Hub was opened last year to provide routes into education and work for those living in the community. A ribbon was cut by the city's Lord Mayor last year alongside a group of beaming primary school children as the library opened after the community and local Government 900,000 for its rebuilding. Videos from last nights mayhem, however, showed flames pouring out of the building, rising into the sky. Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the fire, throwing a missile at the fire engine and breaking the rear window of the cab. 'I cannot believe what I am seeing,' one wrote. 'Spellow library played a huge part in my upbringing. Then again when I needed help as an adult. What the f*** is going on?' An injured man is tended to after a fight broke out between anti-fascists and other people protesting in Blackpool Masked thugs threw bricks at officers in shocking scenes as cops in riot gear attempted to quell the chaos Another added: 'Spellow Library in flames. An important community hub serving people that have little to begin with. This is pure thug behaviour.' A third said: 'Spellow Library on County Road in Liverpool has been set on fire by idiotic rioters. It had only just been reopened after a big refurbishment. This is not a wealthy community. Why destroy some of the few good things in it?' 'The Spellow is a library which reopened last year and provides support for people of all abilities to gain education and a path to employment. It [is] truly awful. I fought for years for this hub and now [it's] destroyed.' Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the behaviour of protesters 'deplorable', adding: 'The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise that we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice.' Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man has been charged with two offences following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday. Derek Drummond of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday, August 5, police said. In Hull, Humberside Police said there were 20 people arrested, three police officers injured and shops looted and burned after a mob attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers. A car is set alight in Belfast following a night of rioting A person throws a chair in Bristol amid violence on the southern city's streets A protester appears to make a Nazi salute as Belfast Anti-Racism and Anti immigration protesters have a tense stand off NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a demonstration as she screams her protest Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: 'The right to lawful protest is a part of democracy, which my officers upheld, however, we will not accept the senseless vandalism, antisocial behaviour and sheer violence that has been brought to our streets.' Businesses were targeted in Belfast where police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were treating reports of criminal damage as hate crimes and had made two arrests. A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport. Stormont leaders including First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Justice Minister Naomi Long have condemned the violence in Belfast. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn praised the police for their response to the unrest. DUP MLA Edwin Poots said many of those involved were not from south Belfast. He said: 'The violence witnessed in south Belfast is totally wrong and unacceptable. Many of those engaged in the violence are not local and many in the local community are expressing their unhappiness at the rioting. 'People are angry and frustrated. Over the course of the last year councillor Tracy Kelly and I have raised many issues affecting communities in south Belfast, which Government bodies have largely ignored. 'Acts of violence and destruction of the area which we are trying to get investment into is totally counterproductive.' Mr Poots added: 'Working people are being driven out of the community because housing is unaffordable and unattainable. Essential services such as access to GPs and dentists are incredibly difficult to access. 'It is essential that we meet the needs of people who have lived in an area for generations. This will only be achieved through engagement, and by government bodies listening and acting to meet those needs. Violence will solve nothing.' In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre, which Avon and Somerset Police described as 'completely unacceptable'. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. And Staffordshire Police said 10 people were also arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. Further protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said. 'We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready,' said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs' Council. 'There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. 'So if you're planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple - we'll be watching you.' An Australian holidaymaker has called out Jetstar's 'unfair' treatment on a flight from Bali after airport staff told her to throw away a bottle of water. Dasha Daley, from Perth, shared a video accusing Jetstar of denying her 'basic human right' to water during a three-and-a-half-hour flight home from Bali. 'The joys of flying Jetstar,' she captioned the TikTok video. 'When you buy a bottle of water at the departure gate and then take it off you when you board as it's not allowed, but then also refuse to serve free water when you're suffering with Bali belly. 'Should be illegal.' Ms Daley explained she'd bought the bottle of water after passing the first security checkpoint but had it confiscated at a second before she boarded the flight. She claimed she asked flight attendants for water twice during the flight but was refused both times, despite struggling with an upset stomach. It's understood Denpasar International Airport requires all travellers to dispose of liquid containers larger than 100ml before boarding their flight. Dasha Daley (pictured) claimed she was refused water on a during a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Bali back to Australia Ms Daley claimed she asked flight attendants for water twice during the flight but was refused both times, despite struggling with an upset stomach. Jetstar typically offers cups of water for free during flights but Ms Daley claimed she only received a drink once the meal service began. 'I did have a free meal because I paid for 30kg luggage and that came with a beverage so I was lucky I had some water then. But meal service takes some time and I had to wait a while,' Ms Daley, an OnlyFans creator, told Yahoo Australia. 'I think it's not fair you can't take a bottle on the plane when you already went past security, 'Then it's unfair you don't get water when you need it.' The clip has attracted more than 42,000 views within 24 hours. Viewers were shocked to hear Ms Daley's experience and called for Jetstar to improve its service. 'Ive never heard of this. Even budget airlines in the US dont do this,' one viewer commented. It is understood Jetstar typically offers cups of water for free during flights but Ms Daley claimed she was turned down twice by staff Another added: 'No idea why they do this! It's ridiculous.' A third wrote: 'Sorry about their harsh rules n regulations.' The clip prompted others to share their own experiences 'Yes it just happened to me too and it's infuriating,' one Aussie wrote. Others pointed out all airlines have the same rule. 'It's not Jetstar, it's all flights to Australia from Bali. Australian govt requirement,' one wrote. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jetstar for comment. Scottish Greens have called for the end of one of Britain's most popular military celebrations, claiming it is 'emotionally harmful'. Edinburgh's Labour council is considering ending the Royal Military Tattoo RAF flypasts. Opponents of the flypast claim they cause distress to military veterans who may be suffering from mental turmoil from serving in conflict zones, as well as causing environmental damage. Scottish Greens won cross-party support to scrap the flypasts over Edinburgh Castle and Labour council leader Cammy Day wrote to military chiefs to express 'concerns over hitting net zero targets'. The Red Arrows confuct a flypast during Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo last year Red Arrows flypast after the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla on July 5, 2023 But Tories have slammed the motion, claiming 'Marxists' are trying to destroy Britain's heritage. Phil Hoggart, a Scottish Tory councillor who was one of only two to vote against the move, told The Times: 'These Marxists masquerading as environmentalists are hell-bent on obliterating the heritage of the UK, especially when it comes to the military. 'They are attempting to push their extreme views on Scotland's capital under the cloak of environmentalism. 'Edinburgh is a military city. If people choose to live in a military city it is perfectly reasonable to expect residents to respect the consequences of that.' He added that he didn't expect anything from the SNP but claimed the 'cowardly' Labour and LibDems have 'fallen in behind these extremists'. A view from the cockpit of a Red Arrow jet taking part in 2023's Royal Military Tattoo flypast Edinburgh Council claim the flypast could cause emotional harm to veterans who saw active service In May this year, Edinburgh Council's culture committee passed Green councillor Dan Heap's motion, voicing their 'regret' over the 'environmental damage and emotional harm' caused by the flyovers. Mr Heap told The Scotsman: 'Tattoo flypasts are often raised by residents concerned about their impact on veterans, refugees and animals, as well as the environmental impact of unnecessary aircraft flights. 'Colleagues have consistently raised this question with the council leader, who has raised it with the Tattoo and the RAF. 'Given recent agreements by the council to consider restricting firework use across the city, it is right that we also ask questions of other intrusive and environmentally damaging practices which benefit only a small handful of people. 'The culture and communities committee has expressed its regret about the continuation of the flypasts. The next logical step is to find out how the council can actually try to stop them from happening.' Edinburgh Council has limited powers to ban the flypasts but said discussions will continue over how organisers could contribute to a target of making the city net zero by 2030. Veterans charities have refused to support demands for a ban on the displays. The event at Edinburgh Castle attracts up to 220,000 people. This year's run of Tattoo shows, which raise a significant sum for military charities, began on Saturday. Performances celebrate nautical themes and the Royal Navy is this year's lead service. The first flypasts are due to take place on Wednesday at around 9.30pm. Last year saw seven flypasts however, this year they have been reduced to five. Val Walker, the council's culture and communities convener, said the council welcomes 'the reduction in flypasts in this year's programme'. Adding: 'The council, along with all our partners, strive to improve festivals and events year on year and discussions will continue with all event organisers as to how they can contribute to meeting our city's ambitious net zero by 2030 target.' The first flypasts are due to take place on Wednesday at around 9.30pm (Pictured, the Red Arrows take part in last year's flypast) Jason Barrett, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo chief executive, said: 'We always take the environmental and social impacts of the Tattoo seriously and work very closely with our stakeholders across the city as well as our colleagues at the MOD to ensure our event is safe and enjoyable. 'The flypasts are a showcase of our military heritage and precision which the Tattoo is famed for. 'The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is proud to be part of the festival infrastructure in Edinburgh that contributes millions of pounds annually to the Scottish economy and we remain vigilant in our planning and execution of all elements of our event.' A spokesman for the RAF said: 'We will proudly take part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as well as many other ceremonial flypasts this year, as our aircraft have done for decades. 'For all such events, flight safety remains our top priority. Flypasts are well publicised in advance to ensure that disturbance is kept to a minimum. We continue to welcome engagement from the public and local authorities to assist in this.' Police officers are the latest professionals being lured to move to Austrialia by the promise of more pay and a less stressful life Down Under. The coppers appear to be following in the footsteps of NHS staff who have already made the move to Oz enmasse. With the promise of year-round warm weather and of safe streets to raise your family, moving to Australia has proved a tempting prospect for the more than one in five police officers in Britain thinking of leaving the force. Now the South Australian Police force are running a recruitment drive to try and tempt up to 200 disgruntled cops in the UK to join them. The campaign is being spearheaded by Chief Insp Scott Collins, 49, a former Thames Valley police officer who left for Australia 20 years ago. Metropolitan Police on patrol in London. With the promise of year-round warm weather and of safe streets to raise your family, moving to Australia has proved a tempting prospect for the more than one in five police officers in Britain thinking of leaving the force Bondi Beach in Sydney. The overall laid-back lifestyle in Australia promotes a healthier work-life balance than in the UK The South Australian Police force are running a recruitment drive to try and tempt up to 200 disgruntled cops in the UK to join them. The campaign is being spearheaded by Chief Insp Scott Collins, 49, a former Thames Valley police officer who lives in Adelaide (pictured) One of the main reasons that Brits make the move according to Mr Collins is due to the 'safe environment.' In words reported by the Telegraph he said: They have concerns about how the UK is going in relation to crime and disorder and how safe it is for them and their families.' Mr Collins who is based in Adelaide says the city is very safe and the overall laid-back lifestyle in Australia promotes a healthier work-life balance than in the UK. If the prospect a good life isn't enough to tempt coppers, salaries for officers are higher in Australia starting at between 51,000 and 59,000. The new Labour government has announced plans to increase the number of neighbourhood police officer by 13,000. To do so the government has allowed so-called 'golden hellos' where chief constables can offer up to 1,2000 to new recruits. Scottish TikTok star Dr Michael Mrozisnki has been living in Australia for a few years now and regularly encourages more British doctors to join him Britain is facing a similar crisis in the medical profession where shocking figures showed up to 40 per cent of NHS workers are looking to resign or retire in the next five years. Many NHS doctors and nurses are being lured to Australia by videos on social media where staff who have already made the move boast of their 'much happier' lives Down Under. Scottish TikTok star Dr Michael Mrozisnki has been living in Australia for a few years now and regularly encourages more British doctors to join him. In a video uploaded in April 2023, he told his 362,000 followers: 'I saw the writing on the wall in 2015... I moved and I've never been happier. 'And it's not just the money, I get treated so much better, I get more respect in Australia.' A British tourist has been assisted by police after claiming she was raped and robbed on a beach in Majorca. The 30-year-old told detectives she agreed to go to the beach with a man she met and ended up agreeing to have sex with before a second man appeared on the scene and forced himself on her. They then fled with her belongings according to the holidaymaker. The incident police are probing happened on a beach near the Majorcan capital Palma in the early hours of Thursday morning. Respected island newspaper Ultima Hora said she had accepted an offer of 'free drugs' by the man she met as she strolled around Palma before heading to the beach with him. It said they had decided to have consensual sex on the sand before things took an 'unexpected turn' with the surprise arrival of the second man. A British tourist has been assisted by police after claiming she was raped and robbed on a beach in Majorca (File image of a Magaluf beach) The 30-year-old told detectives she agreed to go to the beach with a man she met and ended up agreeing to have sex with before a second man appeared on the scene and forced himself on her (File image of a Palma beach) The female holidaymaker, now said to be back in London, was taken to Son Espases Hospital in Palma for a routine medical exploration after alerting police and telling them she wanted to file a formal complaint. It was not immediately clear this morning if she had ratified her complaint in court in front of a judge before she returned home. Local reports said she had been in 'visibly affected' and in a 'state of shock.' Police in the Balearic Islands admitted earlier this year thieves targeting holidaymakers who had gone to the beach to make love or have a late-night dip in the sea were one of the biggest problems for them in peak season. Little is known about the men said to have been involved in Thursday's incident, including their ages or whether they were Spaniards or foreigners. Parts of Playa de Palma, which includes the brash party area of S'Arenal on its east end which is popular with partying Germans, have been under the microscope this summer over tourist misbehaviour and criminals especially pickpockets who target holidaymakers. Francisco Javier Santos, head of the National Police for the area, insisted in a local paper interview published today it was a safe place to go on holiday, saying: 'The level of criminality is relatively limited.' In April last year an Italian man was arrested on suspicion of raping a 38-year-old British woman on a beach near Magaluf after luring her from a nearby bar. The 20-year-old was held after the victim complained he had forced himself on her after a night out in Palmanova which borders the famous party resort. A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Majorca said at the time: 'The Civil Guard in Calvia has arrested an Italian man aged 20 as the suspected author of a crime of sexual assault on a woman aged 38. 'Last week, the alleged victim and suspect coincided in a late-night bar in Palmanova. 'When the bar closed, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the woman's state of disorientation because of the amount of alcohol she had drunk, to take her to the beach and rape her. 'Officers began an investigation and managed to identify and locate the alleged offender.' Court officials could not be reached this morning for comment regarding the investigation a judge launched at the time. A British 18-year-old was allegedly gang-raped at a hotel in Magaluf in the early hours of August 14 last year. Five French nationals and a Swiss man were arrested and remanded in jail pending an ongoing judicial investigation and a further two suspects subsequently held in France on European Arrest Warrants. Shops which were left trashed and burned out after the violent riots this week must be cleaned up - with more protests set to come over the next few days. Numerous stores in cities such as Hull and Belfast have been trashed, raided or set on fire amid the chaos, which has seen clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators, counter-protesters and police. The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Tiffany Lynch, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, has condemned the recent rioting and violence against police. 'It is an abhorrent, senseless act of violence against our police officers, towards our public buildings who are there to serve the community,' she told BBC Breakfast. Ms Lynch called the scale of the riots 'unprecedented', adding: 'We've had riots and clashes of this nature, but they have been pocketed in particular areas of the country. We're now seeing it flooding across major cities and towns. BELFAST: A cafe in south Belfast which has been destroyed after it was set alight following the riots HULL: A police officer stands outside a burnt Shoe Zone shop in Hull after it was targeted during the riots HULL: A Lush shop is seen after being looted following riots in Hull LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from the streets after a night of chaos HULL: An 02 shop is seen after being looted following violent riots in Hull BELFAST: A supermarket badly damaged by fire in south Belfast following the riots BELFAST: A supermarket completely trashed in south Belfast following the disorder BELFAST: A man looks around at a destroyed store selling groceries after the violent riots 'We're seeing officers that are being pulled from day-to-day policing to... go out there and essentially protect our communities. 'But while that's happening, the communities that are out there that are having incidents against them - victims of crime - unfortunately, their crimes are not being investigated. 'We're not going to be able to attend all of the incidents that are coming in on the 999s because we're having to direct the priorities of what's happening on the streets.' Shocking photos show shops destroyed, burned or emptied, with smashed windows, broken doors and wrecked interiors. Photos taken in Hull show a Lush store - which sells bath and shower products - completely trashed with broken stock strewn on the floor. Other shops destroyed in the city include a Shoe Zone, 02 store and Specsavers. In Belfast, a cafe was destroyed after being set on fire following disorder amid the anti-immigration protests in the city. The chief executive of Hull City Council has praised street cleaning teams who got to work as soon as they had clearance from the police. Videos on social media last night showed shops in Hull city centre looted and on fire. Posting on X, Matt Jukes said: 'The idiots who caused all this don't define us, our people and those who work to ensure everything gets back to normal do.' LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: The destroyed interior of the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool BELFAST: A cafe in south Belfast which has been destroyed after it was set alight BELFAST: A supermarket badly damaged by fire in south Belfast following disorder BELFAST: A cafe on the Donegall Road in south Belfast which has been destroyed after it was set on fire BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt yesterday LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Rubble lies at the feet of police officers thrown by protesters in Liverpool, amid horrifying violence on Saturday Speaking of the violent protests, Ms Lynch added: 'We saw at the very start of this week... the tragic horrific killing of three young children and the injured children... a day of reflection quickly turned into horrific violence, and towards police officers that are there to protect everybody. 'We will continue keeping up this policing for as long as it takes. We need it to stop, and we need it to stop immediately. 'We will mobilise immediately. We are 24/7, 365 days a year. 'We need the public to get behind the police, to get behind the call for this to stop.' Memorial services are set to be held across Southport today as crowds gather in remembrance of the three girls stabbed to death on Monday. The services follow a week of unrest across the country after fake news spread about the stabbing led far-right rioters to take to the streets of many British towns and cities. Southport found itself at the centre of the turmoil engulfing the nation following the horrifying stabbing of children at a Taylor Swift dance event on Monday which led to the death of three little girls, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and a further nine victims are being treated in hospital. Now community leaders in the seaside town are asking for people to come together to allow the town to grieve over what has happened. Churches across Southport have announced that memorial services will be taking place throughout the day in memory of the victims. Memorial services are set to be held across Southport today as crowds gather in remembrance of the three girls stabbed to death on Monday From left to right: Alice Dasilva Aguiar,9, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The three girls tragically died after they were stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance event Reverend Marie-Anne Kent appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to speak about the services taking place in the town St Philip and St Paul with Wesley is one church holding a service today. Reverend Marie-Anne Kent from the church appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to speak about the events taking place in the town. She said: 'Across Southport churches will be open to everybody for those of faith and no faith to be a safe space to bring all that we're feeling today: the anxiety, the numbness, the fear and the grief. 'Everybody is welcome whatever you believe. We need to come together at times like this.' Meanwhile, memorials have sprung up across the Merseyside town where residents can leave floral tributes to the victims. Landmarks across the country were lit up in pink yesterday in tribute to the three children killed in the attack including Downing Street, the Cunard Building in Liverpool and a tree on Hart Street in Southport near to where the attack took place. In the Portuguese island of Madeira has held a church service in remembrance of the victims. Alice Dasilva Aguiar family are originally from the island and mourners later gathered outside the church to release white balloons. Paying tribute to Alice, her aunt Carina Aguair wrote on Facebook: 'Princess Alice rest in peace fly so high and look at daddy and mummy who mourn your tender absence so much.' Rev Kent also spoke about the riots which have taken place throughout the week. She said: 'There is a lot of mixed emotions around not only are we remembering the victims but Southport is now associated with the violence going on across the country. A woman and a child embrace while they look at flowers in Southport. Memorials have sprung up across the Merseyside town where residents can leave floral tributes to the victims Landmarks across the country were lit up in pink yesterday in tribute to the three children killed in the attack including Downing Street 'We are remembering all those communities too today and working with communities ourselves to work for peace and to act in kindness rather than in hate.' The violent unrest started on Tuesday when misinformation spread across social media claiming that the suspect in the stabbing was a radical Muslim migrant. Police have named the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana who was born in Cardiff to Christian parents from Rwanda. Rudakubana has since been charged with murder and attempted murder. The misinformation sparked far-right protests across the country. Violence last night broke out in Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Protesters tried to kick down police officer's riot gear, while other demonstrators threw objects at their shields. Looters took advantage of the chaos, stealing phones, shoes and wine from the shelves of every-day stores, smashing their windows with bricks and stones. In Liverpool, a community library that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire by violents thugs who then hurled objects at a fire engine which had been called to stop the blaze. Kicking the shutters with the feet and wrenching them up in a wild frenzy, the mob battered at the glass with what appeared to be a bollard before leaving the road outside strewn with packaging after they emptied the shelves. LIVERPOOL: Rioters torched the city's new Spellow Hub library. which opened last year In Hull, a Shoezone was pictured with smashed windows and a raging fire inside, while a Greggs and a Specsavers had also been targeted by men with face coverings throwing stones Meanwhile, in Hull a Shoezone was pictured with smashed windows and a raging fire inside, while a Greggs and a Specsavers had also been targeted by men with face coverings throwing stones. And in Manchester a Sainsbury's Local was forced to shut after it was 'stormed' by rioters, with eyewitnesses saying they saw the mob 'grabbing items and throwing them' from the city centre store. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his 'full support' for police to take action against 'extremists' attempting to 'sow hate' by intimidating communities - as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes 'will pay the price' and that 'criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets'. But forces across the country have reported injuries among their ranks - with sick yobs pictured chucking bricks and beating officers as they try to defend the nation's streets. Emergency services are now bracing themselves for more outbursts today with rallies planned in Rotherham, Rushmoor, Weymouth, Middlesbrough and Lancaster this afternoon. Labour will 'put lives at risk' with new laws making it easier for public service staff to strike, it was claimed last night. On Tuesday ministers are set to cave in to union demands and announce plans to repeal anti-strike legislation. The measures will give a 'green light' for strikes across the NHS, schools, ambulance service, Border Force, rail and fire services, critics said. Last night MPs and experts warned the measures could: Leave A&Es 'empty' of staff and put NHS patients at 'serious risk of harm'; See holidays 'go up in smoke' amid border chaos; Grind trains to a halt and cost businesses billions. The measures will give a 'green light' for strikes across the NHS , schools, ambulance service, Border Force, rail and fire services, critics said (Pictured, members of the BMA and UNIT trade unions march around Royal London Hospital on October 4, 2023) Last week Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) offered junior doctors a 22.3 per cent rise over two years in a bid to end repeated strikes they have staged since March 2023 Former Tory party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Welcome back to the 1970s. The hardline Left are back. This is the beginning of radical change that will give power to the unions to strike at will.' The Employment Rights Bill will scrap the requirement of 'minimum service levels' which the Tories brought in last year. The laws were meant to limit the impact of strikes by forcing unions to allow a standard of service. Ministers are also looking to repeal the 2016 Trade Union Act which made it harder for unions to organise strikes including requiring 40 per cent of members to approve action, limiting the frequency of industrial action and extending the notice period unions must give employers. The government will also set out measures to boost workers' rights, including scrapping zero hours contracts and making access to sick pay and other benefits available from day one and easing the rules on flexible working. Leading cancer specialist Professor Karol Sikora said the plans to change strike laws 'could put the sickest patients at serious risk of harm'. 'The system is already broken from repeated strike action which has generated record waiting lists,' he said. 'Any delays inevitably mean patients get sicker and store up worse problems for later. While we try to prioritise the sickest, it's not always easy to tell who that's going to be. In a worst-case scenario, they die.' He said that while it was not clear what the proposals might mean for emergency care, it was at least 'feasible' patients could see 'empty A&Es'. The measures have been worked on by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. This week ministers will make clear that anti-strike powers will not be used, even before the legislation is repealed. 'We will express our desire not to use them', a government source said, in order to send a signal to rail companies and other firms. Tory Matt Vickers, Shadow Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, said: 'What happens in the event of a fire service strike, for example? How would the public know what level of service is provided?' Tory former Health Minister Neil O'Brien said: 'Other groups considering strikes see this as a green light to take action or up pay demands. 'If Border Force strike then that is your holiday going up in smoke and massive queues at airports. 'If teachers strike, parents could again find themselves having to stay home, losing much-needed income.' Former Tory party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) said: 'Welcome back to the 1970s' A leaked message from a member of the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee has said it is not enough and further strikes could happen 'within 12 months' (BMA members are pictured picketing outside University College Hospital in London in October) Last week Health Secretary Wes Streeting offered junior doctors a 22.3 per cent rise over two years in a bid to end repeated strikes they have staged since March 2023. But a leaked message from a member of the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee has said it is not enough and further strikes could happen 'within 12 months'. The speed at which the new government settled has emboldened GPs, who this week overwhelmingly voted for industrial action. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: 'If these laws are scrapped, we end up with hospitals worried about safe staffing levels for critical care, urgent appointments cancelled, wards closing at short notice and emergency care being compromised.' A government source said the Tories' approach to 'try to act tough' on unions had not worked and led to 1.4 million cancelled NHS appointments and nurses striking for the first time in history. A government spokesman said: 'The Strikes Act has only made negotiations harder. 'This government is committed to getting public services back on track and putting an end to strikes that impact people's day-to-day lives. No10 has shut down claims that Sir Keir Starmer is going on holiday tomorrow amid violent riots across the country. Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick had criticised the Prime Minister for his plans to go away with family, branding the alleged getaway 'completely wrong'. Towns and cities have seen clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators, counter-protesters and police this week, with the chaos continuing in Rotherham today. The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. It is now understood that Sir Keir is not going on holiday at the start of next week. Mr Jenrick had told the Camilla Tominey Show on GB News this morning: 'I think it would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to go on holiday whilst parts of Britain are burning. 'I'm sure that the government, like the whole country, sees the severity of the situation.' Robert Jenrick (pictured) has criticised the Prime Minister for his plans to go away with family, branding the getaway 'completely wrong' BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday Mr Jenrick added: 'I know they're trying to get a grip on it and I welcome some of the measures they've already taken, like having more persecutors, having the courts sit weekends, but this is a very serious situation.' However, Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Sir Keir 'has to have family time'. He told LBC's Matthew Wright: 'The government will continue and we've got an excellent Deputy Prime Minister. 'Keir has to have family time, there's no doubt about it. Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir - and I've met him many times, and sitting here in Blackpool several times - he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday.' Cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Belfast have seen vehicles burned, shops destroyed, pedestrians attacked and police officers injured this week following the Southport stabbings on Monday. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire last night as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from County Road after a night of violent disorder HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. The public have been warned not to approach a suspect wanted for the murder of a 53-year-old man in north London. Kamar Williams, 33, from the Isle of Dogs, is believed to be connected to the stabbing of Derek Neil Thomas on Tuesday, July 30. Mr Thomas, who lived in Stoke Newington, was pronounced dead in Northwold Road after he was found with stab wounds. A post-mortem examination held at Poplar Mortuary on Thursday revealed that he died from a stab wound to the chest. The Metropolitan Police said officers are looking for Williams in connection to the murder and released a photograph of him. The public have been warned not to approach Kamar Williams (pictutred), 33 - a suspect wanted for the murder of 53-year-old man Derek Neil Thomas in north London on Tuesday Mr Thomas, who lived in Stoke Newington, was pronounced dead in Northwold Road (seen) after he was found with stab wounds Members of the public were warned to avoid Williams if they see him, and to call 999 immediately. Any information can be shared by calling the incident room on 0208 345 3715 quoting Operation Brooktunnel. The public can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A 30-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody, the Met said. The investigation is led by Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers in the Mets Specialist Crime (Homicide) Command. The chairman of the ABC has issued a harsh critique of the national broadcaster's news 'prioritisation', urging journalists to focus on hard news rather than lifestyle stories. Kim Williams slammed the order of stories on the ABC's website during an address to Radio National staff late last month. Leaked audio of the meeting, obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald, revealed the chairman wants to have a more active role in the organisation's news department than his predecessor, Ita Buttrose, who departed the national broadcaster in March. 'I think people have, in moments of public torment, crisis, division, challenges to leadership, a right to be able to access it from us reliably and immediately, and not to suddenly see a lifestyle story being number one, number two or number three,' Williams said of the website's homepage. Williams used a homepage from a random day as an example. He pointed out that it failed to mention a NATO meeting from that week, ongoing turbulence in the French election or the wars in Gaza or Ukraine in the top stories. 'We need to have a better coherent logic in relation to story prioritisation. And I think that's not surprising, and in fact, is much more responsive to the way in which people expect new services to be delivered,' Williams said. 'I think I make no apology for the fact I think news should be prioritised appropriately. Sorry if that's unsatisfying.' ABC chairman Kim Williams (pictured) criticised the prioritisation of lifestyle stories over hard news on the broadcaster's website Williams wants to revamp the ABC's news website homepage, radio station and marketing The ABC has begun rolling out its new website design to some users, which is meant to help its audience navigate its news section easier. It will go fully live in two weeks on August 19. Staff seemingly took Williams' criticism to heart with the ABC's top website stories on Sunday focusing on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the Garma Festival, the US election, riots in Britain, the Olympics and a report on Russia. Williams met with Radio National staff at the ABC's Sydney offices and online in late July as part of his effort to revamp the department. His goal is to achieve similar reach as the BBC's Radio 4 in the UK, which reaches 17 per cent of the population every week versus ABC's Radio National which reaches just 1.5 per cent of people in Sydney and 1.6 per cent in Melbourne. The ABC's new website design (pictured) will go live in two weeks time on August 19 Station manager Dina Rosendorff will lead a review of the station's marketing, programming schedule and begin a project to change the its tagline from 'think bigger'. Williams also intends to focus on the ABC's overall marketing strategy to make all of its departments appear more cohesive to its audiences. 'My view of ABC programming is that [it] should always be distinctive. Why do it if it's not? ABC programming needs to be bold. It needs to be something that actually stands up, and that you can embrace and feel proud of, and we need to do that on a very regular basis,' Williams said. While the proposed plans will require more funding, Williams said he will look to the work of former 1988 chair David Hill, who was more active in cabinet rather than cutting current funding from smaller department. 'There has been precious little advocacy from a board level for the ABC for some decades, and that is to be regretted. No doubt, boards had reasons for what happened. I'm not particularly pointing a bone at anyone other than invoking effect,' he said. Kim Williams' comments come after former chair Ita Buttrose (pictured) slammed ABC journalists for becoming 'too soft' and suggested that they quit if they cannot handle criticism Williams' comments come days after his predecessor sparked controversy by slamming journalists at the national broadcaster as being 'too sensitive' and biased. Ms Buttrose made the explosive claims on Patricia Karvelas' Radio National Breakfast show last Monday. She also claimed some journalists at the corporation were biased, adding that anyone who is biased or sensitive 'should just give up' if they can't handle criticism. 'There's no harm in presenting both sides of an argument, and I don't understand the reluctance of some of our interviewers not to do that,' she said. 'Have both sides of the story, it's much better for the viewer or the listener. The policing minister has said rioting thugs will get a 'knock on their door' from officers and insisted there is 'no need' to bring in the Army to help. More than 100 people have now been arrested across the country after riots broke out between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters this week, with the chaos set to continue in the coming days. The disruption began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Policing minister Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull North and Cottingham, has condemned the violence after more police officers were injured in last night's riots. The MP said rioters should expect to be punished accordingly for the violent outbreaks, telling Times Radio: 'People need to be aware if they were looting, there will be a knock on their door, they will be brought before the police and the court and there will be consequences. 'I want people punished for causing mayhem and disruption to our communities. We need to stamp on that small minority who have engaged in dreadful violent disorder on our streets.' Policing minister Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull North and Cottingham, has condemned the violence after more police officers were injured in last night's riots LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday LIVERPOOL: Riot police are positioned near the scene of a violent disorder on County Road in Liverpool Asked whether the Government would draft in the military to help respond, Dame Johnson told BBC News: 'There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that. 'As I say, the police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment... they have the powers that they need.' Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has been having discussions with social media companies about misinformation spread online, Dame Diana said. 'Obviously we need to do more because you're absolutely right there has been that spread of misinformation which has caused problems this week,' she said. Britain was ablaze again last night as far-right thugs took to the streets to torch buildings and loot shops in another night of violent chaos. Anarchy descended onto the streets of Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast as riots broke out once more, with police forces across the country bracing for disorder again tonight. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Rubble lies at the feet of police officers thrown by protesters in Liverpool, amid horrifying violence on Saturday As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. An angry far-right mob have stormed into a hotel housing migrants and asylum seekers, hurling chairs and spraying fire extinguishers at riot police, while setting bins, a generator and furniture alight. Around 700 violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire since around 2pm this afternoon. At least 10 officers have been injured in the chaos outside the hotel on the northern outskirts of the post-industrial town. One was left unconscious following a head injury, another suffered a suspected fractured elbow and other suspected broken bones. It marks yet another day of violent riots of Britain's streets, with crowds in Middlesbrough setting fire to a car and pushing burning wheelie bins at police, while thugs in Rotherham smash windows and doors as riot police use shields to push them back. South Yorkshire Police said one person has been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. Meanwhile, a peaceful protest in Bolton descended into chaos when two groups of demonstrators clashed. One charged towards the town hall shouting 'Allahu Akbar' while the other waved England flags. Similar scenes could be seen in Weymouth, as around 400 protesters from opposing sides gathered on the seafront to chant at each other. One side could be heard chanting 'Nazis go home', while the other shouted 'Tommy Robinson'. The outbursts come after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport on July 29. While photos from Rotherham have shown some occupants looking out of the hotel window onto rioters, it is unclear if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. Other photos appear to show far-right protesters breaching the hotel. The BBC reported that balaclava-clad people were seen forcing their way inside. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. The grass around the hotel appears to have been set on fire as well. Keir Starmer vowed rioters would 'regret' taking part in 'far-right thuggery' after a fifth day of violence in England, as the Government announced emergency security for mosques amid the threat of further disorder. A bin on fire outside the Holiday Inn Migrant hotel in Rotherham Protesters try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham A member of the community offers snacks to police officers on the front line in Middlesbrough Residents offer food and snacks to police on the front line in Middlesbrough this evening Serious violence and rioting by far-right protesters continues in side streets into the evening A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham as counter demonstrators stand outside with signs saying 'refugees welcome' Two other residents in the hotel look out as protests begin in Rotherham, Britain A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon on the day of a protest against illegal immigration, in Bolton Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration protest Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line on August 4, 2024 in Weymouth A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton, this afternoon A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right activists holding a demonstration in Middlesbrough A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton this afternoon Police try to hold back anti-immigrant protestors on Weymouth seafront Police detain a man during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car lies overturned and on fire during an ant-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A police officer helping a woman who has fallen over during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A thug throws a brick at a parked car during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Lets protest and get our country back but nor we will raid Iceland instead and pinch stuff because Iceland is bringing all the illegal immigrants to the streets of the UK and allowing them to kill people make it make sense #middlesbrough pic.twitter.com/annozL1LZ9 Lewis Powell (@_lewpowell) August 4, 2024 A group of young men in Rotherham held a banner that read 'we're not far right we're just right' while another placard being waved around said: 'Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings'. Missiles, including glass bottles and beer cans were thrown at police, as protesters smashed hotel windows to gain access to the premises. One person's face was seen completely covered with a Union Jack mask while they waved a large England flag outside the hotel and chanted offensive slogans. The protest has already been strongly criticised by anti-racism groups as well as campaigner Brendan Cox, whose MP wife Jo Cox was killed in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016. He said: 'The scenes in Rotherham aren't a protest, they aren't even a far right riot, they are an ongoing attempt to murder the men, women and children inside by burning them alive. 'The stench of these days will hang around those who incited and justified it for the rest of their lives.' An anti-racism counter protest at the scene increased tensions for police, who arrived to find banners reading: 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right.' South Yorkshire Police said several of its officers were injured during 'deplorable acts of violence' outside the Holiday Inn Express in the Manvers area of Rotherham today. At least ten officers have been injured as a result of the violence, with one left unconscious following a head injury, another suffering a suspected fractured elbow and other suffering suspected broken bones. No hotel employees or residents have been injured, police said. Officers regained access to the hotel from protesters and are continuing to disperse the group away from the area this evening. A heavy police presence will remain outside the hotel and in the surrounding area over the course of the rest of this evening and into tomorrow. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: 'Today in Rotherham we have seen our officers attacked and at least ten injured, significant damage caused and a fire set outside a hotel full of terrified residents and staff. The mindless actions of those today have achieved nothing other than sheer destruction and leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear. 'The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting. While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this. Those who choose to spread misinformation and hate online, also need to take responsibility for the scenes today this was not a protest, just angry people, reacting to a false narrative who have their own motivations for doing so. 'All today has achieved is the diversion of police and partner resources, operational police officers who will now be away from active duty while they recover from their injuries, and the continued use of public money to clean up the mess they have left behind. 'Please be assured, our work does not end today we have officers working hard, reviewing the considerable online imagery and footage of those involved, and they should expect us to be at their doors very soon. 'I want to take this opportunity to thank our officers and staff who have worked incredibly hard today and the officers from West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, Durham Constabulary, North Yorkshire Police and Leicestershire Police who have supported us, alongside South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for their continued support.' Residential properties and businesses attacked on a street in Middlesbrough A car is vandalised as far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough A policeman tussles with an anti-immigrant protestors near Weymouth seafront Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line Police officers deploy as far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough on August 04 Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Anti-immigration protesters hold Union Jacks on Weymouth seafront. A counter demo by Stand Up To Racism gathered at the same location further down Police officers detain a man on the day of an anti-immigration protest Meanwhile, in a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and promised those involved in unrest would 'face the full force of the law'. Speaking from Downing Street, Sir Keir suggested that rioters taking to the streets, and those 'whipping up this action online and then running away themselves,' would face consequences. The Home Office announced mosques would be offered greater protection under a new 'rapid response process' designed to quickly tackle the threat of further attacks on places of worship. 'People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques,' the Prime Minister said on Sunday. 'Other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I won't shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery.' Counter-protesters push against the police cordon on the day of a protest against illegal immigration Bolton Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Sir Keir indicated the response to the violence could mirror elements of how the 2011 riots were handled, at which time he was director of public prosecutions. 'We do have standing arrangements for law enforcement which means that we can get arrests, charge remanded in custody and convictions done very quickly,' he said. 'I myself was part of that in 2011 when I was director of public prosecutions, and I'm determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.' Ministers have suggested that courts could sit 24 hours to fast-track prosecutions while police forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to tackle potential unrest. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the deliberate torching of a hotel where people were known to be inside was 'utterly appalling' and South Yorkshire Police have Government backing to take 'the strongest action'. Ms Cooper said: 'Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. 'In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the Government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. 'As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.' Humza Yousaf has called for the army to be called in to stop 'thugs' causing disorder on the streets. 'It doesn't look like, to me, the police have a handle on the situation,' the former first minister of Scotland said. 'The police have not been able to protect those that are in the Holiday Inn,' he added. The army can help to get control where the police are unable.' Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the violence this evening. He said: 'The shocking scenes we're seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport. 'This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society. The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law.' Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the violence on 'X' this evening A bin has been set on fire in Middlesbrough as police officers deal with an anti-immigration protest A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A bin is chucked towards a fire as a group of far right protestes gather in Rotherham A woman and a man take cover as objects are thrown during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A protester kicks a window at a hotel in Rotherham, as a far-right group joins Extinguishers are blown at police as trouble flares up outside The Holiday Inn in Rotherham A table is flung at a police officers wearing riot gear while others try to break into The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Police officers tackle an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon A police officers is injured as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express South Yorkshire's mayor Oliver Coppard said he is 'utterly appalled by the violence' in Rotherham. 'What we're seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society', he said in a statement. 'The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know. We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law', he added. Watching the scenes of chaos unfold, former home secretary and Tory party leader hopeful James Cleverly said rioters should be hit with 'the full weight of the law'. 'There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behaviour like this,' he tweeted. 'This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.' IGH, the parent company of the Holiday Inn chain, told the BBC: 'The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority.' A Sky News journalist was approached by a group of masked men with 'potential weapons' in their hands while reporting on the scenes in Middlesbrough this evening. The moment was caught on camera as Charlotte Leeming and her team were forced to move back. Meanwhile, the sight of demonstrators attacking a hotel in the belief it is housing migrants is 'almost incomprehensible', the managing director of the Hope not Hate advocacy group has said. Nick Lowles said he was 'lost for words' to describe the scenes at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham. 'The fact that hundreds of people have targeted a hotel that is housing migrants, it is almost incomprehensible,' he told Sky News. 'They knew that people were in that hotel and they consciously tried to set fire to it. 'Communities are so scared, we have to rebuild.' Mr Lowles said agitators have been over-simplifying stories to whip-up hate. Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the anti-migration protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and people during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham today A police officer moves a burning bin in Middlesbrough Police officers clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Rioters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, kicking off another day of chaos An anti-immigration protester wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express Mounted police stand in front of anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers and dogs patrol as anti-racism counter protesters and anti-migration protesters gather outside of the Holiday Inn Police officers and anti-immigration supporters standing outside the hotel housing migrants in Rotherham Protesters clash with police outside the Holiday Inn in Rotherham Anti-racism counter protesters hold placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express A person carries a sign reading 'Refugees are welcome here' outside the hotel housing migrants Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham An aerial view of the Holiday Inn Express, which has seen rioters gather outside it for another day of chaos in the UK Mounted police stand opposite anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police horses outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham amid the protests People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Elsewhere in Middlesbrough, more than 300 protesters started marching towards the city's Cenotaph today. They carried a banner that read: 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' Rudakubana is the 17-year-old accused for murdering the three little girls in Southport and is charged with attempted murder of 10 others. His parents were born in Rwanda before moving to the UK in 2002. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to near Southport in 2013. Others marching through the city chanted 'we want our country back' as they made their way through the city centre. At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving. One Middlesbrough resident said: 'We're going to be paying for this, and for what? 'This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. They've used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets.' A person was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after an incident at the Swatters Carr pub. Cleveland Police said officers have made nine arrests so far relating to violent disorder offences in Middlesbrough. The force said the main areas affected are Parliament Road, Waterloo Road, and the area around the university. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'We are urging members of the public to stay away from Middlesbrough while officers respond to violent disorder in the town. 'We have a high policing presence responding to the disorder, and the priority remains to protect people and communities. 'We will continue to make arrests and deal robustly with anyone shown to be intent on committing violence and causing harm.' Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration protest, in Rotherham Dogs are being utilised by cops to try and quell the violence A police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham, during a protest in the West Yorkshire town this afternoon A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough Banner that reads 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' through Middlesbrough A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough A man is detained as Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough Trouble flares up outside of The Holiday Inn, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where asylum seekers and immigrants are housed Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers with protesters as trouble flares during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham A police officer attempts to extinguish a wheelie bin that has been set alight by anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Sir Keir Starmer will lead the Government's response to a wave of far-right violence and disorder, following reports he would be going on holiday this week. Downing Street has insisted the Prime Minister will be working from No10 all week as his Government deals with its biggest crisis since winning the election last month. Slamming Sir Keir's alleged plans to go on holiday, Mr Jenrick told GBN Live: 'I think it would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to go on holiday whilst parts of Britain are burning. 'I'm sure that the government, like the whole country, sees the severity of the situation.' The politician added: 'I know they're trying to get a grip on it and I welcome some of the measures they've already taken, like having more persecutors, having the courts sit weekends, but this is a very serious situation.' However, Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Sir Keir 'has to have family time'. He told LBC's Matthew Wright: 'The government will continue and we've got an excellent Deputy Prime Minister. 'Keir has to have family time, there's no doubt about it. Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir - and I've met him many times, and sitting here in Blackpool several times - he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday.' Cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Belfast have seen vehicles burned, shops destroyed, pedestrians attacked and police officers injured this week following the Southport stabbings on Monday. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire last night as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. Merseyside Police have charged two people with committing violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday. Officers witnessed a group throwing stones, bricks and missiles at officers in the Paradise Street area. Jimmy Bailey, 45, of Station Avenue, Ellesmere Port, has been charged with violent disorder. He has been remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court at 9.45am on Monday August 5. Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, will appear at the same court after he was charged with violent disorder and arson (to a police vehicle). An attempt was made to set a police van alight while it was parked in William Brown Street on Saturday. The flames were quickly extinguished before significant damage or harm could be caused, the force said. BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from County Road after a night of violent disorder HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. An iceberg twice the size of Greater London has been spinning on the spot near Antarctica for at least eight months. A23a, the world's largest iceberg, caught itself on a massive rotating cylinder of water known as a Taylor Column in December, and has been rotating at a rate of around 15 degrees a day. This constant rotation is keeping the massive frozen block from melting and fragmenting, scientists told the BBC, adding that A23a could be trapped in the vortex for years. Polar expert Professor Mark Brandon said: 'Usually you think of icebergs as being transient things; they fragment and melt away. But not this one. 'A23a is the iceberg that just refuses to die.' The world's largest iceberg, called A23a, has has been spinning on the spot near Antarctica for at least eight months A23a, the world's largest iceberg, caught itself on a massive rotating cylinder of water known as a Taylor Column in December, and has been rotating at a rate of around 15 degrees a day A23a is the surviving largest fragment of an iceberg that broke free of the Antarctic's Filchner Ice Shelf in August 1986 A23a is the surviving largest fragment of an iceberg that broke free of the Antarctic's Filchner Ice Shelf in August 1986. It had only moved a couple of hundred miles when it became stuck, or 'grounded' to the ocean floor and ended up becoming stationary for the next 30 years. Icebergs 'ground' on the ocean floor when their keel (the bit below the water's surface) is deeper than the water's depth. Scientists revealed in November that the berg is on the move again, being carried northwards by wind and ocean currents. They estimated that it has a surface area of 1,500 square miles, a volume of 263 cubic miles and a mass just below one trillion tonnes. That makes it not only four times as big as Greater London, but a whopping 100 million times as heavy as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The former record holder was A76, which detached from an ice shelf in the Weddell Sea in May 2021, but it has since fragmented into three pieces. There's a chance the huge berg could disrupt the feeding routines of wildlife such as penguins for example, if it parked in an area where foraging usually happens. 'It depends on its trajectory, but there is potential for impact to wildlife if it approaches any of the sub-Antarctic islands,' a BAS spokesperson told MailOnline. The distressing 911 call made by an Arizona father accused of leaving his two-year-old daughter to die in a hot car while he played PlayStation has been released. Christopher Scholtes, 37, allegedly left his daughter, Parker Scholtes, 2, in their blue 2023 Honda Acura SUV to nap for three hours while he played video games. 'My baby was in the car. She's not responsive. Oh, my God, oh, my God,' the father, Christopher Scholtes, said on the phone with the 911 operator. The 911 operator instructed Christopher to start CPR. 'Yes, we are. We're starting CPR,' Christopher said. 'My wife's a doctor.' Parker Scholtes, 2, died in a hot car in front of her home after she was left there for allegedly three hours Christopher Scholtes, 37, was charged with first-degree murder and child abuse over Parker's death. He is seen with Parker, her two older sisters and his wife Erika Erika was heard on the call questioning her husband about what happened. 'You left the car on,' she asked in the recording as reported by Inside Edition. 'It was but it turns off. I've been checking,' Christopher replied. During a court hearing, Erika called in to offer her support for her husband and called the incident 'a big mistake.' 'This was a big mistake and I think that this doesn't represent him,' Erika said. Text messages between Scholtes and his wife after their child died revealed that this was not the first time Christopher had left their children in a vehicle alone. 'I told you to stop leaving them in the car, how many times have I told you? ... We've lost her, she was perfect,' a text message from Erika read according to the court documents. 'Babe our family. How could I do this. I killed our baby, this can't be real,' Scholtes replied. Parker was found dead in the car at about 4:15pm on July 9 outside the family home in Marana, north of Tucson, Arizona. The Pima County Medical Examiner said the girl's body temperature has reached 108.9F when first responders arrived. Marana Police previously charged Scholtes with second-degree murder for the July 9th death, initially ruling manner of his daughter's death as an 'accident.' The complaint alleges that Scholtes' other two children, aged 9 and 5, stated their father habitually left all three children unattended in the vehicle, reports KOLD. Scholtes' two other children, aged nine and five, told police that Scholtes had left all three siblings alone in the vehicle regularly They claimed that he was preoccupied with a video game and putting away food when their sister was left in the car. Scholtes told police he left Parker in her car seat inside the vehicle with the engine running and air-conditioning on because he did not want to wake her up. He claimed she was there less than an hour after they arrived home, but CCTV footage revealed it was more than three hours in direct sunlight, according to a criminal complaint obtained by DailyMail.com. His wife Erika, a doctor at the hospital where Parker was declared dead, arrived home at 4:08pm and asked where her daughter was, then found her in the car, police said. Scholtes' two other children, aged nine and five, told police their father regularly left all three siblings alone in the car. The kids told police Scholtes 'got distracted by playing his game and putting his food away', according to the complaint. A PlayStation and other electronics were taken away as evidence by police. The father-of-three told police he left the air conditioning in the Acura running but knew it would automatically shut off after about 30 minutes, based on previous experience. Scholetes told police he got home with Parker about 2.30pm, but surveillance footage from neighbors' cameras showed his car arrived at the house about 12.53pm. Parker's body temperature had reached 109.9 degrees Fahrenheit per emergency medical workers Scholtes told cops that when he arrived home, Parker (pictured together) was asleep in the back seat and he didn't want to wake her, making him elect to leave her in the car despite the extreme heat The cameras also showed Scholtes never went outside to check on Parker until his wife arrived home and asked where she was, police alleged. Minutes later they found Parker unresponsive in the back of the car and a 911 call was made at 4.16pm, when the temperature was 109F. Parker was left in this blue Honda Acura SUV seen behind the police tape earlier that same day Erika Scholtes, an anesthesiologist, called her daughter's death a 'big mistake' as she begged a Tuscon judge to reconsider holding her husband until his next hearing in August. The judge upheld the doctor's request - agreeing to release him until his next hearing on Thursday so he could 'start the grieving process' with his relatives. 'I'm just asking if you can allow him to come home to us so we can all start the grieving process,' Erika said during a remote appearance at her husband's scheduled hearing. She explained it would be 'so that he can bury our daughter with us this upcoming week, and [so] that we can go through this poor process together as a family'. Erika Scholtes, 35, works as an anesthesiologist at the same hospital her daughter was rushed to on the day she died 'This was a big mistake and I think that it doesn't represent him,' the mom-of-two continued. 'I just want that the girls to see their father so that I don't have to tell them tonight that they're going to endure another loss.' The defense proceeded to point out how Scholtes lacked a criminal history, aside from a DUI charge from 15 years ago. He was also charged with assault but the allegation was withdrawn. A grand jury indicted the father on Thursday, August 1st, charging him with first-degree murder and child abuse. Christopher has been released from jail pending a grand jury investigation. Former President Donald Trump cracked a risque joke about leaving former First Lady Melania at his rally in Georgia on Saturday after calling an activist to the stage who earlier in the event gave remarks taking direct aim at Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump brought Michaelah Montgomery up toward the end of his remarks at his rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta. He explained that he met Montgomery at a restaurant while in Atlanta earlier this year. Trump claimed when he went into the restaurant, which was a Chick-fil-A, she was 'behind the counter' and told him 'President Trump, you saved my college.' 'This one is so smart, so sharp. She grabbed me. She gave me a kiss,' Trump said as Montgomery stood by his side. 'I said "I think I'm never going back home to the first lady."' 'You were supposed to keep that quiet,' Montgomery joked in response after making a shushing gesture while the crowd laughed. 'See now for the average politician, that's death. For me, I don't care,' Trump said. Donald Trump brings Michaelah Montgomery up on stage during his rally in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, August 3, 2024 Montgomery is a Georgia activist who first crossed paths with Trump inside a Chick-fil-A when he made a campaign stop there earlier this year in April. Trump's retelling of the story was slightly off because she was not behind the counter, but their meeting went viral after she asked Trump for a picture. 'She loved her college, and she said, you saved my college,' Trump recalled on Saturday before deferring to Montgomery to say where she went to school. Montgomery is a 2020 graduate of Clark Atlanta University, which is a Historically Black College or University or HBCU. She went on to found Conserve The Culture which does grassroots campaigning. While he was president, Trump signed a bipartisan bill that strengthened HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. Trump has been touting those funds while campaigning in an appeal to black voters. Trump with Michaelah Montgomery (left) at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta on April 10 Trump kisses activist Michaelah Montgomery after bringing her on stage at his rally in Atlanta Trump praised Montgomery as 'incredible' and said she has a 'tremendous future.' Before Trump brought Montgomery on stage toward the end of his remarks, she spoke at the rally earlier in the evening where she went after Harris and defended Trump's recent false claims over the vice president's racial identity. Trump said in an interview last Wednesday that Harris, who is biracial with an Indian mother and Jamaican father, 'happened to turn black' in recent years. He and his campaign have since doubled down on the line of attack. 'I'm trying to figure out what all the outrage is about because she's only black when it's time to get elected,' Montgomery said at the rally on Saturday. 'The same black people who are mad at Trump for being confused about her race, ethnicity, nationality, whatever, are seemingly forgetting that while you're touting her as a savior for black people, she identifies as an Asian woman,' Montgomery went on. 'She chose her side, and it wasn't ours.' Harris is the first black and south Asian Vice President of the United States and identifies as both black and Indian. She attended the historically black Howard University where she was a member of the historically black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. Harris responded to Trump going after her racial identity last week with remarks that signaled she would not be debating her black identity with a white man. 'It was the same old show,' Harris said. 'The divisiveness and the disrespect, and let me just say, the American people deserve better.' Alice Munro suspected that her husband was a rapist and murderer, her daughter has claimed, after another woman revealed she too was abused by him as a child. The reputation of Canada's Nobel Prize-winning author has taken a battering since it emerged that she stood by husband Gerald Fremlin, the man who abused her own daughter from the age of nine. Munro, who died in May at the age of 92, screamed at police and told them her youngest daughter Andrea Skinner was a liar when they arrived to charge Fremlin with sexual abuse in 2004. But Fremlin found himself confronted by a 'lioness' of a mother when he exposed himself to the nine-year-old daughter of family friends while staying at their home. 'I was really lucky,' Jane Morrey, now 64 told the Toronto Star. 'I was lucky that my mom never questioned that it happened and believed me instantly.' Jane Morrey, 64, came forward to reveal that she too was abused by Alice Munro's predatory husband Gerald Fremlin who exposed himself to her when she was just nine-years-old The daughter of literary icon Alice Munro (pictured) says she was sexually abused by her stepfather from the age of nine - and that her mother stayed with him after she learned of it Fremlin, a cartographer, received a suspended sentence and probation for two years in after admitting indecent assault against Skinner after she went to police in 2004. But the case was not reported on, and Munro stood by him until his death in 2013 - the year she won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Morrey's parents were friends of the family and Fremlin was a 'constant visitor' to their Toronto home, she said. Morrey's father, Cliff Webb, had secured a job as professor of Philosophy at Toronto University in 1969 and the family had moved into a new home with a study which is where Fremlin would sleep on a camp bed when he came to visit. 'I went into the study to ask Gerry what he wanted for breakfast,' Morrey recalled. 'I sat at my father's desk as he asked me what the options were. 'Suddenly, Fremlin threw back the covers revealing his erection, which he was stroking. 'I had never seen an erect penis and was utterly shocked. I instinctively threw my hand up to cover my face, but not before I saw his expression. 'It was a look I can only now describe as hopeful. What I remember was how eerily calm he was. I muttered something about oatmeal and left the room.' Skinner, pictured, said her mother told her that 'our misogynistic culture was to blame if I expected her to deny her own needs and make up for the failings of men' Skinner, pictured as a child, wrote that Fremlin began sexually abusing her in 1976, when she was nine and he was in his 50s Morrey fled to the kitchen where Fremlin caught up with her and sat down opposite. 'Well Janey, I guess I shouldn't have flashed my c*** at you,' he said. 'I continued to look into my bowl of oatmeal, not knowing what I should do,' she recalled. 'Then he said, 'Well you did get to see mine, maybe you'd like to show me yours?' 'At that I said, 'Excuse me a minute'.' The little girl ran upstairs to her mother who screamed before storming down and throwing Fremlin out of the house. 'Your mother was a lioness,' Webb told his daughter when she asked him about it years later. 'Fremlin broke down and cried,' Morrey said. 'He said that it was supposed to be just a game and that he thought I would never tell. 'My mother said, 'That's just what you pedophiles are counting on, isn't it?' Skinner says Munro suspected Fremlin of the 1959 rape and murder of Lynne Harper, 12, Morrey believed her mother, Nellie Thompson, was already wary of Fremlim and warned her daughters to be careful on family camping trips with him. Morrey's older sister Marianne told the Star: 'I remember my mom saying 'Oh, don't make any shadows. Don't turn that flashlight on. Gerry will be watching'.' But other warning signs seemingly went unnoticed by the parents. Morrey was just 'six or seven' when Fremlin began sending her postcards and gifts, one of which was a recording of the 1968 hit 'I Gotta See Jane' by R. Dean Taylor. 'When I listen to it now, I'm astounded that my parents didn't question why a 44-year-old man would give an eight-year-old a recording like this,' she said. 'The lyrics relate the story of a man desperate to get back to the 'arms that once held me' and 'when love and happiness were mine, I gotta find that world of Jane and me like it used to be'.' 'It made me feel special,' she said. 'What transpired between us was a textbook case of sexual grooming.' In 1976 Morrey's parents split up and her mother inexplicably got back in touch with Fremlin, inviting him and Munro over to her new home in Fergus, Ontario. 'Although I was astounded that she could reconnect with a pedophile, I never said anything,' Morrey said. 'I knew instinctively that she would no longer support me. It would be impossible to be friends with them without denying that what he did, by his own admission, was indeed criminal and (had an) impact.' But Munro's possessiveness ensured that the rekindled relationship did not last. 'My mother told me that one day Gerry had phoned her from a pay phone as he didn't want Alice to see her number on their long-distance phone bill,' she said. 'Alice was consumed with jealousy and made his life miserable.' It was not until 1992 that Skinner directly confronted her mother about the abuse that had happened after reading one of her short stories about a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. 'She reacted exactly as I had feared she would, as if she had learned of an infidelity,' Skinner recalled. 'As it turned out, in spite of her sympathy for a fictional character, my mother had no similar feelings for me. 'She said that she had been 'told too late', she loved him too much, and that our misogynistic culture was to blame if I expected her to deny her own needs, sacrifice for her children and make up for the failings of men. 'She was adamant that whatever had happened was between me and my stepfather. It had nothing to do with her.' Munro briefly separated from Fremlin telling her daughter he had been accused of exposing himself to a 14-year-old girl. She also shared her fears that her husband was responsible for one of Canada's most infamous child murders. Twelve-year-old Lynne Harper was found raped and murdered in June 1959 in woods outside the Fremlin family hometown of Clinton, Ontario. Steven Truscott, who was 14 at the time spent nearly five decades behind bars for the crime until he was exonerated in 2007. Munro eventually reassured herself with the knowledge that her future husband had sent letters to his parents from Alaska that summer, and detective work by Skinner has been unable to pin down his exact movements. Alice Munro, laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature, represented by her daughter Jenny Munro (L) receives her Nobel Prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 2013 Munro remains a revered figure in her native Canada, but the allegations have rocked her fans Munro returned to her husband after a short separation but Skinner went to police in 2004 after being revolted by a gushing magazine interview Munro had given about her cartographer husband. Fremlin had written letters to the family in which he admitted to the abuse but blamed it on Skinner, describing her as a 'homewrecker' and accusing her of going into his bedroom 'for sexual adventure.' Skinner wonders whether even rape and murder would have been enough to make Canada's most celebrated writer turn her back on her husband. 'I thought she would have stayed with him no matter what he had done to me and others,' she said. An urgent warning has been issued after medicine used to euthanise animals was stolen from a vet's van. Gloucester Police said the legal drugs were stolen from a vet's van in Frampton on Severn, overnight from Wednesday into Thursday. Officers are concerned the drugs can cause serious illness or even death if consumed by humans. Anyone with information or CCTV footage is asked to contact police. Gloucester Police said the legal drugs were stolen from a vet's van in Frampton on Severn (General view of the Cotswolds village) Officers would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV, or has information which could assist (Stock photo of Frampton on Severn) Superintendent Andy Kilmurray said: 'We are deeply concerned that these drugs, which will almost certainly prove fatal if taken, are now in circulation. 'We are warning people who may have come across them not to take them but would urge them to come forward to us.' The drugs were taken from the parked van at some time between 11pm on Wednesday and 5am on Thursday when there was a spate of vehicle break-ins. Officers would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV, or has information which could assist, or if they have found the missing drugs. Similar incidents have taken place before as in 2018, thieves stole drugs from a vet's van in Arlingham, Stroud. Farrier equipment and medical supplies including animal euthanasia solution was stolen. Tommy Robinson has been stoking far-right race riots across Britain from the safety of a sun lounger at a five-star hotel in Cyprus, MailOnline can reveal. The former English Defence League leader has posted a constant stream of inflammatory social media posts from his foreign bolthole while on holiday with family and friends. Robinson, 41, who had a UK arrest warrant issued against him last Monday after he skipped a court appearance had tried to keep his holiday location a secret. While his supporters have rioted in recent days across the UK, he failed to mention his location in a series of video rants posted to his 800,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter. But MailOnline can now reveal that he has been staying at an all-inclusive resort on the outskirts of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Tommy Robinson has been stoking far-right race riots across Britain from the safety of a sun lounger at a five-star hotel in Cyprus Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been mixing happily with other holidaymakers, many of whom seem unaware of his identity Robinson is seen resting and relaxing on a sun lounger in a pool while inciting violence at home Robinson pictured at a far-right protest in London on July 27 Just one of the inflammatory Tweets Robinson has been sending from his sun lounger in Cyprus Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been mixing happily with other holidaymakers, many of whom seem unaware of his identity. A reporter saw him repeatedly using his mobile phone at the same time as posts went out on his X account, condemning police for supposedly cracking down on his supporters while failing to tackle Muslim protesters. He was also seen reading a hardback copy of American businessman and conspiracy theorist Patrick Byrne's memoir called Danger Close. MailOnline tracked down Robinson's location after he posted a video of himself in the hotel's gym. We first spotted Robinson shortly before the sun went down on Saturday at the beach bar of the hotel which charges more than 400 a night for a peak season double room with all meals and drinks included. He was also seen reading a hardback copy of American businessman and conspiracy theorist Patrick Byrne's memoir called Danger Close Robinson went off for a short walk, pulling on a purple top as he headed away from the pool As he sat in the bar wearing a navy blue polo-style top with a brown patterned collar, he updated his profile picture on X to show an image of him wearing the same shirt an earlier protest in the UK He was filmed walking back to his chalet bungalow room with members of his family and friends before heading out for a meal later in the evening. Tommy Robinson's new book: SILENCED 'Silenced' follows on from Tommy Robinson's previous book 'Enemy of the State' which described his life growing up on the streets of London and his rise to national prominence. It brings readers 'up to date', detailing an 'isolating and at times terrifying journey'. It follows Robinson's life through the Covid pandemic up until now. Advertisement Robinson and his holiday group were seen dining at the resort's Dante pizza restaurant, and then heading to the bar for a late drink. But while others in the group swigged beer with a saxophonist providing background music, Robinson appeared to be only sipping a coffee while scrolling through his phone. As he sat in the bar wearing a navy blue polo-style top with a brown patterned collar, he updated his profile picture on X to show an image of him wearing the same shirt an earlier protest in the UK. He headed off to bed shortly after midnight, but he appears to have stayed up, writing posts on X, condemning media coverage which labelled protesters as 'far right' and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper calling them 'thugs' In other late night tweets, he slammed '2 tier policing' in the UK with Muslim counter protesters allegedly facing 'no police batons' and 'no horses' in contrast to the treatment of his supporters. Robinson was up for breakfast with family members including his daughter shortly after 7am today when the hotel's buffet restaurant was largely empty. He and his daughter then headed for an hour-long workout in the hotel's gym where guests can enjoy views of the sea through floor to ceiling windows. Tommy Robinson speaking to his social media followers on 'X' over the 'tensions in the country' Robinson says what is happening on Britain's streets is 'years of resentment build up' He and his daughter then headed for an hour-long workout in the hotel's gym where guests can enjoy views of the sea through floor to ceiling windows MailOnline first spotted Robinson shortly before the sun went down on Saturday at the beach bar of the hotel which charges more than 400 a night for a peak season double room with all meals and drinks included The gym inside the resort where Robinson has been seen working out Robinson and his friends head back from the pool The beach front of the luxury hotel Robinson was staying at While spending at least 45 minutes on a cross-trainer, he repeatedly picked up his mobile phone, and posted more Islamophobic messages on X. In reply to a Muslim who posted: 'Islam is better for you', he replied: 'Tell that to the 9yr old little girls being married & raped like aisha. It's sick and it's backwards.' In another post, re-tweeting a warning about the alleged dangers of censoring criticism of Islam, he wrote while exercising: 'You were all warned. We have freedom or we have Islam, you can't have both.' After returning to his room to get changed, he stretched out on a cabana-style double day bed beside the swimming pool, where he stripped off to his swimming shorts, and caught up with his mobile phone messages while lying down in the shade. At one stage, he started reading his book Danger Close in which Byrne describes himself as the 'Messiah of Bitcoin' and as being a former secret operative for the US government. The book promotes Byrne's discredited conspiracy theories that Donald Trump lost the US presidential election in 2020 due to voter fraud. Robinson went off for a short walk, pulling on a purple top as he headed away from the pool. But he returned to lie down on a partially submerged sun lounger in the shallows at the edge of the pool, where he could stretch out while being cooled by the water around him as temperatures soared to 36C. The entrance to the luxury hotel Robinson was staying at The pool at the hotel Robinson was spotted staying at Robinson had been ordered six-weeks-ago to attend the High Court in London last Monday after allegedly breaching an order not to tell lies about a Syrian refugee. But he failed to attend the hearing, leading to senior judge Mr Justice Johnson issuing an arrest warrant for him, although he ordered it not to be carried out 'until early October' to give Robinson time to confirm he would attend the next hearing voluntarily. The case came after Robinson lost a major court defamation battle in July 2021 against Syrian teenager Jamal Hijazi, and was forced to pay him 100,000 in damages for falsely accused him of being a violent thug, leading to the claims spreading across social media. A judge ordered Robinson never to repeat the lies, but last year he allegedly began repeating his claims, including in a film distributed online. Adam Payter, representing the Solicitor General, the government minister who oversees contempt of court allegations, told Mr Justice Johnson on Monday that Robinson had screened his documentary called Silenced to his supporters at a central London protest on Saturday last week The barrister said the public showing just two days before Monday's court hearing had been a 'flagrant' and 'admitted' breach of the court order not to repeat the false claims. Robinson was arrested by police under counter terrorism powers when he went to the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone, and allegedly refused to co-operate with a port stop and search. Robinson flew to Cyprus from Vienna airport, where he spent a seven-hour layover at a Terminal 3 restaurant owned by Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck The resort boasts a number of dining options including a fine dining restaurant a Mediterranean bistro and an Asian restaurant He was held until 10pm before being released on unconditional bail and allowed to leave the country. Mr Payter told the hearing on Monday: 'We understand he failed to cooperate with a port stop and search. 'The implication is he was attempting to leave the country and therefore was not intending to attend this hearing this morning 'The information that we have is that he is not within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. He has been spending significant time outside the UK since being served with the contempt application on 13 June. 'He returned for the purpose of publishing the film and sought to immediately leave the jurisdiction.' Robinson flew to Cyprus from Vienna airport, where he spent a seven-hour layover at a Terminal 3 restaurant owned by Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. The resort boasts on its website that it is in 'a stunning location overlooking one of the most spectacular sunsets in Cyprus' and is 'the ideal place for a family vacation and for those seeking a serene environment'. The website adds: 'The harmonious combination of simplicity and luxury will charm all the guests.' The resort boasts a number of dining options including a fine dining restaurant a Mediterranean bistro and an Asian restaurant. Many of the chalet style rooms have private swim-up pools. A pensioner threatened with a 1,000 fine for keeping cars destined for Ukraine on his land says he would rather go to jail than pay up. William Lewis, 80, is allowing his farmland outside Dorking in Surrey to be used as a temporary car park for vehicles which will provide aid to the war-torn country. He holds as many as 50 cars at once, which are used to transport soldiers to the front line, bring injured servicemen and women back, or transport medical professionals between hospitals. However Mr Lewis' efforts have fallen foul of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) - who have warned that by keeping cars on his property he is breaking planning permission guidelines. But a defiant Mr Lewis, who has been to Ukraine seven times since the war with Russia broke out, said earlier this week: 'If they issue a fine, I won't be paying it. I'd go to jail for a few days and that will expose them.' William Lewis, 80, has said he would rather go to jail for storing cars destined to help the Ukrainian war effort on his land than pay a 1,000 fine he has been threatened with. He is pictured loading generators into a van to be sent to Ukraine Mr Lewis holds as many as 50 cars at once on his farmland in Dorking, Surrey, which are used to transport soldiers to the front line, bring injured servicemen and women back, or transport medical professionals between hospitals However, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) say this material change in use of the land breaks planning permission guidelines, meaning he could face a fine The council says it is in dialogue with the father-of-five and has asked him to engage - but if he abstains he could be fined 1,000. Since February 2022, Mr Lewis has taken humanitarian aid and delivered several ambulances, as well as raised funds to buy 180 generators for the country. He offered up his farmland after the Mayor of London and the charity British Ukrainian Aid (BUA) signed an agreement allowing owners of non-ULEZ compliant vehicles to donate their cars to humanitarian efforts earlier this year. Older vehicles that do not meet London's ULEZ rules can be scrapped in return for a 2,000 grant. Owners can then tick a box on the scrappage form giving permission for their vehicles to be donated to Ukraine. Mr Lewis is letting BUA use his field to store vehicles taken in through the scheme. However, MVDC said it acted following several complaints from locals about an 'excessive number of cars' being stored on Mr Lewis' land. The council says Mr Lewis needs planning permission and could face a 1,000 fine if he does not engage with officers over his alleged breach. In response, Mr Lewis said he wanted help with the war effort - and that he 'doesn't like bullies'. Describing the council's behaviour as 'outrageous and unsympathetic', he added: 'Nobody is inconvenienced, they're not an eyesore. 'I haven't been allowed to express details of the situation. I would enter into dialogue but they've been so high handed.' Mr Lewis offered up his farmland after the Mayor of London and British Ukrainian Aid (BUA) agreed to let owners of non-ULEZ compliant vehicles donate their cars to humanitarian efforts earlier this year However, MVDC said it acted following several complaints from locals about an 'excessive number of cars' being stored on Mr Lewis' land Mr Lewis described the council's behaviour as 'outrageous and unsympathetic', adding they were being 'high handed' about the affair Councillor Margaret Cooksey, cabinet member for planning at MVDC, said: 'Following several complaints from local residents about an excessive number of cars being stored in a field in Coldharbour, Dorking, officers from MVDC investigated and found that the land is part of a farm, with 50 to 55 cars stored there. 'Given that the land is designated for agricultural use and lies within an Area of Great Landscape Value, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Metropolitan Green Belt, this storage represents a material change in land use. As such, planning permission is required. 'The landowner was approached and asked to complete a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) under Section 171C of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.' A PCN allows the local planning authority to request information for enforcement purposes about any operations, uses, or activities on the land and invites the recipient to work with the planning authority to address any suspected breaches of planning control. Older vehicles that do not meet ULEZ rules can be scrapped in return for a 2,000 grant. Owners can then tick a box on the scrappage form giving permission for their vehicles to be donated to Ukraine Since February 2022, Mr Lewis has taken humanitarian aid and delivered several ambulances, as well as raised funds to buy 180 generators (seen) for the country 'Failure to provide the requested notice may result in a 1,000 fine,' Ms Cooksey continued. 'The landowner responded to MVDC, explaining that the vehicles are being stored temporarily before shipment to Ukraine for charitable purposes and that this use will cease by the end of August 2024. 'He was further advised that if he wishes MVDC to consider whether it is acceptable to continue using the land for vehicle storage after 31 August, 2024, he should make a planning application. 'If a valid planning application is not submitted, and vehicles remain on the land after 31 August, 2024, MVDC would have to consider whether to take formal planning enforcement action.' This is the heartbreaking moment a faith leader broke down in tears as he revealed how he and fellow worshippers locked themselves in a mosque to avoid being attacked by a violent mob. Zaf Iqbal, a taxi driver and co-chair of the Sunderland Interfaith Forum, says the riots in Sunderland has left members of Muslim community terrified and unwilling to leave their homes. Far-right protests have rocked Britain this week after misinformation about the identity of a man arrested for the murder of three girls in Southport encouraged yobs to loot from shops, attack police officers and target Mosques with projectiles. Rioters tore through Sunderland on Friday night setting fire to a car and damaging a police station. The mob of protesters also attacked the Masjid E Anwaar E Madinah mosque. Mr Iqbal and three other people were forced to lock themselves inside the place of worship to avoid the dangerous crowd outside. Zaf Iqbal (pictured), a taxi driver and co-chair of the Sunderland Interfaith Forum, says the riots in Sunderland has left members of Muslim community terrified and unwilling to leave their homes Speaking to the BBC , he broke down in tears as he recalled the 'very frightening' ordeal. He said: 'We had to close the mosques on Friday night and not go about our normal business, because we didn't want our elders to be put at risk' Rioters tore through Sunderland on Friday night setting fire to a car and damaging a police station Speaking to the BBC, he broke down in tears as he recalled the 'very frightening' ordeal. He said: 'We had to close the mosques on Friday night and not go about our normal business, because we didn't want our elders to be put at risk. 'It is very frightening because you have a mob who are attacking a building which is a place of worship. Just the same as a Church or a Sikh Gurdwara or a Hindu Temple.' Shocking footage from outside the mosque shows horse-mounted police attempting to keep the rioters at bay. Mr Iqbal says that the events of Friday night have led to some Muslims in the area feeling too scared to leave their homes. Meanwhile members of the Sikh community also told the faith leader that they were being more vigilant. He said: 'I'm born and bred in Sunderland. I've lived my life here. I'm proud of the fact I'm a Mackem [slang for someone from Sunderland]. I'm proud I'm English. 'I was born and raised and lived all my life in Sunderland. Today I don't (feel safe). 'Why shouldn't I feel safe on the streets I was born and lived all my life in?' So far Northumbria Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the riots on Friday - including one 16-year-old boy. Police say more arrests are expected in coming days with a full investigation underway to identify anyone else responsible. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, who is area commander for Sunderland, said in a statement yesterday: 'Make no mistake, if you were involved last night expect to be met with the full force of the law.' The arrests come in the wake of a night of 'unforgivable thuggery' that saw a police station and Citizen's Advice centre go up in flames, and several officers injured. Sunderland is just one of many locations around the country that has seen rioting and unrest in the wake of the Southport stabbings, where three little girls were tragically killed. Sunderland is just one of many locations around the country that has seen rioting and unrest in the wake of the Southport stabbings, where three little girls were tragically killed Riots ignited a car in Sunderland during violent protests in the city The burnt remains of a Citizen's Advice centre this morning after the building was set on fire by rioters during violent protests last night The violent unrest was triggered on Tuesday when misinformation spread across social media claiming that the teenager suspected of killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine was a radical Muslim migrant. Police have named the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana who was born in Cardiff to Christian parents from Rwanda. Rudakubana has since been charged with murder and attempted murder. The misinformation sparked far-right protests across the country. Violence last night broke out in Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Meanwhile, a horrifying video taken in Hull shows a a mob of rioters charging towards a grey vehicle in a car park, as they yell racial slurs at the driver. As the video goes on, onlookers can be heard shouting for police, as a group of men surround the vehicle. A shopping trolley can be seen mounted on the front of the car, as one rioter, covered by a cap and a bandana around his face, can be seen reaching inside it. The man recording can be heard explaining that there are 'foreigners in the car'. The windscreen also appears to be smashed, and the wipers appear to have been pulled upwards. Northumbria Police released footage of officers arriving at a home and dragging out a handcuffed woman suspected of taking part in the riots, which tore through Sunderland on Friday night. So far the force has made 12 arrests in connection with riots From left to right: Alice Dasilva Aguiar,9, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The three girls tragically died after they were stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance event However, the group of men, some who have their faces covered, begin to disperse as a squad of anti-riot police holding protective shields arrive at the scene. The motorist was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle by thugs, before they smashed it up. This afternoon, violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags have clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. It is unclear at present if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his 'full support' for police to take action against 'extremists' attempting to 'sow hate' by intimidating communities - as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes 'will pay the price' and that 'criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets'. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available An early morning bike ride has ended a tragedy after a cyclist lost control of his bike and crashed into a road sign. The man, 49, had ridden ahead out of sight of his fellow riders and crashed on Morgan Rd at Ironbank, in the Adelaide Hills, about 8.15am on Sunday. It's understood the cyclist from Tonsley in Adelaide's south was 'catapulted' from his bike and thrown into nearby bushes. The two other riders came across the damaged road sign shortly afterwards and attempted to locate their friend. Local resident Richard spotted the commotion and offered to help to the distressed pair, thinking someone had run into a kangaroo. It was then he spotted the cyclist's body in nearby scrub. 'He was unconscious. We came and pulled him out, I checked for a pulse but he had no pulse and he wasn't breathing,' Richard told the Adelaide Advertiser. 'So we started CPR until the ambulance arrived, but the ambulance I don't think revived him either.' A 49-year-old cyclist died after crashing into a road sign in the Adelaide Hills on Sunday morning The two other cyclists were 'pretty distraught' by the horrific crash with the resident recalling neither of them were trained in CPR. Richard told Nine News: 'By the time that I got there they had only just found him anyway because he more or less just disappeared out of sight.' He has since urged Aussies to learn CPR. 'It's not heroic, it's just something you can do for somebody if they need the help,' he said. He believes a contributing factor in the cyclist's death is the road's dangerous condition with several hills and large corners. The cyclist's friends were left 'distraught' as they were unable to perform CPR on the rider The tragedy prompted a desperate plea for road users to take care where navigating the tricky conditions. 'I've been to at least four different incidents along this road where people have crashed and come off the road,' Richard said. The man's death is the 51st life lost on South Australian roads this year. Major Crash Section officers are investigating the crash. Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp responded to Donald Trump after the former president went after Kemp and his wife in a vicious online attack, escalating the GOP rift in the battleground state ahead of Trump's attempt to flip Georgia back to red come November. 'My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats - not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past,' Kemp wrote on X. 'You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it,' he continued. Kemp's post was in response to Trump's attack on Truth Social ahead of his rally in Atlanta on Saturday. 'Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party! His Crime Rate in Georgia is terrible, his Crime Rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his Economy is average,' Trump wrote ahead of thousands gathering for his speech. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp responded to Donald Trump's attacks telling the ex-president 'leave my family out of it' in a post on X Trump then went after Kemp's wife and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp. 'He and his wife didnt think he could win. I said, Im telling you youre going to win. Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, Thank you Sir, well never be able to make it up to you! Now she says she wont Endorse me, and is going to write in Brian Kemps name. Well, I dont want her Endorsement, and I dont want his,' Trump wrote. Trump and Kemp have had a sticky relationship for years, but Trump's hostility toward the GOP governor escalated after Trump lost Georgia in 2020. The ex-president reportedly pressured the GOP governor to step in and find the votes to overturn the election results after President Biden won Georgia less than 12,000 votes. He has also expressed anger that Kemp has not helped him when it comes to the Fulton County case against him over election interference in Georgia. Trump wrote on Saturday that Kemp is a 'bad guy' as he faces another tight race in Georgia in November with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket. Trump went after Kemp multiple times during his Atlanta rally on Saturday after posting an attack on him and his wife on Truth Social ahead of the event Republican Governor Brian Kemp responded to Trump's online attack after the ex-president went after his record in Georgia and wife But despite Kemp calling on Trump to leave his family out of it, the ex-president was not done, and went after the Republican governor multiple times from the podium on Saturday night in Atlanta. 'Hes a bad guy, hes a disloyal guy and hes a very average governor,' Trump said at one point. Trump also referred to Atlanta as 'like a killing field' and claimed Kemp should something about it. Homicide and other violent crimes in Atlanta dropped last year. The ex-president also went after Kemp's wife again from the stage. 'I dont want her endorsement. I dont want his endorsement. I just want them to do their job for Georgia,' Trump said. He accused the couple of hindering his campaign, claiming 'in my opinion, they want us to lose.' Kemp has said he did not vote for Trump in the Georgia presidential primary, but he did say prior to Trump's latest attacks that he would vote for the Republican ticket come November, acknowledging the ex-president won the primary and would top that ticket. Trump also went after the Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger saying he 'has to do his job, and make sure the Election is not stolen.' Georgias elections are secure. The winner here in November will reflect the will of the people. History has taught us this type of message doesnt sell well here in Georgia, sir. pic.twitter.com/G8yjxtvjPJ GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (@GaSecofState) August 3, 2024 Raffensperger responded on X writing Georgia's elections are secure. 'The winner here in November will reflect the will of the people. History has taught us this type of message doesnt sell well here in Georgia, sir,' he wrote. Some Republicans responded to the feud in Georgia with frustration while others called for the party to come together. Senator Lindsey urged Republicans to 'repair the damage' in an interview on Fox News Sunday. 'If we lose Georgia, it could be a very long night,' he said. Meghan Markle made a heartwarming gesture toward Prince Harry while opening up about her suicidal thoughts. The Duchess was seen lovingly clutching her husband's knee on the set of CBS News Sunday Morning as she spoke, spilling about feelings she was subjected to as a working royal. The Suits star first detailed such feelings in March 2021, when she told Oprah Winfrey she 'just didn't want to be alive anymore' because of abuse she was suffering online. This time , Markle told host Jane Pauley how she hope her candor will help youngsters around the world navigate similar feelings after surfing the web. Haley in turn asked the 43-year-old about her decision to open up about her response to 'bullying and abuse' on social media, spurring Markle to answer while reaching out to her spouse for support. Meghan Markle made a heartwarming gesture toward husband Prince Harry while opening up about her suicidal thoughts on CBS News Sunday 'When you've been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey - certainly part of mine - is being able to be really open about it,' Markle said as Harry, 39, looked on. 'I really scraped the surface on my experience, but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way,' 'And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans,' she added. '[A]nd I would never want someone else to not be believed.' 'If me voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really, genuinely check in on them, and not assume the appearance is good so everything is OK, then that's worth it,' Markle concluded. 'I'll take a hit for that.' She went on to sir her desire to protect her two children, 5-year-old Archie and 3-year-old Lilibet, from such feelings, as well as the online content that can cause them. Harry echoed this wish, before revealing some of the strategies the two take to do what's best for their brood. The Duchess was seen lovingly clutching her husband's knee as she spoke, spilling for the second time ever about feelings she was subjected to as a working royal 'Our kids are young - they're 3 and 5. They're amazing,' Markle said, flashing a smile. 'But all you want to do as parents is protect them - so as we can see what's happening in the online space, we know that there's a lot of work to be done' 'Our kids are young - they're 3 and 5. They're amazing,' Markle said, flashing a smile. 'But all you want to do as parents is protect them - 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,' she continued, referring to a program from their Archewell Foundation called The Parents Network, meant to support parents whose kids have been impacted negatively by social media. Pauley interjected: 'You hope that when your children ask for help, someone, you know, is there to give it.' This spurred Harry, who famously struggled as a boy after the death of his mother. to speak up, saying, '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,' he went on. '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', he added. Both added how their initiative, after two years of testing, is now available for parents in the US, UK, and Canada, with Meghan encouraging onlookers to 'look at it through the lens of 'What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation is launching The Parents Network to support parents of children affected by online bullying. Jane Pauley talks with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and to parents in the foundation's pilot program. https://t.co/ah9e8kMkWO pic.twitter.com/rZpmvGa7le CBS Sunday Morning (@CBSSunday) August 4, 2024 Meghan at one point encouraged onlookers to 'look at it through the lens of 'What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son? 'If you look at it through the lens as a parent, there's no way to see that any other way than to try to find a solution' Prince Archie, 5, seen with his parents Harry and Markle and younger sister Lilibet, 3, in 2021 'If you look at it through the lens as a parent, there's no way to see that any other way than to try to find a solution,' she said. The Parents Network and its 'No Child Lost to Social Media' campaign is the latest fruit of the pair's nonprofit, which in March awarded $100,000 to a Ghanaian-American scientist to advance their work in civil and human rights. Joy Buolamwini, 35, received the award for her 'research to overcome racist and sexist biases in artificial intelligence', as head of an digital advocacy non-profit that 'unmasks' the harms and biases of AI toward women and people of color. Boasting two masters degrees from Oxford and MIT, she wrote on her website shortly before receiving the ward 'the rising frontier for civil rights require algorithmic justice'. Harry and Meghan, in turn, said they 'could not agree more.' An insurance company CEO has issued a stark warning about why lower-to-middle-class Americans could be harmed by a Kamala Harris presidency. Florida-based entrepreneur Shawn Meaike has argued that Harris' likely fiscal policies, which are yet to be outlined, would negatively impact small businesses. 'What people are not understanding is what significant and actually ridiculous tax hike proposals mean for all of us, right?' Meaike told The Big Money Show on Fox. 'When you start looking at these businesses now... it sounds great to say, I'm going to tax the 1% or get this, or I'm going to get only these individuals.' 'At the end of the day, all these restaurants, all these business owners, myself, profit-sharing, what we're doing... we can't do,' added Meaike, who founded life insurance agency Family First Life, which made $20 million in 2023 per ProPublica. Florida-based entrepreneur Shawn Meaike has argued that Harris' fiscal policies, which are yet to be fully outlined, would negatively impact small businesses It's unclear exactly what Harris' tax proposals are if she secured a term in the White House come November, but based on her previous policies, business owners are almost definitely going to take a hit 'At the end of the day, the American dream I don't want to say the American dream is dead that's probably a little bit over the top. 'But what I can tell you is it's going to make it really difficult to navigate what you want to do with employees, for employees.' Meaike, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, also revealed the kinds of conversations business owners are having on the ground. 'I was with a gentleman yesterday,' Meaike recalled. 'He owns multiple restaurants. I said, "what are you doing to stay alive?" 'What do they do? Cut staff. Cut resources. The valets up the street are laid off. The servers are laid off. The guys and girls who deliver the food are laid off.' Meaike launched marketing firm Family First Life in 2013, and it is now represented by more than 17,000 licensed agents across the US, according to the company's website. He previously worked in real estate and at the State Department of Children and Families for 13 years. Harris has a record of favoring steeper tax hikes on businesses and people than Joe Biden - however, she previously repeated his pledge not to raise taxes on any households making less than $400,000 annually. In 2020, she proposed multiple changes to the tax code, including implementing a four percent 'income-based premium' on households making more than $100,000 to fund her version of 'Medicare for All'. She also favored raising capital gains tax rates to ordinary income tax rates, raising the corporate income tax rate of 21 percent up to 35 percent, and expanding the estate tax. Trump after signing the Tax cut and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017 Findings from the Tax Foundation on the 2017 tax law passed under Trump Harris also supports the expiration next year of many key parts of former president Donald Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Known as the TCJA, the policy included some major provisions that benefited the wealthiest Americans, while also simplifying the individual income taxes and reduced tax rates across the board. Some lawmakers including many Republicans want to see most of the provisions extended while many Democrats want to see only some of them extended or modified. It's unclear exactly what Harris' tax proposals are if she secured a term in the White House come November, but based on her previous policies, business owners are almost definitely going to take a hit. But many share the same concerns as Meaike. A pipeline worker recently blasted Harris as a 'left-wing liberal from San Francisco with the highest taxes'. 'Why would anybody with any common horse-sense that's a blue-collar worker want to even look at this woman?' Texas laborer Bugsy Allen told Fox News. The week of violent riots across the UK has continued today as protesters stormed a migrant hotel, started fires, broke through a police guard and clashed on the country's streets. An angry far-right mob broke into the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire this afternoon before starting a large fire outside the property. At least one cop was injured in the chaos outside the hotel, which houses asylum seekers, on the northern outskirts of the post-industrial town. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. Meanwhile, more than 300 protesters started marching through Middlesbrough after gathering at the city's Cenotaph. The thugs chanted 'We want our country back' as they made their way through the city centre, before at least two people were taken away in handcuffs. At one point police used dogs to keep the group back and stop them breaking through and running ahead of the officers patrolling the march. Several pieces of slate were also thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it moving. In Bolton, Greater Manchester, violent clashes between protesters and police broke out, with footage showing the activists pushing against officers who had formed a human barricade. ROTHERHAM: A bin on fire outside the Holiday Inn Migrant hotel in Rotherham ROTHERHAM: Serious violence and rioting by far right protesters led to a man being caught by police dogs MIDDLESBOROUGH: A car is set on fire in Middlesborough amid the chaos ROTHERHAM: Protesters try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham ROTHERHAM: A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham as counter demonstrators stand outside with signs saying 'refugees welcome' Police officers by smashed windows after trouble flared during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express ROTHERHAM: A bin is chucked towards a fire as a group of far right protestes gather in Rotherham ROTHERHAM: A woman and a man take cover as objects are thrown during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express BOLTON: Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon ROTHERHAM: A man with a bloodied mouth is detained by police amid today's chaos ROTHERHAM: Riot police detain an anti-migration protester outside of the Holiday Inn Express ROTHERHAM: Riot police clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express BOLTON: Protesters gather in Bolton, Greater Manchester BOLTON: Protesters clash with police today in Bolton, Greater Manchester BOLTON: Police officers stand guard during an anti-immigration protest in Bolton BOLTON: People confront police officers during a protest in Bolton BOLTON: Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon BOLTON: Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon Greater Manchester Police said extra powers have now been given to police after Section 60 and Section 60AA were authorised across Bolton until 10pm, following an early Section 34 dispersal notice. A force statement said: 'Under a Section 60, officers have extra powers to stop and search people in defined areas within a specific timeframe. 'A Section 60AA authority allows us to require people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. 'These temporary powers will be enforced until 10pm today (Sunday August 4 2024) and have been authorised as part of our policing response to keep communities safe and prevent harm and disorder with increased protest activity.' Distressing footage posted on social media appears to show masked individuals in Sheffield attacking a man with an England flag and repeatedly kicking him on the ground. One group of protesters in Middlesbrough walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars. Meanwhile, one person threw a piece of broken glass through the window of a home. A scuffle broke out between protesters and a small group of people whose cars were smashed. A woman shouted 'you fascist thugs' while a man who was with her shouted at police: 'You're letting them rampage through the city.' The violence marks yet another day riots of Britain's streets, after chaos ensued this week leaving cops with broken bones, cars set on fire and innocent pedestrians targeted on the streets. The outburst comes after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport by alleged knifeman Axel Muganwa Rudakubana on July 29. In a speech today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the violence. 'This is not protest, it is organised violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online. 'Right now there are attacks happening at a hotel in Rotherham. Marauding gangs intent on lawbreaking or worse.' Sir Keir added: 'Windows smashed, fires set ablaze, residents and staff in absolute fear. There is no justification, none, for taking this action, and all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.' While photos from the scene in Rotherham today have shown some occupants looking out of the hotel window onto rioters, it is still unclear if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. ROTHERHAM: Riot police clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express ROTHERHAM: Riot police are seen inside the Holiday Inn Express today ROTHERHAM: Anti-migration protesters riot outside of the Holiday Inn Express ROTHERHAM: An anti-migration protester holds a flare during a riot outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which is being used as an asylum hotel ROTHERHAM: Two other residents in the hotel look out as protests begin in Rotherham, Britain ROTHERHAM: A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A protester kicks a window at a hotel in Rotherham, as a far-right group joins Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. One person's face was seen completely covered with a Union Jack mask while they waved a large England flag outside the hotel while others swung back cans of bears while chanting offensive slogans. A group of young men held a banner that read 'we're not far right we're just right' while another placard being waved around said: 'Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings'. The protest has already been strongly criticise by anti-racism groups as well as campaigner Brendan Cox, whose MP wife Jo Cox was killed in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016. He said: 'The scenes in Rotherham aren't a protest, they aren't even a far right riot, they are an ongoing attempt to murder the men, women and children inside by burning them alive. 'The stench of these days will hang around those who incited and justified it for the rest of their lives.' An anti-racism counter protest at the scene has increased tensions for police, who arrived to find banners reading: 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right.' Extinguishers are blown at police as trouble flares up outside The Holiday Inn in Rotherham A table is flung at a police officers wearing riot gear while others try to break into The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A police officers is injured as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the anti-migration protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and people during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham today Police officers clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Rioters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, kicking off another day of chaos An anti-immigration protester wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express Mounted police stand in front of anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers and dogs patrol as anti-racism counter protesters and anti-migration protesters gather outside of the Holiday Inn Police officers and anti-immigration supporters standing outside the hotel housing migrants in Rotherham Protesters clash with police outside the Holiday Inn in Rotherham Anti-racism counter protesters hold placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express A person carries a sign reading 'Refugees are welcome here' outside the hotel housing migrants Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham An aerial view of the Holiday Inn Express, which has seen rioters gather outside it for another day of chaos in the UK Mounted police stand opposite anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police horses outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham amid the protests People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express Watching the scenes of chaos unfold, former home secretary and Tory party leader hopeful James Cleverly said rioters should be hit with 'the full weight of the law'. 'There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behaviour like this,' he tweeted. 'This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.' IGH, the parent company of the Holiday Inn chain, told the BBC: 'The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority.' Elsewhere in Middlesbrough, more than 300 protesters started marching towards the city's Cenotaph. They carried a banner that read: 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' Rudakubana is the 17-year-old accused for murdering the three little girls in Southport and is charged with attempted murder of 10 others. His parents were born in Rwanda before moving to the UK in 2002. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to near Southport in 2013. Others marching through the city chanted 'we want our country back' as they made their way through the city centre. At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving. A police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham, during a protest in the West Yorkshire town this afternoon A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough Banner that reads 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' through Middlesbrough A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough ROTHERHAM: Trouble flares up outside of The Holiday Inn, Rotherham, where asylum seekers and immigrants are housed Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers with protesters as trouble flares during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham A police officer attempts to extinguish a wheelie bin that has been set alight by anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express The fresh day of riots comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to go on holiday with his family, it is understood, a decision which has been slammed by MPs. Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick criticised Sir Keir for the getaway plan, branding it 'completely wrong' amid a period of chaos in the country. No10 did not dispute the claims when approached by MailOnline but said the Prime Minister is working this weekend and next week. The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Slamming Sir Keir's alleged plans to go on holiday, Mr Jenrick told GBN Live: 'I think it would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to go on holiday whilst parts of Britain are burning. 'I'm sure that the government, like the whole country, sees the severity of the situation.' The politician added: 'I know they're trying to get a grip on it and I welcome some of the measures they've already taken, like having more persecutors, having the courts sit weekends, but this is a very serious situation.' However, Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Sir Keir 'has to have family time'. He told LBC's Matthew Wright: 'The government will continue and we've got an excellent Deputy Prime Minister. 'Keir has to have family time, there's no doubt about it. Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir - and I've met him many times, and sitting here in Blackpool several times - he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday.' Cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Belfast have seen vehicles burned, shops destroyed, pedestrians attacked and police officers injured this week following the Southport stabbings on Monday. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from County Road after a night of violent disorder HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire last night as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi revealed what exactly her role was in Democrats' efforts to get President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race the led to his dramatic exit and Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the nominee. Pelosi shared her thoughts on the president, his fitness for the job and his decision to step aside in an interview with veteran journalist Lesley Stahl for CBS Sunday Morning ahead of the release of her new book 'The Art of Power.' Pelosi was asked what she told Biden to persuade him to step aside ahead of his dramatic exit from the 2024 presidential race on July 21. 'Well I've never shared any conversations with the President of the United States publicly, no,' Pelosi said with a smile. Pelosi said that Biden knows that she loves him 'very much.' Stahl pressed Pelosi over reporting that she was in fact the leader of a pressure campaign for Biden to drop out. 'No, I wasn't the leader of any pressure...' Pelosi said shaking her head. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi insists she 'didn't call one person' when pressed about her role in getting President Biden to exit the presidential race. She smiled but would not get into what she said to the president 'Let me say things I didn't do: I did't call one person, I did not call one person,' Pelosi insisted while refusing to say what she did do. 'I could always say to him I never called anybody.' 'What I'm saying is I had confidence that the president would make the proper choice for our country, whatever that would be, and I said that "whatever that is, we'll go with."' Amid escalating calls by some Democrats for Biden to step aside following his disastrous June 27 debate performance against Donald Trump in Atlanta, Pelosi insisted publicly the president would make the right decision. But Pelosi's public remarks appeared to undermine Biden who had already said he would not exit the race, and some of the calls to step aside were coming from Pelosi allies in the House. It was reported before his exit that Pelosi was telling some House Democrats she believed he could be persuaded to exit the race and even confronted Biden telling him that he was dragging down the party, according to Politico. But Pelosi told CBS that she had not seen a decline in the 81-year-old president and think he needed to step aside. Pelosi with President Biden when he awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 3 'My whole point was whatever he decides, but we have to have a more aggressive campaign,' Pelosi said. She touted his leadership at the July NATO Summit and said he was in a 'good place' to make a decision. 'Such a consequential President of the United States,' Pelosi praised Biden. 'A Mount Rushmore kind of President of the United States.' Stahl chimed in to ask Pelosi if Biden should be added to Mount Rushmore. The monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota features the faces of President's George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. 'You've got Teddy Roosevelt up there and he's wonderful. I don't say take him down, but you can add Biden' Pelosi said. Pelosi suggested Biden should be added to Mount Rushmore calling him a 'Mount Rushmore kind of President' When asked about Trump, Pelosi called him the 'best organizer and fundraiser for Democrats because people know he should never set foot again in the White House.' Pelosi had some advice for Harris as she goes up against Trump ahead of the November election. 'Just be yourself. It's the same advice I give to women. Be yourself,' Pelosi said. She suggested Harris should 'ignore him' in response to his attacks and talk about the issues. A country has issued the first travel warning to its citizens urging them to stay away from parts of the UK amid the ongoing violent riots. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has told its nationals to 'remain vigilant' as it reassures them it is 'closely monitoring' the unrest - which have led to over 100 arrests Far-right protests have rocked Britain this week after misinformation about the identity of a man arrested for the murder of three girls in Southport encouraged yobs to loot from shops, attack police officers and target Mosques with projectiles. This afternoon, violent protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags have clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. while setting bins and furniture alight. Now Malaysia has become the first country to warn its citizens about the dangers of visiting Britain at the moment. his afternoon, violent protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags have clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. while setting bins and furniture alight Protesters and police clash in Rotherham this evening. Now Malaysia has become the first country to warn its citizens about the dangers of visiting Britain at the moment A car on fire in Sunderland. Chaos has engulfed Britain this week leaving cops with broken bones, cars set on fire, shops looted and innocent civilians are targeted on the streets The statement released by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: 'Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.' The warning comes as Britain faces another day of violent riots , chaos ensued this week leaving cops with broken bones, cars set on fire, shops looted and innocent civilians are targeted on the streets. While photos from Rotherham have shown supposed occupants from the hotel looking out of the window onto rioters, it is still unclear if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. Other photos appear to show far-right protesters breaching the hotel. The BBC reported that balaclava-clad people were seen forcing their way inside. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. One person's face was seen completely covered with a Union Jack mask while they waved a large England flag outside the hotel while others swung back cans of beers while chanting offensive slogans. South Yorkshire's mayor Oliver Coppard said he is 'utterly appalled by the violence' in Rotherham. 'What we're seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society', he said in a statement. Protesters in Rotherham. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: 'Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities' A man throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool. The violent unrest was triggered on Tuesday when misinformation spread across social media claiming that the teenager suspected of killing three young girls was a radical Muslim migrant 'The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know. We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law', he added. There are also ongoing protests in Bolton and Middlesbrough. The violent unrest was triggered on Tuesday when misinformation spread across social media claiming that the teenager suspected of killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine was a radical Muslim migrant. Police have named the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana who was born in Cardiff to Christian parents from Rwanda. Rudakubana has since been charged with murder and attempted murder. The misinformation sparked far-right protests across the country. Violence last night broke out in Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Meanwhile, when rioter tore through Sunderland on Friday night the mob of protesters attacked the Masjid E Anwaar E Madinah mosque. Sunderland Faith Leader Zaf Iqbal and three other people were forced to lock themselves inside the place of worship to avoid the dangerous crowd outside. Speaking to the BBC, he broke down in tears as he recalled the 'very frightening' ordeal. Zaf Iqbal (pictured), a taxi driver and co-chair of the Sunderland Interfaith Forum, says the riots in Sunderland has left members of Muslim community terrified and unwilling to leave their homes He said: 'We had to close the mosques on Friday night and not go about our normal business, because we didn't want our elders to be put at risk. 'It is very frightening because you have a mob who are attacking a building which is a place of worship. Just the same as a Church or a Sikh Gurdwara or a Hindu Temple.' Shocking footage from outside the mosque shows horse-mounted police attempting to keep the rioters at bay. Mr Iqbal says that the events of Friday night have led to some Muslims in the area feeling too scared to leave their homes. Meanwhile members of the Sikh community also told the faith leader that they were being more vigilant. A horrifying video taken in Hull shows a a mob of rioters charging towards a grey vehicle in a car park, as they yell racial slurs at the driver. As the video goes on, onlookers can be heard shouting for police, as a group of men surround the vehicle. A shopping trolley can be seen mounted on the front of the car, as one rioter, covered by a cap and a bandana around his face, can be seen reaching inside it. The man recording can be heard explaining that there are 'foreigners in the car'. The windscreen also appears to be smashed, and the wipers appear to have been pulled upwards. A police car set on fire in Sunderland. As a part of the clean up, Northumbria Police are now hunting down those responsible for the widespread destruction and have said those responsible should 'expect to be met with the full force of the law' From left to right: Alice Dasilva Aguiar,9, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The three girls tragically died after they were stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance event However, the group of men, some who have their faces covered, begin to disperse as a squad of anti-riot police holding protective shields arrive at the scene. The motorist was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle by thugs, before they smashed it up. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his 'full support' for police to take action against 'extremists' attempting to 'sow hate' by intimidating communities - as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes 'will pay the price' and that 'criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets'. Prime minister Keir Starmer has today condemned the 'violent thuggery' of the far-right mob who violently stormed a Rotherham hotel housing migrants and asylum seekers while attacking police. Hundreds of violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags have clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire since around 2pm this afternoon. At least one cop has been injured in the chaos outside the hotel on the northern outskirts of the post-industrial town. It marks yet another day of violent riots of Britain's streets, after chaos ensued this week leaving cops with broken bones, cars set on fire and innocent pedestrians targeted on the streets. The outburst comes after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport by alleged knifeman Axel Muganwa Rudakubana on July 29. Today's violent flare-up of far-right violence was outright condemned by Starmer, who from Downing Street this afternoon said he would do 'whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice.' He also 'guarantee[d]' that people fuelling the chaos in person or online 'will regret taking part in this disorder.' 'There is no justification, none, for taking this action, and all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence', he said. Prime minister Keir Starmer has today condemned the 'violent thuggery' of the far-right mob who violently stormed a Rotherham hotel At least one cop has been injured in the chaos outside the hotel on the northern outskirts of the post-industrial town. Hundreds of violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags have clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham It marks yet another day of violent riots of Britain's streets, after chaos ensued this week leaving cops with broken bones, cars set on fire and innocent pedestrians targeted on the streets The outburst comes after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport by alleged knifeman Axel Muganwa Rudakubana on July 29 'People in this country have a right to be safe and yet we've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, and wanton violence. 'So no, I won't shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery. 'To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, I know how frightening this must be. 'I want you to know that this violent mob does not represent our country, and we will bring them to justice. 'Our police deserve out support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up 'Whatever the apparent cause or motivation, we make no distinction - crime is crime, and this government will tackle it.' While photos from the scene have shown some occupants looking out of the hotel window onto rioters, it is still unclear if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. Other photos appear to show far-right protesters breaching the hotel. The BBC reported that balaclava-clad people were seen forcing their way inside. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. The grass around the hotel appears to have been set on fire as well. One person's face was seen completely covered with a Union Jack mask while they waved a large England flag outside the hotel while others swung back cans of bears while chanting offensive slogans. A bin on fire outside the Holiday Inn Migrant hotel in Rotherham A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham as counter demonstrators stand outside with signs saying 'refugees welcome' Two other residents in the hotel look out as protests begin in Rotherham, Britain A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham A group of young men held a banner that read 'we're not far right we're just right' while another placard being waved around said: 'Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings'. The protest has already been strongly criticise by anti-racism groups as well as campaigner Brendan Cox, whose MP wife Jo Cox was killed in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016. He said: 'The scenes in Rotherham aren't a protest, they aren't even a far right riot, they are an ongoing attempt to murder the men, women and children inside by burning them alive. 'The stench of these days will hang around those who incited and justified it for the rest of their lives.' An anti-racism counter protest at the scene has increased tensions for police, who arrived to find banners reading: 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right.' A bin is chucked towards a fire as a group of far right protestes gather in Rotherham A woman and a man take cover as objects are thrown during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A protester kicks a window at a hotel in Rotherham, as a far-right group joins Extinguishers are blown at police as trouble flares up outside The Holiday Inn in Rotherham A table is flung at a police officers wearing riot gear while others try to break into The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A police officers is injured as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express South Yorkshire's mayor Oliver Coppard said he is 'utterly appalled by the violence' in Rotherham. 'What we're seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society', he said in a statement. 'The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know. We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law', he added. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on X: 'The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. 'South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible.' Watching the scenes of chaos unfold, former home secretary and Tory party leader hopeful James Cleverly said rioters should be hit with 'the full weight of the law'. 'There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behaviour like this,' he tweeted. 'This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.' IGH, the parent company of the Holiday Inn chain, told the BBC: 'The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority.' Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the anti-migration protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and people during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham today Police officers clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Rioters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, kicking off another day of chaos An anti-immigration protester wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express Mounted police stand in front of anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers and dogs patrol as anti-racism counter protesters and anti-migration protesters gather outside of the Holiday Inn Police officers and anti-immigration supporters standing outside the hotel housing migrants in Rotherham Protesters clash with police outside the Holiday Inn in Rotherham Anti-racism counter protesters hold placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express A person carries a sign reading 'Refugees are welcome here' outside the hotel housing migrants Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham An aerial view of the Holiday Inn Express, which has seen rioters gather outside it for another day of chaos in the UK Mounted police stand opposite anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police horses outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham amid the protests People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express Elsewhere in Middlesbrough, more than 300 protesters started marching towards the city's Cenotaph. They carried a banner that read: 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' Rudakubana is the 17-year-old accused for murdering the three little girls in Southport and is charged with attempted murder of 10 others. His parents were born in Rwanda before moving to the UK in 2002. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to near Southport in 2013. Others marching through the city chanted 'we want our country back' as they made their way through the city centre. At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving. The fresh day of riots comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to go on holiday with his family, it is understood, a decision which has been slammed by MPs. Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick criticised Sir Keir for the getaway plan, branding it 'completely wrong' amid a period of chaos in the country. Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration protest, in Rotherham Dogs are being utilised by cops to try and quell the violence A police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham, during a protest in the West Yorkshire town this afternoon A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough Banner that reads 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' through Middlesbrough A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers with protesters as trouble flares during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham A police officer attempts to extinguish a wheelie bin that has been set alight by anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express No10 did not dispute the claims when approached by MailOnline but said the Prime Minister is working this weekend and next week. The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Slamming Sir Keir's alleged plans to go on holiday, Mr Jenrick told GBN Live: 'I think it would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to go on holiday whilst parts of Britain are burning. 'I'm sure that the government, like the whole country, sees the severity of the situation.' The politician added: 'I know they're trying to get a grip on it and I welcome some of the measures they've already taken, like having more persecutors, having the courts sit weekends, but this is a very serious situation.' However, Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Sir Keir 'has to have family time'. He told LBC's Matthew Wright: 'The government will continue and we've got an excellent Deputy Prime Minister. 'Keir has to have family time, there's no doubt about it. Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir - and I've met him many times, and sitting here in Blackpool several times - he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday.' Cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Belfast have seen vehicles burned, shops destroyed, pedestrians attacked and police officers injured this week following the Southport stabbings on Monday. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire last night as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from County Road after a night of violent disorder HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. This is the shocking moment a BMW driver was filmed inhaling what appears to be a 'hippy crack balloon' on the M6. The motorist was slapped with a 726 fine and six points on his licence after a passenger in another car submitted the footage to the West Midlands Police Operation Snap portal. The portal was introduced in 2017 as an easy way for motorists to instantly report unlawful driving along with evidence of the act and submissions have grown steadily each year. The BMW driver is one of 11,000 dangerous drivers who have been caught on camera in the West Midlands in the past year. West Midlands Police have released a montage of clips exposing the worst drivers who were caught red-handed in the last 12 months. This is the shocking moment a BMW driver was filmed inhaling what appears to be a 'hippy crack balloon' on the M6 The motorist was slapped with a 726 fine and six points on his licence after a passenger in another car submitted the footage to the West Midlands Police Operation Snap portal One dashcam clip shows a motorist ignoring a red light and driving over a pedestrian crossing, narrowly missing a woman who was crossing. That motorist was convicted of dangerous driving and was given a year-long ban, ordered to take an extended retest and must pay 2,649 in costs and fines. In another video, a car drives alarmingly close to a cyclist on Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham. The driver was slapped with six points on their licence and ordered to pay 1,034. A road rage motorist captured on Lichfield Road, Wolverhampton, was given five points and a 150 fine for dangerous driving. Meanwhile a taxi driver using his phone while waiting at traffic lights in the Dudley area was hit with six points and a 400 fine. West Midlands Police say they have a 90 per cent conviction rate coming as a result of motorists turning in reckless drivers. June was the biggest ever month for driving footage being sent to the force with 1,467 submissions - the equivalent to 50 every day. One dashcam clip shows a motorist ignoring a red light and driving over a pedestrian crossing, narrowly missing a woman who was crossing In another video, a car drives alarmingly close to a cyclist on Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham A road rage motorist captured on Lichfield Road, Wolverhampton, was given five points and a 150 fine for dangerous driving A taxi driver using his phone while waiting at traffic lights in the Dudley area was hit with six points and a 400 fine Sergeant Steve Evans said: 'Road safety is an absolute priority for West Midlands Police and the work of our team is making a real difference. 'Around 90 per cent of the submissions we get end in positive action. 'That can be everything from a warning letter, up to prosecution and a day in court. 'One driver has previously received a suspended prison sentence as a result of footage sent to the Op Snap team. 'It doesn't take long to do, and people who do take the time to send us their clips are making a real difference to road safety. 'Every one of the people who've been filmed like this and have had to pay the price should now be thinking again about the way they drive.' The UK's most senior Police Commissioner has stood by her comments after coming under fire for claiming the far-right riots devastating the country are trying to 'protect Britain's sovereignty' and 'uphold British values'. Hampshire and Isle of Wight PCC Donna Jones shared a statement last night calling for 'calm' but urged reflection and examination of the wider causes of the disorder, including how the government tackles immigration and building on 'British values'. 'The government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it,' she wrote, saying she would put a 'clear message' to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary about the 'commonality' of grievances between rioters. 'Arresting people, or creating violent disorder units, is treating the symptom and not the cause,' she added. But as criminal mobs target innocents, religious buildings and police officers in a spate of mindless violence around the country, the statement received significant backlash before it was taken down. Today, Ms Jones reposted the statement with a clarification, reiterating her calls for 'calm' but adding that she was 'confident there will be a time and place' for 'discussion' on 'a much broader issue' 'in due course'. The Prime Minister this evening condemned the 'thuggery' of the far-right mob who stormed the hotel in Rotherham, promising those involved in the violence would 'regret it' as the government introduced emergency measures to bring rioters to justice. Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire Donna Jones pictured in 2021 ROTHERHAM: A rioter throws blocks of concrete towards the hotel on Sunday MIDDLESBROUGH: Riots have devastated towns and cities across the UK since July 30 MIDDLESBROUGH: The riots began after the tragic killing of three children in Stockport MIDDLESBROUGH: Horrific scenes of violence have been widely condemned ROTHERHAM: An injured man is arrested as riot police clash with a far-right mob today ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs today attacked a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers Ms Jones, a British Conservative Party politician who has been the Hampshire PCC since 2021, shared an updated statement this afternoon after taking down the original post. She wrote: 'I want to be clear that the violence that has erupted across the UK this week has been criminal, unlawful and senseless. 'I stand by my statement issued yesterday where I called for calm, and for the country to work together stop this mindless, criminal behaviour. 'I fully support the police's response to stem the growth of these riots and those acting outside of the law should expect to feel the full force of it. 'The violence we have seen has endangered our communities and infected lawful protest on a much broader issue. 'As a country this issue is something we should seek to understand without letting it divide us. 'I am confident there will be a time and place for that discussion in due course.' The initial post received wide backlash, posted on Saturday after a day of vile rioting across the country. In the original statement she lamented that police officers were being attacks, and buildings were being targeted because of those living in them or worshipping at them. With more so-called 'protests' planned across the country - more indeed erupting today, with horrific scenes from Rotherham showing far-right rioters storming into a hotel housing asylum seekers - she called for reflection on their causes. 'The announcement of the Prime Minister's new Violent Crime Units have lead to an accusation of two tier policing, which has enflamed protestors who state they are battling to protect Britain's sovereignty, identity and stop illegal immigration' she wrote. 'Burning towns and cities and attacking the police is not the answer, so how do we stop it?' 'Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Monday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britain's sovereignty; the need to uphold British values and in order to do this, stop illegal immigration,' she added. 'The growth of feeling across the country has mirrored (to a lesser extent) the rebellion to illegal immigration that has played out across France over the last 12 months. 'The government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it. Arresting people, or creating violent disorder units, is treating the symptom and not the cause. 'The questions these people want answering; what is the government's solution to mass uncontrolled immigration? How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values? This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer's government, and its bitten quickly.' The statement received wide condemnation across the political spectrum online. Charlie Murphy, who ran as the Liberal Democrats' candidate for Portsmouth South, which experienced clashes on Saturday, wrote on Twitter/X: 'This is particularly astounding from Donna Jones, who once led Portsmouth. 'Our city sacrificed a great deal to defeat fascism, and it should not be represented by someone who leaves the door open to fascists today.' Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, wrote: 'I'm deeply concerned to learn Hampshire's Police & Crime Commissioner believes the rioters vandalising our streets and attacking mosques are motivated by 'the need to uphold British values.' 'These extreme views make her totally unsuitable to hold this position of responsibility.' Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh, wrote: 'Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory and grossly irresponsible. Her position is clearly untenable.' Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, wrote: ' I won't be sharing the inflammatory statement by Donna Jones. This statement is released in Ms Jones' capacity as 'the UK's most senior police and crime commissioner'. 'I have written to Dorset's Commissioner to raise concerns and ask him to distance himself from the statement.' Labour Councillor Matt Dent wrote: 'A police and crime commissioner releasing a statement like this to justify criminal behaviour should be grounds for immediate resignation. 'Donna Jones' position is clearly untenable.' ROTHERHAM: Donna Jones said the riots showed need to address the underlying causes ROTHERHAM: Police stand guard outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorks ROTHERHAM: A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel as counter-demonstrators gather ROTHERHAM: Police have been trying to fend off agitators outside the hotel today MIDDLESBROUGH: A police officer helps a woman who has fallen over during the clashes ROTHERHAM: Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration clash ROTHERHAM: Groups opposing the far-right riots massed outside the hotel Violent riots have swept across several UK cities throughout the week and this weekend, following the deaths of three young girls in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, born in Cardiff, was identified as the suspect in the case, charged with murdering three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. But misinformation online about the identity of the suspect before he was named is believed to have prompted far-right groups to amass in cities and towns nationwide. Claims falsely circulated social media that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker. Sammy Woodhouse, a high-profile victim of the Rotherham child grooming gang scandal, said of the suspect in a broadcast: '[People] feel like they are not being told any information. 'They know the guy's not a British guy. They know he's of a different ethnicity. There's talk of him being a Muslim as well.' The clip was shared by Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, after police had clarified that the claims were false, The Times reports. Robinson, 41, had a UK arrest warrant issued against him last Monday after he skipped a court appearance. MailOnline revealed exclusively that he has been staying at a five-star hotel in Cyprus as riots sweep England. Violence continued through Sunday as police and groups opposing the rioters mobilised to stamp out the spiralling violence. About 300 people gathered in front of a mosque in Waterloo Road in Middlesbrough to guard it while police blocked off nearby streets. One resident told the PA news agency: 'We're going to be paying for this, and for what? 'This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. They've used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets.' A person was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after an incident at the Swatters Carr pub. Last night, thugs in Merseyside set fire to a library, which also functioned as a food bank, intended to help support deprived people in the community. As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. A Citizens Advice bureau in Sunderland was also set alight on Friday amid the senseless attacks on community pillars. ITV journalist Jonny Blair wrote on Twitter/X on Saturday: 'Its manager this morning told me theyre devastated and now trying to figure out how to help the people they were supposed to see.' In Hull, a Shoezone was pictured with smashed out windows with a fire raging inside. Those involved were seen carelessly trading Crocs on the side of the road while chaos ensued. Meanwhile, in Belfast stores were shamelessly set on fire and destroyed - with photos from outside one cafe showing yobs smashing their benches on the ground. LIVERPOOL: Rioters torched the city's new Spellow Hub library. which opened last year LIVERPOOL: The destroyed interior of the Spellow Hub community library What a beautiful reading space!!! It's definitely worth a trip to the children's library at Spellow Hub! @liverpoollib pic.twitter.com/5mBHjtNl8Y Reading at LLP (@ReadingatLLP) May 24, 2023 Violence last night broke out in Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Protesters tried to kick down police officer's riot gear, while other demonstrators threw objects at their shields. Looters took advantage of the chaos, stealing phones, shoes and wine from the shelves of every-day stores, smashing their windows with bricks and stones. In Liverpool, shameless yobs squealed 'get the phones! Get the phones!' as a group surrounded and battered their way into a phone repair and vape shop in the city centre. Kicking the shutters with the feet and wrenching them up in a wild frenzy, the mob battered at the glass with what appeared to be a bollard before leaving the road outside strewn with packaging after they emptied the shelves. The mother of an autistic teenager who vanished without a trace from her Tennessee home has accused a YouTube sleuth of threatening her safety. Andra Griffin, known to followers as 'Bullhorn Betty', has been investigating the baffling disappearance of Sebastian Rogers, 15, who was reported missing from the home in Hendersonville on February 26. Sebastian's mother, Katie Proudfoot, has secured a temporary order of protection against Griffin preventing her from coming within 100 feet of her or her home. 'She threatens us and posts 'live' while driving by our home,' Proudfoot said. 'She is dangerous and is threatening my and my family's safety and telling her followers to help and do the same.' YouTuber Andra Griffin, also known as 'Bullhorn Betty', has won thousands of fans for her investigations into missing people's cases and unsolved crimes But the parents of missing teen Sebastian Rogers have secured a temporary order of protection against Griffin, accusing her of threatening their family Thousands of police and volunteers helped in the search for Sebastian after he vanished in the middle of the night nearly six months ago. He was last seen by his mom going up to bed after he had taken out the trash the night before he vanished. His mother has claimed that she heard a 'noise' coming from his bedroom that night. 'He was doing something in his room because about an hour later, I heard some noise and I was like, 'I don't care what you're doing in there but go to sleep',' she said. 'Six o'clock, I went to wake him up for school Monday morning, and that's when he wasn't there.' In March, eerie footage from the back of the house from which Sebastian disappeared was released, revealing two light sources far away, and another one closer to the house. Officials have still not been able to determine if one of the light sources was Sebastian, but they believe the footage suggests a second person was outside the house that night. The case has attracted nationwide interest and an army of 'true crime' internet sleuths offering their theories on the disappearance, including Griffin who has nearly 200,000 followers online. Sumner County Sheriff's office says there is no evidence of foul play and that the case remains open, but Griffin claims Sebastian's parents are not telling the truth about his disappearance. Sebastian Rogers, 15, was reported missing from the family home in Hendersonville, Tennessee on February 26, after vanishing in the night without his shoes A possible picture of missing autistic teen Sebastian Rogers has been circulating social media, more than four months after he went missing 'Everybody is noticing their lack of caring for Sebastian and they're more concerned about them and their reputation to the point where they're willing to lie under oath,' she said in a video on Friday. 'I am not going to be a victim of their criminal enterprise. 'They already look horrible as it is, but to intentionally make themselves look even more guilty than they were.. they're exuding problematic behavior.' The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said more than 2,000 square miles have been searched around the home on foot, and there have been aerial searches with a helicopter, drones and a fixed wing plane. But the only possible sighting has been in a mysterious picture which was taken by a woman at the rest stop near a visitors' center in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, shows a man who very strongly resembles Sebastian. The woman later turned the picture into the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and her friend posted the picture online. Days after the photograph began circulating social media, Seth Rogers, the teen's biological father told NewsNation that 'he believes it is his son and he is across state lines'. He is also hopeful that the FBI would intervene in the case. 'My private investigator has spoken to the person who took the video (and photo). I would surely hope that the FBI would take the lead. 'Because I believe that is my son, and he is across state lines. I would really truly appreciate it if the FBI did take the lead,' Seth said. He also told the channel that he 'has no idea' where Sebastian could be living, or who with, in North Carolina, especially since it is a six-hour drive from his Tennessee home. He told NewsNation in June that finding his son 'doesn't feel like a shared goal' with Sebastian's mother and stepfather, Chris Proudfoot. 'There has been no contact between me and the Proudfoots,' he added. 'It's like I'm the only one that misses my son.' Days after the photograph began circulating social media, Seth Rogers, the teen's biological father told NewsNation that 'he believes it is his son and he across state lines' Seth has previously said that his son would not get into a stranger's vehicle A Sumner County Courthouse hearing on August 8 will decide whether to extend the Proudfoot's protection order. Griffin who has previously posted from her Florida home on cases including Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger and the disappearance of Missouri student Riley Gaines, insists she has not harassed Sebastian's family. 'I have never laid eyes on this woman in the flesh. I have never reached out to her by phone, email, or text messages; I have never even responded to any of her Facebook posts. I haven't talked to this lady,' she told whjl.com. 'It's not about Seth Rogers, Katie Proudfoot, or Christopher Proudfoot. It's about where Sebastian Rogers is and how we can bring him home.' Cops are asking help from the public to identify suspects involved in the murder of General Hospital's Johnny Wactor. Wactor, who starred as Brando Corbin in the long-running soap, was killed more than three months ago when he confronted three thieves breaking into his car in Los Angeles. There have been no arrests since, with cops only now releasing stills of the suspects and their getaway car. Released by the LAPD Sunday, they show the suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from Wactor's vehicle shortly before being confronted by the 37-year-old the night of May 24. Following a brief exchange, the actor was shot in the chest by Suspect One of three, cops said. The trio were then filmed fleeing in a 2018 black, four-door Infinity Q50 with a tan interior. Scroll down for video: Cops are asking help from the public to identify suspects involved in the murder of General Hospital's Johnny Wactor There have been no arrests since the May 24 murder, with cops only now releasing stills of the three suspects and their getaway car (seen here) 'Suspect One has a tattoo above the left eye and on the right cheek,' cops wrote in the Sunday community alert - the first update in the case since May. 'Suspect One to Three were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from the victim's vehicle,' the bulletin, comprised of just two photos, continued. 'The victim confronted the suspects and was shot in the chest by suspect 1. 'Suspect One to Three fled the area in a suspect vehicle, identified as a stolen 2018, black, 4 door, Infiniti Q50, with tan interior. 'The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the three suspects involved,' it concluded, as all three remain on the run. Citizens with information pertinent to the case were urged to contact two detectives from the department's Central Bureau Homicide handling the case, now at risk of growing cold some 72 days later. Officers have yet to produce any other surveillance footage to go off of, just saying the crime is still being investigated. The incident in question occurred near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street, around 3:25am that morning. The car was a 2018 black, 4-door Infinity Q50 with a tan interior, which was stolen. The car is seen fleeing the scene after Wactor was gunned down The intersection is located in city's notoriously crime-ridden Downtown district, where the theft of car parts and automobiles has become commonplace. This set the stage for the encounter between the budding star and the three offenders as he walked a coworker to her own car, as Wactor worked parttime at a nearby bar. An argument ensued, after which the actor - who appeared in 164 General Hospital episodes - ended up shot in the chest once by one of the suspects, now confirmed to be so-called 'Suspect One.' Violent crime in Los Angeles, meanwhile, has been on the rise, recording a 2.9 per cent increase earlier this year from 2023. The last time the force updated robbery statistics, thefts were up 9.5 per cent, as around 600,000 catalytic converters are stolen in the city each year. Most cars are equipped with one converter but those with a dual exhaust system require two, whereas larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks may carry more As stated recently by the New York Times, stolen converters are commonly passed through 'middlemen, smelters and refineries in the United States and overseas' making them difficult to trace, and are often stolen in under a minute. They cost around $1,000 brand-new. Wactor, 37, played the character Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022 Back in June, while standing in front of the spot where Wactor was gunned down on the 1200 block of Hope Street, Wactor's friend Micah Parker called on DA George Gascon to push for the maximum sentence for the killers and for city officials to do their jobs.' 'It's the place to be because the city and the city's leaders need to understand what soft-on-crime policies leads to,' said Parker. 'It leads us to right here. It's important to us that this story remains top of mind for his family, for his friends because we loved him and he deserves justice.' Gascon did not attend that rally, but his chief deputy Joseph Iniguez at the time told the participants he could not discuss how the case would be handled before arrests are made. His former fiancee, Teresa Farrell, has also launched an to help 'find [Wactor's] killers', asking members of the community for help in doing so. 'If the person who did this, if you're watching, I'm sorry, but you shot the wrong guy,' she said in a post to Instagram through a steady stream of tears. 'You can get a real job,' she went on. 'I know the job market's hard but we're all in it together. You don't have to steal - especially take a life over it.' She went on to assert that 'human life is disregarded too easy,' while insisting it is time as a community to 'make changes.' 'Maybe that's what Johnny's gift is for us,' she said, urging politicians to take notice. She said she met Wactor back in 2013 soon after she moved to LA, when he was working his way into the business. He had made a great deal of headway since, before his life was cut short. Mom Scarlett Wactor said that her son didn't attempt to fight them or even stop the offenders from stealing, despite being shot in cold blood. Johnny's brother Grant further confirmed to DailyMail.com Johnny was shot in the chest as he came upon the suspects, explaining how he and his co-worker had to park about two blocks from the restaurant. The pair were merely walking to their cars after they finished their shift, he said. Cops' search for the trio, all of whom were masked, remains ongoing. No other leads have been aired. More than half a million people in Scotland are listed on a police intelligence database - despite many having committed no offence. Latest figures show that information on 508,682 adults and children is being stored on the Scottish Intelligence Database (SID) - a system launched in 2003 to target organised crime gangs. The alarming numbers has prompted fury from critics who last night feared the database now seems to be a capture for anyone. They called on Police Scotland to be upfront about its criteria for storing information, claiming it was no different to having a camera placed in their homes just in case. Human rights activist and lawyer Aamer Anwar described it as an attack on democracy. More than half a million people are on Police Scotland's intelligence database He said it should be a matter of deep concern that half a million people in a country with a population of little over five million find themselves on a database set up to target serious organised crime. He added: If people found out they were on the database they would want to know why, and they would want it removed. I know people say if youve got nothing to hide, youve nothing to worry about. 'But its no difference to having a camera placed in your house, just in case. Its absolutely crazy. I knew the numbers were high, but one in 10 is surprisingly shocking. Now it seems to be a capture for anyone. Theres certainly not one in 10 people in Scotland involved in serious organised crime. Its simply not true.. If it was, we would have lost the war on law and order. And with so much information on the database, including details of those reported for minor or non-criminal incidents, he questioned how the police would be able to prioritise genuine intelligence. He said: With half a million [names] its like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And Mr Anwar added: It begs the question what is this unit doing and what is the database for? Lawyer Aamer Anwar described the scale of the force's database as 'an attack on democracy' Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who previously accused Police Scotland of acting unlawfully after it logged his details when a trans activist reported him over a comment he made regarding the Scottish Governments gender policy, called for the force to be up front about its criteria for storing information. He said: Its alarming that one in ten of Scots appear on this police database. I wonder how many of these 500,000-plus people know that their details are stored and, more importantly, why. Police Scotland must be up front about their criteria for retaining files on so many of our citizens, very many of whom will have no criminal record. The aim of the intelligence database, when it was set up 21 years ago, was to allow Scotlands then eight regional police forces to share data with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency. But the figures, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, show the numbers on the database have jumped by more than 61,000 in just seven years, with anyone over 12, the age of criminal responsibility, able to have their details logged. Scottish Lib Dem justice spokesman Liam McArthur described the numbers on the database as startling. He added: While it is important that we support the police in modernising the service, this should never come at the cost of privacy obligations and civil liberties. It is unclear how long this data is held for, which is particularly concerning in cases where people have been found not guilty in court or where no charges have been pursued. The full force of modern technology means it is easy for companies and public bodies to amass a huge amount of data on us in a short space of time, if given the opportunity. Thats why we need to have rules and frameworks in place to help keep us right, something which the police have already indicated they would welcome. The database is linked to a similar one in England and Wales, which allows officers to access information across the UK. It is separate from the Police National Computer, which records criminal convictions. A spokesman for Police Scotland said: The SID is an essential resource that allows police officers to carry out their role safely and effectively. We regularly review intelligence that is retained to make sure it is appropriate and complies with the Data Protection Act 2018. Individuals have the right to access the information held about them, subject to certain restrictions, via a Subject Access Request. A California man has been forced to watch two of his homes burn to the ground in the past six years due to raging wildfires which also killed his cat. Rick Pero's property in Forest Ranch has been devastated by Park Fire, the ginormous blaze currently tearing through Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama counties. But it's deja-vu for Pero, who had to leave his previous home in Paradise six years earlier when Camp Fire ravaged the area in November 2018. The two-week blaze was the deadliest wildfire in California's history, killing 85 people and destroying more than 18,000 structures, including the home where Pero lived with his wife. Their cat sadly did not survive the recent inferno. 'There was a chair that he would love to hide under because he was a little shy. They sure enough found that he was probably curled up there,' Pero told Action News Now as he recalled how first responders found his beloved pet, called Catmandu. California man Rick Pero (pictured left) has revealed that he was forced to leave his home after his house was destroyed by raging wildfires on two separate occasions 'There was a chair that he would love to hide under because he was a little shy. They sure enough found that he was probably curled up there,' Pero told Action News Now as he recalled how first responders found his beloved pet, called Catmandu A California man has revealed that he has been forced to leave his home on two separate occasions over the past six years after it was destroyed by raging wildfires 'We got to let him go and get closure for that and appreciate the years that we had him and now he's at peace.' 'He had a pretty crazy life,' Pero said, adding that they also had another cat called Riley. 'Both our cats were rescue cats and he had been found under Scotty's out there and we found him at the Humane Society and he just hugged us. He was family. 'Neither my wife or I had kids so he was our youngest little fur-kid, our fur-boy.' The couple is being supported by disaster response nonprofit, Team Rubicon, who are helping them dig any surviving possessions like jewelry out of the carnage. Pero said that along with all their neighbors, their home was also completely destroyed by Camp Fire. 'There was a chair that he would love to hide under because he was a little shy. They sure enough found that he was probably curled up there,' Pero told Action News Now as he recalled how first responders found his beloved pet, called Catmandu The Park Fire , which started in Chico on Wednesday, has developed into an uncontrollable 307,368-acre behemoth as it bulldozes through two counties in the Northern California Pero revealed he is considering leaving the state for safer territory. And they're not the only ones. A new report shows how climate change is set to reshape American cities over the next few years as people increasingly abandon flood, heat and wildfire 'danger zones' like northern California for calmer climes. Scientists told DailyMail.com that several cities are 'slowly dying'13694835 due to residents fleeing popular waterside destinations which are prone to flooding - with many metros predicted to look 'dramatically different' in just a few decades. Areas of Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Providence and Las Vegas are named as the top metro regions forecast to experience the biggest proportional exodus due to flood risk. Meanwhile, relatively 'safe zones' such as Jefferson County in Louisville, Kentucky, are seeing an influx of new residents. Dr Jeremy Porter, who is head of climate implications at First Street Foundation which produced the peer-reviewed report, told DailyMail.com that people are increasingly basing their relocations on climate factors. The US was struck by 23 disasters over an eight month period in 2023, which came at a loss of at least $1 billion each (mapped) - eclipsing the previous annual record of 22 events with a 10-figure price-tag in 2022 'Over the past five years, people have really started to pay attention to the climate data as something that impacts their moves,' he said. Polls back this up. A recent Zillow report found 80 percent of Americans consider climate risks when searching for a new home, while Forbes released a study showing that 30 percent of homeowners say climate change was the reason for their move. The First Street study identifies America's top ten 'climate abandonment areas' - metro areas where people are leaving in droves due to the increasing risk of climate events disrupting their lives and businesses. Far-right mobs in Middlesbrough stopped people to ask them if they are 'white and English' before letting them through as vile riots continue to sweep the nation. Unsettling video shows thugs standing at a crossroads and confronting drivers in cars as they tried to pass. 'Are you English? Are you white?' one could be heard shouting at a car trying to cross the intersection where hundreds marched with anti-immigration groups earlier today. 'Yes, he is!' someone else was heard shouting back. Two cars narrowly avoided colliding as they sped away from the mob, prompting one of the agitators to whine he had 'nearly been run over' and calling out 'where's your police?' Rows of officers wielding riot shields were seen near the commotion as thugs circled on BMXs and continued stopping cars, standing in the middle of the road. Cleveland Police said this afternoon they are continuing to deal with 'disorder' in Middlesbrough, claiming to have arrested nine people 'relating to violent disorder offences'. 'We are urging members of the public to stay away from Middlesbrough while officers respond to violent disorder in the town,' Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said in a statement. Police were only able to confirm that the violence in Middlesborough had ended in the early hours of Monday morning, adding that a police presence would remain throughout the night 'and into tomorrow and the coming days'. As many as 43 people have been arrested in connection with the events, and a full investigation is now underway. The horrifying moment racist thugs in Middlesbrough stop cars to check drivers' ethnicities The 'checkpoint' was set up on Linthorpe road in Middlesbrough amid spiralling violence Groups sauntered in the road, agitating locals, as police observed nearby MIDDLESBROUGH: A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right thugs MIDDLESBROUGH: Police raced off with far-right agitators on Parliament Road today MIDDLESBROUGH: Cars were set on fire and objects thrown at police in riots today MIDDLESBROUGH: Riots have devastated towns and cities across the UK since July 30 The horrifying TikTok video of the 'checkpoint' on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough drew outcry as it was shared across social media. 'This is a pretty concerning development. I thought we were supposed to be moving towards a more inclusive and equitable society, not regressing back to the days of segregation,' one user wrote. 'So utterly disappointed with this country and this disgusting behaviour,' another said. 'This is beyond sad what is going on fgs,' a third user added. Middlesbrough has seen a thoroughly disturbing spate of violence over the weekend as far-right groups torched cars and hurled bricks. A so-called protest organised by anti-immigration groups was organised to travel along the Linthorpe Road, where a mob was later seen screening drivers. Buses announced they would change their schedules to avoid the disorder. Hooligans set fire to cars and wheelie bins, pushed towards police trying to restore order. About 300 people gathered in front of a mosque in Waterloo Road in the town to guard it while police blocked off nearby streets. One resident told the PA news agency: 'We're going to be paying for this, and for what? 'This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. They've used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets.' A person was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after an incident at the Swatters Carr pub. Police in riot gear were forced to retreat to get away from a group dressed in hoods and face coverings at one point. Rioters smashed the windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: 'It's our f****** country.' There was significant damage to the crown court, the university and a number of properties in the Parliament Road area. The 'staggering' surge of violence led to 43 people being arrested in Middlesbrough on Sunday, police said. Humza Yousaf has called for the army to be called in to stop 'thugs' causing disorder on the streets as violence continued unabated through Sunday. 'It doesn't look like, to me, the police have a handle on the situation,' the former first minister of Scotland said. 'The police have not been able to protect those that are in the Holiday Inn [in Rotherham],' he added. 'The army can help to get control where the police are unable.' Despite calls for police to have more powers to clamp down on the riots, Dame Diana Johnson, the Minister for Policing, said police have said they have 'all the resources they need' to deal with the disorder. In Hull last night police used tear gas against thugs who smashed the windows of a hotel housing asylum seekers, while cars were set alight and vandalised through the afternoon. Similar horror rocked Rotherham today as groups stormed a Holiday Inn housing asylum seekers. Around 700 violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire since around 2pm this afternoon. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. The grass around the hotel appeared to have been set on fire. Some were seen preparing to throw bricks of concrete as the violence spiralled. Terrified asylum seekers told The Times how rioters ran through the corridors of the hotel shouting obscenities at them. 'They came into this floor and hit me until the police drove them down the corridor,' one told the newspaper. 'It was my first time and they meant business,' a 27-year-old from Botswana added. 'They took chair outside and threw them at police. I wanted to cry.' A video apparently taken by those in the hotel purported to show men sitting on a stairwell, one apparently holding a machete. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. John Healey MP urged anyone with information about the disorder at the Holiday Inn, Manvers and the wider area to report it by contacting SYP on 101, quoting 'incident number 239' of August 4, 2024. Police said late this evening that officers were 'aware and responding proactively' to 'protest activity' in Tamworth, a small town in Staffordshire. 'Robust action will be taken against those responsible for violence and disorder,' a statement read. Horrifying footage shared showed crowds standing around a Holiday Inn believed to be housing asylum seekers. Bottles were launched at police, witnesses said. Video appeared to show red flares being lit outside. Police confirmed at midnight on Monday that the 'violent disorder' at Tamworth had ended after being 'successfully dispersed'. 'A large-scale policing operation with specialist public order resources, supported by colleagues from neighbouring police forces, was deployed proactively to the area after the crowd quickly became hostile, clearly intent on attacking the hotel and police officers,' a statement read. 'Police officers were faced with being attacked with petrol bombs and fireworks and damage was caused to the hotel by protesters, with the lives of residents inside put at risk. Fortunately, no one inside was injured.' Police urged anyone with information that could help identify those responsible to come forward. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A small group of demonstrators carried St George's Flag through Lancaster, shouting at a much larger crowd of counter-protestors in the main shopping district of the small university city. Police were on guard to separate the groups, chanting back and forth at each other. Chants of 'refugees are welcome here' were heard from the counter-protestors. Others sang 'There are many many more of us than you' from the steps of the Town Hall. ROTHERHAM: Police defend themselves as far-right thugs launch planks of wood on Sunday ROTHERHAM: A rioter throws blocks of concrete towards a hotel on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs today attacked a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers ROTHERHAM: An injured man is arrested as riot police clash with a far-right mob today ROTHERHAM: Police try to control the deplorable violence after a mob attacked a hotel ROTHERHAM: Riots spread through smaller towns following violence in cities on Saturday ROTHERHAM: A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel as counter-demonstrators gather ROTHERHAM: Police have been trying to fend off agitators outside the hotel today ROTHERHAM: Groups opposing the far-right riots massed outside the hotel ROTHERHAM: Police stand guard outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorks South Yorkshire Police said several of its officers were injured during 'deplorable acts of violence' outside the Holiday Inn Express in the Manvers area of Rotherham today. At least ten officers have been injured as a result of the violence, with one left unconscious following a head injury, another suffering a suspected fractured elbow and other suffering suspected broken bones. No hotel employees or residents have been injured, police said. A heavy police presence will remain outside the hotel and in the surrounding area over the course of the rest of this evening and into tomorrow. 'The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting,' said Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield. 'While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this. 'Those who choose to spread misinformation and hate online, also need to take responsibility for the scenes today this was not a protest, just angry people, reacting to a false narrative who have their own motivations for doing so.' The Prime Minister this evening condemned the 'thuggery' of the far-right mob who stormed the hotel, promising those involved in the violence would 'regret it' as the government introduced emergency measures to bring rioters to justice. UK courts are to operate for 24 hours to expedite prosecutions of those involved in the riots, the government confirmed yesterday as violence erupted on the streets of Belfast, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Stoke. Saturday was the second night of violent confrontations after riots broke in Sunderland on Friday. The mob threw rocks at the taxis of two Filipino nurses brought in to help the injured amid the violence. An NHS source told The Mirror they were terrified. 'They managed to get through but they were obviously fearful about what might happen to them. 'They were both very shaken by the incident,' the source told the newspaper. A Citizens Advice bureau in Sunderland was set alight on Friday amid the senseless attacks on community pillars. ITV journalist Jonny Blair wrote on Twitter/X on Saturday: 'Its manager this morning told me they're devastated and now trying to figure out how to help the people they were supposed to see.' Six people are due to appear in court following the night of disorder on Friday. Thousands of protestors, including children as young as six, gathered in Keel Square in the city centre in response to the Southport stabbings. Northumbria Police launched an investigation which has so far seen 14 people arrested for their role in the clashes with officers. Five men, aged 48, 41, 31, 29, 27, and a 43-year-old woman have been charged with violent disorder. The 27-year-old man has also been charged with one count of burglary. All are due to appear before Magistrates' tomorrow. And last night, thugs in Merseyside set fire to a library, which also functioned as a food bank, intended to help support deprived people in the community. As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Heartbreaking video of the centre as it opened last year went viral on Twitter/X as users denounced the shameless attacks. BRISTOL: A man throws a can of cider towards counter-protesters HANLEY: A man lies injured on the floor amid clashes during riots and protests LIVERPOOL: Rioters torched the city's new Spellow Hub library. which opened last year LIVERPOOL: The destroyed interior of the Spellow Hub community library What a beautiful reading space!!! It's definitely worth a trip to the children's library at Spellow Hub! @liverpoollib pic.twitter.com/5mBHjtNl8Y Reading at LLP (@ReadingatLLP) May 24, 2023 From left to right: Alice Dasilva Aguiar,9, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The three girls tragically died after they were stabbed at a Taylor Swift dance event A woman and a child embrace while they look at flowers in Southport. Memorials have sprung up across the Merseyside town where residents can leave floral tributes to the victims Landmarks across the country were lit up in pink yesterday in tribute to the three children killed in the attack including Downing Street Many police units were pushed to breaking point last night as clashes continued in multiple cities. Protesters tried to kick down police officer's riot gear, while other demonstrators threw objects at their shields. Looters took advantage of the chaos, stealing phones, shoes and wine from the shelves of every-day stores, smashing their windows with bricks and stones. In Liverpool, shameless yobs squealed 'get the phones! Get the phones!' as a group surrounded and battered their way into a phone repair and vape shop in the city centre. Kicking the shutters with the feet and wrenching them up in a wild frenzy, the mob battered at the glass with what appeared to be a bollard before leaving the road outside strewn with packaging after they emptied the shelves. The riots have swept across several UK cities following the deaths of three young girls in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, was identified as the suspect in the case, charged with murdering three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. He is accused of killing Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, with a kitchen knife on Monday. Eight other children sustained knife wounds, with five of them left in critical condition. Judge Menary KC cited 'idiotic rioting' in parts of the UK in his reasoning for lifting the automatic anonymity given to Rudakubana, as misinformation spread online about the suspect's identity. Claims falsely circulated social media that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff, described as a 'quiet choir boy' with a family involved in the local Christian church. Sammy Woodhouse, a high-profile victim of the Rotherham child grooming gang scandal, said of the suspect in a broadcast: '[People] feel like they are not being told any information. 'They know the guy's not a British guy. They know he's of a different ethnicity. There's talk of him being a Muslim as well.' The clip was shared by Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, after police had clarified that the claims were false, The Times reports. Robinson, 41, had a UK arrest warrant issued against him last Monday after he skipped a court appearance. MailOnline revealed exclusively that he has been staying at a five-star hotel in Cyprus as riots sweep England. Community leaders and families of the victims of the murders in Southport have criticised the unrest. 'While this should be a time for quiet reflection and remembrance, since Monday, too many people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate,' a group of faith leaders from Liverpool said in a joint statement. Dozens of migrants have arrived in Dover today after being rescued by Border Force officials from the Channel. Pictures showed officials escorting 75 asylum seekers to Dover docks, having helped them ashore as they tried to reach the UK. The migrants were picked up by the Border Force 'Defender' cutter before disembarking at the Kent port. It comes as more than 3,000 small boat migrants have arrived since Labour came to power and scrapped the Rwanda deportation scheme. Figures on Friday showed that 3,329 have crossed the Channel since July 5, the day Sir Keir Starmer arrived in No 10 after winning the election the day before. Dozens of migrants have arrived in Dover after being rescued by Border Force officials today A total of 75 migrants were escorted to the Port of Dover after making the perilous crossing to reach the UK Border Force officials used the 'Defender' cutter to bring asylum seekers ashore Over 17,000 have made the perilous journey so far in 2024, a record high for the first seven months of any year. This is 15 per cent more than the 14,732 which arrived between January and July in 2023. After winning his landslide victory in July, one of Sir Keir's first acts as Prime Minister was to cancel the previous government's flagship Rwanda policy. Tories argued the scheme was necessary for acting as a deterrent to would-be crossers as the threat of being deported to the African nation would make them think twice about making the journey. But Sir Keirs government will instead recruit a 1,000-strong immigration task force as part of a new Border Security Command in a bid to fast-track removals and better tackle people smuggling gangs upstream. Former PM Rishi Sunak had claimed during the election campaign that migrants were queueing up in Calais waiting for a Labour government to scrap the Rwanda scheme. Pictured: Migrants are rescued from the middle of the English Channel by Border Force officials A migrant is escorted from off a boat at Dover Docks on Sunday. Over 17,000 have made the journey so far this year alone, a record number A total of 1,071 migrants arrived in the week to Thursday alone, with the fine weather also having an impact. Last Sunday one migrant died and another 34 were rescued by French coastguards after a 'heavily loaded' boat got into difficulty. Meanwhile on the same day near Dunkirk, France, a so-called 'taxi boat' was seen motoring out of the harbour at Gravelines. One of the occupants of the half-full dinghy was heard shouting to onlookers: 'This is for Rishi Sunak' perhaps in reference to the former prime minister's now junked policy. A cafe owner was stunned to get a formal letter complaining about the cost of a 2.20 cup of tea - even though it cost another 75p to post it. The anonymous customer aired their grievances with the Toast Cafe and Deli in Wrexham, North Wales after they were 'shocked' to pay 4.40 for two cups of tea. But it cost another 75p for the second class stamp to send the hand-written letter 12 miles to the award-winning cafe. The disgruntled author of the letter wrote: 'Myself and my husband called in for a cup of tea. 'The price was a shock 4.40 for two cups of tea - it is 'no wonder OAPs cannot go out.' The cafe posted a photo of the letter on Facebook, with a comparison of its prices and other cafes in Wrexham The cafe posted a photo of the letter on Facebook, with a comparison of its prices and other cafes in Wrexham. The post read: 'Whilst prepping the cafe ready to reopen tomorrow morning from 10am, we received this letter which was posted to us from a customer from Chester!' Owners Claire and Paul Wright won the Best Cafe in Wales prize at the Best of Welsh Business Awards in Cardiff - and received the Good Food Blue Ribbon for Delicious Dishes Award 2023. Claire said: 'Paul and I feel disappointed and shocked to receive this letter where the customer felt compelled to write to us to complain about the price of a cuppa and also buy a stamp to post it to us. 'We have always tried to keep our prices in line with other independent cafes and coffee shops in Wrexham City Centre.' The cafe did some research and discovered some other similar independents in Wrexham are charging anywhere between 2.29 and 2.50 for a cup of tea with the average price being 2.42. The anonymous customer aired their grievances with the Toast Cafe and Deli in Wrexham, North Wales after they were 'shocked' to pay 4.40 for two cups of tea They added: 'Did you know when we buy food and drink from a small cafe, it's hardly even about the cost to cover the ingredients and staff wages to create and serve the food and drink - the majority of the transaction amount is to cover all the overheads to actually just have a business. 'Advertising and marketing, accounting fees, cleaning products, repairs and maintenance, electricity, wages, kitchen and front of house equipment, licensing, payment processing fees, point of sale software, bank fees, telephone and internet, water, waste removal, rent, loans, delivery fees, subscriptions/ memberships and so on. 'We know things are hard for everyone at the moment and more so for pensioners and during these difficult times, we are trying not to pass the costs onto our customers but we feel we charge a reasonable price for our food and drink.' A tropical storm set to make landfall as a hurricane has already brought flooding to Florida's Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Debby brought at least two feet of storm surge to southwest cities like Fort Myers, with photos showing cars there completely underwater. The storm is currently on a collision course with Tampa, officials with the National Hurricane Center said, stating how it is set to become a Category One come Sunday night. Airports in the city have thus been thrust into chaos, with at least 120 canceled flights, including departures and arrivals, recorded at Tampa International Airport. Out of the 496 flights of the day, nearly 200 are experiencing delays, while nearby Sarasota-Bradenton International is faring little better. The storm's rain bands are now moving through the area, affecting countless coastal cities. Scroll down for video: Tropical Storm Debby brought at least two feet of storm surge to southwest cities like Fort Myers, with photos showing cars there completely underwater 'Debby will produce a variety of life-threatening and significant impacts for days to come,' AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter warned over the weekend, after flooding was reported in parts of South Florida Saturday night. 'We urge people, businesses, and government officials in the path of the storm to frequently check the AccuWeather forecast, even more than you typically would 'This storm is going to make for a dangerous and long week for people in parts of the southeastern United States,' the expert further warned. 'Please do not be lulled into any false sense of security that Debby is presently rated as a tropical storm. 'Tragically, we have seen many situations in the past where people have not prepared to the level that matched the dangerous threats that exist from such a storm due to the limitations of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.' The expert proceeded to point out how the metric used by most meteorologists and the National Hurricane Center 'only categorizes a tropical storm or hurricane by its wind intensity', and not its propensity for storm surge. He said one storm that fooled the wind scale was the hurricane that hit the Carolinas in 2018 known as Florence, which made landfall as a Category One hurricane on the scale but would have been a 4 on AccuWeather RealImpact due to the catastrophic flooding it incurred. Debby holds the potential of creating life-threatening storm surge to the tune of six-ten feet, Porter and other experts said. More of Fort Myers, located right in the middle of Florida's Gulf Coast, is seen here A preview of what's to come was seen along beach cities like Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Gulf Port, which are all set along the state's famously volatile western coast. Meanwhile the storm continues to move slowly across the Gulf of Mexico, where it is picking up steam. It is set to slam into the Sunshine State sometime around 8pm, officials said - at which point its full wrath will be felt. By Monday morning, it is poised to produce rainfall totals of around six to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches in some areas further north. Meanwhile, as Porter mentioned, the situation is constantly evolving, masking 'the magnitude of the dangers and impacts from the storm throughout the week,' the meteorologist warned. Widespread flooding impacts are possible across the Southeast as well, he said - as the storm is set to move northeast across the state around 6am Monday, before heading off over the Atlantic around 8pm. During that span, cities like Gainesville and Jacksonville will be at risk, along with areas along the east coast like Fernandina Beach and St Augustine. More flooding Sunday in Fort Myers, as storm's rain bands move through the area and affect countless coastal cities. Widespread flooding impacts are possible across the Southeast as well, officials said - as the storm is set to move northeast across the state around 6am Monday, before heading off over the Atlantic around 8pm For now Fort Myers appears to be the hardest hit, though despite intense flooding, no official evacuation order has been given. Cape Coral is also experiencing flooding, as are the sister cities' barrier island Sanibel, as is Gulf Port further north. The latter is set to be bombarded when the storm strikes Tampa around 8pm, as it makes its way further north. At that point, meteorologists predict it will pivot to the northeast, passing over the southern Georgia and the northern part of the state. By then, Debby is predicted to be a full-blown hurricane and could still strengthen even more. Citizens in areas set to be affected are advised to stay indoors. Power outages are expected. 'As AccuWeather Hurricane Experts have been stressing since last week, ahead of other known sources, confidence is increasing in major flooding from persistent heavy rainfall in parts of the southeastern United States,' officials said Saturday. 'Experts are increasingly concerned that if heavy rain bands produce copious rainfall over the same areas for days, a catastrophic flooding disaster may occur in some places,' officials said. Flooding in Fort Myers measuring in at least two feet Saturday is seen here 'Experts are increasingly concerned that if heavy rain bands produce copious rainfall over the same areas for days, a catastrophic flooding disaster may occur in some places,' Porter personally reiterated. 'If there is heavy rain inland across the Carolinas, that water will eventually enter rivers and other waterways that flow toward the coast. 'Water flowing toward the coast, coupled with the persistent onshore flow, can back up the rivers because they won't be able to drain, further amplifying what can already be major flooding concerns along and near the coastal areas.' Rioters descended on a second hotel believed to be housing migrants and asylum seekers, as thugs set fire to a doorway, smashed windows, and threw petrol bombs and projectiles at police in Britain's fifth day of violence. Hundreds of people gathered as a group of masked thugs threw a burning bush inside the side entrance of the Hotel Inn Express, Leisure Island, in Tamworth yesterday evening, while onlookers filmed, cheered and clinked their beer bottles. 'Get out England' was graffitied on the side of the building, as police worked to extinguish the fire inside the hotel's stairwell. Some people could be heard chanting 'England, England, England,' while others threw objects at police and set off flares and fireworks. One man could be seen running towards police with what appeared to be a large speaker. Officers clad in riot gear were seen standing in a line guarding the entrance to the hotel. One police officer has suffered a suspected broken arm. Police have said the violent disorder has been 'successfully dispersed' as they appeal to anyone with information to help identify those responsible. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: 'The senseless violence and acts of despicable thuggery in Tamworth tonight are completely inexcusable. The local community do not deserve to be subject to this behaviour, and neither do the brave officers putting themselves in harm's way to keep everyone safe. 'I want to echo the messaging that police forces have been championing nationally following the events across the country this week: we will be using footage from CCTV, air support and our officers' body-worn video devices to identify those responsible and seek the toughest possible punishment for these acts of senseless violence. 'Officers have shown tremendous courage in responding to the disorder that unfolded tonight, as well as those that worked valiantly at the protests seen in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday. 'There have already been more than 100 arrests nationally in connection with these acts and I expect those who are identified will meet the full force of the law.' Thugs light small fires using debris on the ground and throw them into the stairwell of the Holiday Inn Express The stairwell of the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth was set alight, as 'Get out England' was spray painted on the side of the building Flames engulf the stairwell in the Holiday Inn Express tonight as violence breaks out in Tamworth People were seen cheering as thugs three flames into the hotel's stairwell Some people could be heard chanting 'England, England, England,' while others threw objects at police and set off flares and fireworks Thugs started fires outside the building before throwing the debris inside The far-right are protesting outside another hotel that houses asylum seekers in Tamworth. pic.twitter.com/zUrQozVlEo Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) August 4, 2024 Rioters are now at a DIFFERENT Holiday Inn Express, this time in Tamworth. Bottle and other projectiles have started to be launched at police. pic.twitter.com/sJaSM1csnW Alex Tiffin (@RespectIsVital) August 4, 2024 It comes after an angry far-right mob stormed into a hotel in Rotherham yesterday, hurling chairs and spraying fire extinguishers at riot police, while setting bins, a generator and furniture alight. Around 700 violent anti-immigration protesters clad in balaclavas and draped in St George's flags clashed with officers trying to protect the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. At least 10 officers have been injured in the chaos outside the hotel on the northern outskirts of the post-industrial town. One was left unconscious following a head injury, another suffered a suspected fractured elbow and other suspected broken bones. It marks yet another day of violent riots of Britain's streets, with crowds in Middlesbrough setting fire to a car and pushing burning wheelie bins at police, while thugs in Rotherham smash windows and doors as riot police use shields to push them back. South Yorkshire Police said one person has been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. Meanwhile, a peaceful protest in Bolton descended into chaos when two groups of demonstrators clashed. One charged towards the town hall shouting 'Allahu Akbar' while the other waved England flags. Similar scenes could be seen in Weymouth, as around 400 protesters from opposing sides gathered on the seafront to chant at each other. One side could be heard chanting 'Nazis go home', while the other shouted 'Tommy Robinson'. The outbursts come after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport on July 29. While photos from Rotherham have shown some occupants looking out of the hotel window onto rioters, it is unclear if the migrants and asylum seekers housed in the property have been able to evacuate. MailOnline has contacted the Home Office. Other photos appear to show far-right protesters breaching the hotel. The BBC reported that balaclava-clad people were seen forcing their way inside. Objects and pieces of wood were flung at officers who had lined up in front of the building with at least one cop in riot gear being carried away by their colleagues. The grass around the hotel appears to have been set on fire as well. Keir Starmer vowed rioters would 'regret' taking part in 'far-right thuggery' after a fifth day of violence in England, as the Government announced emergency security for mosques amid the threat of further disorder. A bin on fire outside the Holiday Inn Migrant hotel in Rotherham Protesters try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham A member of the community offers snacks to police officers on the front line in Middlesbrough Residents offer food and snacks to police on the front line in Middlesbrough this evening Serious violence and rioting by far-right protesters continues in side streets into the evening A man looks out of The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham as counter demonstrators stand outside with signs saying 'refugees welcome' Two other residents in the hotel look out as protests begin in Rotherham, Britain A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon on the day of a protest against illegal immigration, in Bolton Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration protest Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line on August 4, 2024 in Weymouth A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton, this afternoon A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right activists holding a demonstration in Middlesbrough A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton this afternoon Police try to hold back anti-immigrant protestors on Weymouth seafront Police detain a man during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car lies overturned and on fire during an ant-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A police officer helping a woman who has fallen over during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A thug throws a brick at a parked car during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Lets protest and get our country back but nor we will raid Iceland instead and pinch stuff because Iceland is bringing all the illegal immigrants to the streets of the UK and allowing them to kill people make it make sense #middlesbrough pic.twitter.com/annozL1LZ9 Lewis Powell (@_lewpowell) August 4, 2024 A group of young men in Rotherham held a banner that read 'we're not far right we're just right' while another placard being waved around said: 'Stopping the boats means stopping the stabbings'. Missiles, including glass bottles and beer cans were thrown at police, as protesters smashed hotel windows to gain access to the premises. One person's face was seen completely covered with a Union Jack mask while they waved a large England flag outside the hotel and chanted offensive slogans. The protest has already been strongly criticised by anti-racism groups as well as campaigner Brendan Cox, whose MP wife Jo Cox was killed in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016. He said: 'The scenes in Rotherham aren't a protest, they aren't even a far right riot, they are an ongoing attempt to murder the men, women and children inside by burning them alive. 'The stench of these days will hang around those who incited and justified it for the rest of their lives.' An anti-racism counter protest at the scene increased tensions for police, who arrived to find banners reading: 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right.' South Yorkshire Police said several of its officers were injured during 'deplorable acts of violence' outside the Holiday Inn Express in the Manvers area of Rotherham. At least ten officers have been injured as a result of the violence, with one left unconscious following a head injury, another suffering a suspected fractured elbow and other suffering suspected broken bones. No hotel employees or residents have been injured, police said. Officers regained access to the hotel from protesters and are continuing to disperse the group away from the area this evening. A heavy police presence will remain outside the hotel and in the surrounding area over the course of the rest of this evening and into tomorrow. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: 'Today in Rotherham we have seen our officers attacked and at least ten injured, significant damage caused and a fire set outside a hotel full of terrified residents and staff. The mindless actions of those today have achieved nothing other than sheer destruction and leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear. 'The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting. While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this. Those who choose to spread misinformation and hate online, also need to take responsibility for the scenes today this was not a protest, just angry people, reacting to a false narrative who have their own motivations for doing so. 'All today has achieved is the diversion of police and partner resources, operational police officers who will now be away from active duty while they recover from their injuries, and the continued use of public money to clean up the mess they have left behind. 'Please be assured, our work does not end today we have officers working hard, reviewing the considerable online imagery and footage of those involved, and they should expect us to be at their doors very soon. 'I want to take this opportunity to thank our officers and staff who have worked incredibly hard today and the officers from West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, Durham Constabulary, North Yorkshire Police and Leicestershire Police who have supported us, alongside South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for their continued support.' Residential properties and businesses attacked on a street in Middlesbrough A car is vandalised as far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough A policeman tussles with an anti-immigrant protestors near Weymouth seafront Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line Police officers deploy as far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough on August 04 Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Anti-immigration protesters hold Union Jacks on Weymouth seafront. A counter demo by Stand Up To Racism gathered at the same location further down Police officers detain a man on the day of an anti-immigration protest Meanwhile, in a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and promised those involved in unrest would 'face the full force of the law'. Speaking from Downing Street, Sir Keir suggested that rioters taking to the streets, and those 'whipping up this action online and then running away themselves,' would face consequences. The Home Office announced mosques would be offered greater protection under a new 'rapid response process' designed to quickly tackle the threat of further attacks on places of worship. 'People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques,' the Prime Minister said on Sunday. 'Other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I won't shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery.' Counter-protesters push against the police cordon on the day of a protest against illegal immigration Bolton Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Sir Keir indicated the response to the violence could mirror elements of how the 2011 riots were handled, at which time he was director of public prosecutions. 'We do have standing arrangements for law enforcement which means that we can get arrests, charge remanded in custody and convictions done very quickly,' he said. 'I myself was part of that in 2011 when I was director of public prosecutions, and I'm determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.' Ministers have suggested that courts could sit 24 hours to fast-track prosecutions while police forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to tackle potential unrest. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the deliberate torching of a hotel where people were known to be inside was 'utterly appalling' and South Yorkshire Police have Government backing to take 'the strongest action'. Ms Cooper said: 'Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. 'In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the Government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. 'As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.' Humza Yousaf has called for the army to be called in to stop 'thugs' causing disorder on the streets. 'It doesn't look like, to me, the police have a handle on the situation,' the former first minister of Scotland said. 'The police have not been able to protect those that are in the Holiday Inn,' he added. The army can help to get control where the police are unable.' Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the violence this evening. He said: 'The shocking scenes we're seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport. 'This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society. The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law.' Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the violence on 'X' this evening A bin has been set on fire in Middlesbrough as police officers deal with an anti-immigration protest A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough A bin is chucked towards a fire as a group of far right protestes gather in Rotherham A woman and a man take cover as objects are thrown during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express A protester kicks a window at a hotel in Rotherham, as a far-right group joins Extinguishers are blown at police as trouble flares up outside The Holiday Inn in Rotherham A table is flung at a police officers wearing riot gear while others try to break into The Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham Police officers in front of a smashed window as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Police officers tackle an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon A police officers is injured as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express South Yorkshire's mayor Oliver Coppard said he is 'utterly appalled by the violence' in Rotherham. 'What we're seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society', he said in a statement. 'The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know. We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law', he added. Watching the scenes of chaos unfold, former home secretary and Tory party leader hopeful James Cleverly said rioters should be hit with 'the full weight of the law'. 'There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behaviour like this,' he tweeted. 'This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.' IGH, the parent company of the Holiday Inn chain, told the BBC: 'The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority.' A Sky News journalist was approached by a group of masked men with 'potential weapons' in their hands while reporting on the scenes in Middlesbrough this evening. The moment was caught on camera as Charlotte Leeming and her team were forced to move back. Meanwhile, the sight of demonstrators attacking a hotel in the belief it is housing migrants is 'almost incomprehensible', the managing director of the Hope not Hate advocacy group has said. Nick Lowles said he was 'lost for words' to describe the scenes at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham. 'The fact that hundreds of people have targeted a hotel that is housing migrants, it is almost incomprehensible,' he told Sky News. 'They knew that people were in that hotel and they consciously tried to set fire to it. 'Communities are so scared, we have to rebuild.' Mr Lowles said agitators have been over-simplifying stories to whip-up hate. Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the anti-migration protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and people during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express Anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham A police officer moves a burning bin in Middlesbrough Police officers clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Rioters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, kicking off another day of chaos An anti-immigration protester wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express Mounted police stand in front of anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers and dogs patrol as anti-racism counter protesters and anti-migration protesters gather outside of the Holiday Inn Police officers and anti-immigration supporters standing outside the hotel housing migrants in Rotherham Protesters clash with police outside the Holiday Inn in Rotherham Anti-racism counter protesters hold placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express A person carries a sign reading 'Refugees are welcome here' outside the hotel housing migrants Police officers and anti-immigration supporters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham An aerial view of the Holiday Inn Express, which has seen rioters gather outside it for another day of chaos in the UK Mounted police stand opposite anti-racism counter protesters holding placards outside of the Holiday Inn Express Police horses outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham amid the protests People carrying placards attend an anti-racism protest outside Holiday Inn Express The disruption across England and Northern Ireland began on Tuesday in Southport, after three little girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Elsewhere in Middlesbrough, more than 300 protesters started marching towards the city's Cenotaph on Sunday. They carried a banner that read: 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' Rudakubana is the 17-year-old accused for murdering the three little girls in Southport and is charged with attempted murder of 10 others. His parents were born in Rwanda before moving to the UK in 2002. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff in 2006 before moving to near Southport in 2013. Others marching through the city chanted 'we want our country back' as they made their way through the city centre. At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles. Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving. One Middlesbrough resident said: 'We're going to be paying for this, and for what? 'This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. They've used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets.' A person was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after an incident at the Swatters Carr pub. Cleveland Police said officers have made nine arrests so far relating to violent disorder offences in Middlesbrough. The force said the main areas affected are Parliament Road, Waterloo Road, and the area around the university. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'We are urging members of the public to stay away from Middlesbrough while officers respond to violent disorder in the town. 'We have a high policing presence responding to the disorder, and the priority remains to protect people and communities. 'We will continue to make arrests and deal robustly with anyone shown to be intent on committing violence and causing harm.' Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration protest, in Rotherham Dogs are being utilised by cops to try and quell the violence A police dog attacks a protester in Rotherham, during a protest in the West Yorkshire town this afternoon A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough Banner that reads 'Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn't' through Middlesbrough A man is detained by police officers as people protest in Middlesbrough A man is detained as Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough Trouble flares up outside of The Holiday Inn, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where asylum seekers and immigrants are housed Police officers detain a man during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Police officers with protesters as trouble flares during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham A police officer attempts to extinguish a wheelie bin that has been set alight by anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Sir Keir Starmer will lead the Government's response to a wave of far-right violence and disorder, following reports he would be going on holiday this week. Downing Street has insisted the Prime Minister will be working from No10 all week as his Government deals with its biggest crisis since winning the election last month. Slamming Sir Keir's alleged plans to go on holiday, Mr Jenrick told GBN Live: 'I think it would be completely wrong for the Prime Minister to go on holiday whilst parts of Britain are burning. 'I'm sure that the government, like the whole country, sees the severity of the situation.' The politician added: 'I know they're trying to get a grip on it and I welcome some of the measures they've already taken, like having more persecutors, having the courts sit weekends, but this is a very serious situation.' However, Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Sir Keir 'has to have family time'. He told LBC's Matthew Wright: 'The government will continue and we've got an excellent Deputy Prime Minister. 'Keir has to have family time, there's no doubt about it. Every Prime Minister has to have that family time and that break but from what I know of Keir - and I've met him many times, and sitting here in Blackpool several times - he will be continuing to work and monitor the situation wherever he is on holiday.' Cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Belfast have seen vehicles burned, shops destroyed, pedestrians attacked and police officers injured this week following the Southport stabbings on Monday. Arrests have been made across the country, with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. A community library on the Merseyside that only opened last year after months of fundraising was set on fire last night as more than 300 people descended on the streets of a deprived city suburb. Merseyside Police have charged two people with committing violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday. Officers witnessed a group throwing stones, bricks and missiles at officers in the Paradise Street area. Jimmy Bailey, 45, of Station Avenue, Ellesmere Port, has been charged with violent disorder. He has been remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court at 9.45am on Monday August 5. Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, will appear at the same court after he was charged with violent disorder and arson (to a police vehicle). An attempt was made to set a police van alight while it was parked in William Brown Street on Saturday. The flames were quickly extinguished before significant damage or harm could be caused, the force said. BRISTOL: A protester holding a piece of concrete walks towards riot police as clashes erupt in Bristol yesterday NOTTINGHAM: Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square yesterday afternoon LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday LIVERPOOL: Charred wheelie bins outside the Spellow Hub community library after a night of violent disorder in Liverpool LIVERPOOL: Council workers clear debris from County Road after a night of violent disorder HULL: Tyres had been set on fire as black smoke from the blaze filled the city's streets As firefighters tried to put on the flames that engulfed Spellow Lane Library Hub - which also functions as a food bank - rioters threw a missile at the engine, before breaking the rear window of a nearby cab. Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. One officer was shoved off his motorbike while another was looked after by colleagues after appearing shell-shocked following a violent confrontation with a protester. Elsewhere, shameless looters took advantage of the violent mayhem, stealing everything from phones, shoes and wine from local shops. Disturbing video footage has captured the moment a wild-eyed woman viciously attacked a New York City Uber driver with pepper spray allegedly 'because of his skin color.' The alarming video, which has gone viral on social media, showed Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, unleashing pepper spray in an unprovoked attack on driver, 45-year-old Shohel Mahmud, during a late-night ride in Midtown Manhattan. The attack occurred around 11:20 pm on Tuesday night near Lexington Avenue and East 66th Street. The harrowing video shows Guilbeault stepping toward the driver's seat and unleashing the pepper spray on Mahmud. Disturbing video footage has captured the moment a wild-eyed woman viciously attacked a New York City Uber driver with pepper spray allegedly 'because of his skin color' Mahmud desperately trying to escape the attack, even jumping out of the moving vehicle at one point thinking it was a robbery. But as the car continued to move, he got back in when the relentless attack continued. Afterward, her friend can be heard yelling 'Jen, Jen, Jen! Why did you do that?' Mahmud, a father of three from Queens, had picked up Guilbeault and a friend in Midtown for what should have been a routine trip. Mahmud revealed what he recalled of the terrifying incident and the alleged motive behind the unprovoked assault. 'Her friend, she is yelling, 'Jen, Jen, what the fk, what are you doing? What's going on?' Mahmud told the New York Post. 'Her friend is asking 'Why did you do that?' And she say, 'He's brown.' 'They are talking to each other,' he told The Post. 'I'm not talking to them, my job is to drive them. I start going straight down the Central Park Traverse, straight down to 65th and Lexington. Suddenly, this girl for no reason spray me with pepper spray.' Mahmud, a father of three from Queens, had picked up Guilbeault and a friend in Midtown for what should have been a routine trip Police quickly arrived on scene and arrested Guilbeault on charges of third-degree assault. But she was later released on a desk appearance ticket and has an unknown court date set 'I mean this is totally ridiculous,' he said. 'I do nothing and she spray me. Pepper spray is illegal. She assault a driver for no reason. This is a hate crime.' Police quickly arrived on scene and arrested Guilbeault on charges of third-degree assault. But she was later released on a desk appearance ticket and has an unknown court date set. Authorities aren't currently investigating the incident as a hate crime, despite Mahmud's claims of racial motivation. Teenagers have a golden chance of a place at a good university as applications have fallen for the second year running. Concern over student debt and jobs for graduates are partly blamed for the decline. But a record 100,000 pupils took maths A-level in England this year and maths, computing and science are the most popular university degrees. Science author Simon Singh said this shows sixth-formers now see maths as a path to a good degree and high-paid job. By the end of June, 41.9 per cent of 18-year-olds applied for a university place, compared with 42.1 per cent in 2023 and 44.1 per cent in 2022 the first time there have been consecutive annual falls. Concerns over job prospects is among factors behind a fall in applications for university (file photo) Pictured: Oxford University. By the end of June, 41.9 per cent of 18-year-olds applied for a university place, compared with 42.1 per cent in 2023 and 44.1 per cent in 2022 Jo Saxton, chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas), said more places would be available through clearing, including on usually oversubscribed courses like medicine and at prestigious Russell Group universities. She said demand for university places was 'going backwards' in parts of the country after years of increases. 'It's a really good year to be applying to university,' she told The Sunday Times. Mark Corver, founder of consultancy dataHE, said: 'Youngsters with lower-to-average grades have record chances of getting an offer this year.' Maths was the most popular A-level in England this summer, with 11.4 per cent more pupils taking it than in 2023. Psychology, biology and chemistry were the most popular A-level choices after maths. English A-level was the most popular until 2014. But this year only 56,745 pupils took it. The trend is reflected in universities reducing their arts and humanities courses. Jo Saxton, chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas), said more places would be available through clearing, including courses at prestigious Russell Group universities Students are turning to maths as a path to a good degree and highly paid job, with 100,000 taking it for A-level (file photo) Ucas also revealed stark regional differences in numbers starting university last year. Only 13 per cent of 18-year-olds from Barrow-in-Furness started degrees last year, compared with 70 per cent of 18-year-olds from Wimbledon. The number of overseas students applying for UK degree courses fell by 1.4 per cent, the first decline in eight years. An urgent search has been launhced to find a teenage girl who went missing from a train station in Sydney's west. Christina Avakian, 15, was last seen at Fairfield Railway Station, 30km west of the Sydney's CBD, at about 4.30pm on Sunday. CCTV footage shows the teenager walking along the platform wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts. She was reported missing after her family were unable to locate or contact her when she failed to return home. 'Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age,' a NSW Police spokesman said. Christina is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 165cm tall, having a medium build and long brown hair. Police said the 15-year-old is known to frequent the Fairfield, Macquarie Fields and Campbelltown areas. Anyone with information about Christina's whereabouts is being urged to contact Fairfield City Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. An alleged child rapist is fighting extradition to Cyprus claiming the island he visited on holiday is too dangerous. Mohammed Latifi, 19, had flown to Ayia Napa last year before he 'kidnapped' a 13-year-old he met on a beach. He allegedly launched an assault that left the girl crying in pain before she escaped. Now he is fighting extradition back to Cyprus claiming 'his life will be in danger' from its Turkish community, as he is a Kurd. District judge Jo Matson rejected Latifi's claim, saying: 'I do not accept this is the case. If it were, why on earth would he have travelled on holiday there?' Mohammed Latifi, 19, had flown to Ayia Napa last year before he 'kidnapped' a 13-year-old he met on a beach (pictured in Paphos, Cyprus) Latifi (pictured) accepts he had sex with a girl, but denies any offences, saying he believed her to be 17 or older and that she consented Judge Matson granted the extradition request from Famagusta District Court (above) in Cyprus Judge Matson granted the extradition request from Famagusta District Court in Cyprus. But Latifi was granted bail while he appeals and has been seen living free in Leeds while wearing a tag. The judgment says Latifi is an Iraqi Kurd whose family moved to Iran when he was a child. The judge added: 'He arrived in the UK in 2017, unaccompanied, as an illegal immigrant transported in a lorry. He has been given five years' leave to remain in the UK having been granted political asylum from Iran.' Latifi was accommodated by Leeds social services while at senior school, before moving in to a house in the city with his elder sister and younger brother. His parents are said to be living 'undocumented' in Iraq, though a neighbour said the father had been seen at the sister's property. Latifi was last year working as a barber, and the court was told he was receiving universal credit while studying engineering at Leeds City College. He managed to finance a holiday to Cyprus in July last year, and posted a picture of himself there on a moped on Facebook. Latifi is now fighting extradition back to Cyprus claiming 'his life will be in danger' from its Turkish community, as he is a Kurd. Pictured: Ayia Napa, Cyprus (stock) Cypriot authorities, represented at Westminster Magistrates Court by Amanda Bostock, said Latifi arranged to meet the girl at his apartment. 'Once there, he raped her despite her crying from pain and asking him to stop. The complainant... escaped when he went to the toilet.' The girl told police but by the time they went to speak to Latifi, he had flown home. An international arrest warrant on charges of rape, sexual abuse of a child, kidnapping, indecent assault and harassment, with a maximum sentence of life in jail, was issued. Within days Latifi was arrested, but told police they would 'need to force him' to Cyprus. Latifi accepts he had sex with a girl, but denies any offences, saying he believed her to be 17 or older and that she consented. He claims extradition would interfere with his 'rights to a private and family life' under the European Convention on Human Rights. Judge Matson noted in her ruling: 'Latifi said he did not feel safe going to Cyprus as a Kurdish person. He was asked why he went on holiday there... and he said he had heard it was a fun place, and he didn't say he was Kurdish when he was there.' The extradition request is in any case to the southern, majority Greek portion of divided Cyprus, not to the largely Turkish northern enclave. Latifi, who has no previous convictions, did not comment. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch sent a stern warning toward Joe Biden after the president recently laid out extreme reforms to the nation's highest court. Last week, Biden called for sweeping reforms to the Supreme Court, including term limits, a binding code of conduct for its nine justices and a constitutional amendment that would limit presidential immunity. In an interview with Fox News, Gorsuch requested the president exercise caution in how he goes forward, because the judiciary is meant to be an independent check on Biden's office. 'It's there for the moments when the spotlight's on you, when the government's coming after you. And don't you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Isn't that your right as an American?' Gorsuch asked. The Donald Trump-appointed justice then added: 'And so I just say, be careful.' Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch sent a stern warning toward Joe Biden after the president recently laid out extreme reforms to the nation's highest court Gorsuch, a part of the Republican majority on the 6-3 Supreme Court, told FOX News Channels FOX News Sunday that he worries Americans don't appreciate what the court represents. 'Im not saying that there aren't ways to improve what we have. Im simply saying that weve been given something very special. Its the envy of the world, the United States judiciary,' he said. Gorsuch is currently promoting his new book, 'Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law. 'Too little law and were not safe, and our liberties arent protected. But too much law and you actually impair those same things.' The 56-year-old justice was the first of three Supreme Court nominees of Trump, and they have combined to entrench a conservative majority that has overturned Roe v. Wade, ended affirmative action in college admissions, expanded gun rights and clipped environmental regulations aimed at climate change, as well as air and water pollution more generally. Biden, citing 'recent ethics scandals' involving justices and high court rulings that 'overturned long-established legal precedents protecting fundamental rights', has called on Congress to pass three major reforms in a bid to 'restore trust and accountability' in America's democratic institutions. The White House last week detailed the contours of Biden's court proposal, noting how the Democrat believes 'no one - neither the President nor the Supreme Court - is above the law'. The President will officially propose the changes today during a speech in Austin, Texas, however his proposals appears to have little chance of being approved by a deeply-divided Congress with under 100 days to go before Election Day. Last week, Biden called for sweeping reforms to the Supreme Court , including term limits, a binding code of conduct for its nine justices and a constitutional amendment that would limit presidential immunity In an interview to promote his new book, Gorsuch requested the president exercise caution in how he goes forward, because the judiciary is meant to be an independent check on Biden's office Regardless, Democrats hope Biden's proposal will help to focus voters as they consider their choices in the tight presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has sought to frame her race against Republican former President Donald Trump as 'a choice between freedom and chaos'. Biden is calling for doing away with lifetime appointments to the court. He says Congress should pass legislation to establish a system in which the sitting president would appoint a justice every two years to spend 18 years in service on the court. He argues term limits would help ensure that court membership changes with some regularity and adds a measure of predictability to the nomination process. He also wants Congress to pass legislation establishing a code of ethics for justices that would require 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. Biden has also urged Congress to pass a constitutional amendment reversing the Supreme Court's recent landmark immunity ruling that determined former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. It comes after the Supreme Court ruled in July that Trump cannot be prosecuted for actions that were within his constitutional powers as president in a landmark decision recognizing for the first time any form of presidential immunity from prosecution. The decision extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss and all but ended prospects the former president could be tried before the November election. Biden's push for reforms comes a week after Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed Harris to square off against Republican presidential candidate Trump in November. It also follows the Supreme Court's ruling that there is no Constitutional right to abortion and other decisions that blocked Biden's agenda on immigration, student loans, vaccine mandates and climate change. A man is fighting for his life following a horror high-speed crash where a car burst into flames before its three occupants fled the scene. Emergency services rushed to Davies Road in Padstow, south-west Sydney, about 10.40pm on Sunday following reports of a two-vehicle crash. The white Audi is understood to have been stolen and travelling at high-speed when it collided with a silver Nissan which was pulling out onto the road. The Audi burst into flames due to the force of the crash and firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze but the car was completely destroyed. Paramedics treated the Nissan driver at the scene before rushing him to St George Hospital in a critical condition. Witnesses told police three men, who were travelling in the Audi, fled the collision before emergency services arrived at the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the occupants of the Audi and would like to speak with them about the crash. A crime scene was established and officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have started an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to contact Bankstown Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Brussels, Aug 4 (UNI) Spain, Italy, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal have called on Venezuela to make public all protocols from polling stations to ensure the transparency of voting in the presidential election held in the country last week. The countries' joint statement, published on Saturday, expressed concern regarding the situation in Venezuela after the past presidential election. "We call on Venezuelan authorities to release promptly all the tally sheets [from polling stations] in order to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process ... This verification is essential for recognising the will of the Venezuelan people," the statement read. A neo-Nazi terrorist who was in Southport when violence erupted on Tuesday night has suggested far-Right thugs could 'target random police officers'. Matthew Hankinson said there is a 'strong moral argument' for killing police officers in a series of chilling posts shared after more than 100 people were arrested in Westminster last week. Hankinson was jailed for six years in 2018 for being a member of terrorist group National Action, which was proscribed by the Home Office over its support for the murderer of MP Jo Cox. In other posts on X, Hankinson said 'Hitler was right' and suggested he was supportive of a student who was jailed in March over a plot to kill 50 people in bomb attacks. Hankinson also called Mrs Cox a 'subversive traitor' in a response to a post from her husband Brendan, and repeated the phrase 'Death to traitors, freedom for Britain' a slogan used by the Labour MP's murderer when asked to give his name in court. In a series of chilling posts shared after arrests in Westminster last week, Matthew Hankinson (pictured) said there is a 'strong moral argument' for killing police officers Hankinson wrote that 'such injustice' may lead to a situation where 'English people target random police officers' It is understood Hankinson has not been arrested since the riots in Southport (pictured on July 30) In a post shared on X, Hankinson asked 'But what if people decide the law is but a scrap of paper used to enforce illegitimate power?' Violence escalated outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham on Sunday Officers detain a protester who broke through a police line in Weymouth Responding to footage of protesters being arrested following violent scenes in Westminster on Wednesday night, Hankinson said: 'There is already a strong moral argument for killing corrupt police officers... what if people decide the law is but a scrap of paper used to enforce illigitimate [sic] power?' In another post he added: 'Such injustice may lead to a situation where oppressed English people think 'pick one out' and target random police officers.' The Mail has shared the posts with Merseyside Police and the Home Office. Last night Hankinson stood by his posts, telling the Mail: 'I'm taking part in public discourse as is my right, I don't think violence will achieve anything, but police oppression may lead to more violence, which I think is a legitimate concern.' Hankinson, from Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, shared footage of a burning police van on Tuesday while 'documenting live from Southport'. He said he was among people 'showing solidarity in the face of foreign terror' and taking 'vengence [sic] into their own hands'. He also shared far-Right conspiracy theories such as the 'Great Replacement' and finished a post with '#14W' often used as a rallying cry for white supremacists. Riots and outbreaks of violence have taken place in several cities across the UK since Friday, from Sunderland to Tamworth Pictured: Riot police clash with protesters outside a Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham Police hold back demonstrators as disorder broke out in Southport on July 30 in the aftermath of the stabbings last week It is understood Hankinson has not been arrested since the riots in Southport. He said: 'I went with the intention of paying respects as a concerned person at the vigil for the murdered children by an African. 'What I saw happening I decided to document, to show a true reflection of what was occurring.' Other prominent far-Right activists were present at the protest in Southport and involved in promoting it, including those from a group called Patriotic Alternative. A number of members of National Action which Hankinson belonged to have gone to prison, including Jack Renshaw, who was jailed for life in 2019 for plotting to kill former Labour MP Rosie Cooper. According to anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate, Hankinson, who was released from prison in 2023, served his full sentence as he refused to co-operate with rehabilitation services. Merseyside Police said it could not comment on the disorder in Southport due to active investigations. The Home Office said it does not comment on individual cases. EXCLUSIVE A 16-year-old girl was forced to contemplate stabbing her father to save the life of her mother, a court has heard. Dinush Kurera, 47, now stands accused of murdering his estranged wife Nelomi Perera, 43, in front of their children during an alleged rampage in the family home in Sandhurst, 37km southeast of Melbourne. Kurera has pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court of Victoria to murder and another charge of assault against his 17-year old son during the same alleged attack. The alleged killer is being represented by veteran Melbourne barrister John Desmond. Last week, a jury had to listen to audio of Ms Perera's final moments alive. The audio had been captured on a special 'safety watch' issued to women who fear they might be at risk of harm from violent men. In the opening address of the trial, the jury was taken through a graphic account of how police allege Kurera hacked and stabbed his estranged wife to death with a hatchet and kitchen knife. Dinush Kurera, 47, stands accused of murdering his estranged wife Nelomi Perera, 43 HOW IT BEGAN Kurera allegedly struck by surprise in the dead of night just weeks before Christmas in 2022, the court heard. Dressed in black, police allege he hit Ms Perera over the head with a hatchet as she stood on the rear porch of the family home having a cigarette. The jury heard the couple had been in the midst of an ugly divorce spurred on by allegations of previous domestic violence and infidelity. Upstairs in their bedrooms, Billy and Suzy (not their real names) heard screams and rushed downstairs to investigate. On the rear deck they saw a fuel container and their mother bleeding from her head. Crown prosecutor Mark Gibson KC told the jury Kurera warned his kids if they alerted police or tried to leave he would set fire to the house. 'He said that he would kill everyone, including himself, if the children tried to leave or tried to call the police. Suzy stood behind her father and tried to stop him from striking her mother with the hatchet,' he said. 'Her mother managed to get up and she told Suzy that Mr Kurera had hit her with the hatchet and showed (her) where she had been hit by Mr Kurera.' The jury heard Ms Perera begged for an ambulance and attempted to convince her estranged husband she would not call the police. She was permitted to go to the bathroom while Kurera allegedly went about interrogating his children about whom his estranged wife might be seeing. He told the kids he would be staying in the home, despite having an intervention order handed to him two days earlier forbidding him from going anywhere near it, the jury heard. The Sandhurst property where the bloody murder allegedly happened The court heard that he asked if they would want to live with him, Suzy declined the offer. 'Do you think I would want to live with you after threatening mum with an axe,' she told him. Kurera shouted back that her mother had ruined his life and had taken everything from him. 'He called her a whore and accused her of sleeping with other men,' Mr Gibson said. FATEFUL DECISION Kurera again asked the children if they knew whether their mother was seeing anyone. The jury heard Ms Perera had just months earlier began a new relationship with a man. 'Billy, who thought that instead of trying to make the situation worse by naming (that man), told his father that Nelomie was seeing a few people,' Mr Gibson said. 'This unfortunate comment by Billy, the Crown says, caused Mr Kurera to become more infuriated with Nelomie.' Graphic video and photos of the bloody aftermath of what allegedly happened next were shown to the jury. The jury heard Kurera approached his estranged wife and struck her body with the hatchet multiple times. When his son attempted to flee, he was allegedly chased down by his father and struck in the back with the same hatchet. The jury heard Ms Perera fought desperately to save her son, screaming at Kurera to 'get off him'. Her efforts allowed Billy to escape, leaving his sister to allegedly witness what came next. Dinush Kurera makes his way into the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday FINAL FIGHT The jury heard with her safety watch now activated, authorities were able to hear Ms Perera's desperate cries for help - 19 in total. Police scrambled to respond, but it would be too late. Still in the home, Suzy saw a trail of blood leading into the kitchen and bravely went in to investigate. The jury heard she saw Kurera still armed with the hatchet standing over her mother. 'He opened the kitchen knife drawer and Suzy pushed the drawer shut, which jammed Mr Kurera's fingers,' Mr Gibson said. 'Mr Kurera threatened Suzy with the hatchet, stating, "Nunga", which is Sinhalese (for) "I swear to God".' The jury heard Kurera grabbed a 30cm black handled chef's knife from the drawer, lent over Ms Perera and started hitting and stabbing her with both the axe and the knife. 'Suzy grabbed a black handled knife... to try and stop her father, by stabbing him,' Mr Gibson said. 'Suzy was too scared to actually stab him, and instead dropped the knife near the kitchen area. 'Nelomie looked at Suzy and said, "I'm dead".' Her safety watch captured Suzy's voice and Kurera telling her: 'Go. I've got nothing to lose. Get out of here'. Dinush Kurera and Nelomi Perera in happier times AFTERMATH CCTV footage taken from the front porch of a neighbour's home and played to the jury captured Suzy's desperate calls for help. 'Please, dad's killing mum. He's cutting her, like, with a knife. He's, like, full-on bashing her with a knife. Billy's gone. I don't know where. She's dead, I'm pretty sure she's dead. He's in there with a knife. I tried calling Triple 0,' Suzy told her neighbours. When police arrived, Kurera was in the toilet with his pants off. The jury heard he approached them near the kitchen, where his wife's bloody body lay. 'All good. I'll pack my bags,' Kurera told the officers. 'Look, I killed my wife. I killed wife. I tell you exactly what happened. Killed my wife. I have no pants. I killed my wife. She's dead over there,' he continued, gesturing towards the kitchen. In what now forms Kurera's defence, he told the officers he had acted in self defence. 'She tried to stab me, but she couldn't stab me. She couldn't stab me. I just - I just want to talk to her - my kids. She started to stab me. I killed her. I killed her,' he told police. HOW IT BEGAN The jury heard Ms Perera was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1979 and was aged just 43 when she was allegedly killed. She grew up with three siblings and immigrated to Australia at age 10. Kurera was also born in Sri Lanka and became involved with Ms Perera in 1999. In 2004, the couple purchased a home in Lynbrook, 36 km southeast of Melbourne, before moving to Sandhurst in 2015. Kurera purchased a children's event business called Inflatable World in 2016, but by 2018 it had gone bust. In late 2020, Ms Perera started a part-time retail position at a Myer store in Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in Narre Warren and at the time of her death had been looking forward to her first shift at a new job as a hairdresser. Dinush Kurera, Nelomi Perera and their family DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLAIMS The jury heard Ms Perera had good reason to fear her ex-husband after telling him she wanted a divorce. In 2013, while still living in Lynbrook, the jury heard Ms Perera claimed her then husband threatened to slash her tyres with a knife when she told him of her plans to leave with the children. That same year she claimed Kurera struck her to the head with a hammer and stomped her head while she was on the ground during an argument. Her sister told the jury that she observed at the time Ms Perera's face was covered in bruises and she struggled to walk. In another incident that year, police were called to the home following a Triple 0 call by Ms Perera, who claimed Kurera had assaulted her. THE INTERVENTION ORDER By 2021, the jury heard Ms Perera was convinced her husband had been cheating on her while on frequent trips to Sri Lanka. Kurera had been travelling back to their homeland with plans to build a hotel there. Her suspicions carried on throughout the following year, prompting her to install a tracking application on her husband's phone. In August that year a friend told Ms Perera she had located a photo of Kurera in bed with a woman in Sri Lanka. The allegation prompted Ms Perera to engage a lawyer to commence divorce proceedings. The jury heard Kurera took the news badly, prompting Ms Perera to approach police over concerns for her safety upon his eventual return. An intervention order was approved in October, but could not be served upon Kurera until he set foot back in Australia. The jury heard Ms Perera told police she was terrified Kurera might try and break into the house and put her in danger. In September she told a domestic violence help organisation that Kurera had threatened over the phone to kill her. She changed the locks on the family home and was provided with the watch that would later capture her alleged murder. Dinush Kurera is accused of hacking Nelomi Perera to death with a hatchet THE END Mr Gibson ran the jury through the events leading up to Ms Perera's death. On September 27, Ms Perera sent a message to Kurera on her Viber app stating: 'I want a divorce. I am not going to live my life afraid of you anymore.' On December 1 at about 9.35am Australian Federal Police provided Kurera with a copy of the family violence intervention order as he got off the plane at Melbourne Airport. 'That's my f**king house. Where am I supposed to go now?' Kurera allegedly told the officer. He stayed the night at a friend's house. Unable to go home without a police officer present, Kurera was escorted there the following day to pick-up keys for a storage locker where all his possessions had been placed. When Kurera entered the storage unit he saw that his clothes and items were strewn across the storage facility. Kurera began to cry and stated words to the effect of 'I built a five-bedroom house and look at this', as he pointed to his belongings in the unit. On December 3, the day Ms Perera would die, Kurera went about purchasing the items he would later use to allegedly murder her. CCTV at a local Bunnings Warehouse captured him buying a wrecking bar and hatchet. He spent the early evening at the cinema watching the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. At 10pm he was caught on CCTV at a Carrum Downs petrol station buying a 10 litre plastic jerry can, filling it with fuel before buying a lighter and paying for it all using his own credit card. Less than 15 minutes later he allegedly used the wrecking bar to gain entry into the backyard of his home where he lay in wait in the dark. In opening the case, Mr Gibson told the jury Kurera's alleged attack upon his wife was fuelled by a deep seated hatred he had for her. 'For the way he perceived he'd been treated by her. Her treatment of him, as he perceived it, was something he could not and would not tolerate from his then estranged wife,' he said. 'This attack upon her was his response to those grievances he was then feeling.' Mr Desmond maintained Ms Perera died after coming at his client with a knife. 'He grappled with her over the knife, in her murderous rage and he defended himself and the deceased was killed,' he said. 'Rage met rage.' The trial continues. Desperate and virtually penniless, she longed to become Queen of England. And after a seven-year campaign to ensnare her prince, she almost made it. 'She's the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,' wrote one of Princess Marina of Greece's admirers. 'And she would be good in bed.' 'She's excessively beautiful,' gushed society photographer Cecil Beaton in agreement, and - despite his preference for men - promptly fell in love with her. Later, she would become renowned as a world-famous fashion icon. But for now - like her first cousin Prince Philip - Princess Marina of Greece was a stateless person, living in Paris and accepting handouts from friends and well-wishers while desperately trying to keep up appearances. The family took money from anyone they could, including the decidedly downmarket daughter of a Wisconsin lumberjack, Laura Corrigan, who'd married well and was now very wealthy. Desperate and virtually penniless, she longed to become Queen of England. And after a seven-year campaign to ensnare her prince, she almost made it. 'She's the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,' wrote one of Princess Marina of Greece's admirers. 'And she would be good in bed'. Above: Princess Marina of Greece in August 1934, shortly before she married Prince George, Duke of Kent Marina desperately wanted to marry David, Prince of Wales, who would go on to briefly become King Edward VIII. Above: Marina stands next to the Prince of Wales (second from left) and her fiance, Prince George at a film performance in London, April 1932 But despite the fact they'd been kicked out of Greece and told never to return, the Greek royals continued to see themselves as something special and Marina's mother Elena, the cousin of a Russian Tsar, took the view that, for them, the only way was up. So Marina was dispatched to London to track down and ensnare David, Prince of Wales, who would go on to briefly become King Edward VIII. It was 1927 and Marina was barely 17 - while her target was, at 33, sixteen years older. Marina's brother-in-law splashed out a huge cash sum to rent a house in Chelsea's Cheyne Walk as a launch-pad for the campaign. But it did not start well, and only by chance did she bump into the Prince at a dinner party he'd surprisingly agreed to attend, and then again in nightclubs and at the Ritz Hotel as the London season progressed. All seemed to be going smoothly but then, at a costume ball given by the Duchess of Sutherland, David ignored Marina altogether. The campaign was back to square one. She was ready to pack up and return to Paris, but suddenly she was invited to a dinner at the Prince's apartments in St James's Palace. Here she received from an intermediary an explanation for David's behaviour: 'He was very much attracted to you, but he wished to do away with gossip by not seeing you.' If she believed that, she'd believe anything David was in the grips of a passionate affair with the married Freda Dudley Ward, who'd been his mistress for the past nine years. Princess Marina and Prince George married in a spectacular wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1934. It was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on radio, with millions across the British Empire tuning in A photograph showing the finishing touches being made to the wedding cake of George, Duke of Kent to Princess Marina of Greece in 1934 A poster of the Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece about to be put up in preparation for the royal couple's wedding Prince George and Princess Marina, who became engaged on August 28, 1934 Prince George, Duke of Kent, in full ceremonial uniform, and his wife, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, wearing the Kent City of London Fringe Tiara, leaving for the coronation ceremony of George VI and Queen Elizabeth, in London, May 12, 1937 King George V (second from left), Queen Mary (second from right), Prince George, Princess Marina and her parents at Balmoral Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark and Prince George with their children Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, October 1940 The widowed Princess Marina is seen with Prince Edward, Princess Alexandra and the young Prince Michael (left) at their Buckinghamshire home in 1950 He knew that, sooner or later, he would have to marry but he was in no hurry. Hungry princesses could wait. So Marina retreated back to Paris, ready to have another stab at becoming queen the following season. 'May God grant this year to be more satisfactory for Marina than last,' wrote the princess's older sister Olga in her diary. Back in Britain, Marina was becoming noticed around the tight-knit circle of London society. 'A large and voluptuous girl with one leg slightly shorter than the other,' wrote the MP and diarist 'Chips' Channon, not disapprovingly 'Will we be able to marry the Prince of Wales to Marina? I think so,' he went on. 'I started things going this summer when he took her out dancing several times. She certainly fell a little in love with him.' Back in Paris, Marina's mother, the Grand Duchess Elena, champed at the bit. As far as she was concerned, the slow progress being made by her daughter just wasn't good enough. And so for the next few years Marina would return to London each summer in the eternal hope that the Prince would give up his mistresses he'd moved on to Thelma, Lady Furness by now and make an honest women out of her. But the years sped by, and Marina remained on the shelf. On paper she was a major catch for the right man. Yet she was also a bit of a white elephant in the blue-blooded marriage market, given her family's determination that she should not marry 'beneath' her. She was back in London again in May 1934 seven years after her campaign to become Queen of England had kicked off. With her came sister Princess Olga, 'surely the two most beautiful princesses, if not women , in the world,' declared Channon of them both. 'And Olga's eyes were still firmly on the ultimate prize a marriage between her sister and the Prince of Wales,' writes her biographer Robert Prentice. 'However, she was soon in despair when, after a week, there was still no [invitation] from Sir Godfrey Thomas, the Prince's private secretary. 'From Paris Grand Duchess Elena continued to ramp up the pressure by telephone. She said [Olga] ought to ring him up.' This was pushing her luck beyond the limits of acceptability, but Elena's determination won through Marina was invited to lunch with the Prince at Fort Belvedere, his home in Windsor Great Park. But - though made welcome, the prince 'paid no special attention to Marina, as we feared.' And no wonder, for another woman present at the lunch was an American, Wallis Warfield Simpson. Marina had missed the boat. That was on May 13, 1934. Just two days later Marina's sister Olga just as ruthlessly ambitious as her mother turned her focus on to the Prince of Wales's youngest brother, Prince George. The following day, Prince George lunched with the sisters and said casually he might visit Yugoslavia, where Olga lived with her husband Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, some time in the summer. Would Marina be there? This was an astonishing piece of good fortune, but not so far as Elena was concerned. Prince Nicolas of Greece and Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia with their children, princesses Olga, Elisabeth and Marina (centre) Princess Marina (right) as a young girl with her sisters Olga and Elizabeth The two sisters should have kept knocking on David's door since he couldn't possibly marry an American divorcee mistress or not. 'I don't think we could have done more,' came the acid reply. In the hope her second choice, Prince George, might come to visit in the summer - he hadn't said another word about it Marina took herself off to a French spa in an attempt to lose weight. Four months later, a telegram arrived on Olga's desk saying George would be arriving in a week's time. The family was astonished. What the sisters did not know was that in the intervening months, George had faced increasing pressure from his parents Queen Mary and King George V to find himself a wife in a hurry. His recent past had been one long tale of drink, drugs, and promiscuity and he'd been ordered to clean up his act fast. He got close to proposing to Lady Anne Wood, daughter of the Earl of Halifax, but the affair quickly fizzled out. And in desperation, some might think George suddenly remembered Marina. He flew to Bohinj, Slovenia, where the family was staying, and parked his bags in the hall. Four days later, despite barely knowing each other, the couple were engaged. Prince George was killed aged 39 on his way to Iceland on August 25, 1942 when his Sunderland flying-boat crashed in the north of Scotland. Above: The wreckage Fourteen of the 15 passengers and crew were killed when the plane came down in Caithness Three months later, on November 29, 1934, before there was time for their brand-new 'love' to go off the boil, the couple were married in a spectacular Westminster Abbey wedding. It was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on radio, with millions across the British Empire tuning in. Each got what they wanted - and the marriage turned out to be a success, producing the present Duke of Kent, 88, his brother Prince Michael, 82, and Princess Alexandra, 87. But, it was hardly the romance of the century - whatever the breathless newsreel commentators wanted you to believe. In being turned down by Prince George's elder brother, Marina had ultimately settled for second best. In 1942, Marina's marriage was cut tragically short when Prince George was killed in a plane crash, less than two months after the birth of Prince Michael. The Daily Mail's front page in August 1942 announcing the death of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, uncle to Princess Elizabeth The Daily Mail's tribute to Princess Marina after her death from a brain tumour in August 1968 A report in the Daily Mail detailing Princess Marina's funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor An experienced officer in the RAF, George - who had served with distinction in the Second World War up to that point - was killed along with 13 other crew members when his Sunderland flying boat crashed shortly after take-off in the Scottish Highlands. The aircraft had been bound for Iceland. Marina would never remarry. She was left to raise her children - who were aged seven, five and just a few weeks when their father died - alone, but did so admirably. Her death from a brain tumour aged just 61 in 1968 left the Royal Family shell-shocked. One wonders what might have been had she found a way into King Edward's affections before Wallis did. One of my many duties as a royal correspondent during the lifetime of the Queen Mother was to make regular late-night phone calls to ask about her health. The reason was that on many occasions, usually around 10p.m. my news desk at The Sun would ring me because as they said: 'We have had an anonymous call from a woman with a plummy voice to tell us that the Queen Mum is dead!' Despite me telling them that it would be highly unlikely that any official announcement would come late at night, they insisted I ring. The answer was always the same: 'No, Her Majesty is well and fine and very much alive! But I was not expecting a phone call from her office on one occasion, the day after I had made one of my 'death knock' calls. The voice ironically a woman with a plummy voice, but one I recognised as an aide to the Queen Mother said: 'Her Majesty wants you to know that she is feeling very well and has no plans to depart this world anytime soon. So, you can have a night off!' The Queen Mother with William Tallon, her butler, in 1982. He garnered the nickname 'Backstairs Billy' During the Second War, Adolf Hitler said that the Queen Mother was the most dangerous woman in Europe. Above: The royal couple speak to war-weary Britons in 1945 When a bomb landed and exploded at Buckingham Palace, the Queen Mother declared: 'Now I can look the East End in the eye'. Above: Queen Elizabeth and King George survey damage to Buckingham Palace with Prime Minister Winston Churchill after a bombing raid, September 1940 The King and Queen were seen visiting patients in a bomb damaged hospital in 1940 The Queen Mother gazing at her 'beloved Bertie' whilst visiting The Lord Roberts Memorial Centre at Inverness in 1948 And at a press reception on one trip to Canada, the Queen Mother made the assembled reporters and photographers choke on their drinks when she said with a smile: 'Ah gentlemen have you come over to gather more material for my obituary?' During her lifetime, the she was as famous for her clever quips, pointed observations and dry-as-a-Martini delivery style as she was for being a member of the Royal Family. She was also famed for her fondness for 'drinky-poos' usually a gin and Dubonnet or three. Her love of booze prompted one equerry to describe her not as an alcoholic, exactly, but as 'a devoted drinker'. Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was born into a Victorian world 124 years ago on August 4, 1900 the same year the British got their first taste of Coca-Cola. Queen Victoria was still - just about - on the throne, and so her life is a history of Britain throughout the 20th Century. She married into the Royal Family and was happy to be a Duchess, but fortunes were to change thanks to her errant brother-in-law, King Edward VIII. When he gave up the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth's beloved Bertie nervously became King George VI. During the Second World War, Adolf Hitler described the Queen Mother as the most dangerous woman in Britain, because of the morale boost she gave to Brits by refusing to take her two daughters to Canada. And when a bomb landed and exploded at Buckingham Palace, she declared: 'Now I can look the East End in the eye.' Make no mistake, this was a woman who was the power behind the throne. She turned a stuttering George VI into a confident King who led his people through the trauma of a world war. In other words, she was a tough cookie. High society photographer Cecil Beaton once described her as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'. Despite her stoicism in the face of adversity, the Queen Mother was also famous for her one-liners. It is said that her humour kept her going until her death at the age of 101 in March 2002. Once, at a dinner in Hillsborough Castle, she responded to the loyal toast by inviting everyone to raise their glasses not only to 'the people of Northern Ireland', but to each of the six counties one after another. By the end, guests were swaying on their feet, while one old general staggered off to throw up in the Entrance Hall's umbrella stand. The Queen Mother remained clear-headed throughout. The wreckage of Hallsville School (known as Agate Street Infants), East London, after it was hit during a German air raid, killing 75 people Fifty years later, in 1990, the Queen Mother visited the same school in the East End The Queen Mother kept her commitment to the East End, visiting whenever she could. One of her most famous visits was to the Queen's Head pub in Flamborough Street, Limehouse, in 1987. Aged 87 at the time, she stopped at the pub owned by Young and Co and pulled, then supped, a pint of their Special bitter Alcohol figured prominently in her life, prompting one equerry to describe her not as an alcoholic, exactly, but as 'a devoted drinker'. Above: The Queen Mother enjoys a drink as she takes part in the traditional 'Wayfairers Dole' at the Hospital of St Cross at Winchester, 1986 The Queen Mother celebrating her 95th birthday with her butler William 'Backstairs Billy' Tallon, grandson Prince Charles and great-grandsons Prince Harry and Prince William the former Prince of Wales with Prince Harry and Prince William, 1995 After trying for some time to summon one of her staff because she wanted a drink, she went downstairs to find her footman, William 'Backstairs Billy' Tallon, rowing with his colleague and on-off boyfriend, Reg Wilcock. When she saw them, she brusquely asked, in entirely non-PC fashion: 'Would one of you old queens mind getting this old queen a drink?' One time she was explaining her liking for helicopters and she said: 'The chopper has made more difference to my life than it has to any queen's since dear old Anne Boleyn's.' She was great friends with the playwright and entertainer Noel Coward and had invited him over to Buckingham Palace for lunch. He accompanied her as she inspected the Guard. The Queen Mother glanced across at Noel and caught his eye lingering upon an attractive young soldier. The Queen Mother leaned towards him and said: 'I wouldn't if I was you Noel... they count them before they go back in.' Towards the end of her life, she had lunch with Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, who according to the Queen Mother, was a very good pianist. 'All afternoon we played the piano and we sang the old music hall songs,' she said. When her equerry came to retrieve her late in the afternoon, he found the pair belting out Lonnie Donegan's My Old Man's A Dustman. 'I think my drink was spiked,' she claimed later. Two-bedroom terraced homes remain the fastest-selling property type in England and Wales, flying off the shelves in less than a month typically, according to a property website. Zoopla said that this property type has been the fastest to sell for six years in a row, taking 27 days on average to be snapped up by buyers. This is five days faster than the average selling time for homes generally of 32 days. By contrast, bigger detached homes with four bedrooms or more take 40 days to sell on average, Zoopla said. Zoopla's time to sell measures the time between the property being first listed for sale and a buyer and seller agreeing a sale subject to contract. It takes several more months for sales to complete. Two-bed terraced homes have consistently been the fastest-selling home in more expensive regions such as London and the East of England. Map of the three UK cities where two-bedroom terrace houses are selling the fastest Two-bed terraced home sell in just 17 days on average in Wigan, according to Zoopla Pictured: A two bedroom terraced house in Clitheroe, Lancashire (file picture) But they are now also the fastest-selling property type in some more affordable regions, signalling a shift in buyer requirements amid the higher borrowing cost environment, Zoopla said. This property type is selling fastest in Yorkshire and the Humber (24 days), and the West Midlands (26 days). Zoopla found two-bed terraces are shifting particularly fast in Wigan, at just 17 days on average, as well as in Manchester and Bristol, where the typical time to sell is 19 days. Two bedroom terraced homes have made up only 7 per cent of property listings generally over the past three months, with their relative rarity driving competition among buyers, Zoopla said. They also offer value for money for groups such as first-time buyers with limited funds. The average two-bedroom terraced home asking price is 200,000, compared with 275,000 for a two-bedroom flat. Izabella Lubowiecka, senior property researcher at Zoopla said: 'Serious sellers who want to sell quickly should discuss this with their agent who can advise on best price to sell more quickly.' The Bank of England base rate edged down slightly last week, from 5.25 per cent to 5 per cent, easing costs for some borrowers. Marc von Grundherr, director of estate agent Benham and Reeves said: 'Terraced homes are hot property in the current market and they tend to get snapped up very quickly for a number of reasons. Your browser does not support iframes. Two-bed terraced home sell in just 19 days on average in Manchester, according to Zoopla Two-bed terraced homes sell in just 19 days on average in Bristol, according to Zoopla Pictured: A two-bed terraced house in Gillingham, Kent (file picture) 'Their primary appeal is the middle ground they offer between apartment living and larger homes. Whilst they tend to boast the same number of bedrooms as most apartments, it's the greater degree of living space and that all important outdoor area that give them the edge, making them the ideal property for those looking to to take the next step to a more family suitable property. 'Another key draw of terraced homes is that they more centrally located in major towns and cities where space is limited, whereas larger semi-detached and detached homes are often found further afield. 'This means that buyers can gain more space without the addition of a lengthy commute. In this respect, they often act as the perfect stepping stone for those transitioning to the next stage of life, but who aren't quite ready for the slower pace of life found in the suburbs. 'Then there's the price appeal, with terraced homes providing a far more affordable step up the ladder compared to other larger property types.' A slew of foreign galleries are hoping to acquire invaluable but 'contested' cultural treasures that take pride of place in British institutions. Labour has hinted it could support a plan to send the Elgin Marbles on a long-term loan to Greece as part of Sir Keir Starmer's wooing of the EU for closer ties. The dispute has been running for centuries, with Rishi Sunak and his Greek counterpart clashing bitterly on the issue last year. Former Conservative chancellor George Osborne has been trying to negotiate a deal in his role as chair of the British Museum's board of trustees. That could involve the Marbles being sent to Greece for a decade - although it is unclear Athens will agree as it would mean tacitly accepting the Museum's legal ownership. Labour has hinted it could support a plan to send the Elgin Marbles on a long-term loan to Greece as part of Sir Keir Starmer 's wooing of the EU for closer ties Museums across Britain are fighting to keep their treasures from a woke onslaught. Pictured: The British Museum Yet the marbles aren't the only prized artefacts that foreign countries want back. Museums across Britain are fighting to keep their treasures from a woke onslaught. In recent years, a number of items have been returned to their country of origins on loan agreements. This includes an agreement reached in January to loan a collection of gold items, referred to as Ghana's 'crown jewels', back to the country. The agreement to return the artefacts, known as the Asante gold, is part of a three-year loan agreement with the option to extend for a further three years. Below, MailOnline reveals what other ancient treasures are under threat from foreign governments... Elgin Marbles The fifth-century BC Parthenon sculptures were moved from Athens between 1801 to 1812 by the Earl of Elgin, when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The peer, who was the British ambassador, planned to set up a private museum before transferring them to the British Museum. Greece insists the artefacts were obtained illegally by Lord Elgin, but the UK is adamant that they were legally obtained by Lord Elgin with the permission of the Ottoman authorities. The fifth-century BC Parthenon sculptures were moved from Athens between 1801 to 1812 by the Earl of Elgin, when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire Greece insists the artefacts were obtained illegally by Lord Elgin, but the UK is adamant that they were legally obtained by Lord Elgin with the permission of the Ottoman authorities A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from permanently disposing of key items from its collection, although it would not stop a loan deal. In November last year, a diplomatic spat broke out between the UK and Greece with the Elgin Marbles at the centre. Mr Sunak cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in London after he said Britain keeping the marbles was like 'cutting the Mona Lisa in half.' The UK insisted that had broken a commitment from the Greeks not to use the visit for 'grandstanding' on the long-running spat. In March 2023 Mr Sunak underlined his stance that such relics should stay in Britain. Rosetta Stone Egypt has long called for the Rosetta Stone to be returned. Those who argue against repatriation say historic objects are better cared for by major institutions in the West. The Rosetta Stone, which dates back to 196 BC, is one of the British Museum's most treasured exhibits. It was discovered by accident by Napoleon's Army as they were digging in the foundations of an addition to a fort near the town of Rashid (Rosetta) in the Nile Delta in July 1799. The Rosetta Stone, which dates back to 196 BC, is one of the British Museum's most treasured exhibits. The knowledge of how to read and write hieroglyphs had long been forgotten but in the years of the 19th century, scholars used the Greek inscription on the Rosetta stone to decipher them After Napoleon's defeat, the stone was handed over to Britain under the terms of the Treaty of Alexandria in 1801 along with other antiquities the French found. It was shipped to England and arrived in Portsmouth in February 1802 and was soon put on display at the British Museum. The knowledge of how to read and write hieroglyphs had long been forgotten but in the years of the 19th century, scholars used the Greek inscription on the Rosetta stone to decipher them. Benin Bronzes from Nigeria The British Museum holds more than 900 Benin Bronzes, decorative plaques taken during a colonial conflict in the late 19th century. The artefacts were taken by British armed forces during the sacking of Benin City, Nigeria, in 1897. The British Museum holds more than 900 Benin Bronzes, decorative plaques taken during a colonial conflict in the late 19th century The artefacts were taken by British armed forces during the sacking of Benin City, Nigeria, in 1897 The British acquired the artefacts, which are mainly made of brass but also include some ivory and wooden objects. During the attack, British armed forces burned the city's palace and exiled Benin's Oba, or king, with thousands of brasses and other works collectively known as the 'Benin bronzes' taken and later sold off in London to recoup the costs of the military mission. The artefacts, which are considered to be of exceptional artistic quality and significance, ended up in museums in the UK, Europe and US, with claims for their restitution dating back to the mid-20th century. About 5,000 Benin bronzes are currently 'scattered' around the world. Koh-i-Noor Ownership of the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is hotly disputed, with India among several nations claiming it as their own. An exhibition in 2023 that was supported by Buckingham Palace said that in 1849, British soldiers coerced the Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, who was only 10 years old, to surrender the 105-carat stone. Queen Victoria was presented with the Diamond a year later by the British-owned East India Company, and it has stayed in the Royal Family's possession ever since. An exhibition in 2023 that was supported by Buckingham Palace said that in 1849, British soldiers coerced the Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, who was only 10 years old, to surrender the 105-carat stone Ownership of the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond (pictured embedded at the front of the Crown Of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) is hotly disputed, with India among several nations claiming it as their own Today, the Koh-i-Noor diamond sits in the Queen Mother's Crown, where it is kept on display, in the Tower of London. The Koh-i-Noor did not appear at the Coronation. Instead, Camilla wore Queen Mary's crown, featuring the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds (originally part of the biggest single diamond in the world), which were part of Queen Elizabeth II's personal collection. Moai stones from Easter Island The museum has two moai statues which were taken from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) by British surveyors in 1868. There have been long-standing demands for the statues to be returned to the Chilean territory. The British Museum has two moai statues, including the Hoa Hakananai'a, which holds particular significance to Rapa Nui. The British Museum has two moai statues which were taken from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) by British surveyors in 1868 There have been long-standing demands for the statues to be returned to the Chilean territory The four-ton, 7ft 10in Hoa Hakananai'a is regarded as one of the most spiritually important of the Chilean island's 900 famous stone monoliths, or moai. Each of the figures is said to embody tribal leaders or deified ancestors. It was taken from the island, which lies in the Pacific more than 2,100 miles off the coast of Chile, in 1868 by Commodore Richard Powell, captain of HMS Topaze, who gave it to Queen Victoria. She donated it in 1869 to the British Museum, where it now stands at the entrance to Wellcome Trust Gallery. But Easter Island's indigenous community, the Rapa Nui, want Britain to give back the spiritually 'unique' effigy. The Ashurbanipal reliefs from Iraq The Iraqi government has demanded that the British Museum returns the remarkable Ashurbanipal reliefs mde for the Assyrian North Palace of Nineveh (current-day Mosul) in 645635 BC. It is unclear how secure these artefacts including an intricate frieze known as the Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal would be in Baghdad. Iraq remains extremely volatile and the Foreign Office currently advises against almost all travel there. The reliefs were excavated by archaeologists including the British explorer William Loftus in the 1950s and sent to the British Museum. This stone relief from the Palace of Ashurbanipal shows detail from the hunt of lions. The king is pictured mounted on his horse driving a spear into the mouth of a lion. It portrays a time between 668 and 627 BC A British Museum employee stands next to a relief depicting 'The Battle of Til-Tuba' at the exhibition 'I am Ashurbanipal: king of the word, king of Assyria' Whether you slather it on your toast or add a spoonful to your tea, the honey in your cupboard might be nothing more than a jar of sweet lies. Experts say that no matter where you buy your honey, there is a good chance the product you've paid for has been bulked out with cheap sugar syrups. On social media, the staggering size of the 'honey fraud' problem has kicked up a swarm of supposed tests designed to help spot the real deal. However, from swirling water over your honey to reveal its 'genetic memory' to lighting your honey on fire, experts warn that most of these tests don't stand up to scrutiny. Dr Shona Blair, an expert in honey's medicinal properties from Imperial College London, told MailOnline: 'There is no truth or scientific basis for the "internet solutions" - your best bet for buying good quality, authentic honey is looking at the brand and where it is produced.' As experts reveal that most of the honey on British shelves has been bulked out with cheap sugar, is there any way to tell whether you have the real deal? (stock image) Do any viral honey tests really work? The Water Drop Test Myth: Real honey will sink to the bottom of a glass of water while fake honey will dissolve. Fact: Real honeys all dissolve differently in water and solubility is no indication of adulteration. The Plate Test Myth: Swirling water over a plate of honey will show a honeycomb pattern thanks to honey's 'genetic memory'. Fact: There is no such thing as genetic memory, any pattern in your honey is purely incidental. The Flame Test Myth: Real honey has less moisture than fake honey so you can light a match or burn paper with honey on it. Fact: Real and fake honey have exactly the same moisture content so this has no effect on whether something will burn. Advertisement What is honey fraud? Real honey, as you might expect, is nothing more than the sugary product created by bees from the flowers they feed on. However, the product that most consumers end up buying is actually very different to what that simple definition would suggest. Honey fraud can apply to everything from harvesting and artificially dehydrating unripe honey to feeding bees unnatural sugars. But the biggest concern is that honey is often bulked out using a number of cheap alternative sugars such from corn or rice. Mr Ian Campbell, a spokesperson for the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) told MailOnline: 'The BBKA is aware that honey is widely considered one of the most adulterated foodstuffs globally.' In 2023, an EU study tested 320 honey consignments imported from 20 countries across the region. Of these randomly selected samples, more than 40 per cent were revealed to have been fraudulently adulterated with at least one source of additional sugar. And, of the 10 samples taken from the UK, every single jar was found to be a fake. The issue is that testing for fake honey is slow, expensive, and requires dozens of different tests. Mr Campbell says: 'Honey fraud is international and extensive. It's something of an "arms race" between testers and those adulterating honey.' Real honey contains nothing more that sugar secretions produced by bees (pictured), however, the cost of raising bees has led some unscrupulous honey producers to look for alternatives In countries such as Turkey (pictured) and China which export large amounts of honey to the EU, a significant amount of the honey produced has been bulked out with cheap sugars from corn and rice Do the viral honey tests really work? Given the prevalence of fake honey and the often high price of the product, it is perhaps no surprise that supposed tests for real honey have spread wildly. The most popular test circulating on social media is the so-called 'water test' which, in its simple version, involves dropping a spoonful of honey into a glass of water. Apparently, fake honey should rapidly dissolve into the water while real honey will sink to the bottom without dissolving. Because honey is a complex mixture of different sugars with a variety of chemical properties, there is a kernel of truth to this myth. Dr Nural Cocketin, a leading honey expert from the University of Technology Sydney told MailOnline: 'Honey is composed mainly of sugar glucose and fructose are the main ones, along with sucrose, maltose and other sugars. On social media, there are now countless supposed tests to determine whether your honey is real or fake. Many of these rely on the notion that real honey should not dissolve in water as fast as fake honey 'Chemistry labs can test the "ratio" of these sugars to determine whether a honey is authentic, or has been adulterated with cheaper sugar syrups.' Since fructose, which makes up the bulk of high-fructose corn syrup, is more soluble in water than these other sugars, you might expect fake honey to dissolve faster. Unfortunately, since all honey contains different amounts of fructose to begin with, even real honey can have widely varying degrees of solubility in water. Lynn Ingram, master beekeeper BBKA honey ambassador and member of the UK Honey Authenticity Network, also told MailOnline that this is unlikely to be a good test for honey. She says: 'The thing about honey is that it is hygroscopic, it absorbs water and moisture from the atmosphere so of course it would dissolve in water.' Another, even less scientific theory, circulating on social media is that real honey is capable of taking on the shape of the honeycomb it came from. On TikTok, there are numerous posts which suggest placing honey on a plate and swirling a thin layer of water over the top. These posts claim that real honey has a 'genetic memory' of being a hexagon and will naturally reform into a honeycomb pattern. Honey does contain small amounts of bees' genetic material as well as trace genetic material from the flowers the bees harvested, but this test is completely untrue. There is no such thing as 'genetic memory' nor does honey in any way 'remember' being inside the honeycomb. Ms Ingram says: 'Honey can't turn back into honeycomb because they are totally different things. 'I really don't think it would do that otherwise I would have honeycomb all over my honey room floor. ' In a very different type of test, some on social media also suggest that you can use fire to see if your honey is real. It is a commonly held belief that since real honey has no added water you should be able to light a match or burn a paper towel dipped in honey. Dr Cocketin explains: 'Honey is made by bees foraging on flowers where they collect nectar. Over time, the water in the nectar evaporates, turning it into the sticky substance we know as honey.' Some viral videos even claim that real honey will burn in a flame while fake honey will not. Experts say there is no scientific basis for this claim Real honey has a fairly low moisture content compared to some syrups and only contains about 20 per cent water by volume. So you might expect something coated in honey to burn more readily than something coated with a sugar syrup. Unfortunately, that still doesn't mean you can use a match to tell whether your honey is real or not. Mrs Ingram says: 'This syrup that is added will be made of sugar and water but it will still have the same water content.' If the water content is too high, honey will ferment so beekeepers and honey suppliers regularly check the sugar-to-water ratio to ensure it will be shelf stable. Since fraudsters know their honey's water content will be tested, they are careful to only add sugar syrups with the same water content as real honey. That means there is no difference between how real and fake honey reacts to fire. The reason that honey fraud is so prevalent is that there is no reliable, easy test to see whether the honey being sold in supermarkets is real or fake (stock image) What to look for to find real honey Location The majority of fake honey is imported from China and Turkey. Any label that says a 'blend of non-EU countries' should be avoided. Try to buy British or local honey where possible. Price Sugar syrups are up to five times cheaper than real honey. If the honey is too cheap it is probably fake. Taste Fake honey has a simple sweet flavour while real honey can have a complex taste. If you can taste more than just sweetness this is a good sign the honey is real. Advertisement So, how can you tell if your honey is real? The unfortunate problem for buyers and independent beekeepers is that there simply is no simple, reliable, and practical test to see whether honey has been adulterated. It takes a complex suite of lab tests to identify the unique chemical signature of real honey which simply cannot be replicated at home. The only surefire way to ensure your honey is real is to buy it directly from a local beekeeper or beekeeping organisation. However, since this won't be an option for most people there are a few ways to increase your chances of finding legitimate honey at the supermarket. The EU's testing found that 74 per cent of fake honey entering the EU market comes from China where there is less legislation governing the production of honey. The samples of UK honey which turned out to be fake were, upon closer analysis, imported from China before being mixed and relabelled in the UK. Likewise, Turkey is also a hotbed for honey fraud as 93 per cent of all Turkish samples tested had been adulterated with other sugars. Ms Ingram says: 'If the label says "a blend of non-EU countries" then that will be a bit of an indication. 'We don't know exactly what's in there but a lot of that will probably come from China.' To ensure you get real honey it is also worth considering the price of what you are buying. Ultimately, experts say the only surefire way to get make sure you are eating real honey is to buy it directly from a local beekeeper or beekeeping organisation Avoiding honeys labelled 'blend of non-EU honeys' is a good way of ensuring your honey is real since these tend to contain large amounts of adulterated honey imported from China Across the EU, honey is important at a cost of 2.32 per kilogram while cheap rice sugar is available for as little as 0.40 to 0.60 per kg. That makes real honey significantly more expensive to produce - a difference which will likely be reflected in the price the consumer pays. 'If it's only 69p that isn't going to be real honey,' Ms Ingram says. Finally, while it is certainly not an exact science, you might even be able to taste the difference between real and fake honey. Ms Ingram says: 'With fake honey what will be coming through predominantly is just sweetness not the flavour of the flowers and the nectar that honey comes from. 'Real honey is like a fine wine, there is a real sense of terroir: a wine reflects where it is grown and honey is just the same.' SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. Two words: Tarte Cosmetics. If you are beauty-obsessed (or happen not to live under a rock), you have certainly heard of the massive beauty brand Tarte. The brand has continuously gone viral product after product, from its Shape Tape Concealer to its Maracuja Lip Plumps. We are not the only ones with Tarte at the top of our list. Celebrities such as Bebe Rexha have also been caught raving about their makeup. Tarte is the It Girl of the beauty industry right now, and we found their best-selling products all on sale. On QVC, Tarte is currently having a major sale with some of their biggest items, such as their Maracuja Oil, listed for up to 24% off. Whether you need a restock or are trying the iconic brand for the first time, you are going to want to snatch up these deals while they last. (Bonus: new QVC customers get an extra $30 off with code HELLO30 on purchases of $60+). Tarte Cosmetics Sale These savings have us screaming! You can shop all of Tarte's best-sellers and so much more right now while they are having a major sale on QVC. Shop We would be out of touch if we did not kick things off with the brand's arguably most sought-after product, the Shape Tape Concealer. This concealer has remained relevant for years, with many a-listers swearing by it, including Megah Trainor, Madeline Petsch, and Dove Cameron. For a limited time, you can snag the super-sized version of their iconic Shape Tape Concealer and a double-ended Tarte application brush for $44 (originally $48). Bonus find: If you are looking to bundle and save even more, check out their Shape Tape Ultra Creamy 4pc Complexion Set ($47 was $55) that comes with two creamy concealers, a sponge, and a Tarte headband. Shape Tape Ultra Creamy 4pc Complexion Set Major savings alert! Save 14% on this bundle that includes Tarte's famous Shape Tape Concealer worn by celebrities such as Dove Cameron. This is one of the best deals we have ever seen on this viral concealer. Shop Next up to bat is our personal favorite, the Maracuja Juicy Shift Plumping Trio. You can get three of their iconic color-shifting glosses for only $38 (originally $48). The trio finds your perfect pink shade in seconds after application and gives you instant plumpness. Users are just as obsessed as we are, with one saying: Color turns out a perfect shade of pink & stays on longer than other glosses I have tried! You can also score 10% off on their Maracuja Oil ($44), which is a powerhouse product targeting hair, nails, and skin all at once. Maracuja Juicy Shift Plumping Trio Trust us when we say your lips are going to be plumper than you've ever seen when you use these bad boys. typically sold at $26 a pop, you can save big and snag three for 20% off! Shop Its all in the eyes! One product that we rarely see on sale but is 10% off right now is their 5-star rated Lash Extension Tartelette Tubing Mascara. This bundle of two is only $33, and users say: This is by far the best mascara I have ever used! If you want to add some other Tarte classics to your cart, check out their EmphasEYES Silk Shadow Link Trio ($36 was $48). It seriously goes on like butter. Lash Extension Tartelette Tubing Mascara Duo Long lashes coming at you! This duo-pack is value at its finest and one product we actively swear by. Save 10% when you shop today. Shop Now is the best time to shop at Tarte, as most of their viral products are on sale on QVC. If you shop today using HELLO30 at checkout, you can buy one get one nearly free! We ourselves are going to be clicking add to cart on a few items, so take a peek and make sure to order before these savings disappear. The first black woman to visit every country in the world has revealed some of the things she has learned from her extensive travels, with the importance of tipping and seeing good in others being among her takeaways. Jessica Nabongo, 40, from Detroit, set out on a quest to hit all 195 countries recognized by the United Nations in 2017, and she finished the challenge two and a half years later, with her final spot being the Seychelles. Visiting Peru for a second time with adventure tour operator G Adventures as part of a global community tourism summit, the globetrotter said that the biggest lesson she has learned is that 'most people are good.' Touching on the topic of human kindness, the Ugandan-American said: 'There is this assumption that a stranger can be dangerous instead of thinking of a stranger as a friend you've not met yet. 'The sad thing is that we've started fearing others - we always have our senses up. I am not that way. I've never used a hotel safe, for instance. Traveling to every country has confirmed most people are good.' Jessica Nabongo, 40, from Detroit, set out on a quest to hit all 195 countries recognized by the United Nations in 2017, and she finished the challenge two and a half years later During her journey, Jessica went to 89 countries on her own, including Iraq, Sudan and Iran. Above, pictured in Antarctica During her journey, Jessica went to 89 countries on her own, including Iraq, Sudan and Iran. While she said many people advised her not to travel to these spots solo, she went anyway and ended up having some of 'the most amazing experiences.' For instance, when she was in Iraq she was feeling 'exhausted' at one point and asked the driver she had hired to take her back to her hotel. However, she was surprised when he invited her to his house for a lunch prepared by his wife. 'We sat on the floor and ate... it was such an amazing experience. That would never happen in New York,' Jessica mused. Another encounter which taught her about recognizing the good in people occurred in Lagos. The explorer said: 'In Lagos, somehow I got in the the car and dropped my cellphone. 'I opened the Find My iPhone feature on my laptop and chased my phone - losing your phone while traveling internationally is the worst! In terms of her tips for smart travel, Jessica has a collection up her sleeve. Pictured, enjoying sailing the azure waters around Haiti The globetrotter has amassed a loyal following on social media and she has more than 253,000 followers on Instagram. Pictured at the Horseshoe Canyon in Utah 'At first the phone was turned off, but two hours later I checked again and it was on and this guy answered. We then arranged to meet the guy. 'When we met him, it was clear he hadn't eaten or showered and he said he found the phone in a car park on the way to church. 'It was a reminder not to assume the worst. He could have sold the phone and made money. As thanks, I gave him food and some money.' The second biggest lesson Jessica said she has learned is that 'we are more similar than we are different.' She explained: 'We are living in weird times now, with major wars and political fractures but we are all just humans. 'All we want is food, clothing, shelter, love. We're getting so far away from that. 'We are all humans and we need to get back to human kindness.' In terms of her tips for smart travel Jessica - who started traveling internationally from the age of four - has a collection up her sleeve. Jessica started traveling internationally from the age of four Firstly, she recommends traveling to places 'more off the beaten path' and to countries 'where your tourism will have a lot more impact.' She also encourages 'seeking authentic experiences' over mass marketed tourist traps. When she travels, the content creator will ask locals at her hotel where they eat or for some of their recommendations around activities. 'Embracing empathy' is another thing Jessica advocates and one of the things she 'can't stand' is travelers photographing locals without their permission. On that note, she says: 'Just imagine a complete stranger coming to your country and taking a photo of you and your child. 'Don't do it to other people. It's just weird... pulling out a camera and taking a photo of a woman breastfeeding in a market and so on.' Lastly, Jessica highlights the importance of tipping overseas - even if it is just a small amount. The self-described 'hyper tipper' concludes: 'Just think about it, $5 can mean so much to someone in another country. 'For instance, I was in Venezuela in 2019 and I had a handler. At the end of the trip, I tipped him $5 and after we were talking, I discovered that this was actually the equivalent of a monthly paycheck. 'When I left, I gave him another $20 and we were both at the airport crying. That $25 could have changed his life.' Despite completing her global challenge, Jessica has not slowed down on the travel front and just this year she has taken more than 24 flights, finished visiting all 50 U.S. states and reached her final continent in the form of a cruise to Antarctica. The next G Adventures Community Tourism Summit will take place in India this September with more guest speakers following in Jessica's footsteps. But, if you're dreaming of spaghetti Bolognese... rethink your order You've been holidaying in Italy all wrong! You've been drinking cappuccinos at the wrong time of day, eating 'fake' Italian cuisine and dining at tourist trap restaurants locals wouldn't touch with a Venetian canal pole. Help is at hand, though, thanks to Ettore Bocchia, executive chef at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni on Lake Como, Lorenzo Nigro, head chef at Archway restaurant in Battersea, and the mammas from Londons La Mia Mamma restaurants, a small chain where Italian mothers cook their regional dishes for diners. Here they've revealed the do's, don'ts and definitely don'ts of eating out in Italy. The worst tourist faux pas Italian chefs spoke to MailOnline about the rules of dining out in Italy - from social faux pas to spotting tourist trap trattoria. The 'Mammas' from La Mia Mamma restaurants in London, above, even noted that one menu item should make you 'run away' Lorenzo Nigro (left), head chef at Archway in Battersea, says 'tourists don't always choose the right place to eat', while Ettore Bocchia (right), executive chef at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, says ordering a cappuccino at the wrong time is one of the biggest 'faux pas' 'Italians typically only drink cappuccino as a breakfast drink,' says Ettore, who points out it's a social blunder to expect the frothy drink at other times of day Drinking cappuccino at the wrong time Invented in Italy in 1901, this foamy coffee is a staple around the world. But there is a right way to drink it. Ettore says: One of the biggest faux pas is ordering a cappuccino after a meal or in the afternoon. Italians typically only drink cappuccino as a breakfast drink. Ordering spaghetti Bolognese Its one of the worlds most popular dishes, but you wont pick up many fans in Italy if you order it. Ettore says: Tourists sometimes expect certain dishes, like spaghetti Bolognese or spaghetti meatballs [on a menu] which are not commonly found in authentic Italian cuisine. We simply dont eat this combination of food. For the Bolognese sauce, we use other types of pasta, mainly egg-based dough such as tortellini, ravioli, cannelloni, lasagna and pastas from the tagliatelle family.' Lorenzo adds: In Italy, we will have spaghetti as a first course and then meatballs as a main course but not together - thats more of an Italian-American thing. Eating spaghetti with the wrong cutlery and putting the wrong cheese in carbonara Italians 'simply don't eat' spaghetti Bolognese (above), says Ettore, instead eating Bolognese with other types of pasta Its another favourite, but its easy for restaurants to get carbonara wrong, warn the Italian mammas. They say an authentic restaurant would serve carbonara with pecorino cheese and not Parmesan and with guanciale (pork cheek) rather than pancetta (pork belly). The mammas add: Needless to say - no cream, chicken, mushrooms etc. And if you do order spaghetti - definitely never eat it with a spoon, says Ettore. Overdoing the spices and dressings Adventurous eaters might proudly pick the most complex-sounding dish on the menu while on holiday. But thats unlikely to be the most authentic choice. Ettore says that Italian chefs would never add a lot of spices or toppings to pasta or pizza. He adds: We appreciate the natural taste of the ingredients. So the simpler, the better. The mammas say: We love salads but an authentic restaurant would use a nice selection of veggies, which won't need too many dressings, creams and so on, because you don't want to cover a fresh and amazing quality tomato. Extra virgin olive oil and some salt is more than enough. Less is more, always! Ordering a Caesar salad or salad as an appetiser Speaking of salads, Caesar is off the menu for both Ettore and the mammas. Ettore adds that for us, salad is only a side dish to the main course and never an appetiser. Eating bread with olive oil and vinegar Love soaking a piece of fresh bread in vinegar and oil before your meal? Thats not the Italian way, say the mammas. A traditional restaurant will welcome guests 'with a bread basket and grissini (breadsticks), they explain. Opting for garlic bread Garlic bread, it turns out, is not an authentic Italian creation Its bad news if you love garlic bread. Ettore says many tourists believe that dishes like garlic bread are authentic Italian creations but these are largely American-Italian creations. The mammas say that youd never find garlic bread served on a traditional menu. Ordering pepperoni pizza You should run away if you see pepperoni pizza on a menu, say the mammas Its a favourite dish for many tourists but you should run away if you see pepperoni pizza on a menu, say the mammas. They say a traditional sausage pizza would be called diavola and use a slightly spicy salami. Eating fettuccine Alfredo So whats the worst faux pas (or passo falso) of all? Ordering a fettuccine Alfredo is most likely to earn you some dirty looks from Italian diners. Lorenzo says: Before moving to London I had never heard of this dish in Italy.' Ordering a fettuccine Alfredo is likely to earn you some dirty looks from Italian diners. Lorenzo says: Before moving to London I had never heard of this dish in Italy Ettore adds that fettuccine Alfredo wouldnt be eaten by Italians who avoid over-the-top pasta dishes with heavy cream sauces. How to spot a tourist trap Restaurants that are open all day A restaurant that caters for locals will have a break between lunch and dinner, say the mammas. If somewhere is serving all hours of the day - its probably for tourists. Menus in multiple languages It might be comforting to see English on the menu, but you could be falling for a tourist trap. Ettore says: Avoid restaurants with menus in multiple languages or with pictures of the dishes, while the mammas warn to skip anywhere with translation in several languages. Opt for a spot with a small menu rather than a big number of different recipes - quality over quantity Chefs from La Mia Mamma, London Large menu A massive menu of dishes is also the mark of a tourist trap. The mammas say: Opt for a spot with a small menu rather than a big number of different recipes - quality over quantity.' Too many ingredients The food should be simple too, say the mammas. They warn: Too many ingredients in a recipe - the less authentic the dish is. Again, in Italy we love to emphasise high quality ingredients. Waiter/waitress outside If theres someone trying to get you in the door - its probably a tourist trap. The mammas say: Authentic restaurants dont have buttadentro [salesmen at the door] to persuade tourists.' Lorenzo says any staff waiting outside trying to convince you to go in are a big no-no'. How to choose a restaurant Lorenzo says: Tourists dont always choose the right place to eat but follow the trends or the place with the biggest line. The places with the best food will be intimate and go under the radar' Regional food is a good sign Look out for dishes celebrating the region youre in. Ettore says: We, as Italians, would go to places mentioning regional food.' Lorenzo adds: Always stick to what is locally sourced in the region and try as many dishes as you can. Choose a smaller spot Give the TikTok and Instagram recommendations a miss. Lorenzo says: Tourists dont always choose the right place to eat but follow the trends or the place with the biggest line. The places with the best food will be intimate and go under the radar.' Ask a local Ettore recommends scouring Facebook groups for suggestions, asking your hotel concierge or checking out Conosco un posto (I know a place), an app for hidden gems set up by an Italian blogger. Do the right Google search Ettore says: As an Italian, if I wanted to find good restaurants, I would search on Instagram for the keyword "Ristorante" along with the name of the city RistoranteMilano. Escuchar la noticia Escuchar la noticia (* Jose M. Santana (Former MIT Research Associate Noam Chomsky) The Venezuelan crisis, often represented as a simple confrontation between dictatorship and democracy, is actually a much more nuanced geopolitical game. What is at stake in Venezuela is not "Dictatorship Vs. Democracy" and that is why Venezuela is in a classic zugzwang scenario, where every move of the Venezuelan people, trapped between Maduros government and the opposition, is like having to choose between drowning or burning to death, and both options only deepen the suffering of Venezuelans. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this narrative is a carefully constructed smoke screen that hides the true power dynamics at play. While Maduros authoritarianism provides a convenient pretext for interventionism, this narrative conveniently overlooks the long history of U.S. foreign policy, manipulating Latin American affairs for economic gain. Venezuelas vast oil reserves, the largest globally (303.8 billion barrels of oil), expose the true motivations on the political stage of Venezuela; where it is not about a benevolent struggle for democracy, but about geopolitical and economic interests in the region. One might wonder why the international community has left the Dominican Republic alone with the exception of Kenya in seeking solutions to Haitis eternal crisis and yet with Venezuela they have been extremely belligerent? The answer is simple, first of all, Haiti does not have oil wealth like Venezuela, and the harsh reality is that no one cares about a country of black people, a "shit hole", as it has often been called, on an island where the only country directly affected is the Dominican Republic. Venezuelas wealth of natural resources has resulted in its worst curse. Venezuelas oil is not only of interest to the U.S., it is also of great interest to Russia, China, and almost all the worlds powers. As the old saying goes: "Love and interest went to the field one day, but interest prevailed over the love it had". Similarly, the Venezuelan opposition, often presented as saviors, is not free from complicity. Accusations of corruption, elitism, murders inside and outside Venezuela, with involvement in a genocidal past in El Salvador and a callous indifference towards the impoverished majority, raise alarming questions about their true loyalty and motivations. Therefore, the Venezuelan people are trapped in a geopolitical game, their destiny determined by external forces. Just as defending Maduro does not mean defending socialism or progressivism; defending the opposition does not mean defending democracy and it is rather a defense of traditional U.S. geopolitical interests and a resistance to other geopolitical interests as well (Russia and China). Freeing oneself from this zugzwang requires the Venezuelan people to reject the manipulative narratives promoted by both Maduro and the opposition. Popular sectors must forge an independent path, one that defends national sovereignty, economic justice, and social equality. A grassroots movement that transcends traditional political divisions, uniting Venezuelans from all walks of life, is crucial to reclaiming their future. However, a true resolution also requires a critical reevaluation of the foreign policy of powers in Latin America. Abandoning dominion ambitions and respecting Venezuelas right to self-determination are non-negotiable. Only then can a truly democratic and just solution be achieved. In essence, the Venezuelan crisis is not a binary choice between Maduro or the opposition. It is a tangled geopolitical situation where the Venezuelan people are a piece in a high-stakes game. Venezuela is in zugzwang, a situation where the obligation to make any decision in the current scenario puts the country at a serious disadvantage. The best move, unfortunately, is not on the board right now, and that move is for the Venezuelan people and their authentically progressive organizations to take control of their destiny, rejecting being pawns in the geopolitical chessboard and building a future based on unity, justice, true democracy, and peace. Playing chivalrous Lord Grantham appears to have rubbed off on Hugh Bonneville, who was quick to open the door of his limo for new his flame before diving into the car first when he spotted photographers. The 60-year-old star of Downton Abbey and Paddington was seen last week with the vegan influencer on his arm a year after separating from his wife. Wearing a stunning red dress with a plunging neckline, the Canadian was his guest at a cocktail party to celebrate the end of filming for the third Downton Abbey film. It is the third time the couple have been seen together recently. His new flame is Heidi Kadlecova who is a passionate vegan advocate on social media. In March, the Bafta-nominated star was thought to be dating Canadian actress Claire Rankin, who was seen leaving his London flat several times. It now appears, however, that he has moved on from the 53-year-old. Hugh Bonneville arrives with Heidi Kadlecova at the Downton Abbey cocktail party The actor opens the car door for Ms Kadlecova after the event Divorced philanthropist Ms Kadlecova describes herself on social media as a 'world traveller' and 'animal advocate'. They first appeared in public together on July 8 at the premiere of the film Twisters, which stars Downton actor Harry Hadden-Paton. She wrote on his Instagram account: 'Such a fun night and you are absolutely amazing in this film.' Two weeks later she and Bonneville posted the same photo at the same time during the opening night of Fangirls, a new musical at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, west London. A source told The Mail on Sunday at the time that 'they gave themselves away at Fangirls' and were 'clearly sitting together'. Vegan influencer Ms Kadlecova pictured on Instagram Last week, the couple arrived at the Downton Abbey party at The Cross, a speakeasy-style bar in King's Cross, around 8pm in a chauffeur-driven white BMW. In a display of gallantry befitting Lord Grantham, when they left two hours later Bonneville went to open the car door for Ms Kadlecova but swiftly ducked inside himself when he realised he was being photographed. He has yet to divorce his wife of 25 years, Lulu Williams, 56. The couple, who lived in West Sussex and have a grown-up son, Felix, announced their separation last September. He reportedly joined the celebrity dating app Raya. Bonneville with his wife, Lulu Williams. They are yet to divorce after 25 years of marriage The star was thought to be dating Canadian actress Claire Rankin in March Bonneville had referred to her as his 'bedrock' and 'anchor', but after they split, a source said: 'Lulu feels as if 20-odd years of marriage counts for nothing.' Ms Kadlecova has worked at non-governmental organisations in Uganda, Indonesia and Nepal. While married to lawyer Richard Coglon, they lived in Vancouver with their daughter, Gabrielle. Her social media accounts suggest she believes meat and animal products are linked to diseases including cancer. She has also acted, playing a mother in Pintu, a 2016 film about domestic abuse. Bonneville's spokesman declined to comment last night. Farmer Wants A Wife host Samantha Armytage has announced she's quitting Channel Seven after 21 years with the network. Armytage, 47, declined a new deal with Seven after her current contract expires in October, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday. Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she told the publication that she felt her time had come and that she was excited about her future. 'I'm big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: "I've done what I can do here" and I move on,' she said. 'This is not the end. It's just the end of this chapter.' Armytage will still appear at the upcoming Logies, with her show Farmer Wants A Wife nominated for Best Structured Reality Program, but she will not return to host the show's next series, which is currently in pre-production. The reality show's original host Natalie Gruzlewski will return. Group Managing Director of Seven Television Angus Ross said in a statement: 'After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year. We fully understand and support her decision.' Farmer Wants A Wife host Samantha Armytage has announced she's quitting Channel 7 after 21 years with the network 'Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Want's A Wife.' He continued: 'Her genuine affection for the country lifestyle she's grown up with and enjoys to this day has shone through her three seasons with the TV WEEK Logie Award-nominated series. 'It's been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded. We wish Sam and her farmer every happiness and success for the future.' Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she told The Daily Telegraph that she felt her time had come and that she was excited about her future. Pictured Samantha on Sunrise with David Koch Armytage joined Seven back in 2003, landing her first major presenting role on Seven News Sydney in 2004. She replaced Mike Amor as the presenter of Seven 4.30 News before taking on co-hosting duties of Weekend Sunrise alongside Andrew O'Keefe, after the departure of Lisa Wilkinson to Nine. Armytage was then announced as the replacement for Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle, a position she held for eight years, until March 2021. Speaking of her time co-hosting the popular breakfast show with David Koch, Armytage told the publication she was fond of her time there. 'I look back on my time very fondly. It was hard work. The hours were crazy and I tend to get a lot of attention, so there were times when it was quite tricky,' she said. 'Overall, my memories are very happy and god we made some good TV.' Armytage will still appear at the upcoming Logies , with her show Farmer Wants A Wife nominated for Best Structured Reality Program, but she will not return to host the show's next series, which is currently in pre-production Armytage co-hosted Sunrise with David Koch for eight years, until March 2021 She was also a contestant on Dancing With the Stars in 2011 and hosted the makeover reality show Bringing Sexy Back in 2014. In 2023, the popular Seven star was announced as the new host of Farmer Wants a Wife. Armytage recently gave fans an update on her recovery after undergoing a hip replacement operation. She confirmed last month she had the major surgery after suffering from a 'severe' case of osteoarthritis before confirming, via her Instagram Stories, that she was nearly off her crutches as she proved her recovery was going well. She shared a selfie of herself heading out for a morning walk near her parents' home in Wagga Wagga, NSW, explaining that she was back home after her father Mac had a fall. 'Glorious day for a walk in Wagga. Dad's had another fall, so here I am,' she penned. She was also a contestant on Dancing With the Stars in 2011 and hosted the makeover reality show Bringing Sexy Back in 2014. In 2023, the popular Seven star was announced as the new host of Farmer Wants a Wife Her departure from Seven comes after it was reported that famous faces are on the chopping block and some of the network's biggest stars are facing pay cuts to keep their jobs. Respected newsreader Mark Ferguson is in danger, and was given 'six weeks of forced annual leave', the Daily Telegraph reported on last month. It's understood the network will consider replacements for his role once his contract expires. David Koch, who is still on contract with Seven after leaving Sunrise, is reportedly unlikely to have his contract renewed. Meanwhile, Sonia Kruger is likely to survive, 'but will absolutely take a "haircut"' on her $1.3million salary, a source told the newspaper. Angelina Jolie is reportedly seeking help for her 'troubled' son Pax as he remains hospitalized after he was seriously injured in a collision involving his electric bike. The Oscar winner, 49, has been by the 20-year-old's side at the hospital since he crashed into a car during rush hour in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles on Monday, July 29. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Paramedics responding at the scene initially thought he might be suffering from a brain bleed according to TMZ, but no further information about his condition has been released. Page Six is reporting that this was not the first time the young man has been involved in incidents involving two and four wheeled vehicles. 'His friends are concerned about him,' an insider told the outlet alleging, 'He's being reckless. They're worried.' DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Angelina for comment. Angelina Jolie is reportedly seeking help for her 'troubled' son Pax as he remains hospitalized after he was seriously injured in a collision involving his electric bike; seen in December 2023 'He has had a string of car crashes,' the source asserted. 'It's not great. Pax is a troubled kid, and Angelina is doing her best to help him.' The publication reported that LAPD sources said there was nothing new to add to the initial report of a traffic collision, when asked if charges might be pending. Pax, who was born in Viet Nam, was adopted by Jolie at age three, joining siblings Maddox, 22, and Zahara, 19. He is reportedly close to them as well as siblings Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. Maddox and Zahara were adopted by Jolie's then-partner, Brad Pitt, 60, in 2005 and he adopted Pax in 2008. All three of the older children have been estranged from Pitt following the alleged incident on a private airplane in 2016, when the actor allegedly hit one of his children. No charges were filed after an investigation into the alleged incident. Jolie and Pitt are legally divorced but are still fighting over the sale of Miraval, the vineyard in France. The Oscar winner, 49, has been by the 20-year-old's side at the hospital since he crashed into a car during rush hour in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles on Monday, July 29; seen in LA on July 11 Monday's crash was not Pax's first, according to Page Six. 'His friends are concerned about him,' an insider told the outlet alleging, 'He's being reckless. They're worried' (Pictured in Los Angeles in November 2021) Pax is one of six children shared by Jolie and her ex-husband Brad Pitt, 60. He was adopted from Viet Nam in 2007 by his mother and the actor adopted him in 2008 (Pictured in Tokyo in November 2008) On Thursday, the Eternals star accused Pitt of trying to have her sign a $8.5 million non-disclosure agreement related to her allegations of abuse, according to People. 'In the court paper, the Maleficent star asserted she 'was not acting with malice and the intent to hurt Pitt in response to any custody ruling' when she sold her share of Miraval in 2021. 'Instead,' she told the court in the filing, 'it was Pitt who refused to buy her interest unless he received his newly expanded NDA, enforceable by an $8.5 million holdback specifically designed to force her silence about his abuse and cover-up.' They announced their split in October 2023, after a decade together and five years of marriage. Yet Chloe Madeley has defended James Haskell after some fans have continued to bad mouth him. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'There's kind of like a heavy insinuation that he's not a nice guy. 'And look, James and I went through our battles. But we're co-parenting really well, and 50 per cent of that accolade is on him. 'I want him to have some of that respect from people, which I don't see him getting.' Chloe Madeley has defended her ex James Haskell and urged fans to leave him alone after some have continued to bad mouth him Chloe opened up saying that James is a nice guy, a good dad and the pair are co-parenting well she he deserves to have respect from others The fitness guru, 36, and former rugby player James, 38, who married in 2018 and share daughter Bodhi, nearly two, first fuelled speculation about their split after Chloe emerged without her wedding ring as she partied with friends - shortly after James was pictured chatting to a mystery blonde outside a London nightspot. The pair confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October. The couple who had starred in their own ITV reality show Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair, announced: 'Chloe and I mutually decided separate at the end of September, 2023. 'We had not planned on releasing a statement at this time - certainly not while the television show was airing - but constant speculation about our marriage has, unfortunately, forced our hand.' She added: 'Beyond this statement, we will not be speaking about this matter publicly, and we would request privacy at this time. 'Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love.' Sharing his own statement to Instagram, James added: 'It's with a lot of sadness I write this post, but unfortunately, in the world we live in, it has to be done. 'My priority is my daughter's and Chloe's happiness and security. For that reason, I won't be commenting any further.' The fitness guru, 36, and former rugby player James, 38, announced their split in October 2023 , after a decade together and five years of marriage (pictured with their daughter Bodhi) The pair released a joint statement in October after appearing in public without their wedding rings Chloe has since opened up about how her separation from her estranged husband 'was f***ing awful' as she gave an insight into their relationship The couple, who split 10-months ago, still live together in their north London home but Chloe revealed the pair have now set a date for James to move out The daughter of TV stars Richard and Judy went onto admit that despite having had a hard few months, she 'feels a bit sorry' for James In May of this year, Chloe opened up about how her separation from her estranged husband 'was f***ing awful' as she gave an insight into their relationship. Chloe admitted the pair broke up as they both wanted their relationship to 'stop being awful' and 'miserable'. The couple still live together in their north London home and are often spotted together with Bodhi as they try to make the break-up as amicable as they can for their little girl. Despite some fans thinking the two are back together because of this, Chloe confirmed that they have both moved on adding that she expects the former England player to find someone soon. She said: 'It'll probably happen for James long before it happens to me, if it hasn't already. 'I'm waiting for the conversation to happen at some point.' Samantha Armytage announced her departure from Channel Seven after 21 years on Sunday morning. The Farmer Wants A Wife host told The Daily Telegraph, she made a decision to quit the network with the support of her husband, Richard Lavender, and her departure is 'about me wanting to feel fulfilled.' 'I had to sit with myself here and ask, "What does my next five to 10 years look like?"' she told the publication. 'I'm 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I'm still productive. I want to make good TV.' Armytage has reportedly declined a new deal with Seven after her current contract expires in October. She said her departure was 'sad and bittersweet' but she felt her time had come and she was excited about her future. Armytage will still appear at the upcoming Logies, with her show Farmer Wants A Wife nominated for Best Structured Reality Program, but she will not return to host the next series. Angus Ross, Group Managing Director of Seven Television, released a statement on Sunday morning, confirming Natalie Gruzlewski will return as host when the new season premieres in 2025. The real reason Samantha Armytage quit Channel Seven after landing role as host of Farmer Wants A Wife 'After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year. We fully understand and support her decision,' it read. 'Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife.' 'Her genuine affection for the country lifestyle she's grown up with and enjoys to this day has shone through her three seasons with the TV WEEK Logie Award-nominated series. It's been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded.' 'We wish Sam and her farmer every happiness and success for the future.' She told The Daily Telegraph, she made a decision to quit the network with the support of her husband, Richard Lavender, and her departure is 'about me wanting to feel fulfilled' Armytage joined Seven back in 2003, landing her first major presenting role on Seven News Sydney in 2004. She was co-host of the popular breakfast show Sunrise alongside Kochie from 2013 to 2021, and was replaced by newsreader Natalie Barr when she resigned from the role. Last year, she took over hosting duties on Farmer Wants A Wife from Gruzlewski, who remained on the show as a presenter. Armytage will still appear at the upcoming Logies , with her show Farmer Wants A Wife nominated for Best Structured Reality Program, but she will not return to host the next series Her departure from Seven comes after it was reported that famous faces are on the chopping block and some of the network's biggest stars are facing pay cuts to keep their jobs. Respected newsreader Mark Ferguson is in danger, and was given 'six weeks of forced annual leave', the Daily Telegraph reported last month. It's understood the network will consider replacements for his role once his contract expires. Names being touted to take Ferguson's seat are Michael Usher, Angela Cox and Angie Asimus. David Koch, who is still on contract with Seven after leaving Sunrise, is reportedly unlikely to have his contract renewed. Sonia Kruger is likely to survive, 'but will absolutely take a "haircut"' on her $1.3million salary, a source told the newspaper. Her departure from Seven comes after it was reported that famous faces are on the chopping block and some of the network's biggest stars are facing pay cuts to keep their jobs. Pictured: Newsreader Mark Ferguson Dr Chris Brown is also safe, but may face a pay cut on his rumoured $2million contract. Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran has a 'question mark' over his future, the paper reported, but any decision is up in the air. Sunrise star Mark Baretta's deal takes him through to 2025, but the paper alleges he will 'likely take a pay cut' to keep his role. Veteran journalist Ann Sanders may also leave the network but plans to do so on 'her own terms' the paper claims. Police are reportedly investigating a death threat made to actress and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington. Amanda, 50, complained that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice bullied her during their rehearsals last year - allegations he strongly denies. Since Amanda's complaint, multiple accusations have emerged of bullying and abusive behaviour from former contestants, leaving the primetime family favourite embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs. And now Amanda is said to have received an email saying she would 'die on stage' unless she withdrew her bullying complaint against the Italian pro dancer. According to The Sun, officers turned up to Park Theatre in Finsbury Park on Friday afternoon where Amanda is currently appearing in the play, When It Happens To You. Police are investigating a death threat made to actress and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington Actress Amanda, 50, complained that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice bullied her during their rehearsals last year - allegations he strongly denies They interviewed the Sherlock star and retrieved data from the email in the hope of tracing the sender. A source said: 'Amanda was left terrified by the incident. She has already had to delete social media after death and rape threats. 'This was a shock especially as she is performing in a small venue where the audience are within touching distance.' Police are thought to have returned to the theatre and security measures have been ramped up. MailOnline have reached out to Amanda's representatives for comment. It comes after Laura Whitmore accused BBC bosses of 'gaslighting' her over her Strictly Come Dancing experience with Giovanni Pernice. The TV presenter, 39, who was partnered with the Italian dancer, 33, on the show in 2016, recently confirmed she'd spoken to the show about Giovanni's 'inappropriate behaviour', following her claims that she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago. And in a dramatic new statement, the star has shed more light on her Strictly experience, telling how it's 'all coming out now' amid the flurry of accusations against the show and its professional dancers. Since Amanda's complaint, multiple accusations have emerged of bullying and abusive behaviour from former contestants, leaving the primetime family favourite embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs And now Amanda has received an email saying she would 'die on stage' unless she withdrew her bullying complaint against the Italian pro dancer Police are thought to have interviewed the Sherlock star and retrieved data from the email in the hope of tracing the sender Amanda made her debut in her new play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in London on Wednesday night where the threat wastalking about After the first night's show, she changed into a black T-shirt with 'Quiet No More' written on the back as she posed for photos alongside the play's director Jez Bond, seemingly a reference to the ongoing scandal It comes after Laura Whitmore has accused BBC bosses of 'gaslighting' her over her Strictly Come Dancing experience with Giovanni Pernice The TV presenter, 39, who was partnered with the Italian dancer, 33, on the show in 2016, recently confirmed she'd spoken to the show about Giovanni's 'inappropriate behaviour' Speaking to The Irish Post, Laura told how she believes that the industry has changed for women since she found fame, noting that women are 'louder' and are now 'pulling people up on things.' She added of her Strictly situation: 'The stuff I'm not going to talk to you about now, because it's under review, that's all coming out now, the stuff I tried to speak about eight years ago. When asked if she wasn't 'listened to' when she first raised her complaints, she shared: 'Or [I was] gaslit to make it seem normalised.' Laura went on to add: 'It's a shame that it has to come out in such a victim-shaming way, which it always does. And being the first person to speak up about anything is always hard.' MailOnline have contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives, who declined to comment. Top agents for Sienna Miller have been accused of 'airbrushing' her official CV to rid it of controversial projects and flops. As the British star continues to be in demand as one of Hollywood's hottest actresses, sources have pointed out that three of her most 'problematic' films including comedy dud Unfinished Business and indie drama The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh were absent in an official listing on the United Agents' website. Also missing was her role in An Imperfect Murder, where she starred alongside Alec Baldwin now a controversial figure after he stood trial for involuntary manslaughter for firing a live round on the set of his film Rust, which killed a cinematographer. The film's director, James Toback, who is also a close friend of the actress, accused United Agents of 'timidity' and 'bigotry' for manipulating her CV to rewrite history. Top agents for Sienna Miller have been accused of 'airbrushing' her official CV to rid it of controversial projects and flops Sienna Miller and Jon Foster as their characters Jane Bellwether and Art Bechstein in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh Referring to An Imperfect Murder, he said: 'Sienna is one of the smartest people I know. This movie is a beautiful work of art and she gave a great performance. The idea that any of these films were accidentally omitted from her acting CV is disgusting and implausible.' The purpose of the listing on the United Agents' website is to advertise the broad scope of an actor's work for prospective casting agents, journalists, fans and bookers. While not a complete archive, it is notable that it is largely Ms Miller's rare missteps which have apparently not been listed. The 42-year-old, who had her big break in British films Layer Cake and Alfie, finds herself now much in demand in Hollywood. She has recently appeared alongside Bradley Cooper in Burnt, and with Kevin Costner in Horizon: An American Saga. But not every film has led to acclaim. Her role in The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh in 2008 led to a storm of controversy after she referred to the filming location as 'S**ttsburgh' in an interview. Ms Miller and Alec Baldwin as their characters Vera Lockman and Detective McCutcheon in An Imperfect Murder Ms Miller plays an actress whose nightmare about killing her ex-boyfriend becomes a reality 'Can you believe this is my life?' Ms Miller told Rolling Stone. 'Will you pity me when you're back in your funky New York apartment and I'm still in Pittsburgh?' She apologised, insisting her words were linked to the fact filming was done at night, adding: 'What I have seen of it is beautiful.' Another film absent is the 2015 comedy flop Unfinished Business. It grossed 11million, less than half of its 27million budget. Mail film critic Brian Viner described it as a 'puerile mess, flailing for laughs like a ten-year-old class clown desperate for popularity'. An Imperfect Murder has a score of 2.9 out of 10 on film website IMDb. Last week, when this newspaper highlighted the omissions, United Agents swiftly reinstated the missing films, insisting there was 'no particular reason' they had been left off. Girls Aloud looked sensational as they put on a showstopping performance at Brighton Pride on Saturday. The girl band, which consists of Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, took to the stage in an array of gorgeous golden outfits to wow the crowd with their hit songs. The group headlined day one of the popular event at Preston Park, with chart-topper Mika set to bring Sunday's performances to a close. The Love Machine hitmakers delighted fans by performing a stellar set list that included the likes of Watch Me Go, as well as being joined by Eurovision star Olly Alexander for a rendition of The Loving Kind. The performance also included a cover of Madonna's smash hit tune Material Girl. Girls Aloud looked sensational as they put on a showstopping performance at Brighton Pride on Saturday The girl band, which consists of Nadine Coyle , Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts , took to the stage in an array of gorgeous golden outfit to wow the crowd with their hit songs The group sparkled in stunning gold ensembles The group delighted fans by performing a stellar set list that included the likes of Watch Me Go, as well as being joined by Eurovision star Olly Alexander for a rendition of The Loving Kind Fans rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the amazing headline act, dubbing their set as 'unreal' and 'absolutely incredible': 'Finally saw Girls Aloud live at Brighton Pride. they were unreal. like insanely amazing #BrightonPride #Fabulosa.' 'Wow Girls Aloud were so so so good at #BrightonPride.' 'Knew they were performing with Olly! Absolute given #girlsaloud #brightonpride.' 'I cannot believe I got to witness 'Watch Me Go' live!!!! Thank you Girls Aloud for an amazing night! #BrightonPride #Fabuloso #girlsaloud.' 'I'll be forever SHOOKETH that i witnessed Cheryl's ICONIC rap in 'Watch Me Go' sang live on stage again in 2024. #girlsaloud #brightonpride.' 'As if they covered material girl #BrightonPride #GirlsAloud.' The Pride performance comes after the girl group finished up their 20th anniversary reunion tour last month, which ended with an exclusive O2 Priority gig in London. Cheryl's hair was a stunning shade of pink highlighed against her metallic bodice 'I cannot believe I got to witness 'Watch Me Go' live!!!! Thank you Girls Aloud for an amazing night! #BrightonPride #Fabuloso #girlsaloud' The group headlined day one of the popular event at Preston Park, with chart-topper Mika set to bring Sunday's performances to a close The performance also included a cover of Madonna 's smash hit tune Material Girl Fans rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the amazing headline act, dubbing their set as 'unreal' and 'absolutely incredible' Fans rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the amazing headline act, dubbing their set as 'unreal' and 'absolutely incredible' The girl group toured England, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland from mid-May to the end of June, performing 30 dates in total. Last month, Nadine was forced to pull out of a festival due to 'exhaustion' after their nationwide stint. She was due to perform at the Kubix Festival in Sunderland, sharing the stage with the likes of Busted, Basshunter, and Cascada. However, in a joint Instagram and Facebook post, Rubix announced a schedule change. They wrote: 'Unfortunately, Nadine Coyle is no longer able to play Kubix due to exhaustion but we hope she gets plenty of rest and will be inviting her back to a future Festival!' At the same time, they announced that '90s boyband Damage, known for their 1996 hit Forever, will be filling her slot. The Girls Aloud Show tour was the group's first tour without Sarah Harding and they paid tribute to her every single show. Girls Aloud incorporated imagery and even vocals of Sarah into the performances of their hit songs. A notable inclusion was Sarah's infamous 'walking Primrose' bridge in their 2008 smash hit The Promise. This was especially emotional when the group performed in Sarah's native Manchester with Sarah's mother Marie in attendance. Sarah announced one year prior to her death at 39 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer which sadly spread to other parts of her body. During her last few months, Sarah moved in with Cheryl and her son Bear who she shares with Liam Payne. Following her death, Nadine, Cheryl, Kimberley and Nicola made the decision to fulfil Sarah's last wish and head out on tour to celebrate her. Profits from the completely sold-out The Girls Aloud Show were donated to The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which has helped raise vital funds for research into the disease. Australian actress Radha Mitchell has admitted that she hasn't seen co-star Adam Demos' notorious nude scene in the hit Netflix series Sex/Life. Mitchell, 50, who is set to star with Demos, 39, in the soon-to-be-released Take My Hand told Stellar that she prefers to focus on the hunky actor's 'star quality'. 'I haven't seen it, to be honest,' she told the publication. 'But that [notoriety] certainly helps the romance aspect of this story. I think he fulfils all those fantasies. But I don't want to trivialise him as an actor because he's very grounded and talented.' 'He has a real star quality to him.' Demos became an overnight sensation thanks to a steamy full-frontal Sex/Life scene that saw the actor bare himself in the shower. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph in 2023 about the scene, Demos said that he was surprised it became such a viral moment. 'When you're shooting these things you don't think they're going to be a viral moment,' he told the publication. Australian actress Radha Mitchell has revealed that she hasn't seen co-star Adam Demos' notorious nude scene in the hit Netflix series Sex/Life Mitchell, 50, who is set to star with Demos, 39, in the soon-to-be-released Take My Hand told Stellar that she prefers to focus on the hunky actor's 'star quality' The large appendage raised the suspicions of fans with many of them saying it must be a prosthetic - speculation which turned out to be correct. 'I don't even think TikTok was around or that popular, he continued. 'Then it becomes its own thing and everyone now knows it's a prosthetic. I think that was part of the intrigue.' Mitchell also opened up to Stellar about working with controversial director Woody Allen on the 2004 film Melinda and Melinda. 'I knew he was dating his stepdaughter [now wife Soon-Yi Previn], and that was controversial,' she explained. 'But as for the rest of it, my only perspective at that time was just the films that he made. So then it's like, do you want to separate the artist from the behaviour? Demos became an overnight sensation thanks to a steamy full-frontal Sex/Life scene that saw the actor bare himself in the shower Take My Hand tells the story of young married Australian woman Laura, played by Radha, who has a successful banking career in London. But her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The man she thought had loved her 'showed his true colours' as her condition had been identified. After returning to Australia, she is reunited with a past acquaintance Michael who had loved her since their high school days. Mitchell also opened up to Stellar about working with controversial director Woody Allen on the 2004 film Melinda and Melinda. Pictured Radha, Woody and Soon-Yi Previn Their rekindled friendship turns more serious and they find themselves falling in love. Take My Hand is the true story of writer and director John Raftopolous' romantic relationship with an old acquaintance. John has co-written the screenplay with Dave Petersen who both detailed the former's love affair with Claire Jensz. However, their names have been changed to Laura and Michael for the film's storyline. Several stars of Married At First Sight reunited on Saturday as they partied the night away in Sydney. The reality stars dressed to impress as they arrived to Daily Mail Australia senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher's birthday at Alex & Co in Parramatta. Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo put on a loved-up display as they were seen arriving to the establishment hand in hand. Jade, 26, left little to the imagination in a long brown dress with a plunging neckline and a side split. Her boyfriend Ridge, 27, also looked stylish as he arrived to the event in white pants and a light blue buttoned shirt. They were also joined by Tori Adams and Jack Dunkley, who were all smiles as they posed at the party. Tori made a style statement in grey pants and a black vest while her personal trainer boyfriend wore black jeans and a blue T-shirt. Andrea Thompson also dressed to impress in a black off-the-shoulder dress and a long leather coat. MAFS stars dressed to impress as they arrived to Daily Mail Australia reporter Ali Daher's birthday at Alex & Co in Parramatta on Saturday night Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo put on a loved-up display as they were seen arriving to the establishment hand in hand The 51-year-old photographer completed her look with a pair of long black boots, several necklaces and statement earrings. Jackson Lonie and Dan Hunjas were also seen posing with former MAFS star Cody Bromley. Melissa Rawson flaunted her figure in a burgundy crop top and printed skirt as she arrived with husband Bryce Ruthven. She completed her look with a pair of black boots and carried a matching coloured handbag. Melissa Sheppard also looked glamorous in an off-the-shoulder black dress as she chatted to Timothy Smith. They were also joined by Tori Adams and Jack Dunkley, who were all smiles as they posed at the party The star-studded event featured a bevy of reality stars including Melissa Sheppard, Suzan Mutesi, Dan Hunjas and Tayla Winter Andrea Thompson also dressed to impress in a black off-the-shoulder dress and a long leather coat Jackson Lonie and Dan were also seen posing at the event with former MAFS star Cody Bromley Melissa Rawson flaunted her figure in a burgundy crop top and printed skirt as she arrived with husband Bryce Ruthven Former groom Al Perkins also made an appearance at the star-studded event. He made a style statement in a black T-shirt from Ridge's clothing label built around his 'Deece' catchphrase. Al was also joined by Duncan James and his girlfriend Evelyn Ellis. Melissa Sheppard also looked glamorous in an off-the-shoulder black dress as she posed with Timothy Smith Josh White was also present, stepping out with his new girlfriend Kylie Ann The Bachelor's Juliette Herrera also stunned in a long sparkly dress at the party Al Perkins also made an appearance at the star-studded event. He made a style statement in a black T-shirt from Ridge's clothing label built around his 'Deece' catchphrase Tristan Black also looked stylish in a striped jumper and beige pants as he enjoyed a cocktail at the establishment Jade and Ridge put on a cheeky display at the event Singer Tom Jay Williams appeared in good spirits posing alongside Ali and Dan FBoy Island couple Molly O'Halloran and Nick Brown were also in attendance Love Triangle star Alan Walace was seen posing for photos alongside MAFS grooms Ash Galati and Jesse Konstantinoff The Bachelorette star Nick Chamberlain was seen planting a kiss on Ali's head while holding a margarita Tristan Black also looked stylish in a striped jumper and beige pants as he enjoyed a cocktail at the establishment. FBoy Island couple Molly O'Halloran and Nick Brown were also in attendance. Molly exuded elegance in a strapless white top that highlights her decolletage, paired with a black bodice that cinches her waist perfectly. Her black, high-waisted trousers feature subtle pinstripes, giving her a sleek and modern look. Meanwhile, Nick looked dapper in a light green button-down shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows. Guests were kept entertained with flowing cocktails and the venue's delicious banquet menu which included cured meats, grilled king prawns, salt and pepper squid and a collection of the restaurant's finest woodfired pizza and penne chicken pasta. The couple posed alongside Duncan James, who looked dapper in a black denim jacket and pants teamed up with white sneakers Former MAFS bride Janelle Han also stopped by At one point in the night Dan was seen carrying Ali Dan also posed for photos alongside his glamorous girlfriend Shakira At one point Jack was seen interviewing Ali Guests were kept entertained with flowing cocktails and the venue's delicious banquet menu Collins Christian was also present. Pictured with Andrea Thompson and Tristan Black As was F Boy Island reject Mikey Gelo Peter Stefanovic enjoyed a fun day out with his wife Sylvia Jeffreys and their young sons in Bronte Beach on Sunday. The Sky News host, 42, rugged up in a beige denim jacket and buttoned shirt as he went for a stroll with Sylvia, 38, and children Oscar, four, and Henry, three. He completed his ensemble with beige chinos and wore comfortable green Adidas trainers for the outing. Peter kept a low profile in dark sunglasses as he walked through a park with Sylvia and a friend. His wife Sylvia was also protected against the chilly elements in a long beige wool coat over a lilac-coloured jumper and black tights. She wore dark sunglasses and a pair of comfortable white trainers. The pair appeared to be relaxed and happy as they watched sons Oscar and Henry play in the park. Despite Sydney's chilly weather, Peter eventually went for a swim in the ocean with his son. Peter Stefanovic enjoyed a fun day out with his wife Sylvia Jeffreys and their young sons in Bronte Beach on Sunday The happy family were joined by a family friend for a fun day out at Bronte Beach in Sydney Hitting the water, Peter wore a pair of orange board shorts and showed off his biceps. It appeared the water may have been a touch too cold for the Sky News presenter who offered a pained expression as he stood on the shore with son Oscar. Having had enough of the surf, Peter wrapped a blue and white towel around his waist and donned a brown hoodie. Peter arrived at the family outing rugged up in a biege denim jacket with a wool shirt and a pair of matching chinos Peter also wore a pair of comfortable green sneakers and kept a low profile in dark sunglasses Sylvia was also protected against the chilly elements in a long beige wool coat over a lilac-coloured jumper and black tights The sighting comes after Peter recently copped public backlash over a shock interview. In May, Peter revealed he 'regrets' ruining a teenage fishing champion's big moment and made an apology on live TV following backlash. Keegan Payne, 19, made headlines across Australia at the time after he hooked a barramundi worth $1million in Katherine, 317km south of Darwin. His prize catch was part of the Million Dollar Fish angling competition aimed to boost Northern Territory tourism. However, his celebrations were cut short during a harsh interview with Peter. She also wore dark sunglasses and a pair of white trainers for the outing The pair appeared to be relaxed and happy, watching sons Oscar and Henry play nearby Sylvia and their family friend were also happy to snap photos of the kids playing The breakfast host asked point-blank if there was any truth to rumours Keegan and a friend had once stolen an off-road vehicle and a quad bike from his former employer, Bob Cavanagh. Keegan said the allegation was true - and offered a sincere apology to his old boss in the excruciating exchange. The segment sparked outrage among viewers who demanded Peter resign for trying to turn a feel-good story into a scandal. Despite Sydney 's chilly weather, Peter eventually went for a swim in the ocean with his son Hitting the water, Peter wore a pair of orange board shorts and showed off his biceps It appeared the water may have been a touch too cold for the Sky News presenter who offered a pained expression as he stood on the shore with son Oscar The sighting comes after Peter recently copped public backlash over a shock interview Following the incident Peter made an apology to Keegan on live TV. 'An apology from me, last Wednesday we invited Keegan Payne onto our show to discuss his win in the Million Dollar Fish competition in the Northern Territory,' Stefanovic said during First Edition on Sky News. 'During that interview I asked him about a theft that had occurred several years earlier. I should not have asked him about those claims and I regret doing so.' In May, Peter revealed he 'regrets' ruining a teenage fishing champion's big moment and made an apology on live TV following backlash Peter deleted all his social media accounts in the wake of the furore. Meanwhile, a petition also calling for him to resign attracted more than 3,500 signatures. Sky News was also forced to issue an apology, with the network revealing that Peter had personally said sorry to Mr Payne and his family. During the interivew, the breakfast host asked if there was any truth to rumours Keegan and a friend had once stolen an off-road vehicle and a quad bike from his former employer Paris Hilton showcased her loving nature in a home video posted on Saturday, showering affection on her adorable children. The iconic reality star, 43 who recently called herself the 'It Girl blueprint' took to her Instagram Stories to share the clip of daughter London, eight months, and son Phoenix, 17 months, lounging in their playroom. The Stars Are Blind hitmaker captured a heartwarming moment as she filmed Phoenix walking toward her, before focusing on London, who was lying on the ground, giggling with delight. 'Hi, cutie girl,' Paris sweetly told London, before turning to Phoenix and saying, 'I love you.' After the heiress panned the camera across the adorably cluttered and chaotic playroom, she zoomed in on a neon sign that read 'Sliving Mom,' a playful blend of the slang terms 'slaying' and 'living.' Paris Hilton proved a doting mom as she showered love on her adorable children in a cute home video on Saturday; (Paris and son Phoenix in April) The iconic reality star, 43 who recently called herself the 'It Girl blueprint' took to her Instagram Stories to share the clip of daughter London, eight months, and son Phoenix, 17 months, lounging around their playroom The maternal display comes after Paris recently posted an adorable video of the mother-daughter duo sharing a special moment together. In the clip, the Simple Life alum faces her daughter in a car seat, both dressed in matching Care Bears pajamas, with London also sporting a coordinated bow. Paris, rocking a white sailor's cap, leans over and whispers 'I love you' as she gently kisses London's little hand. 'London, lve waited my whole life for you my beautitul baby girl,' the star wrote in the caption. 'My life now feels like every dream & 11:11 wish came true. You are my world, I love you endlessly my lil angel.' Paris shares London, along with her first child, son Phoenix, 17 months old, with her husband Carter Reum. The gushing social media share comes after Paris revealed that her daughter reminds her of her own sister, Nicky Hilton. 'She actually looks so fairly similar to Nicky,' Paris said on her podcast in April. She continued: Like when I look at the baby pictures, Phoenix is my twin and then little London looks like Nicky. So it's cute just to, compare all those photos together.' The Stars Are Blind hitmaker captured a heartwarming moment as she filmed Phoenix walking toward her, before turning the camera to London, who was lying on the ground, giggling with delight 'Hi, cutie girl,' Paris sweetly told London, before turning to Phoenix and saying, 'I love you.' After the heiress panned the camera across the adorably cluttered and chaotic playroom, she zoomed in on a neon sign that read 'Sliving Mom,' a playful blend of the slang terms 'slaying' and 'livin' Phoenix looked ready to play in the adorable room The star added that London is 'very serious and so sweet.' London is ten months younger than Phoenix; both were born via surrogate. Paris said her kids are 'like twins,' and have a close blond due to their close ages. 'I'm just so excited to watch them grow up together and be best friends,' she added. Paris says daughter London 'loves her big brother,' adding 'it's so cute just to see them together. He is just so sweet and gentle with her... And sometimes she'll be in her little rocker and he'll stand there and kinda like rock it back and forth.' In the clip, the Simple Life alum faces her daughter in a car seat, both dressed in matching Care Bears pajamas, with London also sporting a coordinated bow Paris, rocking a white sailor's cap, leans over and whispers 'I love you' as she gently kisses London's little hand Paris shares London, along with her first child, son Phoenix, 17 months old, with her husband Carter Reum The DJ continued: 'And she'll just look up at him with the biggest smile. And you can just tell that she just completely adores her big brother.' Meanwhile, Paris will release her second album Infinite Icon on September 6 - her first in over two decades. The socialite released her first self-titled album in 2006 and it spawned Turn It Up, Nothing In This World, and the cult hit Stars Are Blind. She then released a series of non-album singles, including 2015's High Off My Love, 2018's I Need You, 2023's Hot One and, in April she released Fame Won't Love You in collaboration with Sia. The Pioneer Woman Anne Marie 'Ree' Drummond's daughter, Paige Drummond, is engaged. On Saturday, the 55-year-old blogger's eldest child and Paige's big sister Alex Drummond confirmed the exciting news. She took to her Instagram Story to share a photo of the newly betrothed couple after Paige's now-fiance David Anderson proposed. 'ENGAGED,' Alex wrote alongside a white heart emoji. In the photo, Paige, 24, held up her left hand to show off the shiny sparkler now adorning her ring finger as her now-fiance wrapped his arms around her. Shortly after, Ree who is soon-to-be a first-time grandmother as Alex is currently expecting her first child also shared the news as well as details about the proposal, which happened in Dallas, Texas, on her blog. The Pioneer Woman Anne Marie 'Ree' Drummond's daughter, Paige Drummond, is engaged Paige reshared her family members' posts on her Instagram. She also shared her friends' posts from their surprise engagement party on the same day. In the snaps, Paige wore a summer dress with an aptly chosen flowing white skirt. At her side, Andersen donned a navy blue blazer, white button-down and light wash jeans. On the same day, Ree shared the news with a post on her popular blog The Pioneer Woman. She said that she was 'so relieved' because she had to keep it a secret for 'six weeks' that her soon-to-be son-in-law was planning to propose to Paige. She revealed that Paige was genuinely surprised and the family were all involved in witnessing and celebrating the couple's joyous moment. 'We are so happy!' she wrote in her post. 'Paige and David are such a great match, a terrific team! Paige reshared her family members' posts on her Instagram. She also shared her friends' posts from their surprise engagement party on the same day Paige and her now-fiance David Anderson are newly betrothed after he proposed in Dallas Shortly after, Ree who is soon-to-be a first-time grandmother as Alex is currently expecting her first child also shared the news as well as details about her daughter's engagement on her blog 'Paige is my strong, mighty, wonderful daughter and the fact that she found a person she wants to spend her life with is a pretty indescribable feeling.' The author also said that the proposal included 'behind-the-scenes drama' although she did not clarify what happened. Ree said she was involved in 'outright lies and deception' in order to make sure Paige did not figure out their plans before it happened. She also likened the couple's proposal story to 'an epic action adventure movie.' In other exciting family news, fans of The Pioneer Woman learned that Ree is becoming a grandmother after Alex and her husband, Mauricio Scott, announced earlier this summer that they're expecting their first baby. In July, the pair, who celebrated their third wedding anniversary this past May, had a gender reveal. In addition to her daughters Alex and Paige, Ree is also mother to sons Bryce, 21, Jamar, 21, and Todd, 20. Earlier this summer, Ree revealed that Paige moved back home to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to work with her dad Ladd as a cattle rancher. She said that she was 'so relieved' because she had to keep it a secret for 'six weeks' that her soon-to-be son-in-law was planning to propose to Paige On Saturday, the 55-year-old blogger's eldest child and Paige's sister Alex Drummond confirmed the exciting news 'It's really great to have her home,' she said about her youngest daughter, a University of Arkansas alumna, before noting that Paige isn't staying at Ree's newly-built home. 'She is actually living in town, in the house that was my in-laws' house,' she said. 'So it's kind of nice that we still have that house, hadn't sold it and so she's moved in and made it her own.' She shared that Paige started working on the ranch full-time back in January. 'In terms of how long she'll stay or whether it'll be a period of her life or forever, we're not really trying to predict or think about it too far in advance,' she said. 'I love that she's here. She's the first of our kids to really come back and work on the ranch full time.' Kate Garraway took to Instagram on Saturday to share her appreciation and thanks to Virgin Atlantic for helping her amid her dad's illness. The Good Morning Britain presenter was planning a special celebration for Billy's 15th birthday this week, however due to Kate's father being rushed to hospital two weeks ago she had to make some last minute changes. The 57-year-old is keeping the birthday plans under wraps at the moment but still posted on her Instagram with a shout out to Wendy at Virgin Atlantic for her support with the hashtag '#tea&sympathy'. In the post Wendy was seen pouring a cup of tea for Kate in the airport lounge and the pair beaming as they took a selfie together. Kate shared the photos alongside a heartfelt caption, she said: 'Thank you so much to the amazing gang - and Wendy - for helping me give my son Bill a fantastic birthday. Kate Garraway took to Instagram on Saturday to share her appreciation and thanks to Virgin Atlantic for helping her amid her dad's illness Two weeks ago, after not appearing on her usual slots on Good Morning Britain or Smooth Radio, Kate shared that her father had collapsed and suffered from a suspected stroke or heart attack 'With all thats happened with my own Dad obviously a lot had to be cancelled as I wanted to be with him & mum & I feared I would have to disappoint Bill - yet again - & not be able to do any of our summer plans . 'Thanks though to the Virgin team's incredible logistical brains - & a flight plan that looked like a spiders web!!! 'I have managed to keep plates spinning & grab some joy in between.' The mother-of-two continued to express her thanks to the team for being understanding: 'But most of all thank you so much to for just getting it & knowing that the specialness of the journey is as important as the destination . 'Your kindness has made an emotional flight so special.' Two weeks ago, after not appearing on her usual slots on Good Morning Britain or Smooth Radio, Kate shared that her father had collapsed and suffered from a suspected stroke or heart attack. Kate travelled to the South West to stay with family in Cornwall. At the time a source told The Sun: 'Very sadly, Kate's father collapsed earlier this week while staying, along with her mum and her brother in Cornwall. The 57-year-old is keeping the birthday plans under wraps at the moment but still posted on her Instagram with a shout out to Wendy at Virgin Atlantic for her support with the hashtag '#tea&sympathy' Kate shared the photos alongside a heartfelt caption 'It was incredibly frightening as he was found unconscious and immediately taken to hospital. It seems likely that he's had a stroke and possibly a heart attack as well - doctors are still doing tests.' On Wednesday Kate broke her social media silence to explain the situation. Taking to Instagram, Kate shared the 'very scary' ordeal as she revealed her father, 89, collapsed while on holiday with her mother. She also praised her colleagues Ranvir Singh, Charlotte Hawkins, Tina Hobley and Myleene Klass for covering her on the breakfast shows. She said: 'Hi all - sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed & rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brothers. 'It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable & even recovering a bit in hospital - we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time. 'Huge thanks to the incredible nhs staff for their endless kindness & the heart they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum & all our family. 'Huge thanks too to my incredible friends @itv & @smoothradio particularly @ranvirtv @charlottehawkins1 @tinahobleyofficial @myleeneklass for yet again changing their plans to cover for me so I could put my family first. She also praised her colleagues Ranvir Singh (pictured), Charlotte Hawkins, Tina Hobley and Myleene Klass for covering her on the breakfast shows (pictured in 2021) Her regular Thursday presenting slot last week saw Ranvir fill in for her while Kate spent time with her father and family 'Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked so I have been able to support my Mum & Brother & be with my Dad while also giving Darcey & Billy some summer fun on their school holidays which ofcourse they really need. 'Am hoping to be back on @gmb & @smoothradio on Monday so can update more then but for now sending love to you all #love #hope #friendshipday'. Kate is returning to her hosting duties next week on GMB and Smooth radio. It has been a difficult year for Kate after her husband Derek Draper died in January almost four years after he was struck down by Covid. Derek suffered one of the worst affected case of Covid in the UK, with the virus attacking every organ in his body. Former Labour insider and psychotherapist Derek married Kate in 2005 and they went on to welcome children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14. In 2021, just over a year after contracting Covid, he was able to leave hospital and return to his family home in north London, with round-the-clock care. In August 2022 he was taken to hospital with sepsis but pulled through. Then in early December 2023, Derek had a heart attack and was taken to hospital again. Tragically, he wasn't able to overcome the latest medical emergency and on January 5, Kate confirmed that Derek died. Kate is mother to Darcey 17 and Billy, 15, (pictured) with late husband Derek On Wednesday, taking to Instagram, Kate shared the 'very scary' ordeal as she revealed her father collapsed while on holiday with her mother The Bachelor star Juliette Herrera has unveiled the secret to her home smelling so good. The 38-year-old reality star told Daily Mail Australia that she has installed a remote diffuser to releases a unique smell in her Zetland apartment. Airscent, the revolutionary home fragrance product that's taking Australia by storm and has been endorsed by the likes of PR maven Roxy Jacenko and The Amazing Race Australia's Tim and Rod. While Juliette didn't reveal her smell of choice, the brand offers a range of smells including the smell of Crown Casino, the Intercontinental Hotel and Ritz Carlton. Juliette's endorsement has thrust AirScent into the spotlight with over 50 units selling out, making it the latest must-have luxury household item. Tackling the problem of toxic candles that have long plagued the market, the brand offers high-quality, non-toxic aroma oils, according to its website. These premium scents, including those inspired by the lavishness of Dubai, are now available in Australia and have been selling out rapidly. Juliette recently gushed about the transformative effect it has had on her home. The Bachelor star Juliette Herrera has unveiled the secret to her home smelling so good The 38-year-old reality star told Daily Mail Australia that she has installed a remote diffuser to releases a unique smell in her Zetland apartment The Dubai-inspired collection has become particularly popular, offering consumers the chance to replicate the sophisticated and exotic aromas typically found in high-end hotels. 'It's like bringing a piece of my favourite travels back home,' Juliette revealed. 'Every time I walk in, I'm greeted by these incredible scents that instantly uplift my mood and reminds me of the fun times on holiday.' Juliette's endorsement has thrust AirScent into the spotlight with over 50 units selling out, making it the latest must-have luxury household item Juliette's endorsement has only added to AirScent's already burgeoning popularity. 'My friends always comment on how wonderful my home smells and ask what I'm using. I can't recommend AirScent enough,' she said. Juliette isn't the only star to boast about the brand. Earlier this year PR maven Roxy Jacenko revealed she too was obsessed with AirScent Earlier this year Roxy Jacenko explained that she couldn't get enough of the Sydney-based company and is planning on bringing it back to her new office in Singapore. Roxy opted to create her own fragrance rather than choose from the available range to give clients are more unique experience. The Sweaty Betty PR founder revealed in June she was looking forward to leaving her celebrity status back home in Australia. Reese Witherspoon was effortlessly stylish as she grabbed dinner with her family at Nobu in Malibu on Saturday. The Legally Blonde star, 48, donned a preppy look in a slightly oversized tan v-neck sweater and a brown midi-skirt. Reese accessorized with layered gold necklaces and carried a white Chanel clutch handbag. The Morning Show actress recently returned from New York where she spent time in the Hamptons and the Big Apple. The sighting comes as the Pleasantville star has been seen with German financier Oliver Haarmann, sparking dating rumors for the first time since her divorce from Jim Toth last year. Reese Witherspoon was effortlessly stylish as she grabbed dinner with her family at Nobu in Malibu on Saturday DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Reese has been on a several dates with Haarman, 56, whose ex-wife, businesswoman Mala Gaonkar, 54, is now in a relationship with musician David Byrne, 72. Haarmann is a founding partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, a private equity investment firm. He was previously a senior partner of the global investment firm KKR & Co. He shares two sons with Gaonkar. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and international relations from NYC's Brown University in 1990, and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1996. The Cruel Intentions actress and her ex-husband, 54, shocked fans in March 2023 when they announced they had separated and were getting a divorce after nearly 12 years of marriage. The actress officially filed for divorce from Toth in April 2023, a week after announcing the end of their marriage. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their split in court documents. The couple share son Tennessee James Toth, 11. Reese is also mom to daughter Ava Phillippe, 24, and son Deacon Phillippe, 20, with her first husband Ryan Phillippe, 49. An insider told People about the split that it was 'very difficult' for the movie star to accept that she and her former partner were 'two very different people.' The Legally Blonde star, 48, donned a preppy look in a slightly oversized tan v-neck sweater and a brown midi-skirt The Morning Show actress recently returned from New York where she spent time in the Hamptons and New York City (Pictured on the set of The Morning Show in July 2024) A source close to the former couple shared that Reese 'has her hand in a lot of pots' and Toth 'prefers less frenzy.' 'They've been spending less and less time together while she was working,' they added. More than ten years after tying the knot, the longtime duo 'found themselves with fewer interests in common.' Reese is described by a source as 'headstrong and focused' and Jim is said to be 'more laid-back.' Josh Hall took to Instagram on Friday to make his first public statement amid his divorce from Christina Hall. The 43-year-old real estate entrepreneur who denies declining a seven-figure settlement from Hall, 41 shared a selfie resting his head on his dog in a solemn post. He wrote in the caption: 'I prefer privacy, especially during something as life changing as a divorce I did not ask for.' Without naming Christina, he vowed, 'I will not publicly badmouth anyone as people have families, friends and others who respect and love them. Unfortunately the internet is forever.' Engaging his 92.3K followers, Hall continued: 'We are real humans, this is our life and I am not here to entertain people I dont know with my private matters. Those details will be handled fairly behind closed doors with our respective counsels in due time. Those who know each of us, know who we are.' Josh Hall took to Instagram on Friday to make his first public statement amid his divorce from Christina Hall He wrote in the caption: 'I prefer privacy, especially during something as life changing as a divorce I did not ask for' Without naming Christina, he vowed, 'I will not publicly badmouth anyone as people have families, friends and others who respect and love them. Unfortunately the internet is forever' Christina and Josh both filed for divorce, with the former listing their date of separation as July 7 while the latter wrote July 8. A source told Us Weekly this weekend that the soon-to-be exes 'havent even started negotiations' in their divorce proceedings. The couple tied the knot in 2022 and did not sign a prenup. Josh is seeking a 50/50 division of assets, meanwhile, in a July social media statement Christina stated that she does not intend to split her personal assets equally. In an Instagram story, she declared: 'I have worked my a** off to build this life for myself and my children and anyone who would try and take what they do not deserve / what they did NOT work for should be ashamed.' The message continued, 'An insecure man with a large ego can sure try to derail you but still I rise.' After Josh shared a message about 'hope' on his Instagram Stories, Christina took a screenshot of the picture and added her response. 'I "HOPE" she pays me millions more than what she's already offered me,' she wrote in an aggressive swipe at her ex. On Sunday morning Christina took to her Instagram Stories to share photos from a 'much needed girls trip' A second photo showed her laughing as she lay on a rug with her friends standing nearby On Sunday morning Christina took to her Instagram Stories to share photos from a 'much needed girls trip.' She posed with two gal pals Robyn and Stacy on a pier. '41 is SO good,' she wrote above the image, after celebrating her birthday on July 9. A second photo showed her laughing as she lay on a rug with her friends standing nearby. She wrote, 'When it's been a really good last night.' Christina and Josh both filed for divorce, with the former listing their date of separation as July 7 while the latter wrote July 8 Weeks after the back-to-back divorce filings, Christina accused her estranged husband of transferring $35,000 of her money into his bank account. Per legal documents obtained by ET, the HGTV personality claimed, 'Josh was able to divert over $35,000 of my separate property rental income into his account.' She went on to say in the court paperwork, 'I am asking for Josh to account for the funds taken and return them to me as those funds are specifically used to pay any loans, obligations, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance for these rental properties.' Christina was previously married to Tarek El Moussa and they share daughter Taylor, 13, and son Brayden, eight. She was briefly married to Ant Anstead and they share four-year-old son Hudson. She split from her American stuntman boyfriend earlier this year. But Maura Higgins has revealed that she is not short of offers and has had American A-listers slide into her DMS and ask her out. Speaking to Closer, the former Love Island star, 33, said: 'I've had Hollywood men slide into my DMs. 'But I'm not going to do that, be flown to Hollywood for a first date. They have to come to me!' Maura also confirmed that she has moved on from her ex Bobby Holland Hanton following a 10 month whirlwind romance, but refused to give more details. Former Love Islander Maura Higgins has revealed that she has had Hollywood stars slide into her DMS and ask her out The reality star admitted that she doesn't just go off looks when finding love, but she needs to build up trust to find out what they're about and if they both have a vibe She added: 'I'm dating The thing with me is I won't just date someone. 'I don't go off just looks, I have to be speaking to somebody for quite some time to sort of get their vibe. It needs to be flirty, getting to know each other, getting a vibe.' Maura - who currently hosts Love Island Aftersun in the US - has previously dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, as well as her Love Island co-stars Christopher Taylor and Curtis Pritchard. The reality star shot to fame on the fifth series of Love Island UK in 2019, but landed the job in America as host of their spin-off show. Bobby and Maura were first romantically linked after they were first spotted on a date in London in May. The couple were then seen enjoying several passionate kisses while on holiday together in Ibiza in June. Maura confirmed her relationship with Bobby - a successful stuntman, who regularly plays Chris Hemsworth's stunt double - during a December appearance on the Late Late Late Show hosted by Patrick Kielty. It comes after Maura was left mortified after an unseen Aftersun clip showed her flirting with a hunky Love Island USA contestant, before she confessed her love for him and begged to enter the villa as a bombshell. Maura also confirmed that she has moved on from her ex Bobby Holland Hanton following a 10 month whirlwind romance Maura - who currently hosts Love Island Aftersun in the US - has previously dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice She rose to fame on Love Island with Chris Taylor in 2019, but left the villa with Curtis Pritchard (pictured) Maura's revelation comes after she was left mortified when an unseen Aftersun clip showed her flirting with hunky Love Island USA contestant Harrison, before confessing her love for him The presenter stared after him longingly once their interview had finished, before making her a heart shape with her hands, and mouthing: 'I love you!' to his back Hunky diamond dealer, Harrison Luna, 27, caught Maura's eye immediately, after she interviewed him on the show. Maura gushed to Love Island US host Ariana Madix and Aftersun guest Katie Maloney: 'He's hot!' In an unseen clip that aired on the spin off show, after the presenter had interviewed Harrison she could be seen staring after him longingly, before making her a heart shape to him with her hands, and mouthing: 'I love you!' behind his back. As he left the set, Maura sighed dreamily and commented: 'What a man' before making a desperate plea to the producers and asking: 'Can I go in as a bombshell?' After watching the clip back with Ariana and Katie, Maura was left mortified while the other two women applauded her. The brunette beauty admitted: 'I'm actually weirded out by how much I was staring at him. What was that?' Imitating her facial expressions, she added: 'That is creepy! Oh my god no wonder I am single.' Carol Vorderman showed off her age-defying figure in a pair of skintight green trousers on Sunday. The television presenter, 63, added a white quarter-zip top and a cream military style jacket to her look and accessorised with a large cream handbag while leaving her blonde hair loose. The LBC radio show host turned heads earlier this week in the same look, paired with a pair of brown heeled boots. But the star turned heads for another reason this time - her neon green trainers. Carol completed her chic look with a pair of 60 Inov -8 running shoes in fluorescent green and black. Carol Vorderman , 63, showed off her age-defying figure in a pair of skintight green trousers on Sunday and neon green trainers as she ran errands in London The LBC radio show host turned heads in earlier this week in the same look, but opted for a pair of 60 Inov -8 running shoes in fluorescent green and black for her day of shopping The media personality opted for the comfortable footwear as she ran errands and she was spotted carrying a large Zara shopping bag in one hand as she strutted down the street The media personality opted for the comfortable footwear as she ran errands and went shopping around London. The outspoken star carried a large Zara shopping bag in one hand as she strutted down the street after a day of treating herself. The former Countdown stylish star has had a busy few months and has been taking part in ITVs 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. 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 to her Instagram after joining ITV's Cooking With The Stars,after revealing she only eats on meal a day (pictured August 1) The outspoke star left her BBC Radio Wales show in 2023 saying she was 'not prepared to lose my voice' and now has her own show on LBC 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'. Carol 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. The presenter, 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'. Carol has also been working on her political activism. In April she revealed that her first political book is coming out on September 21 - titled OUT OF ORDER : What's Gone Wrong with Britain and One Woman's Mission to Fix It. In an Instagram post, she also described her work as a 'rip-roaring call to arms telling the web of political influence responsible for the UK's unravelling and how we can find our voice and stand up for what we believe in'. 'I'm pulling no punches and telling some eye watering (and funny) tales you haven't heard before,' the beauty teased. 'Can you guess some of the names which might feature?' Samantha Armytage took a trip down memory lane on Sunday following her departure from Channel Seven after 21 years of service. The veteran journalist, 47, who announced she was quitting the network over the weekend, took to Instagram with dozens of nostalgic photos of all her A-list celebrity interviews over the years. But there was one big American star the Farmer Wants A Wife host notably left out - Sex and the City star Kristin Davis. The former Sunrise host kicked off her slew of Stories with a snap that showed her posing up a storm with ex co-host David Kochie and pop star Justin Bieber. She also shared a selfie with Pharrell Williams, along with an image of herself standing in the rain with Prince Harry in the background after he 'ignored' her. Other celebrity encounters included red carpet interviews with Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Hugh Grant and Dua Lipa. Elsewhere, she welcomed dozens of stars to Sunrise when she was the co-anchor, chatting with the likes of Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake and Tom Cruise. Samantha also interviewed Delta Goodrem, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Buzz Aldrin, One Direction, Daryl Braithwaite, Keith Urban, Jane Fonda and Paul Hogan. Samantha Armytage, 47, took a trip down memory lane on Sunday following her departure from Channel Seven after 21 years of service. Pictured with Australian actor Russell Crowe Ed Sheeran, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz and Russell Crowe were also included in the veteran journalist's list. However, it seems Samantha notably left out Kristin, 59, who portrayed Charlotte York in the popular romantic comedy TV series. Samantha had a trainwreck interview with the American actress in 2016 which saw her receive death threats from viewers. The Channel Seven star made headlines at the time following a cringeworthy skit she did with Kristin when she appeared on Sunrise to discuss her refugee charity. The veteran journalist, who announced she was quitting the network over the weekend, took to Instagram with dozens of nostalgic photos of all her A-list celebrity interviews over the years. Pictured with American actor Tom Cruise In the awkward segment, Samantha wore a blonde curly wig and pretended to play Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw during a reenactment. The interview - which was later slammed by Kristin herself - led to the breakfast TV host receiving a barrage of violent threats on social media. Years later in 2021, Samantha revealed to the Brains Trust podcast that she never wanted to do the 'dumb' skit, but felt pressured to participate by Sunrise producers. 'The day before that [skit], upstairs in the office when the producers were like, "We're gonna do this tomorrow," I just thought, "Really? That's so lame,"' she said. 'I'd have days where I was like, "I've got a journalism degree from university, do I really have to do this stuff?" But you do it because it's your job.' But there was one big American star the Farmer Wants A Wife host notably left out - Sex and the City star Kristin Davis, 59, (pictured) Samantha announced her departure from Channel Seven after 21 years on Sunday morning. She told The Daily Telegraph she chose to quit the network with the support of her husband, Richard Lavender, and her departure is 'about me wanting to feel fulfilled'. 'I had to sit with myself here and ask, "What does my next five to 10 years look like?"' she told the publication. 'I'm 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I'm still productive. I want to make good TV.' The former Sunrise host kicked off her slew of Stories with a snap that showed her posing up a storm with ex co-host David Kochie and pop star Justin Bieber. Other celebrity encounters included red carpet interviews with Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Hugh Grant and Dua Lipa Samantha has reportedly declined a new deal with Seven after her current contract expires in October. She said her departure was 'sad and bittersweet' but she felt her time had come and she was excited about her future. Samantha will attend the 2024 Logies with her show Farmer Wants A Wife nominated for Best Structured Reality Program, but will not host its next season. However, it seems Samantha notably left out Kristin after they had a trainwreck interview in 2016, during which Samantha donned a blonde wig and pretended to be Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City during a cringeworthy skit. Pictured with (L-R) Edwina Bartholomew, Natalie Barr and Kristin Angus Ross, Group Managing Director of Seven Television, released a statement on Sunday morning, confirming Natalie Gruzlewski will return as host in 2025. Samantha joined Seven back in 2003, landing her first major presenting role on Seven News Sydney in 2004. She was co-host of the popular breakfast show Sunrise alongside Kochie, 68, from 2013 to 2021, and was replaced by newsreader Natalie Barr when she resigned. Last year, she took over hosting duties on Farmer Wants A Wife from Gruzlewski, 47, who remained on the show as a presenter. Toyota has refused to pay out a GR Corolla owner after their car caught on fire while driving on a busy highway. The Japanese automaker said the warranty would not cover the damage because the tires are only designed to be driven at speeds of up to 85mph. Car experts said they had never heard of such a rule before. The driver was travelling down a North Carolina highway at around that speed in June this year when his car burst into flames. When the vehicle owner got in touch with Toyota to look into replacing the vehicle, the company denied responsibility - stating that the GR Corolla 'should not be driven over 85 mph without "high-speed capability tires"'. A Toyota GR Corolla burst into flames while on a highway in June The owner of the vehicle released dashcam footage of the terrifying incident Fortunately the driver managed to stop and exit the vehicle before it went up in flames Toyota were aware of the speed because the driver had captured the terrifying moment on a dashcam, which record the speed, date and time, and sent it to them as part of his claim. The footage shows the driver managed to pull over to the side of the road and get out of the car before flames can be seen billowing up from the engine and consuming the front of the vehicle. 'The owner's manual warns not [to] drive in excess of the speed limit,' Toyota wrote in its response to the owner, Car Scoops reported. 'Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires,' it explained. 'Driving over 85 mph may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. 'Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. Toyota's GR Corolla comes with Michelin rubber rated well above 85 mph 'Based on our inspection findings and the facts relating to this incident, we cannot provide any assistance in this matter,' it concluded. However, the GR Corolla comes with Michelin rubber rated well above 85 mph, according to Car Scoops. Indeed, lower rated tires are usually found on trailers and for spare wheels, the outlet reported. It is not yet clear what tires the owner had on the vehicle at the time or whether they plan to appeal the warranty decision. Some in the car community have branded the manufacturer's response as 'absolutely insane.' 'Theres a lot to unpack here,' car blogger The Autopian wrote, 'little of which makes Toyota look good. The Autopian argues that Toyota's questioning of the tire quality is 'absolutely bizarre' and that claiming 85 mph is too fast for the car as 'ludicrous.' 'You know what can handle 85 mph? Pretty much every car sold in America since 1983,' the blog wrote. Toyota did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's request for comment. Aggressive homeowners associations are so notorious they have even found their way into classic TV drama plots, such as Desperate Housewives. When new residents Bob and Lee decided to install a water sculpture outside their home on idyllic Wisteria Lane they had no idea what pandemonium they had brought down on their heads in the form of the local HOA. However, the nightmare of foreclosures and aggressive diktats from such associations are far from fiction for many in Georgia. HOAs are meant to oversee general maintenance of the neighborhood using a pool of money made up of fees from residents in the area. For example, they may remove a fallen down tree, clean public facilities such as pools or make sure the neighborhood is neat and tidy by monitoring yards. Jewel Inostroza was baffled when she discovered the previous owners of her newly bought home in Newnan, Georgia had left tens of thousands of fees to the local homeowners association that were now her responsibility. Bob and Lee in Desperate Housewives faced the wrath of the local homeowner's association The Desperate Housewives are shocked at the ugly water feature on Wisteria Lane Karyn Gibbons received a foreclosure on her home despite always paying her fees on time Jewel Inostroza (right) found she was responsible for the previous owners unpaid fees Inostroza went to court, paid off what she believed was owed but still ended up with a bill for tens of thousands of dollars, Realtor.com reported. Tricia Quigley told the property site how her Cherokee County home in Georgia was sold on the courthouse steps for just $3.24 after she refused to pay an $800 HOA fee when she became frustrated with the billing process. Quigley discovered that the bill has soon risen to $10,000 due to late and attorneys fees. When she could no longer keep up her home was sold. 'They just showed up and threw all my stuff on the lawn,' she said. HOAs are legally allowed to foreclose on properties, garnish wages, and turn off the water if owners that fall into payment arrears. Another homeowner in Georgia, James McAdoo of South Fulton, claims he has to file for bankruptcy to stop his homeowners association from taking his wage after being warned about weeds on his lawn. Despite going through bankruptcy, McAdoo still owes the association $36,000. Other have had issues with bureaucracy, including Karyn Gibbons who told Realtor.com she received a foreclosure notice on her home despite always paying her HOA fees on time. Gibbons said her local association in Gwinnett County often cashed her checks late or not at all, a confusion that left her owing $30,000 for late and attorneys fees. Georgia lawmakers are planning a fightback on behalf of their constituents and their HOA horror stories. State Senator Donzella James is working to reign in the power of homeowner associations in Georgia. Democrat Senator Donzella James has teamed up with Republican Matt Brass to take on HOAs HOAs are legally allowed to foreclose on properties, garnish wages, and turn off the water of owners that fall into payment arrears James told Realtor.com she began looking into the issue in earnest after hearing from constituents who were being forced from their homes after incurring fees and fines for lawn grass being above four inches or a shed painted the wrong color. 'What would start as a $200 penalty could quickly rise to $5,000,' James, a Democrat, told the publication. 'And once [HOAs] get $4,000 in penalties, they can sell your home on the courthouse steps,' she explained. James has joined forces with Republican Matt Brass. Together they are proposing a bill that would stop fines accruing once homeowners have paid off what is owed to their HOA. The proposed legislation would also force HOA boards to meet regularly, record minutes of their meeting, and have a transparent voting process. 'It's tragic. We're talking about people losing generational wealth over someone not mowing their grass. It's jaw-dropping,' Brass said. Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) CMD B Sairam on Saturday said that the company despatched 94 per cent of its total coal to the power sector and contributed Rs 15,000 crore to the central as well as state exchequer in FY24 in the forms of royalty and GST. Sairam also reaffirmed the companys commitment towards fulfilling the energy security of the nation. Speaking at the sidelines of Singrauli Industrial Summit 2024 organised by NCL at its headquarters, the CMD of the Coal India arm also outlined the companys contribution to the inclusive development of the Singrauli region. He also underscored the benefits of adopting an integrated approach based on shared values for the holistic development of Singrauli. The summit was organised with the objectives of driving economic growth, sustainable industrial growth, diversification, harnessing the full industrial potential, and creating employment opportunities with socio-economic upliftment and regional development. The summit marked brainstorming discussions about creating opportunities in various sectors like energy, aluminum, cement, chemicals, and infrastructure. Besides, a panel discussion was held on the long-term development of Singrauli region. In the summit, an e-book named Industrial Landscape of Singrauli Region was also released. NCL is eyeing 139 million tonnes (MT) of coal production and dispatch in the current fiscal. In 2023-24 NCL had produced 136.15 MT of coal, despatched 137.63 MT of coal, and spent Rs 4,727 crore as capital expenditure. NCL is a Singrauli-based flagship subsidiary of Coal India operating out of 10 highly mechanised opencast coal mines located in the Singrauli and Sonbhadra regions of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. Recent terrorist attacks in Jammu highlight the necessity for a having deeper emotional connect with the people and addressing their concerns This is a `Stop Press moment for Jammu and Kashmir after the significant and benefiting legislation of the abrogation of Article 370 a step towards demystifying and demolishing the `special status of Jammu and Kashmir which was a hydra-headed invitation to the West to make a spectacle of Indias extreme problems of terrorism as it was and is being transported from Pakistan- and Indias Foreign Minister Dr. Jai Shankar has often enlightened us on our Nations self-interest. I say the `Stop Press moment because there has been a spike in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Jammu and has brought under the lens the local support for Pakistan terrorists.So what does the `Stop Press moment signify? In this `stop press moment, we need to dig deep the abrogation of Article 370- will not integrate into the body-politic on its own it has to be integrated as a living experience to attain validation in the Being and Soul of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. The definition of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is Indians where Indians from the rest of the country also become an active agency. This calls for a few hardcore resolute living and active steps- the foremost being understanding the minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir a lot has been done but we need to engage with this relentlessly and break the ice to pierce their `special status, `isolation and `exclusivity which has not done them any good except for dragging them into the mindless narrative of asking for `autonomy and realizing it the hard way that Pakistan has always worked out of bounds, and still does so, to `keep them in a perpetual zone of conflict. This brings us to a preparation for working towards democratic strengthening and consolidation of institutional structures in consonance with the reality of Jammu and Kashmir as the Government of India wants to see it after the abrogation of Article 370. Needless to say, all those developmental questions that are normally addressed in any State or Union Territory of India need to be addressed, foremost being economic egalitarianism. The Congress Party must keep its mouth shut and let the present govt. led by the Prime Minister Modi do its work in Jammu and Kashmir with the infrastructure and development, as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari would have it. The Congress has through the years mutilated all the Federal aspects of the Constitution of India to politically force a Centralised hegemony. The present Govt. does not intend to treat Kashmir as a communal cauldron and a battleground for Hindutva and rightly so, therefore it is building infrastructure there. The whole idea of the abrogation of Art. 370 would bear fruit if religious and ethnic exclusiveness were not exploited negatively but used towards international trade and commerce in the best cultural parlance. In the same breath I would say that the Muslim majority could suggest itself to confine its international commitments to religious brotherhood and political proximities within the respectful questioning bounds and press freedom, this press freedom not being an absolute right but subject to the upholding of the Sovereignty and Integrity of India and its Dignity as envisaged in the Constitution of India. As far as the question of `Kashmiriyat is concerned, nobody is stopping or stalling this journey as long as it is within the legitimacy of the Constitutional provisions and the artistic license that it provides. And there may be questions of class and caste here that cannot be ignored if we are to sound and purport real. We will never forget the Indian Army, the soldiers who never fail us in the treacherous terrains of Jammu Kashmir, Ladhak & Siachen in the said region. We give them the space in our hearts for they do not hide behind any `political discourses and tricks and are the first agency of the Social Contract that a Nation State is based on. Their relentless invincibility and risk-taking bravado have no given path to tread but every day is a new challenge. Let all our actions as envisioned in the above paras be a tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Army and it is on us to do our duty now and here. (The writer is a lawyer; views are personal) Around the world, over-tourism is emerging as a big problem. The overwhelming influx of tourists causes significant hardships for local residents and destinations The growing problem of over-tourism across the globe! Archna Datta Recently, thousands of residents of Barcelona in Spain, protested against tourism, urging tourists to go home, waving placards and squirting water guns at outdoor diners, averring that tourists increased prices and put pressure on public services in Spain's most visited city. Not, only Barcelona alone, Venice also introduced a five euro entrance fee to dissuade day-trippers from crowding into the city's limited space and public resources. Japan, too, has put up a giant screen to block views of Mount Fuji to discourage tourists from gatherings at the iconic spot. Closer home, in Chikamaguluru, Karnataka, police resorted to a special drive at tourist destinations to curb the unruly behaviour of visiting tourists.Now, people have been travelling for centuries, and have traditionally been welcomed to visit countries. While, in India, the spirit of 'atithi devo bhava', treating guests as Gods, prevailed. Over the years, travel as tourism, has turned into one of the most important economic sectors. The ease in global air connectivity and peoples increasing craze for exotic visits, adventure and leisure in the internet-connected world, created an unprecedented rise in the number of tourists, which, eventually, evoked a tourist phobia, an aversion and social rejection among the locals, as happened in Spain, and elsewhere. In 2019, when, 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded, a hike of 4% from the previous year, the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) called for managing such a growth of tourists responsibly to best seize the opportunities that tourism can generate for communities around the world. While, tourism has been described as the excessive growth of visitors in areas where residents suffer negative consequences such as permanent changes to their lifestyles, denial of access to civic amenities and damages in their general well-being (Milano et al., 2019). It has a social dimension too that impairs the place-person interrelationships and induces changes in residents attitudes towards tourism (Gossling et al., 2020). Over tourism, also makes urban life more tense and stressful and for women a concern for safety in public space.( Maja Hristov,Nebojsa Stefanovic , Natasa Danilovic Hristic, Serbia, 2021). However, the present-day discourses predominantly veer around the issue of sustainability (Gowreesunkar & Thanh, 2020), as tourist hotspots are mostly located in sensitive ecosystems. Water, a precious natural resource, gets seriously misused by the tourism sector affecting the water cycle of the area. In Zanzibar, an average household consumes a little over 93 litres of water per day, while, the average consumption per room in a guesthouse is 686 litres, 7 times more, which in a luxurious 5-star hotel room, rises to 3,000+ litres of water per day. Spain, an important producer of vegetables and fruits for Europe, struggles over water utilisation in two competing economic sectors, tourism and agriculture( Water Equity in Tourism, 2012). While, a 2022 study said that in case of water scarcity, women are the most affected ones, as it worsens their daily life tasks. One tourist produces from 1 to 12 kg of solid waste per day when visiting a new place, depending on factors like location, the type of accommodation, personal preferences, and the character of the stay. If the present trend continues, there will be an increase of 251 per cent in solid waste production because of tourism by 2050 ( UNEP). Cruise ships are among the top polluters, and their raw sewage affects the coral reefs. Sewage from Mexico's tourism industry threatens the Caribbean coast, and the Mesoamerican Reef has already lost 80 per cent of corals to pollution. In 2023, Santorini Island in Greece, which has a population of fifteen thousand, received around 800 cruise ships, which caused a layer of pollution around the caldera. Notwithstanding, tourism is an economic powerhouse. The Travel & Tourism sector (T&T) witnessed a boom in 2019, accounting for 10.5% of all jobs (334 million), and 10.4% of global GDP (US$ 10.3 trillion). In India, in 2019, the T&T sector was worth about $194.3 billion, added 6.8% to the GDP and employed 40 million people. By 2033, the tourism industry is slated to represent 11.6% of the global economy. While, women comprise 54% of the workforce, but, they are mostly in lower-skilled, lower-paid and often in informal employment (UNWTO). Now, some cities have gone for new or revised taxation, fines, etc, to de-market tourism. However, tourism de-growth cannot be considered a remedy, which can push tourism-dependent local economies into crisis, as happened in Myanmars temple city, Bagan, where people suffer to make ends meet for want of visitors, as the country is deep into civil wars.While, regenerative tourism as an antidote, was mooted in 1987 in the Brundtland Report, which set the tone for building back better, going beyond the concept of not damaging the environment. The UN called for a holistic understanding of living systems in the entire tourism ecosystem, as everything is inter-connected, the government, private sector, voluntary sector, and the communities. The tourism industries should also operate in a new way by discarding the make-use and dispose linear extractive model and fit themselves into a circular economy model of reuse/no waste, the world body urged. Isnt it high time for the burgeoning tourism sector to follow the path of regeneration, and herald an era of intergenerational equity, without compromising the planet for future generations? (The author is former Director General, Doordarshan, All India Radio) Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has finished shooting for her upcoming Hollywood film "The Bluff". On Saturday, the 42-year-old actor shared stories on her Instagram handle as she was on her way to the wrap party of the film alongside her mother Madhu Chopra. While on her way, Priyanka and her mother lip-synced to the popular song "Aaja Shaam Hone Aayee", from the 1989 film "Maine Pyaar Kiya", which was playing in the car. "My song for when you're late to the wrap party or maybe not at all. Anyone relates?" she wrote. Priyanka started shooting for "The Bluff" in June as she flew down to Australia along with her two-year-old daughter Malti Marie Jonas. "The Bluff" will feature the actor in the role of a former female pirate. The Prime Video film hails from Russo Brothers' banner AGBO Studios and Amazon MGM Studios. It is directed by Frank E Flowers, who has co-written it with Joe Ballarini. At least 91 people, including 14 policemen, were killed and hundreds injured on Sunday in fierce clashes between protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas resignation and the ruling party supporters in different parts of Bangladesh on the first day of the non-cooperation movement over a Government jobs quota system. The clashes broke out this morning when protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination with the one-point demand of the Governments resignation faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. So far, 91 people have been killed in day-long clashes across the country, the leading Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo reported. According to the police headquarters, 14 policemen have been killed across the country. Of them, 13 were killed in Sirajganjs Enayetpur police station. One person was killed in Comillas Elliotganj, the paper said. As violence escalated, the Home Ministry imposed an indefinite countrywide curfew from 6 pm on Sunday. A Government agency has ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet, the paper added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina said those engaging in sabotage across the country in the name of protest are not students but terrorists and asked people to suppress them with a firm hand. I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand, she said. Hasina called a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs at Ganabhaban, the paper reported citing sources from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). The meeting was attended by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, BGB, and other top security officers. The meeting came as renewed violence spread to several parts of the country. The Government has announced a three-day general holiday on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country. Giving details, the paper said at least five people were killed in Feni, 22 including 13 policemen in Sirajganj, four in Kishoreganj, four in Dhaka, four in Bogura, three in Munshiganj, four in Magura, three in Bhola, four in Rangpur, three in Pabna, four in Sylhet, three in Cumilla, one in Joypurhat, one in Habiganj and one in Barisal. Six Awami League leaders and activists were beaten to death and several others injured in a clash between the ruling party supporters and protesters in Narsingdi, the paper reported. A demolition drive in Khyber Pass, located in the Civil Lines area, carried out by the Land and Development Office on Sunday, left a trail of devastation that extended far beyond the physical destruction of houses and shops. It obliterated the cherished memories of residents who had called this place home for generations. The morning calm was shattered as locals woke to the alarming sight of bulldozers lined up in their neighbourhood, poised to demolish their homes. These structures held not just their belongings but the essence of their lives, their memories intricately woven into the very walls that now lay in ruins. Among the many hit was Bhupinder Singh Bhatia, a small shop owner whose livelihood and legacy were reduced to rubble. He stood amid the debris, gazing at the remnants of his life with despair. His small shop, a cornerstone of his existence, was now nothing more than a pile of broken bricks and shattered dreams. I have been living here for 70 years. I built this house and shop with my hard-earned money and today, it is gut-wrenching to see the house being demolished, Bhatia said. A large-scale demolition drive at Khyber Pass was also carried out last month which led to over 250 houses being razed and hundreds of residents being displaced. Shahana Begum, 55, said she has been living in the area for decades but a demolition drive last month razed all her memories. Last month, they demolished my house in the Civil Lines area and today, they demolished my daughters house, she said, expressing her grief over the drive that has left her with nothing. While some of the houses and shops were demolished on Sunday, the residents of the area said many of them have received notices about demolition to be carried out in the coming days. A father of two children, Mohit Gupta is worried about his children future. They are studying in a nearby school in the area. He said, This is my only shop, Gupta Store, which will be demolished on August 13. I am very worried as to how I will earn and support my family. The demolition scare has made Gupta move to Burari area for the time being. The rent there is so high that all my savings are spent paying it. For how long can I sustain? I have to pay the fees for childrens studies too. he rued. At the site, the air was dense with dust as machinery demolished buildings. Several residents were seen sitting among the rubble that was once their home. Many of the children who have moved from the area are now returning worried for their parents security. Nisha, who returned from Dubai on Saturday night after learning about the demolition of her parents house, was worried about her elderly parents. Where will I take my family now? My father is not keeping well. They razed my house in no time and many useful things have been destroyed, she said. Nishant, 40, was in despair seeing his house being razed. He said while he had built a proper house with all the papers, no one came to their rescue. We had all the papers for the house but now all my belongings have gone. No one came to help us. What do I do now? This was my home for all my life and now I am left with nothing, he said. A petition in this regard was filed in the High Court in 2010 and the court had directed that no coercive steps be taken against the petitioners. However, the petitioners filed an application in the matter for clarification, after authorities passed an order earlier this year threatening removal of alleged unauthorised occupation and construction from the area. A 40-year-old man drowned while he had gone for fishing with his friends at Upper Lake on Sunday morning. Police said that Shivram Garve reached the Upper Lake near VIP Road with three friends for fishing while tying the net here, he drowned in the deep water. He did not know how to swim. By the time his friends called for help, he had drowned. The police have registered a case and started investigation in the matter. The body has been recovered and sent for postmortem. According to Kohefija police, Shivram Garve (40), a resident of Mother India Colony, was in a private job. He left home at 9 am on Sunday. At around 10.30 in the morning, he was tying a net to catch fish on the banks of the big pond located at Bhutta Chauraha VIP Road. Suddenly he drowned in deep water. He had three other friends with him. All three did not know how to swim. They shouted and asked for help from passersby, but no one helped. They reached the outpost of Kohefiza police station located nearby, but no policeman was found there. They went to the locality and informed about the accident. From there, they called their friends for help. Meanwhile, divers of the Municipal Corporation had reached the spot on the information of passersby. They searched and took out the body from the water at around 12:15 in the afternoon. The police have started investigating the case by registering a case. Meanwhile a 17-year-old swept away in the Chopra Kalan drain in the evening on Friday, his body was recovered on Saturday morning at a distance of about two hundred meters from the spot. The deceased was identified as Sagar Meena who was a student of class 11. On Friday evening, he went to take bath with his friends in a drain located in the village. After slipping, he went into deep water, just five seconds later he disappeared Friends came to call for help, after which the villagers and the administration team kept searching for him but the body was not found till late night. When the search started again on Saturday morning, the body was found at a distance of 200 meters from the spot. Nine children were killed on Sunday while two others were injured after a wall of a dilapidated house collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar, said a senior official. The incident took place between 8:30 and 9 am near the campus of a temple during a religious programme in Shahpur village under the Rehli assembly seat, the officials said. "Nine children died after being buried under the debris of a wall in Sagar. Some children are injured, and they are under treatment. All the debris has been removed from the site of the incident," said Sagar District Collector, Deepak Arya. Local BJP MLA and former minister Gopal Bhargava told reporters that a programme of "Parthiv Shivling Nirman" (making Shivling out of clay) was going on under a tent near the dilapidated house and a wall collapsed and fell on the tent. The children were sitting under the tent when the house wall collapsed due to rain, said Arya. Two children died on the spot while seven others succumbed on the way to the hospital or on reaching the medical facility, the Collector said. Two other children were also injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment at the district hospital, Arya said, adding that they are out of danger. He said, I reached the spot and along with administrative officials, arranged for proper treatment of the injured and got the post-mortem of the deceased children done in the district hospital. I cannot compensate for the irreparable loss that their families have suffered due to the death of innocent children, but my sympathies will always be with them, and I will always be ready to provide any kind of help. Sub-Divisional police officer (SDOP), Rahali, Prakash Mishra told that heavy rains have been lashing the area for the past two days resulting in the collapse of the wall. Shortly after the incident, the administration razed down the dilapidated house with a bulldozer to avoid a similar tragedy. Mishra further said that a preliminary investigation is currently on in the matter and that an FIR will be filed soon against those responsible for the incident. Police sources said that the house belonged to one Ghanshyam Patel. He has property dispute withinin family and due to its damaged condition, nobody lived in the house. All the deceased children are aged between 10 and 15 years, Mishra said, adding that the two injured children are now stable and receiving treatment at a local hospital. The deceased have been identified as Dhruv Yadav (12), Nitesh Patel (13), Ashutosh Prajapati (15), Prince Sahu (12), Parv Vishwakarma (10), Divyansh Sahu (12), Dev Sahu (12), Vansh Lodhi (10) and Hemant (10), according to officials. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed anguish over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. " I am saddened to hear the news of 9 innocent children dying due to the collapse of the wall of a dilapidated house due to heavy rains in Shahpur of Sagar district. I have directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured children," said the CM in a post on X. STAFF REPORTER n BHOPAL Nine children were killed on Sunday while two others were injured after a wall of a dilapidated house collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar, said a senior official. The incident took place between 8:30 and 9 am near the campus of a temple during a religious programme in Shahpur village under the Rehli assembly seat, the officials said. "Nine children died after being buried under the debris of a wall in Sagar. Some children are injured, and they are under treatment. All the debris has been removed from the site of the incident," said Sagar District Collector, Deepak Arya. Local BJP MLA and former minister Gopal Bhargava told reporters that a programme of "Parthiv Shivling Nirman" (making Shivling out of clay) was going on under a tent near the dilapidated house and a wall collapsed and fell on the tent. The children were sitting under the tent when the house wall collapsed due to rain, said Arya. Two children died on the spot while seven others succumbed on the way to the hospital or on reaching the medical facility, the Collector said. Two other children were also injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment at the district hospital, Arya said, adding that they are out of danger. He said, I reached the spot and along with administrative officials, arranged for proper treatment of the injured and got the post-mortem of the deceased children done in the district hospital. I cannot compensate for the irreparable loss that their families have suffered due to the death of innocent children, but my sympathies will always be with them, and I will always be ready to provide any kind of help. Sub-Divisional police officer (SDOP), Rahali, Prakash Mishra told that heavy rains have been lashing the area for the past two days resulting in the collapse of the wall. Shortly after the incident, the administration razed down the dilapidated house with a bulldozer to avoid a similar tragedy. Mishra further said that a preliminary investigation is currently on in the matter and that an FIR will be filed soon against those responsible for the incident. Police sources said that the house belonged to one Ghanshyam Patel. He has property dispute withinin family and due to its damaged condition, nobody lived in the house. All the deceased children are aged between 10 and 15 years, Mishra said, adding that the two injured children are now stable and receiving treatment at a local hospital. The deceased have been identified as Dhruv Yadav (12), Nitesh Patel (13), Ashutosh Prajapati (15), Prince Sahu (12), Parv Vishwakarma (10), Divyansh Sahu (12), Dev Sahu (12), Vansh Lodhi (10) and Hemant (10), according to officials. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed anguish over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. " I am saddened to hear the news of 9 innocent children dying due to the collapse of the wall of a dilapidated house due to heavy rains in Shahpur of Sagar district. I have directed the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured children," said the CM in a post on X. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, on Sunday, urged the court to order protection for the Ayodhya rape survivor considering the sensitivity of the case. He also said people trying to politicize the case must not be allowed to succeed. The government should make the best possible medical arrangements for the rape survivor. It is the governments responsibility to protect the girls life, Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X. It is a humble request to the honourable court to take suo motu cognisance of the situation and ensure all possible security to the girl under its supervision, considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation. The motive of ill-intentioned people to politicise such incidents should never succeed, he added. The SP chief also said that the Uttar Pradesh government should immediately provide assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the victims family. Reacting to his post, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said Akhilesh Yadav was worried about the Muslim vote bank and that that was why he had asked for a DNA test of the two accused, both Muslims. Maurya said on X, In the case of the daughter of Nishad community, Congress pawn Mr @yadavakhilesh, first forgot PDA and talked about DNA (test), now dont mislead by talking about the court. You are worried about your vote bank getting angry. Maurya added, The people of the state expect that the guilty should be punished and the victim should get justice. The government will fulfill its responsibility. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed district and police administrations to remain cautious and vigilant amidst continuous rain across various districts. He emphasized that all flood control rooms should operate 24/7, and the public should be promptly alerted if necessary to prevent any unfortunate incidents. Dr. Yadav stressed the importance of coordination in addressing the challenges posed by excessive rainfall and potential flooding. He also instructed that extra caution be exercised around bridges and culverts. Additionally, he noted that if any incidents or accidents occur despite precautions, timely financial assistance should be provided to the affected families. Rainfall situation in the state and government arrangements As much as 548.9 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the state till August 3. Rainfall has been 14 percent more than average. Monsoon is expected to remain active in the entire state in the next 3 days also. Today it is raining almost in the entire state. Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast of heavy rainfall in districts of Bhopal, Vidisha, Sagar, Damoh, Raisen, Guna, Ashoknagar, Narsinghpur, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Katni, Seoni and Chhindwara. Heavy rainfall forecast has been issued in districts of Sehore, Shivpuri, Satna, Maihar, Mandla, Balaghat, Panna, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, and Dindori and light rainfall in all the remaining districts. Status of irrigation dams Most of the irrigation dams in the state are currently 60-80 percent full. Banasujara is 68.56 percent full, Bargi 88.49 percent, Barna 79.18 percent, Sanjay Sarovar 66.71 percent, Rajghat 75.90 percent, and Tawa 82.45 percent. At present 6 gates of Bansujara (Tikamgarh), 9 gates of Bargi (Jabalpur), 2 gates of Bilgaon Medium Project (Dindori), 2 gates of Kaliyasot Dam (Bhopal), 2 gates of Kolar Dam (Sehore), 6 gates of Matiyari (Mandla), Mohanpura (Rajgarh) 2 gates, 8 gates of Pagra Feeder (Sagar), 6 gates of Powai Medium Project (Panna), 4 gates of Pench Diversion (Chhindwara), 12 gates of Rajghat (Ashoknagar), Sanjay Sagar (Vidisha) 1 gate, Tawa (Narmadapuram) 3 gates, Thanvar (Mandla) 5 gates, Sanjay Sarovar (Seoni) 3 gates have been opened. Instructions have been given to immediately distribute relief funds in cases of human and animal loss and damage to houses so far this monsoon. An adequate budget has also been made available in the districts for this. At present there is no damage to crops. Two camps are being run for the flood-affected people in Dhimarkheda tehsil of Katni district, in which a total of 290 people have been accommodated. One camp is operated in Sagar district, in which 25 people have been kept. District wise status:- Vidisha: Eight people are trapped due to the sudden rise in water level in Sarkula river at Kedareshwar temple in Tehsil Pohri. Police and revenue team OSDRF team have reached the spot. All 8 people have been rescued and are safe. Harda: The road is closed due to water on the culverts built on the village Jhugariya Manoharpura, Ajnai-Bamnai, Gangiyakhedi-Ghodakund road under Tehsil Handia. It has been raining all night. The water level of the Narmada river has increased. Due to Hariyali Amavasya, bathing at the ghats in the coastal villages has been prohibited. Raisen: A search is going on following the information of two persons being flown away in the drain. Search is going on based on information about one person jumping into Narmada river and one child drowning in a drain. Chhatarpur: A search is going on by SDERF team after information of a body being stuck in the river Dhasan was received. Khargone: Rescue work is going on after receiving information about one person getting drowned when he had gone to take bath in the Narmada river. Balaghat: Search is going on by SDERF team on the information of dead body of an unknown woman seen floating in Sangadi drain. Sagar: It has been raining all night. There is information about water logging in low-lying areas. There has been no loss of life. The rain has slowed down in the day. Sehore: Chameti road from village Chhidgaon Kachhi is closed. Barricade has been installed and the Kotwar has been deployed. Search is underway on the information of a woman jumping into the Narmada river. Rewa: On 3 August 2024 afternoon, four children died after a boundary wall collapsed near the private Sunrise School in village Garh of Mangawan tehsil of Rewa district. A child and a woman are undergoing treatment for injuries. 12 people who had gone for picnic were rescued safely by SDERF after receiving information that they were trapped in the waterlogged forest area. Shahdol: Due to heavy rainfall on 02 August 2024 at around 7 pm, about 35-year-old pre-built box culvert on Jhapar River in the chainage of the under-construction Beohari New Sapta Marg has been damaged. Due to this, the traffic has been completely disrupted. Barricading has been done on both sides of the bridge. On receiving information that some people were trapped due to rainwater flooding near Durga Mata Temple, SDERF team reached the spot. The situation is normal and everyone is safe. The water has been emptied with the help of a floating pump. Bhopal: The boundary wall of NDRF office in Idgah Hills has collapsed. There has been no loss of life. Umaria: A search is going on following the information of the drowning of one person. Chhindwara: A search is going on following the information of the drowning of one person in Pench river. Panna: On receiving information about a truck getting stuck due to water logging, the SDERF team rescued the driver and his assistant safely. Singrauli: On receiving information that 25 people being trapped due to water logging, everyone was rescued safely by the SDERF team. Katni: At present, the river is flowing far above the bridge in Garra Ghat. Water level has increased in all the rivers and streams. Roads are closed. Due to excessive rainfall in the district, waterlogging has occurred in some places. For security purposes, barricades and employees have been deployed from departments in waterlogged areas. There is no information about any loss of life. For Jharkhand based journalist Ravi Prakash, who has been battling fourth stage lung cancer for over three and a half years now, there is a glimmer of hope for a new life. After fighting the disease with intensive sessions of chemotherapy, the journalist is now undergoing a treatment called CAR T- cell therapy in Mumbai. Prakash is the sixth patient in the country to receive this treatment and is being treated by Dr Vijay Patil at Sunact Cancer Institute, Thane. In a tete-a-tete with The Pioneer, Dr Vijay Patil sheds lights on what is CAR T Cell therapy, its side effects, precautions and the cost. Q: What is CAR T- cell therapy? Is it only effective for lung cancer or other types of cancer as well? A: CAR T- cell stands for Chimeric antigen receptor therapy. Our bodies have 2 -3 types of cancer and our WBC fights these cancer cells. If our WBC is active no one will have cancer. In this therapy we activate WBC to fight cancer in the body. The patients blood is taken and a special type of WBC called Lymphocyte is extracted by the machine while the remaining blood is given back to the patient. This is then genetically modified in the lab to firstly identify cancer cells and secondly kill the infected cells. Millions of the CAR T- cells are grown in the laboratory and then given to the patient by infusion. The CAR T- cells are able to bind to an antigen on the cancer cells and kill them. It is basically a way to get immune cells called T cells (a type of white blood cell) to fight cancer by changing them in the lab so they can find and destroy cancer cells. This treatment can be effective for all types of cancer if the patients cancer cells have a unique mutation. The therapy has shown best results in types of blood cancer including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma with a success of 80- 90%. For lung cancer, breast cancer or ovarian cancer, the development has been done in the last one and a half to two years and it also depends on the stage and mutation of the disease. Q: After this therapy what precautions does the patient need to follow? A: Precautions depend on whether the treatment is Autologous or Allogeneic. In Autologous the patients blood is being used while in Allogeneic blood is taken from a person other than the patient. For a cancer patient, after undergoing CAR T cell therapy one needs to take precautions against infections. These include consuming hygienic or boiled water. The doctors advice also needs to be closely followed about the way of cooking food for the patient. Consumption of uncooked food or un- hygienically cooked food is also strictly prohibited. To further reduce the risk of infection, the patient is asked to stay away from crowded places and is also asked to wear masks. Q: When was this therapy started in India and what is the success rate? A: In India this treatment for blood cancer was started about 6 months back. The success rate varies from doctor to doctor. For us, the success rate has been about 95%. I was the one to have started this treatment for solid tumors- like the one Ravi Prakash is undergoing and this was first done in the last week of May 2024. It is a little too early to give a definite success rate for this and at least five to six months need to be given to give a sustained success rate. Q: How is Ravi Prakash responding to the treatment? A: He is doing very well till now. He has developed a slight cough and there is no major side effect as well. In CAR T- cell therapy, the side effects are also related to the efficacy effects. When the tumor cells start dying, the patient can develop fever, breathing issues or a drop in the blood pressure. Similarly, if the tumor is in the lungs, when CAR T- cell therapy starts working the patient tends to develop a cough which is more an efficacy related side- effect. There are side effects and all are manageable by the experts. Ravi Prakash is an example for other patients. When the patient is mentally strong, it also boosts the doctors confidence. Q: What would be the cost of this treatment? A: The cost varies according to the patients age, the type of cancer and also the stage of the disease. In India the cost is between Rs 40 lakhs to Rs 1 crore. CAR T- cell therapy also depends on the weight of the patient and the number of cycles required. If the cells are being manufactured in India or neighbouring countries, then the cost is about Rs 40 lakhs. But if the cells are being manufactured in the USA, then there are additional charges like GST, import duty. Additionally, there are special flights to transport them which are very expensive. In USA, the minimum cost for this treatment is approximately Rs 5.5 crore to Rs 8.5 crore depending on the hospital whereas in Europe or Singapore the estimated cost is about Rs 4 crore to Rs 5.5 crore. In comparison the treatment here is at a low cost. Once the cells start being manufactured in India the cost will come down substantially. Our motto is to make advanced cancer therapies accessible in India and that too at a low cost. Dhanbad Lok Sabha MP Dhullu Mahto on Sunday said that he would hold dharna against private hospitals of Dhanbad who are looting poor by misuse of Ayushman health card and giving inflated bills to paitents . Talking to media here at Dhanbad, Mahto said soon after current session of parliament ends he would holding dharna and would ask deputy commissioner to fix rate of ICU, CCU and other faciliites of private hospital and nursing homes so that poor may be saved from cheating attitude of such hospitals. In same way he would also see that BCCL hospitals treat paitents inhouse hospitals rather that reffering each and evey case to private hospitals. The MP praised the union budget and gave details of what the infrastructure facilities Jharkhand would be getting in current financial year. He termed the budget as budget aimed at upliftment of poor of country. Replying to a query Mahto said, " the union civil aviation minister has assured him that as soon as state government sends proposal for aerodrome in Dhanbad and identifies needed land for it , his ministry would give a nod for construction of aerodrome in Dhanbad." Politicians are not willing to let the issue of writing names of shopkeepers during Kanwar Yatra as in the latest Pragya Thakur's tweet in fuelling the issue while Congress is also not ready to miss the opportunity. Politics over the issue is witnessed in the state as former BJP MP from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Thakur has asked Hindus to write their names on their shops. Congress has also reacted to Pragya Thakur's tweet. Pragya Thakur wrote, 'I appeal to every Hindu to write their name on their shop, their establishment. Now whoever writes, he is a Hindu and whoever does not write the name, he is not a Hindu. No one can stop you from writing the name, because the country is yours. Then everyone is sensible.' On Pragya Thakur's statement, Congress spokesperson Abhinav Baroliya said, 'It seems that Pragya Thakur considers herself above the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's order has come that the country will not tolerate hatred. But, Pragya Thakur, who spreads hatred, wants to create an atmosphere of animosity and hatred again with her words.' Baroliya said, 'The government and the court should take cognizance of what action should be taken against those who think like this. This country has rejected hatred in elections. The public will not accept Pragya Thakur's hate-mongering talks.' Samajwadi Party state president Dr. Manoj Yadav said, 'Senior BJP leader Pragya Singh Thakur has always worked to divide the country. She was an MP from Bhopal for 5 years, tell us what she did for the development of the people and Madhya Pradesh, tell us any one good work.' He said, 'She raised slogans of Godse Zindabad in Parliament, this shows how big a patriot and Hindu she is. Pay attention to the problems of the people, Madhya Pradesh is becoming poor, pay attention to this. The people have taught a lesson, will teach in the coming times too.' BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola has written a letter to the CM demanding that an order be passed to write the name of the shopkeeper in front of every shop in the state. Amidst the politics that started from UP, two weeks ago, two BJP MLAs from Indore had written a letter to CM Dr. Mohan Yadav demanding an order to write the names of the owners on the shops in MP as well. BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola and Malini Gaur have written a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav demanding that an order be passed to write the name of the shopkeeper in front of every shop in the entire state. In the letter, Mendola said that the name of any person is his identity and anyway asking the name is the customer's right. Therefore, the shopkeeper should be proud to tell his name, not ashamed. This will establish the identity of the shopkeeper in the society. Also, all shopkeepers will also try to give better service to the customers to increase their name and goodwill. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that information on the valour and glorious history of Lord Sahastrabahu will be given to the youth by including it in the curriculum. Chief Minister Yadav made this announcement today in the 89th foundation day celebration of All India Haihay Kalachuri Mahasabha in the conference hall of JK Medical College, Mandakini Nagar Kolar Road. Yadav said that the mighty rulers and great men of India are remembered for their humility and patriotism. Todays generation should also know his life and work. Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai was also present in the program. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government has organized many programs as a part of Sawan and Raksha Bandhan celebrations throughout the month. We are also receiving the blessings of our sisters. The Chief Minister said that government means creating an environment of harmony along with an ideal situation of law and order and development besides keeping alive the tradition of festivals symbolizing our culture. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that over time, enemies made many attempts to shake our nation. But the history of the heroic spirit and efforts of various, rulers and citizens of India is very old. Everything is incomplete without the Leelas of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Krishna. Chief Minister Yadav said that through the New Education Policy 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved the unemployment problem of youth with degrees and focused on making the education system useful. Chief Minister Yadav welcomed the representatives and saints who had come to Bhopal from all over the country for the Kalchuri Samaj Foundation Day and extended his congratulations and best wishes for the celebrations and the publication of books. At the outset, LNCT Chancellor Shri J.N. Chouksey and other officials welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav with flowers and garlands. The program started by garlanding the picture of Lord Sahastrabahu. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released two books Sahastra-Deep and Kalchuri Samaj in the program. Editor Shri Prakash Rai, members of the editorial board of books, and officials of Kalchuri Mahasabha were present. Staff Reporter n Bhopal Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that information on the valour and glorious history of Lord Sahastrabahu will be given to the youth by including it in the curriculum. Chief Minister Yadav made this announcement today in the 89th foundation day celebration of All India Haihay Kalachuri Mahasabha in the conference hall of JK Medical College, Mandakini Nagar Kolar Road. Yadav said that the mighty rulers and great men of India are remembered for their humility and patriotism. Todays generation should also know his life and work. Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai was also present in the program. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government has organized many programs as a part of Sawan and Raksha Bandhan celebrations throughout the month. We are also receiving the blessings of our sisters. The Chief Minister said that government means creating an environment of harmony along with an ideal situation of law and order and development besides keeping alive the tradition of festivals symbolizing our culture. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that over time, enemies made many attempts to shake our nation. But the history of the heroic spirit and efforts of various, rulers and citizens of India is very old. Everything is incomplete without the Leelas of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Krishna. Chief Minister Yadav said that through the New Education Policy 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved the unemployment problem of youth with degrees and focused on making the education system useful. Chief Minister Yadav welcomed the representatives and saints who had come to Bhopal from all over the country for the Kalchuri Samaj Foundation Day and extended his congratulations and best wishes for the celebrations and the publication of books. At the outset, LNCT Chancellor Shri J.N. Chouksey and other officials welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav with flowers and garlands. The program started by garlanding the picture of Lord Sahastrabahu. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released two books Sahastra-Deep and Kalchuri Samaj in the program. Editor Shri Prakash Rai, members of the editorial board of books, and officials of Kalchuri Mahasabha were present. In a dramatic incident in Agra, a woman caught her husband, a police inspector, with another female police inspector inside a government accommodation. The confrontation escalated when the womans family members arrived, dragged both inspectors outside and physically assaulted them. The altercation, captured on video, has since gone viral on social media. Taking serious cognisance of the incident, senior police officers registered cross-cases and on Sunday and also arrested the inspectors wife and her family members after the medical report of the female inspector confirmed that her hand was fractured during the assault. Action was also taken against over half a dozen policemen for making video instead of trying to defuse the situation. According to reports, Rakabganj police station in-charge Shaili Rana has a government residence in the police station premises. She lives alone in it. On Saturday evening at four o'clock, two women and some youths suddenly reached the police station and went straight towards Ranas residence. In the video circulated on the internet media, the women open the gate of the inspectors residence while abusing her. In the video, the women are seen dragging Rana out of the residence in lower and T-shirt along with another man, identified as police Inspector Pawan Kumar Nagar. In the video, one of the youths is heard saying that he had doubts since the marriage and he has grown so old that he doesn't even feel like beating him up. While saying this, he picks up a brick but does not hit him. Meanwhile, the medical report confirmed that Ranas hand was fractured in the assault. On the basis of her complaint and medical report, Inspector Pawan Kumar Nagars wife Geeta Nagar, brother-in-law Jwala Nagar and sister-in-law Sonia Nagar have been arrested and the nephew and his driver who fled from the spot are being searched. Commissioner of Police J Ravinder Gaur has said that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. He said if the inspectors wife had any complaint against the female inspector, she should have complained as per the rules but assaulting the inspector in her house was wrong. Gaur also suspended head constable Vishal and Harikesh for making the video and remaining silent during the assault on both the inspectors. Inspector Sunil Lamba, Inspector Devendra, head constable Rekha, constable Ankit, constable Girish posted in PRV and driver Rajendra have also been suspended. A complaint has also been written for action against a home guard present on the spot and orders have also been given for departmental inquiry against all the above men in uniform for defaming the department. Sources in the police confirmed that there was a friendship between the lady inspector and the male inspector but the relationship took an ugly turn when Rana had some dispute with a clerk of the police station recently. Sources said that some policemen of Rakabganj police station had informed the wife of Inspector Pawan Kumar Nagar that his car was parked outside Shaili Ranas residence. Inspector Pawan Kumar Nagar, who was posted in Muzaffarnagar, was recently transferred to Meerut Vigilance, and he is currently on medical leave. Sources also said that a video had gone viral in which a woman in civilian clothes is seen dancing to a film song and has been described as Inspector Shaili Rana. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed Jharkhand for the floods in her State. She termed the floods as man-made. Though the State Government is silent but the Jharkhand BJP's election co-in-charge and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has reacted. Himanta has called Mamata Banerjee's claim wrong and without facts. In fact, Mamata Banerjee has told through a post on the social media platform X that she has spoken to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The Bengal CM has said, I have discussed the emerging flood situation with him. Mamata has further written that I discussed with him the matter of sudden and heavy release of water from Tenughat, due to which floods have already started in Bengal. I told him that the water of Jharkhand is flooding Bengal and it is man-made. I requested him to please take care of this. Responding to Mamata Banerjee, Himanta Biswa Sarma has written that I respect Didi, but I cannot accept her belief that the Jharkhand government is responsible for the floods in West Bengal. Both the governments should work together to reduce the difficulties of the people. Every year, the water coming from Arunachal and Bhutan hills causes floods in Assam. However, we do not blame the Arunachal government or the Royal Bhutan government because we understand that water has no boundaries. It naturally flows downwards. On the other hand, on Himanta's tweet, JMM MLA Sudivya Kumar Sonu said that Bengal and Jharkhand have not only been sharing borders for centuries but we also share culture along with festivals, happiness and sorrow. No outsider has the right to speak on the problem of Jharkhand and Bengal. That too those people who are being nurtured in the lap of feudalism. This is a matter between Bengal and Jharkhand, both of us states will find a solution to it. The JMM leader said Himanta should worry about his state Assam. After Lok Janshakti Partys opposition to the Supreme Court verdict validating the sub-classification in Scheduled Castes reservation, the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party has raised its voice over the judgment. BSP president and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Sunday, said that her party does not agree with the decision of the apex court as any sub-classification among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was not right. The sub-classification of people within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has been permitted, our party does not agree with it at all, Mayawati said while addressing a press conference here on Sunday. She said that it was not right to hear the decision of 20 years ago in the case of Punjab state. Also, it would not be a right decision to divide the sub-castes among the SCs and STs. The decision of the Supreme Court is like a plan to end reservation, she added. Mayawati also raised questions on the criteria of creamy layer. Along with this, she said that there should be no attempt to change the reservation in future and it should be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Warning the Scheduled Castes, Mayawati said that understanding the emergency situation, the SC-ST class needs to unite. If they remain divided, the opponents will take advantage of them, she added. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ruled that states have the constitutional authority to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes, a socially diverse group, to provide reservations aimed to uplift castes that are more socially and educationally disadvantaged. Because the atrocities faced by the people of SCs and STs have been faced as a group and this group is equal in which it would not be right to do any kind of sub-classification, Mayawati said. The Lok Janshakti Party has also raised its objection to the decision of the apex court. In a post on X, LJP (Paswan) shared its disapproval of the Supreme Court verdict on sub-classification within the SC and ST communities. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is not in favour of the Supreme Courts decision on reservation in sub-categories for SC-ST categories. The partys founder Padma Bhushan Ram Vilas Paswan had also been demanding that as long as there is a practice of untouchability against the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in society, there should not be any provision for reservation in sub-categories and creamy layer for SC-ST categories, the party wrote in Hindi. LJP chief and Union minister Chirag Paswan, on Saturday, announced that they would file a review petition in the case to reverse the Supreme Court decision. Meanwhile, Mayawati is chalking out her partys strategy for the UP assembly by-elections. She would take feedback from zone-wise officials and has called a meeting on August 11 to finalise the preparations for the bypolls. BSP state office-bearers, chief zone in-charges and district presidents will attend this meeting, in which the strategy for the by-elections will be discussed. Along with this, the panel of candidates for the by-elections has also been prepared and submitted to the BSP headquarters. Shivbaran Pasi has been appointed in-charge for the Phulpur assembly seat in particular. Mayawati has also directed the formation of booth-wise committees, which will work as an important part of the election strategy. During the meeting, Mayawati will give guidelines for the by-elections as well as reveal the partys election strategy. Her nephew Akash Anand and brother Anand Kumar will also be present in this meeting, and play an important role in the partys election preparations and planning. Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the most promissing destination in India's mining and mineral sector. It has scored significant achievements. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is visiting Bengaluru for a two-day industry meet on August 8. Dr Mohan Yadav will showcase the richness of mineral wealth and investment opportunities. He will urge industrialists to invest in mineral sector. It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh has also received the national award for Mineral Auctioning Process. Madhya Pradesh will soon be undergoing the process of auctioning 33 blocks of aluminum, laterite, bauxite, diamond, gold, limestone, and manganese ore. Similarly, the auction process for 17 coal blocks is also underway. The auction process is ongoing for 20 blocks of major minerals, including manganese, diamond, bauxite, laterite, gold, base metal, and limestone. With these preparations and rich mineral deposits Madhya Pradesh offers countless investment opportunities. The state has received the first award for mineral auctioning. Last year, an auction of 51 blocks took place, setting a record. The major mineral resources found in Madhya Pradesh include coal, limestone, diamond, and pyrophyllite. Madhya Pradesh is the fourth largest coal-producing state in the country, with abundant coal reserves in Singrauli, Sidhi, Chhindwara, Betul, Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, and Narsinghpur. Coal is used in thermal power plants and coal gasification plants, offering substantial investment potential for related industries. Similarly, there are significant limestone reserves in the state. Abundant reserves are found in Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Maihar, Damoh, Katni, Panna, Dhar, and Neemuch. Madhya Pradesh holds 9% of the total limestone reserves in the country, making it an ideal investment location for the cement industry. The improvements in logistics have also enhanced connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and other states in the country. About 90% of country's diamond reserves are found in Madhya Pradesh, specifically in Panna and Chhatarpur. In this regard, five blocks have been identified for diamond business parks and composite licenses. Madhya Pradesh is a leading state in pyrophyllite production, contributing 41% of the country's production. The largest reserves of 14 million tons are found in Chhatarpur, Shivpuri, and Tikamgarh. Given these reserves, the state is a highly profitable investment location for the ceramic, pottery, porcelain, and tiles industries. Rich Mineral Resources Madhya Pradesh is rich in mineral resources. Iron, quartz, and flagstone are found in Gwalior and Shivpuri. Rock phosphate, dolomite, limestone, manganese, and graphite are present in Jhabua and Alirajpur. Limestone is found in Neemuch, coal, graphite, granite, lead, and zinc in Betul. Coal, manganese, and dolomite are in Chhindwara, copper, manganese, dolomite, limestone, and bauxite in Balaghat, and diamonds, dolomite, and bauxite in Mandla and Dindori. Coal, gold, iron, and other minerals are found in Singrauli, while coal, coal bed methane, bauxite, and other minerals are present in Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria. Diamonds, rock phosphate, diaspor, iron, and granite are in Sagar, Chhatarpur, and Panna. Dolomite, iron ore, limestone, manganese, gold, and marble are found in Jabalpur. Coal production is 361,411 metric tons. Madhya Pradesh has 30,914 metric tons of coal reserves, which is 8% of the country's reserves. Limestone reserves in the country are 19,028.5 metric tons, with Madhya Pradesh holding 1,692 metric tons, which is 9% of the national reserves. Iron ore reserves in the country are 6,209 metric tons, with Madhya Pradesh holding 54.1 metric tons, which is 1% of the national reserves. Among the offences so far included unrestrained babies and children sharing seats with adults. Drivers in one Australian state are being warned against a costly road act that is now being monitored by mobile phone detection cameras and has resulted in a staggering 11,400 fines in the first 21 days being used to target new road rules. The offences, which attract a $410 fine and the loss of three demerit points on a driver's licence if they or their passengers are caught, relate to the improper use of seatbelts. The use of mobile phone detection cameras to capture seatbelt offences began in New South Wales on July 1 and has prompted NSW Roads Minister John Graham to call the figures "shocking". The state followed Queensland which last year reportedly became the first jurisdiction in the world to roll out the dual capability software. Among the offences so far include unrestrained babies and children sharing seats with adults along with adults either incorrectly wearing seatbelts or not wearing seatbelts at all. The figures come just a week after 31,000 drivers in South Australia were also caught by new cameras. But unlike South Australia, NSW politicians voted against implementing a grace period, which hits drivers with warning letters instead of fines, at the outset of the scheme. The dual-capability detection technology is capturing more road users than expected doing the wrong thing. Source: ABC/NSW Government Shocking figures expose 'straightforward' act Aussies aren't doing Roads Minister John Graham said that while most drivers are doing the right thing, a small percentage of don't are putting themselves at risk. "The vast majority of the 6.9 million drivers on NSW roads wear a seatbelt every time," he said. "But the sad fact is that the small percentage of those who do not are twice as likely to die in a crash and are needlessly making up 15 per cent of all fatalities on our roads. "We have a rising road toll in NSW and the straightforward act of putting a seatbelt on could save dozens of lives a year." According to the ABC, more seatbelt offences were detected in three weeks than the total number of seatbelt penalties issued by NSW Police in 2023. It's understood that money raised from the seat belt cameras which is expected to be in the tens of millions will also be reinvested into road safety programs. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury previously told Yahoo News Australia that getting in the car and not putting on a seatbelt is a "really serious matter". "Often it's people who are in an impaired state, those people getting in the passenger seat after they've been drinking," he said. Mobile detection cameras pioneered in Australia used overseas The AI-powered mobile detection cameras were designed in Australia and can be widely spotted across the country, and even abroad as governments attempt to curb rising deaths on our road. Along with NSW, South Australia, the ACT, Queensland and Victoria have introduced dual-capability tech. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Minister of State for Defence and MP from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth today announced to open a wool bank for the needy people in winter. Union Minister said that there is a large population in the winter, which does not get warm clothes. The shivering of cold sometimes takes their lives. Such children, women, elderly, people of all classes face this problem. Certainly, it is also the responsibility of the society to protect those people from the cold. With this objective, a wool bank has been started in Ranchi. This bank has been started so early so that warm clothes can reach the needy as soon as winter starts. Addressing the journalists Seth said that the people of Ranchi supported me a lot in the book bank and toy bank. This is the reason that we could distribute more than 3 lakh books through the book bank. More than 70 thousand toys were distributed among the needy children through Toy Bank. Now I once again urge the society to fulfill its responsibility for those who do not have warm clothes to protect themselves from the cold. The Union Minister has appealed to the citizens of Ranchi that whatever old but good condition warm clothes are lying in your house, which you do not use for yourself. Clean those clothes and deposit them in my central office. These clothes will reach the needy in both urban and rural areas. In the press conference, the Union Minister also criticized the state government. On the issue of law and order, the Union Minister said that what kind of a city is this, where journalists are also being attacked. Lawyers are being murdered. Even the inspector who has the responsibility of giving security to the society is not safe. This clearly shows that the criminals have open protection of the state government. The government, which is running with the alliance of JMM, Congress and RJD with the leftists, has given a free hand to the criminals. Therefore, the graph of crime is constantly increasing. It is an unfortunate situation that in the capital where the Chief Minister lives, where all the ministers of the government live, crimes are taking place in broad daylight. When the sub-inspector and the lawyer are not safe, then we can easily imagine who is safe in this state? The Union Minister said that I repeatedly warn the government to rein in those who sell drugs and intoxicants. It also has a connection with the criminal world, but the government has only put up hoardings and banners on this issue. No work has been seen on the ground. Now it seems as if the people of Ranchi accept this jungle raj and crime-ridden rule as their destiny. Certainly, this system is reminding us of the jungle raj of Bihar. The Union Minister took the Chief Minister to task on the severe waterlogging in Ranchi. He said that this government is only deceiving the people. Last year also such a problem of water logging had occurred in the capital. Even then I had warned the government. It is unfortunate that when plans for the rainy season had to be prepared in the summer days. When I was working on all these issues, the people of JMM-Congress were playing with the government. They have made the capital their toy. They have no concern for the people of the capital. Yesterday when the entire capital was flooded, not a single representative of the government was ready to take care of the people. Neither the ministers of the government, nor the officers of the government. No one took care of the people of the capital. People kept crying for help everywhere but they remained immersed in their power. The Union Minister warned the state government that if the functioning of the government does not improve, then the people of the state will destroy them. Ranchi MLA Shri CP Singh was also present on this occasion. Delhi Police has rescued two girls who were allegedly being made to work in a brothel in the GB Road area by portraying them as adults using forged Aadhar cards, officials said on Sunday. The police said that two people, including one woman, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The girls were recovered during a routine check in the area on the intervening night of July 16 and 17 by SHO of Kamla Market police station and his team, Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) M Harsha Vardhan said. When the police team visited the top floor of a brothel house for inspection, they found two girls who duo appeared to be minors and were unable to give proper responses to the police personnel's questions, he said. "Upon suspicion, inquiry was conducted and it was found that both the girls were minor -- aged about 17 years. Both the girls were rescued from the brothel and a counsellor was called from an NGO, after which both the girls were taken to a shelter home," the DCP added. Upon counselling, it was revealed that the girls had come to the brothel with one Kiran Devi a year ago and two persons, Rishi and Sanjay, had brought them to her, the officer said. After counselling, medical examinations of both victims were conducted at the Lok Nayak Hospital here on July 18 and their statements were recorded, the police said. "During investigation, it was revealed that one accused Lala Ram (48), helped in tampering the Aadhar cards of the girls to portray them as adults," the DCP said. The police said on the instance of accused Devi, who was nabbed by the team, Ram was arrested from his residence. A mobile phone, one digital notebook, six photocopy of Aadhaar cards, one pan card and 14 passport size photographs of different men and women were recovered from him. Accordingly, two separate cases were registered against both under relevant sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Vardhan said, adding, "Further investigation is underway to break the nexus." He said earlier on July 12, another minor girl was rescued from GB Road and now after following due legal procedure under Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, an eviction-cum-sealing order has been obtained for the brothel building from which that minor was rescued. This will act as a deterrent for persons involved in such activities, the officer added. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged on Sunday that he has written multiple times to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena flagging the scarcity of doctors in government-run hospitals but no action has been taken on his letters. There was no immediate reaction from the LG's office to the allegation. Addressing a press conference here, Bharadwaj said the recruitment of doctors and technicians falls under the LG's jurisdiction. "I have written multiple times to him but there has been no action. I joined as health minister in March last year and wrote to him in April to fill 292 vacancies of doctors and 234 vacancies of specialists. I had suggested that since the recruitment through the UPSC is taking time, the doctors could be hired on a contractual basis," he said. The minister said he again requested the LG on July 26 this year to recruit doctors, specialists and paramedics on a contractual basis. He said even the high court had directed the services department to hire doctors on contract but no hiring has been done. Nathan Merritt's Tesla road trip was a breeze, but rivals like BYD may face a more difficult journey. Car-loving Aussies looking to take long road trips have oft-expressed concerns about the availability of charging stations for electric vehicle users in remote corners of the country. And while one Tesla enthusiast has since shared details of an epic solo road trip across the country from Brisbane to Canberra, Nathan Merritt has issued an important warning to EV owners looking to do the same. Merritt, who runs a private driving business, recently revealed the total cost to charge his EV along the way was just $106.02 for the 1,206km journey which took 13hrs 36mins. However, he said there was one major pitfall on his journey, and it relates to non-Tesla EVs. I would stick with Tesla, he told Yahoo News Australia. Tesla superchargers are reportedly the fastest charging option away from the home and can charge up the vehicle in just 20 minutes. The Tesla enthusiast drove from Brisbane to Canberra, with surprising results. Source: Supplied While the pioneering electric car company announced that it would make 30 of its Aussie chargers available to other EV brands, some customers have faced issues with availability and compatibility. Yahoo previously reported that Tesla rivals such as BYD face a "compatibility issue" with some Tesla Superchargers for "vehicles sold after October 2023" and Merritt echoes those concerns. While Tesla has opened some of its supercharger network to third parties, not all sites are open in Australia to third-party vehicles Merritt explained. And when it comes to long road trips, he feels more confident relying on Teslas Network than any other provider in Australia. If I had done this trip in another third-party vehicle it would have more than likely resulted in longer charging times or waiting for bays to become available, he added. Epic 1200km road trip using Tesla Superchargers During the road trip, Merrit said he would stop every two hours and use only Tesla superchargers to power up his EV. 20 minutes goes very quickly, he said. I spent the time going to the bathroom, catching up on social media, having something to eat, and taking photos of the supercharger site to document my trip. On my trip fatigue signs are often visible on the highway suggesting to stop every 2 hrs, this was very welcome in my eyes as a safety perspective and to keep a driver alert on a long journey. When it comes to cost, Tesla superchargers are much more expensive than charging at home, but given the total cost and the quick turn around these prices are very reasonable in my eyes." Merritt estimates that a smaller petrol sedan, with a 50L tank would cost $87 to fill up and would require at least two tanks to do the distance he travelled, making the Tesla journey $68 cheaper. Merritt used only Tesla Superchargers along his 1200km route. Source: Supplied All the planning it took was checking the Tesla App to plan a route that included Tesla Superchargers for the quickest pit stops. He added that the journey was pretty easy and cant wait to do another road trip from Brisbane to Sydney later this month. Compatibility issue unlikely to be resolved anytime soon EV expert Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility at Swinburne University, previously told Yahoo that compatibility issues for EV chargers is likely to stick around because there is not a single global standard for EV chargers today. It would help our collective global transport decarbonisation efforts if the standard can be unified. That would be something important to have in the future and would require collaboration between manufacturers to adopt a single standard." In Australia, several EV charging standards exist and there is not yet one charging plug to rule them all. Drivers have been encouraged to do their research when it comes to finding a bay to plug-in and juice-up to avoid disappointment. But some major charging networks like Evie, AmpCharge, Jolt and Exploren support all standards, though it varies from location to location. The CCS2 charger plug used by Tesla is the current de facto standard in Australia. A comprehensive breakdown of EV charger plugs and supported models can be found here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Thugs who engage in criminal disorder on the streets will pay the price, the Government has said, amid warnings that further violence is likely in the coming days. Towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters on Saturday, with police officers attacked and injured and a number of arrests made, with many more promised. The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes will pay the price and that criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britains streets. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his full support to take action against extremists attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. The far right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool came before Saturdays violence. Arrests have been made across the country with police warning of more to come once CCTV, social media and body-worn camera footage has been scoured. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told ministers the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible, a Downing Street spokesperson said, which could see courts sitting for 24 hours a day as they did for the 2011 riots, according to one report. There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured. It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said anyone who attacks police should be ashamed. She wrote on X: I cannot thank our local police enough for everything theyre doing to keep people safe. They were among the first on the scene when the horrendous incident unfolded in Southport. They run into danger to keep us safe, and those who attack them should be ashamed. Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it. Let's be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 3, 2024 Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said violence is not acceptable. Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it, she posted on X. Lets be VERY clear violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now. In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said about 300 people were involved in violent disorder on County Road, Walton, which included community facilities being set on fire. The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide a much needed on stop shop for one of the most deprived communities in the country, has suffered severe damage to the ground floor. Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters accessing the fire, throwing a missile at the fire engine and breaking the rear window of the cab. A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with disorder in Southport. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields. A strong & visible police presence remains in Hull City Centre tonight as 20 arrests now made for various public order offences. ACC Mike Walker:"Enforcement action will continue as we will not tolerate mindless violence & disorder in our city." More here: https://t.co/QA8xG8g3l4 Humberside Police (@Humberbeat) August 3, 2024 In a post on X, Liverpool City Council urged people to stay away from the area and let police deal with this ongoing situation in Walton. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the behaviour of protesters deplorable, adding: The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise that we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice. Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man has been charged with two offences following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday. Derek Drummond of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday, August 5, police said. In Hull, Humberside Police said there were 20 people arrested, three police officers injured and shops looted and burned after a mob attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers. Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: The right to lawful protest is a part of democracy, which my officers upheld, however, we will not accept the senseless vandalism, antisocial behaviour and sheer violence that has been brought to our streets. Businesses were targeted in Belfast where police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown. In Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre which Avon and Somerset Police described as completely unacceptable. Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. And Staffordshire Police said 10 people were also arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. Further protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said. We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready, said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs Council. There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy. So if youre planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple well be watching you. The 13th Thomas D'Arcy McGee Summer School this year will focus on the critical challenges facing human rights today. The event will gather well known scholars and activists to address the importance of safeguarding human rights achievements against a global backdrop of rising authoritarianism and xenophobia. The summer school aims to highlight the significance of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. It will explore how these frameworks can hold states and institutions accountable for abuses at local, national and international levels. This years theme comes at a crucial time, organisers say, when confidence in the commitment of governments and institutions to uphold fundamental freedoms is waning. Reflecting the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelts profound words on the origins of human rights, the Thomas D'Arcy McGee Summer School emphasises that the fight for human rights begins in small places like Carlingford and in communities across the country, across Europe and the world. Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. The summer school organisers say that the notions that we take for granted in our modern world of rights, equality, rule of law, inclusion, freedom of movement, freedom from discrimination, democracy are under increasing assault from authoritarian leaders and the populist far-right across the world today. You may ask, they add, what small community based organisations from both sides of Carlingford Lough Carlingford, Rostrevor and Newry can do to defend and safeguard such ideas. They say they would answer that it is in these small places close to home ... that human rights begin. And we would go on to argue, they further add, still in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, that without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the wider world. Lets talk! TDMSS '24 Running Order Day One 13th August 9.00 to 9.30 Registration Tea / Coffee and Biscuits 9.30 to 9.40 Welcome: Seamus Murphy 9.40 to 10.00 Keynote Speaker - TBC 10.00 - 10.10 Canadian Ambassador - Nancy Smyth First session - Human Rights definition and history Chairperson TBC Colin Harvey origins of HR as currently defined (UDHR and ECHR) Monica McWilliams Rights-based governance importance of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland, on Shared Island. Coffee Break - Tea and Scones Second Session No Title Yet Chairperson TBC Alyson Kilpatrick Holding states to account Putting the ECHR into effect - HR and the GFA. Making sure that legislators can be held to account. Niall Muldoon Ombudsman for Children Another Speaker TBC. Evening Programme - Reception/Award Carlingford Heritage Centre Carlingford Pipe Band The Play and Newpoint The Trial of John Mitchell @19.30 - Tuesday 13th August - the Heritage Centre Day Two 14th August Session Three Coffee on Arrival Gideon Levy A voice for HR in the face of war (on-line) Coffee Break Bulelani Mfaco Human Rights, Immigration and Asylum Seekers Turlough ODonnell Human Rights, Justice and Keeping Hope The Trial of John Mitchel (and his statue) before the Court of History by Anthony Russell, performed by the Newpoint Players, resurrects John Mitchel to face charges of crimes against humanity, with historical figures like Padraic Pearse and Sir Charles Gavin Duffy as his defence and prosecution. The audience serves as the jury in this thought-provoking drama that reexamines Mitchel's legacy and his statue's place in Newry. Additionally, Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth, appointed in March 2021, will be honoured with an award from the school for her outstanding work in representing Canadian interests, advancing bilateral relations, and managing programs and services for Canadian citizens and businesses in Ireland. Speakers include: Colin Harvey: Professor of Human Rights Law at Queens University Belfast, member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. Monica McWilliams: Founding member of the Northern Ireland Womens Coalition, delegate to the Good Friday Agreement, and Emeritus Professor at Ulster University. Alyson Kilpatrick: Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, with extensive experience in human rights advocacy and legal advising. Niall Muldoon: Irelands Ombudsman for Children, dedicated to ensuring the rights of vulnerable children and young people are respected. Colin Harvey: Professor of Human Rights Law at Queens University Belfast, member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. Gideon Levy: Award-winning Israeli journalist known for his work on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Bulelani Mfaco: South African activist advocating for asylum seekers' rights in Ireland and campaigning for systemic changes in the treatment of asylum seekers. Turlough ODonnell: Senior Counsel specialising in mediation, conflict resolution, and restorative justice. David Wilson: Historian and biographer of Thomas D'Arcy McGee, providing valuable historical context to the discussions. These eminent speakers and more will engage participants in critical discussions, offering insights and strategies to reinforce human rights at every level of society. The event promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking gathering, fostering a deeper understanding of how local actions can drive global change. An additional five schools in Louth are to receive hot school meals from September, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Fergus ODowd said the news from Minister Heather Humphreys department was a great boost to pupils and students ahead of the next school term. The additional schools confirmed today include Rathcor National School in Riverstown, Scoil Naomh Buithe in Tinure, St. Joseph's National School in Mell, Boher National School in Greenore and Scoil Phadraig Naofa in Kilcurry. Across the country, over 345,000 primary school children are now eligible to receive hot school meals since the scheme which was set up by Fine Gael in 2019. The programme forms part of Ireland's commitment under the European Child Guarantee to give all children access to a range of key services, including healthcare and nutrition. It is already proving to be very popular in Louth, ODowd said. Under Minister Heather Humphreys the scheme stretches to 2,200 primary schools across the country, it is a great success and welcomed by pupils, parents and teachers. Minister Humphreys said: My ambition now is to finish the job as part of this years Budget and ensure that every primary school in Ireland is providing hot school meals in 2025. Read Next: PHOTOS: Protesters face off for second week in Dundalk I firmly believe the roll-out of hot school meals to every primary school in the country will be one of the lasting legacies of this Government. The Department of Social Protection will now write to each of the 168 schools to advise them on the next steps in this regard to allow schools time to prepare so that their pupils will be able to avail of Hot School Meals from September 2024.